Bill Ritter in Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2001-2009


On Abortion: Personally opposes abortion but fund emergency contraception

Based on my faith, I am personally opposed to abortion. But I recognize that people who disagree with me on this issue hold equally strong convictions. We all would like to see fewer women facing an unintended pregnancy. To reach this common ground, we must: Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, ritterforgovernor.com, “Issues” Nov 7, 2006

On Crime: New tough-on-crime sentencing policies

I spent my career in law enforcement protecting the citizens of Denver. We achieved a 95% conviction rate and sent more than 12,000 criminals to prison. I will be tough on crime, but also smart about how we prevent crime and punish those who do us harm.

Sentencing has had the greatest impact on criminal justice policy and resources in the past decade. Within 12 months a sentencing task force will propose concrete strategies that will allow Colorado to become a national leader in sentencing policies.

Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, ritterforgovernor.com, “Issues” Nov 7, 2006

On Drugs: Fight meth & dealers; treat drug abusers

In 1994, Colorado’s first drug court opened, to address the root cause of some defendants’ crime--substance abuse--while holding those defendants strictly accountable during treatment. As Governor, I will continue to support affordable, tough and proven substance abuse treatment options for deserving substance abusers, but not for manufacturers or dealers. Additionally, I will continue to fight the manufacture of methamphetamine, which directly threatens the health and safety of us all.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, ritterforgovernor.com, “Issues” Nov 7, 2006

On Education: Invest more in our education system, and demand more

As Governor, I plan to invest more in - and demand more from - our education system. Education must be the state’s No. 1 priority. It will be my top priority as GovernorFor too long, the conversation about education reform has involved accusation and punishment. My administration will stand for opportunity and encouragement for all learners. It is time we refocus our energy on:
  • Fostering high-quality educators and inspiring a new generation of teachers.
  • Establish ‘Principals Institute.’
  • Support Pay for Performance.
  • Improve Teacher Recruitment.
  • Create a Low-Interest Home Loan for Teachers.
  • Create a Governor’s Award of Education Excellence for New Teachers.
  • Making Sure Children Arrive at School Ready to Learn
  • Expand Early Childhood Education Programs.
  • Create a Statewide Child Care Report Card.
  • Encourage Collaboration.
  • Getting parents more involved.
  • Improving higher education while also keeping it affordable.
    Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, ritterforgovernor.com, “Issues” Nov 7, 2006

    On Energy & Oil: Blend our fossil-fuel supplies with renewable energy

    Along with our breathtaking natural environment, Colorado also is blessed with plentiful supplies of home-grown energy sources: oil and gas, coal, coal-bed methane, solar, wind and a variety of agricultural-energy sources as well. By blending our fossil-fuel supplies with renewable energy, we can make Colorado a leader in what I call a “New Energy Economy.” I want to establish new research and development opportunities for clean-technology industries.
    Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, ritterforgovernor.com, “Issues” Nov 7, 2006

    On Health Care: Basic health care accessible to all Coloradans

      As Governor, I will lead an effort to bring all parties together to develop the Colorado Health Plan. The Plan will improve health care access, quality and affordability and promote healthy lifestyle choices. The process will be guided by eight fundamental principles:
    1. Basic health care should be available and accessible to all Coloradans.
    2. Health care for the 180,000 uninsured children should be an immediate priority.
    3. Health care should be affordable and financed in a cost-effective manner.
    4. Quality health care should be available and accessible regardless of geography.
    5. Health care reform must be developed collaboratively.
    6. Medicaid must become more efficient and effective.
    7. We should foster competition as a means to drive quality up and costs down.
    8. We all must take personal responsibility for our own health.
    Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, ritterforgovernor.com, “Issues” Nov 7, 2006

    On Immigration: No welfare benefits or drivers license for illegals

    Washington has failed to secure our borders, prosecute companies that knowingly hire undocumented workers, and punish human smugglers and traffickers. These are unacceptable failures. We need to require illegal immigrants to pay back taxes and fines and to begin the formal citizenship process. Everyone must play by the same set of rules. I support prohibiting welfare benefits for undocumented immigrants. Nor should illegal immigrants be able to obtain a government-issued driver’s license.
    Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, ritterforgovernor.com, “Issues” Nov 7, 2006

    The above quotations are from Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2001-2009.
    Click here for other excerpts from Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2001-2009.
    Click here for other excerpts by Bill Ritter.
    Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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    Page last updated: Dec 02, 2018