Weekly Register-Call/ Gilpin County News

Ethics Watch on the City of Black Hawk

PRESS RELEASE – In response to Channel 7’s investigation last year into the out-of-control spending of historic preservation funds in Black Hawk, Ethics Watch called on the state legislature to consider ways to install oversight or limits on the funds spent by Black Hawk’s city council. Ethics Watch got involved when it became clear that the process of distribution of these funds is highly unethical, with government officials awarding themselves and their friends large amounts of money for modern conveniences that have nothing to do with historic preservation.

On Tuesday, February 10, the state Senate “Local Government and Energy Committee” unanimously approved a bill that would stop the Black Hawk City Council from unilaterally spending state historic dollars. If this bill passes as amended Tuesday, it will allow Gilpin County officials to select members of an independent commission who will approve any spending of state historic dollars. No one representing Black Hawk testified during Tuesday’s hearing, so the bill moves to the full Senate.

Chantell Taylor, director of Ethics Watch, released the following statement in response to the passage of Senate Bill 101 by committee last Tuesday, “In light of the unethical squandering of precious tax dollars by Black Hawk’s city officials, it was clear to us last year that an amendment to the state constitution or some legislative fix was long overdue. We applaud Senator White and the Senate Local Government and Energy Committee for this first step towards correcting a failed system. Ethics Watch encourages the full Senate to take this type of mismanagement of funds seriously and to send a message statewide that those who are spending our tax dollars will be held accountable, and unilateral directing of funds for personal gain will not be tolerated.”

More information, including the original letter sent by Ethics Watch to Colorado legislators, can be found at www.coloradoforethics.org.