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RESOLUTION NO. <6~
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN,
COLORADO, IN OPPOSITION TO THE 2006 BALLOT ISSUE KNOWN AS
"TERM LIMITS FOR SUPREME COURT AND COURT OF APPEALS
JUDGES," AMENDMENT 40 TO THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, THAT
WOULD POLITICIZE THE APPELLATE COURTS AND ADVERSELY
IMPACT THE JUDICIAL PROCESS
WHEREAS, the effect of Amendment 40 would be to limit the independence of the
judiciary and to politicize their appointment by placing a limit often years on the service of any
appellate judge, thereby empowering the governor with the appointment of a majority of the
appellate judges after each general election; and
WHEREAS, the further effect of Amendment 40 would be to deprive this state of
the wisdom and experience of our sitting appellate judges and substitute on-the-job training after
each appointment; and
WHEREAS, the further effect of Amendment 40 would be to discourage the most
qualified trial judges and attorneys from applying for appointment to the appellate bench; and
WHEREAS, the further effect of Amendment 40 would be to cause newcomers to
the appellate courts to be reviewing the decisions of seasoned trial judges, for whom no term limits
are proposed; and
WHEREAS, the effect of Amendment 40 would be to remove from office next year
five supreme court justices and seven court of appeals judges; and
WHEREAS, no other state has placed term limits on the judiciary; and
WHEREAS, the best interests of the City of Aspen and its citizens will not be
served by the attack on the independence and competence ofthe judiciary contained in Amendment
40;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aspen
that this Council opposes term limits for appellate judges and Amendment 40 on the ballot for the
November 7, 2006, general election.
ADOPTED the 25th day of September, 2006.
ATTEST: