Editorial: Greeley deserves transparency, not ‘dark money’

Amid the acrimony surrounding the proposed Cascadia and Catalyst projects in west Greeley, one disturbing fact has emerged: No one knows who is funding the opposition.

We Are Greeley, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit incorporated by political consultant Marge Klein, has funneled $97,800 into two ballot measures aimed at stopping the projects — $37,800 to Greeley Deserves Better and $60,000 to Greeley Demands Better. Most of that money paid for signature gatherers, and represents the bulk of funds raised by the issue committees. We Are Greeley also funded a controversial summer poll — derided by Cascadia supporters as a “push poll” designed to sway opinion. What else the group has financed remains unknown, as are its donors.

In contrast, the pro-Cascadia committee Greeley Forward has raised $54,870, including $30,000 from Windsor-based developer Martin Lind’s Trollco Inc. Lind’s interest in the project is no secret, as he owns Cascadia and the Colorado Eagles minor-league hockey team that would play in the arena.

We have no idea who is pumping well in excess of $100,000 into the opposition — secrecy that undermines the efforts of the many volunteers who worked to gather signatures for the petition efforts.

Cascadia supporters describe We Are Greeley as a “dark-money” group, one in which its donors are not disclosed.

Cascadia opponents said in a press release that the group became necessary “after numerous established business leaders and long-time community members expressed fears and instances of retaliation from city officials and project proponents for questioning the Cascadia financing arrangement. The organization allows concerned leaders to support the repeal effort without fear of the bullying that has become a hallmark of the project’s supporters.”

But such fears should not trump voters’ right to know. Democracy depends on an informed public, and lack of transparency as to the sources of these funds is an assault on public discourse.

• What agendas are being hidden?
• Whose interests are at stake?
• What individuals, businesses or organizations care so much about stopping this project that they’re spending enormous sums in this fight?

Dark money has plagued national politics ever since the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court ruling. Its creep into local ballot measures is especially dangerous. Local ballot measures often depend on a small number of votes, with even modest infusions of undisclosed money potentially tilting the outcome. Hidden donors should hold no sway in local decision-making.

Cascadia opponents have accused the city and developers of hiding behind monied interests. Yet by concealing their own donors, they have embraced the very secrecy they claim to oppose. Democracy — and Greeley — deserves better.

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