Guía de Votación 2020 –CCDC

INTRODUCCIÓN

 

Las personas con discapacidad (PWD por sus siglas en Inglés) somos votantes importantes. Nuestros votos ayudan a decidir asuntos vitales como la “Ley de los Americanos con Discapacidades” (Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA), atención médica, incluyendo Medicaid, para mencionar algunas cosas.  En las elecciones del 2020 las PWD tendremos que elegir entre candidatos para Presidente y decidir sobre temas como por ejemplo asegurar que Colorado tenga suficientes fondos para programas de servicio comunitario.  Las personas con discapacidades deberíamos tratar de responder todas las preguntas en la boleta.  Esperamos que la presente guía ayude a las personas con discapacidades, a planear cómo van a votar y a devolver sus boletas.  Si tiene más preguntas acerca de las votaciones visite la página “Just Vote Colorado, Preguntas Frecuentes” ó llame al 1-866-687-8683.  Just Vote Colorado (Simplemente Vote Colorado) no es partidista, y ofrece información completa para los votantes de Colorado. En Español: 1-888-839-8682.

Esta guía está escrita en lenguaje simple, pero para quienes quieran información más detallada, contiene enlaces que les permiten encontrarla.  La guía cubre:

• Derecho al voto y responsabilidad de las personas con discapacidad
• Cómo ayudar a las personas con discapacidad que desean ó necesitan ayuda
• Los candidato (quiénes están compitiendo, no apoyamos ni nos oponemos)
• Propuestas de la boleta

Las Personas con Discapacidades Deberían Votar

Las personas con discapacidades deseamos ser incluidas.  Parte de esta inclusión es hacer que nuestras voces sean escuchadas por medio del voto.

Votar es un derecho importante para todo americano mayor de 18 años, especialmente para las personas con discapacidades, sus familias, amigos y aquellos que ganan dinero en la industria de la discapacidad.  Cuando suficientes personas con un interés común, como la discapacidad, votan, a esto se le llama un bloque de votos. Personas con discapacidades, sus familias, amigos y aquellos que sirven a las personas con discapacidades, podrían reunirse para formar un bloque de votos.

Cuando la esta comunidad vota como un bloque:

– Le dice a los políticos que nuestros asuntos como la Ley de los Americanos con Discapacidades (ADA) son importantes.

– Le dice a nuestras comunidades que no somos invisibles y que necesitamos fondos para nuestros servicios, para vivir independientemente, trabajar y obtener educación.

– Le dice al Presidente, al Senado que nombra jueces a la Corte Suprema y a las cortes federales que las personas con discapacidades necesitamos justicia.

– Las propuestas de la boleta electoral le dicen a nuestro estado, condados y pueblos que nosotros somos ciudadanos importantes que merecemos que nuestras voces sean escuchadas.

 

Derecho al Voto de las Personas con Discapacidades

En Colorado las personas con discapacidades se pueden registrar para votar:

• En línea antes del 26 de octubre en la página del Secretario de Estado (si quiere votar por correo) visite el sitio web del Secretario de Estado.
• Descargando é imprimiendo la solicitud de registro de votante llenándola y devolviéndola por correo, fax ó correo electrónico antes del 26 de octubre.
• Visitando un centro de votación entre el 26 de octubre y el día de las elecciones, 3 de noviembre.

En Colorado las personas con discapacidad pueden votar:

• En su casa ó en la comunidad llenando la boleta que reciben por correo y devolviendo la boleta llena por correo, usando dos estampillas, ó depositarla en un centro de recolección de votos.
• En un centro de votación, usando las máquinas de votar.
• Usando la boleta electrónica. Esta es una opción nueva para las personas que tienen problemas con materiales impresos, incluyendo, pero no limitada a las personas no videntes. Estas personas con discapacidades pueden enviar una solicitud para llenar una boleta electrónica, votar en línea, imprimir la boleta y enviarla por correo usando 2 estampillas, ó llevarla a un centro de recolección de votos. El sitio web “https://myballot.sos.colorado.gov/app/home” le guiará atravez el proceso de llenar su boleta, si tiene problemas con este proceso, el Colorado Center for the Blind, CCDC ó Disability Law Colorado, le pueden ayudar.

Cuando las personas con discapacidad van a votar:

• Tienen derecho a privacidad
• Tienen derecho a un centro de votaciones accesible. Pueden pedir ayuda (de un juez de elecciones ó de alguien ellos elijan en las organizaciones para gente con discapacidad en todo el estado, como Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition.

Las elecciones en Colorado son ACCESIBLES, CONFIABLES Y SEGURAS, sin embargo, si tiene problemas para votar, si alguien trata de presionarlo acerca de cómo votar ó usted observa que otra persona con discapacidad está siendo presionada acerca del voto, llame a “Disability Law Colorado”  al 303-722-0300, ó gratuitamente al 1-800-238-1376, Disability Law Colorado puede ayudar, porque tiene personal especializado en derechos de voto para personas discapacitadas.  Si su discapacidad es auditiva, puede hacer una video llamada al 711.

Nuestro Secretario de Estado tiene también esta información sobre los derechos de voto para personas con discapacidad.

 

Ayudando a Votar a Personas con Discapacidades.

Esta guía podría ser útil y estén leyéndola a quienes ayuden a emitir su voto a personas con discapacidades ya sean familiares, personal de servicio ó un juez de elecciones.  Hay muchas maneras aceptables de ayudar a una persona con discapacidades a emitir su voto:

• Pregúntele a la persona con discapacidades, en qué necesita ayuda, si leyendo la boleta en voz alta, ayudándole a llenar la boleta, etc.
• Pregúntele a la persona con discapacidades, si prefiere que le ayude un juez de elecciones ó un defensor profesional en vez de un asistente personal. Explíquele que está bien de la forma que prefiera.
• Anime a las personas con discapacidades a que, si va a usar su boleta que vino por correo, a hacerlo pronto.
• Ayude a la persona a enviar ó depositar su boleta con suficiente tiempo.
• Ayude a la persona a asegurarse que su voto fue recibido, configurar y usar el Sistema de Rastreo de Boletas de Colorado (Colorado’s Ballot Tracing System)
• Ayudar a las personas con discapacidades a que se registren si es su primera vez votando.
• Ayudar a la persona a llamar al Disability Law Colorado, si tiene alguna pregunta.
• Explique en términos neutrales, lo que algunas iniciativas significan, ó los historiales de votos de los candidatos, si la persona tiene preguntas, sea lo más honesto posible.

Nunca:

• Diga a la persona con discapacidad cómo debe votar
• Permitirle a alguien que depende de su apoyo, pensar que su apoyo disminuirá si esta no vota igual que usted.
• Ser impaciente con la persona con discapacidad si se demora mucho en responder a las preguntas ó si tiene muchas preguntas sobre la boleta. Si es necesario, puede ayudarla en 2 sesiones separadas.

 

 

Votos y Boletas

Si una persona con discapacidad se registró para votar antes del 26 de octubre, la oficina del condado le enviará la boleta por correo a su casa.  Si la persona se registró después del 26  de octubre, será muy tarde para recibir la boleta por correo y tendrá que votar en un centro de votación en su condado.

Todas las personas recibirán las boletas por correo del 10 al 15 de octubre, pues son enviadas el 9 de octubre.

Las personas con discapacidades no tienen que llenar toda la boleta para firmarla y devolverla,  Puede devolver la boleta de 2 formas:

• Depositarla en un centro de recolección de votos ó centros de votación localizados por todo Colorado. Estas se pueden encontrar contactando a la oficina de su condado (haz click aquí, este sitio web esta disponible solo en Ingles).  Si una persona con discapacidades necesita que recojan su boleta, puede contactar a CCDC ó un partido político, normalmente los Demócratas y los Republicanos, tienen personal que recoge las boletas cuando es necesario.
• Enviarla por correo antes ó el mismo 26 de octubre, usando 2 estampillas en el sobre. Las boletas deben recibirse el 3 de noviembre del 2020 (las boletas post fechadas pero que no se reciban antes ó el 3 de noviembre, no cuentan)

Las personas con discapacidades deben saber que no pueden contagiarse de COVID-19 por tocar la caja de depositar la boleta (Aunque la precaución de lavarse las manos siempre que se vuelve a la casa es necesaria).  También es seguro ir a un centro de votación usando mascarilla y manteniendo 6 pies de distancia de los demás.

