PROGRAM AND HISTORY...PROGRAM AND HISTORY 1953 - 2017 A Guide to Public Policy Posi0ons League of Women Voters® of Jefferson County, CO 1425 Brentwood, Suite 7, Lakewood, CO 80214

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS® OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO

PROGRAMANDHISTORY1953-2017

AGuidetoPublicPolicyPosi0ons

League of Women Voters® of Jefferson County, CO 1425 Brentwood, Suite 7, Lakewood, CO 80214 303-238-0032 / [email protected] www.lwvjeffco.org

RevisionDate:August2017

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.lwvjeffco.org

LeagueofWomenVoters®ofJeffersonCounty,COAGuidetoPublicPolicyPosiPons

AGUIDETOPUBLICPOLICYPOSITIONS

TAKINGACTIONASANINDIVIDUALIndividualLeaguemembersarealwaysfreetotakeactiononwhatevertheychoose;aslongastheydosointheirownname,andleavenoimpressionthattheyspeakfortheLeague.

HistoryoftheLeagueofWomenVoters

ofJeffersonCounty 2

PrinciplesoftheLWV 3

LWVJeffersonCountyPresidents 3

LocalPrograminBrief 4

LocalStudyItems 6

PublicaPons 8

Government

GovernmentalSoluPons 9

FiscalPolicy 10

BoardsandCommissions 11

CountyCommissioners 13

Library 14

Highways 15

NaturalResources

EnvironmentalHazards 16

NoisePolluPon 17

LandUse 18

OpenSpace 21

Sustainability 24

Wildlife 25

SocialPolicy

EducaPon

AdministraPonandFinance 26

CharterSchools 27

QualityEducaPon 28

HealthCareServices 29

Housing 32

IncomeInequality 33

HumanTrafficking 34

Page ! of 34 August 2017 1


THELEAGUEOFWOMENVOTERSOFJEFFERSONCOUNTYHISTORYFIRSTINTHECOUNTRY

Intheearly1950'ssomuchofJeffersonCountywasunincorporatedopenlandthatwomenwhowantedtobelongtotheLeagueofWomenVotersjoinedtheDenverLeague.Itwasobvious;however,thatmanyitemsofinteresttoJeffersonCountyresidentscouldnotbestudiedbytheDenverLeague.Ignoringthepredictionsthatacountyleaguewouldneverwork,a"KnowYourCounty"studywasbegunin1952inanticipationofapplyingforprovisionalstatusasaseparateleague.

TheJeffersonCountyLeague,thefirstcountyleagueintheUnitedStates,wasorganizedonMay27,1953withamembershipofaboutsixtywomeninthreeunits.TheboardmeePngswereheldinamilkhouseofficeonanoldfarm.Duringthefirstyearasaprovisionalleague,"KnowYourCounty"wascompletedandseventy-fivecopiesweregivenorsoldoutsidethemembership.AneducaPoncommiieewasalsoestablished.InJanuaryof1954,thenaPonalboardoftheLeagueofWomenVotersgavefullrecogniPontotheLeagueofWomenVotersofJeffersonCounty.Allsubsequentcountyleagueswerepaiernedajerit.

InaddiPontoPmespentonissuesofstateandnaPonalconcern,theensuingyearshavebroughttheadopPonofLocalStudyItemsfollowedbycommiieeresearch,appropriatepublicaPons,meePngsforconsensusorconcurrence,andfinallyposiPonstatementswithafocusonacPon.Allthisiscontainedinthefollowingpages.However,thereareafewhighlightsworthmenPoning.

WhileacPvelycampaigningforpassageofaschoolbondissuein1955,League'sparPcipaPoninabondrallyandparadewereseenonEdwardR.Murrow's"SeeItNow"televisionprogram.Thefirstcandidates'meePngwasheldin1958.HavingleagueobserversaiendpublicmeePngsin1960wasthebeginningoftoday’sObserverCorps.AtthesamePme,astudyofcountyfiscalstructureresultedinapublicaPon,"QuoVadit",whichwaspurchasedbytheschooldistrictforeachjuniorandseniorhighschoolstudentandschooladministraPveofficials.

In1964,localleaguesbegantoundertakeaddiPonalstudieslimitedtotheirownareas.TheJeffcoLeaguehireditsfirstpart-Pmeofficesecretaryin1965.Anothermilestonewasreachedin1966whentheJeffcoLeaguejoinedwithotherareaLeaguestoformtheLeagueofWomenVotersofMetroDenver.Itwasdissolvedin1991.

MakingDemocracyWork!™throughvotereducaPonandadvocacyeffortsissPllisourmission.CertaintradiPonshaveevolvedovertheyears:theLegislaPveEvent(providingapreviewoftheupcomingstatelegislaPvesession),membermeePngswiththeCountyCommissionersandtheSchoolBoardofEducaPon,theCiPzensGuidepublicaPonandourmonthlynewsleier,VOTER–TheVoiceofLWVJeffco.Ourwebsiteatwww.lwvjeffco.organdFacebookprovidesuptodateinformaPontoourmembersandthepublic.

TheacPonreportedinthisbooklethasbeentakenatthelocallevel.NoacPonorlobbyingatthestateornaPonallevelisreported.PleaserefertotheNaPonalLeagueImpactOnIssuesandtheLWVCOProgramforStudyandAcPonpublicaPonsformoreinformaPononthenaPonalandstateposiPonsandacPons.

MISSIONOFTHELWVTheLeagueofWomenVoters,anonparPsanpoliPcalorganizaPon,promotesinformedandacPveparPcipaPoningovernmentandinfluencespublicpolicythrougheducaPonandadvocacy.

TAKINGACTIONASANINDIVIDUALIndividualLeaguemembersarealwaysfreetotakeactiononwhatevertheychoose;aslongastheydosointheirownname,andleavenoimpressionthattheyspeakfortheLeague.


http://www.lwvjeffco.org


PRINCIPLESOFTHELEAGUEOFWOMENVOTERSOFTHEUNITEDSTATES

TheLeagueofWomenVotersbelievesinrepresentaPvegovernmentandintheindividualliberPesestablishedintheConsPtuPonoftheUnitedStates.TheLeagueofWomenVotersoftheUnitedStatesbelievesthatallpowersoftheU.S.GovernmentshouldbeexercisedwithintheconsPtuPonalframeworkofabalanceamongthethreebranchesofgovernment:legislaPve,execuPveandjudicial.

TheLeagueofWomenVotersbelievesthatdemocraPcgovernmentdependsuponinformedandacPveparPcipaPoningovernmentandrequiresthatgovernmentalbodiesprotecttheciPzen’srighttoknowbygivingadequatenoPceofproposedacPons,holdingopenmeePngsandmakingpublicrecordsaccessible.

TheLeagueofWomenVotersbelievesthateveryciPzenshouldbeprotectedintherighttovote;thateverypersonshouldhaveaccesstofreepubliceducaPonthatprovidesequalopportunityforall;andthatnopersonorgroupshouldsufferlegal,economic,oradministraPvediscriminaPon.

TheLeagueofWomenVotersbelievesthatefficientandeconomicalgovernmentrequirescompetentpersonnel,theclearassignmentofresponsibility,adequatefinancingandcoordinaPonamongthedifferentagenciesandlevelsofgovernment.

TheLeagueofWomenVotersbelievesthatresponsiblegovernmentshouldberesponsivetothewillofthepeople;thatgovernmentshouldmaintainanequitableandflexiblesystemoftaxaPon,promotetheconservaPonanddevelopmentofnaturalresourcesinthepublicinterest,shareinthesoluPonofeconomicandsocialproblemsthataffectthegeneralwelfare,promoteasoundeconomyandadoptdomesPcpoliciesthatfacilitatethesoluPonofinternaPonalproblems.

TheLeagueofWomenVotersbelievesthatcooperaPonwithothernaPonsisessenPalinthesearchforsoluPonstoworldproblemsandthatdevelopmentofinternaPonalorganizaPonandinternaPonallawisimperaPveinthepromoPonofworldpeace.

LWVJEFFERSONCOUNTYPRESIDENTS

1953VelmaMuelengracht 1983DelorisOlsen 2007CathPerrone1955BeverlyHunt 1985JoRock 2008RoberaKreutzfeld1957MargaretFischer 1987PurneeMcCourt 2009GwenLipkie1959BarbaraCourtney 1989KayMarsh 2010JoRock,KarilFrohboese1960CynthiaDaniels 1991RuthWells 2011AnnRoux,SusanVaughan1961CharlotteHoops 1993MarciaSchafer 2012AnnRoux1965WandaBabb 1995AnnNesshofer 2013PatMesec1967BobbieCromwell 1997KathyGlass,JoRock,PattySchoedler 2015ExecutiveCommittee1969BetteSeeland 1999SueChichester ChristinaManthey1971FranYehle 2000GwenLipkie PaiySchroeder1973JudyCarstens 2001GariWestkoi TinaCampbell1975PatMesec 2002CarolCoppock,KathyReul LucindaSchneller1975NancyMiller 2003FlodieAnderson 2016MaryLonergan1977CarolWilson 2004MarjoryBeal 2017MaryLonergan1979JudiSteele 2005MarianDowns1980AnitaGing 2006AdrienneAndrews-Glenn



LOCALPROGRAMINBRIEF

GOVERNMENTGovernmentalSolutionsSupportofgovernmentalsolutionsmostsuitabletotheneedsofJeffersonCounty.

BoardsandCommissionsSupportofstructures,proceduresandpracPcesforelectedandappointedboardsandcommissionscommiieesandspecialdistricts,whichinsureaccountability,representaPveness,decision-makingcapability,effecPveperformanceandopenness.

CountyGovernmentSupportforincreasingcountycommissionersfromthreetofivemembers.

FiscalPolicySupportpoliciesthatpromotefiscalresponsibility,efficiency,economy,transparency,longrangeplanning,andtheinclusionofciPzensinthefinancialprocess.BudgePngshouldstrivetoprovideadequatefundsforprogramsandservices.

LibrarySupportforthepropertytaxastheprimarymeansoffundingalibrarysystem.

HighwaysSupportforevaluaPonandassessmentofcosts,longtermenvironmental,economicandsocialimplicaPonsinanopenandtransparentmethodbeforearoadorhighwayisbuiltorimproved.

NATURALRESOURCESLandUseSupportofanintegrated,totalcountyapproachtoplanningwhichprovidesforthediverseneedsofthemembersofthecommunitywhileensuringenvironmentalquality.Supportofcounty-widewildfiremiPgaPonefforts.

OpenSpaceSupportoftheJeffersonCountyOpenSpaceprogramasacounty-wideprogram,fundedbyasalestax.SupportofproceduresandcriteriafortheuseofOpenSpacefundsfordevelopment.

EnvironmentalHazardsSupportofmeasureswhichprovideresidentswithnoPficaPonofhazards(includingwildfirehazards),safetymeasuresandwarningsystems,relatedtoman-madeornaturalhazards.

NoisePollutionSupportofimplementationofnoisestandardsbylocalgovernmentswithadequatefundingforenforcement.

SustainabilitySupportofawayoflife,whichseekstobalanceenvironmental,economic,andhumanneeds,withoutcompromisingtheabilityoffuturegeneraPonstomeetthesamegoal.

WildlifeSupportfortheconservaPonandprotecPonofwildlifeandtheirhabitatsforthecontribuPontheymaketowardthehealthandsustainabilityoftheenvironment.



LOCALPROGRAMINBRIEF(conPnued)

SOCIALPOLICY EducationAdministration/FinanceSupportofpolicies,whichpromoteefficientadministrativeandfinancialpracticesntheJeffersonCountySchoolDistrict.QualityEducationSupportforaJeffersonCountySchoolbudgetthatprovidesahighqualityofeducationforall.

CharterSchoolsPromoteconscientiousreviewofcharterschoolapplicationsandrenewalsalongwithcomprehensiveandcontinualoversightofcharterschoolsinJeffersonCounty.

HousingSupportwell-planneddiversifiedtypesanddensitiesofhousingwithaccesstopublictransportationforallincomelevels.Dispersedlow-incomehousingasanintegralpartofthecommunity.SupportofsheltersandtransitionalhousinginJeffersonCountyasemergencyandshorttermhousingmeasureswithemphasisonassistingpeopletobecomeself-sufficient.Supportmanufacturedhomes,accessorydwellingunits,sharedhousing,andaccessiblehomesforfamilies,individuals,seniors,anddisabledinlandscapedandregulatedsettingswithadequateopenspace.

HealthCareServicesSupportofJeffersonCountygovernmentleadershipindevelopinghealthpolicyandinfacilitatingandcoordinatingdeliveryofphysicalandmentalhealthcareservicesforcountyresidents.Highpriorityisplacedonpreventivecare,primarycareandemergencycare.Healthservicesshouldbeevaluatedintermsofaccountability,availability,andequitablefinancing.

