Colorado State and Local Debt Limitations, Amendment 61 (2010)

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Contents

Colorado State and Local Debt Limit, Amendment 61 will appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot in Colorado as an initiated constitutional amendment. The proposed measure calls for prohibiting borrowing by state or local government and require voter approval for future loans.[1] The primary sponsor is Russell Haas.[2]

Text of measure

Title

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning limitations on government borrowing, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting future borrowing in any form by state government; requiring voter approval of future borrowing by local governmental entities; limiting the form, term, and amount of total borrowing by each local governmental entity; directing all current borrowing to be paid; and reducing tax rates after certain borrowing is fully repaid?

Constitutional changes

See also: Colorado Amendment 61 (2010), constitutional text changes

If approved by voters, Article XI, section 1 of the Colorado Constitution would be repealed and a new section added. Additionally, Article X, section 20 would be amended.[3] The proposed changes can be read here.

Support

Supporters of Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and 61 say the proposed measure will force government to operate more efficiently and cut bloated spending.[4] Marty Neilson, president of the Colorado Union of Taxpayers, said she believes the measure will be beneficial for the state of Colorado. "There is plenty of taxing going on and too much spending," she said. Additionally, Neilson rejected the argument that county government and school districts would be harmed by the tax changes.

She added,"I know the schools' mantra: 'It's for the children.' But many of our graduates going on to college have to take remedial classes. These schools need to perform a bit better and do it on the funds they have."[5]

Arguments

  • Marty Neilson, president of the Colorado Union of Taxpayers said, "It's our general belief that the state of Colorado has enough money to spend. They can spend more wisely, or even cut their spending," said Neilson at a May 2010 Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce's "State of the State" session.[4]
  • Natalie Menton, campaign coordinator for the three ballot measures, agreed that with the three proposed measures government would receive less funds. But that, she said, is the point. "These are moderate, modest proposals for taxes and tax reform. They are phased in over many years, so it’s a gradual process. The more money that we can put into individuals’ hands and business owners’, that’s what really grows an economy," said Menton. She added that supporters felt it was right time to make the proposals because of "the actions of the government." The mood, among citizens she said is "ripe" for the proposed changes.[6]

Donors

The main committee in support of Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and Amendment 61 is CO Tax Reforms. According to August 2010 reports, the committee has reportedly received $12,262.24 in contributions and has spent $5,074.90. Their current balance is $7,187.34.[7][8]

Below is a chart that outlines major cash contributions to CO Tax Reforms:

Contributor Amount
Muhammad A. Hasan[9][10] $5,000
Seeme Hasan (retired)[11][10] $5,000
Coleen & William Robinson (retired)[12] $2,760

Opposition

Senate President Brandon Shaffer, House Speaker Terrance Carroll, Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry and House Minority Leader Mike May oppose Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and Amendment 61.[13] Some 2010 gubernatorial candidates announced their opposition in February 2010: Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, the Democrat running for governor, and former Congressman Scott McInnis, one of the Republicans running.[14]

Coloradans for Responsible Reform is also opposed to the proposed measure and describe the proposed measures as the "the evil three" ballot questions. Coloradans for Responsible Reform is led by Rick Reiter who argues that the measures would devastate the state.[6][15]

The University of Colorado Board of Regents passed a resolution on July 16 to oppose Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101.[16] Some cities and counties have spoken out or passed resolutions against the proposed measures, including: Monte Vista, the Town of Frisco, Ouray County and Grand Junction City.[17][18][19]

