Who the Heck is Dan Maes, Ctd.

By Dave

Since I was harsh in my criticism, I thought I should offer a couple of thoughts on why Dan Maes is wrong for Colorado:

1) Until I learn more, Maes appears to be full of contradictions. He wants to reduce spending (on mostly low-cost social wedge issues), but he also would increase spending on stricter police enforcement for illegal aliens and drunk drivers. He would also give generous tax breaks to business and those who choose home schooling or private schools. He thinks government should stay out of the way of business, but should prevent two adults from the same sex marrying.

2) Maes plan for the state budget is nonsensical and implies deep and destructive cuts. Due to the recession, Colorado is facing somewhere between a $500 million and $1 Billion shortfall for next year. For years, the state has been making cuts and paring back the budget. Many state institutions are as efficient as they have ever been. This doesn't mean there is no waste to weed out, just that the savings from it will likely be minimal.

Last year, higher education got a stay of execution because federal stimulus money. In 2011, it won't be so lucky. In addition, the Colorado Department of Transportation sees an annual shortfall of $2.6 Billion. Maes position is to reduce transportation funding and budget revenue overall.

3) Given the severity of the recession nation wide, Colorado still has one of the better unemployment rates. In addition, we also have one of the lower tax rates and a fairly robust economy overall. The policies that have been serving Colorado well have been the ones aimed at investment in the high-tech and new energy economy. Maes appears to think this is a waste of time.

4) Given the recent excess by Arizona in combating illegal immigration, I am wary of Meas's rhetoric. Now, I am sure he would argue that he only dislikes illegal immigrants and has no problem with immigrants here legally. In that case, Maes should support comprehensive immigration reform which puts more people on the path to citizenship and legal residency. My guess is that's not his position. But if it is, he should say so. Until then, Maes is using the distinction of legality, taken from a broken and antiquated system, as a justification for expanded government intrusion in business to keep otherwise law-abiding people out of the economy. We need comprehensive immigration reform, not to beat up on people who are only looking for a better life for their families.