Within the last few days there has been a wave of input from folks who have stated that they were confused by the language of questions 1B, 1C and 1D regarding term limits and that their intent was not made clear. Some have simply asked for clarification while others have made accusations of deliberate deceit.

There have also been personal attacks from the left and from within the conservative ranks. If the left is angry at me, it usually means I am doing a good job articulating my conservative principles. When the attacks come from within the ranks of our own conservatives, it is harder to deal with and demands an assessment on my part to make sure I am on the right track. To that end, I believe you deserve to hear from me personally.

When the decision was made to ask these three questions, language from other Colorado counties was gathered from similar questions over the years and direction was given to the County Attorney’s Office to keep it short and concise because of the already long ballot. The Weld County question was “No person shall serve more than three full consecutive terms as a County Commissioner.” This was definitely the shortest among the list — but too short. The Attorney’s Office was directed to add more language in order to clarify, specifically noting the modification of the statute containing existing term limits but still keep the wording short and to the point.

Coordination also took place with the Teller County Commissioners for approval of the language because the District Attorney serves both El Paso and Teller counties.

The issue was defined as term extensions by multiple media for weeks prior to the election as well by myself at town hall meetings and at least two other commissioners in print. The Gazette even endorsed the proposals. No deception of any kind was ever intended.

However, it is now obvious that we did not go far enough in reviewing the language prior to placing it on the ballot and that we did not adequately define the question. The best way for me to describe it at this point is that I, speaking for myself, made assumptions that I should not have made. The question seemed to be extremely clear — if one assumes everyone knows the term limits already. That was my error and for it, I sincerely apologize. I do reiterate however, that no deception was ever intended as has been so widely stated.

I also regret that this has taken the focus off of the tremendous work that we have been doing here at the county to govern according to the will of the people. We have cut the size of your county government, eliminated entire programs, cut the budget, consolidated resources and services for the long term, prioritized spending, moved more services from government to the private sector and adhered to strong, conservative, transparent leadership.

As it has always been my promise and my way of serving, I will listen to the people and will move forward in whatever way best serves the people of this county. It has also been suggested by another commissioner that going forward, we require two reviews of any ballot language in order to address concerns prior to reaching the ballot. I will wholeheartedly support that rule change.

I have consistently and ardently articulated my conservative principles and voted in a manner that backs that up. I am listening as I said I would and I have no motivation other than to openly and respectfully serve the people of El Paso County.

Amy Lathen is the Vice Chair, El Paso County Commissioner, District 2

Richard Serby stands in his backyard after Cashmere goats munched down brush and weeds in a 2010 file photo. Serby said the brush was tall and thick as the brush on the other side of the fence behind him. Photo by Bill Vogrin — The Gazette