HumanTrafficking(LWVUSPosition2014)Opposeallformsofdomesticandinternationalhumantraffickingofadultsandchildren,includingsextraffickingandlabortrafficking.Considerhumantraffickingtobeaformofmoderndayslaveryandbelievethateverymeasureshouldbetakenandeveryeffortshouldbemadethroughlegislationandchangesinpublicpolicytopreventit.Prosecutionandpenalizationoftraffickersandabusersshouldbeestablished,andexistinglawsshouldbestrictlyenforced.Extensiveessentialservicesforvictimsshouldbeappliedwhereneeded.Educationandawarenessprogramsonhumantraffickingshouldbeestablishedinourcommunitiesandinourschools.

IncomeInequalitySupportspoliciesthatleadtoreducingincomeinequalityandtopromotinginclusiveandsustainableprosperity.



LOCAL STUDY ITEMS

1953 Know Your County 1954 Administrative and Financial Structure of Jefferson County Schools 1955 Health and Sanitation Facilities in Jefferson County 1956 Comparative Forms of County Government and Related Problems 1957 State Constitutional and Statutory Provisions of County Government 1958 An Analysis of Jefferson County Government 1959 Governmental Solutions and Regional Cooperation 1960 County Fiscal Structure: Efficient and Economical Practices 1961 Education; County Fiscal Structure 1962 Educational Standards; Incorporation 1963 Consolidation of Previous Studies on Local Government 1964 County Parks and Recreation 1965 Review of All Studies and Directives for Effective Action 1966 Air Pollution; Planning and Zoning 1967 Planning and Zoning; Evergreen’s Governmental Needs; Arvada—Special Districts 1968 Budget of R-1 Schools 1969 Review of Local Government Positions 1970 Housing 1971 Lakewood; Mountain Land Use 1972 Mountain Land Use; Open Space; County Home Rule 1973 County Home Rule; Health Services; Land Use Planning 1974 Know Your Communities: Wheat Ridge and Evergreen; Boards and Commissions;

Revised Standards on Education 1975 Administrative and Financial Structure of the School District; Know Your

Communities: Mountain Parks, Arvada and Evergreen 1976 Continued 1975 Studies 1977 Noise Pollution; Open Space and Recreation; Evergreen Study of Alternative Forms of

Local Government; Know Your Community: Lakewood 1978 Evergreen and Lakewood Studies continued; Know Your County; Housing; Jefferson

County Budget 1979 Know Your County; Environmental Hazards 1980 Know Your County; County Home Rule (update); Know Your Community: Chatfield 1981 Environmental Hazards (update); Housing (update); Evergreen’s Growth and Development 1982 Alternative Methods of Funding Education 1983 No New Study 1984 Quality Education; Open Space 1985 Library 1986 Boards and Commissions Reevaluation 1987 Know Your Community: Golden; Health Services 1988 Health Services 1989 Health Services 1990 Housing 1991 Education 1992 Education 1993 Land Use Policies; Education 1994 No New Study



LOCAL STUDY ITEMS (continued)

1995 Education: Site-based Management, Special Education; Land Use: Old Plats; Know Your Community: Chatfield

1996 A Study of Zoning; Know Your Community: South Jefferson County 1997 Welfare in Jefferson County 1998 Financing County Government and Services 1999 Restorative and Community Justice 2000 No New Program 2001 Study of Programs for Troubled Youth in Schools; Education: Effectiveness of Alternative

Methods of Educating Students; Update of Housing; Update of Current Election Process and Technology

2002 Health Care Policies; Juvenile Sex Offenders Treatment Facilities and Programs 2003 Study of Health Care Conditions, Options and Policies including the CHP+ in Jeffco; 2003 Study of Placement and Treatment of Juvenile Sex Offenders in Jeffco; Study of Scientific

and Cultural Facilities District Tax and Its Benefits for Jeffco organizations 2004 Eminent Domain; Survey of Special Districts 2005 Study of Options for Jefferson County Government; Evaluation of Open Space Budget with

Emphasis on Funds for Maintenance; Study of Lakewood Sales Tax Increase 2006 Study to Examine Intolerance in Society and Its Relationship to the Erosion of Personal

Liberties; Emergency Preparedness in Jefferson County; Sex Offenders in the Court System 2007 Governance of Library System; Wildfire Mitigation; Renewable Energy in Jeffco; FastTrack’s

Update 2008 Economic Aspects of Open Space; Examine Current Status of Jefferson County Justice

System; Homelessness in Jefferson County and Services provided by Local Agencies; Sustainability

2009 Study of Sheriff’s Office; Youthful Sexual Offender Programs, Homes and Centers in Jefferson County; Sustainability continued; Civics Education in Jefferson County

2011 County Finance Study. Concurrence was reached Fiscal Policy. 2011 Highway Study. Led to consensus 2013 Human Trafficking Activities in Jefferson County Study. Led to concurrence. 2014 Wildlife Protection Study. Consensus led to a Natural Resources position. 2015 Income Inequality Study under Social Policy and Air Pollution Study under Natural

Resources began in 2015 to continue into 2016 2016 Income Inequality Study resulted in a concurrence statement. Charter School Study under

Social Policy and update of the Government Officials Policies



PUBLICATIONS 1953 “Know Your County” 1954 “Kids, Cash and Cold Facts”; “School Keeps” 1955 “Sewage: Your Problem and Mine” 1956 “Alternatives for our Present County Government: 1957 “How Your Jefferson County Government Operates” 1960 “Quo Vadit” 1961 “Schools in Review”; “Community Mental Health Clinics” 1962 “Distribution of Jefferson County Property Taxes” 1963 “Before the Roof Falls In”; “Home Rule for Arvada” 1964 “Parks and Recreation in Jefferson County”; “How Your Jeffco Government Operates” 1965 “This Is Arvada” 1966 “What’s Going On Up Here?” 1967 “Study of Planning and Zoning in Jefferson County” 1968 “It’s Your Decision” 1970 “Environmental Geology in Our Own Backyard” 1971 “Summertime Discovery”; “Fire Chutes” 1972 “This Is Lakewood”; “Mountain Puzzle” 1973 “Golden”; “Jefferson County Department of Health and Related Service” 1974 “ABC’s of Appointed Boards and Commissions” 1975 “Wheat Ridge: Who? What? Where?”; “Housing For All—How?” 1976 “Know Your Community: Evergreen” 1977 “Our Schools—Let’s Communicate”; “Mount Vernon Canyon to Bergen Park”

“Arvada: Know Your City”; “Open Space and Recreation in Jefferson County” 1978 “This Is Lakewood” 1979 “Jefferson County Budget”; “Land Use” 1980 “Possible Environmental Hazards in Jefferson County, Parts I and II”; “Open Space and

Recreation in Jefferson County” 1981 “Where We Live—South Jefferson County” 1983 “A Citizen’s Guide to Jefferson County, Colorado” 1984 “Jefferson County Open Space, 1973-1984” 1986 “The Library Study”; “Boards and Commissions in Jefferson County” 1987 “Golden, Colorado: Challenging Past and Future” 1989 “Health Care Services in Jefferson County” 1990 “Housing in Jefferson County” 1992 “Education: The Changing Scene” 1994 “The Planning and Zoning Maze” 1995 “The Regulation and Impacts of Individual Sewage Disposal Systems in Jefferson County”;

“New Choices: A Look at Five Jefferson County School Options”; “Academic Excellence, A Guide to Selecting the Right School”; “Nuclear Waste at Rocky Flats: Our Cold War Legacy”, Rocky Flats Video

1997 “Local Wetlands: A Community Perspective”; “How to Evaluate a School Board Candidate” 1999 “Moving Jefferson County into the 21st Century, A Study of Financing County Government

and Service”; “Jefferson County Division of Human Services in Transition” 2000 “Democracy” 2001 “Legal and Policy Issues Related to Gays and Lesbians” 2002 “A Whole Lot of Choices: A Look at Jefferson County’s Option and Charter Schools”;

“Programs that Identify, Assess, Assist, and Monitor Troubled or At-Risk Youth in Jefferson County”

2003 “Health Care in Jefferson County: The Changing Picture” 2007 “A Whole Lot of Choices: A Look at Jefferson County’s Option and Charter Schools, An

Update” 2015 “Charter Schools: A Refresher Course”



GOVERNMENTGOVERNMENTALSOLUTIONS

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportofgovernmentalsolutionsmostsuitabletotheneedsofJeffersonCounty.Countygovernmentshouldberesponsive,representativeandefficient.Governmentalunitsshouldbeencouragedtocooperatewithothergovernmentalunitsinprovidingservicesandtoconsolidateifprogrameffectivenessandefficiencywouldbepromoted.Strongsupportofregionalapproachestosolvingregionalproblems.Supportofanaudiblerollcallbyallgovernmentalbodiesforeachdecision.

STANDARDSWhenconsideringproposalsforchange,theeffectivenessoftheexistingstructureshouldbeevaluatedfirst.Anyproposalshouldsupportthegeneralwelfareofthepeople.Itshouldbeflexibleinscopeandauthoritytoadjusttofuturegrowthanddevelopmentpaiernsandflexibleindeterminingthelevelofservicesaccordingtothedemandsofthepeople.ThedesiredservicesshouldbeprovidedeffecPvely.Theproposalshouldnotundulycomplicategovernmentalstructuresorgeneratecollateralproblems.ItshouldfixresponsibilityfortheperformanceofspecificfuncPons.Theproposalshouldbefinanciallyfeasible,while,atthesamePme,distribuPngthetaxburdensequitablyamongalltaxpayers.Thereshouldbeadequatefinancialresourcestoensureeconomyandefficiency.ThereshouldbeampleprovisionsfortheiniPaPon,administraPon,andenforcementoflawsorordinancesnecessarytocarryoutthewishesofthepeople.ForIncorporationProposals:IncorporaPonshouldimprovethelevelofexisPngservices,and/orprovidenewonesatanequitablecostforalltaxpayers.Thereshouldbeareasonabletaxbaseand/orastrongpotenPalforgrowthinthetaxbase.ForAnnexationProposals:AnnexaPonshouldbeforthecommonwelfareandprosperityofboththeannexingcityandtheareatobeannexed.Thetermsshouldbefairandjust.ConsideraPonshouldbegiventothenatural,geographical,economicandsocialcharacterisPcsoftheannexedareaandtheannexingcity.ThelinesoftheannexaPonshouldbedrawntoformacompactareaaburngthemunicipality.ThecityshouldbefinanciallyabletoprovidemunicipalservicestotheannexedareainareasonablePmeperiod.Extensionofwaterandsewerlinesshouldbeavailableandfeasiblefromanengineeringstandpoint.

HISTORYStudy:In1953,theLeagueofWomenVotersofJeffersonCountybecamethefirstcountyLeagueintheUnitedStates.AtthatPmemostofthecountywasunincorporated,andthefuncPonofthecountygovernmentwasamajorconcernforthenewLeague.TheLeaguehasconPnuedtoremainanacPveplayerintheoversightofallgovernmentalunitsinthecounty.IthasanalyzedstateconsPtuPonalandstatutoryprovisionsforcountygovernment,consideredpossibiliPesforregionalsoluPons,evaluatedlocalgovernmentalpracPcesandstudiedincorporaPonproposals.TheseseparatestudieswereconsolidatedintothecurrentposiPonin1979.In1980,themembershipagreedthattheseposiPonswerealsoapplicabletothebudgetprocess.Thestudy"FinancingCountyGovernmentandServices--1998-1999focusedonthebudgetandthelimitaPonscreatedbythepassageoftheGallagherandTABORamendments.AnaiemptwasmadetodeterminethefairnessofthedistribuPonofrevenuesforservicestolargeunincorporatedurbanareasintheCounty.However,theissuesarecomplicatedanddataopentointerpretaPon.

AcPon:LeaguesupportedincorporaPonofLakewoodandWheatRidgein1969andtheirsubsequentsuccessfuleffortstobecomehomeruleciPes(Lakewood:1972,1973,1982,1983andWheatRidge:1977).InotheracPon,theLeaguesupportedtheformaPonoftheLawEnforcementAuthorityinunincorporatedareasin1969,theconsolidaPonofwaterandsewerdistrictsinLakewoodin1973and1974,and,in1979,theunsuccessfulefforttopassa1/2percentsalestaxtobuildajusPcecomplex.BasedupontheconceptofrepresentaPvenessandthestateposiPononreapporPonment,theLeagueopposedlinesdrawnfortheCountyCommissionerdistrictsin1982followingthe1980census.SubsequentrevisionofdistrictlinesincorporatedseveraloftheLeague'ssuggesPons.In1993astatementtotheLakewoodCityCounciladdressedtheredrawingofthewardboundariesforcitycouncilmembers.In1987theLeaguesupportedanunsuccessfulaiempttoformaLakewoodCityFireDepartmentbasedupontheLeagueofWomenVotersofColorado’sposiPononspecialdistricts.In1993theLeaguesupportedtheconsolidaPonoftheLakewoodandBancrojFireProtecPondistricts.Theproposalwasdefeated.LeagueopposedtheannexaPonanddevelopmentoftheChasieldGreenareainJeffersonCountybythecityofLiiletonin1991.Theproposalwasapproved.In1993theLeagueurgedtheOpenSpaceAdvisoryCommiieetotakeafieldtriptothe"ChasieldGreen"areaastheyconsiderthisacquisiPon.