 

CANDIDATOS

Presidente: Los Estados Unidos estará eligiendo presidente este año 2020.  Todos los votantes deberán elegir un candidato presidencial.  El presidente es muy importante para las personas con discapacidades porque:

• Ayuda a dirigir las políticas del país, lo que incluye mantener protegidos los derechos de las personas con discapacidades y asegurarse que hay fondos para Medicaid.
• Contrata personas que dirigirán agencias del gobierno que ayudan a las personas con discapacidades a vivir en la comunidad
• Nombra jueces en la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos y otras cortes que ayudan a interpretar y aplicar las leyes que protegen a las personas con discapacidades.
• Firma ó veta leyes que pasa el congreso, para ayudar a que las personas con discapacidades obtengan los beneficios que necesitan.
• Es responsable de coordinar las acciones que se tomen a nivel federal contra el COVID-19.

El candidato Demócrata es Joe Biden

El candidato Republicano es Donald Trump

Hay otros candidatos de otros partidos, pero no tienen posibilidad de ganar, puede ver a estos candidatos en sus páginas de internet cuando reciba su boleta.

Senado: Colorado va a elegir un Senador para Estados Unidos este año.  Los electores tendrán que elegir a un Senador.

Los senadores son importantes para las personas con discapacidades, porque crean y aprueban leyes importantes para nosotros como leyes acerca de los derechos para las personas con discapacidades, y de fondos para Medicaid.

El candidato Republicano es Cory Gardner

El candidato Demócrata es John Hickenlooper

Hay otros candidatos de otros partidos, pero no tienen posibilidades de ganar, Puede ver estos candidatos en sus páginas de internet, cuando reciba su boleta.

Casa de Representantes: Elegimos representantes a la Casa de Representantes de Los Estados Unidos cada dos años. Los representantes son importantes para las personas con discapacidades porque ellos pueden crear leyes y votar a favor de temas como asegurar que las personas con discapacidades puedan vivir en la comunidad. Su boleta incluye un candidato a la Casa de Representantes.  Su representante depende del lugar donde usted vive.  Puede averiguar cuál es el distrito de congreso en que usted vive, visitando el sitio web de la Casa de Representantes (U.S. House House of Representatives), allí escribe su dirección. Aquí encontrará una lista de representantes y la página de cada uno.

Legisladores del Estado: Colorado elegirá legisladores de estado este año.  Los legisladores del estado son importantes para las personas con discapacidades porque ayudan a decidir las leyes de Colorado y a financiar los servicios que son importantes para nosotros.  Todos tendremos la oportunidad de votar por un representante del estado. Las personas con discapacidades también podrían tener que elegir un legislador dependiendo del lugar donde viven.  Puede encontrar en qué distrito de la casa de representantes y del senado usted vive, en el sitio web oficial de la Asamblea de Colorado “Encontrar a mi Legislador,” (Colorado General Assembly’s, find my legislator) allí escribe su dirección.

Jueces: En Colorado se puede votar para mantener a los jueces ó cambiarlos, los jueces no hacen campañas como otros candidatos.  Si quiere saber cómo ha sido calificado un juez, puede revisar el “Folleto de Información de boleta estatal 2020”. (Este sitio web solo está disponible en Inglés.)

Propuestas en la Boleta.

Las propuestas que aparecen en la boleta de Colorado, son una manera de que la gente de Colorado pueda cambiar leyes, ó elaborar nuevas.  Puede encontrar más información sobre estas propuestas, en el “Folleto de Información de boleta estatal 2020” (Este documento solo está disponible en Inglés). CCDC toma posición en las propuestas que afectan directamente a la comunidad de personas con discapacidades.

CCDC apoya las siguientes propuestas.  Si usted está de acuerdo, entonces vote sí en las siguientes propuestas que aparecen en la boleta:

Enmienda B: Derogar la Enmienda Gallager.   Sí. Al votar “sí” en esta propuesta podrían subir los impuestos a la propiedad, pero Colorado necesita este dinero para mantener los servicios a la comunidad y otros programas importantes para las personas con discapacidades.  Si esta propuesta no gana, podríamos ver recortes en los servicios.

Propuesta 118: permiso de ausencia laboral por asuntos familiares y/o médicos. Sí.  Por esta propuesta se creará un programa dirigido por el estado de Colorado, que proporcionará hasta 12 semanas de permiso pagado a personas de una familia que deban cuidar a otro miembro de la familia que esté enfermo o haya tenido un bebé.  Este dinero será pagado por los empleadores.  Este asunto concierne a las PWD, porque permitirá a las personas con problemas relacionados con la discapacidad, tomar tiempo libre del trabajo para ayudar en el problema.

CCDC se opone a las siguientes propuestas, si usted está de acuerdo, entonces vote NO en las siguientes propuestas:

Iniciativa 76: “Calificación de Ciudadanía para los Electores” (Qualification of Citizenship for Electors, este sitio web solo está disponible en Inglés).  NO.  Aunque no es un asunto específico concerniente a la comunidad de personas con discapacidades, CCDC se opone a toda medida que impida votar a la gente.  Esto provocaría que las personas de 17 años, que cumplan 18 antes de las elecciones, no puedan votar en las elecciones primarias. El estado ya cuenta con un sistema seguro que garantiza que únicamente las personas que cumplan los requisitos legales puedan votar.

Propuesta 116: “Reducción de la Tasa del Impuesto Estatal Sobre la Renta” (State Income Tax Reduction, este sitio web solo está disponible en Inglés). NO. CCDC se opone a esta propuesta porque podría reducir los fondos de impuestos que se usan para apoyar programas para las personas con discapacidades en Colorado.  Para información más detallada (solo disponible en Inglés), visite “Fair Tax Colorado” (Impuestos Justos para Colorado).

Propuesta 117: “Requisito de Aprobación por los Electores para Ciertos Tipos de Empresas Estatales” (Voter Approval for Fee-Based Enterprise, este sitio web solo está disponible en Inglés). NO.  Nos oponemos a esta medida porque podría reducir los fondos de impuestos que se usan para apoyar programas para las personas con discapacidades en Colorado.  Para información más detallada haga click aqui

 

Ninguna Posición,

CCDD no se opone ni apoya algunos asuntos en la boleta, les brindamos la siguiente información para ayudar a entender los temas en los que debemos votar:

Propuesta 115: “Prohibición del Aborto Después de las 22 Semanas” (Prohibit Abortions After 22 Weeks, este sitio web solo está disponible en Inglés)

CCDC no apoya ni se opone a la propuesta 115 porque la comunidad de personas con discapacidades tiene opiniones muy diversas sobre este asunto.  Esta propuesta limitaría el derecho a realizar un aborto después de 22 semanas de embarazo.

Si usted vota “SÍ” a esta propuesta, no se le permitiría a las mujeres hacerse un aborto después de 22 semanas de embarazo.

Se usted vota “NO”, nada cambiaría en este tema.

Propuesta EE: “Impuesto a los Productos Derivados de la Nicotina” (Tax on Nicotine Products, este sitio web solo está disponible en Inglés)

CCDC no apoya ni se opone a la propuesta EE: Ésta incrementa los impuestos sobre el tabaco y crea un nuevo impuesto sobre la nicotina (cigarrillos electrónicos y vaporizadores). El dinero de estos impuestos sería usado para programas preescolares y algunas iniciativas en el campo de la salud, incluyendo educación anti-vaporizadores.

