Colorado owes outgoing Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler a huge debt of gratitude.
Gessler, whose single term was wrought with controversy before he even started work, made it clear that this important office is no place for serious partisans. His departure will usher out a sad segment of Colorado history. In fact, with Gessler in mind, we’ve argued regularly that this office should be made part of the state administration, with the chief executive being appointed by a bi-partisan committee of state lawmakers.
Since that’s not possible, avoiding partisan problems as best as possible are key to making the right decision for Colorado.
While the Secretary of State’s office is assigned a wide range of duties, monitoring business filings and registrations and gambling accounting, the most important job is to ensure accurate, fair and reliable elections. Gessler didn’t do that. Gessler was a lawyer for a firm that catered to Republican election interests before running for secretary of state. His past and partisan antics during his one and only term in office have illustrated just how important the office remain above the fray.
This year, voters have two clearly competent choices for secretary of state: Republican Wayne W. Williams, currently El Paso County clerk and recorder, and Democrat Joe Neguse, University of Colorado Regent.
While Williams has experience in running local elections, Neguse brings a moderate, analytical aspect to the race that can help ensure against another four years of trouble.
Williams is by no means another Gessler. He proved himself capable of refraining from partisan voodoo as he’s run more than one special, contentious election in the state. But he’s a lifelong Republican Party animal and former El Paso County commissioner.
He fought hard against election reform in the legislature that resulted in expanding mail-ballots and especially for providing same-day voter registration, a change that will make it so that thousands of voters can be included in the election process.
Neguse is a smart, capable political neophyte that doesn’t sound much like a traditional Democrat or a Republican. That’s exactly what this vital office needs to heal problems from the last four years.
While either candidate would likely make sure elections and this important state office run smoothly, Neguse would bring a refreshing element of non-partisanship to the office that could lead Colorado to something better.