Arguments

  • John Straayer, a political science professor at Colorado State University, is opposed to Amendment 60, Amendment 61 and Proposition 101. "These initiatives pose to the voters in a stark fashion whether they want the world of Douglas Bruce or an efficient and functioning government system," said Straayer.[20]
  • Colorado Counties Inc., a nonprofit organization that "offer[s] assistance to county commissioners, mayors and councilmembers and to encourage counties to work together on common issues," announced in December 2009 that they are opposed to Amendment 60, Amendment 61 and Proposition 101. Additionally they announced plans to contribute $10,000 for a review of submitted signatures.[20]
  • Gov. Bill Ritter, who is attempting to close a $1 billion state budget shortfall, characterized Amendment 61, Amendment 60 and Proposition 101 as "dangerous."[20] In March 2010 Ritter said his top priority is defeating Amendment 60, 61 and Proposition 101.[21]
    • Proposition 101 and amendments 60 and 61 on the November ballot "would set Colorado back a generation and bring to a halt the pro-business environment we have all worked so hard to build," said Gov. Bill Ritter in May 2010 at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce's "State of the State" session.[4]
  • According to Grand Junction city officials the passage of Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and 61 would ultimately cost the city millions in tax revenue. According to the city's financial services department in 2011 all three amendments could cost the city the following: $3.6 million in vehicle registration taxes, $2 million in sales taxes on vehicles and $1.5 million in telecommunication taxes. [22]
  • In several school districts across the state, opponents argue that Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and 61 will eliminate funding to school districts. Funds provided to districts from the state’s interest-free loan program, they argue, could disappear. South Routt Superintendent Scott Mader said,"It would bring us to our knees. We couldn’t operate," of the proposed measures. Sen. Al White said the measures would "pretty much shut down government in the state of Colorado."[24]
  • The Aspen Valley Hospital board of directors announced in mid-June their opposition to Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 and 61. According to reports, the potential impact of the measures is not yet known, however, the resolution states that Amendments 60 & 61 would reduce funds by at least $1 billion annually in state taxes. The resolution was adopted at the urging of the Special District Association, whose members include hospital, fire protection, sanitation and other taxing districts.[25]
  • Colorado Mountain College, on June 30, announced their opposition to Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and Amendment 61. "The cumulative and destructive nature of the three measures ensures that Colorado will surrender its competitive standing to attract employers, significantly hampering economic growth for the state," said the College Board of Trustees.[26]
  • The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association Board of Directors is opposed to Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and Amendment 61. Chamber Board President Bob Larson said, "The proponents of Proposition 101, Amendments 60 and 61 are presenting these initiatives at a time when businesses and families are strapped. So the idea of tax reductions in any form is tempting. However, when one looks at the true impacts of these things, the impacts are broad and significant in a negative way to many of our local institutions and service providers."[27]

Donors

According to August 2010 reports, Coloradans for Responsible Reform, an opponent of Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and 61, has reportedly received $4.109 million in campaign contributions and has spent $3.877 million. Their current balance is $231,335.98.[28] Compared to May 2010 reports, supporters reported that they had received $777,000 in campaign donations and a total of $671,190 in the bank.[29] In July 2010, state campaign finance records revealed that opponents received contributions from 36 businesses and 11 business & trade groups.[8]

Below is a chart that outlines major cash contributions to Coloradans for Responsible Reform:[30][31]

Contributor Amount
National Education Association $400,000
Colorado Contractors Association, Inc. $300,000
Colorado Education Association $250,000
The Colorado Health Foundation $175,000
Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association $150,000

Tactics and strategies

Opponents purchased $2 million of television air time. Their ad campaign is expected to launch after Labor Day.[8]

In May 2010 Coloradans for Responsible Reform launched a website called www.donthurtcolorado.com in order to fight Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and 61. According to reports, the group has raised approximately $800,000 to fight the measures. The campaign group is supported by Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and others. According to Coloradans for Responsible Reform the proposed measures would make Colorado an "investment-flight state."[29]

On August 14, 2010, opponents of Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and Amendment 61 gathered at the Robert Hoag Rawlings Public Library, the headquarters of the Pueblo City-County Library District. According to reports, the crowd consisted of about 50 local politicians, school, library and business leaders.[32]

On August 25 opponents hosted a rally at the Pioneers Museum gazebo from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm to explain and distribute information on the potential impact of the three measures. The rally, according to reports, was sponsored by the Citizens for Effective Government and group of businesses and organizations.[33][34][35]