Si usted vota “SÍ” a esta propuesta, los productos de tabaco, como los cigarrillos y vaporizadores, costarán más por el impuesto adicional.  Los fondos serían utilizados para apoyar a personas que deseen dejar de fumar cigarros de tabaco ú otros productos derivados y para proveer educación en las escuelas para enseñarles a los niños por qué no deben fumar ni utilizar otros productos derivados del tabaco.

Si usted vota “NO” a esta propuesta, nada cambiará en el precio del tabaco y otros productos similares.

Si desea información más detallada, haga click aquí.

Hay otras iniciativas de ley en la boleta, que no se relacionan con la discapacidad, éstas son:

1. La propuesta 114: Reintroduciría a los lobos grises de regreso al medio ambiente
2. La enmienda 77: Permitiría a los votantes en Central City, Black Hawk y Cripple Creek, expandir los límites de juego y de apuestas.
3. La propuesta 113: Incluiría a Colorado en el Acuerdo Nacional Interestatal por el Voto Popular, asignando a Colorado el ganador del voto popular a nivel nacional.
4. La enmienda C: Requiere que las organizaciones de caridad, si desean realizar juegos de azar, hayan existido por tres años antes de obtener una licencia de juego (actualmente deben existir por 5 años). Para ese fin, deberán contratar personal y pagarles salario mínimo.

Hay otras iniciativas en la boleta que no son temas relacionados con asuntos de discapacidad.

También hay otras preguntas importantes, sin embargo como nosotros somos una organización que opera a nivel estatal, no identificamos esas preguntas en esta guía, pero en algunas de ellas tenemos una postura, por favor contacte a nuestro Defensor Profesional bilingüe José Torres Vega, si tiene dudas en asuntos locales.

En Resumen:

Las personas con discapacidades, nuestras familias, amigos y aliados somos votantes importantes.  Nuestros votos ayudan a decidir cosas fundamentales como el futuro de la “Ley de los Americanos con Discapacidades” (Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA), atención médica incluyendo Medicaid, para mencionar algunos.  En la elección del 2020, las personas con discapacidades votaremos por candidatos a Presidente, y decidiremos en cosas como que Colorado tenga fondos para financiar programas de servicio a la comunidad.  Debemos tratar de responder todas las preguntas en la boleta.  Esperamos que esta guía ayude a las personas con discapacidades a hacer un plan sobre cómo van a votar y regresar la boleta.  Si tiene más preguntas, por favor visite el sitio web “Just vote Colorado”, ó llame a la línea 1-800-238-1376.  Si su discapacidad es auditiva, puede hacer una video llamada al 711.

 

Apéndice

 

Candidatos a la Casa de Representantes de Estados Unidos en Colorado.

 

Distrito Congresional Uno:

• Candidata Demócrata: Diana DeGette
• Candidato Republicano: Shane Bolling

 

Distrito Congresional Dos:

• Candidato Demócrata: Joe Neguse
• Candidato Republicano: Charles Winn

Distrito Congresional Tres:

• Candidata Demócrata: Diane Mitsch Bush
• Candidata Republicana: Lauren Boebert

Distrito Congresional Cuatro:

• Candidato Demócrata: Isaac McCorkle
• Candidato Republicano: Ken Buck

Distrito Congresional Cinco:

• Candidato Demócrata: Jillian Freeland
• Candidato Republicano: Doug Lamborn

Distrito Congresional Seis:

• Candidato Demócrata: Jason Crow
• Candidato Republicano: Steve House

Distrito Congresional Siete:

• Candidato Demócrata: Ed Perlmutter
• Candidato Republicano: Casper Stockham

 

CCDC Se Opone

 

Enmienda 76: Calificación de Ciudadanía para los Electores

Declaración de la Campaña para una Verdadera Protección de las Elecciones:

¿Qué hace la enmienda 76?  Especifica que *sólo los ciudadanos de Estados Unidos que hayan cumplido la edad de 18 años*, en vez de *cada ciudadano de Estados Unidos que haya cumplido 18* es elector por derecho para votar en las elecciones de Colorado. Aunque cambiar una palabra en nuestra constitución puede parecer inofensivo, esta iniciativa, propuesta y financiada por intereses externos a Colorado, significa un paso atrás en la accesibilidad a los electores y abre una puerta para la supresión de los votantes.  El estado ya cuenta con un sistema seguro y confiable de elecciones, que garantiza que únicamente quienes cumplan los requisitos legales puedan votar.  En última instancia la medida busca 1) solucionar un problema que no existe, 2) Podría crear confusión entre los votantes acerca de las elecciones locales y estatales y 3) Podría desanimar y privar a los electores de sus derechos civiles.  Esta propuesta no tiene impacto inmediato en los requisitos para los no-ciudadanos, pero le quitaría la posibilidad a las personas de 17 años de participar en las elecciones primarias, si cumplen 18 años antes de las elecciones generales.  Vote “NO” a la enmienda 76.

 

Propuesta 117: Aprobación de los Votantes para Nuevas Empresas Estatales

Análisis hecho por El Colorado Fiscal Institute (Instituto Fiscal de Colorado)

El Problema con la Propuesta 117

La propuesta 117 requeriría del voto para  la creación de nuevos fondos para empresas que tengan ingresos mayores a $100 millones durante los primeros 5 años fiscales.  Esto constituye un asalto a la capacidad de Colorado de brindar servicios fundamentales a sus residentes.

¿Qué es un fondo para Empresa?

Los fondos para empresas fueron creados, como parte de la Declaración de Derechos de los Contribuyentes (TABOR, por sus siglas en Inglés), en 1992. Se definen por algunos aspectos específicos.

• Son empresas propiedad del gobierno con sede en una agencia y dirigida por empleados del estado.
• Únicamente pueden recibir 10% de sus fondos de subsidios del gobierno y la mayoría de sus ingresos proviene de los pagos de sus usuarios/clientes.
• Tienen autoridad vinculante, lo que significa que pueden contraer deuda en base a la proyección de sus ingresos provenientes de los pagos de usuarios/clientes, no pueden recaudar impuestos.
• Deben brindar bienes y servicios a cambio de los pagos de los usuarios.
• Los fondos de empresas estatales reciben auditorías independientes cada año, para asegurar el cumplimiento de los requisitos anteriores.

Un aspecto importante de los fondos de empresa es el uso de pagos en vez de impuestos. Los impuestos se usan para la financiación general, lo cual queda a la discreción de los legisladores.  Los pagos son el costo que paga un individuo a cambio del bien ó servicio que recibe.

La propuesta 117 no se refiere a los pagos, sino a los fondos de empresa.  Los fondos de empresa no están sujetos al ingreso máximo arbitrario de recaudación puesto por nuestro estado. Forzar los fondos de empresa a sujetarse al ingreso máximo de recaudación, desplazaría otras prioridades importantes como educación, salud y otros.  Por ejemplo, la empresa que abarca las matriculas estudiantiles es de $11.5 mil millones, básicamente la misma cantidad que todo el Fondo General (General Fund).  Si las matriculas estuvieran sujetas al ingreso máximo de recaudación, no tendríamos dinero para nada más en Colorado.

Votar NO a la propuesta 117 es bueno para Colorado.

• Colorado ya tiene problemas proporcionando servicios adecuados a sus residentes. Esta propuesta busca poner aún más obstáculos, para evitar que nuestro estado cumpla sus obligaciones hacia las personas que vivimos aquí.
• Estas empresas juegan un papel fundamental proporcionando servicios que tienen benefician más directamente a sus usuarios/clientes. También se ocupan de asuntos como multar a otras que contaminan ó realizan otras acciones negativas.
• Obligar a que se vote para los fondos de empresa, únicamente abre puertas a intereses específicos y a que dinero oscuro fluya en nuestras elecciones, evitando que se proporcionen servicios por pagos.

La propuesta 117 es una solución en busca de un problema.  Sin un sistema justo de impuestos, los fondos de empresa son una parte fundamental para dar servicios a los Coloradenses.

