Gov.-elect Bill Ritter’s inaugural festivities will not be dampened by tough new limits on gifts to politicians, transition officials said Wednesday.
Ritter and his party planners had expressed concern that Amendment 41 – approved by voters this month – could rein in the event.
Amendment 41 prohibits state officials from accepting gifts valued at more than $50, a limit that could affect corporate and individual donations to Ritter’s inaugural.
“We don’t think Amendment 41 will impact the inauguration,” said Ritter spokesman Evan Dreyer.
To avoid a conflict with Amendment 41, Ritter’s inauguration planners will form a nonprofit group that can accept contributions.
In addition, members of the public will be able to buy tickets to attend. Tickets are expected to cost about $50, Dreyer said, but details have yet to be completed.
Ritter will disclose major contributors to the nonprofit, Dreyer said, and the inauguration committee will not give tickets away to elected officials.
“It is the perfect strategy that honors voters’ intent and still allows the governor to do what he needs to do,” said election lawyer Mark Grueskin, who served on Gov. Roy Romer’s transition team.
Grueskin is helping draft the legislation that is needed to implement Amendment 41.
In 1999, after Gov. Bill Owens was initially elected to office, his supporters organized a black-tie ball that cost a minimum of $150 a plate. Corporate sponsors were asked to kick in $25,000 for a little special access during the inaugural events.
The inauguration was estimated to cost about $200,000. State taxpayers provided $10,000 for the events.
Staff writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at 303-954-1794 or mcouch@denverpost.com.
