Destroying Colorado's Economy and Values One Commissioner Appointment At A Time

Bill Ritter got himself elected by promising to be pro business. He is not.

When it comes to destroying the Colorado economy and Colorado values, Bill Ritter won't be doing his own dirty work. He does it by appointing anti-economy commissioners to the public commissions so that they can work below the radar.

Bill Ritter appointed anti-coal plant activist Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission. Baker's not so secret goal is to try to drive up the costs of cheap coal so that his favored means of electrical production can compete.

Bill Ritter appointed a former judge, Federico C. Alvarez to the Commission on Judicial Discipline over the staunch objections of the chairman of that commission. John Holcomb, a University of Denver law professor and 13- year member of the commission, opined that having 5 judges or former judges on the commission would destroy its credibility.

Now, Bill Ritter has appointed six new anti-oil and gas advocates to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Democrat Senator Chris Romer reportedly is concerned with the nominees. The Grand Junction Sentinel reports:

Sen. Chris Romer, D-Denver, said while he will support Ritter’s nominees, it is “with a lot of caution.”

Romer said the worst tax any business can incur is uncertainty.

“I would just ask you to be very, very thoughtful about the level of uncertainty you stir up,” Romer said.

Ignoring The Constitution

The Rocky Mountain News reports this morning that Bill Ritter's lawyer threatened to sue the Commission on Judicial Performance:

Trey Rogers, Ritter's chief legal counsel, told Rick Wehmhofer, the commission's executive director, that he expected Alvarez would be a full participant in that meeting. Holcomb claims Rogers threatened a lawsuit if the commission did not comply.

[ John ] Holcomb said the commission was concerned about a law that makes it a misdemeanor to reveal its confidential information, since [ Federico C ] Alvarez hadn't been confirmed by the Senate or sworn in.

The meeting proceeded without Alvarez and the commission voted to seek an opinion from the attorney general on the matter.

Holcomb said Rogers again threatened a lawsuit when the commission would not tell him what other business took place at the meeting.

The state constitution both authorizes the Commission and requires that it act in secret, even from the Governor and his lawyer. If the Governor finds it inconvenient to follow the constitution, we suggest that he find other work.