Under the Dome

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jan 31, 2002

Schultheis to seek term in 14th District

DENVER - Rep. Dave Schultheis, R-Colorado Springs, has said he will run for re-election in state House District 14.

Schultheis was first elected in District 22 in 2000. A recent reapportionment plan, however, shifted the boundaries of House districts, putting Schultheis in the 14th.

Schultheis made the announcement last weekend to a group of supporters.

"It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve in the state House," Schultheis said. "I have been humbled and thrilled by the opportunity. I hope District 14 voters will be pleased with my consistent and principled record, and will send me back to the House as their representative."

- The Gazette

Tax relief for elderly proposed

DENVER - Sen. Ron Teck, R-Grand Junction, plans to co-sponsor a bill to provide some tax relief to the elderly.

Teck said Wednesday his proposal would allow county treasurers to grant waivers on application deadlines for low-income seniors who learn they are delinquent on property taxes before they find out about a state property tax-deferral program.

State Treasurer Mike Coffman recommended the changes based on the conclusions of a task force he formed after voters approved Referendum A, which reduced property taxes for the elderly.

Although Referendum A allowed a 50 percent exemption on the first $200,000 of a property's value, the exemption only applied to seniors older than 65 who lived in their home for at least 10 years. Many seniors choose to sell their family homes and move into smaller quarters, so they do not qualify for Referendum A, Coffman said.

- The Associated Press

Dean probably won't appeal redistricting

DENVER - House Speaker Doug Dean, R-Colorado Springs, said he is unlikely to appeal a judge's recent decision on congressional redistricting.

Dean had considered appealing the map created by Denver District Judge John Coughlin that split Colorado into seven congressional districts because it diluted voting power of minorities in Denver.

Republicans disliked the map because it gives Democratic candidates an advantage at the polls, but Dean said he couldn't get support from the Hispanic community for an appeal.

- The Gazette