Just two days after word leaked out that Colorado Senate President Brandon Shaffer used taxpayer money to pay for a Democrats-only retreat on conflict management, which created even more conflict, he announced that private Democratic funds instead would be used to cover costs.
Hey, it looks like that conflict resolution meeting is paying off already.
Conflict resolved.
“The perception was that it was an unwise use of funds,” John Cevette, Senate chief of staff, told The Post.
It wasn’t just a perception, it was wrong to spend $4,300 in tax money for a workshop that excluded Republican lawmakers.
As we said earlier this week, when we urged Shaffer to pay for the two-day retreat with private caucus money, we don’t begrudge legislators a little staff training. In fact, that type of retreat would be beneficial for all lawmakers, especially as term limits and other factors create such turnover at the statehouse.
The amount spent wasn’t exorbitant either, but if you’re going to put on such an event and pay for it with taxpayer money, invite the Republicans, too.
We’re glad Shaffer reversed course. It’s a small amount in a budget that totals $18 billion, but it’s symbolic.
Taxpayers need to know that their lawmakers are being good stewards of their money.
