Reactions to Gov. Hickenlooper’s final State of the State address

“Hickenlooper outlines ambitious agenda, plus unfinished business,” Jan. 12 news story.

Gov. John Hickenlooper’s plans are indeed ambitious and revealing. The governor addressed the impact of the Gallagher Amendment. This amendment has been a thorn in state government’s side since inception because it limits government and government doesn’t like limitations. Unsaid is the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, which also limits government spending but is also the proverbial thorn in the side.

Rest assured, government is working on circumventing and/or repealing both, but the taxpaying voter is a huge obstacle in their endeavors. One of the circumventions is the imposition of the vehicle registration “fee,” which is really a tax. Another is changing the Department of Highways to Department of Transportation, which encompasses more than roads and bridges.

Read between the lines, folks. Government abhors restrictions and yet we, the voters, are the only line if defense against limitless tax and spend. ●●●

It’s not often that a photo really stands out while I’m reading my paper in the mornings. The front-page photo of Gov. John Hickenlooper by Joe Amon was exceptional. I believe the photo reflects the optimism and love our governor has for this great state of Colorado. Thanks, Joe, for capturing more than a photo.