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August 25 - A New Ritter for Ritter

Zachary_for_ritterZachary

August 30, 2006 in On the Trail | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

August 24 - Ritter Announces 'Colorado Opportunity Pledge'

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today pledged to fulfill his promise to Colorado by setting performance goals, meeting objectives, and establishing a public report card to grade his administration’s performance.

"I'm calling this my Colorado Opportunity Pledge," Ritter said. "My campaign is about fulfilling the Colorado Promise – getting Colorado to live up to its full potential and creating opportunity for all Coloradans. By establishing this Colorado Opportunity Pledge, I say to all of Colorado that we can create a better future together. We can set goals, hit our objectives, and gauge our performance. We can measure performance – successes and short-comings – and build a better Colorado."

Ritter, the former District Attorney of Denver, has spent the past 16 months traveling the state and preparing a detailed vision for establishing Colorado as a 21st century leader in commerce, education, health care, efficient government, and much more.

Earlier today, Ritter released his comprehensive "Colorado Health Plan," and over the past many months has unveiled similar action plans for renewable energy, transportation, water, the environment, protection of public lands, senior citizens, veterans, and many other important issues facing Colorado. He has released 16 policy papers to date with more to come.

Among the goals Ritter has set for his administration:

  • Taking Colorado from the bottom 10 states in terms of child immunizations to the top 10 within two years.
  • Working toward health-care coverage for all by introducing a legislative reform package within a year of taking office.
  • Establishing a more efficient state budgeting process and more effective management system that has saved 2% to 6% of general-fund spending in other states.
  • Revamping Colorado’s transportation system and examining the transportation-funding structure so that we can solve the state’s biggest transportation-related needs, including the I-70 mountain corridor.
  • Getting more children into early childhood education, injecting renewed rigor and relevance into our K-12 system, and keeping college affordable – all designed to provide Colorado companies with the best-educated workforce in the nation.
  • Establishing Colorado as a national renewable-energy leader by maximizing our sustainable resources, such as sun, wind, and agricultural crops.

"The citizens of Colorado should be able to hold their leaders accountable," Ritter said. "They should know what the goals are, and whether government meets them or falls short. By making this Colorado Opportunity Pledge and establishing a way for Coloradans to grade their government, we can fulfill the Colorado Promise."

August 25, 2006 in For the Record | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (1)

August 24 - Another Critter Supports Ritter

Critter3 Please submit your images of politically astute animals to Critters For Ritter, and we will post them on the campaign blog as time and space permit.
Lyndon
(D. Hanson owner)

August 25, 2006 in On the Trail | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

August 24 - Ritter Unveils Health-care Plan

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today unveiled his comprehensive “Colorado Health Plan,” an ambitious blueprint for fixing the state’s broken health-care system by reducing costs, increasing insurance access, and improving the quality of care.

The release of Ritter’s “Colorado Health Plan” comes the same day he and Congressman Beauprez participate in a health-care forum at The Children’s Hospital in Denver (10 a.m., 1056 E. 19th Ave.).

“Health-care costs are spiraling out of control for Colorado businesses, families, and individuals,” said Ritter, Denver’s District Attorney from 1993 to 2005. “More than 770,000 Coloradans lack health insurance – a number that grows every year and includes about 180,000 kids. Quite simply, our health-care system is broken and it’s time for a major overhaul.”

Ritter’s “Colorado Health Plan” calls for long- and short-term fixes. Long-term solutions will follow an intensive one-year review process that brings all stakeholders – including consumers, providers, and insurers – to the table to seek compromise and consensus.

The plan calls for:

  • Establishing a Small Business Health Care Team to make it easier for small businesses to buy affordable insurance, and possibly allowing small businesses to buy into the state employee health plan.
  • Making substantive improvements to the Medicaid program, including addressing the needs of the elderly and long-term care patients.
  • Increasing transparency, accountability and the availability of consumer pricing information, including the creation of a “Health Outcomes Report Card” that measures health outcomes by region.
  • Reducing costly and life-threatening medical errors.
  • Promoting preventative care and launching a new “Strong Employees, Strong State” initiative to promote worksite wellness, and creating wellness “competitions” among local chambers of commerce and other business groups.
  • Taking Colorado from one of the 10 worst states (we currently rank 44th) to one of the 10 best for child immunizations within two years, as well as addressing a number of other child-health and maternity-care issues. Colorado currently has one of the worst percentages of low-birth-weight babies in the nation.
  • Improving rural health care by increasing the use of technology, offering incentives to increase the number of rural health providers, and assessing the unique needs of rural providers.
  • Promoting mental health and emphasizing suicide-prevention programs. Colorado has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation.
  • Encouraging people to take personal responsibility for their own health.