Policy analysis

The Bell Policy Center

The Bell Policy Center, a nonprofit organization based in Denver, released a series of reports regarding the impact of Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 and 61. According to the preliminary analysis, if Amendment 61 is implemented, Colorado would become the only state in the nation without the authority to issue debt. Additionally, the treasurer's current practice of issuing revenue anticipation notes to fund building buildings on school campuses, for example, would no longer be allowed. In regards to local governments, borrowing would be considered bonded debt thus requiring the debt to be repaid in ten years. Borrowing would be limited to 10 percent of the assessed taxable value of real property, if Amendment 61 is passed.[36]

Colorado Municipal League

The Colorado Municipal League released a report on June 28 regarding the possible future impacts of Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 and 61. The organization is described as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization "that provides advocacy, information and training to build stronger cities and towns." It was founded in 1923.[37] According to the released report the organization concluded that all three measures would be "devastating to local government’s finances." Sam Mamet, executive director of the organization, said, "These are very, very dramatic in terms of their impact on municipal finance unlike I’ve seen in a very long time. This comes on top of two years of significant budget cutting and layoffs and service reductions. This really just cuts directly into revenue streams for local governments and just adds more stress to an already stressful situation."[38]

Colorado Legislative Council

In July 2010 the Colorado Legislative Council released an analysis of proposed measures Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and Amendment 61. The analysis describes the possible fiscal impact of the three measures. According to the report, it assumes "each measure is fully implemented in FY 2010-11."[39][40]

According to the report, if all of the measures are implemented in FY 2010-11:

"the state would lose $2.1 billion in revenue and would have to increase K-12 education funding by $1.6 billion. The combined impacts mean that K-12 education funding would require about 99 percent of the General Fund budget. A homeowner earning $55,000 per year with a $295,000 home would save approximately $1,800 annually in taxes."[39]

Specifically, Amendment 61 is expected to:

"prohibits the state from incurring new debt, imposes new limits on the amount of local government debt, and requires tax rates to be reduced when debt is repaid. If the repayment of existing debt requires a reduction in tax rates, the amendment will require the state to cut its tax revenue by $500 million and local governments to cut $2.8 billion. These tax rate cuts are expected to reduce property taxes by $678 for a $295,000 home and save the average household earning $55,000 about $130 per year in income taxes. In addition, an estimated 36 school districts will exceed or equal the new debt limits and be unable to borrow money to build public school facilities. These school districts represent almost half of the students in the state."[39]

Media endorsements

Main article: Endorsements of Colorado ballot measures, 2010

Opposition

  • Steamboat Pilot & Today is opposed to Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and 61. In an editorial the board said, "It will be tempting come fall — particularly in the midst of a recession — to fall victim to campaign spots that promise reduced income taxes and vehicle registration fees. We think voters are smarter than that and will see the crippling effect Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 would have on state and local governments, which will be manifested in the diminishment, and in some cases abolishment, of services...It’s hard to imagine that, armed with the facts, voters could support such ill-conceived initiatives come November."[41]
  • The Denver Post is opposed to Amendment 61. In an editorial, the board said, "Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 may appear to be simple tax-cutting measures that will appeal to voters tired of big-government spending, but don't be fooled. The operating language within each one is a virus that would cripple the ability of our local and state governments to provide the most basic of services — from building schools for our children to supplying clean water to our homes...Don't be fooled, Colorado. Amendments 60 and 61 and Prop 101 are not smart budget-cutting measures. They're out to cripple Colorado, and should be rejected at the polls."[42]

Campaign contributions challenged

A group opposed to Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and Amendment 61 called Protect Colorado’s Communities is requesting an explanation as to how the proponents of the measures spent $200 or less to print and circulate the petitions. According to state law, if more than $200 is spent to place a proposal on the ballot, proponents must register issue committees. Protect Colorado’s Communities argues that it takes thousands of dollars to place a measure on the ballot. The Colorado Secretary of State is expected to issue a statement in early January 2010. If it is determined that proponents broke the law, the case will be heard by a judge.[43]

