Debate continues over Boulder's ‘noncitizen’ measure
Backers say citizenship shouldn’t be necessary to serve on city boards
By Ryan Morgan, Daily Camera
Published October 5, 2008 at 10:18 a.m.
Updated October 5, 2008 at 12:30 p.m.
If Boulder’s voters approve Ballot Question 2E this fall, city residents who aren’t eligible to vote — and who aren’t U.S. citizens — will be eligible to serve on the city’s 20 boards and commissions.
The measure would remove the charter requirement that applicants to serve on those boards and commissions be “registered electors” — that is, registered to vote. Instead, applicants hoping for an appointment from the City Council to those boards would simply have to be 18 years old and have lived in the city for at least a year.
The measure’s backers say it will help the city reach out to a broader group of people who can make meaningful contributions to city government, even if they aren’t U.S. citizens. Boulder’s City Council has twice in the past two years considered putting similar measures on the ballot and then backed away in the face of criticism. This time, the measure’s on, but critics remain.
“My main problem with this is that the City Council should not be granting rights or privileges to noncitizens to take an official role in the government of this city,” said Fred Rubin, a Boulder resident who urged members of the council not to put the question to voters.
For more on this story, go to www.dailycamera.com
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October 5, 2008
10:36 a.m.
Suggest removal
Michael writes:
What a transparent attempt by the liberal, open-borders, citizens-of-the-world Boulder-ites to "backdoor" illegal aliens into a position of setting official city policy. As illegals are not allowed to vote FOR city offcials, hell, let's just let them be appointed or otherwise attain positions of power and policy over American citizens without having to go through all that nonsense of having to learn American history, how to speak English, attain a Green Card, or become a citizen. This is lunacy. Is there any other country that allows this? How about we just allow this at the federal level as well?
October 5, 2008
10:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
HopiMedicineMan writes:
I would not at all mind a Tijuana village north of the metro area with all associated amenities, including night spots and a labor pool.
October 5, 2008
11:45 a.m.
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ssqured writes:
"The measures backers say it will help the city reach out to a broader group of people who can make meaningful contributions to city government, even if they aren't U.S. citizens."
I think this means the Boulder City Council has found themselves to be so mentally deficient that they can't figure it out for themselves anymore ... even though they already have a "broader group of people". So, it makes perfect sense for non-citizens to make decisions for those who are citizens. Just more fruit, nuts, berries and herbs bull$#!t from the lost republic of Boulder.
October 5, 2008
11:56 a.m.
Suggest removal
scastaneda writes:
This story shocks and awes me. While I hope it doesn't happen in my city, I say what the heck? If this is what the people in Boulder want, why not?
I don't know the exact quote, but it's something like "Democracy works just until the people learn they can vote themselves more money." People have learned that. Let democracy fail.
October 5, 2008
12:04 p.m.
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slocatch writes:
Hopimedicineman, it's here already, 1st and Knox Ct. City office just across the street.
October 5, 2008
12:06 p.m.
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Shadow writes:
How appropriate. With the nationalization of the banking industry, bauilout of those who can not manage their finacial decisons and holding the tax payer accountable for others. Why not go ahead and turn more authority over to those who do not hold AMERICAS interest at heart.
The liberal progressive thinkers are all for open boarders, indentured servitude of the American worker, and a redistribution of wealth. It makes perfect sense to backdoor authority of foriegn nationals over that of AMERICAN CITIZENS.
This is what we can expect to see more of as people fall for the slick scripted candadicy of the socialists democrats lead by Barack (Kenya Born, check out the law suit in federal court right now in Philly) Obama.
Viva La Socialist
October 5, 2008
12:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
slocatch writes:
Shadow, how do you think Hinkenlooper fits into this situation?
October 5, 2008
12:32 p.m.
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gmingle writes:
So what happens when enough non citizens get into power, and they pass a resolution not allowing US citizens to be in the government.
October 5, 2008
12:52 p.m.
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Andy writes:
If a foreign national has the standing to be considered for public office, then he has the standing to become nationalized. If he doesn't wish to become a citizen, then he should be disqualified from serving in the U.S. government.
October 5, 2008
12:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
conniesz writes:
The resolution allows legal residents to serve on city boards - people without a green card could not serve.
