Navigating the complexities of the 2024 Colorado ballot can be daunting, with 14 statewide measures demanding your attention. For those seeking a concise and conservative perspective, longtime Colorado political commentator Mike Rosen offers his voter guide. Known for his years hosting a talk show on KOA radio and writing columns for the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News, Rosen now lends his expertise to CompleteColorado.com. This guide, inspired by Rosen’s original recommendations, breaks down each amendment and proposition, providing his insights to help you make informed decisions in the upcoming election.
Judicial Retention Recommendations
Colorado’s judicial retention process often operates as a formality. Judges rarely face rejection, as the performance criteria largely sidestep judicial philosophy and specific rulings. This year, all 26 judges up for retention have received unanimous “met performance standards” ratings from their respective commissions. Rosen acknowledges this system, stating he only votes “Yes” or “No” if he has specific knowledge about a judge, otherwise abstaining. For voters seeking more information on judicial candidates, further independent research is recommended beyond the formal retention process.
Amendment Recommendations
Amendment G: Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Recommendation: Yes
In a resounding endorsement, Rosen champions Amendment G, stating simply, “Yay, vets.” This amendment proposes a property tax exemption for disabled veterans, a measure widely seen as a deserving benefit for those who have served the nation. It aligns with a broader sentiment of supporting veterans and easing their financial burdens.
Amendment H: Judicial Discipline Procedures
Recommendation: Yes
Amendment H aims to enhance judicial accountability by creating an independent board to oversee ethical conduct among judges. Rosen supports this measure, viewing it as a necessary step towards ensuring impartiality and integrity within the judicial system. Establishing an independent body for judicial discipline is often seen as a crucial component of maintaining public trust in the courts.
Amendment I: Constitutional Bail Exception for First Degree Murder
Recommendation: Yes
Rosen strongly advocates for Amendment I, which addresses an unintended consequence of the 2020 repeal of the death penalty in Colorado. This repeal inadvertently made individuals charged with first-degree murder eligible for bail. Amendment I seeks to restore judges’ authority to deny bail in such cases. Rosen highlights the ACLU’s opposition to Amendment I as further justification for a “Yes” vote, framing it as a stance against what he perceives as lenient criminal justice policies.
Amendment J: Repealing the Definition of Marriage in the Colorado Constitution
Recommendation: Yes
Amendment J proposes the removal of outdated language from the Colorado Constitution that defines marriage solely as between a man and a woman. Following Supreme Court rulings affirming the right of same-sex couples to marry, this constitutional definition has become legally contradictory. Rosen supports Amendment J, aligning with the current legal landscape and removing discriminatory language from the state constitution.
Amendment K: Modify Constitutional Election Deadlines
Recommendation: No
Rosen opposes Amendment K, arguing it unduly restricts the citizen-initiated ballot process, a vital tool for dissenting voices in a state with Democrat dominance. Amendment K seeks to shorten the timeframe for citizens to gather signatures and submit petitions for ballot initiatives. Rosen views this as an attempt to weaken the power of citizens to directly influence legislation.
Amendment 79: Constitutional Right to Abortion
Recommendation: No
In the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the abortion debate has returned to the state level. Amendment 79 seeks to enshrine abortion rights in the Colorado Constitution. Rosen strongly opposes this amendment, describing the existing Democrat-passed Colorado abortion law as “the most radically permissive pro-abortion law in the nation.” He further criticizes Amendment 79 for repealing the ban on taxpayer funding for abortions, a point of contention for those with moral objections to abortion.
Amendment 80: Constitutional Right to School Choice
Recommendation: Yes
Addressing concerns about public education, Amendment 80 aims to constitutionally protect and expand school choice options in Colorado. Rosen supports this amendment, seeing school choice as a remedy for perceived issues within public schools, such as “poor performance and political indoctrination.” He believes it will challenge the influence of teacher unions and progressive ideologies in education by promoting private and charter schools. He anticipates opposition from teacher unions and Democrats who may seek to limit the scope of “school choice.”
Proposition Recommendations
Proposition JJ: Retain Additional Sports Betting Revenue
Recommendation: No
Rosen urges a “No” vote on Proposition JJ, characterizing it as a Democratic maneuver to bypass TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) and increase taxes on sports betting. He argues that the proposition seeks to renege on the original agreement with voters, which included tax revenue limits and mandated refunds when those limits were exceeded.
Proposition KK: Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax
Recommendation: No
Proposition KK proposes a state excise tax on firearms and ammunition, in addition to existing federal taxes. Rosen opposes this proposition, viewing it as an anti-gun measure disguised as a fundraising effort for worthy causes such as crime victim services and school safety. He dismisses the stated purposes as a “political marketing ploy” to gain voter support for an anti-gun agenda.
Proposition 127: Prohibit Bobcat, Lynx, and Mountain Lion Hunting
Recommendation: No
Rosen recommends voting “No” on Proposition 127, which seeks to ban the hunting of bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions. He frames this proposition as another instance of “meddling from animal rights crazies” who oppose hunting and ranching. He connects this proposition to past animal rights initiatives, referencing the reintroduction of wolves and their impact on livestock.
Proposition 128: Parole Eligibility for Crimes of Violence
Recommendation: Yes
Proposition 128 aims to increase the time violent criminals and repeat offenders spend in prison before becoming eligible for parole. Rosen supports this measure, believing it will enhance public safety by keeping violent offenders incarcerated for longer periods. He succinctly states, “The more time they spend in the slammer, the less they’ll be among us.”
Proposition 129: Establishing Veterinary Professional Associates
Recommendation: Yes
Rosen expresses support for Proposition 129, which concerns the establishment of Veterinary Professional Associates. While admitting limited knowledge of veterinary medicine beyond popular culture references, he broadly supports measures that expand the availability of veterinary services. “The more the merrier,” he remarks, suggesting a positive view of increasing the number of veterinary professionals.
Proposition 130: Funding for Law Enforcement
Recommendation: Yes
Proposition 130 proposes significant funding for law enforcement in Colorado, allocating $350 million for recruitment, training, retention, and family benefits for officers killed in the line of duty. Rosen strongly endorses this proposition, contrasting it favorably with the “Defund the Police” movement. He sees it as a much-needed investment in law enforcement and public safety.
Proposition 131: Establishing All-Candidate Primary and Ranked Choice Voting General Elections
Recommendation: Hell, No!
Rosen vehemently opposes Proposition 131, which proposes a shift to all-candidate primaries and ranked-choice voting in general elections. He denounces it as an “absurdly convoluted and impractical electoral scheme” designed to undermine the two-party system and elect “moderate” candidates. He critiques the ranked-choice voting mechanism as confusing and susceptible to manipulation, noting its association with left-leaning figures like George Soros and its revocation or ban in several Republican states.
This voter guide provides a concise overview of Mike Rosen’s recommendations for the 2024 Colorado ballot measures. For more in-depth analysis and commentary from Mike Rosen, visit CompleteColorado.com. For detailed information on each ballot measure, consult the State’s published Blue Book.
