A lawsuit was filed Tuesday, Oct. 10, with the Colorado Secretary of State, charging that the city of Littleton and its mayor, James Taylor, violated 1-45-117 C.R.S. by misusing public funds to campaign against Amendment 38, the Petition Rights Amendment.

Norman Brown of Littleton filed the complaint after he received a letter from the mayor that attached a multi-page attack on Amendment 38 prepared by the Colorado Municipal League. The CML is funded with taxpayer dollars, as was the mayor's mailing.

Brown also demanded that the mayor identify the other participants in the illegal mailing, and itemize its full cost.

The mayor has admitted to a local reporter that his action was wrong and illegal.

Amendment 38 would prevent the misappropriation of public funds to campaign for or against petitions. Under current law, the theft of public funds for political campaigns does not trigger personal liability. Amendment 38 would impose a personal fine for misappropriation of public funds in petition campaigns. The violator would also pay attorney fees on both sides.

The Secretary of State will refer the complaint to an administrative law judge who will schedule a hearing on, and impose a penalty for, the violation.

Further information on Amendment 38 and the lawsuit may be obtained by calling the proponents of #38. Please phone Douglas Campbell at 303-420-6498 and Dennis Polhill at 303-278-3636.