As Colorado once again deals with devastating wildfires, many Coloradans are likely wondering why we still refuse to prepare for what is an inevitable issue — putting the fires out. In fact, a legislative fix was proposed this past session by State Senator Steve King (R-Grand Junction) to buy a set of air tankers, but Democrats voted against spending a mere $17 million to buy the planes.
While the bill, SB245, was signed by Governor Hickenlooper to create an air tanker fleet, there was no money attached to it. That’s led the press to refer to the endeavor as “paper airplanes” as they exist only on paper at this point.
What fools voted against funding the tankers?
That would be Democratic Senators Rollie Heath, Jesse Ulibarri, Pat Steadman and Mary Hodge.
Governor Hickenlooper also has culpability in this outcome. For a governor who bragged he didn’t veto a single bill because he was allegedly so effective at managing the legislative process to his liking, why couldn’t he manage to get $17 million for such a critical need as planes to fight wildfires?
To be sure, should Democrats have decided to spend the money on common sense things like air tankers in a state annually beset by wildfires, rather than banning guns or teaching sex ed to kindergartners, the tanker fleet wouldn’t be up and running for this current raft of fires.
But, with the Democrats voting against the tankers, they probably won’t be ready for next wildfire season either.
When reporters cover this latest foreseeable tragedy, we hope they remind readers that it was Democrats who decided their tax money was better spent banning standard capacity magazines than fighting wildfires.
Priorities matter.
UPDATE: A reader writes in to point out SB245, the air tanker bill, was classic Hickenlooper — with the governor making an empty gesture by signing the bill without any actual dollars attached to it. It allowed him to claim he did something without actually doing anything.
Think of it as partially commuting the death sentence for a real tanker bill that would have had real funding and real muscle behind it.
Even when it comes to something as easy as forest fires, Hick is a weak suck.
I see a new governor… His name is Terry Maketa!
They spent the $17m for tankers on giving free drivers licenses to illegals.
More Libtard BS from our ineffective governor and legislature.
It's great to see our state leaders vote against things like this. Rollie Heath represents Boulder, Jesse Ulibarri represents Thorton/Commerce City, Pat Steadman represents Denver and Mary Hodge represents Brighton. We don't need air tankers in this part of the state because we don't have wildfires in this part of the state. If it does not affect us, bring us more votes or more money, this is not needed. Shameful that these democrats only think about themselves.
After the summer fires of 2012, it is appalling to me as a resident of Colorado that this government allocates funds to such frivolous endeavors rather than the harsh reality of wildfire. Here we are again, burning up, ZERO tankers! Thanks Hick and the rest of you lame Senators who voted "NO". Pretty sure your own home will be kept safe. Sure hope the voters pay attention to this at the ballot box next time.