Voters rejecting hiring policy shift

Proposals would change rules for police, firefighters

Ivan Moreno, Rocky Mountain News

Published November 8, 2006 at midnight

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Aurora voters were giving a thumbs down to one of four proposals that would change the role of the five-member Civil Service Commission.

The most contentious of the proposals, Question 2A, would transfer the responsibility of screening and hiring police and firefighters from the commission to the city's Human Resources Department.

Early results showed voters rejecting 2A.

Supporters of 2A argued that the current hiring system is outdated and rigid. They said the proposal was aimed at giving the police and fire chiefs greater control and flexibility over whom they hire.

But opponents said the proposals would lower the standards for hiring and that the Human Resources Department would not be as thorough as the Civil Service Commission.

The Aurora City Council voted to put the four proposals on the ballot in July after police Chief Daniel Oates and fire Chief Casey Jones voiced their support to modify the commissioners' responsibility.

The police and fire unions mounted a tough campaign to defeat the proposals. The Aurora Police Association spent $120,000, while the Aurora Fire Fighters Protective Association spent $300,000 to convince voters to preserve the status quo.

State law prevented Oates and Jones from campaigning for the measures.

The other proposals:

Question 2B would amend the City Charter to allow the police chief to promote qualified lieutenants to captain if they scored within five points of the highest score.

Under the current system, promotions within the police department from lieutenant to captain are based on who scores highest on a civil service test. Early results showed voters rejecting 2B.

Question 2C would allow the city council to remove commissioners from office. It also reduces their terms from six years to three and would limit them to three consecutive terms. Voters approved the change.

Question 2D would extend fire and police probationary periods following a promotion from six months to 12 months.

BERTHOUD

Two property tax increases were leading in Berthoud.Issue 2B would increase taxes to help support the police department in its efforts to apply for grants, enhance drug and alcohol enforcement, and do more patrolling. The increase would not last longer than 10 years and would be up for review every two years to ensure that the money is needed.Issue 2C is a proposed 10-year tax increase to repair and maintain the library and make necessary updates. The increase would be reviewed every two years.

BOULDER

Boulder County voters were leaning heavily in favor of two measures that would increase both a sales tax and an electricity tax.With just paper ballots left to be counted, voters approved Issue 201, a one-year sales tax increase of $3.6 million to provide funding to build a fire training center, and Issue 202, which would increase an electricity tax to allow the city to create new programs for energy efficiency, increase renewable energy use and reduce vehicle emissions.Meanwhile, voters were leaning against Question 2A, a proposal that would require city annexations of land larger than five acres to be voted upon during a general state or municipal election.They also were voting against Question 2B, a proposal to require that any substance used to treat or medicate humans that is added to the water supply must have U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval and must contain no contaminants at concentrations that would cause drinking water to exceed the public safety goals for water.

BROOMFIELD

Broomfield voters embraced a county charter change by an 8-to-1 ratio.Question 1A requires public notice and a hearing for certain changes in the use of open space and establishes a procedure to challenge changes in the use of open space.

CENTENNIAL

Centennial voters overwhelmingly approved a plan to let the city keep money that otherwise would be returned to taxpayers.Issue 2A allows the city to collect and use excess revenues for road maintenance, public safety, open-space acquisition and maintenance, beginning with excess revenue from 2005 and ending in 2013. No new taxes or tax increases were created.

COMMERCE CITY

Commerce City voters approved two of three proposed charter amendments.By a 3-1 ratio, voters approved Question 2B, an amendment to the town charter to prohibit City Council members from chairing any board or commission, including the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.By approving Question 2C, voters changed the charter's nepotism rule to expand the list of banned relatives to include spouses, nephews, nieces and in-laws. \Those relatives, in addition to those already listed, of elected officials, department heads or the city manager won't be allowed to hold any appointed office while the relative was employed by the city.Voters appeared to have decided not to pass Question 2A to make the mayor's post separate from council members in regard to term limits.

DACONO

Dacono Mayor Wade Carlson was battling Larry Johnston to retain his seat.Thomas McCune won the first of two at-large seats on the City Council. Other candidates were incumbent Ronald Koger, Charles L. Sigman and Richard Baker. A pay raise for the mayor and council members was leading.Question 2A would increase the mayor's salary from $75 to $250 per month and would raise council members' pay from $50 to $150 per month. The raises would take effect Jan. 1.

FEDERAL HEIGHTS

The recall effort against Federal Heights Mayor Dale Sparks was failing by a slim margin. He was charged last month in relation to a prostitution sting at a strip club where he worked. Mayor Pro-tem Joyce Thomas also was up for recall, but voters seemed to want her to keep her job as well.

FIRESTONE

Firestone voters rejected a rise in the town sales tax from 2 percent to 3 percent and an additional 3 percent sales tax for groceries.The money from the increased taxes were targeted for capital improvement projects, a central park and a sports complex.The tax increase would have begun next year and ended in 2017.

FORT COLLINS

Fort Collins voted to allow truck traffic to move through the Old Town Distrrict and freed up $1.8 million for other transportation projects.Another measure under consideration would raise property taxes to cover the cost of bonds issued by the Downtown Development Authority.

