Colorado Ethics Watch Files Complaint Against Safe Streets

Colorado Ethics Watch

DENVER - Today, Colorado Ethics Watch filed a campaign and political finance complaint with the Colorado Secretary of State against Safe Streets Colorado, the group behind Proposition 102 on this November’s ballot.  Ethics Watch’s complaint alleges violations of Colorado campaign law that could result in significant fines and important disclosures for the group supporting the bail bond initiative on the November ballot. 

Ethics Watch claims that Safe Streets Colorado has failed to disclose contributions and expenditures on the reports they have filed with the Secretary of State as an issue committee.  A September 22 filing does not actually disclose any contributions or expenditures, although the group reports on its cash assets.  In August, the proponents of the bail bond requirement measure gathered and delivered petition signatures to the Secretary of State to gain space on the November 2010 ballot, and statements from the group indicate it was in operation as early as May, yet the group did not register as an issue committee until August 26. 

“Safe Streets Colorado must own up to their contributions and spending so that Colorado voters will know who is behind this measure and how they are spending their money,” said Luis Toro, director of Colorado Ethics Watch.  “This is a classic case of trying to fly under the radar, and they must be held accountable.”

If Safe Streets Colorado failed to register on time or appropriately disclose contributions and expenditures, it could be subject to fines of up to $50 per day for each document that should have been filed with the Secretary of State. 

For the complaint and all related documentation, or for more information on Colorado Ethics Watch, visit www.coloradoforethics.org.