Rural Coloradans to vote on forming new state – Washington Times.
The effort to create the 51st state, called “Weldistan” by it’s detractors (and others) takes a few baby steps forward as the idea becomes a ballot issue this fall.
Why?
The Weld County Commissioners voted unanimously at Monday’s meeting to place a measure on the Nov. 5 ballot asking voters whether they want the county to join other rural counties in forming another state.
“The concerns of rural Coloradans have been ignored for years,” William Garcia, chairman of the Weld County Commissioners, said in a statement. “The last session was the straw that broke the camel’s back for many people. They want change. They want to be heard.”
Three other rural counties — Cheyenne, Sedgwick and Yuma — also plan to place the 51st state referendum on the fall ballot. At least three more counties plan to consider the proposal this week at their commission meetings, said Jeffrey Hare, spokesman for the 51st State Initiative.
Known for its agriculture and oil and gas production, Weld is the largest of the Colorado counties exploring a break with the state after the legislature’s sharp turn to the left with bills restricting access to firearms and doubling the state’s renewable-energy mandate for rural areas.
Other options include….
Given the complexities involved with creating a state, Mr. Hare said, the Northern Colorado movement is considering two other options: asking Wyoming to annex Colorado’s northern counties or requesting that the state legislature redraw its Senate districts to give a senator to each of the state’s 64 counties, analogous to how the U.S. apportions seats by state, regardless of their populations.
There is no doubt the politics of Colorado is being driven by the liberal/progressive front range. I find the concept at the least every entertaining and it certainly brings much needed attention to the front range elites lack of engagement with the rest of the state. Yes, I”m talking to you Jared Polis.
From the comments… (Roxiecolorado)
the Californikats also invaded Colorado in the late 80’s thus the problems Colorado has now
Hard to argue with that.
I thought I heard this idea fell apart. Anyway, I don’t blame them for making this move.
I had thought the same thing after the intial burst of excitement. My cycnical view is that’s what the MSM wanted us to believe. The Weldistan idea kept popping up so I then reached the conclusion that it was still ongoing.
It’s far from clear where this effort will lead, but the ballot issue results will certainly give an indication of the level of discontent. Should be interesting.