GOVERNMENT FISCALPOLICY

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportpoliciesthatpromotefiscalresponsibility,efficiency,economy,transparency,longrangeplanning,andtheinclusionofcitizensinthefinancialprocess.Budgetingshouldstrivetoprovideadequatefundsforprogramsandservices.

STANDARDS• Countyfinancesshouldbeadministeredaccordingtosoundfiscalprocedures.• ThecountycommissionersshouldcreateandencourageafairandflexiblesystemoftaxaPonandspeakout

againstproposalsandstatelawsthatimpedesoundfinancialpracPces.Theyshouldscheduleannualauditsperformedbyindependent,externalaccounPngprofessionals.

• ThecountycommissionersshouldprovideandpublicizeelectronicallyandinprintaccessibleopportuniPesforpubliceducaPonandciPzeninputduringthebudgePngprocess.TheCiPzen’sBudgetReviewPanel,whosemembersshouldrepresentacrosssecPonofcountyresidents,shouldbeconPnued.Thepanel’smissionshouldbeclearlydefined,anditsworkshouldbepublicized.

• Thebudget’sformatshouldbeunderstandabletocitizens.Budgetprioritiesshouldbeexplained.• FinancialinformaPon,includingbudgetsandaudits,shouldbeeasilyaccessibleelectronicallyaswellasinprinted

form.AllbudgetmeePngsneedtobepublicizedinbothelectronicandprintformats.

HISTORYAtthe2010AnnualMeeting,alocalstudywasapprovedtoexaminehowcountygovernmentservicesarefinancedandhowtheservicesareprioritizedinthebudgetprocess.Thestudyexaminedrevenuesources,expenditures,budgetpolicies,statelawsthataffectthecountybudget,andchangesanticipatedinthefuture.InMarch2011,afive-pageEveryMemberMaterial(EMM)explainedtheabovepointstothemembershipandlookedatthespecificsofthe2011budget.Theresearchcommitteeaskedforanextensionofthestudysothatapositioncouldbewrittenconcerningfinancesandbudgetinginthecountygovernment.InSeptember2011,theresearchcommitteeandtheJeffcoBoardpresentedaconcurrencestatementforconsiderationanditpassed.Itwasadoptedatthe2012AnnualMeeting.



GOVERNMENTBOARDSANDCOMMISSIONS

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportofstructures,procedures,andpracRcesforelectedandappointedboardsandcommissionswhichensureaccountability,representaRveness,decision-makingcapability,effecRveperformance,andopenness.

STANDARDSAccountability:Electedandappointedboards,commissions,commiieesandspecialdistrictsshouldberesponsibletociPzensandholdtheirownleaders,commiieesandmembersresponsiblefortheiracPonsanddecisions.Honestyandintegrityshouldbepromotedamongtheirmembers.

Theappointingboardsshould:• Reviewandevaluatetheperformance,composition,attendancerecords,andbudgetsoftheappointedboards.• Developgeneralattendanceguidelines.• Meetwitheachappointedboardatleastonceayear.• Maintainacurrentlistofappointedboardmembers.• AiendmeePngsoftheappointedboardsofwhichtheyaremembers.Appointedboardscommissionsandcommiieesshould:• Haveadefinedpurpose,whichsupportsthemissionoftheorganizationbeingrepresented.• Maintainongoingcommunicationwiththeappointingentityregardingpolicyandprocedureparametersunder

whichtheymustoperate.• Ensurethattheyareresponsivetocitizens,andmaintainanopenandcollaborativeenvironment.• Promoteopenandeffectivecommunicationswiththeappointingboard,commissionandthecitizens.• EnsurethatmemberdecisionsaremadewithImpartialityandintegrity.• ProvideTrainingfornewandreturningmembers.• Promotehonestyandintegrityamongmembers.Electedboards,commissionsandspecialdistrictsshould:• Ensurefiscalresponsibilityandaccountability.• Haveaclearlydefinedpurposeconsistentwiththestatutesandpoliciesoftheorganizationtowhichtheyhave

beenelected.• Staggertermstoeliminatehavinganelectedboard,commissionorspecialdistrictofallnewmembers.• Providetrainingfornewandreturningmemberstoensureanunderstandingoftheunderlyingpoliciesand

proceduresunderwhichtheelectedboard,commissionorspecialdistrictoperates.• Maintainanopen,transparentandcollaborativeenvironment.• Ensurecommunicationwiththepublicandothermembersoftheboardistimely,andinformativeregarding

decisions;providerationalebehindthedecisions.• Ensurethatallpoliciesadministrativeandregulatoryareadoptedatapublichearingandthatthepublichasan

opportunitytobeheardandtopresentevidence.• Encouragepublicparticipationandinput.Provideatimelyresponsetopublicinput.• Maintaineffectivecommunicationwithotherelectedandappointedboards,commissions,specialdistrictsand

theircommitteesindevelopingpolicies.• Ensurethatmemberdecisionsaremadewithimpartialityandintegrity.

RepresentaPveness:Electedandappointedmembersofboards,commissionsandspecialdistrictsmayrepresenttheCounty/cityasawholeaswellastheirownareas.

ElectedofficialsappoinPngboard,commission,commiiee,andspecialdistrictmembersshould:• Reviewandevaluatetheperformance,composition,attendancerecords,andbudgetsoftheirappointedboards

andcommissions.• Attendthescheduledmeetingsoftheappointedboards,commissions,committeesandspecialdistrictstowhich

theyhavebeenassigned.



GOVERNMENTBOARDSANDCOMMISSIONS(continued)

Reappointmentstoaboardshouldnotbeautomatic;performanceandattendanceshouldbeevaluated.Whenvacanciesoccuronanappointedboard,commission,committeeorspecialdistrictthereshouldbe:• Anexplicitsystemoffillingvacanciesthatprovidesforamixofmemberswhorepresentthecommunityandits

geographicalarea.• Notificationsofvacanciesonappointedboards,commissions,committeesandspecialdistricts,shouldbe

publishedonCountywebsitesandinotherCountypublicationsusedtoadvertisevacancies.• Specificinformationsuchasjobdescriptions,qualifications,functionsoftheboardorcommission,committee,or

specialdistrict,andinstructionsastothelocationandformofapplication,shouldbeavailabletothepublic.• Adequatetimeallowedforapplicationstobemade.Designatedtimelinesshouldbeclearandfollowedtoensure

vacancieswillbefilledpromptly.• Anassurancethatconsiderationwillbegiventoallapplications.

Decision-makingcapability:Electedandappointedboards,commissions,commiieesandspecialdistrictsshouldpossesstheknowledge,resources,andpowertomakedecisionsthatmeettheneedsofciPzensandreconcileconflicPnginterestsandprioriPes.Theyshould:• Utilizeinformationprovidedbystaff.• Recordtherationaleregardinganydecisionwhichwasagainststaffrecommendations.• Ensurethatdecisionsaretransparentanddocumentedinminutes.• Requiredastatementofinvolvementbyelectedandappointedboards,commissionsandspecialdistrictmembers

ofpotentialconflictsofinterest.Anymembershouldrefrainfromvotingonanydecisionwhereaconflictofinterestexists

EffecPvePerformance:Electedandappointedboards,commissions,commiieesandspecialdistrictsshouldfuncPoninanefficientmannerwithaminimumofconflict,wastedPmeandduplicaPonofeffort.Alldecisionsshouldbeconsistentwithstatedpoliciesoftheboard,commissionorspecialdistrict.

Openness:FullinformaPonfromelectedandappointedboards,commissions,commiiees,andspecialdistrictmeePngswillbeavailabletothepublic.Electedofficials’emailsandotherelectroniccommunicaPons,usedtodiscusspendinglegislaPonorotherpublicbusinessamongthemselves,shouldbemadeavailabletothepublicandopentothefullestextentpossible.CiPzenparPcipaPonshouldbeassuredbypublicnoPficaPonofmeePngs,andproceduresforparPcipaPon.Governingbodiesshouldcommunicateamongthemselvesandwithappointedboards.

HISTORYStudy:TheLeaguefirststudiedtheappointedboardsandcommissionsinJeffersonCountyin1974.Amongtheboardsexaminedwerecountyandmunicipalplanningcommissions,theOpenSpaceAdvisoryCommiiee,andtheCountyHealthBoard.TheseposiPonswerereevaluatedin1987andextendedtoincludeelectedboards.In2015theObserverCorpfortheJeffersonCountySchoolBoardnotedthattherewereinconsistenciesinthestandardsoftheposiPonasitexisted.TheapplicabilityofthepoliciesandprocedurestoelectedofficialsneededclarificaPon.AstudywasauthorizedattheAnnualmeePnginApril2015.ThisleadtotheposiPonupdateinMarchof2016.

AcPon:TheLeaguehasusedtheseposiPonsinleierstothecountycommissionersinsupportofopengovernmentandthepublic'srighttoknow.(1984,1987,and1988).LeiershavealsobeensenttoJeffersonCountySchoolBoard.LeaguemembershavetesPfiedbeforetheJeffersonCountyCommissionersusingtheposiPon.In2000,TheLWVJeffcosupportedShilohHouse,aresidenPaltreatmentfacilityforabusedandneglectedchildren.LeaguespokebeforethePlanningandZoningCommissionandaiendedthemeePngwherethecommissionersvotedagainstallowingShilohHousetoconPnuetohousemorethanoneyouthfulsexoffenderperhomeinresidenPalareas.In2017,theLeaguerequestedthatJeffcoPublicSchools2017-2018AdoptedBudgetdisclosestaPsPcs(asinpreviousbudgets)regardingCharterSchoolsastomoneyspent,andpercentageofstudentsenrolledwhichwasomiiedfromthisyear.



GOVERNMENTCOUNTYCOMMISSIONERS

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportforincreasingthenumberofcountycommissionersfromthreetofivemembers.

STANDARDS• TheBoardofCountyCommissionersshouldbeapolicy-makingboardonly,comprisedofaminimumoffive

memberselectedforstaggeredtermsoffouryears.• TheChairmanoftheBoardshouldbeelectedbytheBoard.• Sensitivitytothefinancialimplicationsofincreasingthenumberofcommissionersandtothedesirabilityofhaving

anappropriatebalanceofrepresentationbetweenruralandurbanareasisimportant.• Allothercountyofficials,includingacountymanager,shouldbeappointed.Thereshouldbejobqualificationsfor

thesepositions.• Thecountygovernmentshouldhavethepowertocontrolannexationswhichaffectitsboundariesandto

consolidatespecialdistricts.

HISTORYStudy:Inalocalstudyin1956,theLeagueconsensusincludedacallforastateconsPtuPonalamendmentpermirngcounPestohavehomerule.Suchanamendmentpassedin1970,andtheLeagueendorsedtheconceptforJeffersonCountyin1972.In2004,theLeaguevotednottoretainitsposiPononcountyhomerule.

AjerarestudyoftheLeagueposiPonin1991,theLeaguesupportedtheelecPonoffivecountycommissionerstobeelectedbydistrict.

In2006thelocalmembershipurgedarestudyofcountygovernment.TheresulPngconsensussupportedtheconceptofincreasingthenumberofcountycommissionersfromthreetofive.Therewasnoclearconsensusonhowcommissionersshouldbeelected.

AcPon:TheJeffersonCountyLeaguewasinstrumentalintheadopPonofastudyoflocalgovernmentbytheLeagueofWomenVotersofColoradoin1959.Asaresultofthestatestudy,theLeaguehelpedplaceaconsPtuPonalamendmentpermirngcountyhomeruleonthe1970generalelecPonballot.

AtitsannualmeePngin1975,themembershipsupportedanefforttoincreasethenumberofcountycommissionersfromthreetofivewiththreemembersbeingelectedfromdistrictsandtwoelectedat-large.

A1976ballotproposal,developedbyaciPzens'commiieeandapprovedbythecountycommissioners,toelectfivecountycommissionersat-largewassupportedbytheLeague.Theproposalwasdefeated.

In2014,theLeagueworkedontheJEFFCO5CampaigntoplaceaciPzen’siniPaPveontheNovember2014ballotbycirculaPngpePPons.Insufficientsignaturesweregatheredandtheissuedidnotappearontheballot.



GOVERNMENT LIBRARY

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportofthepropertytaxastheprimarymeansoffinancingtheJeffersonCountyPublicLibrary.GrantsanddonaRonsarealsoappropriatesourcesoffunding.

STANDARDS• Acountylibrarysystemshouldhavehighlevelsofmaterialsandservices.• Cooperationandcoordinationwithpublicschoolsisdesirable.• Importanttothesystem,butnottobeusedassubstitutesforadequatefunding,areuserfeesforspecialized

servicesonly,booksales,andtheuseofvolunteers.

HISTORY Study:In1984,ajermanycutsinmaterialsandservices,itbecameevidenttheJeffersonCountyPublicLibraryBoardwouldasktheCountyCommissionerstoplaceaproposalforanincreasedmilllevyforlibrariesontheballot.JeffersonCountyLeaguemembersconductedastudysothatLeaguecouldtakeaposiPononanyproposal.ConsensuswasreachedinMarch1986.

