Action
PRESS RELEASE / Letter to Editor
October 20, 2009LWV Jeffco Supports a YES Vote on Question 1A and 1B
The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County (LWVJeffco) encourages voters to vote in favor of Jefferson County Ballot Questions 1A and 1B, which if passed would increase the term limits from two terms to three terms for District Attorney of the First Judicial District and the offices of Sheriff, Assessor, Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer, Coroner and Surveyor of Jefferson County.
The League of Women Voters opposes term limits based on the grounds that such limits adversely affect the accountability, representativeness and effective performance of our elected officials. Given that in Colorado we do impose term limits, the Board of Directors of LWV Jeffco voted to support the increase of term limits for these offices from two terms to three terms. We believe that given the special training and skills that the District Attorney and other county offices require that Ballot Questions 1A and 1B will provide the voters a greater choice when selecting the candidates that they feel would best represent them. We firmly believe that the election process is the best method to remove ineffective elected official from office.
LWVJeffco support a Yes Vote on Questions 1A and 1B.
Don’t forget to vote and return your mail–in ballot to the Jefferson County Elections Division by Election Day November 3rd.
Gwen Lipkie, President
League of Women Voters of Jefferson County
Global Climate Change
July 14, 2009
The Honorable Michael Bennet The Honorable Mark Udall
792 Hart Senate Office Building B40E Dirksen Senate Office Bldg
Washington, D. C. 20510 Washington, D. C. 20510Dear Senator Bennet: Dear Senator Udall:
The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County is writing to ask that you support strong action against global climate change. Based on the best available science, we urge you to support a cap on greenhouse gas emissions for the year 2020 that is at least 20 percent below 1990 levels, without loopholes that will undermine the cap. We also ask that you support a cap for the year 2050 that is 80-100 percent below 1990 emissions.
Ever since the Framework Convention on Climate Change in Kyoto, Japan in 1997, the League of Women Voters has supported efforts to make the United States a world leader in combating global warming and in seeking negotiated, fair reduction in reducing greenhouse gases. League believes that global warming is a serious problem that requires immediate action.
Since the House of Representatives just passed the American Clear Energy and Security Act of 2009, we hope that you, as one of our U. S. Senators, will support strong climate change legislation. The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County requests that you support a firm limit, or cap, on greenhouse gas emissions. The cap must decline over time to meet pollution-reduction goals based on the best scientific information. Establishing the declining cap, based on science and without loopholes, is the single most important issue in climate change and energy legislation.
An effective control program must avoid loopholes or any weakening mechanisms that undermine or make the cap unattainable, such as unenforceable offsets or “cost containment” provisions that would allow sources to continue emissions at dangerous levels. We hope that you agree that is our nation’s responsibility to take immediate action to curb the environmental damages we are already experiencing from greenhouse gas emissions, as well as those that threaten the future vitality of the Earth.
Thank you for your consideration of our request for support for strong action against global climate change.
Sincerely,
Gwen Lipkie, President
League of Women Voters of Jefferson County
Open Space
OPEN SPACE IN JEOPARDYArvada officials in conjunction with developers have petitioned the Jefferson County Commissioners to build a 1.5 million gallon water tank and a pump station on two lots of Jeffco open space near the mouth of Coal Creek Canyon. The Jeffco League has sent a letter opposing this petition to the Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) and Commissioners. The letter is posted below:August 21, 2007Open Space Advisory CommitteeOf Jefferson CountyDear Committee Members;The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County opposes the petition to construct the water tank and pump station on Jeffco Open Space near the mouth of Coal Creek Canyon.The League’s position on land use states “that we support land-use planning that reflects conservation and wise management of resources.” This petition does not reflect conservation as it uses two lot sizes to construct a private use facility on open space. This petition is not a wise management of resources as the long term maintenance of this facility will become the responsibility of the Jefferson County taxpayers.Additional LWV positions on land use firmly state “that growth should not take place faster than services and infrastructure can be provided nor exceed the resources of the community. Development of Colorado’s natural resources and recreational areas should emphasize environmental protection and reclamation. Scenic vistas and other open space should be protected.” This proposed use of open space is not sound; clearly it would overuse resources currently available in that specific area. Reclamation should be the focus, not gifting our open space to developers.In conclusion, the members of League of Women Voters of Jefferson County strongly request that the OSAC advise the County Commissioners to deny this petition. Our membership supports an integrated, total county approach to planning which provides for diverse needs of the community while ensuring environmental quality. Please partner with us in protecting our limited open space.Sincerely,Catherine PerronePresident, LWV of Jefferson Countycc: Jefferson County Commissioners