 

CCDC No Toma Posición

Propuesta 115: Prohibición del Aborto Después de las 22 Semanas

Sí a la 115,  Declaración de DueDateTooLate.com

La propuesta 115, protege la vida humana cuando ya el bebé puede sobrevivir fuera del útero, chuparse el dedo, responder a la voz y al toque de su madre y sentir un dolor agudísimo durante el procedimiento del aborto.  La propuesta 115 plantea una restricción razonable al aborto después de las 22 semanas, aunque sí da a la mujer embarazada varios meses para tomar una decisión acerca de su embarazo.  Los abortos en un período avanzado son extremos. Colorado está casi aislado en Estados Unidos y el resto del mundo al permitir abortos en períodos avanzados del embarazo, sin restricciones.  Únicamente  otros 6 estados en Estados Unidos y  otros 4  países (de 198) en el mundo, permiten abortos en períodos avanzados sin restricciones.  La idea de matar violentamente a un bebé completamente vivo y plenamente humano, en la última parte de gestación en Colorado, aún sea por razones de discapacidad, y que no le sean dados los mismos derechos y dignidad que  los demás bebés tienen, es simplemente errónea, cruel é inhumana.  Los coloradenses de todos los bloques (Demócratas, Republicanos, Independientes y No Afiliados) están de acuerdo en la restricción de las 22 semanas.  La propuesta prevé excepciones por embarazos ectópicos, pérdidas y cuando es necesario para salvar la vida de la madre.  Bajo la propuesta 115, una mujer no será penalizada ni criminalizada por buscar un aborto.  El objetivo de la propuesta 115 es proteger a las mujeres y sus bebés, darles mejores opciones y ayudarlos en circunstancias difíciles. Demos a cada uno de nuestros preciosos bebés una oportunidad de vivir y alcanzar el máximo de su potencial.

 

No en la 115, Declaración de No On 115

Cada embararzo  es único y las personas embarazadas son expertas en sus propias vidas.  Como todas las demás decisiones de salud, las decisiones acerca del embarazo deben ser hechas por la persona, con apoyo de su familia y en consulta con su médico, sin interferencia política.  La propuesta 115 es una eliminación del aborto en etapas avanzadas, hecha *talla única*, sin excepciones para los riesgos de salud de la mujer.  La propuesta prohíbe a las personas de hacer sus propias decisiones médicas,  Esta propuesta intencionalmente confusa ha sido presentada y apoyada por los mismos políticos y grupos que han tratado-y fallado- de eliminar el aborto en Colorado más de 10 veces en la última década.  La propuesta 115 impone barreras adicionales al acceso a la salud que afecta desproporcionadamente a la comunidad de personas discapacitadas, la comunidad LGBTQ+, las comunidades de color y la gente joven. Debemos enfocarnos en aprobar leyes que apoyen la dignidad y la autonomía reproductiva de toda la gente, incluyendo gente con discapacidades, sin anteponer la política a las decisiones personales importantes en asuntos de salud.  La propuesta 115  es errónea para Colorado, por favor vote NO en la propuesta 115.

Para mayor información para involucrarse, visite *voteno115.com*

 

Propuesta EE: Impuesto a los Productos Derivados de la Nicotina

Pro: Escrito por la Dra. Kimberly Jackson miembro de la Junta Directiva de CCDC

Aunque éste no es un asunto directamente de discapacidades, los efectos a largo plazo de fumar y fumar vapor, conducen ciertamente a un incremento en la(s) discapacidad(es).  Este asunto puede afectar desproporcionadamente a personas con ciertas discapacidades, como enfermedades mentales (lo que está ligado a mayores tasas de uso de tabaco) y al mismo tiempo sabemos que la enfermedad mental puede llevar a mayores tasas de adicción, incluyendo al tabaco.  El uso contínuo del tabaco disminuye la posibilidad de que el tratamiento para otras adicciones sea efectivo, y por lo tanto, puede incrementar la prevalencia de otras adicciones.  El uso del tabaco tiene un costo para la sociedad porque incrementa la tasa general de muchas enfermedades.  Tampoco  hay conocimiento de algún beneficio médico del uso del tabaco para la sociedad y no tiene ningún beneficio medicinal.

Contra: Escrito por David Henninger, miembro de la Junta Directiva de CCDC

Estoy en contra del incremento al impuesto sobre los productos de nicotina  porque, aunque podría provocar que algunos fumadores dejen de fumar debido al gasto, se trata de una adicción, la población más afectada es la de personas con bajos ingresos y esto crea recaudación a costa de los pobres.

 

 

CCDC quiere agradecer a Arc of Aurora y a Think+Change, por su ayuda con el lenguaje sencillo. A Northwestern Colorado Center for Independence por la traducción al lenguaje de señas y a Rosario Vega por la traducción al Español.

CCDC agradece al comité de guía de la boleta.

• Hillary Joregensen Presidenta
• Irene Coleman
• Kenny Maestas
• Christiano Sosa

Versión en Lenguage de Señas de la Guía de Votación 2020

 

Descargar la Versión Completa en PDF

 

ENGLISH VERSION

Ballot Guide 2020 –CCDC

INTRODUCTION

People with Disabilities (PWD) are important voters. Our votes help decide vital things like the future of the Americans with Disabilities Act and healthcare, including Medicaid—to name just a few things. In the 2020 election, PWD will be asked to vote on candidates like the President and to decide issues like making sure Colorado has enough money to fund programs like community services. PWD should try to answer all of the questions on their ballot. We hope this guide will help PWD make a plan on how they are going to vote and return their ballot. If you have more questions about voting, visit the Just Vote Colorado website or call their hotline at 1-866-687-8683. Just Vote Colorado is a non-partisan, comprehensive voting resource for all Colorado voters.

This guide is written in plain language, but for the few that want a lot more detail there are links that provide it. This guide covers:

• Voting rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities;
• How to help people with disabilities who want or need assistance;
• Candidates (who is running-we do not endorse or oppose); and
• Ballot measures.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (PWD) SHOULD VOTE!

PWD want to be fully included. Part of how PWD are included is to make their voices heard through voting.

Voting is an important right for every American over the age of 18, and especially for people with disabilities, their families, their friends, and those who make money in the disability industry. When enough people with a specific interest, like disability, vote, it is called a voting bloc. PWD and their family, friends, and those who make money in the disability industry could join together to become a voting bloc.

When the disability community votes as a voting bloc:

• it tells politicians that our issues like the Americans with Disabilities Act are important;
• it tells our communities that we are not invisible and we need services funded so that PWD may live independently, work, and get an education;
• it tells our President and Senate, who appoint and confirm judges to the Supreme Court and all federal courts, that PWD need justice; and
• on ballot measures it tells our state, counties, and towns that we are important citizens who deserve to have our voices heard.

 

PWD VOTING RIGHTS

In Colorado, PWD can register to vote:

• online before October 26th (if you want to vote by mail) by going to Secretary of State’s website;
• by downloading and printing the voter registration application, filling it out and returning it by mail, fax, or email before October 26th (if you want to vote by mail); or
• by visiting a voter service and polling center in your county between October 26th and Election Day, November 3rd.

In Colorado, people with disabilities can vote:

• in their homes or communities by filling out the ballot they get in the mail, and then returning it by US mail with 2 stamps or dropping it off at a ballot collection site;
• by going to a polling place and using a voting machine; or
• By using an electronic ballot.  This is a new option for people that have trouble with printed materials, including but not limited to blind people.  They can submit an application to do an online ballot, vote online, then print their ballot and mail it using 2 stamps or drop it off at a ballot box.  You can get all of the information you need on how to get through the process at sos.colorado.gov.  If you are struggling with this the Colorado Center for the Blind, CCDC, or Disability Law Colorado can help.

When people with disabilities vote, they:

• have the right to vote privately and independently, and
• have the right to an accessible polling place and ballot. They can ask for help from an election judge or someone they choose. They may choose someone from one of these disability organizations around the state, such as the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition.