Action:TheLeaguesupportedanincreaseinthemilllevyforJeffersonCountyPublicLibrariesin1986,whichpassed.In2007,theLeagueurgedtheCountyCommissionerstochangethegovernanceoftheJeffersonCountylibrarysystemfromacountylibrarydistricttoaseparatelibrarydistrict.TheLeagueconsideredthefiscalimplicaPonstothenewdistrictandtothecounty.Anewdistrictwasnotcreated,andtheJeffersonCountyLibraryremainsacountylibrary.In2015supportersofabondissuefortheLibraryapproachedtheJeffcoLeagueforitssupportonthebondissue.Thebondissuepassed.



GOVERNMENT HIGHWAYS

POSITIONINBRIEFTheLeagueofWomenVotersofJeffersonCountybelievesthatbeforearoadorhighwayisbuiltorimprovedtheneeds,thecosts,andthelongtermenvironmental,economic,andsocialimplicaRonsandconsequencesofsucharoadorhighwaymustbecarefullyassessed.InaddiRon,anyandallfeasiblefinancingalternaRvesmustbeevaluated.BasedontheLeague’sfirmbeliefinopenandtransparentgovernmentandintheciRzens’righttoparRcipateingovernment,thedecisionmakingprocessregardingwhen,where,andhowaroadorhighwayisbuiltandfinancedmustalsobetransparentandopen.

STANDARDSFORTHEPLANNINGPROCESS• Plansshouldaddresstheefficientmovementofpeopleandgoods,economicandsocialwell-beingoftheexisting

community,andthesafetyoftheexistingcommunityandtheroaditself.• Thecoststobeassessedbeforearoadorhighwayisbuiltshouldincludetheprojecteddollarcosts(including

futuremaintenanceandpossibledefaultbypublicandprivatecontractors),environmentalcosts(includingpotentialwetlanddestruction,wildlifehabitat,andscenicvistas),andsocialcoststocommunities.

• Financingalternativesmayincludetaxes,feesfromlicensesandpermits,impactfees,specialdistricts,federalfunds,PublicHighwayAuthoritiesthroughtheiragreements(PHA),PublicPrivatePartnerships(PPP),tolls,bonds,andcertificatesofparticipation.

• Specificallyregardingprivateorpublic-privatecontracts,theJeffcoLWVopposesnon-competeclauses,andsupportscontractsthatmeetfederal,state,county,andmunicipalminimumstandardsforsafety,durability,andaccountability,andshouldallowforrepaymentoftheoriginalinvestmentplusanagreeduponcompensationwithinthetermofthatcontract.Extremelylongcontractsshouldbeavoided.Contractsshouldallowforrenewal,andshouldincludestatedandanticipatedriskswhichmightresultinexitingorrenegotiatingthecontract.

• Thelong-termimplicationsandconsequencesofaroadorhighwayshouldincludeconcurrencewiththeoveralllongtermlanduseplansforthearea,compliancewithacceptedandlegalstandards,considerationofallalternatives,includingpublictransit,andtheuseofenvironmentallysustainablematerials.

• Theplanningprocess,allphasesofconstruction,andlongtermoperation(includinganycontractswithgovernmentalornongovernmentalentities)mustbeopenandtransparenttothepublic.

HISTORYStudy:Followingthemembers’consideraPonanddiscussionoftheJeffersonParkway“EveryMemberMaterials”inDecember2009,April2010,andspringof2011,itbecameapparentthattheLWVJeffcohadenoughinformaPon(includingvariousrelatedposiPons)formemberstodevelopanopinion,butJeffcoLeaguelackedabroadstudyofhighwayissues.AttheAnnualMeePnginApril2011,membersapprovedastudytodevelopstandardsforhighwayandroaddevelopment.Althoughtherewerelocal,state,andnaPonalLeagueposiPonsthatapply,thereareaddiPonalnewandevolvingissuesthatneededtobeconsidered,suchasprivatefundingofpublicinfrastructure,materialsandprocesses.TheJeffersonParkwaywasusedasaplasormforthisstudyandtheresulPngconsensusquesPons.PositionderivedbyconsensusatunitmeetingsheldDecember13-15,2011.ApprovedbyBoardofDirectorsFebruary14,2012andadoptedatAnnualMeetingApril2012.



NATURALRESOURCESENVIRONMENTALHAZARDS

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportofmeasureswhichwouldprovideresidentswithnoRficaRonofhazards,safetymeasures,andwarningsystemsrelatedtomanmadeornaturalhazardssuchasdams,dumps,landfills,wildfires,storageandtransportaRonofhazardousmaterialsandradioacRvityassociatedwithmines,waterandtheRockyFlatsNuclearFacility.

STANDARDS• Notificationofanyhazardshouldpassfromownertoprospectivebuyerpriortothesaleofanyproperty.• Detailedevacuationplansand/oremergencyprocedurespreparedbyanappropriategovernmentagencyshould

accompany,whereapplicable,re-zoningapplicationsforareasproximatetoanidentifiedhazard.Theplansshouldbemadeknowntopersonsresidingwithintheareaofconcern,asdefinedbypertinentgovernmentagencies.Suchagencies(e.g.,theOfficeofEmergencyPreparedness)musthaveadequatefundingtohelpcoordinateevacuationplansand/oremergencyprocedureswithinthecounty.

• Whereneeded,sufficientandfullyfunctioningwarningsystemsshouldbeinstalledinthevicinityofidentifiedenvironmentalhazards(e.g.,postedsignsnearabandonedminesorsirensystems).Thereshouldberegularsafetyinspectionsofbothwarningsystemsandtheidentifiedhazards.

• Acompleteanalysisofthewater,includingatestforradioactivity,shouldberequiredofallnewwells.• Stateandstatutoryaidshouldbeprovidedtobolsterlocalwildfiremitigationefforts.TheriskstotheJefferson

Countyeconomyandenvironmentaswellastothestateasawholearegraveenoughtowarrantthisassistance.Localgovernmentshouldmakelandusedecisionsthatprotectourresourcesandpreserveourqualityoflife.

HISTORYStudy:The1980studyidenPfiedthedesiredresponsetoandprevenPonofenvironmentalhazardsinJeffersonCountywhilerecognizingthatmostoftheprerogaPvesforlegislaPonbelongtothestatelegislature.ThestudyincludedmaterialonwaterpolluPon,theOfficeofEmergencyPreparedness(OEP)andadescripPonofthefaciliPesofmetrohospitalsabletotreatvicPmsofanucleardisaster.Anupdatein1986includedinformaPononanapplicaPonforanincineraPonpermitbyRockyFlats,solidwaste,andhazardsassociatedwithradongas.

Fundedbyan1995DepartmentofEnergy$9000grant,bywayoftheLWVUSEducaPonFund,theJeffcoLeaguepreparedabookletandvideoonRockyFlatsprovidinginformaPononwastestorageissuesandonhowciPzenscouldbecomeinvolvedinthedecisionmakingprocess.Thevideoandpreparedprogramswereusedbymanygroups.

In2008,theJeffcoLeaguereviewedthechallengesandmethodsofwildfiremiPgaPon,andconcludedthatriskstothecounty’seconomyandenvironmentweregreatenoughtorequirestateandstatutoryaidtobolsterlocalwildfiremiPgaPonefforts.ResidentsshouldbenoPfiedofpossiblewildfirehazardsinandaroundtheirproperty.

In2009,theJeffcoLeaguehadanupdateonRockyFlatsfocusingontheperspecPvesonclosure,cleanup,remediaPonandfuturedirecPonsfortheproperty.TheLeagueconsideredtheproposaltouseitasawildliferefuge.

AcPon:TheLeague’sposiPonswerepresentedtoasubcommiieeoftheRockyFlatsMonitoringCommiieein1981.LeaguesupportedconPnuingthehazardwarningsonFHAloansforhomesnearRockyFlats.

In1989and1990,LWVEducaPonFunddonaPonsandcommentsofsupportweremadetotheCountyCommissionersfortheHouseholdChemicalRoundup.Alsoin1990,LeaguesupportedanincreasedfeeatsolidwastefaciliPesinJeffersonCountytofinanceenvironmentalprogramssuchastheChemicalRoundup.

In2004theLeaguewrotealeierofconcernencouragingpubliccommentandtheallowanceofPmeforinterestedparPestospeakabouttheirideasandconcernsregardingtheRockyFlatsClean-upProjectandtheeventualcreaPonofawildliferefuge.TheLeagueurgedthatthepublicbekeptinformedabouttheprocessandtheclean-upprogress.

In2005,thelocalLeaguebecameinvolvedwiththeRockyFlatsCoaliPonofLocalGovernmentsandsharedtheresponsibiliPeswiththeLeagueofWomenVotersofColorado.

NATURALRESOURCESPage ! of 34 August 2017 16


NOISEPOLLUTION

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportforimplementationofnoisestandardsbylocalgovernmentswithadequatefundingforenforcement.

STANDARDS• Noisecontrolstandardsshouldbeadoptedbyalllevelsofgovernment,butparticularlyatcityandcountylevels.

Enforcementshouldbeconcentratedatthelocallevel.• Planningandzoningatalllevelsofgovernment(withlocalemphasis)shouldbeusedtocontrolnoise.Consumer

pressuretorequirequieterproductsshouldbeencouraged.• Educationofthepublicaboutthehazardsthatnoisepollutionposestopublichealthandwelfareshouldbea

functionoflocalgovernmentsandlawenforcementagencies,thehealthdepartment,noisecontrolpersonnel,andthepublicschools.ThemediaandPTA'sshouldbeinvolvedinthisprocess.

HISTORYStudy:BecausetheLeagueconsiderednoisetobeasufficienthazardtopublichealthandwelfare,anoisecontrolstudyin1977resultedinageneralenvironmentalstatementandstandardstoapplytoplanningandzoning.AsaresultoftheJeffcostudy,aLWVCOposiPononnoisewasapproved.

AcPon:TheLeaguesupportedconPnuedfundingforanoisecontrolofficerinLakewoodin1978andthereinstatementofnoisecontrolintheLakewoodbudgetin1979.Bothweredenied.



NATURALRESOURCESLANDUSE

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportforanintegrated,totalcountyapproachtoplanningwhichprovidesforthediverseneedsofthemembersofthecommunitywhileensuringenvironmentalquality.Supportofcounty-widewildfiremiRgaRonefforts.(Seeenvironmentalhazards)

BecauseoftheuniquequaliResoftheFrontRangeandthevalueofthisareatothepublicingeneral,nodevelopmentshouldbeallowedunlessconsideraRonhasbeengiventotheaestheRcsandtothepreservaRonofthenaturalqualiResoftheland.

STANDARDSFORTHEPLANNINGPROCESS• Anadequateprofessionalplanningstaff,whosecommentsandrecommendationsarereadintothelegalrecordat

thehearing,shouldbeprovided.• Auniformbuildingcode,basedonperformancestandardsthatwouldpermituseofnewmaterialsoncetheir

qualityandsafetyhavebeenproven,shouldbeused.• Landuseshouldbemodifiedorregulated(i.e.,slashremoval,floodplainzoning,county-widewildfiremitigation)

toensurethesafetyoftheinhabitantsandtoprotecttheenvironment.Prospectivepurchasersshouldbenotifiedoftheproblemsandhazardsconnectedwiththeland.

• ControlsshouldbeestablishedforthePlannedDevelopmentcategory.• Zoningresolutionsandmapsshouldbeupdatedperiodicallybasedonthecomprehensiveplan.• Regulatorypowersshouldbelimitedtotheplanningcommissionand/orthelocalgovernmentalunit.Powersof

theBoardofAdjustmentshouldbelimitedtovariancesofacceptedusesintheZoningResolution.• Understandableterminologyshouldbeused.• Newspapers,websitesandblogsshouldbeencouragedtopublishplanningandzoninginformation.Hearings

shouldbescheduledatatimeconvenienttothegreatestnumberofpeople.

STANDARDSFORLANDUSEDECISIONS• TheComprehensivePlanshouldbefollowedunlessthereisachangeinconditionsorafaultorweaknessinthe

plan.• ThePlanshouldbespecificastolanduseandshouldreflectgoodplanningratherthanexistingzoninganduses.• Provisionsshouldbemadeforcontinuousevaluationandupdating.• Theintentofthezoningresolutionshouldbefulfilled.Subdivisionregulations,buildingandhousingcodesshould

bemet.Thereshouldbecoordinationwithstate,regionalandotherlocalentities'plans.• Theimpactofthedevelopmentontheenvironment,including,butnotlimitedto,thefollowing,shouldbe

considered:o Thedensityofdevelopmentshouldbeinaccordwiththenaturaldeterminantsoftheland.o Anoptimummountain-areapopulationshouldbeestablishedbasedonthecarryingcapacityoftheland

andthecommunity'sabilitytosupportit.Alowoveralldensitywithsomeuseofclusterdevelopmentisappropriateforthemountains.

o Thesurroundinglanduseandtheeffectontheentirecommunityshouldbeconsidered.o Governmentalunitsshouldrequireproofofbasicserviceswhenapprovinganewdevelopment.When

applicable,thedevelopershouldberequiredtopostabondoritsequivalent,toadequatelyensureperformance.

