CML Newsletter

Gov. Jared Polis and members of his staff visited CML on Aug. 15 to meet with CML's executive officers and members of CML staff. 

During the meeting, Gov. Polis stressed his continued support for a robust state and local partnership. He reviewed some of the key priorities of his administration, issues of importance to municipal interests in the 2019 legislative session, and a promise to continue working with CML and member municipalities going forward.

CML Executive Board President and Alamosa Mayor Pro Tem Elizabeth (Liz) Hensley thanked Gov. Polis for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with CML. She stressed concern over last session's universal family leave legislation and asked the governor to ensure existing leave policies that are better than what the legislation would have provided can be maintained. 

CML Immediate Past President and Fort Collins Mayor Wade Troxell weighed in on a continued partnership on statewide transportation and transit issues. Gov. Polis acknowledged the challenges and agreed that a continued partnership is vital to dealing with the challenges of a growing population.

Other issues discussed included ensuring continued recognition of local control and home rule, impacts of recent oil and gas legislation, statewide tax and finance issues, concerns about proposed steep increases in employer contributions to fire and police pensions, and the dramatic impacts of health care affordability around the state. CML Vice President and Centennial City Attorney Robert (Bob) Widner underscored some of these issues along with Secretary-Treasurer and Steamboat Springs Council President Pro Tem Kathi Meyer.

Gov. Polis closed the meeting by recording a personal video for Meghan Dollar, CML legislative and policy advocate, who had to miss the meeting in order to bring her son, Jack Richard Dollar, into the world.

The League appreciates Gov. Polis and staff taking time to meet and discuss these and other issues.