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October 15, 2020
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 125 | ISSUE 37
Measures address political spectrum Electoral College, wolves among issues going before Colorado voters BY MARIANNE GOODLAND THE DENVER GAZETTE
Elbert County Sheriff Tim Norton addressed a crowd of concerned citizens about the potential dangers of allowing marijuanarelated businesses in town. COURTESY OF BRIANA KELLY
Pot proposals get poor reviews in Kiowa Meeting hears from many opposed to ballot issues BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Approximately 50 community members gathered at Majestic View Church on Oct. 1 to discuss the possible pitfalls of allowing marijuana businesses in the town of Kiowa. The meeting was sponsored by a group called Neighbors for a Small Town Kiowa, a newly formed group of concerned citizens dedicated to spreading information about Ballot
Issues 2B and 2C. If passed, 2B would allow marijuana and marijuanarelated businesses to operate in the town of Kiowa, and 2C would authorize a special tax on marijuana sales. Citizens who attended the meeting, along with Elbert County Commissioner Chris Richardson and Sheriff Tim Norton, believe that allowing marijuana business of any kind in Kiowa would be disastrous for town residents. “This needs to be defeated,” said Norton. “We don’t need that out here in Elbert County. It’s going to spread our resources thin, and will bring an increase in traffic, mental health issues, thefts. And Kiowa doesn’t have
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 11
a contract for law enforcement right now, so we would end up having to handle everything that comes along with it.” All registered voters in Kiowa received a voter guide from the town that includes arguments made by proponents and opponents of Ballot Issue 2C, laying out the pros and cons of a special 12% tax on marijuana that would go to the town budget. Comments for the proposal include the claim that revenue raised could be used to help support Kiowa schools, and that studies show legalizing marijuana appears to have SEE POT, P23
Ideologically tempting ballot measures can lure like-minded voters to turn out for a general election, but that’s a difficult proposition this November. As University of Denver pollster Floyd Ciruli said recently, there’s something on the ballot for everybody this year. The 11 measures approved for the Nov. 3 ballot touch on social, fiscal and electoral issues and represent diverse political views, Ciruli said. As a result, it’s a wash for either side to think a particular ballot question would drive turnout in their candidates’ favor. Voter turnout in Colorado is likely to be record-setting, regardless, Ciruli said. All proposition measures will require a 50% plus one vote to pass. Amendments will require 55% voter approval to pass. PROPOSITION 113 / SENATE BILL 42 National Popular Vote This is the first time citizens have tried to overturn a law passed by the SEE MEASURES, P10