Editor:

Television ads and robocalls have Mayor Wellington Webb asking voters to vote yes on Amendment 71.

I don’t understand why citizens would vote against their own interests! A yes vote on Amendment 71 would amend the state constitution in a way that makes it much more difficult for the citizens of Colorado to address important issues.

Two-thirds of the amendments to the Colorado Constitution are made by legislators; less than 1/3 are initiated by Colorado citizens. Only 26 states even allow citizens to collect signatures to amend their constitution.

Voting yes will make it almost impossible for citizens to practice democracy in action as most groups are not well-funded and will not be able to collect the necessary signatures from 35 Senate districts. Only those with huge monetary backing will be able to pay signature gathers in the future and televise ads.

We cannot afford to lose our rights by voting yes on Amendment 71, nor should we give away our power to corporations.

Please vote no!

Sandra ReaveyDenver