I personally am against this measure, but I don't think it will be the end of the world if legal residents are allowed to contribute in this way.
October 5, 2008
1:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
spyder writes:
conniesz : You might look again at the story. It states - " applicants hoping for an appointment from the City Council to those boards would simply have to be 18 years old and have lived in the city for at least a year."
I see NOTHING about needing a green card, ability to speak or understand English, criminal record, anything. It even states that you do not need to be able to vote. That , you einsteins of the fairy land of Boulder, include felon's, which include pedophiles. Hey... I've heard John Mark Karr is looking for work. Wouldn't he have the right under this new "amendment" to serve as...say...child welfare warden? Isn't this they type of representation you want.
October 5, 2008
1:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
Mike846 writes:
This is absolutely unbelievable. They are actually considering this, and some of you say its not so bad. This is insanity. I also suspect its illegal and unconstitutional, but thats for another day. I never cease to be amazed at the total cluelessness of the citizens of The Peoples Republic of Boulder. Now they want to tax their CITIZENS and let the money be administered by NON-citizens. Where the hell are these peoples brains? Do they have any? Are they so dope-addled that they simply want someone else to do it? Unreal. Or, to quote a sage on Pearl Street: "Oh, wow, man." Mike
October 5, 2008
1:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
dragonfly writes:
Ich bin eine Boulderburger!?.............Have you people in Boulder lost your minds?
October 5, 2008
1:51 p.m.
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happymike44 writes:
Well when they find themselves up to their eyeballs in non english speaking residents and murders and dope dealers.
Then they might understand how they have ruined their lives.
Besides what does a illegal from some third world toilet understand a community and its needs.
They think a night on the town is the cockfighting event on saturday night.
So stop these fools and enforce deportation of any and all illegal aliens.
The people of boulder have forgotten what made America the people who are born here and fight and died for us all.
The people who are so willing to throw away their heirtage should leave the country if they are not happy here.
If they think Mexico is so wonderful then send them over the border and burn their passports and birth certificates.
When they are dodging drug lords and murders they might change their minds.
AMERICA LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT.
DON'T ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN IN AMERICA IT WILL BE THE BEGINNING OF THE ONE WORLD ORDER.
October 5, 2008
2:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
ghoax writes:
what is wrong with these people? common sense left long ago with the rise of the d party, but now we're actually voting to allow illegals to become our elected officials? get off the dope and get back to reality libs...this is ridiculous and you call yourselves the intellectual elite?
October 5, 2008
3:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
HopiMedicineMan writes:
I love that loud obnoxious music blasting from every doorway.
If this passes, Boulderites [ Boulderleros ] won't be able to give away their houses, when they decide to move to more conservative Berkeley. California is now saying Colorado is the land of fruits and nuts.
This could apply to Al Qaida also. And no doubt they'll filter in.
We should have closed that university in the 1970s.
October 5, 2008
3:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
HopiMedicineMan writes:
This would not be on the ballot if it hadn't a chance of passing.
Lobby or even vote against it and you're labeled. Voting away sovereignty is an original.
October 5, 2008
3:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
Francesca writes:
It makes no sense to me that someone that wouldn't have already stepped forward to become a citizen in the first place, would have the best interests of the actual citizens around him in mind. One more nick in the jugular for Boulder. Eventually this kind of stuff will bleed them to death.
October 5, 2008
4:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
HopiMedicineMan writes:
PMSXpress,
This is a no-win measure for Boulder. I'm laughing as hard at Boulder as I am your name. If it's voted down, Boulder is racist scum. Pass it and Mexico owns Boulder in a few short years.
October 5, 2008
5:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
The_Punnisher writes:
The words DOPE and BOULDERITE mean the same thing.
Berzerkeley just got rid of their tree sitters. Boulder wants to let them have building permits.....
And the Daily Comrade looks like PRAVDA instead of a US newspaper. Complete with Party ideology and censorship...
October 5, 2008
5:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
Billy writes:
Happymike, stop your bigotry. They thing a night on the town is cockfights? You are either stupid or just a total racist. America was made from people who came here from other countries. Do you know your history at all? You forget, most all of the west and south was hispanic. The Aztec Indians controlled much of this country until Spain conquered them. But be careful, by the year 2042 if the census polls are correct, the Hispanic culture will be the majority in the U.S. Whatever will you do then?
