EPC Democrat officials speak out on misleading texts about marijuana measure

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Misinformation and confusion are growing over support for a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana sales in Colorado Springs.

The Colorado Springs Safe Neighborhood Coalition , a bipartisan committee dedicated to beating the measure, is accused of misrepresenting the El Paso County Democratic Party in mass text messages sent to voters, claiming the party opposes ballot question 300.

Ballot Question 300 would amend the City ordinance to allow existing medical marijuana licensees to apply to become licensed as retail/recreational marijuana businesses. Retailers would still be subject to all applicable taxes, including the existing 5% sales tax on retail/recreational marijuana.

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The ballot question would also codify several violations and penalties, including prohibiting any retail/recreational marijuana business within 1,000 feet of a public or private daycare, preschool, or K-12 school, and prohibiting the sale or transfer of retail/recreational marijuana to any person under 21.

"We've had this long-standing relationship, this long-standing stance that we are in favor of the legalization of marijuana," Rob Rogers, First Vice Chair of the El Paso County Democratic Party explained. "For things to get twisted the way that they were is troublesome."

The El Paso County Democrats say they've supported the measure since February. They explained the confusion stems from a recent post on their Facebook page, which mistakenly said the group was against the ballot question. The party says it was because an incorrect draft was accidentally posted.

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"We corrected it within 24 hours," Rogers said. "I think it was an opportune time for them to take advantage of something that had occurred and misrepresent our position and our stance."

The Colorado Springs Safe Neighborhood Coalition showed the post in their text messages. The El Paso County Democrats said the coalition misused their logo to imply an official endorsement.

"Regardless of what our message was, regardless of whether or not we were supportive of it or opposing it, this conservative PAC using our logo, using our name in that way is very misleading," Rogers said. "At best, it's unethical."

Daniel Cole, a spokesperson for the coalition says they're not apologizing for sending out the misleading text.

"Even at first glance, whenever I looked at it, it would have misled me," Rogers said.

The El Paso County Democrats are currently considering potential legal action regarding the misleading messages.

This November, Colorado Springs voters will also have the option to vote yes on 2D which would amend the charter of the city to ban the operation of recreational cannabis businesses, essentially ruling out any future ballot initiatives.