Initiative 100

By Joseph Boven
The Colorado Independent
Oct. 29, 2009

Ordinarily, the Bell Policy Center does not take positions on local ballot measures, but last year we weighed in on Denver's Initiative 100 because we felt it was bad policy. More than that, we felt it was racially motivated.

Initiative 100 passed, but backers decided it didn't have "teeth,'' so they are back with Initiative 300. Denver residents are being asked to approve a costly measure that would require police to impound the vehicles of drivers who cannot immediately produce a driver's license.

The Bell Policy Center urges Denver residents to vote against Initiative 300, the November 3rd ballot measure that would require police to impound the vehicle of anyone who cannot immediately produce a driver's license.

A similar initiative was passed by the voters in August 2008, but backers decided it didn't have "teeth." Adoption of Initiative 300 will only make a bad situation worse.

Sent to newspapers and to Bell's mailing list: The Bell Policy Center has joined the growing chorus of opposition against Denver’s Initiative 100, the August 12 ballot measure that would require police to impound cars when drivers cannot immediately provide valid licenses. The supposed intent of Initiative 100 is to curb illegal immigration, but it is a clumsy and costly tool to administer and a mean-spirited effort that will only harm many lowincome residents.