Hickenlooper Q & A: ‘We Have Some Very Difficult Choices to Make’

Credit Colorado.gov

Governor John Hickenlooper said he was intentionally vague at times during his annual state of the state address, which he delivered to the legislature on Thursday. He recently sat down to discuss his speech and what it means for the year ahead with statehouse reporter Bente Birkeland.

Interview highlights: 

Governor Hickenlooper on the Constitutional Conflicts between TABOR, Amendment 23 and Gallagher

It’s going to be tough to get to a point where we can find the right compromise. But one way I guarantee you won’t get a compromise is if the Governor comes out with a trumpet blaring and says, here’s my way. We better do it this way.

Both sides are going to have to hold their noses a little bit. But this is the year to get something done. The next 18 months, this is when we have to craft a solution.

Governor Hickenlooper Discusses Oil and Gas Task Force

I wouldn’t be surprised if we get some new ideas from the task force. Twenty-two very smart people, some of the best civic leaders in the entire state. But I think a lot of them will be ideas we’ve heard before. The question will be, how do we get that to a point of compromise, whereby the legislature, a Republican Senate a Democratic House, how do we get any recommendation to a point where it passes.

The Governor Discusses his Approach to his Second Term in Office

It is a pivot point. It’s such a difference this time. Four years ago I didn’t even know where the bathrooms were.

Now I have a good relationship with over half the legislators. I understand how the system works. I also have a better understanding of what you can and what you can’t do. What’s is the appropriate level of reach. How much ambition can you have.