“We cannot rely on Congress to fix our health care crisis. Congressman Beauprez’s overly simplistic answer is for everyone to just ‘take a hike,’” Ritter said. “Around the country, governors are taking the lead and developing bold and sustainable health plans for their states. That’s what we’re going to do here in Colorado. This is one of the centerpieces of my plan to fulfill the Colorado Promise. We can no longer afford the ills of our system – people using emergency rooms as their primary care centers; people putting off basic health-care needs until they erupt into more costly and life-threatening situations; businesses no longer able to afford to offer their employees insurance. Fixing our broken health-care system is a wise investment, not for the next election, but for the next generation and for the future of the state – for children, families, seniors, and businesses.  By making health and health-care a priority we can make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation.”

Read an additional article about the positions of the candidates on health-care issues:

August 24, 2006 in Policy Corner | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

August 23 - Beauprez Wildlife Plan Another 'Both Ways Bob' Moment

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today said Congressman Beauprez is once again trying to have it “both ways,” this time on his flawed wildlife plan.

"On the one hand, Congressman Beauprez claims to be a friend of Colorado’s wildlife and the habitat that supports it," said Ritter, an avid fly-fisherman who earlier this month called on the federal government to provide interim protection to some roadless areas in Colorado. "But when the Congressman is back in Washington D.C., his actions show he’s anything but a friend to Colorado’s great outdoors."

In 2004, the national League of Conservation Voters named Congressman Beauprez one of its "Dirty Dozen" for having one of the worst records in Congress for his environmental voting record. The League also named Beauprez to "Tom's Tainted Team" for his support of now-resigned Republican leader Tom DeLay's anti-environmental agenda and for accepting money from DeLay.

"The Congressman has voted to weaken Clean Air standards, protect polluters and exempt oil and gas construction sites from the Clean Water Act," Ritter said. "In vote after vote, the Congressman has demonstrated his true colors when it comes to Colorado’s environment."

  • The Congressman opposed protecting important wildlife habitat in the Tongass National Forest, known as "America’s rainforest" (HR 5386, House Amendment 850, House Roll Call No. 168, May 18, 2006).
  • The Congressman opposed protections for many streams, wetlands, lakes, and ponds (HR 5386, House Amendment 854, House Roll Call No. 169, May 18, 2006)."
  • The Congressman co-sponsored and voted in favor of rapidly accelerating exploration and production of oil shale deposits, and reducing the royalty rate for state and local communities (Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act, HR 4761, House Roll Call No. 356, June 29, 2006).
  • The Congressman voted to open up public lands to private interests. Developers were one of the groups that could have used the public land after it was sold. Forty-three Colorado hunting and fishing organizations sent letters of opposition to Congress – and even the House’s own Republican sponsors ultimately agreed to pull the measure (HR 4241, House Roll Call No. 601, Nov. 18, 2005).
  • The Congressman voted to give MTBE manufacturers a "safe harbor" and protect them from liability and from having to pay for clean-up if their chemicals leak into groundwater supplies. MTBE is a gasoline additive that has polluted 128 sites in Colorado, including 20 in the Congressman’s own 7th Congressional District (HR 4241, House Roll Call No. 129, April 21, 2005).
  • The Congressman voted to open up 58.5 million acres of roadless forest lands across the country to new-road development. These roads can degrade key fish and wildlife habitats and lead to pollution of nearby rivers, lakes and streams (HR 2691, Amendment 269, House Roll Call No. 386, July 17, 2003).

"Wildlife protection is one of the most important issues facing Colorado," Ritter said. "My record is clear – I have opposed attempts by the federal government to sell off our public lands; I have called for protections of our roadless areas; and I believe that we must take a balanced approach to oil-and-gas drilling."

"I’m glad the Congressman is talking about habitat conservation," Ritter added. "But he’s a day late and a dollar short. Even worse, his words fly in the face of his actions. He’s trying to have it both ways – again."

Read more articles and commentary about the Congressman's environmental record and proposals:

August 24, 2006 in For the Record | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

August 23 - GOP Attack Abandons Facts for Fantasy and Fallacy

The Republican attack committee known as Trailhead continued to ignore the facts today and distort the truth about Bill Ritter’s record as Denver’s District Attorney.

"My record is rock solid. We were tough on crime," said Ritter, who served as Denver’s DA from 1993 to 2005. "We put more people in prison than any other DA – including Republican DA’s. And we protected the public. Their repeated distortions of fact are attacks on the entire Colorado law enforcement community."

Ritter achieved a 95 percent conviction rate and sent more than 12,000 felons to prison when he was DA. His office filed more than 200,000 misdemeanor and felony charges during his tenure. In addition to sending murderers, rapists, habitual offenders, and other violent criminals to state prison, defendants were sentenced to county jail, community corrections, and probation.

