Kudos to Taylour Nelson for her highly informative article on

tenants’ (and landlords’) rights and responsibilities in the Oct.

23 issue of The Collegian. Scary, especially during this Halloween

week, was one particular landlord’s reply to it. I’ll address just

two of the issues he raised so that there is no remaining confusion

as to the requirements of C.R.S. 38-12-103, the security deposit

statute. Under no circumstances can landlords increase the 60-day

maximum deadline – it may be shorter, depending on an individual’s

lease – for returning either the security deposit or an itemized

list of deductions from it.

Furthermore, no tenant is required to leave a forwarding address

with her landlord for the return of her security deposit, no matter

what her lease states (although she’d be wise to leave one with the

post office). Problems? Please come see us.

Kevin Daley, Director

Student Legal Services

On Oct. 26, 2001, the USA PATRIOT Act was enacted to provide the

federal government with expanded powers to fight terrorism. Some of

these powers, however, run counter to constitutionally guaranteed

freedoms. For example, it includes an overly broad definition of

terrorism allowing action against protesters and organizations that

voice disagreement with policies of the US leadership.

In September of this year, the administration proposed an

expansion of the PATRIOT Act’s law enforcement powers. This

expansion of power would significantly undermine the fundamental

liberties guaranteed to all citizens in the Constitution. We are

deeply concerned about the plan, which would allow subpoenas to be

issued without obtaining approval from judges or grand juries.

The need to protect against security threats to America must be

balanced with the need to preserve the very liberties that are the

foundation of this country. There are fundamental principles that

guard our liberty – from independent judicial review of law

enforcement actions to prohibitions on indiscriminate searches –

that must be preserved.

Bipartisan opposition to some provisions and to an expansion of

the PATRIOT Act continues to grow. On this second anniversary of

the passage of the PATRIOT

Act, we urge American citizens and their elected representatives

to remain vigilant to protect against encroachment on basic civil

liberties.

The Larimer County League ‘s CrossCurrents team presented a

panel discussion on the pros and cons of the PATRIOT Act on

Thursday, Oct. 23. A tape of this program is available at the Fort

Collins Public Library.

Helen Platt

League of Women Voters of Larimer County

Administrative Team

Fort Collins Resident