Andrew Romanoff, the former speaker of the Colorado House, leaves today for what he called a “consulting gig” in Nigeria.
“They wanted some advice on running the legislative budget process,” he said when he announced his departure.
“I told them I’m not sure Colorado is the best example,” he added, with a laugh. “I mean no offense to my colleagues in the legislature who are here.”
Romanoff, a Denver Democrat, announced his Nigerian trip this week at the Jewish Community Relations Leadership Council’s annual leadership luncheon.
Colorado’s budget process had been described as a “Gordian Knot” because of conflicting constitutional amendments regarding spending and taxation.
Romanoff and former Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon, D-Denver, received the group’s award honoring legislative leaders.
The council also gave a leadership award to Dr. Herzl Melmed, a third-generation Zionist.
More than 350 people, from politicians to community leaders, attended the event.
Romanoff’s African trip is sponsored by the National Democratic Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. The group has worked to “establish and strengthen political and civic organizations, safeguard elections and promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government,” according to its website.
Romanoff said he will be in Nigeria for a week. When he returns, he will teach a class on public policy at the University of Colorado Denver.
He served eight years in the House before leaving in January because of term limits.
Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327 or lbartels@denverpost.com
