Printed on 11/22/08
I am also grateful to all who supported my candidacy with their vote in House District 49. Even in this tough year I saw a ten point margin over my opponent. To her credit, she ran a straightforward race that made our differences very clear. For my part, I was as direct, clear and positive as possible, focusing on my record, the principles that guide my actions and the intentions I have for future legislation.
The people have now spoken and we move on to the next legislative session.
I pledge to continue to represent the conservative values that I know best reflect the people of district 49 in Larimer and Weld counties.
In the course of this next legislative session there will be times when I will find agreement with the majority party, and in those situations I intend to work across the aisle for the best interests of the state. When the issues taken on by the Democrat party threaten the principles of good government I will oppose those issues and defend the principles. We must not ever abandon or compromise the essential elements of good government. Liberty and our common moral values are too dear to spend in the name of political convenience.
These next two years will be challenging, but I look forward to a productive time as I continue to promote the principles of a free and moral people for the sake of our children and their children.
Rep. Kevin Lundberg
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STATEWIDE BALLOT ISSUES:
AMENDMENT 38, the petition rights amendment.
This expands citizens' abilities to propose changes to Colorado laws through the petition process. It allows petitions for local laws, simplifies the procedure, which will make it easier to qualify an issue for the ballot and limits how many laws the legislature can exempt from the petition review procedures.
Most government officials oppose this amendment. I support it, as I believe we the citizens should have as much direct access to the law making process as is reasonably possible. It is in the best interest of self government and helps provide a check and balance to the government system interests that are counter to the principle of limited government.
AMENDMENT 39, the 65% of spending in the classroom requirement.
This mandates that all public school districts spend at least 65% of their expenditures on direct classroom expenses.
The goal of this amendment is laudable, but the details and mandates are doubtful. I am supporting this measure, as a "no" vote would send the wrong message to school administrators as to what the priorities should be for public schools. I am concerned, however, that too many districts will miss the intended spirit of this measure and simply twist their books into compliance with the letter of this law.
AMENDMENT 40, term limits for judges.
Amendment 40 limits state appellate and supreme court judges to serving no more than 10 years.
This puts term limits on many judges in Colorado, similar to what we have for the legislature and executive branches already. It should go a long way in balancing the power between the three branches of Colorado state government by adding a little more accountability to the judicial branch.
I support this measure.
AMENDMENT 41, limiting gifts to government employees.
The wording on this issue can be confusing, as it may appear to some to only apply to elected officials, but it is an across the board ban on gifts more than $50 to all government employees and officials in state and local government. The only exception is gifts from friends and family on special occasions.
It is hard to describe this measure without using words like absurd and unworkable. The definitions are vague and it applies to EVERY person involved in state and local government. A logical interpretation would even prohibit children of government employees from getting college scholarships. This is an amendment that will create a great deal of confusion and consternation for all government employees and officials.
I recommend a no vote.
AMENDMENT 42, raising the minimum wage
42 will establish a Colorado minimum wage at $6.85 and index it to the inflation rate.
This is bad economics. It is inflationary and will reduce the number of minimum wage jobs available in Colorado. Price controls never work well, this would hurt the people it is supposed to help. Vote no.
AMENDMENT 43, the marriage amendment
It establishes in the Colorado constitution the definition of marriage as only being between one man and one woman.
Court rulings, most recently last week in New Jersey, have shown us how important it is to define marriage in our constitutions.
I recommend a yes vote.
AMENDMENT 44, legalize marijuana
This legalizes possession of one ounce of marijuana for adults 21 and older.
This sets up a double standard by not changing the laws which make it illegal to grow, sell and possess (if it is over one ounce) and jet making it legal to possess up to one ounce. It is an obvious backdoor to full legalization of this drug, and then why not other drugs? I consider this to be a dangerous policy that would result in much higher drug use.
Vote no.
REFERENDUM E, property tax reduction for disabled veterans
This expands the senior property tax reduction to include veterans who are 100% disabled.
It is the least we should do in support of disabled veterans.
REFERENDUM F, recall deadlines
Ref F is fixing some awkward requirements currently in the state constitution concerning recalls for elected officials.
I recommend a yes vote.
REFERENDUM G, removing obsolete constitutional provisions
The question I get for this measure is: "are these really obsolete, or are we changing anything of substance?" After looking at the details of Referendum G, I am satisfied that there is nothing of substance being changed.