October 5, 2008
5:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
nobodyman writes:
HappyMike, you are the most obnoxious human being in existence. You ooze ignorance. First of all, not every person here who is not a citizen is here illegally. Secondly, not every non-citizen here is a Mexican. I won't even get into your insulting stereotypes, you should already know better.
While I think this ballot measure is stupid (how could something like this even happen?), I'm sick of you taking away credibility from an argument by spewing your illogical tripe. I think you should educate yourself. Read, think, post- in that order.
Thanks!
October 5, 2008
5:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
Sue3275 writes:
Are citizens IDIOTS??
Why are you putting up with this!!!
Call, email, fax, and protest NOW----and say NO WAY!!!
The rest of the country is watching you, do not be idiots!!!
You are giving away the future rights/opportunities of your children/grandchildren by not trying to stop this NOW!!!!!
October 5, 2008
5:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
Francesca writes:
Hopi: Where on earth would allegedly educated people get the idea that is a good idea for their city? Gee thx on the name complement (I think), really isn't what you think it is though. Maybe I need to change it but there are a few other artists on here who I don't want to be identified with.
Billy: maybe mike wasn't eloquent in his text about his statement. But comments against illegal aliens don't necessarily make that person racist. I have absolutely no problem with hard working, honest folks of any persuasion coming in here above the radar... and contributing to our country paying into the system like the rest of us, providing they are willing to play by the rules. So am I a racist too? And it was Europeans from Spain that conquered, assimilated and brought Catholicism to those natives, remember. Tell my Commanche spouse that the Aztecs controlled his people, and you'll have a fight on your hands by the way.
October 5, 2008
5:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
slocatch writes:
Almost as bad as Denver. La Familia came by twice to convince me to vote. I told them that if they had to coach someone to vote then they probably shouldn't. It looks like our two cites are running about the same course.
October 5, 2008
6:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Thunderwalker writes:
Yup, that sounds about right... leave it to the bass-ackwards philosophies of the PRB.
October 5, 2008
7:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
Scott writes:
HopiMedicineman wrote: "We should have closed that university in the 1970s."
For years I've been saying that the Coke U., Stonerville campus should be shutdown. Here's the way we should approach it:
1: Divide up the real sciences (math, physics, chemistry, biology) between Colorado's honorable university, CSU and Colorado's premier engineering school, Mines.
2: Give the lib arts "professors" six months of job re-education. At the end of that time they should be capable of asking the all burning question, "Ya want fries with that?"
3: Tell the "professors" in the school of law that they will have to go back to chasing ambulances for a living.
4: Contact the Colorado Department of Corrections to have them supply enough prisoner transport to re-incarcerate the Coke U. NFL minor league team.
Scott
October 5, 2008
7:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Scott writes:
Everyone here must admit that this latest idiocy from the People's Democratic Republic of Boulder is stirring the pot more than the Komrade's ordinance from dying poodles pink :-)
Scott
October 5, 2008
8:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
Sue3275 writes:
Here is what makes me SICK........
Millions of our military men and women have given up their lives defending our rights/country.........
Yet..... citizens cannot even make a phone call, send an email/fax, or protest the clear and intentional attempt of illegals to take over our politics and country!!!
Citizens sit cluelessly and silently----can't even support/defend the future rights/opportunities of their own children and grandchildren in our country. This is EXACTLY what is happening, the futures/opportunities of our children and grandchildren are being stolen from them by these illegal invaders and their supporters!!!!
In the next 5-10 years, illegal supporters will have taken over our politics/elections. Therefore, our kids/grandkids will NOT be fighting for their rights/opportunities through ballot boxes and elections!!!
If Colorado lets ILLEGALS be part of its politics, you can kiss the entire state GOODBYE!!! You will see Colorado be destroyed in the same manner that California is now being destroyed.
Wake up people NOW----your children and grandchildren are counting on you!!!
October 5, 2008
8:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
windbourne writes:
Oh, by all means, boulder. PLEASE encourage illegals to serve on the board. In fact, I think that you should elect 20 illegals to serve each week. That would be very nICE.