FOXFIELD

Foxfield voters approved a proposal to eliminate term limits.Question 2A would apply to all elected town officials.

JOHNSTOWN

Johnstown voters agreed to adopt a home-rule charter that would give the town autonomy in making decisions, as long as those decisions don't conflict with state and federal laws.

KIOWA

Voters were deciding if Kiowa should adopt the charter drafted by the Home Rule Commission, which would give the town autonomy in making decisions, subject to state and federal law.

LAFAYETTE

Lafayette voters approved three of four proposed city charter changes:" Question 2A: Amends the charter to allow newly elected councilors to begin their term at the council meeting following their election, requires 25 registered voter signatures on petitions for candidates to run for office, and repeals two sections that require precinct election boards." Question 2C: Amends the charter to allow mixed-use development for an exemption from residential development restrictions in the Countryside Village Shopping Center." Question 2D: Changes the charter language to include gender-neutral terms, specifically changing councilmen to councilors.Voters rejected the fourth proposed change, Question 2B, which would have allowed the city council to make exceptions in qualification requirements for members of boards and commissions when the council determines it is necessary.

LAKEWOOD

Lakewood voters were approving Measure 2A by a 3-to-2 ratio.The measure would allow the city to keep excess revenue that would normally be returned to taxpayers. The city could then spend the money on open space and grants for streets, public safety, parks, recreation and cultural opportunities, beginning in 2007. There would be no new or increased taxes.

LARKSPUR

In early returns, Larkspur voters were leaning toward allowing the town to keep excess revenue that otherwise would be returned to taxpayers. The funds would be spent to repair, improve and expand water and wastewater facilities; provide recreational opportunities; and for any other lawful municipal purpose.

LITTLETON

Littleton voters soundly rejected a measure that would have allowed the city to keep excess revenues that otherwise would be returned to taxpayers. No new or increased tax was proposed.

LONGMONT

In Longmont voters approved Issue 2A, a measure that would increase city taxes by $5.3 million annually. The measure would raise the sales and use tax from 2.95 percent to 3.275 percent to combat local public safety issues such as gang violence. Meanwhile, Issue 2B was headed toward defeat. That measure would provide an additional $320,000 annually to promote tourism, conventions and related activities by adding a 2 percent increase to the lodging tax.

LOUISVILLE

In Louisville, the vote on a new residential construction tax was too close to call, as paper ballots were being counted late into the night. After all precincts reported, only two votes separated the two sides. Partial counting of paper ballots widened the gap to nine votes for approval. If approved, the tax would begin in January.

LOVELAND

Loveland voters turned down a change to the city charter that would have allowed ordinances to be published in the newspaper by title only, without the full text. The full text would have been posted on the official city Web site.

MILLIKEN

Milliken voters approved a bond measure for a police building. The town will borrow $2.5 million, with a repayment cost of $4.67 million. The yearly assessment will average $4 a household.

NORTHGLENN

Northglenn voters are deciding whether to begin a planning process to assess the city's recreational center needs, for which professional planning costs will not exceed $50,000. The plan later will be brought before voters for approval at a special or regular election.

PARKER

Parker voters were deciding among eight candidates for a City Council at-large seat. The candidates were Tracy J. Hutchins, Trace Lynn Kaker, Scott Jackson, Tim Thompson, Bill Aceves, Jon Erickson, Mark Scaperlanda and Tina M. Long.

SHERIDAN

Sheridan residents were voting down measures on term limits and taxes.They narrowly defeated Issue 2A, which would have increased taxes by $20,000 in the first full fiscal year. It also would have imposed a 25-cent tax on admission to events and entertainment venues. The money would have gone to city facilities and services.Residents voted down Question 2B by 2-1 ratio. The measure would have amended the city charter to allow the mayor and City Council to serve three consecutive terms.

SUPERIOR

Superior voters were rejecting an annual tax increase of $500,000 starting in 2007 for library services and facilities. The measure was failing by a 2-to-1 ratio.

TIMNATH

Timnath voters considered a home rule charter that would give the community autonomy to make decisions within state law.

WATKINS

Residents of Watkins rejected tax proposals but approved one on land-use issues.Issue 2A would have imposed a sales tax of 2.5 percent beginning Jan. 1. Issue 2B would have imposed a 2.5 percent tax on construction materials and equipment beginning Jan. 1. The proceeds from both would have been used for basic town services. Both were defeated.Issue 2C would have imposed a property tax for law enforcement purposes. It was defeated.The town voted not to remain incorporated.Residents approved a new section of the town charter to allow farm products, livestock or poultry on the property of those with more than 10 acres.

WESTMINSTER

Westminster residents, with 88 percent returns, were overwhelmingly approving a bond issue and charter amendment by 2-to-1 ratios.Question 2B: Amends four city charter sections regarding election law. Issue 2A: Allows a $20 million bond issue, with a repayment cost of $41.9 million. The money would go to develop and maintain open space, parks and recreation facilities.