• Theneighborhoodprincipleandsenseofcommunityshouldbeenhanced.• Provisionshouldbemadeforcommunityandneighborhoodcommercialcenters,civicandculturalcenters,

industrialparks,andtransportationcorridors.• Stripzoningshouldbediscouraged.Serviceroadsshouldbeprovidedtolimitaccessontomajorthoroughfares.

Provisionsshouldbemadeforoff-streetparking.



NATURALRESOURCESLANDUSE(continued)

• Governmentalunitsshouldprovidefortheacquisition,administrationandmaintenanceofpubliclandsincludingparks,openspace,andschools.Toensureavailabilityoflandsforpublicuse,governmentalunitscouldusethefollowingmethods:specialzoning,taxrelief,purchasingopenlandwithtaxfunds,and/orrequiringdeveloperstodedicatelandormoney.

• ThefollowingpurposesandfunctionsofOpenSpaceParklandsaresupported:o Topreservenaturalareaswhicharecharacterizedbyunusualterrainorgeologicalformations,unusualor

nativefloraorfauna,scenicareasorvistas,wildlifehabitats,fragileecosystems,orwaterresources.o Topreserveopenspaceforpassiverecreationalusessuchaswalking,hiking,bicycling,horsebackriding,

naturestudiesandfishing(ifsodesignated).o Topreserveareasforagriculturaluses.o Topreserveopenspacelandsforfuturerecreationalneeds.o Toutilizeopenspacelandsforshapingthedevelopmentofcities,limitingurbansprawl,anddisciplining

growth.o Topreventencroachmentonhazardousareassuchasfloodplains,swellingclay,firechutes,landslides,etc.o Toretaintheaestheticvalueofopenland.o Toobtainbalanceandharmonybetweenopenspaceanddevelopmentfortheuseandbenefitofthe

public.o Topreservehistoricmonuments.

• Thefollowingpurposesandfunctionofdevelopedparklandandrecreationalfacilitiesaresupported:o Topreserveparklandsforrecreationaluses.o Toproviderecreationalopportunitiesforawiderangeofageandinterestgroups.o Toprovideneighborhoodrecreationalareasandcommunitygatheringplaces.o Tofosterinnovativecommunitydesignwhichenhancestheurbanlandscape.

HISTORYStudy:ThefirstventureoftheJeffcoLeagueintotheareaoflandusewasin1959.A1966studyresultedingoalsandstandardsforplanningandzoning.Criteriaformountainlandusewereadoptedajera1972study.MembersreviewedandconsolidatedalllanduseposiPonsin1973.Alanduseunitin1979centeredonciPzenimpactandinvolvementinlandusedecisions.MemberswereupdatedonJeffersonCountyLandUsePlanningin1984.Several1990'sunitmeePngscoveredlanduse,growthandnaturalresources(includingwetlands)topics.Thezoningprocesswasreviewedin1997.CommiieemembersaiendedwatershedandmountainwatermeePngs.

AstudyofparksandrecreaPoninJeffersonCountyin1964resultedinstandardsforparksandopenspace.PurposesandfuncPonsofparksandopenspacewereadoptedin1977aspartofastudyoftheOpenSpaceProgram(seeOpenSpaceposiPon).

In2007aJeffcoconcurrencesupportedcounty-widewildfiremitigationeffortstotheLandUseandEnvironmentalHazardspositions.Leagueurgestheimplementationofvariousmeasuresdesignedtoprotectourmostcriticalareas(watershed,areaswithhistoricsignificance,andareasimportanttoindustryandthelocaleconomy)fromcatastrophicwildfire.

AcPon:In1968theJeffcoLeaguesupportedthesuccessfulpassageofbondissuesforbothNorthandSouthJeffcoMetropolitanRecreaPonandParkDistricts.In1969,theLeaguesupporteddevelopmentofbridlepathsinSouthJeffco,theLakewoodStudentParkProject,andsponsoredago-seeenvironmentaltour.

TheLeagueworkedwithPLANJeffcoin1972forpassageofa1/2percentsalestaxinthecountyforthepurchaseandpreservaPonofopenspace.TheideawasiniPatedbyLeaguerCarolKarlin.



NATURALRESOURCESLANDUSE(continued)

HISTORYIn1973,theLeaguesupportedadopPonoftheGoldenRalstonComprehensivePlanandtheLakewoodComprehensivePlan.TheLeagueurgedadopPonofmorerestricPvefloodhazardregulaPons,andthepurchaseofopenspace.Concernwasexpressedaboutseveralrezoningcases.

Beginningin1978,landuseposiPonswereusedtoaddressminingoperaPons.TheLeagueopposedoperaPonsonSouthTableMountain,NorthTableMountain,ClearCreekCanyon,andDeerCreekCanyon(RailesnakeGulch),andsupportedtheChasieldBluffsproject.AleierwaswriientotheCountyCommissionersregardingtheCooleyGravelMininginClearCreekCanyonin1982.LeaguerepresentaPvesservedonaGravelAdHocCommiieein1973andtheAggregateResourcesRoundtablein1986.

AGeneseeannexaPonrezoningwasopposedin1979.TheLeaguesupportedGolden'spurchaseofrights-of-wayforopenspaceand/orparksin1981.AhousingdevelopmentinChimneyCreek,off1-70,wasopposedin1982.Theproposalpassed.TheLeaguealsocommentedonArvada'sMasterPlanforParks,RecreaPon,andOpenSpacein1982.

ALeaguerepresentativeservedontheSoutheastLandUsePlanAdvisoryCommitteein1984-85.Thecompleteplanwasreviewedandcommentsmade.TheSoutheastPlanwasusedtosupportourstatementin1986regardingthedevelopmentoftheGrantproperties.TheLeaguewasrepresentedontheCoalitionforEvergreenin1987.AstatementwasalsopresentedbeforetheGoldenPlanningCommissionin1987.TheNorthPlainsCommunityPolicyPlanwascritiquedin1988.

In1987,theLeaguejoinedalawsuitagainsttheCountyCommissionersandtheBearCreekDevelopmentCorporaPonseekingtostopconstrucPonofaradiotoweronMt.Morrison.Thelawsuitwasdismissed"withprejudice".Thetowerstands,butwaserectedwithlessvisualimpactthanoriginallyplanned.

LeaguemadecommentsontheClearCreek/I-76JointPlanningProjectintheArvadaareain1990.

Lakewoodactionincluded:• SupportoftheLakewood1982-85CapitalImprovementProgramasitrelatedtolanduseandparksin1982,and

suggestedamendmentstotheParkElementofConceptLakewood,whichwasadoptedin1984.• SupportofaLakewoodParkDedicationOrdinancein1983,cautioningagainstgrantingwaiverstothepark

dedicationrequirementsin1984,andsupportofaparkimprovementfeefornon-residentialdevelopmentin1988.• ALeaguerepresentativeservedontheLakewoodComprehensivePlanAdvisoryGroupin1986.TheLeague

reviewedandsupportedtheLakewoodComprehensivePlanin1987.• Supportin1990ofthereclassificationof13thAveto"transitcorridor".• Spokein1991toLakewoodPlanningCommissioninsupportofDepartmentofCommunityResources'

Comprehensive:MasterPlanandRelatedLakewoodComprehensivePlanAmendments.

In2003theLeaguewrotealetterinsupportofthewestcorridorRegionalTransportationproject.

In2005theLeaguewrotealeiertotheColoradoDepartmentofTransportaPonregardingtheI-70MountainCorridorProgrammaPcEnvironmentalImpactStatementinsupportofabalancedmulP-modaltransportaPonsystemthatpreservedColorado’snaturalbeautywithminimaladdiPonallanduseanddisrupPontotheland.

In2007LeaguewrotealeiertotheOpenSpaceAdvisoryCommiieeandtotheCountyCommissionersinopposiPonofthepePPontoconstructawatertankandpumpstaPononJeffersonCountyOpenSpacenearthemouthofCoalCreekCanyonciPngLeagueposiPonsregardingconservaPonandwisemanagementofresourcesandreiteraPngthatgrowthshouldnottakeplacefasterthanservicesandinfrastructurecanbeprovided.



NATURALRESOURCESOPENSPACE

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportforacounty-wideOpenSpaceProgramfundedbyasalestax.SupportofproceduresandcriteriafortheuseofOpenSpacefundsfordevelopment.

STANDARDS• Thefirstpriorityfortheuseofopenspacefundsshouldbetheacquisitionofopenspaceland:greenbelt,water

resourcesincludingdrainageareas,themountainfront,smallplotsinurbanareasandmountainareas.Specificexamplesinclude:NorthandSouthTableMountains,theHogback,GreenMountainandtheCrownHillarea.Maintenanceisthesecondpriority,followedbydevelopmentandthentheestablishmentofaReserveFund.

• Theallocationformulashouldbebasedontheconceptofacounty-wideprogramwhichallowsforflexibilityinmeetingurgentdemandsandacquisitionneedsinanyareaofthecounty,andreflectsthefactthatmostofthelandavailableisintheunincorporatedarea.The1972Resolutionmeetsthisstandard.

• Theoriginallyadoptedroleofparkandrecreationdistrictswithintheopenspaceprogramshouldbecontinued.• Thereshouldbeamechanismforperiodicreviewoftheopenspaceresolutioneverytwotosixyears(e.g.,public

hearings,reviewbytheCountyCommissioners,JeffersonCountyOpenSpaceAdvisoryCommitteeoranadhoccommittee).

• UnincorporatedJeffersonCountyOpenSpacefundexpendituresforthedevelopmentandmaintenanceofcapitalrecreationalimprovementsshouldbereviewedbytheOpenSpaceAdvisoryCommittee(OSAC)orasubcommitteeofOSAC.ThereviewproceduresshouldmeetLeague'sstandards(seeBoardsandCommissionsposition).

Developmentshouldbecompatiblewiththeconceptofopenspaceandmeetadoptedcriteria.• OpenSpacefundsmaybeusedfor:protecPvedevelopmentaspermiiedinthe1972resoluPon;naPveplanPngs;

trails;camping;soddedplaygrounds;fieldsforsoccerandsojball;courtsforgamessuchastennis;water-relateddevelopmentsforfishing,boaPngandbeaches;naturecenters;cross-countryskiing,amphitheaters,outdooriceskaPngareasandhorsearenassuchasatCrownHill.

• OpenSpacefundsshouldnotbeusedfordevelopments,whichinclude:athlePccomplexes,zoos,culturalcenters,swimmingpools,museums,bowlingalleys,libraries,fairgrounds,motorcycleparks,gunrangesandlightsforcourtsandfields.Othersourcesoffundingareavailableandshouldbeusedforthesedevelopments.

ThefollowingcriteriashouldbeusedinallocaPngopenspacefundsforthedevelopmentandmaintenanceofparkandrecreaPonalcapitalimprovements:

OfPrimaryImportance• Anappropriateagencyshouldreviewtherequestandmakerecommendations.• Acquisitionneedsforthearea'spopulationshouldbemet.• Developmentshouldbeappropriateforthesite.• FuturemaintenancecoststotheOpenSpaceProgramshouldbeconsideredandminimized,withtheappropriate

entitiesassumingthesecosts.• Fundingalternativesshouldbeconsidered.• Citizeninputonthetypeandscopeofdevelopmentshouldbeensured.• Theimpactofthedevelopmentontheoverallprogramshouldbeconsidered(e.g.,effectsonacquisition,

maintenance,traildevelopment,jointventures).• Theprojectshouldbepartofalong-rangedevelopmentplan.• Developmentshouldbebalancedbynaturalopenspacelandinthelocalarea.• Thereshouldbeaneedforrecreationaldevelopmentinthearea.



NATURALRESOURCESOPENSPACE(continued)

STANDARDSOfSecondaryImportance• Theamountalreadyspentintheareaforacquisitionanddevelopmentshouldbeconsidered.• Facilitydevelopmentstandardsshouldbeconsidered.

HISTORYStudy:Withthestudy"OpenSpaceandRecreaPon"in1977,LeaguemembersreviewedtheOpenSpaceProgramtheyhelpedestablishin1972andadoptedguidelinesandprioriPesfortheprogram.Ajerthe1982amendmentofthe1972ResoluPontoallowforcapitalrecreaPonimprovements,"JeffcoOpenSpace1972-1984"waspublishedandmembersadoptedproceduresandcriteriaforevaluaPngdevelopmentproposals.AddiPonalOpenSpaceupdateswerepreparedin1998and1999.

AcPon:In1972,theLeaguesupportedtheestablishmentoftheOpenSpaceProgram.(seeLandUse)

In1978and1980,theLeagueopposedvariousamendmentstochangetheallocaPonformulatouseopenspacefundsfordevelopmentandtodivertone-halfoftheopenspacerevenuesforacountyjail.Theamendmenttoallowfundstobeusedfordevelopmentwaspassed.

In1980,theLeaguesupportedtheuseoffundsforacquisiPonofopenspacelandinGolden.

In1986,aLeaguerepresentaPvewasappointedtotheOpenSpaceAdHocCommiiee.TheLeaguealsomadecommentson:Lakewood'sBelmarrequest,theprocessusedfortheacquisiPonoftheJeffersonCountyCenterPark(CountyGovernmentComplex),andtheEvergreenCenterfortheArtsproposal.

