Greed Knows No Boundaries

The current financial crisis has caused finger pointing, consternation, worries and a bail out that may or may not prove to be the solution. In the discussion and finger pointing “greed” is often named as the culprit and underlying motive. While it is easy to use “Wall Street” as the personification of this deadly sin, the problem is not limited at any institution, segment of society or business. The problem can be traced to investors desiring a good return on their money, mortgage brokers eager to make a loan, realtors eager to close a sale and home owners pressing the limits of their income and using their homes as ATM’s are all culpable.

Public policy dating back to 1999 began to loosen credit so individuals and families could realize the “American Dream.” This has been viewed as home ownership, being a key to financial stability and growth. However, in the translation, what was lost was the critical qualifier of affording a home. The bottom line is that an individual who is purchasing credit should understand what constitutes an acceptable offer and monthly payment in comparison to family income and their financial condition.

The financial crisis has brought to the surface many important issues including the need for financial literary. I have a personal interest in this area as a former business teacher and as a pastor as working with families related to financial matters. That is why in this past session I was the co-sponsor of a bill sponsored by Rep. Rosemary Marshall that would incorporate financial literacy through out the K-12 educational process. The financial future of our state and nation is dependent upon the choices made by individuals and families. The principles of savings, living within your income, the timing of making major purchases, the wise use of credit, knowing the difference between a want and a need are foundational concepts for personal financial stability. Regardless of the product sold of the service provided someone has to pay for it. That someone is individuals in families and in businesses that need a solid foundation of both personal finances and basic economics.

Financial Fiasco

The United States is facing the greatest economic challenge since the great depression. The decision made by congress in the next few days will be the most important one made this year. A crisis of this magnitude mirrors in many ways a grief process. These stages include, anger, denial, blame, bargaining and acceptance. Many of these have been reflected by constituents and callers to talk shows in recent days.

The stark reality is that we are in a situation that must be dealt with and time is not necessarily on the side of policy makers. The present day situation is being dealt with in the midst of a global economy. The world really is watching as we address this issue. At risk are foreign assets that could impact worldwide markets as well as our own. The ripple effect of people losing their homes, their jobs, mass sell offs in the stock market and a loss of confidence in the banking system would not be something quickly or easily overcome. This problem is not just Wall Street, it impacts main street America as well.

I recall my days on the board of a financial institution and seeing first hand the impact of defaulted loans and uncollectable debt. What was surprising was the huge impact on the entire institution of small percentage of bad loans. That is what we are facing on a national magnitude. No one likes the feeling of being victimized by the actions of individuals, policy makers or businesses. The reality is, that is where we are in this situation. I heard one senator quoted as saying, “I don’t like the bailout proposal, but I don’t see any other viable options on the table.”
This challenging situation, this financial crisis that will impact all Americans, calls for a time of bipartisanship at its best. I’m not sure about you, but as specific ideas and proposal are discussed, I am praying for clear thinking and wisdom for our national leaders.

Palin Power

The naming of Alaska’s Governor, Sarah Palin as the vice-presidential running mate for John McCain has provided a dramatic element to the presidential race. Governor Palin’s history, family and political conservatisms has quickly garnered the attention of the media, created dilemma’s and at the same time energized Republican voters. One thing that can be said is that this is going be an historic election regardless of the outcome.

Is a governor of Alaska from a small town with two years of experience in the state capitol qualified to be Vice-President? Is a community organizer turned U.S. Senator with less than two years experience qualified to be President? Ultimately voters will decide and political history in the United States will make a significant shift.

The attraction of both Obama and Palin seems to be related to the fact that they are out of the typical political and even presidential mode. I believe it also points to the fact that people want leaders they can relate to and that they can trust. Of course Obama is running for President and Palin, Vice-President and that difference is often pointed out when making Obama and Palin comparisons. But for the purposes of analyzing what makes a leader attractive to a voter it seems justified.

What do you look for in a leader, a President, a State Representative? We understand the “party trumps person” adage in politics, but how far does that go with the average voter?

Community College and Careers

The first observance of Labor Day is believed to have been a parade of 10,000 workers on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by Peter J. McGuire, a Carpenters and Joiners Union secretary. By 1893, more than half the states were observing a "Labor Day" on one day or another, and Congress passed a bill to establish a federal holiday in 1894. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill soon afterward, designating the first Monday in September as Labor Day.

Much has changed over the years since that first observance of workers. We have seen shifts from a focus on agriculture to manufacturing to the current information and technology age. Today we are reminded that workers function in a global economy and as a result we face the challenge of preparing students with the skills needed for the 21st century. As individuals prepare for the work force, the reality is that workers today face not just multiple changes in a job, but changes in careers.

This fact points to several key issues when it comes to work in our current age. Today individuals are not longer feel “locked” into a career track. Beyond serving as a means of producing income to meet needs and achieve financial stability, people are looking for their careers as a mean of personal fulfillment or an avenue to make a contribution to society.

