Anti-Worker Ballot Measure in Colorado Could Involve Fraud

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/04/08/anti-worker-ballot-measure-in-colorado-could-involve-fraud/

by Mike Hall, Apr 8, 2008

The organizers of Colorado’s so-called “right to work” initiative have been accused of fraud in collecting signatures to qualify the measure for a place on the ballot.

Protect Colorado’s Future filed a complaint with the secretary of state’s office last week, alleging that “right to work” signature collectors told people they did not have to be registered voters to sign the petition to put the measure on the ballot and that it was OK to sign the petition even if the person had done so previously. Neither assertion is true.

The group submitted audio recordings to back up its claims. Jess Knox, a spokesman for Protect Colorado’s Future, told the Denver Post:

These audio recordings offer evidence to what we believe is a significant pattern of fraud.

If the complaint is upheld, fines or jail terms could be imposed on the initiative’s organizers, or the petition’s signatures could be thrown out.

The Colorado “right to work” drive has a great deal of out-of-state—but under-the-radar—backing. In February, we noted that another of the “right to work” for less organizers, Colorado business consultant Rob Fairbanks, refused to identify any supporters or how much money had been raised. But the progressive blog Square State tracked down some of the out-of-state backing for the initiative.

While they’re fighting against ballot measures that would set the state back, Colorado working families are lining up behind popular ballot initiatives that would improve the quality of life in Colorado. We’ve reported on the drive to cut corporate crime with an initiative that would hold CEOs and top execs personally liable if they commit fraud or condone it by not reporting it. The New York Times called it the “nation’s toughest corporate fraud law.”

In addition, working families are lining up behind an initiative that would require an employer to show “just cause” before firing a employee—so people no longer could be fired because of their haircut or favorite sports team.