Colorado Elections are ACCESSIBLE, SAFE, AND SECURE. However, if you have trouble voting, if someone tries to pressure you about how to vote, or if you see someone pressuring someone else with a disability about how they want to vote, call Disability Law Colorado at 303-722-0300 or toll-free at 1-800-288-1376. Disability Law Colorado can help because they have people trained in disability voting rights. For Relay call 711.

Our Secretary of State has this information answering frequently asked questions about voting rights for people with disabilities.

 

 

HELPING PWD VOTE

Some people reading this guide might be helpers like a family member, staff person, or even an election judge. There are many acceptable ways to help a person with a disability vote.

DO:

• Ask the PWD what help they want, such as reading the ballot out loud, offering to fill in the ballot, etc.
• Ask the PWD if they prefer to have an election judge or professional advocate assist them with voting instead of a caregiver.  Let them know either way is perfectly OK.
• Encourage PWD if they are going to use their mail-in ballot to vote to return it quickly.
• Assist PWD with getting their ballot properly turned in (dropped off or mailed in plenty of time).
• Assist PWD with making sure their vote was received by setting up and using Colorado’s ballot tracing system.
• Assist PWD who are voting for the first-time with registering.
• Assist PWD with calling Disability Law Colorado or a vote center if they have questions or concerns.
• Explain in neutral terms, when asked, the meaning of ballot initiatives or voting records of candidates. If the PWD has questions, answer as honestly as possible.

DON’T:

• Tell PWD how they should vote.
• Let someone who relies on you for support think your support will lessen if the PWD does not vote the way you are voting.
• Get impatient with PWD that are having a hard time understanding or asking lots of questions. (It is OK to schedule a time to finish a conversation if you have to do something else and cut the conversation short.)

VOTING AND BALLOTS

If a PWD registered to vote before October 26th, the local county clerk will mail a ballot to their house. If a PWD registered after October 26th, it will be too late to get a ballot mailed and the PWD will need to vote at a Voter Service and Polling Center in their county.

Mail-in ballots should arrive at voters’ homes between October 10-15th (they are mailed on October 9th).

PWD don’t have fill out everything on your ballot to sign and return it. Ballots must be received by November 3, 2020 (ballots postmarked but not received by Nov. 3, 2020, will not count). PWD can return their ballot by:

• dropping it off at a secure drop box location or Vote Centers located throughout Colorado. Those locations can be found by contacting your county clerk here. If a PWD wants someone to pick up their ballot and turn it in, they can contact either CCDC or a political party. Usually, both the Democrats and Republicans will have people that will pick up ballots.
• mailing it by at least October 26th using two stamps on the return envelope.

PWD should know that they cannot get COVID from touching a drop box. (Although always wash your hands every time coming home regardless.) It is also very safe to go to a vote center wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart from others.

CANDIDATES

President – The United States is electing a President in 2020. All voters will be asked to pick a presidential candidate. The President is very important to PWD by:

• helping direct policies for the country, including keeping PWD rights protected and helping make sure Medicaid is funded;
• hiring people to run governmental agencies that help PWD live in the community;
• appointing judges to the Supreme Court of the United States and other courts who help interpret and enforce our laws to protect PWD;
• signing or vetoing laws that Congress passes that help PWD get the services they need; and
• being responsible for handling the ongoing federal response to COVID-19.

The Democratic candidate for president is Joe Biden.

The Republican candidate for president is Donald Trump.

There are third-party candidates, but they have no chance of winning. You can look up other candidates on their websites when you get your ballot.

Senate – Colorado is electing a United States Senator this year. All voters will be asked to pick a senatorial candidate.

Senators are important to PWD because they can create laws and vote on things important to PWD like disability rights and Medicaid funding.

The Republican candidate is Cory Gardner.

The Democratic candidate is John Hickenlooper.

There are third party candidates but they have no chance of winning. You can look up other candidates on their websites when you get your ballot.

House of Representatives – We elect representatives to the House of Representatives every two years. Representatives are important to PWD because they can create laws and vote on things like making sure PWD can live in the community.  Your ballot will include a House of Representative candidate.  Your candidate will be based on where you live. You can find out what congressional district you live in by visiting the U.S. House’s find your representative page and entering your address. Click here for a list of candidates and their websites.

State Legislators – Coloradans are electing state legislators this year. State legislators are important for PWD because the help decide Colorado laws and fund important services. Everyone will have a chance to vote for a state representative. PWD may also be asked to vote on a state senator depending where they live. You can find out what state house and senate district you live in by visiting the Colorado General Assembly’s official find my legislator tool and entering your address.

Judges – In Colorado, people are allowed to vote on whether or not they want to keep their judges. Judges don’t run campaigns like most candidates do. If you want to see how a judge is rated their reviews can be found here. You can also look at your “Blue Book,” which might be easier.

BALLOT MEASURES

A ballot measure is a way for the people in Colorado to make or change law. CCDC takes positions on ballot measures that directly affect the disability community. You can learn more about each measure in your “Blue Book.”

CCDC supports the following measures. If you agree, then you should vote YES on these ballot measures.

Amendment B, Repeal Gallagher Amendment – YES – Voting yes on this amendment may increase property taxes, but Colorado needs that money to help keep community services and other programs important to PWD. If this amendment fails we may see services cut.

Proposition 118, Family and Medical Leave – YES – This will create a state-run program to provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for family members who need time off of work to help take care of a family member who is sick or having a baby.  This money will be paid for by employers and employees. This is a disability issue because it will help people with disability-related issues take time off of work.

CCDC opposes the following measures. If you agree, then you should vote NO on these ballot measures.

Amendment 76, Qualification of Citizenship for Electors – NO – While not a specific disability issue, CCDC opposes anything that has the potential to stop people from voting. This will make it so 17-year-olds who will turn 18 before a general election can no longer vote in the primary election. The state already has a secure election system that ensures only those who meet legal requirements can vote in elections. Click here for more detailed information in opposition to this amendment.

Proposition 116, State Income Tax Reduction – NO – CCDC opposes this measure because it could reduce Colorado tax dollars used to support disability programs. Click here for more detailed information in opposition to this proposition from Fair Tax Colorado.

Proposition 117, Voter Approval for Fee-Based Enterprise – NO – CCDC opposes this measure because it could reduce Colorado tax dollars used to support disability programs. Click here for more detailed information in opposition to this proposition.

No Position: CCDC neither supports or opposes the ballot issues and provides the following to help you better understand the questions PWD are asked to decide.

Proposition 115, Prohibit Abortions After 22 Weeks

CCDC neither supports nor opposes Prop 115 because the disability community has very different opinions on this issue. This proposal would limit the right to get an abortion after 22 weeks of pregnancy.  We have provided statements from both the YES and the NO campaigns here with links to their website.

If you vote YES: Prop 115 would not allow a woman to have an abortion after 22 weeks of pregnancy.

If you vote NO: Nothing would change on this issue.

Click here for detailed Pro and Con statements from the campaigns.

Proposition EE, Taxes on Nicotine Products

CCDC neither supports nor opposes Proposition EE. This increases taxes on tobacco and creates a new tax on nicotine (e-cigarettes/vaping). That tax money would be used for preschool and initially some other health initiatives such as anti-vaping education.

If you vote YES: Tobacco products like cigarettes and e-cigarettes will cost more money due to additional tax. That tax money will be used to help people quit tobacco products like cigarettes and provide education in schools to help kids understand why they should not use tobacco.

If you vote NO: Nothing will change on how much tobacco products like cigarettes cost.

Click here for arguments supporting and opposing this proposition.

There are other ballot initiatives that are not disability issues. They are:

1. Proposition 114, Reintroduce gray wolves into the environment.
2. Amendment 77, Allow voters in Central City, Black Hawk, and Cripple Creek to vote to expand allowed gaming and bet limits.
3. Proposition 113, Join Colorado into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact awarding Colorado’s electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote.
4. Amendment C, Require a charitable organization to have existed for three years before obtaining a charitable gaming license (currently one must exist for 5 years) and allow organizations to hire staff for gaming activities and pay them minimum wage.

