Two initiatives are being proposed for a future Colorado state ballot. Initiative # 95 would require that Colorado law enforcement officials report to federal Homeland Security after charging a person with a crime if the status of the person’s lawful presence is unknown or if a person is unlawfully in the U.S.
But consider that the person charged is not automatically guilty. In America, it has always been maintained that a person is innocent until proved otherwise. And secondly, a lawful resident could easily be reported in error, possibly due to racial profiling. I believe we must be especially vigilant today in regard to our due process protections and accelerated prosecution trends.
A second, Initiative #85, increases felony classifications and mandates harsher sentencing for fentanyl- and other opioid-related offenses. This approach would limit trained, experienced judges in considering the wide array of pertinent factors in any case. Through existing Colorado legislation, decisions made under “judicial discretion” must be sound, not arbitrary, and firmly rooted in what’s fair, equitable under law and specific to case circumstances.
Consider also that studies show that longer incarceration does not solve drug addiction issues and that there is no evidence that extended prison time is an effective prevention strategy. Visit the League of Women Voters of La Plata County website at lwvlaplata.org for more information regarding these initiatives.
Petitions are being passed around Durango requesting that folks sign and support these initiatives. However, I sincerely hope that you don’t. Please learn more before signing your name.
Bonnie Miller
Durango
