Inaugural bash gets go-ahead

AG rules party not subject to limits of Amendment 41

Stuart Steers And April Washington, Rocky Mountain News

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Plans for a huge celebration to mark the beginning of Bill Ritter's term as governor are moving forward, despite initial fears that a sweeping new ethics measure might turn the inauguration party into a grim crackers-and-soda-water affair.

Instead, Ritter is planning a party with as many as 3,000 guests, live music, dinner and a focus on the governor-elect's large extended family.

"We're moving forward with plans for several fun-filled events," said Evan Dreyer, spokesman for Ritter.

Dreyer said a location and date still have not been determined. Ritter will be sworn in on Jan. 9.

Amendment 41, passed Nov. 7, bars officeholders from receiving money or gifts in excess of $50 per year. But Colorado Attorney General John Suthers has ruled that the inauguration is a private function that can receive private donations. In the past, companies have contributed thousands of dollars to help fund the inaugural party.

On Wednesday, the attorney general's office said Suthers would not issue any formal interpretations of how the amendment will affect officeholders, but will pass judgment on a case-by-case basis.

"We have decided that we are not going to issue any opinions until such time as specific questions arise that necessitate our involvement," said Deputy Attorney General Jason Dunn.

Gov. Bill Owens' 1999 inaugural ball was a lavish affair at the Adams' Mark Hotel. Dreyer indicated Ritter's party would be more modest, with tickets for dinner priced at about $50.

Once plans for the event are firmed up, tickets will be available at a Web site, Coloradopromise.org.

In other circles, the initial hand-wringing over Amendment 41 appeared to be dying down.

Last week, a few lawmakers who hope to get Cabinet positions with Ritter said they were concerned that Amendment 41 would prevent them from doing so.

The measure prohibits government officials from taking jobs as lobbyists - or from representing a government official or entity for money - for two years after leaving office.

"Collectively, the political establishment took a Bromo-Seltzer and now realize that the worst-case scenarios that got painted (about Amendment 41) aren't going to come to pass," said Mark Grueskin, a Denver attorney helping to draft legislation on how to implement the ethics amendment.

Grueskin said there is now a high level of confidence that the Colorado legislature will pass implementing legislation that will take off the table issues surrounding appointments of former and current lawmakers to Cabinet positions, scholarships and funds for private functions such as Ritter's inaugural bash.