LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF COLORADO BLOG

Jaimes Brown - Libertarian candidate for Governor on LPCO primary ballot

(Centennial) - Jaimes Brown, Libertarian candidate for Governor, announced he has secured a position on the Colorado August 10th Libertarian state primary ballot for governor of Colorado.

During the recent annual Libertarian Party of Colorado state convention, Brown qualified for the summer primary.  This Libertarian state primary is a first for Colorado.   

 Brown noted that his campaign will focus on:

- Jobs
- Heath Care Diversification
- Energy Diversity
- Education
- Taxes
- Criminal Justice Reform
- Civil Rights

Brown will also target reducing state government spending, reprioritizing victimless crimes, and maximizing state educational opportunities.

In addition, Brown noted that he will encourage the Colorado legislature and Attorney General to assert Colorado's 10th Amendment rights when dealing with the federal government.

Brown, a front range real estate appraiser, is a local political activist and musician.  He resides in Centennial with his wife and two children.

To learn more about Jaimes Brown, you can visit his website at:

www.jaimesbrown.com

Medical marijuana killing bill HB1284 - Passes Full House on Second Reading

Sent in by the cannabis therapy institute

For immediate release: May 5, 2010
 
HB1284 Passes Full House on Second Reading
 
A Report by the Cannabis Therapy Institute
 
Contact: Cannabis Therapy Institute
1-877-420-4205
 
{Denver} -- The Colorado state Senate today voted in favor of HB1284 by a voice vote, with what sounded like only a handful of dissenting votes. According to Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver), the bill's main sponsor, the bill will eliminate from 50% to 80% of the current 1,100 dispensaries in Colorado.
 
In a surprise vote, the Senate narrowly adopted Amendment 173 to the bill, proposed by Senator Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction), which would eliminate the sales tax on medical marijuana. Senator Penry pointed out that 95% of prescription medicines in the state are not subject to sales tax. Sen. Penry said it would be "inappropriate, crass and wrong" to take money from the sick and disabled people who use medical marijuana to help fund other state programs. Sen. Penry said, "This bill should not be a revenue bill."
 
Senator Romer said he did not support the amendment to strike the sales tax because "we're not at the point that we are treating this as medicine." Sen. Romer said that medical marijuana should be taxed "until we get evidenced-based medicine" and "until it's like other supplements."
 
Senator Penry countered that Senator Romer "can't say it's medicinal on one hand and then on the other say it's not medicinal."
 
The amendment was adopted by a vote of 18 to 17. Senator Romer, unable to accept defeat, promised that he would bring the amendment up for another vote at the Third (and final) Reading of the bill to see if he could get the full Senate to again approve creating a revenue stream off of the backs of sick and dying people.
 
HB1284 will now go to its final vote in the Senate, called the Third Reading. This has yet to be scheduled. The Third Reading will require a roll call vote, so the Senators will be forced to go on the record with their vote.
 
Senator Joyce Foster (D-Denver) unapologetically pointed out that the bill was not written for the patients, but rather for the police. "We're basing this on the public safety model, and not the medical model. If we were basing it on the medical model, it would be a completely different bill," Sen. Foster said.
 
"This bill seems like it was more about Chris Romer than about medical patients," says K. Evan Rude, patient advocate for the American Medical Marijuana Standards Association. "He didn't consult with any medical professionals or disability activists or patient advocate groups. He obviously had his own agenda going into this to make the medical marijuana program a police state that will be operated only by well-funded dispensaries with little care for the patients. The patients will now pay more for their medicine and have their access severely restricted. This bill is so restrictive that it is clearly a blatant violation of patient's
Constitutional rights."
 
The Cannabis Therapy Institute is urging the state to instead set up a Commission to study the issue to make sure the needs of the patient are foremost in any legislation and to make sure this complicated issue gets addressed properly.
 
CALL AND EMAIL
Click here to contact your state senators:
http://www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com/advocacy/contact.colorado.state.legislature.html
 
READ THE BILL
Here is a link to the General Assembly Home Page. Look for House Bill 1284.
The versions keep changing, so we cannot provide a direct link.
http://www.leg.state.co.us/

Rob Mcnealy on HB 1284

Aurora, CO – April 26th, 2010 - Rob McNealy, Libertarian candidate for Colorado’s 6th Congressional District, expressed his opposition today to HB 1284 and Senator Chris Romer's (D-Denver) attempt to put a majority of medical marijuana dispensaries out of business.
 
