“Sick Rick” is causing indigestion for opponents of Denver’s paid-sick-leave ballot initiative.
The 6-foot-tall costumed representation of a germ — rolled out last week by supporters of mandatory paid sick leave — generated a testy response from rivals after Sick Rick passed out pro-Initiative 300 leaflets in front of Denver restaurants.
“It’s the most disgusting political stunt I have ever seen,” said Pete Meersman, chief executive of the Colorado Restaurant Association.
The campaign maintains that 74 percent of Denver restaurant workers don’t have paid sick leave, and as a result, they often come to work when they’re sick.
Tami Door, chief executive of the Downtown Denver Partnership, said voters “cannot support Initiative 300 and their unbelievably tone-deaf tactics.”
Pro-initiative spokeswoman Erin Bennett said lack of paid sick leave “puts every single person who eats at Denver restaurants and some of our vulnerable nursing-home residents at risk of illness.”
Steve Raabe, The Denver Post