October 5, 2008
9:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
jrhino writes:
Then Boulder will qualify as a sanctuary city, in fact, and we will not have to provide Boulder with State monies.
October 5, 2008
11:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
Hola writes:
That's Boulder. No one who isn't rich can live there. They don't care where you come from, as long as you can afford a nice merlot. They're open minded like that.
Boulder being Boulder.
October 6, 2008
2:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
sac621 writes:
Libs are not chatting much on this blog....
I think this shows their ignorance about the world..
they lost their minds and will soon lose the country for all of us.
vote for a real American McCain/Palin.
At least they have a HISTORY of going against their own party.
by the way:
did you know they are pulling troops home for "NorthCom"....to keep us inline when it all hits the fan?
October 6, 2008
5:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
slocatch writes:
Being 'present' when asked for votes for or against does not merit my vote. Being absent unable to vote as a POW does. It has nothing to do with race, just honor, courage, service, duty, intregrety, leadership, decision making, respect for the flag and his vote history....nothing to do with race thank you. I evaluate one more by what he does, rather than what he says he will do. The vote history is the only tangable tool I have to work with. Nothing to do with race.
October 6, 2008
7:29 a.m.
Suggest removal
sheepherder writes:
I hope the measure passes, then Denver and Aurora's illegals flock to Boulder and turn it into a third world community.
October 6, 2008
7:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
nobodyman writes:
God you people are stupid. Do you not realize there is a legal immigration system in this country? Not every non-citizen is here illegally. How can you all be so stupid?
October 6, 2008
7:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
nobodyman writes:
And guess what, legal non-citizens can and do serve in our military. Please people: Read, think, post- in that order.
October 6, 2008
8:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
sheepherder writes:
And thats a good thing nobodyman. It is a way to serve this country and gain citizenship the lawful way. This article states no green card is needed...take your own advice nododyman...READ!
October 6, 2008
9:05 a.m.
Suggest removal
nobodyman writes:
The article makes no mention of green cards. If you disagree please quote it.
October 6, 2008
10:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
toocool writes:
It is about time for the State of Colorado to step in and disolve the City of Boulder, I am not kidding. Enough is enough, it appears they can not govern themselves and enforce those laws all Coloradoan's live by. Disolve their charter, place a temporary State appointed caretaker governing body and enforce State Law. San Francisco is facing the very same dilema. A Governor is elected to enforce and maintain the laws of the State that he has sworn to uphold, if he refuses ... do like California did to Davis, RECALL the "B" and replace him as they did with "Arnold". It's time for this nonsense to end.
October 6, 2008
11:29 a.m.
Suggest removal
P_Denver writes:
One other point: they are removing the requirement to be a registered voter. This means that -- even though you never cared enough about issues to register to vote on them -- they will entrust you with the creation of laws.
Make sense?
Only in Boulder.
October 6, 2008
12:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
nobodyman writes:
"Again, in case you missed it, "would simply have to be 18 years old and have lived in the city for at least 1 year.""
Let's be realistic. How many illegals do you expect to step forward, exposing their illegal immigration status, and try to get onto city committees?
As brainless as this measure is, does anyone really think illegals are going to end up being influential members of Boulder's city government?
Please. A law does not have spell out all the unlikely scenarios that may be possible.
"Applicants hoping for an appointment from the City Council to those boards would simply have to be 18 years old and have lived in the city for at least a year."
I suppose this also paves the way for drug addicted pedophiles since it doesn't explicitly exclude them.
Better run for the hills.
October 6, 2008
2:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
nobodyman writes:
I'm sure that it is stated somewhere that you have to be in good standing with the law to serve in city government. Which would obviously cover illegals, and a lot of other scenarios, meaning they wouldn't have to be spelled out elsewhere. Just a guess.
While I feel this is Boulder being Boulder, I do not think the sky is falling yet.
October 6, 2008
3:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
cassidy22 writes:
I don't live in Boulder. So how might this affect me?
I'm not sure it's a good idea, though I am sure there are contingencies in place somewhere stating that illegals, etc. actually can't do this. They must have a shortage of people interested in office. But really, if you are too lazy to vote, why would you want that person running for office?