Campaign finance hearing

A campaign finance hearing was held in April 2010 in an effort to clarify who financed the signature-gathering effort that for Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and 61, all of which are on the ballot. However, tax advocate Douglas Bruce was not present at the hearing.[44]

Of the hearing in an April 20 motion, Russell Haas, sponsor of Amendment 61, said,"The problem is, as we said all along, the evidence DOES NOT EXIST. His (Grueskin’s) fishing expedition has produced NOTHING because there is NOTHING to produce. Volunteer petition drives are lawful. He has NO RIGHT to learn who volunteered to help, or orally supported or signed our forms." However, argued in a court document that supporters of Proposition 101, Amendment 60 & 61 are using "obstructionist" tactics and have have continuously tried to hamper the efforts to "unravel the 'scheme of secrecy' behind the three ballot issues."[45]

Although Bruce has appeared to have no involvement with the measures, Secretary of State records revealed that the eight professional petition circulators lived in an apartment house on Boulder Street near Colorado Springs owned by Bruce. The petition circulators have since moved but the records have called into question Bruce's involvement in the campaigns. According to reports, court records reveal that Bruce failed to show up for a deposition weeks prior to the hearing, despite being served with subpoenas.[46]

On March 10 Bruce described the subpoenas as a "case of gross harassment." In regards to the April hearing, Bruce said he did not appear because he was not subpoenaed.[44][46]

At the request of attorney Mark Grueskin, who represents opponents of the measures, and attorney Scott Gessler, who represents proponents of Amendment 61, Administrative Law Judge Robert Spencer moved the hearing to May 24-25.

After tax advocate Douglas Bruce failed to appear at the April 2010 hearing state officials asked for an order to force Bruce to attend the campaign finance hearing. The attorney general's office filed the petition on behalf of the secretary of state's office.[47][48] On May 11 District Court Judge Brian Whitney issued an order that stipulates that Bruce must appear for deposition.[49]

As of May 18, the attorney general said a total of 23 attempts to serve the court order have failed. [50]

Douglas Bruce tied to measures

See also: Douglas Bruce

In a campaign finance complaint hearing on May 24, 2010 after much speculation, Douglas Bruce was identified as a "guiding force" in Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and Amendment 61. Proponents said they received ballot language and instructions form a "Mr. X" in unsigned e-mails. Michelle Northrup testified on May 24 that she believed "Mr. X" was Douglas Bruce.[51] During the hearing Northrup said she didn't approve of the evasion tactics being used by proponents of the ballot measures. According to May 24 testimony proponents said they received advice from Bruce on the language of the ballot measures, how to get the measures approved for the ballot by the Secretary of State's Office and on the signature petition campaign.[52][53][54]

Attempts to subpoena Bruce in time for the May 24 hearing failed. Mark Grueskin, lawyer challenging campaign contributions, asked Administrative Law Judge Robert Spencer to keeping the hearing open until Bruce's testimony could be collected but Spencer denied the request. According to the judge a decision on the finance complaints will be issued in 15 days.[55]

According to reports in late May, the state of Colorado tried and failed to contact Douglas a total of 29 times.[56]

State files contempt motion

On Friday, June 18, state officials filed a contempt motion in Denver District Court. The motion requests that the judge find Bruce in contempt of court for not testifying in the administrative proceeding and for avoiding process servers.[57] In response to the motion, Bruce argues that he has done nothing wrong. He said, "A subpoena requires personal service. I was not personally served. Therefore, I was not legally served."[58] If Bruce is found in contempt of court it is expected that Bruce will be fined for every day he didn't respond to the subpoena (March 19-May 24). According to Bruce, he was out of town on vacation.[59]