WHEAT RIDGE

With 92 percent of precincts reporting, Wheat Ridge residents were overwhelmingly approving measures to give the city more money. Voters were passing Issue 2A by 4-to-1. It allows the city to keep $54,409 in revenue from the 2005 fiscal year for parks and recreation purposes. Issue 2B, approved 2-to-1, allows the city to keep all taxes and other collected revenue, including revenue received in 2006 and each subsequent year.

ADAMS COUNTY

Democrats were on their way to filling all five offices up for grabs in Adams County.Gil Reyes, of Northglenn, beat Brighton Republican Tom Janich in the race for county assessor.Karen Long, a 30-year veteran of the automotive industry, took the race for clerk and recorder, beating Nickelette Bigham-Gullette, a founding member of Taxpayers for Adams District 12.Incumbent coroner James Hibbard kept his office, defeating Adams County sheriff's detective David Shaklee.Sheriff Douglas Darr beat challenger Fred Ramirez, and Thornton Democrat Diane Christner appeared to be unseating City Treasurer John Lefebvre.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Republican Corbin Sakdol was narrowly defeating Democrat Glen Emerson for the Arapahoe County assesor position.Republican Jim Dyer won the race for the Arapahoe County Commissioner District 2 seat against Democrat Thomas M. Donahue.Democrat Pat Noonan was ahead in a close race against incumbent Republican Lynn Myers for the District 4 commissioner seat.Democrat Doug Milliken was deadlocked against Republican Sue Sandstrom in the race for treasurer.Republican Nancy A. Doty was successful in her bid to retain her county clerk and recorder position against Democrat Kathleen Conway.Incumbent Michael J. Doberson, a Republican, was defeating Democrat Gregory Loyd Kinney for coroner.

BOULDER COUNTY

Democrat Tom Mayer had a substantial lead over former Louisville City Council member Randy Luallin in the race for the District 3 Boulder County Commission seat.In the contest for Boulder county coroner, Democrat Tom Faure was ahead of Lisa Floyd, an unaffiliated candidate.Boulder County Sheriff Joseph Pelle was holding a significant lead over challenger Bo Shaffer, a planetary ecologist.County Issue 1A appeared headed for defeat.The measure calls for implementing a sales and use tax that would bring in $8.1 million annually for 14 years, with the money earmarked for regional transit programs.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

In early returns, Teri Cox, deputy county assessor, was leading Martiza Carrera, a real estate broker and Highlands Ranch Democrat, for the Douglas County assessor seat.Also taking the lead in early returns:" Jack Arrowsmith, the Douglas County public trustee, ahead of Barbara Horan, a medical billing specialist, for the clerk and recorder post." Parker Republican Jack Hilbert, ahead of attorney Jerri Hill for the District 1 commissioner seat." Coroner Wesley Riber ahead of Karen Yankus, a Highlands Ranch Democrat." Sheriff David Weaver ahead of challenger Laura O'Donnell, a Littleton attorney." Treasurer Sharon Jones ahead of challenger Kimberly Steenhoek, a Castle Rock accountant and former assistant treasurer for the Douglas County Democrats.

ELBERT COUNTY

Elbert County voters were deciding between Sheriff William Frangis and his challenger, Brian D. Weiss, a sergeant for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

JEFFERSON COUNTY

With nearly 80 percent of precincts reporting, Republican incumbent Jim Everson was narrowly beating Democrat Rocky Germano, a real estate broker, to retain his seat as Jeffco assessor.Wheat Ridge City Clerk Pam Anderson, a Republican, had a slim lead over Democrat Linda Rockwell, a former teacher, for clerk and recorder.Democrat Kathy Hartman was pulling ahead of Republican incumbent Dave Auburn for the Jefferson County Commission District 3 seat.Republican incumbent Richard D. Dial had a small lead ahead of Democrat Katherine Loughrey-Stemp for the coroner position.A retired FBI special agent, Democrat J.B. Robert Espinoza, appeared to be losing by a 3-to-2 ratio to Sheriff Ted B. Mink, a Republican.Former County Clerk and Recorder Faye Griffin, a Republican, was slightly ahead of Robert W. Moser, a Democrat. They're vying for the county treasurer seat vacated by Mark Paschall.

LARIMER COUNTY

Republican Steve Miller, Democrat Barbara Liebler and Libertarian Jesse P. Herron were vying for the Larimer County assessor's job.Republican Scott Doyle had pulled ahead of Libertarian Arthur Trevethick in the early returns to keep his position as county clerk and recorder.Kathay Rennels edged ahead of challenger Gerry Horak in seeking a third term as District 1 county commissioner.Larimer County voters downed a proposal to increase property taxes by $18.7 million annually to relieve overcrowded jails and provide additional programs for inmates.The measure would have funded the construction and maintenance of additional facilities; programs for violent and nonviolent offenders; help for offenders with mental health, drug or alcohol abuse problems; and a 290-bed addition to the jail.

Contributors

Staff writers Chris Barge, Tillie Fong, Mark Shulgold, Deborah Frazier, Janet Forgrieve, Lisa Bornstein, Ivan Moreno and Bianca Prieto contributed to this report.

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