Referendum A opponents and supporters gathered yesterday along the South Platte River to rally their respective troops, according to the Rocky Mountain News [August 28, 2003, "Duel of words over water referendum"]. Opponents of the referendum include, mayor of Grand Junction, Western Slope legislators, Front Range environmentalists and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. The Rocky lists some of their grievances, "Identify any specific projects the money would be spent on, leaving that decision solely up to the Colorado Water Conservation Board and ultimately Gov. Bill Owens. Include requirements that the Western Slope be compensated for water diverted to the Front Range. Provide money for less ambitious projects costing less than $5 million that would help small towns and farmers. Safeguard local water users who could be saddled with a project selected by the conservation board and governor, then be required to pay back the cost of the project without a chance to vote for it themselves." Opponents also maintain that existing methods of financing available are sufficient. Here's the coverage from the Denver Post [August 28, 2003, "Water-storage battle begins on riverbank"].

A group of Commerce City residents is trying to collect enough signatures to get a measure on the November ballot opposing expansion of gambling in the city, according to the Rocky Mountain News [August 28, 2003, "Commerce City group opposes gambling plan"]. From the article, "If Barenburg collected 476 valid city voters' signatures, the proposal will go on the November ballot, City Clerk Judie Ridgeley said. It is unclear whether a change to a city municipal code could override a state constitutional amendment approved by voters."
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