“It should never be the state or federal government's job to decide which law-abiding companies or industries should be in – or out of – business. Colorado voters have approved the use of medical marijuana in our state-it’s in our constitution, and no legislator in Denver or Washington DC should ignore the will of the people of Colorado because something isn't to his liking.”
 
“HB 1284 is just another example of government meddling in another area of people's lives where it really doesn't belong. It's very arrogant of Senator Romer to believe he knows what's best for Coloradoans when it comes to their health and medical treatments. This is just one reason why I'm running for Congress - almost all Democrats and Republicans have limited people's freedoms and choices about how they live their lives.”
 
“Right now, our economy needs government to get out of the way so small businesses can rebuild our economy.  Senator Romer is trying to enact legislation which will put more people out of work, and that is irresponsible.”
 
McNealy remarked: “I also condemn the individual who left a death threat on Senator Romer's voicemail. I believe that you can disagree with someone in a reasonable manner, and should never threaten someone's life over a political disagreement.”
 
For more information:
Rob McNealy
[email protected]

Community Activist Rob McNealy Wins Libertarian Nod for CD6‏

AURORA, CO, March 27th, 2010 – Rob McNealy, Libertarian candidate for Colorado’s 6th Congressional
District is proud to announce that he earned the Libertarian Party of Colorado’s nomination for CD6 at their annual convention on  March 20th, 2010.
 
Rob McNealy will face off against Democrat challenger John Flerlage and Republican incumbent Mike Coffman.
 
McNealy said, “I am excited to win the nomination and support of the Libertarian Party of Colorado which shares my philosophy of smaller government, personal liberty and fiscal responsibility.  I look forward to challenging Mike Coffman and John Flerlage in November.  ”
 
About Rob McNealy
Rob McNealy, is a small business owner and community activist. He earned his Bachelor Degree in
Geography and Marketing from Central Michigan University, and his MBA from Colorado State
University. Rob and his wife Kristie McNealy, MD moved from the Midwest and settled in Colorado a
decade ago to fulfill their dream of living in the Rocky Mountain West. Together, they run their family
business and homeschool their four children while enjoying the Colorado lifestyle.
 
For more information:
Rob McNealy
www.RobMcNealy.com

LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF COLORADO NOMINATES CANDIDATES, PREPARES FOR PRIMARY ELECTIONS

At its 2010 State Convention last Saturday, the Libertarian Party of Colorado nominated candidates for state and local offices. For the first time in years, the Libertarians will also hold multiple primaries, including for Governor, U.S. Senate and CD 1. Nearly two-dozen Libertarian candidates are running for office, including at the federal, state and local levels.
 
On the federal level, the Libertarian Party of Colorado is proud to be fielding at least one candidate in six of the seven U.S. Congressional Districts and two contenders for the U.S. Senate nomination.
 
“The unprecedented interest in the Libertarian Party demonstrates the failure of the two-party duopoly,” said State Chair David K. Williams, Jr. “The Democrats fail to protect individual rights and the Republicans fail to protect our pocketbooks. The only wasted vote is a vote for more of the same.“
 
Rob McNealy, who is running against Rep. Mike Coffman in the 6th CD, is focused on individual liberty. "As the Libertarian nominee for Colorado's 6th Congressional District, I will defend the interests and rights of the constituents in my district from those in the Federal government that constantly work to undermine them,” said McNealy.
 
Curtis Harris is challenging Democrat Rep. Jared Polis in the second Congressional District. His “Campaign Against Congress” has received statewide attention.
 
“My run against Jared Polis will provide CD 2 voters with the opportunity to reject the fiscal insanity of Washington, D.C. while protecting their personal liberties from Federal regulation. I look forward to being a part of the solution to our failed two-party system.”
 
A complete list of candidates can be found on the state party Web site at: http://lpcolorado.org/candidates/

Rogue DEA Agents Arrest Colorado Medical Marijuana Grower

Press release from the Cannabis Therapy Institute

Rogue DEA Agents Arrest Colorado Medical Marijuana Grower
 
Attorney Rob Corry today released a letter to the Department of Justice accusing the DEA of "waste, fraud, abuse and misconduct" for their continued harassment of medical marijuana caregivers in Colorado.
 