On June 23 a Denver judge cited Bruce with contempt of court.[60] Denver District Court Judge Brian Whitney said, "Based on the state’s showing in the motion, there is cause to believe that Mr. Bruce has not complied with the order and that, to date, he remains in disobedience of the order."[61]

A hearing was set for July 26 at 8:30 am in Denver.[62] Additionally, Bruce was ordered to appear at a June 30 as a witness in a grand jury investigation.[63][64] According to reports, the grand jury hearing is unrelated to Bruce's political activities and he is only serving as a witness.[65]

On July 26 Bruce appeared in court in regard to the contempt citation.[66] Bruce argued that he was out of town and did not purposely try to evade the subpoena. "I can produce motel receipts ... to prove that I wasn't here," said Bruce. Despite the state's arguments that Bruce should face civil or criminal charges, Bruce has not been charged with a crime. However, District Judge Brian Whitney said, "I don’t plan to impose incarceration."[67][68]

The case is scheduled to resume on August 18.[69] On August 9 it was reported that Bruce hired "one of Denver's most high-profile lawyers" - David Lane - to represent him in the case.[70] According to reports, Lane was involved in such high-profile cases as: "Balloon Boy" father Richard Heene; Tim Masters, who won $10 million in settlements after being wrongly imprisoned for a decade; and former University of Colorado professor Ward Churchill.[71]

Filing with State Court of Appeals

On late July 2010 sponsors of Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and Amendment 61 filed an appeal to a judge's order to disclose contributors of the proposed measures.[72] According to the filed appeal, it alleges that Denver Administrative Law Judge Robert Spencer that presided over the case engaged in "flagrant misconduct." Additionally, the appeal states,"The weaving of wild speculative theories about unknown contributions in kind by unknown persons, and other distractions from the fact that there was NO evidence appellant ‘accepted’ over two hundred dollars." Judge Spencer ruled in June that the sponsors should have formed committees and reported the expenditures and contributions. The judge also issued $2,000 in fines against the three sponsors.[73]

Path to the ballot

See also: Colorado signature requirements and 2010 ballot measure petition signature costs

In order to place the proposed measure on the ballot supporters were required to collect a minimum of 76,047 valid signatures. In December 2009, Secretary of State Bernie Buescher approved the measure for the ballot after validating the submitted signatures.[74] A total of 138,867 signatures were submitted. A random sampling of 5% of the signatures revealed that approximately 103,192 signatures were valid; a sufficient number of signatures to place the measure on the ballot.[75]

Signature summary

Below is the signature county summary according to the Colorado Secretary of State:[76]

  • Total number of qualified signatures submitted: 138,867
  • 5% of qualified signatures submitted (random sample): 6,944
  • Total number of entries accepted (valid) from random sample: 5,160
  • Total number of entries rejected (invalid) from random sample: 1,784
  • Number of projected valid signatures from random sample: 103,192
  • Total number of accepted entries necessary for placement on ballot: 76,047
  • Percentage of presumed valid signatures: 135.7%

See also

 		Suggest a link

Related measures

Approved Colorado Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act (1992)

