Ritter's own little jobs program

In a Tuesday press release, Gov. Bill Ritter, a Democrat, announced that he has named former state Rep. Alice Madden, D-Boulder, as the state's first Climate Change Coordinator. This isn't just one more example of Ritter's love affair with his "New Energy Economy," but also signals his ongoing commitment to ensuring that former legislators find work.

Madden's appointment comes after Ritter recently selected Bernie Buescher, who lost his November re-election bid to Laura Bradford, R-Collbran, to serve as Secretary of State. Ritter also found a a spot in his camp for Buescher's wife, Mary Beth Buescher, whom he named to the state's juvenile parole board.

Madden, who previously served as House Majority Leader, was term-limited after last year's session. She will now be paid $80,000 per year, more than double what she brought home while serving in the legislature. And this time her post will be funded by private grants, meaning it won't be subject to the state's essential budgetary cuts.

While Ritter's news release did not provide specific details on Madden's job description, Ritter did say Madden will play a role in achieving Colorado's Climate Action Plan. "Expanding the use of wind, solar, geothermal and clean-burning natural gas will create jobs, clean the air and address climate change," said Ritter.

That's a lot of work for one person to oversee. Maybe Ritter's also got something in the works for Madden's fellow term-limited colleague, former House Speaker Andrew Romanoff?