For more on Ritter’s record, view this Power Point presentation.

"These types of attacks only deepen the public’s cynicism about American politics today," Ritter said. "Trailhead’s ads have already been pulled in Northern Colorado because of their questionable content. Colorado voters deserve a better, cleaner election than these typical Washington-style partisan attacks."

Read additional coverage and commentary on the GOP distortions and fantasies about Bill's record:

August 24, 2006 in For the Record | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

August 22 - Ritter Record Clear on Prosecution of Undocumented Immigrants

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter declared today that his record is crystal clear surrounding the aggressive prosecution of undocumented immigrants.

“We enforced the law, protected the public, and served taxpayers well,” said Ritter, Denver’s top law officer from 1993 to 2005. “That’s more than I can say about Congressman Beauprez and the utter failure of Washington D.C. to enact substantive immigration reform.”

During his tenure as District Attorney, Ritter’s office maintained a 95 percent conviction rate and sent more than 12,000 felons to prison. Ritter said most contacts with undocumented immigrants involved drug cases, and about 10 percent of all drug defendants were undocumented immigrants.

To ensure that undocumented immigrants were prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Ritter enacted tough policies and partnered with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (now Immigration and Customs Enforcement) whenever possible. As District Attorney, Ritter:

  • Assigned investigators to conduct thorough background checks on all drug suspects and then notify INS/ICE by fax of any suspected undocumented immigrants. This amounted to about 10 notifications a week.
  • Refused to provide specialized Drug Court services to suspected undocumented immigrants.
  • Directed courtroom prosecutors to request 90-day jail holds on undocumented-immigrant defendants facing sentences of just probation. The jail time gave prosecutors additional time to notify INS/ICE and request that the defendants be picked up so that deportation proceedings could be initiated at the federal level.
  • For all drug-related felony convictions, the DA’s Office would make additional notification to INS to ensure that the federal government could initiate criminal proceedings in the case of future illegal re-entry.
  • Requested five-year state prison sentences for drug defendants who had prior felony convictions and had previously been deported.
  • "Undocumented immigrants were prosecuted just as firmly as everyone else,” Ritter said. "They received no special treatment. They were punished and held accountable under state law, and then we referred them to the federal government for deportation. But many times, the INS failed to pick up these individuals for deportation – another example of Washington D.C. failing to live up to its responsibilities."
  • Received letters of commendation from then-INS District Director Joseph R. Greene, praising the work of Denver prosecutors and the Drug Court. From Jan. 1 to March 31, 1995, alone, 57 undocumented immigrants were ordered deported after being identified through the Drug Court. From July 1 through Sept. 10, the figure was 58. (After 1995, the INS stopped providing figures.)

"Congressman Beauprez would do well to focus on the failures of Washington D.C. instead of continuing to distort and misrepresent my record," Ritter said. "The Congressman has spent four years in Congress and done nothing to advance substantive immigration reform while we in Colorado enacted the toughest immigration laws in the state during last month’s special legislative session."

"Now he wants to lead a group of governors back to Washington to lobby Congress for immigration reform instead of actually doing something while he’s in Congress. That’s not only absurd, but many of his positions contradict those of the Western Governors’ Association. Once again, he’s trying to have it both ways: tough talk on the campaign trail but no action in Washington."

Note to Reporters and Editors: Copies of the notification forms from the DA’s Office to the INS, as well as the INS letters of commendation, are available upon request by calling Evan Dreyer at 303.534.0660 or e-mailing him at evan@ritterforgovernor.com.

Read more articles about Bill's strong prosecution record:

August 23, 2006 in For the Record | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (1)

August 21 - A Smarter Way to Lead

What a fantastic week we had – and the rest of August promises to be just as exciting. Here’s the latest from the campaign trail and a taste of what’s to come:

COLORADO’S ECONOMIC ENGINE: Earlier today I released my job-growth and business-development plan, laying out my vision for improving Colorado’s economy in the 21st Century. And last week I unveiled my ideas for crafting a smarter and more efficient state budget. Driving Colorado’s economic engine forward is a key component of the campaign, and my proposals are generating enthusiasm in Colorado’s business community.

MOMENTUM IS BUILDING: Two new polls are adding to our momentum. A 9News/SurveyUSA poll shows I’m leading Congressman Beauprez 50 percent to 40 percent. A second poll released early last week by Rasmussen Reports gives me a 9-point lead.

TIME TO GET BUSY: While the poll numbers are encouraging, it’s still August and the race will come down to the wire. That’s why I need your help. If you have signed up to volunteer but have not yet been contacted, please e-mail volunteer coordinator Esteban Salazar or call him at 303.534.0660.

