Representative Debbie Benefield and Speaker Andrew Romanoff are hosting the final stop of the "Constitutional Reform Road Show" in Jefferson County at the end of the month. At this Town Meeting, several questions will be discussed including: How do we preserve direct access to the ballot? How do we avoid ambiguity and resolve conflicts in the Colorado Constitution?

Many do not realize the uniqueness of Colorado's initiative process. Only 18 states allow their constitution to be amended through the citizen initiative (ballot) process, and Colorado's qualification process is the easiest. The Colorado Constitution has been amended 47 times since 1980, while the United States Constitution has only been amended 27 times since 1789!

Several important amendments voted on by the citizens of Colorado cause conflict within the Constitution. The Gallagher and TABOR amendments have limited taxes and available funds, yet Amendment 23 requires increased spending on Education. How to deal with these conflicts and move Colorado forward in a positive direction will be the topic of discussion. Come help your representatives formulate a plan for the improvement of our Constitution which continues the fine Colorado tradition of citizen participation.

Along with Speaker Romanoff and Representative Benefield, there will be several other speakers: Representatives Gagliardi, Green, Jahn, Kerr, Labuda, Summers, Whit and Witwer and Jennie Drage Browser from the National Conference of State Legislatures. Don't miss the last stop of the Legislative "Constitutional Reform Road Show" on Wednesday, June 27 at 5 pm at the Westminster City Hall, City Council Boardroom, 4800 92 nd Ave, Westminster, CO.