To: Br. Anon

You raised the question of why not an elected assessor rather than an appointed assessor. You may also have questions regarding why not an elected sheriff, an elected treasurer, and elected clerk and recorder, and an elected coroner. I can share with you the discussions members of the Broomfield city/county group had. It was discussed that a streamlined form of local government was desired. It was discussed that the old archaic form of county government was not desired. Numerous discussions were held with existing county commissioners and other county government officials for their thoughts. They proved to be very helpful. The City and County of Denver was contacted and was also very helpful. Based on these desires and discussions, the blue print for a streamlined form of local government was prepared. Broomfield's police chief will perform the duties of a county sheriff. The City's Finance Director will perform the duties of a county treasurer. The Broomfield city clerk's department will be expanded to cover the functions of a county clerk and recorder's office. The Broomfield City Charter presently sets forth the requirements for department head and staff level positions. The Charter requires that the city manager makes the appointments on the basis of the training and experience of the people in the jobs they are to perform. It was decided that a professional assessor, not subject to political pressures or to political parties, would be best for a new streamlined form of government and would be best for Broomfield. It makes a lot of sense to me. The streamlined form of government took into consideration the best of the public sector and the best of the private sector. The other aspect of all this that I liked was local control. The City and County of Broomfield will not be bound by archaic state statutes regarding county governments. The governing document for Broomfield is Broomfield's city charter or Broomfield's constitution. This means that the people of Broomfield by their own vote can amend the Charter whenever they want. If, for example, an appointed assessor does not work to the community's satisfaction, the city charter can be amended by Broomfield citizens to provide for an elected assessor. The Broomfield group wanted streamlined and efficient government and wanted Broomfield to have the right to make any changes it desires in the future by vote of Broomfield citizens.


By BBW

Thx Again, BBW

Thanks, again. I will want to get different perspectives and these sound like good additional leads. I know a man at work who is very opposed to the Parkway in Golden. And then I know an Atty that is very much in favor of it up here. There's always 2 sides to every story (sometimes even more sides than that).

By WW

To: Br Anon

It is my understanding that the City has revised revenue and expenditure estimates for the city and county. I'll share with you whatever information I get.

By BBW

BBW: On Un-electeds, Etc.

I follow your description of streamlining by eleminating redundancy in functions. And, to some degree, I see the value in appointing (which amounts to hiring) professionals with credentials for certain jobs - jobs that do not include make public policy.

But I (initially, at least)disagree when you say that appointing them will eliminate subjection to political pressure or political parties.

I see the true effect being to reduce the number of people and political parties who have input to the political pressure he may experience. When appointed, he now is accountable to ONE person - the City Mngr. And isn't the city manager also appointed? In this context, doesn't streamlining really amount to sacraficing accountability to the public.

Also, I am concerned about any form of government (within this state) forming a charter in conflict with the State Constitution (in this case, elected vs. appointed). I know Denver did it, and now BF is doing it. But the ramifications scare me. Does this mean, for example, that a city/county could vote for their charter to allow campaign practices in conflict with Fair Campaign Practices Law (or similarly with civil rights, etc.)

By WW