Author: Bob Gardner
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GUEST OPINION: Recall elections should never be used to overturn policy decisions
We are concerned. As a former Colorado secretary of state, county commissioner and city council member, and a former Colorado state representative and state senator, we are writing today as two of your fellow citizens who not only have been elected to office but also have played a large part in formulating and advancing the management and supervision of election law(s). Among those laws recall elections are among the most serious tools available to voters. They exist…
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Perspective: Colorado’s disconnect on justice
Rising crime rates and heated policy debates have put Colorado’s sweeping criminal justice reforms under the microscope, as lawmakers’ efforts to transform the system face growing resistance from voters concerned about public safety. In the past decade, the state legislature has rolled out scores of reforms, including reduced sentences for nonviolent offenses, expanded parole and…
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GUEST OPINION: Colorado should stop the release of dangerous criminals
Bob Gardner Recent reports of the release of potentially dangerous criminal defendants found mentally incompetent to stand trial have ignited public outcry for legislative action and even a special session to protect the public. Public concern is justified, but citizens should make no mistake as they call for action. This is not a case of…
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GUEST OPINION: Colorado should stop the release of dangerous criminals
Bob Gardner Recent reports of the release of potentially dangerous criminal defendants found mentally incompetent to stand trial have ignited public outcry for legislative action and even a special session to protect the public. Public concern is justified, but citizens should make no mistake as they call for action. This is not a case of…
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GUEST OPINION: Stop the release of dangerous criminals
Recent reports of the release of potentially dangerous criminal defendants found mentally incompetent to stand trial have ignited public outcry for legislative action and even a special session to protect the public. Public concern is justified, but citizens should make no mistake as they call for action. This is not a case of legislators going…
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GUEST OPINION: Social media bill infringes on citizens’ rights
One of the biggest challenges I faced as a state legislator was voting on bills that came with the best intentions of solving a real and widespread problem and yet, the bill would not solve the problem while at the same time creating equally serious infringements on the rights of citizens. One such bill awaiting…
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GUEST COLUMN: AG Weiser shouldn’t join misguided DOJ lawsuit
Once again, the federal government has decided what’s best for you—once again, not asking you. In this case, it’s the Justice Department which wants to put itself between you and your smartphone. Recently, the Justice Department lawyers have decided that Apple’s approach to data security, privacy, and application or app integrity isn’t done for the…
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POINT/COUNTERPOINT: Should Colorado increase marijuana taxes to support education?
Point: Bob Gardner This November, Colorado voters have the chance to approve the largest expansion of parental choice in education in the U.S. in more than a decade. Conservatives all across Colorado are voting YES on Proposition 119 — names you trust like our last Republican Gov. Bill Owens, former state treasurer Mark Hillman, Colorado…
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POINT | Prop 119 is a lifeline for our students
Bob Gardner This November, Colorado voters have the chance to approve the largest expansion of parental choice in education in the U.S. in more than a decade. Also read: COUNTERPOINT | Prop 119 is a ‘sinister’ scheme Conservatives all across Colorado are voting YES on Proposition 119 — names you trust like our last Republican Gov.…
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COLUMN: Public safety is a one-sided conversation | Bob Gardner
My thanks to Gazette Editor Vince Bzdek for reminding elected officials that their first priority is keeping citizens safe. (Colorado Has Never Felt This Unsafe, July 4, 2021). But, the response from the majority of Colorado’s General Assembly has not been “crickets” as Bzdek states. Rather, the progressive liberal response, led by El Paso County’s…