Click here to read Rob Corry's letter:
http://www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com/dea/corry.dea.letter01.pdf
 
The Cannabis Therapy Institute concurs with Corry's assessment of the DEA as a rogue agency. The DEA are agents of the federal government charged with upholding the U.S. Constitution and protecting civil rights. They are in violation of Obama's policy to let state's rights take precedence in medical marijuana cases.
 
Click here to read the Denver Post Story about the DEA arrest:
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14393797
 
Click here to see the 9News/KUSA Investigative Report that lead to the DEA bust:
http://www.9news.com/news/investigative/article.aspx?storyid=132606&catid=207
 
Cannabis supporters are encouraged to call President Obama and tell him to have the DEA stop harassing medical marijuana patients and caregivers in Colorado.

White House Comment Line
202-456-1111

Sheriff Richard Mack Endorses Rob McNealy

Sheriff Richard Mack Endorses Rob McNealy
Constitutional Sheriff Activist Endorses Libertarian Rob McNealy for CD6

AURORA, CO, February 9th, 2010 – Rob McNealy, candidate for Colorado’s 6th Congressional District, is proud to announce that Constitutional crusader, Sheriff Richard Mack, endorsed him.

From his home in Arizona, Mack said "In this day and age, with our economy faltering, with the Republicans and Democrats giving out massive bailouts to banks and their Wall Street friends, government eroding our liberties and exceeding the scope of their true authority, we need someone in office who understands the Constitution and the principles of freedom our country was based on. Colorado's 6th Congressional District (CD6) is fortunate to have Rob McNealy, a candidate who understands those principles. Rob McNealy is a true American, and that is why I proudly endorse Rob McNealy for Congress. Why would any citizen waste their vote on another tax and spend Republican or Democrat?”

In 1994 Sheriff Richard Mack filed a lawsuit challenging the Brady bill, to stop the federal government from forcing another unfunded mandate down our throats. He won a decision at the US Supreme Court on the issue of States' rights. This suit catapulted him to national attention, with television appearances on the Donahue Show, Good Morning America, Crossfire, Nightline, CNBC, and SHOWTIME'S the AMERICAN CANDIDATE. He’s been featured on over 500 radio talk shows nationwide, ranging from G. Gordon Liddy and Charles Goyette to Derry Brownfield and Pat Buchannan. He has traveled the country extensively and has seen first hand the horrible side effects from politicians who have replaced the Constitution with their own political agendas and party platforms.

McNealy said, “As a long time fan of Sheriff Mack’s work and accomplishments, I am truly honored and humbled by this endorsement of me and my campaign.  It has really energized me.”

  

For more information:

www.RobMcNealy.com

Aurora Activist Group Publishes City Employee Payroll and Benefits Cost Data

 Press Release from CRAG, reprinted in full:

For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2010

(Aurora) - Citizens for Responsible Aurora Government (CRAG), recently filed a Colorado Open Record Act (CORA) request with the City of Aurora, seeking employee data related to pay and benefits.  Some highlights of the data included:

- The highest paid employees make over $200,000 per year in salary and benefits
- Ninety Four City employees have a salary over $100,000 per year
- Average annual salaries for all City of Aurora employees, which includes all full and part time employees, approaches $60,000

After successfully opposing the city's November 2009 property tax increase ballot measure (4A), which would have raised the city component of Aurora property taxes by 40%, CRAG wanted to identify current employee compensation.  During the campaign, the city sited the shortfall in the budget, but the idea of reducing employee pay or benefits to help with the shortfall, was never entertained.

The information that the city provided was current as of July 6, 2009 and included all regular employees (both full and part time).  The data included employee name/job title/salary or wage rate and each employee's combined benefit package cost. The data did not include any contract, seasonal or temporary employees or overtime pay.

On July 6, 2009 there were 2666 regular full and part time employees.

The average pay of all employees (which includes both full and part time) was $59,867.
The average employee benefits cost (which includes both full and part time) was $17,395.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics [May 2008 Metropolitan and Non-metropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Denver-Aurora, CO] the mean wage rate for all occupations in the Denver-Aurora area is $47,150.

http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes_19740.htm#b00-0000

CRAG believes that City employees ought to bear some of the costs for making up the budget shortfalls that the city is currently dealing with.  Along with potential pay and benefit decreases, future contract increases should be put on hold until there is a turnaround in the local economy.  Voters in Aurora have had to tighten their belts and reduce their personal spending.  The city should be no different.  Continuing to operate business as usual will no long work.

