Gov. John Hickenlooper
Gov. John Hickenlooper said today that marijuana, not guns, is the issue he hears about when talking to business leaders about moving to Colorado.
“They’re very concerned about it,” he said.
Colorado voters in November approved a ballot measure legalizing the sale and possession of marijuana. The governor had opposed Amendment 64.
The Democratic-controlled legislature for weeks has been debating a package of gun bills opposed by Republicans and Second Amendment activists. They contend the legislation will stop businesses from relocating to Colorado or drive existing businesses away.
“We’re out talking to businesses about moving here,” the governor said. “The thing we hear about more than anything else is marijuana.”
Hickenlooper was asked about the gun debate while attending the Colorado Nonprofit Association’s annual awards luncheon, in an off to the side conservation. He said the gun issue, which has rocked the Capitol for weeks, “has created some turbulence.” To the dismay of Republicans and Second Amendment activists, Hickenlooper has said he will sign three of the gun bills: HB 1224 limits ammunition magazines to 15 rounds; HB 1229 requires universal background checks for gun sales or transfers; HB 1228 requires gun customers to pay for the costs of the background checks.
“Is this shattering your national image as a quirky, loveable governor?” Hickenlooper was asked.
“I’m still quirky,” he said. “I’m not sure I was that loveable. And I am still relentlessly pro business.”