I recommend a yes vote.
REFERENDUM H, not allowing a business to deduct wages paid to illegal aliens from their taxable income.
Enforcement of this measure is problematic, but this is one of many measures that we should put in force to fix the illegal immigration problem we have here in Colorado. It should also be noted that this (and ref K) are the only questions the Democrat majority allowed to be put before the people of Colorado to vote on.
I recommend we say yes, as one small step toward where we need to be.
REFERENDUM I, establishing same-sex civil unions in Colorado.
The referendum creates a legal status for same-sex couples that is a carbon copy of marriage in Colorado law. it will drastically change the concept of what marriage and the family is in Colorado.
I should also point out a glaring omission in the state's Blue Book description of domestic partnerships. It does not clearly point out that Referendum I specifically allows same-sex couples to adopt children and grants both partners full parental rights for any child born to either domestic partner.
I have for months and continue to urge a no vote.
REFERENDUM J, the anti-Amendment J referred measure
This one is pure politics. It is the Democrat majority in the legislature trying to undercut a citizen's initiative even before it is approved by the voters. It would render the 65% spending requirement for school districts meaningless.
I recommend a no vote.
REFERENDUM K, immigration lawsuit against the Federal government.
As referenced in H, these two measures are all the Democratic controlled legislature allowed we the people to vote on concerning the illegal immigration issue. A lawsuit demanding the Federal government do their part in fixing the problem is a symbolic effort, but I do support our banging on the doors of every level of government to bring them around to the necessity of fixing, not just patching the problem.
I recommend a yes vote.
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"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of House District 49 for the past four years," Rep. Lundberg stated. "As I look back, I realize I have not chosen the easiest path in the legislature, but it is the only path I can take with integrity. I am seeking to serve a 3rd term to continue promoting the principles of liberty and traditional moral values."
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2006 Election
Home / The Issues / Archives
After the Election
Thank you to all who worked so hard on my behalf and for so many other liberty-loving candidates. The victories that we did see were due to your commitment and diligent effort.I am also grateful to all who supported my candidacy with their vote in House District 49. Even in this tough year I saw a ten point margin over my opponent. To her credit, she ran a straightforward race that made our differences very clear. For my part, I was as direct, clear and positive as possible, focusing on my record, the principles that guide my actions and the intentions I have for future legislation.
The people have now spoken and we move on to the next legislative session.
I pledge to continue to represent the conservative values that I know best reflect the people of district 49 in Larimer and Weld counties.
In the course of this next legislative session there will be times when I will find agreement with the majority party, and in those situations I intend to work across the aisle for the best interests of the state. When the issues taken on by the Democrat party threaten the principles of good government I will oppose those issues and defend the principles. We must not ever abandon or compromise the essential elements of good government. Liberty and our common moral values are too dear to spend in the name of political convenience.
These next two years will be challenging, but I look forward to a productive time as I continue to promote the principles of a free and moral people for the sake of our children and their children.
Rep. Kevin Lundberg
Back to Top
Ballot Issues
Here are my brief thoughts on the statewide ballot issues this year:STATEWIDE BALLOT ISSUES:
AMENDMENT 38, the petition rights amendment.
This expands citizens' abilities to propose changes to Colorado laws through the petition process. It allows petitions for local laws, simplifies the procedure, which will make it easier to qualify an issue for the ballot and limits how many laws the legislature can exempt from the petition review procedures.
Most government officials oppose this amendment. I support it, as I believe we the citizens should have as much direct access to the law making process as is reasonably possible. It is in the best interest of self government and helps provide a check and balance to the government system interests that are counter to the principle of limited government.
AMENDMENT 39, the 65% of spending in the classroom requirement.
This mandates that all public school districts spend at least 65% of their expenditures on direct classroom expenses.
The goal of this amendment is laudable, but the details and mandates are doubtful. I am supporting this measure, as a "no" vote would send the wrong message to school administrators as to what the priorities should be for public schools. I am concerned, however, that too many districts will miss the intended spirit of this measure and simply twist their books into compliance with the letter of this law.
AMENDMENT 40, term limits for judges.
Amendment 40 limits state appellate and supreme court judges to serving no more than 10 years.
