Carbon monoxide bill stirs controversy

MONTROSE — Saying a bill that would require carbon monoxide detectors in homes smacked of “Big Brother, excessive government,” Commissioner Allan Belt voted against supporting it.

Still, the county’s resolution supporting Senate Bill 187 went through Monday, after Commissioner Bill Patterson seconded a motion brought by Commissioner Gary Ellis.

The bill would require homes being sold, transferred or constructed on or after July 1 to have a working carbon monoxide detector within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping purposes.

The bill’s provisions would apply to homes with a fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage.

Ellis referred to two Olathe deaths in January when he presented the county’s resolution of support.

In January, Julian “Russ” Beamer, 72, and his infant grandson, Truett Simoens, were found dead in Beamer’s home from what the coroner later ruled was acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

Beamer’s wife, Phyllis, was found in critical condition, but survived after being rushed to a hospital.

Ellis had presented the resolution at the request of Tony Licwinko, executive director of Sunrise Creek Assisted Living Center.

Licwinko was unable to attend Monday’s meeting because another matter came up, but told the Daily Press he supports the bill on behalf of his sales manager, Heather Simoens, who is Truett’s mother and Beamer’s daughter-in-law.

“I’m definitely all for it,” Simoens said during a phone interview.

“Had this been in effect before, my son would still be alive. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. People are not aware enough. If this act goes into place, it’s going to save more lives than they realize.”

She pointed out that smoke alarms are already mandatory, as are seat belts.

“I personally saw the value of it (SB187),” Ellis said during the meeting, adding later that carbon monoxide detectors, which retail from $20 and up, are relatively inexpensive.

“This is way, way beyond the role of government, requiring individuals in their own homes (to get detectors),” Belt dissented. “That is Big Brother, excessive government. Why would they stop there?”

He said it was possible the government would begin requiring homeowners to install sprinkler systems and other safety devices.

“I think this is a terrible bill,” Belt said.

Ellis said he’d considered it from a public safety standpoint. “It’s such a silent killer,” he said of carbon monoxide. “To me, it made sense.”

Belt was the lone no vote. “And I hope to God this bill fails,” he added.

Belt later said he had “a great deal of sympathy” for the Simoens and Beamer families, but it was customary to take suggestions to Colorado Counties Incorporated before individual boards of commissioners voted to support particular legislation.

“I feel very strongly that government has no place coming into private homes...It’s government micromanaging at a level I do not like at all,” he said.

“I know there’s been some disastrous cases of carbon monoxide deaths over the years, but I simply draw the line at the government coming into your house and telling you you have to have a carbon monoxide detector.”

Belt said it would be better if public officials warned consumers about the dangers of carbon monoxide and suggest, but not mandate, detectors.

Licwinko said he didn’t see why people view the bill as an intrusion. “There was opposition in Colorado Springs from people who felt it was nanny government,” he said.

“I don’t know how you could think it was nanny government. It’s no different than a smoke alarm.”

Simoens was aware of opposition from builders and real estate associations, but said SB187 was “definitely not” Big Brother.

A carbon monoxide detector would have saved her family, she reiterated. “They would all be here. Phyllis is still with us, but carbon monoxide stays with you forever. I think, in general, most people are (in support).

“It just makes sense.”