There are important local questions as well. Because we are a statewide organization we are not identifying them in this guide, but we do have positions on some of these. Contact Lead Organizer Dawn Howard or Executive Director Julie Reiskin if you have questions on local issues.

 

CLOSING

PWD, our families, friends, and allies are important voters. Our votes help decide vital things like the future of the Americans with Disabilities Act and healthcare, including Medicaid — to name just a few. In the 2020 election PWD will be asked to vote on candidates like the President and to decide issues like making sure Colorado has enough money to fund programs like community services. We should try to answer all of the questions on ballot. We hope this guide will help PWD to make a plan on how they are going to vote and return their ballot. If you have more questions about voting, visit the Just Vote Colorado website or call their hotline at 1-866-687-8683. Just Vote Colorado is a non-partisan comprehensive voting resource for all Colorado voters.   If you experience discrimination based on your disability, please contact Disability Law Colorado at 303-722-0300 or toll-free at 1-800-238-1376.  For Relay call 711.

 

Appendix

 

United States House of Representatives candidates in Colorado

Congressional District One:

• Democratic candidate is Diana DeGette
• Republican candidate is Shane Bolling

Congressional District Two:

• Democratic candidate is Joe Neguse
• Republican candidate is Charles Winn

Congressional District Three:

• Democratic candidate is Diane Mitsch Bush
• Republican candidate is Lauren Boebert

Congressional District Four:

• Democratic candidate is Isaac McCorkle
• Republican candidate is Ken Buck

Congressional District Five:

• Democratic candidate is Jillian Freeland
• Republican candidate is Doug Lamborn

Congressional District Six:

• Democratic candidate is Jason Crow
• Republican candidate is Steve House

Congressional District Seven:

• Democratic candidate is Ed Perlmutter
• Republican candidate is Casper Stockham

 

CCDC Opposes

Amendment 76, Qualification of Citizenship for Electors

 

Statement from the Campaign for Real Election Protection:

What does initiative 76 do? Specify that “only a citizen of the US who has attained the age of 18” rather than “every citizen of the US who has attained the age of 18” is eligible to vote in Colorado Elections. While changing one word in our constitution may seem harmless, this initiative, run and funded by out of state interests, would take Colorado a step back in voter accessibility and open the door for voter suppression. The state already has a secure election system that ensures only those who meet the legal requirements can vote in elections. Ultimately, the measure seeks to 1) solve a problem that does not exist 2) may result in voter confusion about state and local elections, and 3) could discourage and disenfranchise voters measure has no immediate impact on voting requirements for non-citizens but will, however, remove the ability for 17-year-olds to participate in primary elections should they be 18 by the time of the general election. Vote NO on 76.^

 

Proposition 117, Voter Approval for Fee-Based Enterprise

 

Analysis by the Colorado Fiscal Institute.

The Problem with Proposition 117

 

Proposition 117 would mandate a vote on the creation of new enterprise funds that collect revenues above $100 million over the first five fiscal years. This is a direct assault on Colorado’s ability to provide critical services to its residents.

 

What is an Enterprise Fund?

 

Enterprise funds were created as part of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) in 1992. They are defined by a few specific aspects.

 

• They are government-owned businesses housed in a state agency and run by state employees.
• They can only receive 10 percent of its funding from government grants, with the vast majority of funding coming from user fees.
• They have bonding authority, meaning they can take out debt based upon the projected revenue from their user fees, and they cannot levy taxes.
• They must provide goods and services in exchange for the user fees.
• Enterprise funds have independent public audits annually to ensure compliance with the above requirements.

An important aspect of enterprise funds is the use of fees, instead of taxes. Taxes are used for general funding that is up to the discretion of lawmakers. Fees are a cost to an individual in exchange for a good or service.

 

Prop 117 is not about fees, however. It is about enterprise funds. Enterprise funds are not subject to our state’s arbitrary revenue cap. Forcing enterprise funds to be subject to the revenue cap will crowd out other important priorities like education, transportation, and health care. For example, the enterprise encompassing student tuition is $11.5 billion, basically the same amount as the entire General Fund. If tuition were subject to the revenue cap, we would not have any money for anything else in Colorado.

 

Voting NO on Proposition 117 is Good for Colorado

• Colorado already has difficulty providing adequate services to its residents. This proposition seeks to put even more obstacles up to prevent our state from meeting its obligations to the people who live here.
• Enterprises play a critical role in providing services that have a more direct individual benefit, or to charge industries for pollution or other negative actions.
• Mandating a vote on enterprise funds only allows more special interest and dark money to flow into our elections to prevent fees from providing services.

 

Proposition 117 is a solution in search of a problem. Without a fair tax system, enterprise funds are a critical part of providing services to Coloradans.

^

CCDC Takes No Position

Proposition 115, Prohibit Abortions After 22 Weeks

 

Yes on 115, Statement from DueDateTooLate.com

Proposition 115 protects viable human life – after the baby can survive outside the womb, suck her thumb, respond to her mother’s touch and voice, and feel excruciating pain during the abortion procedure. Prop 115 places a reasonable restriction on abortion after 22 weeks while still allowing a pregnant woman several months to make a choice about her pregnancy. Late-term abortions are extreme. Colorado is an outlier in the US and the world by allowing unrestricted late-term abortions. Only 6 other states in the US and 4 other countries (out of 198) in the world permit unrestricted late-term abortions. The notion that a fully alive and fully human late-term baby is killed so violently in Colorado, including for reasons of disability, and is not afforded the same value and dignity that infants enjoy is simply wrong, cruel, and inhumane. Coloradans from every voting block (Democrat, Republican, Independent, and Unaffiliated) find reasonable the 22-week restriction. The measure provides an exception for ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, and when necessary to save the life of the mother. Under Prop 115 a woman will not be criminalized or penalized for seeking an abortion. The goal of Proposition 115 is to protect women and their babies, give them better options, and help them in their difficult circumstances. Let’s give every one of our precious babies a chance for life to reach the fullest of their potential.

 

No on 115, Statement from No On 115

Every pregnancy is unique, and pregnant people are experts in their own lives. Like all other health care decisions, decisions around pregnancy should be made by the individual, with support from their family and in consultation with their doctor — without political interference. Proposition 115 is a one-size-fits-all ban on abortion later in pregnancy that includes no exceptions for risks to the pregnant person’s health. It deprives individuals of the self-determination to make personal medical decisions. This intentionally confusing measure is pushed by the same politicians and groups that have tried — and failed — to ban abortion in Colorado more than ten times in the last decade. Prop 115 imposes additional barriers to health care access that disproportionately impact the disability community, LGBTQ+ community, communities of color, and young people. We should focus on enacting laws that support the dignity and reproductive autonomy of all people, including people with disabilities, not putting politics in the middle of important, personal health care decisions. Prop 115 is wrong for Coloradans. Please vote “no” on Proposition 115.

To learn more about Proposition 115 and get involved, please visit voteno115.com.

^

Proposition EE, Taxes on Nicotine Products

PRO: Written by Dr. Kimberley Jackson, CCDC Board Member:

Though not directly a disability issue, the long-term effects of smoking and vaping can certainly lead to an increase in disability. While this issue may disproportionately affect people with some disabilities, such as mental illness (which is linked to higher rates of tobacco use), we know that mental illness can lead to higher rates of addiction, including to tobacco. Continuing to use tobacco decreases the likelihood that treatment of other addiction will be effective, and therefore can increase the prevalence of other addiction. Tobacco use has a cost to society in that it increases the overall rate of many diseases. There is also no known medicinal benefit from tobacco use to society and it doesn’t have any medicinal benefit.

CON: Written by David Henninger, CCDC Board Member:

I am opposed to the nicotine tax increase because even though it may cause some smokers to quit due to expense this is an addiction — the population most impacted are individuals with low incomes and this just creates revenue off the backs of the poor.