TheAdHocCommiieerecommendaPonsweresupportedin1987.Theissueofadequatefundingforsecurityandmaintenancewasaddressedincommentsonthe1988and1989budgets.ThebudgetprocesswasquesPoned.

In1988theLeaguereviewedandcommentedontheOpenSpaceMasterPlanDraj,supportedthepurchaseof134acresonGreenMountain,sponsoredatourofJeffcoOpenSpaceforparPcipantsoftheLWVUSConvenPon,andcommentedontheappointmentprocessforOSACmembers.(JeffcoLWVBoardsandCommissions'posiPonswereused.)

In1989theLeaguesupportedtheadoptionoftheMasterPlanandanaggressiveacquisitionprogram,opposedaHogbacklandtradefortheBandimereSpeedway,joinedtheCoalitionforOpenSpaceandmetwiththeCountyCommissionersregardingprocessandacquisition,commentedontheoperationoftheOpenSpaceprogramforaManagementAuditReport,supportedHiwanstaffingandprogramming,andsupportedtheLookoutMountainlocationforaNatureCenter.

Lettersweresentin1990advancingmostofLeague'spositionsinregardtothebudgetprocess.Alsoin1990incommentingontheStandleyLakeConceptualPlan,theLeaguesupportedaparkdesignedtoencouragelow-intensityactivitiesandfocusingonthenaturalaspectsofthearea.In1991,theLeaguesupported:approvalofthebudget,aproceduralchangewhichprovidedforpubliccommentpriortotheformalbudgetadoptionhearingandaLakewood/OpenSpacejointventuredevelopmentoftheFoxHollowGolfCourseratherthanaloanortheoutrightgrantthatwasapproved.Alsoin1991,Leagueopposedtheswapof400acresonNorthTableMountainfor100acresoftheOpenSpaceMatthew/WintersPark,asproposedbyWesternMobile.Itwasdefeated.Thatsameyear,aletterwassenttotheJeffersonCountyBoardofAdjustmenttodenyarequestbyBandimereSpeedwayforasignlargerthanthecodeallowstobeplacednearOpenSpacelands.


09/2015


NATURALRESOURCESOPENSPACE(continued)

HISTORYIn1992Leaguegenerallysupportedtheproposed1993OpenSpacebudgetbutsaid$35,000forthefairgroundsshouldbeeliminated.Itwaskeptin.LeaguealsosupportedthepreservaPonofthe876acreDakotaHogbackparcelboundedbyC-470,KenCarylRoad,DeerCreekCanyon,andthebaseofLyonsHogback.

Leaguerecommended,in1993,theadoptionofproposedchangestotheZoningResolutionwhichclarifiedcircumstancesunderwhichlandpresentlydesignated"openspace"inthePlannedDevelopmentZoneDistrictmaybere-zonedandwhichestablishedpermittedusesandstandardsforsuchOpenSpacezonedland.ThesameyearLeagueopposedalandtradewithBandimere.(Approved)In1994supportwasgivenforthepreservationofClearCreekCanyonandtheMountainAreaLandTrust'sproposalforpreservationoflandadjacenttoElkMeadow.ExtensivecommentsweremaderegardingtheupdateoftheOpenSpaceMasterPlanin1995.AGreatOutdoorsColoradograntforaMountainBackdropstudywassupportedin1997.In1998severallettersweresentopposingapossibleNikecomplexonSouthTableMountainandurgingitspreservation.Nikewithdrewtheproposal.Leaguesupportedthe1999campaigntousebondsfortheacquisitionofOpenSpacepriorities.

TheLeaguerecommendedin2013,thattheJEFFCOOpenSpace2013DrajMasterPlanbemoredetailedinitsdescripPons.The2013Drajwasverygeneralinnaturewithliiledetailaboutwhatcouldactuallybeaccomplished.Forinstance,itdoesnotprovideasenseofwhatlandsmaybeatstake,whatlandsqualifyforconservaPon,orwhatproperPesmaynotbeavailableforconservaPon.



NATURALRESOURCESSUSTAINABILITY

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportforawayoflifewhichseekstobalanceenvironmental,economic,andhumanneedswithoutcompromisingtheabilityoffuturegenerationstomeetthesamegoal.

STANDARDSSustainabilityencompassesindividualhouseholds,neighborhoods,localtownsandciPes,states,andnaPons.Itincludesenvironmentalandeconomicconcerns,andhumanneeds.

HISTORYInterestintheconceptofsustainabilitysurfacedwithintheJeffcoLWVearlyin2008.ThatfallLeaguememberstouredthesinglestreamrecyclingplantoperatedbyWasteManagementinnorthDenver.

ThecommiieeresearchingtheinformaPonbecameknownastheSustainabilityCommiieebecauseasthemembersstudiedthetopicitbecameobviousthatsustainabilityisthekeytothefutureofourcommuniPes.ThecommiieestudiedopportuniPesavailablewithinthecountyforindividualsaswellasbusinessestofollowmoresustainablepracPces.Slowly,itbecameapparentthattheconceptofsustainabilitywasinherentinmanyofourLWVposiPonsatthelocal,state,andnaPonallevels.

Theconceptofsustainabilityhadgrownslowly,starPngwithrecyclingandenergyefficiency.AmembersurveyaiemptedtoillustratewaysinwhichsmalllifestylechangescanmakeaposiPveimpactonourcommuniPes

InDecember2008,attheLegislaPveBreakfast,themembersvotedtostudyandcometoaconsensusregardingtheconceptofsustainability.

Inspring2009LeaguedevelopedadefiniPonofsustainability,reviewedestablishedposiPonsthatsupportedourdefiniPon,reportedonmunicipaliPes’parPcipaPoninsustainablepracPces,collatedandreviewedthePersonalBehaviorSurveyofmembers,andpresentednaPonal,state,localandgeneral“interesPngideas”.JeffcoLeaguesharedtheworkwithotherleagues.

TheLeagueofWomenVotersofColoradoformedacommiieetostudytheissue.In2010,theyadoptedtheJeffersonCountyLeague’sdefiniPonofsustainabilityasaprinciple.

In2009LeagueresearchedjobsinGreenindustryinthecounty,thedevelopmentofStAnthony’s,theJeffersonParkway,RooneyValleydevelopment,LakewoodZoningandtheCountyCommissioners.TheJeffersonCountyMasterPlanwasnotcompleteatthatPmebutLeaguedidlearnthatitwasintheplanningstages.Goldenwasplanningtohireasustainabilitycoordinator.SomemunicipaliPesseemedtohavebeenthinkingaboutsustainability,butitwasdifficulttofindmuchinformaPononwhattheywereplanning.DuringtheresearchLeaguefoundsomeareasthathadthepotenPalformakingabigenvironmentalimpact.

Membershipsubsequentlydirectedthecommiieetofocusontheproposedprivately-fundedJeffersonParkwaytollroadinthenorthernpartofthecounty,andtheproposedcommercialdevelopmentoftheRooneyValley.

InNovember2010aNaPonalCalltoAcPononClimateChangewasmade.FromthatcallthecommiieedevelopedcommitmentstowriteamonthlyinformaPonarPcletobesharedwiththecommunityandtodevelopaSpeakersBureau.

InFebruaryof2011,JeffersonCountyappliedforagrantfromtheLeagueofWomenVotersofColorado.TheJeffcoLeaguereceived$1,500tobeusedforthedevelopmentofaSustainabilitySpeakersBureau.

AttheunitmeePngsinAprilof2011,membersdiscussedthelatestdevelopmentsatDinosaurRidgeandintheconPnuingbailesovertheJeffersonPublicParkwayHighwayAuthority.



NATURALRESOURCESSUSTAINABILITY(continued)

HISTORYAction:Thefollowinglettersweresent:• U.S.DepartmentoftheInteriorandSenatorsMarkUdallandMichaelBennetrequesPngthatasupplemental

EnvironmentalImpactStatementberequiredbeforetheWildlifeRefugeeasementisgranted.• In2009totheJeffersonCountyPlanningandZoningCommissionandtotheJeffersonCountyCommissionersurging

thatrevisionstotheMasterPlangrantapprovaltodevelopmentthatrecognizestheinterdependenceofsocial,economicandenvironmentalimpacts.

• CityofLakewoodinFebruary2010duringthecity’szoningordinancereviewtoencouragetheinclusionoftheLeague’sconceptofsustainabilityinrevisionstothecity’sZoningOrdinance.

AguestcommentaryappearedintheonlineediPonofTheDenverPostinMayof2010expressingconcernsabouttheJeffersonParkway,includinganeasementthroughasecPonoftheRockyFlatsNaPonalWildlifeRefuge,thepotenPalforanon-competeclauseinacontractwithaprivatedeveloper,andtheneedformorepublictransparencyuponthepartofParkwaybackers.

NATURALRESOURCESWILDLIFE

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportfortheconservaRonandprotecRonofwildlifeandtheirhabitatsforthecontribuRontheymaketowardthehealthandsustainabilityoftheenvironment.

HISTORYStudy:InNovember2014membersconcurredwithaproposedWildlifePositiontobeincludedunderNaturalResources.



SOCIALPOLICYEDUCATION:ADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportofpolicieswhichpromoteefficientadministraRveandfinancialpracRceintheJeffersonCountySchoolDistrict.

STANDARDS• ThedistribuPonofbuildingfundsthroughoutthecountyshouldbemadeonthebasisofneedasdetermined

bypopulaPongrowthandequalityofeducaPonalopportunity.• TransportaPonshouldbefurnishedatschoolexpensetostudentslivingoutsidethemileagelimitaPon.

MileagelimitaPonsandbusloadingregulaPonsshouldbestrictlyenforced.• ThereshouldbeopencommunicaPonwithintheschoolsystemandwiththepublictosPmulatean

understandingofthefactorswhichaffectqualityofeducaPon.• ThestructuresandfuncPonsoftheCiPzenAdvisoryCommiieesshouldbeclearlydefined.TheiracPviPes

andworkshouldbepublicizedinordertoincreasecommunityawareness.• Thebudget'sformatshouldbeunderstandabletociPzens.CiPzenparPcipaPonthroughadvisorycommiiees

inthebudgetdevelopmentprocessshouldconPnue.• PublicworkshopsandhearingsshouldbeheldearlyinthebudgetprocesstoprovideinformaPonwhich

wouldallowciPzenstoknowledgeablyparPcipateinthebudgetdevelopmentprocessandtoofferrecommendaPons.

HISTORYAction:InOctober2012,LWVJeffcopubliclysupportedJeffersonCountySchoolDistrictballotissue3A,toincreasethemilllevytomaintainacademicexcellenceinourschools,and3B,whichwouldfundupgradestothedistrict’sbuildings.TheraPonalewasstated“webelievetheadministraPonhasmettheLeague’sstandardofoperaPngefficientlyandwithsoundfinancialpracPcesbyrequesPnganincreaseinthemilllevyandthattheLeaguesupportsadequatefaciliPessothatourstudentscanlearninasafeandhealthyenvironment.Financialprudencemandatesthatwemaintainourinvestmentinourschools.3Bisanecessaryexpensefortheresidentsofourcounty.”BoththemilllevyIssue3Aandbondissue3BpassedinNovember2012.

InDecember2014,aCalltoActionwassenttoallLWVJeffcomembersinregardtotheBudgetProcess.MemberswereaskedtorecommendthefollowingtotheBOE:• GatherinformaPonfromabroadrepresentaPonoftheciPzensofJeffersonCountytoincludeallsocio-economic

levels,agelevels,diverseraceandethnicgroups;aswellaspeoplewithandwithoutchildren.

• UPlizeasurveyinsteadofaone-quesPonpollwhichhasmulPplequesPonsandiscosteffecPve.

• EmploystaPsPcallysoundquesPonsonasurveydevelopedbyprofessionalstrainedindesigningsurveystoensurethatitisavalidtoolwhichaccuratelyrepresentstheopinionsoftheJeffcocommunity.

• InaddiPon,aLeiertotheEditorwassenttoallmajorJeffcopublicaPonsstaPngLeague’ssupportforefficientadministraPveandfinancialpracPces.

InJanuary2015aLeiertotheEditorwassentrequesPngthatthecharterschoolapplicaPonfortheGoldenViewClassicalAcademybedenied.

InSeptember2015theJeffersonCountyLeagueofWomenVoterssponsoredaforumenPtled“TheDuPesandResponsibiliPesofaSchoolBoard”inanefforttoeducatethepublicontheresponsibiliPesofschoolboards.



SOCIALPOLICYCHARTERSCHOOLS

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportofpolicieswhichpromoteconscienRousapprovalofcharterschoolapplicaRonsandrenewalsandcomprehensiveandconRnualoversightofcharterschoolsinJeffersonCounty.

STANDARDSJeffersonCountyPublicSchoolswill:• Mandatethatcharterschoolsfollowstatecharterschoollawsbybeingnon-sectarian,non-religious,non-homebased

andoperateinaccordancewiththeapplicablepoliciesofJeffersonCountyPublicSchools.• EnsurethatcharterschoolsadheretoallfederalandstatelawsandConsPtuPonalprovisionsprohibiPng

discriminaPononthebasisofdisability,race,creed,color,gender,naPonalorigin,religion,ancestry,orneedforspecialeducaPonservices.