In order for this change to take place more and more individuals are realizing that a commitment to life-long learning is important to maintain skills and to learn new skills required for a career change. To respond to this need our community colleges provide an excellent resource to address these on going education needs. Community colleges in the past have been viewed as an alternative approach or stepping stone to a college degree. While this is an important aspect of their mission, they are well poised as a resource to facilitate the needs of individuals in keeping skills up-to-date and serve those pursuing a new direction in their vocational pursuits.

The workers of the future will need some type of post secondary training or education to prepare for a modern day career. As Colorado works to make higher education more accessible to high school graduates and provide on-going training to those in the work force, our community colleges provide an important resource to serve these objectives.

Jeffco Fair and 4-H Competition

I took the opportunity to visit this year’s Jeffco fair and to observe some of the 4-H competition on Saturday, August 9th and then I participated in the 4-H awards ceremony on August 10th. While I never participated in 4-H, it was good to attend and observe the dedication and commitment of these young people.

Last year I was reminded while visiting with a constituent that 4-H is not just for rural youth. Many who participate are "suburban kids." There is a wide variety of areas of involvement outside of just raising livestock and animals. The competition and preparation of the projects develops discipline, skill development and perseverance. It is obvious that the dedicated adults who are part of 4-H are committed to developing leadership in the participants.

The awards rally featured two 4-H youths as the MC’s of the event and the awards were handed out by fellow 4-H participants as well. It was obvious that this long standing tradition is still providing youth with a meaningful activity, opportunities to learn and develop leadership and character skills. Thank you to the parents, sponsors and other adults who make this organization a success. Congratulations to all participants and best of luck to those competing at the State Fair in a few weeks.

Around the District

I enjoy connecting with constituents in various settings and listening to their concerns and discussing issues. House district 22 is an diverse district with a variety of demographic groups, income levels and perspectives on the issues facing Colorado.

Uncontested Primary Elections - Needful or Wasteful?

Perhaps you noticed that the primary ballots for Republicans did not have any contested seats. As a result, your choice in voting for "one" was to vote for the name on the ballot or not to vote. Is this really necessary or is it just a waste of time and money for both government and taxpayers?

First of all, current state law requires that an election be held for all offices whether contested or not. For those who like to have a "perfect" voting record meaning that you vote in every election, it is important to complete your ballot and mail it in, or go to the polls on primary election day.

Some feel it is good exposure for the candidate to have their name on the primary election ballot, even if the race is uncontested. As I have visited voters, I tell them, checking my name is good practice for them in preparation for the November general election. There is also a concern for voter confusion. Primary elections are party elections.

It is possible, as in this year, for one party to have a contested election and the other not to. If a neighbor gets a ballot and I don’t does that mean that I was missed? Does it just mean that their political party has a contest election and mine does not? If I vote at the polling place, how do I know if I go to vote on the day of election or not?

This issue is one that is likely to be addressed even in this next session with some proposed legislation. It would seem that there would be some significant cost savings; however, it may not be as great as one would believe on first consideration. There is still cost involved in communicating with voters to ensure they understand if they need to vote at the polls or not, and to make sure they have not been overlooked in receiving their ballot in the mail.

Informative Web Sites

I have found the two web sites listed below full of information.

This is the official web site of the Colorado General Assemble. Here you can see what bills each of your elected officials have sponsored as well as the contents and status of each bill.
http://www.leg.state.co.us/

This web site gives you the ability to watch the Colorado General Assembly live when it is in session. You can also gather information regarding different bills being brought to the floor.
http://www.coloradochannel.net/

Legislative Update

I worked very hard for Colorado this year in the State House of Representatives. Here is a summary of the bills I sponsored during the 2008 Legislative Session.

Summary of Bills for 2008 Legislative Session

HB 08-1039 – Photo ID for Elections – This bill would have eliminated a utility bill as an acceptable ID for voting purposes.

HB 08-1136 – Stolen Vehicle Identification – This bill would coordinate the data base of the motor vehicle department with the national crime data base to avoid stolen vehicles being registered by a car thief.

HB 08-1172 – Reporting the Misuse of a Social Security Number – This bill would have provided notification to an individual when the state unemployment department detected the suspected misuse of a social security number

HB 08-1278 – Use of Eminent Domain by RTD – This bill is intended to provide protection to private property owners of unnecessary acquisition of property through the use of eminent domain. Clarifies transportation purposes and restricts private development on land acquired through eminent domain.

HB 08-1020 – Open Enrollment Information on School Web Sites – This bill would provide some consistency between school districts regarding open enrollment information on school web sites. The objective is to make information as “user friendly” as possible for parents seeking information regarding an open enrollment choice.

SB 08-060 – Auto Theft Prevention Authority – This bill extends and provides a consistent funding source for the automotive theft prevention authority. This grant program has provided local communities with resources and training that have proven to low auto thefts and aide in stolen vehicle recovery.