CRAG has posted the employee pay data in a searchable database on the CRAG web site at:

http://www.concernedaurora.com

You can also download a complete copy of the employee data provided by the city.

Citizens For Responsible Aurora Government is a citizens group dedicated to accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in the city of Aurora, Colorado

For additional information from CRAG you can contact Jim Frye at 720.998.6440 or:

http://www.concernedaurora.com/contact/

Rob Corry releases analysis of medical marijuana bill

From the Cannabis Therapy institute:

Attorney Rob Corry's Comments on Sen. Romer's State Bill
 
Attorney Rob Corry today released his 12-page initial analysis of Sen. Romer's 39-page bill to regulate the medical marijuana industry in Colorado. Corry correctly states that Romer's bill "cannot be supported by
any serious patient or caregiver in Colorado's Medical Marijuana community." Corry says Romer's bill would "significantly increase costs to patients, thereby placing the most vulnerable of them in danger" and
"reduce the selection and consistency of medicine, driving most of the supply back to the dangerous criminal underground."
 
Click here to read Rob Corry's letter in its entirety:
http://www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com/bills/romer.draft.corry.comments1.pdf
 
Click here to read Sen. Romer's bill:
http://www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com/bills/
 
 
----
ACTION ALERT:
Click here to contact your state senators and representatives and express
your concerns about the bill:
http://www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com/advocacy/

Rob McNealy Signs CUT Pledge

Libertarian Candidate for CD6 Signs Colorado Union of Taxpayers’ Pledge

AURORA, CO, December 24, 2009 – NEWS RELEASE – Libertarian candidate for CD6 Rob McNealy, joins the fight for Colorado taxpayers today by joining CUT, Colorado Union of Taxpayers, the voice of taxpayers since 1976.

Rob McNealy is a candidate for the US House of Representatives CD6. His campaign is in high gear and he’s working for you as we speak - the taxpayers of Colorado. Because of his strong stand for citizen’s rights, McNealy recently joined the Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT)t. Being a part of this effort personifies his platform as your public servant if elected to US House of Representatives CD6 in 2010.

When the election rolls around, in only eleven short months, know that Rob McNealy is on your side. “Colorado needs leaders that are good stewards of the taxpayers' money. The Democrats and Republicans running Washington and Colorado have proven that they only know how to go into debt and run up the taxpayers' credit cards. That needs to stop, and CUT is an organization that is serious about fiscally responsible and sustainable government. That is why I am proud to be a member.”

Here is how CUT works for you and why McNealy proudly took the CUT pledge. In 1992, the taxpayers of Colorado passed the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, aka, TABOR which in simple terms helps control spending and taxation by the legislature. When the taxpayers voiced their opinion by voting for TABOR, the people said increased spending and new taxes (without taxpayer’s vote) were not allowed in the state of Colorado. TABOR was created to insure that the legislature cannot increase taxes by more than the state and/or national inflation rate, or based on population growth. More importantly it dictates that new taxes cannot be enacted without the vote of the people.

McNealy supports TABOR. By his support of CUT he is committed to the enacted TABOR law passed by the people of Colorado in 1992. He believes TABOR to be the necessary guardian that keeps government spending in check and inevitably lessens the pain for taxpayers when the state budgets falls short of expectations.

McNealy's support of TABOR and CUT gives Coloradans his guarantee that when he is working for you in the Legislature, his mission is focused--no increase in taxes without the consent of the citizens of Colorado.

McNealy has strong beliefs as a candidate for the US House of Representatives CD6.

He wants the voters to hear his platform pledge, “I, Rob McNealy  . . .

Uphold TABOR
Oppose tax increase
Support limiting government spending to the growth of Colorado’s population and inflation
Support refunding surplus taxes to taxpayers
Work to prioritize state spending
Support education through vouchers
Privatize government departments and functions for cost effective expenditures
Defend property rights
Oppose unauthorized payroll deductions
Support citizens rights

Rob McNealy, a candidate for US House of Representatives CD6 would like your support.
 
For more information:
Rob McNealy
[email protected]
www.RobMcNealy.com
720.988.5557
 
Video and .pdf here: http://www.robmcnealy.com/rob-mcnealy-joins-colorado-union-of-taxpayers/