Want to Build a Better Colorado? Start by Adding Beer

Are you interested in Building a Better Colorado? Are you confused as to why Colorado's new budget looks gloomy when the state economy is booming? Wonder why we just had to vote on Proposition BB when we thought Amendment 64 had authorized the state to collect marijuana taxes and use them for education infrastructure? Do you wish you just better understood how the state budget and elections work?

From 3 to 6 p.m. today, a coalition of concerned citizens — Democrats, Republicans and independents alike, ranging from governors John Hickenlooper, Bill Ritter and Roy Romer to former senator Hank Brown — is inviting Colorado residents to help "Build a Better Colorado." This discussion of the state's future focuses on three specific areas: the ease with which the Colorado Constitution can be amended; decreasing citizen confidence and involvement in the election process; and the imbalance between citizen's expectations of the service which the state government provides and the ability of the government to meet those expectations.

This is just one of many summits throughout Colorado; Building a Better Colorado has already made several stops outside the metro area and has now brought the tour to Denver.  From 8 to 11 a.m. Monday, November 16, the meeting will be in downtown Denver; from 3 to 6 p.m. that day the action will move to Jefferson County.  

If you think all of these weighty issues would go down better with beer, you're right. And on Thursday, November 12, Brews With Building a Better Colorado will tackle the same questions —  with the added benefit of free Colorado craft beer — at Tracks at the Exdo Events Center, 3500 Walnut Street. The starts  with networking — and drinking — at 5 p.m., followed by an interactive discussion that I'll be moderating. Let the talk — and the beer — flow! RSVP at bit.ly/BBCOengage.

For a full schedule of meetings and more details on Building a Better Colorado, go to BetterCO.org.