This puts term limits on many judges in Colorado, similar to what we have for the legislature and executive branches already. It should go a long way in balancing the power between the three branches of Colorado state government by adding a little more accountability to the judicial branch.
I support this measure.
AMENDMENT 41, limiting gifts to government employees.
The wording on this issue can be confusing, as it may appear to some to only apply to elected officials, but it is an across the board ban on gifts more than $50 to all government employees and officials in state and local government. The only exception is gifts from friends and family on special occasions.
It is hard to describe this measure without using words like absurd and unworkable. The definitions are vague and it applies to EVERY person involved in state and local government. A logical interpretation would even prohibit children of government employees from getting college scholarships. This is an amendment that will create a great deal of confusion and consternation for all government employees and officials.
I recommend a no vote.
AMENDMENT 42, raising the minimum wage
42 will establish a Colorado minimum wage at $6.85 and index it to the inflation rate.
This is bad economics. It is inflationary and will reduce the number of minimum wage jobs available in Colorado. Price controls never work well, this would hurt the people it is supposed to help. Vote no.
AMENDMENT 43, the marriage amendment
It establishes in the Colorado constitution the definition of marriage as only being between one man and one woman.
Court rulings, most recently last week in New Jersey, have shown us how important it is to define marriage in our constitutions.
I recommend a yes vote.
AMENDMENT 44, legalize marijuana
This legalizes possession of one ounce of marijuana for adults 21 and older.
This sets up a double standard by not changing the laws which make it illegal to grow, sell and possess (if it is over one ounce) and jet making it legal to possess up to one ounce. It is an obvious backdoor to full legalization of this drug, and then why not other drugs? I consider this to be a dangerous policy that would result in much higher drug use.
Vote no.
REFERENDUM E, property tax reduction for disabled veterans
This expands the senior property tax reduction to include veterans who are 100% disabled.
It is the least we should do in support of disabled veterans.
REFERENDUM F, recall deadlines
Ref F is fixing some awkward requirements currently in the state constitution concerning recalls for elected officials.
I recommend a yes vote.
REFERENDUM G, removing obsolete constitutional provisions
The question I get for this measure is: "are these really obsolete, or are we changing anything of substance?" After looking at the details of Referendum G, I am satisfied that there is nothing of substance being changed.
I recommend a yes vote.
REFERENDUM H, not allowing a business to deduct wages paid to illegal aliens from their taxable income.
Enforcement of this measure is problematic, but this is one of many measures that we should put in force to fix the illegal immigration problem we have here in Colorado. It should also be noted that this (and ref K) are the only questions the Democrat majority allowed to be put before the people of Colorado to vote on.
I recommend we say yes, as one small step toward where we need to be.
REFERENDUM I, establishing same-sex civil unions in Colorado.
The referendum creates a legal status for same-sex couples that is a carbon copy of marriage in Colorado law. it will drastically change the concept of what marriage and the family is in Colorado.
I should also point out a glaring omission in the state's Blue Book description of domestic partnerships. It does not clearly point out that Referendum I specifically allows same-sex couples to adopt children and grants both partners full parental rights for any child born to either domestic partner.
I have for months and continue to urge a no vote.
REFERENDUM J, the anti-Amendment J referred measure
This one is pure politics. It is the Democrat majority in the legislature trying to undercut a citizen's initiative even before it is approved by the voters. It would render the 65% spending requirement for school districts meaningless.
I recommend a no vote.
REFERENDUM K, immigration lawsuit against the Federal government.
As referenced in H, these two measures are all the Democratic controlled legislature allowed we the people to vote on concerning the illegal immigration issue. A lawsuit demanding the Federal government do their part in fixing the problem is a symbolic effort, but I do support our banging on the doors of every level of government to bring them around to the necessity of fixing, not just patching the problem.
I recommend a yes vote.
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Press Release, 3/18/06
Kevin Lundberg, current State Representative for House District 49 announced his candidacy for re-election on Saturday, March 18 in Berthoud, Estes Park, La Port, Wellington and Windsor."It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of House District 49 for the past four years," Rep. Lundberg stated. "As I look back, I realize I have not chosen the easiest path in the legislature, but it is the only path I can take with integrity. I am seeking to serve a 3rd term to continue promoting the principles of liberty and traditional moral values."
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