Saturday, July 17, 2004
Denver's Transit Agency Charged with Violating State Campaign Laws
In a July 10 editorial, the Rocky Mountain News, Denver's afternoon paper, criticized RTD for distributing a brochure boosting FasTracks in violation of Colorado laws forbidding government agencies from taking positions on ballot measures.
On July 17, RTD board chair Bill Elfenbein responded that RTD was within its rights to publish the brochure because it did not specifically ask voters to vote for the measure.
But the Rocky responds in a new editorial saying that the law is clear: It is not enough to not say "vote yes"; agency's must present both sides. RTD has failed to do that. "FasTracks, we are told without hint of a contrary view," says the paper, "will bring us safer, more reliable transportation, cleaner air, even less stress, and create jobs galore, resulting in an overall improvement in the quality of our bereft lives." Since these are all disputed claims, the paper concludes, RTD has violated state laws.
On July 17, RTD board chair Bill Elfenbein responded that RTD was within its rights to publish the brochure because it did not specifically ask voters to vote for the measure.
But the Rocky responds in a new editorial saying that the law is clear: It is not enough to not say "vote yes"; agency's must present both sides. RTD has failed to do that. "FasTracks, we are told without hint of a contrary view," says the paper, "will bring us safer, more reliable transportation, cleaner air, even less stress, and create jobs galore, resulting in an overall improvement in the quality of our bereft lives." Since these are all disputed claims, the paper concludes, RTD has violated state laws.
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