Conservation Colorado’s
2019 Voter Guide
In the face of the unprecedented attacks on bedrock environmental laws that protect clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment, leadership is coming from the states — and Colorado is at the forefront. The 2019 legislative session was historic by any measure: we passed a suite of nationally-leading climate and clean energy policies; sweeping oil and gas reforms; and key lands, water, and wildlife protections. And now we have another opportunity to better protect our air, land, water, and people.
When it comes to protecting our environment, who we elect to office and how we vote on ballot measures is critical. That’s why we need YOU to use your voice at the ballot box this November 5th.
Your 2019 ballot is full of choices to make on candidates and measures. To help you make the best choices for our environment and way of life, we put together a list of our endorsements. Check ‘em out and be sure to vote by November 5th!
Ballot Measures
Proposition CC: “Retain State Government Revenue"
For decades, severe spending limits have constrained Colorado’s ability to invest in the things that make Colorado great: our clean air, lands and water, transit, and education.
Proposition CC asks voters to remove these arbitrary spending limits and instead deliver millions of dollars per year to improve our schools, roads, bridges, and transit options. The ballot measure will help repair the damage the state’s antiquated budget formula has done to critical services that our state provides.
We say vote YES because…Access to some of the best schools, businesses, and recreation opportunities in the nation are what make Colorado such a great place to live, work, and play. If we want it to stay that way, we have to make smart investments that address the needs of our fast-growing state. Proposition CC is a smart investment in our transportation future. It will help Colorado improve our multi-modal transportation infrastructure. These improvements will benefit our environment and communities with more transit options, less air pollution, and a healthier climate.
Proposition DD: “Legalization and Taxation of Sports Betting to Fund Water Projects and Obligations”
With the mounting pressures of climate change, pollution, and rapid population growth, Colorado faces serious challenges in meeting our state’s current and future water needs.
Proposition DD legalizes and taxes sports betting to create a down payment for Colorado’s Water Plan. Backed by rural and urban water providers, farmers, ranchers, conservationists, and elected officials on both sides of the aisle, the Water Plan is a roadmap to securing our water future — but it lacks permanent funding. If passed, Proposition DD would provide up to $29 million per year toward projects including those that restore streams and rivers to their natural conditions, protect fish habitat, and improve irrigation efficiency.
We say vote YES because…Our rivers, streams, and lakes are the source of Colorado’s healthy ecosystems, clean drinking water, outstanding recreation opportunities, and thriving economies. But as the effects of climate change and population growth take hold, our water resources are dwindling. Revenues generated from Proposition DD will provide a necessary down payment to fund Colorado’s Water Plan which will help ensure that our waterways remain healthy and flowing, our farms and ranches remain productive, and our communities flourish despite the challenges we face.
Municipal Elections
Aurora
Aurora is one of the most racially and economically diverse cities in the state, and it’s become a focal point for oil and gas development and transportation issues. Unfortunately, many of the current city council members are out of step with Aurora residents.
The candidates we’ve endorsed — Omar Montgomery, Juan Marcano, Alison Coombs, and Bryan Lindstrom — are committed to protecting our communities, have strong environmental priorities and will better represent our community values.
Commerce City
Known today as one of Colorado’s fastest-growing municipalities, Commerce City is built on a history of agriculture and industry, and has long valued community and enterprise. But as the city has grown, so too has the balance between these values. Large-scale industrial activities operating in and among residential neighborhoods have taken a serious toll on community health — and are disproportionately impacting Latinx communities. It’s past time that we prioritize the health of Commerce City residents over industrial polluters.
Pro-conservation candidates like Steve Douglas, Luz E. “Lucy” Molina, Jennifer Allen-Thomas, and Susan Noble will hold polluters accountable and fight for a healthy environment for all Commerce City residents, especially Latinx families who bear disproportionate impacts of pollution.
Thornton
Like many Colorado cities experiencing rapid growth, Thornton faces challenges in addressing the needs of its changing communities — from increased oil and gas operations encroaching on heavily populated neighborhoods to limited multi-modal transit options.
But the city also has many opportunities, which is why its communities deserve pro-conservation leaders who will put the interests of our families and environment first.
Julia Marvin and Jessica Troy are bold and inclusive champions on the environment with a vision to enact strong protections for our air, lands, water and people.
Voting is one of the most important things you can do to protect our environment and what you love about our state. Thank you for making your voice heard and standing up for the Colorado way of life!