^

 

 

Acknowledgments

 

CCDC would like to thank Arc of Aurora and Think+Change for plain language assistance, Northwestern Colorado Center for Independence for ASL translation and Rosario Vega for Spanish translation.

CCDC thanks the ballot guide committee:

• Hillary Joregensen, Chair
• Irene Coleman
• Ian Engle
• Kenny Maestas
• Christiano Sosa

ASL Version of the Ballot Guide 2020

 

Download Full PDF Version

VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

Transit News Updates

Written and compiled by Jaime Lewis, CCDC Transit Advisor
September 2020

• Bustang (Trinidad)
• Layfayette Free Ride
• RTD Summary
• RTD Elections
• Business Highlight

Bustang service is adding new connections in 2021. 

In January, the service will extend from Pueblo to Trinidad.  Bustang is an over the highway bus that is fully accessible.  The service connects people to rural parts of the state.  Other routes to be established in 2021 include Sterling to Greely, Telluride to Grand Junction, and Craig to Denver.  For more information and fares see www.ridebustang.com

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Ride Free Layfayette

Boulder County Transit is now offering Ride Free Layfayette, a free on-demand, door-to-door bus service that connects people to places within the City of Lafayette.

• This service will connect to the Kresnal Community in Louisville.
• The service is open to all and there are no limits to how often you can ride.

“ A friend told me about the service when it premiered early this summer. I dismissed it. I was sure there was a catch and I wouldn’t be able to ride…because of my chair or some other reason. I was leaving work a few days later when a driver for the service asked if I was the person who requested a ride. So excited, he told me how it all worked. I smiled, thanked him and thought to myself, this is too good to be true. Then… last month another friend curious about the service challenged me to ride. She saw someone step off of a Via bus for happy hour at a local bar and asked what are you doing on Access-a – ride. He said I’m not and explained it’s a new transportation service. At first, I said no to the challenge dreading what the possibility would entail to then be denied. After thinking about it for a few minutes I decided to try. From Googling the number, calling dispatch and boarding the bus was less than 20 minutes. I felt the usual fight and pride I feel every time I roll onto an RTD bus plus something unexpected… VALUED!”

App services Uber and Lyft upgraded decades-old transportation opportunities for many but not people with disabilities … And a discount program for low-income individuals excluded access-a-ride passengers. Unlike that. Lafayette Free Ride is a model transportation service and a helpful cog for public transportation.

Dawn Russell,
Lafayette Resident, ADAPT Activist

For more information on Ride Free Layfayette go to www.cityoflayfayette.com

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RTD ELECTIONS

There are three competitive races for the RTD Board of Directors. They include:

• District G:  Julien Bouquet vs. Ken Mihalik (incumbent)

• District H: Roger Edwards vs. Ragan Byrd vs. Doug Tisdale (incumbent)

• District E: Uncontested: Paul Rosenthal (seat is open)

• District A:  Kyle Bradell vs. Kate Williams (incumbent)

  CCDC requested each candidate to provide their platform or efforts in addressing accessibility for the elderly and disabled through transit.
  (DNR) = Did not Response

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DISTRICT G – 2 Candidates

Ken Mihalik

Currently, RTD has two resident committees that aid and guide policies related to disabled passengers.

Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities

Access-a-Ride Paratransit Advisory committee

I am entirely supportive of elevating the attention given to these two groups by having more direct participation with the Board.

I opposed the increase to Access-a-Ride fares in 2018. I have and will continue, to support the addition of new technologies and services like 3rd party providers and the use of travel vouchers that give more flexibility and options to riders.

Despite an upheaval of daily routines this last year, the one thing that hasn’t changed is that we continue to get older as a population.

Currently, seniors have a 50% fare discount. No less important, the facilities and vehicles need to be clean and safe and services need to be reliable in order for people (of all ages) to ride. Older people may also benefit from a voucher program that offers greater flexibility and access.

Julien Bouquet

One of my first initiatives I would like to spearhead as a director would be lowering train and bus fares. This would also include lowering the discounted fares for elderly and disabled riders. We are one of the most expensive transportation networks in the entire country, and I want RTD to match the fare rates of other cities. I want to make sure all our riders do not feel priced out of using our services, especially riders who are reliant on RTD for their daily transportation needs.

I want all our riders to feel that they had a positive experience using RTD. That includes the price of fares, the ease of reaching a train or bus stop, the ease of accessing the vehicle, the cooperation of RTD staff with helping riders, and of course the ride itself. This is crucial for riders who use RTD as their sole means of transportation. As a director, I want riders to feel they have had a positive experience riding for every ride. I want to make sure our trains and buses arrive on time. I want to make sure all our vehicles have accessible features. And I want to make sure we keep RTD routes that people are truly reliant on.

I actually would love to hear from riders with disabilities and/or elderly riders. I want to know specifically how riders feel regarding overall accessibility, how riders feel about the Free Travel Training Program, and how route limitations, due to COVID, has had an effect on overall travel. If you or the CCDC would be interested, I would like to host a virtual listening session to hear from elderly riders and riders with disabilities. I want our riders to feel they have a voice.

If you are interested, let me know and we can begin planning a date. I also understand if there is already too much on your, or CCDC’s calendar. Thank you again for reaching out. I hope to speak with you in the future!

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DISTRICT H – 3 Candidates

Roger Edwards

You asked for my platform on accessibility. I don’t have a platform. As you know the office of the Board of Directors is a nonpartisan office. Board members are there to provide governance for the staff. RTD has an internal function that addresses accessibility and I’m sure will advocate for that community.

My goal for RTD is excellence in public policy and that includes accessibility and many other aspects of serving the public.

Ragan Byrd – DNR
Doug Tisdale – DNR

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District E – Uncontested

Paul Rosenthal

I’m very much interested in hearing your ideas for RTD. I’ve checked your website, and I agree with your motto of “nothing about us without us”. I read some of your documents, and I know that I can be an advocate for greater access, efficiency, and equity for people with disabilities on the RTD Board. I will be succeeding and speak regularly with Claudia Folska, who is visually impaired.

Even if the issue is more about city council, like not enough room on a sidewalk to get into a bus shelter, I can reach out to the appropriate authorities to advocate for you.

As you may know of my time in the legislature, I did extensive outreach to keep in touch with my constituents and with stakeholders on bills. I also included people and organizations who had never been in the Capitol building. So, I hope we’ll develop a close working relationship when I get on the board in January.

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DISTRICT A – 2 Candidates

Kyle Bradell

I am Kyle Bradell and I am a candidate for RTD District A. For whatever reason, RTD appears to make accessibility and quality of service for the elderly and the disabled on the trains, buses, and Access-a-Rides difficult. I am sure it is not done on purpose. However, the decisions that this agency has taken over 30 years along with its slow-moving decision process makes me think they lack an understanding how to manage a transit system. As an example, the past three years I have been a volunteer member of RTD’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities (ACPD). At the August 2019 meeting, RTD wanted the Committee’s input on what to do with the increasing cases of riders using the wheelchair ramps (aka high-blocks) at light rail stations who are not disabled. These riders include people with scooters, luggage, bikes, baby carriages, etc. I provided a few ideas and solutions. One solution I shared was to have a simple sign installed that states: No Bicycles, No Scooters, No Baby Carriages, No Luggage. Nothing fancy, just straight to the point. Sadly, it has been over a year now and RTD has yet to make a decision — on a simple sign that would make it easier for disabled riders using the light rail ramps. I want to make it easier for the disabled and the elderly to use RTD. Here are just a few ideas and solutions I have to make life easier when using RTD:

1. Retrofit the light rail trains and stations similar to Dallas’ rail system. A retrofit will allow wheelchair riders additional access to board light rail trains than the present one door. This stems to the early 1990s when RTD bought the wrong kind of train.

