denver

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.

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.

The state should follow the lead of the City and County of Denver and establish a one-stop phone and online service as a single and convenient port-of-entry for anyone needing information or assistance from state government. The service should be available before and after business hours and on weekends, and it should have enough well-trained staff to deal promptly with requests.