Articles

External links

Additional reading

References

  1. ↑ Associated Press,"Colorado debt limit proposal makes Nov. ballot," December 11, 2009
  2. ↑ KDVR Denver,"Taxes, personhood, possibly health care set for November ballot," March 29, 2010
  3. ↑ Limit Property Tax - Vote YES on 60,"Full text of Amendment 60," retrieved June 28, 2010
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 The Denver Post,"Ritter says tax-cutting ballot initiatives would cripple Colorado," May 14, 2010
  5. ↑ The Denver Post,"Taxes, spending: Reaction sharp to Colo. ballot issues," February 22, 2010
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 The Daily Sentinel,"Opponent to ballot measures emerges," May 24, 2010
  7. ↑ Colorado Campaign Finance Database,"CO Tax Reforms information," retrieved August 17, 2010
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 The Denver Post,"Colo. firms spend millions fighting tax-cutting ballot measures," July 23, 2010
  9. ↑ Colorado Campaign Finance Database,"July 19, 2010 Report of Contributions and Expenditures," July 18, 2010
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 The Gazette,"Wealthy Pueblo family supporting ballot initiatives," July 31, 2010
  11. ↑ Colorado Campaign Finance Database,"June 1, 2010 Report of Contributions and Expenditures," May 30, 2010
  12. ↑ Colorado Campaign Finance Database,"July 6, 2010 Report of Contributions and Expenditures," July 6, 2010
  13. ↑ Denver Business Journal,"Bipartisan opposition to Colorado ballot measures to cut state revenue, spending," December 14, 2009
  14. ↑ The Denver Post,"Candidates weigh in on right side of ballot items," February 28, 2010
  15. ↑ The Denver Daily News,"Anti-tax proposals blasted," June 3, 2010
  16. ↑ The Aurora Sentinel,"CU Regents take stand against props 60, 61 and 101," July 19, 2010
  17. ↑ Monte Vista Journal,"City opposes three ballot issues," August 25, 2010
  18. ↑ Summit Daily News,"Frisco council against November ballot measures 101, 60, 61" August 27, 2010
  19. ↑ Ouray County,"Ouray County Opposes ‘Bad 3’ Ballot Initiatives," August 26, 2010
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 The Gazette,"Trio of anti-government ballot measures go too far, critics charge," December 4, 2009
  21. ↑ The Gazette,"POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Ritter talks TABOR in Springs," March 30, 2010
  22. ↑ The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel,"Ballot measures would cost city, Grand Junction official says," January 18, 2010
  23. ↑ Denver Business Journal,"Three ballot measures are ‘absolutely lethal’ to Colorado," March 5, 2010
  24. ↑ Steamboat Today,"Steamboat schools' funding could be affected by 'anti-tax' ballot measures," April 25, 2010
  25. ↑ The Aspen Times,"Aspen hospital board takes stand against state tax-relief measures," June 16, 2010
  26. ↑ Vail Daily,"Colorado Mountain College opposes November ballot measures," June 30, 2010
  27. ↑ Steamboat Today,"Steamboat Chamber opposes anti-tax measures," July 13, 2010
  28. ↑ Colorado Campaign Finance Database,"Coloradans for Responsible Reform information," retrieved August 17, 2010
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Denver Business Journal,"Denver businesses blast Nov. ballot issues," May 11, 2010
  30. ↑ Colorado Campaign Finance Database,"July 19, 2010 Report of Contributions and Expenditures," July 19, 2010
  31. ↑ Colorado Campaign Finance Database,"August 2, 2010 Report of Contributions and Expenditures," August 2, 2010
  32. ↑ The Pueblo Chieftain,"Rally rips ballot initiatives," August 15, 2010
  33. ↑ Colorado Springs Independent,"60, 61 and 101: Just say 'No'," August 24, 2010
  34. ↑ The Gazette,"Business leaders, politicians unite to fight ballot measures," August 26, 2010
  35. ↑ KKTV,"Community Leaders Speak Out Against Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101," August 25, 2010
  36. ↑ The Bell Policy Center,"Preliminary Analysis of Amendment 61," November 17, 2009
  37. ↑ Colorado Municipal League,"Main page," retrieved June 29, 2010