2. RTD and the City of Denver need to include “heated sidewalks” the entire length of 16th Street Mall as part of the renovation project. “Heated sidewalks” would be a tremendous benefit to everyone strolling along 16th Street when there is snow. The elderly would be able to walk safely on dry sidewalks and the disabled, such as people in wheelchairs, would not be blocked by huge piles of snow and ice.

3. For bus stop improvements, I would like to see a sign installed at each stop informing riders who is responsible for the maintenance of the bus stop during snow storms, for example. Presently, one must call RTD and inform them the bus stop is inaccessible. RTD, then, contacts the respective government jurisdiction responsible for the bus stop and tells them to shovel the snow. I recommend for better operations of RTD that signs be posted saying which government jurisdiction is responsible for the bus stop along with a phone number. Thereby, one can bypass RTD completely and tell the city or county that the bus stop cannot be accessed.

These are just three solutions to make RTD more accessible for everyone while planning for the future. I have travelled to 56 countries around the world and, most of the time, I use public transportation. I have experienced and observed metro systems and I know what works and what doesn’t work. It’s time to tweak and streamline RTD so that everyone gets the most bang for their buck! Sincerely, Kyle Bradell Candidate for RTD District A www.kyleforrtd.com.

Kate Willaims

I am Kate Williams – I am the incumbent Director, District A, which basically geographically is Colfax south to Yale and I25 East to Yosemite- and this is a nonpartisan position that I have held for almost four years now. My predecessors are Bill James and Bill Elfenbein; I still meet with them both often and have learned how RTD became what it is today.
My first big news – RTD is in the process of hiring the first black female GM in our 50-year history –there were great candidates, and it was a very hard decision – with many hours of work.

I am a longtime advocate for older adults & those with disabilities – some of my prior positions include being a Resource Coordinator for the Blind (I made actual house calls); acting as the Executive Director of the largest provider of transit in Douglas County, which still is the Castle Rock Senior Center; and running a sports center for persons with disabilities in Florida, Shake A Leg Miami.

Now – I run RTD, and I run DRMAC, the Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council. You can read more on our website: https://www.drmac-co.org/about/our-vision/. For 15 years DRMAC has been helping older adults and persons with disabilities with transportation options; it is my “dream job”. It is what I do all day, every day; I live, work, use, and am dedicated to transit and to riders.

I am a Certified Community Transit Manager; I am a graduate of the Transit Alliance Citizen’s Academy; I run the CDOT Regional Coordinating Council for this area; I have chaired the RTD Operations and Customer Service committee for 3 years. I am on RTD’s ACPD (Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities); I serve on many other related committees, boards, advisory councils, and task forces. I have shared my office with a disability transit advocate who uses a wheelchair.
Some quick RTD facts – RTD covers 2,700 square miles, we have over 1,000 buses, and two types of trains. Do you know the difference between light rail and commuter rail, and which of our lines are which? (Everything north is commuter rail and all south is light rail- and they are very different). Pre COVID, we averaged 365,000 riders daily; now we are averaging 150,000 riders across the network.

I was asked to run based on my work in the community in transit and advocacy; I spend a lot of time in my District and throughout the larger RTD footprint – out in front of my local grocery I hear over and over that older adults who may someday not be able to drive need good transit services; essential workers need to be able to get to work; kids need to get to school. I believe that transit is a social determinate of health, and statistics show that those who depend on public transportation use it for access to health care, food sources, schools, social services, and more. My platform started with and still includes the need for more smaller shorter cheaper local circulators, with lots of mid-day runs. We want all of our public transportation to be different). Pre COVID, we averaged 365,000 riders daily; now we are averaging 150,000 riders across the network.

I was asked to run based on my work in the community in transit and advocacy; I spend a lot of time in my District and throughout the larger RTD footprint – out in front of my local grocery I hear over and over that older adults who may someday not be able to drive need good transit services; essential workers need to be able to get to work; kids need to get to school. I believe that transit is a social determinate of health, and statistics show that those who depend on public transportation use it for access to health care, food sources, schools, social services, and more. My platform started with and still includes the need for more smaller shorter cheaper local circulators, with lots of mid-day runs. We want all of our public transportation to be accessible, safe, clean, available, and dependable.

That is who I am, and this is what I do – transit, 24/7. I have spent 4 years learning the RTD system and finding out how to be effective for issues that affect all riders. It takes time to figure out what works and what does not – what is good for the people in my community – and what can be changed. I would like to have another 4 years to continue that work – I would like to see RTD move out of the current morass that we are in and into what we all envision it could and should be.

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RTD SUMMARY (opinion by Jaime Lewis)

RTD’s efficiency and ability to increase ridership has been a challenge for them for the last five years. Rising cost, lower than expected ridership on new light rail trains, and of course COVID, has put this essential infrastructure for citizens mobility in dire straits.

In 2019, RTD established a Reimagine project. It was an effort to gather input from all corners of business, government, and stakeholders to imagine what RTD could look like in 2040. Unfortunately, as RTD’s financial problems started mounting, including a driver shortage and COVID the group’s focus was re-directed to what would it take to ensure RTD could survive the perfect storm.

Overwhelmingly, the needle starts pointing to a smaller operating area, lower frequency in outlying areas, and an assertive effort to increase the quality of service in high use areas.

A majority of these areas include low-income neighborhoods and communities that depend on RTD to get them to work. As you imagine, most of these areas are in urban areas of the district.

Current conditions will remain in place through the first two quarters of 2021. The run board, as they refer to it, will not change until RTD’s records increase in ridership. This is where RTD fails to serve its customers. How and why would a person want to return to RTD services if there is no improvement to service quality?

Ridership will not increase until RTD improves service in urban areas, though that action will cut deeper into their finances.

It’s the old adage, what came first, the chicken or the egg.

RTD, take care of your customers first.

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Jaime’s Business Highlight

One of the things that drive me to be an advocate is to see the freedom and opportunities that people can take advantage of. The activities and access that seem so easy for people without a disability is often a challenge for our community members.

I’ve started highlighting places that have done an exceptional job preparing and making their business accessible. Not only complying with the law but fulfilling the spirit of the law. I will also report on places that are not in compliance.

Each entity I identify will be judged by basic criteria like:

• Accessible entrance (power door)
• Are their obstacles in the way?
• Variety of table heights
• Accessible restrooms
• Staff attitudes

Of course, this list cannot be totally comprehensive because every business is different. However, we will apply a grade to each business visited to provide you with information on how accessible they are.

• Level One Certification – There are no obvious obstacles or violations in the business. Employees are helpful and make every effort to make visitors welcome.
• Level Two Certification – There are one or two issues that should be addressed but would not prevent a person from enjoying business.
• Level Three – There are several violations that may impede a person from enjoying business.
• Level Four – Not recommended for use.

URBAN PUTT

There is this outrageous show on Thursday nights called Holy Moly. It’s an over the top display of miniature golf. The program brought back such fond memories of the game, it prompted me to google “wheelchair accessible mini golf Denver”. To my surprise, there was a hit – Urban Putt.

Urban Putt is a restaurant/mini-golf course located at the Old Spaghetti Factory located at 1201 18th St. Denver, CO 80202.

Alex Lane, course manager, and Kete Blonigen were kind enough to talk to me after my first round. They were open to suggestions and changes that I presented to them that would make the experience enjoyable for people using mobility devices.

I was able to maneuver with my power chair about 85% of the course. Alex and Kete are currently making the changes that will make the course 100% accessible.

Urban Putt is following State guidelines for COVID prevention providing sanitized putters and balls. The staff wears masks and are constantly cleaning.
They offer a grabber stick for those who would have difficulty picking up the ball from the hole or floor. Some of the holes are quite adventurous and some are dark for special effects. For those with sight issues, bringing a small flashlight may not be a bad idea.

Urban Putt also has a full bar and an Americana food menu.

RATING 3

Note: Urban Putt passed most of the criteria that we expect from a fully accessible venue. However, there is no power door opener in the front. Each time that I have attended the staff was ready and willing to have the second door open for you as you enter.

www.Urbanputt.com/location/Denver