As an avid reader of the Colorado Statesman, I would like to comment on House Minority Leader Brian DelGrosso’s recent commentary about “missed opportunities.”

Mr. DelGrosso gave much credit to the Republicans for “passing legislation to increase transparency of Colorado’s Department of Transportation, helping to ensure CDOT’s priorities are in line with those of Colorado taxpayers.”

What a bunch of garbage!

The $3.5 billion of transportation funds he mentioned is a very familiar number. It happens to be the same amount required to complete the I-70 below grade tunnel, which is right next to the Platte River. CDOT is about to divert 100 year flood waters right into my historic neighborhood after they played footsie with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, a Democrat, to have rate-payers foot the bill. I have asked for documents from CDOT and received blackened out information as it relates to the safety issues of the tunnel. How is that transparent?

Basically, what Mr. DelGrosso fails to mention is that TABOR has opened the door to so-called “enterprise funds” – which do not require a vote of the people – and are essentially hidden revenue. If anyone uses money from these kinds of funds they don’t have to be transparent. Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, made sure of that. The House and Senate can act like they are proactive while the hole is gets deeper. I looked for advice from some Republicans and Democrats only to find both snuggled up like grub worms in moist soil.

We have a deficit. There is not enough money to fund education. What about using enterprise money for education? We also have crumbling infrastructure – throughout Colorado. All of the bridge money should not go to the I-70 Slip and Slide!  How about educate the voters on the bonds that are being sold so Denver can host the 2026 Summer Olympics? Don’t mention how hosting such an event can devastate cities, cause environmental catastrophes, create homelessness, and comes with widespread corruption. There is nothing to boast about. If you were my employee, I would tell you to go back to the drawing board. I’m not impressed!

Heidi Sue Harris

Denver