• Ajerthoroughreviewbyappropriatecommiiees,grantchartersonlytoapplicantsthathaveawellthought-outplanconsistentwiththestatedapprovalcriteriaandfreeofconflictsofinterest.

• RequireaneducaPonalprogramthatreflectshighexpectaPonswithrigorousstandardsforpupilperformancewhichmeetorexceedthoseofthestateandthedistrict.

• Requirecharterschoolstocomplywithalltermsofthecontractbetweenthecharterschoolandtheschooldistrict.• Implementatransparentandthoroughprocessthatusescomprehensiveacademic,financial,andoperaPonal

performancedatatomakemerit-basedrenewaldecisions.• EstablishdisPnctrequirementsforanythird-partycontractswithacharterschoolincludingeducaPonmanagement

providers(EMP).

HISTORYStudy:InMarch2015theEducaPonCommiieepresentedasanFYI‘EverythingOneWouldEverWanttoKnow’aboutcharterschoolsintwodocuments.ThepresentaPonincludedasuggesPonthatexisPngposiPonswouldnotallowLWVJeffersonCountytoadequatelobbyoncharterschoolsinJeffersonCounty.Asaresultofthisfindingmembersauthorizedastudyofcharterschools.InMarch2016theEducaPonCommiieepresentedtheirfindingstomembers.Thestudyfoundthatwhilestatestatuesarerobustintheirformat,butthattheenforcementofthestatutesisnotalwayssorobust.Asaresulttheabovepolicywasdeveloped.



SOCIALPOLICYQUALITYEDUCATION

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportofabudgetthatprovideshighqualityeducationforallstudentsregardlessofcourseselection.

STANDARDS• Theareasofmath,science,andlanguageartsareessentialtoqualityeducation.• Curriculumareastobestronglysupportedarebusiness,literature,foreignlanguage,socialstudies,vocational

education,art,music,andphysicaleducation.Curriculumforspecialneedschildrensuchasgiftedandtalented,learningdisabled,specialeducation,handicapped,andEnglishasasecondlanguageshouldalsobestronglysupported.

• Otherareastobestronglysupportedarecompetitiveteachers'salaries,incentivesforupgrading(e.g.,careerladders,masterteacherconcept,pertinenteducationalopportunities),classsize(ageandsubjectappropriate)andlibraries.

• Homeeconomics,speech,dramaandforensicsarelessimportant.• Athleticsshouldbeatleastpartiallyfeesupported.

HISTORYStudy:TheLeaguehasbeenactiveineducationalissuessincethefirstformulationofthepositiononadministrationandfinancialstructurein1954.Furtherstudyin1961ledtothestandardsforbuildingandservicingschools.Astudyofthebudgetin1968didnotleadtoadditionalpositions,butthe1975studyresultedinstandardsoncommunicationandfinance.TheLeaguewasnotabletospeaktobudgetissuesconcerningcurriculumunPl1984,whenposiPonsrelaPngtocurriculumandteacherincenPvesweredeveloped.MembersreceivededucaPonupdatesin1992,1994,1995,1997andmetwithSchoolBoardmembersandstaffinFebruary2000.TheLeaguestudiedoptionandcharterschoolsin2002andpublishedAWholeLotofChoices:ALookatJeffersonCounty’sOptionandCharterSchools.Anupdatewaspublishedin2007discussingthenewcharterschools,optionschools,andspecialprogramshousedinneighborhoodschools.MemberswerepresentedwithareviewofcharterschoolsinApril2015.

Action:TheLeaguehasbeenacPveinbondissueelecPons.TheLeaguesupportedbondissuesthatpassedin1955,1960,1962,1971,and1979thatfailedin1976and1989.In1992,LeaguesupportedbothpartsofabondissueandonlyPartOnepassed.Leaguesupportedasuccessful1997schoolbondissue.TheLeaguetooknoposiPononbondissuesin1958,1966and1974.In1987,1989and1990theLeaguesupportedmilllevyincreaseswhichdidnotpass.NoposiPonwastakenonthefailed1998milllevyincrease.Leaguesupportedasuccessful1999milllevyincrease.AleierofrecommendaPonconcerningthesearchforanewsuperintendentandthevisionoftheJeffersonCountySchoolswassentin1990.In1993,LeaguesupportedEvenStart'seffortstorenewfederalfundingfortheLinkstoLiteracyEvenStartFamilyLiteracyPrograminJeffersonCounty.In1995theR-lBoardofEducaPonwasaskedtomovethelobbyist'sreporttoanearlierPmeintheirmeePng'sagenda.TheLeaguesupportedthemilllevyoverridein2000.In2003,theLeaguesupportedamilllevyincreaseandabondproposalforJeffersonCountyschools.TheLeaguemembershipmetwiththeBoardofEducaPonin2000,2002,2005,and2007.TheLeaguesupportedamilllevyandbondproposalin2004and2005.In2008,theLeaguesupportedanincreaseinthemilllevytosupportoperaPonsandabondissueforconstrucPon.InOctober2012,LWVJeffcopubliclysupportedJeffersonCountySchoolDistrictballotissue3A,toincreasethemilllevytomaintainacademicexcellenceinourschools,and3B,whichwouldfundupgradestothedistrict’sbuildings.BoththemilllevyIssue3Aandbondissue3BpassedinNovember2012.



SOCIALPOLICYHEALTHCARESERVICES

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportJeffersonCountygovernmentleadershipindevelopinghealthpolicyandinfacilitatingandcoordinatingdeliveryofphysicalandmentalhealthcareservicesforcountyresidents.Highpriorityisplacedonpreventivecare,primarycareandemergencycare.Healthservicesshouldbeevaluatedintermsofaccountability,availabilityandequitablefinancing.

TheLWVUSposiPonstates:"Thefederalgovernmentshouldsetminimums,uniformstandardsandbeartheprimaryresponsibilityforfinancing.Stateandlocalgovernments,aswellastheprivatesector,shouldhaveasecondaryroleinfinancinghealthcareprograms."(04/88ImpactOnIssues)

STANDARDSRoles:JeffersonCountyshoulddevelophealthpolicy,monitorcompliancewithhealthstatutesandregulations,andfacilitateandcoordinatedeliveryofservicesforcountyresidents.Highpriorityshouldbegiventopreventivecare(e.g.,screenings,immunizations).TheCountyshouldalsoassessthehealthneedsofthecommunity,providehealtheducation,strengthenlinkagewithmentalhealthagenciesandprovideresourcesforprimarycarefortheneedy.

Duplicationofservicesshouldbeavoidedbysuchmethodsascontractingwithotheragencieswherefeasible(e.g.,DenverHealthandHospitals).

JeffersonCenterforMentalHealthshouldprovidetreatmentforemotionallydisturbedjuveniles,theborderlinementallyill,theseriouslymentallyillandmentalhealthemergencyservices.Asresourcespermit,theCentershouldalsoprovideleadershipincoordinatingservices,workingwithotheragencies,andsponsoringpreventivecommunityeducationalprograms.

Inadditiontotheprogramsmandatedbystatute,JeffersonCountyR-1SchoolDistrict'sprimeroleshouldbetoprovidehealtheducation,includinginformationonsubstanceabuse,sexeducation,andbirthcontrol,aswellasnutritionalprograms(e.g.,reducedandfreehotlunches).

Earlychildhoodprogramsareahighpriorityforpromotingmentalhealth.Followingidentificationofaphysicalormentalhealthproblem,referralfortreatmentshouldbemadetotheappropriateagencyorprivateprovider.

Lowerpriorityisascribedtonon-mandatedscreenings(e.g.,scoliosis),safety/suicidepreventionprograms,mentalhealthcounseling(otherthanidentificationofneedandreferral),educationalprogramsfortheemotionallydisturbed(otherthanasmandated)andcrisisintervention.

Extendeddaycareprogramsforseverelyandchronicallymentallyillchildrenandadolescentsshouldbeprovidedbyotheragencies.

PrivateprofessionalprovidersandagenciesshouldparticipateinlocalphysicalandmentalhealthprogramsaswellasfederalandstateprogramssuchasMedicaidandshouldofferprobonoservices.TheyshouldcooperatewiththeCountyincoordinatingthedeliveryofhealthservices.

Nonprofitvolunteeragencies,suchastheJeffcoActionCenter,shouldnotbeexpectedtoprovideprimaryhealthcareservices.Theyofferemergencyandinterimhelpinacrisissituation.



SOCIALPOLICYHEALTHCARESERVICES(continued)

CriteriaforEvaluatingHealthCareProgramsProgramsforphysicalandmentalhealthcareshouldbecharacterizedbyaccountabilityforappropriateandqualitycare,availabilityofservices,andfinancialresponsibilityandequity.

Accountability:• Non-professionalsshouldbeincludedongoverningboardsofagencies.• Programsshouldtargetpopulationatriskandberesponsivetotheneedsofthepeople.• ThepaPent'srighttoconfidenPality,tobeinformedaboutillness/treatment,andtoforgotreatmentshouldbe

respected.• AgencyshouldhavecriteriaandproceduresforevaluaPngitsownprograms(e.g.,performancestandardsand

professionalpeerreview).

Availability:• Servicesshouldbeprovidedatconvenientlocations.• Publictransportationshouldbeavailable.• Relevantinformationonavailableprogramsshouldbedisseminatedtotargetpopulations.

Financialresponsibilityandequity:• Feesshouldbebasedonabilitytopay,andservicesfreewherenecessary.• AppropriatecostcontrolmeasuresshouldbeinsPtuted.Measurescouldinclude:physicianparPcipaPoninfederal,

stateandlocalhealthprograms;promoPngprevenPon/primarycareprograms;expandingoutpaPentservices;reducingwastefulpracPcesandunnecessaryregulaPons;usingalliedhealthprofessionals;prospecPvepricingbudgePng;andlimiPngliability.

• ReasonablecompensaPonforprovidersshouldbebasedonnecessaryandappropriatecosts.Thisdoesnotnegateproviders'obligaPontoofferprobonoservicesandparPcipateinhealthprograms.ParPcipaPonshouldbeuniversaltoensuretheequitabledistribuPonofcomplementaryprivateacPviPes.

PrioriRzedServicesForallagesthehighestpriorityforhealthcareservicesshouldincludeprevenPvecare,primarycare,emergencycare,andprescripPonsneededfortreatment.Specifically,highestpriorityisalsogivento:nutriPonandreconstrucPvesurgeryforinfantsandchildren;healthandsexeducaPon(includingfamilyplanning)forteens;maternalhealthcareforteensandadults;acutecareforchronicmedicalcondiPons(e.g.,asthma,diabetes)foradultsandtheelderly;andhomecareandnursinghomecarefortheelderly.

Moderatepriorityisgivento:dentalandvisioncareandprostheticdevicesforallages;catastrophiccareforallbuttheelderly;nutrition;reconstructivecareandrehabilitativetherapyforteens,adultsandelderly;substanceabusetreatmentforteensandadults;familyplanning,AIDStreatmentandhomecareforadults;anddaycareandrespitecarefortheelderly.

Alowpriorityisgivento:heroicmedicalprocedures,transplants,andexperimentalproceduresforallages;respitecareforinfants,children,teens,andadults;treatmentofeaPngdisordersforteens;andcatastrophiccarefortheelderly.

ThehighestpriorityformentalhealthservicesforallagesshouldincludeprevenPvecare,includingearlychildhoodprograms,educaPonalprogramsandcounseling;outpaPenttreatmentincludingassessment,evaluaPon,placement,counseling(individual,family,andgroup);medicaPonsandemergencycare;andshorttermhospitalalternaPvefaciliPesandresidenPalcarefortheseriouslymentallyill.

Lowerpriorityshouldincludecommunityoutreachprograms;consultaPonandtraumamanagement;vocaPonalprogramsforpersonswithchronicmentalillness;andprogramssuchasdaycare(allages),respitecare,groupboardinghomesandnursinghomecare.



SOCIALPOLICYHEALTHCARESERVICES(continued)

HISTORYStudy:Atthebeginningofthehealthservicesstudyin1987-89,membersusedcasestudiestoreviewtheresourcesinJeffersonCountyregardinghealthcare;studiedhealthservicesforprenatalcare,teens,andfamilyplanning;andstudiedtheJeffcoHealthDepartment'sDependencyTreatmentPrograms.InDecember1989,theLWVUSEducationFundwasusedtopublishHealthCareServicesinJeffersonCounty.Fivehundredcopiesweredistributedtomembers,officials,providersandinterestedcitizens.Consensuswasreachedonpriorities,roles,andcriteriaforphysicalandmentalhealthcareservices.

Astudyofindividualsewagedisposalsystemswasundertakenin1995.

In2003theLeaguestudiedhealthcarecondiPons,opPonsandpoliciesinJeffersonCounty.ThestudyincludedtheChildren’sHealthPlan(CHP+).

In2006-2007,theLeaguelookedatfundingofJeffersonCountyHealthDepartment.

AcPon:In1990,theLeaguesupportedJeffersonCountyHealthDepartment'sgrantapplicaPonfortheColoradoTrustprenataliniPaPve.TheJeffersonCountyBoardofHealthmeePngswerebeingobserved.

