I was offered a fair amount to pull Amendment 49 off this fall’s ballot by its opposition. I was tempted. But I just couldn’t do it. The offer did spur me to make an ask to help our educational effort on Amendment 49:

October 3, 2008

Dear Friend of the Independence Institute,

Just yesterday, I received an offer the union goons thought I couldn’t refuse!

A backroom deal was struck between unions, leading political figures and business coalitions. The unions would pull their four anti-business measures, if the business coalitions would chip in $3 million to defeat three initiatives (47, 49, and 54) considered “anti-union.”

Knowing that Amendment 49 has received every major newspaper’s endorsement, I was offered a “gift” of $800,000 to pull Amendment 49 off the ballot. As tempting as the promise of cash was, I could not in good conscience accept their buy-off.

It’s a matter of principle AND ethics.

Last week I made an offer to pull Amendment 49. In return, I asked Governor Ritter to simply rescind his executive order allowing unions to represent state workers in contract negotiations.

My offer was called a “stunt.”

If you aren’t familiar with Amendment 49, the Ethical Standards initiative, it’s quite simple. Amendment 49 prohibits state and local government agencies from bundling money from public employees’ paychecks and delivering the cash to special interests that use it to lobby politicians.

Ethical Standards is a good-government issue that has earned the endorsement of several community leaders (including former U.S. Senator Hank Brown), many community and business groups, AND nearly every major newspaper in Colorado. I’ve enclosed copies of a few for you!

You’ve probably seen the television ads attacking Amendment 49 and two unrelated amendments. And you may have received one of the multiple mailings that assert these initiatives will somehow harm teachers, nurses, firefighters and the police.

Amendment 49 just puts the burden of dues collections where it belongs, on the backs of the unions and special interests.

The Independence Institute believes that government should be using our tax dollars and our civil servants’ time to provide crucial public services, not to funnel money to political organizations.

As you know, the Independence Institute is a free market think tank that researches alternatives to increased government, higher taxes and promotes individual liberties. In the course of our 24-year history, we’ve hit a lot of well-funded roadblocks that profit from more government.

The Independence Institute doesn’t have the deep pockets to fight back with mass advertising, but what we do have are grounded principles.

Unfortunately, the unions have an additional $3 million (thanks to the business coalitions) to defeat Ethical Standards. The National Education Association and Service Employees International Union each has contributed over a million dollars to the effort, with other unions not far behind.

Amendment 49 was an idea generated at the Independence Institute in 2006. We started at the local level. Since 2007, a dozen county governments—as well as a handful of cities and judicial districts—have enacted the policy. This year we intensified our educational efforts to inform citizens across Colorado about Ethical Standards.

These endorsements, have reassured us that government should be using our tax dollars and civil servants’ time to provide crucial public services, not to funnel money to political organizations.

Contrary to what the opponents say, the Ethical Standards project has not been heavily funded by “multi-national corporations.” That is why I’m writing you today.

The Independence Institute needs your support! Won’t you consider making a contribution to assist us in our efforts to educate Coloradans about this important good-government measure?

Every dollar counts! Your gift of $100 will allow us to buy a 30-second educational radio spot. A gift of $375 will buy another 12’ X 24’ educational billboard. $500 pays for a 60-second drive time educational radio spot. And $1,000 will allow us to put up a 14’ X 48’ educational billboard.

The detractors have $9 million to spend to defeat Amendment 49. And much of this money has been funneled through public payrolls using your tax money.

Help us educate other Coloradans about Ethical Standards. It’s not about unions, but it will as the Denver Post states, “stop the blatant conflict of interest that now allows politicians to collect dues that are used to elect and re-elect those very same politicians.”

With the election just one month away, we don’t have much time to educate citizens about this important measure. Sending your gift today will help make a difference! I’ve enclosed a reply form and envelope for your convenience.

Thank you in advance for your support of the Independence Institute and our work to promote good government measures.

Most sincerely,

Jon Caldara
President

P.S. Your gift, no matter what the size, will help us stand up to the special interests that influence our elected officials and increased government spending.