  38. ↑ The Daily Sentinel,"League warns of ballot measures’ effects" June 29, 2010
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 Colorado Legislative Council,"Amendments 60 and 61, and Proposition 101," July 8, 2010
  40. ↑ Denver Business Journal,"Legislative Council: 3 anti-tax measures could cost state $2.1 billion," July 22, 2010
  41. ↑ Steamboat Pilot & Today,"Our View: A close look at ‘anti-tax’ measures," May 23, 2010
  42. ↑ The Denver Post,"Ballot item could cripple Colorado," July 7, 2010
  43. ↑ The Denver Daily,"Group challenges anti-tax ballot proposals," January 6, 2010
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Associated Press,"Ballot measure opponents want information from tax foe Douglas Bruce about petition drive," April 24, 2010
  45. ↑ The Gazette,"Sponsors of statewide ballot initiatives using "obstructionist" tactics, lawyer says," May 3, 2010
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 The Gazette,"Douglas Bruce a no-show at campaign finance hearing," April 23, 2010
  47. ↑ Associated Press,"Order sought to make tax activist attend hearing," May 4, 2010
  48. ↑ The Gazette,"AG wants to compel Douglas Bruce to testify in campaign finance hearing," May 3, 2010
  49. ↑ The Gazette,"Douglas Bruce must appear for deposition, district court says," May 11, 2010
  50. ↑ The Gazette,"Attorney general's 23 attempts to serve Bruce come up empty," May 18, 2010
  51. ↑ Associated Press,"Proponents on tax, fee measures on November ballot cite "Mr. X" as source," May 24, 2010
  52. ↑ The Huffington Post,"Doug Bruce Identified By Ballot Initiative Backers As Man Behind Controversial Measures," May 24, 2010
  53. ↑ The Gazette,"Witness ties Douglas Bruce to three ballot measures," May 24, 2010
  54. ↑ Associated Press,"Tax petitioners: Not sure who's funding the effort," May 24, 2010
  55. ↑ The Gazette,"Hearing lifts veil on campaign for disputed measures," May 26, 2010
  56. ↑ The Denver Post,"Colorado has tried to serve Douglas Bruce 29 times," May 29, 2010
  57. ↑ The Denver Post,"State asks judge for contempt motion; Bruce asks for hearing," June 19, 2010
  58. ↑ The Gazette,"AG to file contempt motion today against Bruce," June 17, 2010
  59. ↑ Associated Press,"State pursues sanction against anti-tax activist," June 18, 2010
  60. ↑ Associated Press,"Judge considering sanctions against Bruce," June 23, 2010
  61. ↑ The Gazette,"Judge cites Bruce for contempt of court," June 23, 2010
  62. ↑ The Colorado Independent,"Denver judge rules in favor of motion to hold Bruce in contempt of court," June 23, 2010
  63. ↑ The Gazette,"Bruce agrees to go before grand jury, avoids a 2nd contempt charge," June 29, 2010
  64. ↑ The Daily Sentinel,"Bruce avoids a ‘perp walk,’ but discredits his initiatives," June 29, 2010
  65. ↑ Associated Press,"Colo. Anti-Tax Activist To Testify At Grand Jury," July 1, 2010
  66. ↑ Associated Press,"Colorado's tax iconoclast back in the spotlight," July 24, 2010
  67. ↑ The Denver Post,"Douglas Bruce likely won't get jail time if guilty of contempt of court," July 26, 2010
  68. ↑ The Gazette,"Bruce probably won't face jail time in contempt case," July 26, 2010
  69. ↑ Associated Press,"Anti-Tax Crusader To Fight Contempt Allegations," July 26, 2010
  70. ↑ Associated Press,"Douglas Bruce Hires High-Profile Lawyer Lane," August 9, 2010
  71. ↑ Law Week Colorado,"Anti-Tax Activist Douglas Bruce Hires David Lane," August 9, 2010
  72. ↑ Associated Press,"Sponsors Of Anti-Tax Measures Appeal Court Order," July 27, 2010
  73. ↑ The Gazette,"Ballot measures' sponsors appeal order to divulge financial backers," July 27, 2010
  74. ↑ The Durango Herald,"Anti-debt initiative cleared for Colorado ballot," December 15, 2009
  75. ↑ Denver Business Journal,"Amendment 61 secures Colorado ballot spot," December 11, 2009
  76. ↑ Colorado Secretary of State,"Proposed Ballot Measure Deemed Sufficient:State and Local Debt Limitations” designated Amendment 61," December 11, 2009
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