Duringthewinterof1993-1994,aseriesoftownmeePngsonhealthcarereformwasco-sponsoredbytheLeagueandtheClearCreekValleyMedicalSociety.

In1995,LeaguecommentedonproposedIndividualSewageDisposalSystem(ISDS)regulaPons.In1995LeaguealsosupportedCiPzensforLakewood’sFuturerequesttothe“ColoradoTrust”foragranttodevelopa“HealthyCommuniPesIndex”.

In1998,LeagueunsuccessfullyopposedacutinfundingfortheJeffersonCountyDepartmentofHealthandEnvironment.

LocalandnaPonalposiPonsunderlayacPonin1997-2000tomonitorandfacilitatethetransiPonto“TemporaryAssistancetoNeedyFamilies”(TANF).LWVJeffcomoderatedacommunityroundtableandparPcipatedontheexecuPvecommiieemonitoringwelfarereformandacPon.

In2003,theLeaguesupportedamilllevytoprovideaddiPonalfundingfororganizaPonsservingthedevelopmentallydisabledinJeffersonCounty.

In2007,theLeaguesponsoredaHealthCareReformforColoradoForumwhichdiscussedthereformproposedbytheGovernor’sBlueRibbonCommissiononHealthCare.RepresentaPvesfromtheBlueRibbonCommissiononHealthCare,fromtheColoradoHealthInsPtute,andfromHealthCareforAllColoradoservedaspanelistsforthepublicmeePng.



SOCIALPOLICYHOUSING

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportwell-planneddiversifiedtypesanddensiResofhousingwithaccesstopublictransportaRonforallincomelevels.Dispersedlow-incomehousingasanintegralpartofthecommunity.

Supportmanufacturedhomes,accessorydwellingunits,sharedhousing,andaccessiblehomesforfamilies,individuals,seniors,anddisabledinlandscapedandregulatedse]ngswithadequateopenspace.

SupportsheltersandtransiRonalhousinginJeffersonCountyasemergencyandshorttermhousingmeasureswithemphasisonassisRngpeopletobecomeself-sufficient.SheltersandtransiRonalhousingshouldaddressLWVUScriteria.

STANDARDSHousingforfamilies,individuals,seniors,anddisabledpersonsshouldbe:

• Locatedwithaccesstopublictransportation,medicalservices,shopping,andotherameniPes.• Accesstoopen,spaceandparkswithgreenspacesnearthebuilding.

BuildingDesignshouldprovide:• Easeoflivingwithsafetyandsecurity,includingadequateparking,lighting,laundryfacilities,andfiresafety.• SpecialconsideraPonforseniorsanddisabled,suchaselevatorsanddoorwayswideenoughto

accommodatewheelchairs,lowcounters,andappropriatelysizedappliances.

Featureswhichimprovelivability:• OpportuniPesforextendededucaPonal,cultural,andrecreaPonalexperiences.

HISTORYStudy:UsingtheLWVUSposiPononequalopportunityinhousingasabasis,theJeffcoLeague,in1969,beganitsfirststudyofhousinginthecounty.A1970consensusdevelopedposiPonsondiversificaPonofanddensiPesinnewhousingprojects.TheLeaguepreparedslideshowsin1971and1974andconductedtoursin1973and1974documenPngtheneedforlow/moderate-incomehousinginthecounty.TheslidepresentaPonwasusedbothaspartofthetwostudiesandtosPmulatecommunityawarenessoftheneedforimplementaPonoffairhousing.In1975,thebooklet,HOUSINGFORALL:HOW?(Firstprintedin1974),wasdistributedthroughoutthecounty.TheresearchforthisbookletledtoconsensusoncondiPonsforqualityinhigh-risestructuresfortheelderly.The1990studyreviewedstate,county,andmunicipalpublicandprivatehousingprograms.TheinformaPonwasupdatedin1997.In2009,theLeaguelookedathomelessnessinJeffersonCounty.Asurveywasdone,andstaPsPcsgatheredweresharedwiththemembershipandtheCountyCommissioners.In2017,theLeagueundertheDemographicsStudyreviewedthehousingneedsandimpactonhomelessnessthatwillhappenbasedontheprojectedpopulaPonchangesinJeffersonCounty.Fromthisstudy,aconsensuswasreachedtorevisetheposiPonwhichremovedthespecificreferencesto‘high-risedevelopmentsfortheelderly’to‘supportmanufacturedhomes,accessorydwellingunits,sharedhousingandaccessiblehomes’.AtthisPme,theposiPonwasupdatedittoread‘seniorsanddisabled’inplaceof‘elderlyandhandicapped’.

AcPon:LeaguehasbeenacPveinhousingissuesatthecountyandmunicipallevels.CountyacPonhasincludedsupportforaPublicHousingAuthorityandaFederalRentSupplementResoluPon,aprerequisitefortheuseoffederalrentsubsidies.Bothfailedin1969.LeaguesupportedthecountyadopPonoftheMetroHousingAllocaPonPlanin1973whichfailed.In1974itwaspassedbyArvada,LakewoodandJeffersonCounty.

TheLeagueiniPatedtheestablishmentofanAdHocCommiieeforaJeffersonCountyHousingAuthorityin1975.TenLeaguemembersservedonthe10-week-IongHousingAdvisoryTaskForcewhichrecommendedtheAuthority.TheLeaguethensupporteditinformalhearingsbeforetheCountyCommissioners,anditpassed.



SOCIALPOLICYHOUSING(continued)

HISTORYAcPon:(conPnued)In1971theLeaguesupportedasuccessfulLakewoodresoluPontocreateaLakewoodHousingTaskForce.TheLeaguesupportedhousingproposalsfortheelderlyin1971and1973;andsupportedlow-incomehousingin1973.There-zoningproposalforhousingtheelderlywasdelayedbycourtacPonandwasnotapprovedunPl1977.

TheLeaguesupportedthecreaPonoftheLakewoodHousingAuthorityanduseofCommunityDevelopmentBlockGrantsin1975.In1976,itsupportedtheadopPonoftheLakewoodHousingCodewhichpassedunanimously.

InArvada,acPoninsupportoftheRentSupplementResoluPonin1969wassuccessful.TheLeaguesupportedtheformaPonoftheInterfaithHousingTaskForcein1971anduseofCommunityDevelopmentBlockGrantsin1975.In1975-76,theLeaguesupportedre-zoningproposalstoallowtwohousingdevelopmentsfortheelderly.

In1975,theLeaguesupportedWheatRidge'sacceptanceoftheMetroHousingAllocaPonPlanwhichfailed.In1976WheatRidge,Golden,andEdgewatercontractedwithJeffersonCountyHousingAuthoritytoadministertheirhousingneeds,therebyaccepPngtheAllocaPonPlan.IntheGoldenarea,Leaguesupportedamobilehomeparkin1977.

HousingconcernswereaddressedaspartofstatementsonopenspaceandplanningandzoninginLakewoodin1986and1989,andbeforetheCountyCommissionersin1986.

In1993,LeaguesupportedaCommunityDevelopmentBlockGrantfromthecityofLakewoodtotheJeffcoActionCenterfora30-bedhomelessshelter.In1994Leaguesupportedre-zoningforaJeffcoActionCenterhomelessshelterinLakewoodagainstbitterneighborhoodopposition.There-zoningwasnotgranted.In1998aLakewoodrezoningforHabitatforHumanitywassuccessfullysupported.TheJeffcoLeaguethensuppliedlunchforHabitatworkersthatsummer.Infallof1999LeaguersdonatedaworkdaytoHabitat.Alsoin1999,Leaguesupporteda$20,000JeffersonCountycontributionforanoverflowhomelessshelteratFt.Logan.Itwasapproved.

In2017,LeaguesupportedtheCountyCommissionerscontinuedacceptanceofCDBGandHOMEfundduringthepubliccommentperiodwithaformalletterwithLeague'sstatementdeliveredtotheCommissionersandtotheClerkfortheofficialrecord.AnActionAlertwassentouttoallLWVJeffcoMemberstospeakinsupportoftheCommissionerscontinuingtoreceivethesefunds.OuradvocacyworkmadeadifferenceastheJeffcoCommissionersvotedtoacceptCDBG/HOMEfederalfunding.

SOCIALPOLICYINCOMEINEQUALITY

POSITIONINBRIEFSupportspoliciesthatleadtoreducingincomeinequalityandtopromoRnginclusiveandsustainableprosperity.

STANDARDS• Provideaccesstofreepre-schoolandall-daykindergartenforallstudents.• PromoteandsupporttradeschooleducaPonandapprenPceshipsatthehighschoollevelandbeyond.• IncreasestockofaffordablehousinginJeffersonCounty.

HISTORYAtthe2014annualmeePngmembersauthorizedthestudyofincomeinequalityinJeffersonCounty.Acommiieewasformedandastudywasbegun.InformaPononincomeinequalityinJeffersonCountywaspresentedtothemembershipatunitmeePngsinFebruary2015.AtthatPmethecommiieehadnotyetdevelopedaposiPon.IntheOctober2015meePngsthecommiieepresentedthemembershipwiththeaboveposiPonforconcurrence.TheposiPonwasadoptedatthatPme.



SOCIALPOLICYHUMANTRAFFICKING

POSITIONINBRIEFOpposesallformsofdomesPcandinternaPonalhumantraffickingofadultsandchildren,includingsextraffickingandlabortrafficking.WeconsiderhumantraffickingtobeaformofmoderndayslaveryandbelievethateverymeasureshouldbetakenandeveryeffortshouldbemadethroughlegislaPonandchangesinpublicpolicytopreventhumantrafficking.ProsecuPonandpenalizaPonoftraffickersandabusersshouldbeestablished,andexisPnglawsshouldbestrictlyenforced.ExtensiveessenPalservicesforvicPmsshouldbeappliedwhereneeded.EducaPonandawarenessprogramsonhumantraffickingshouldbeestablishedinourcommuniPesandinourschools.

HISTORYStudy:AttheLWVUSConvention2014,theabovepositionwasadoptedbyconcurrencewithLWVNewJerseyposition.

Priortotheadoptionoftheposition,NationalLeaguehadnospecificpositiononHumanTraffickingHowever,LWVJeffcohadtakenacPonpriortotheNaPonalConvenPontoholdaconcurrenceatthelocalLeaguelevel.Anindepthstudywasconducted,presentedattheSeptember2013unitmeePngs,thatbroughttolightthehumantraffickingacPviPesbeingconductedinJeffersonCounty.InOctober2013,apaneldiscussionwasheldwiththefollowingindividuals:KaPeKurtz,Asst.DAJeffersonCounty,DoniaAmick,Sgt.InvesPgaPonDivision-SpecialInvesPgaPonUnit,Lakewood,EmilyLafferrandre,DirectorofEducaPonandAdvocacy,Prax(us)OrganizaPonandJeffBrodsky,President/Founder,JOYInternaPonal.Theoverallgoalofthispaneleventwastoraiseawarenessoftheissuessurroundinghumantraffickingincluding:Whatishappeninginourarea,WhatwecandoasindividualstosupporttheirworkandWhere/Howtoreportand/orgetmoreinforma0on.Thecommunityresponsewashugewithover100aiendees.PartnershipswereformedbetweencommunityorganizaPonsandtheLeagueinordertoincreaseawarenessandsupporttheireffortstoprovideservicestovicPms.

AjerthepaneldiscussionandunitmeePngstudysession,aconcurrence(basedontheLWVOhioposiPon)waspresentedandvotedduringtheNovemberUnitMeePngs.TheLWVJeffcoBoardapprovedtheconcurrenceanditwasformallyadoptedatthe2014AnnualMeePng.However,theNaPonalstatementabovewillnowbeusedinitsplaceasourformalposiPongoingforwardasitwasadoptedontheNaPonallevelattheLWVUSConvenPon2014.

AcPon:Duringthe2014COLegislaPvesession,theLWVCOLegislaPveAcPonCommiieemonitoredandsupportedlegislaPon.HB1273HumanTrafficking(Reps.McCann&Wright:Sens.Newell&Schwartz)waspassedwhichhelpstoalignColoradowiththefederalTraffickingVicPmsProtecPonAct(TVPA).IntheSenateJudiciaryCommiiee,tesPmonywasprovidedabout“SafeHarbor”laws.“SafeHarbor”lawscanprovidesafehousingandservicesforvicPmsand/orimmunityfromcriminalprosecuPon.Whilethisbilldoesnotincludeanyversionof“SafeHarbor”legislaPon,itdoescreatetheHumanTraffickingCouncil,andthiscouncilwillhavetheopportunitytoreviewandobserveotherstatesthathaveimplementedvariousversionsof“SafeHarbor”legislaPon.ThisbillallowsColoradotoparPcipateinandprovideamoreevenexecuPonofhumantraffickinglegislaPonandenforcement.ItpassedthroughSenateCommiieesandfullSenateunanimously.


PROGRAM AND HISTORY...PROGRAM AND HISTORY 1953 - 2017 A Guide to Public Policy Posi0ons League of Women Voters® of Jefferson County, CO 1425 Brentwood, Suite 7, Lakewood, CO 80214

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