PUEBLO OFFICE OPENING: Join me in Pueblo at 12:30 p.m. this Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of the campaign’s Pueblo office! The office is located at 305 N. Santa Fe Ave., and the Open House will go from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Contact Sylvia Marez-Fransua by e-mail or phone at 719.542.1757.

IN THE NEWS: Media outlets across Colorado are starting to pay closer attention to the race. The coverage has helped demonstrate the very clear differences between me and the Congressman. Some recent articles:

FULFILLING COLORADO’S PROMISE: Out on the campaign trail, I talk often about fulfilling the Colorado promise. On Monday, Aug. 28, we are hosting a “Fulfilling the Promise” fundraising dinner at Mile High Station in Denver. To receive an invitation or for more information, please e-mail Amber Belindo or call her at 303.534.0660.

FORT COLLINS FUNDRAISER: On Wednesday, Aug. 30, state Sen. Bob Bacon and several others will host an evening fundraiser in Fort Collins. Amber is also the contact person for that event.

OVER THE RADIO WAVES: Our second radio ad is now airing statewide. Click here to listen to the 60-second spot. Colorado Public Radio also is running a weekly series of interviews with myself and Congressman Beauprez. Click here for the “Colorado Matters” schedule and links to some of the interviews.

Thank you again for all of your support. For more information about the campaign, visit the website, e-mail us at info@ritterforgovernor.com, call us at 303.534.0660, or stop in at 1100 Bannock St., Denver.

August 23, 2006 in On My Mind | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

August 21 - Ritter Promotes 21st Century Agenda to Boost Jobs and Economy

"Colorado is open for business," gubernatorial candidate declares.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today released his economic-development plan for adding jobs, attracting and retaining businesses, and expanding Colorado’s economy in the 21st century.

“Coloradans deserve nothing less than an economy that provides secure, quality jobs,” said Ritter, who served as District Attorney of Denver from 1993 to 2005. “Businesses large and small need a governor who sends a clear message across the country and around the globe that Colorado is open for business. They need a governor who will provide leadership on critical issues necessary to support a vibrant economy such as affordable health insurance, education reform, and building a world-class transportation system.”

Ritter is constructing a bi-partisan coalition of business, economic-development, and job leaders in his campaign for governor. He demonstrated his commitment to Colorado’s future economic well-being by strongly supporting Referendum C and opposing Initiative 88 and Amendment 38.

In contrast, the Republican candidate for governor has taken positions harmful to Colorado’s economic health, as noted in recent accounts in:

Ritter’s complete jobs and business-development plan, “Growing a Strong Economy for Colorado,” is posted on the campaign website. The plan calls for:

  • Providing a 21st century economic infrastructure so that the economy can grow and thrive, including:
  • Creating a Colorado Jobs Cabinet within the administration. The cabinet will be composed of senior business leaders and representatives of higher education, economic-development agencies, and workforce-development officials to align economic development and educational goals.
  • Bringing every government agency with a role in economic development together with business and education leaders to create modern economic-development strategies, and placing a renewed sense of priority and urgency on the work of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
  • Strengthening Colorado’s rural economies by establishing regional partnerships between state government and each economic region. These partnerships will research and analyze economic and labor-force trends, court businesses that show an interest in locating or expanding in the region, and develop recruitment and retention business packages. These partnerships will address the unique needs of the state’s five major economic regions – the Western Slope, San Luis Valley, Eastern Plains, mountain resorts, and Front Range – as well as the statewide needs of all of Colorado.
  • Streamlining government to be more responsive by improving permitting and licensing processes, responding more efficiently to inquiries about available land or office space, and providing quick and thorough answers to questions about state policies or services.
  • Establishing a statewide incubation strategy that will coordinate existing incubator programs and recruit new ones.
  • Providing greater access to small-business capital by serving as an effective resource for information on a wide variety of private sector and government-sponsored sources of capital.
  • Directing businesses to under-used federal economic-development programs.
  • Focusing efforts on industries that provide exceptional opportunities for growth, including renewable energy, aviation, aerospace, biomedicine, biotechnology, medical research, travel, and tourism.

“I want Colorado to be the first state that businesses think of when considering relocation and the last state they would ever want to leave,” Ritter said. “I will make it my duty as Governor to market Colorado as the best state to do business.”

Read additional articles and commentary about Bill's economic development plan:

August 23, 2006 in Policy Corner | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

August 19 - Littleton Western Welcome Parade

Aug19_lwwp_1 On Saturday, Bill marched in the parade with an enthusiastic contingent of supporters. Congressional candidate Bill Winter (CD6) walks next to Bill in the first photo.
Aug19_lwwp_2 Aug19_lwwp_3 Aug19_lwwp_4 Aug19_lwwp_5_1

August 22, 2006 in On the Trail | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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