Bill Ritter and the power of the veto
I'd like to say I didn't see it coming. But I did. Today, Governor Bill Ritter vetoed HB-1072, setting off a firestorm of criticism and second-guessing.
Moderate changes the Colorado Labor Peace Act are a fine idea. But in this case, labor groups and the Republican Party both over-reacted, attempting to make political statements early in Ritter's term.
Ritter's response was unexpectedly savvy. First he restated his commitment to bipartisanship:
...I promised the people of Colorado over the last two years, that I would work tirelessly to bridge traditional divides, to bring together groups that often find themselves at odds: Republicans and Democrats, business and labor, developers and environmentalists. I vowed to listen to a wide range of views, to unite and to build consensus around a public policy agenda that speaks to the common good.
Then he chastised those who put him in this unwinnable situation:
From the beginning, this was a bitter, divisive and partisan battle. Opposite sides dug in, refusing to consider reasonable compromises. It demonstrated precisely why so many people have grown so cynical about American politics. The bill's proponents made no effort to open a dialogue with the opponents. At times, the opponents were neither respectful nor civil. It was over-heated politics at its worst.
Ritter made sure to leave the door open for the bill to come up again:
I am persuaded by their argument that changing long-time Colorado law relating to business and labor negotiations in this manner, in the atmosphere with which it was debated, is not now in the best interests of our state. (Ed. - Emphasisis added)
And Ritter finished by reminding all involved that his priorities as governor remain unchanged:
Creating the New Energy Economy, reforming health care, funding education, and building a 21st century transportation system requires that kind of [bipartisan] spirit and commitment.
Ritter's veto leaves him with the ability to re-open negotiations with labor, while building up IOU's from business groups. But it also leaves him with a heavy responsibility. Because those of us who supported him won't forget those elements of the Colorado Promise that Ritter held most dear. The voters are owed substantive proposals for guaranteed healthcare, a 21st Century transportation system, and major steps towards the implementation of a New Energy Economy that greatly reduces pollutants while providing a livlihood for thousands of workers.
The clock is ticking.
Moderate changes the Colorado Labor Peace Act are a fine idea. But in this case, labor groups and the Republican Party both over-reacted, attempting to make political statements early in Ritter's term.
Ritter's response was unexpectedly savvy. First he restated his commitment to bipartisanship:
...I promised the people of Colorado over the last two years, that I would work tirelessly to bridge traditional divides, to bring together groups that often find themselves at odds: Republicans and Democrats, business and labor, developers and environmentalists. I vowed to listen to a wide range of views, to unite and to build consensus around a public policy agenda that speaks to the common good.
Then he chastised those who put him in this unwinnable situation:
From the beginning, this was a bitter, divisive and partisan battle. Opposite sides dug in, refusing to consider reasonable compromises. It demonstrated precisely why so many people have grown so cynical about American politics. The bill's proponents made no effort to open a dialogue with the opponents. At times, the opponents were neither respectful nor civil. It was over-heated politics at its worst.
Ritter made sure to leave the door open for the bill to come up again:
I am persuaded by their argument that changing long-time Colorado law relating to business and labor negotiations in this manner, in the atmosphere with which it was debated, is not now in the best interests of our state. (Ed. - Emphasisis added)
And Ritter finished by reminding all involved that his priorities as governor remain unchanged:
Creating the New Energy Economy, reforming health care, funding education, and building a 21st century transportation system requires that kind of [bipartisan] spirit and commitment.
Ritter's veto leaves him with the ability to re-open negotiations with labor, while building up IOU's from business groups. But it also leaves him with a heavy responsibility. Because those of us who supported him won't forget those elements of the Colorado Promise that Ritter held most dear. The voters are owed substantive proposals for guaranteed healthcare, a 21st Century transportation system, and major steps towards the implementation of a New Energy Economy that greatly reduces pollutants while providing a livlihood for thousands of workers.
The clock is ticking.
Labels: Bill Ritter, Colorado Labor Peace Act, healthcare, New Energy Economy, punditry
5 Comments:
Cross-posted at SquareState.
Darn skippy. Matt, that's the only sober response I've seen to the veto all day. The rabid left is howling for (Ritter's) blood, and the loony right is drunk with (percieved) power. Meanwhile (eachoes), the *way* we conduct politics is destroying any hope that we can actually reach reasonable consensus on important issues. I'm glad Ritter had the moxie to step into the situation and tell it like it is.
Thanks, Seth. Heated debeate in the cross-post.
This whole issue has been blown up out of all proportion by business, labor and the media. There is a perception that this legislation represents a drastic change and was strong-armed through. Whether or not that perception is fair, there it is.
Ritter does not appear to be using this veto to kill the legislation long term. He appears to be using it to diffuse the situation. I agree we probably ought to calm down and stay tuned.
Thank you for a reasoned and rationale look at this veto. The screeching masses over at Square State have completely over-reacted. The Governor sent a message - labor now knows that they do not own state government. There are right ways to do get things done and wrong ways. HB 1072 was handled the wrong way by all sides. Labor acted arrogant and got their hands slapped.
- lrndhnd
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