Sen. Faith Winter violated Colorado Senate ethics rules when she appeared to be intoxicated at an April public meeting, a legislative committee ruled Monday.

On a bipartisan 4-1 vote, the Senate Ethics Committee found that Winter failed to uphold the public’s trust in the legislature when she drank alcohol before taking part in a contentious community meeting in Northglenn. Winter, a Broomfield Democrat and the Senate’s assistant majority leader, previously apologized for her conduct at the meeting, where her speech appeared slurred. After it ended, police intervened to help her find a ride home.

Democratic Sens. Julie Gonzales and Dylan Roberts and Republican Sens. Paul Lundeen and Bob Gardner agreed that Winter violated ethics rules. Democratic Sen. James Coleman was the lone no vote.

Before the vote, Gonzales said it was up to the committee to decide what was acceptable conduct by a legislator and that holding office is an honor.

“That’s what each one of us is expected to uphold,” she said.

The committee recommended that Senate leadership issue a letter to Winter addressing her conduct at the Northglenn meeting and her substance use. She should be invited to address the full Senate when the chamber reconvenes in January, the members said. They also recommended that, should Winter’s conduct again raise ethics concerns because of substance use, she should face immediate action from the full Senate instead of another ethics committee process.

Winter, who voluntarily resigned a committee chair position and entered substance-use treatment in the days after the April meeting, attended Monday’s hearing at the state Capitol but was not invited to speak.

She said after the vote that she appreciated the committee’s work. She reiterated her commitment to accepting accountability and pursuing treatment.

“I believe their decision today backed that up,” she said.

Earlier, she had asked that the complaint be dismissed and noted the culture of alcohol use in the Capitol. Gardner, a Colorado Springs Republican who previously appeared conflicted about what actions to take in response to Winter’s behavior, said he was particularly troubled by Winter’s reference to the Senate’s culture as “justification” for her actions.

The committee eschewed harsher recommendations, such as Winter being formally censured by the Senate or expelled from the chamber entirely. Only one legislator has been expelled in the past century: Rep. Steve Lebsock was removed in 2018 after he was accused of sexually harassing Winter and other women.

Winter drew attention during a community meeting called April 3 to address concerns about a planned mental health facility in Northglenn that potentially would house some sex offenders. Weeks later, Northglenn city officials filed a formal ethics complaint against Winter to Senate President Steve Fenberg.

The ethics committee last month determined there was probable cause to believe Winter violated Senate rules. Winter then waived a full evidentiary hearing, which would have included testimony and questioning of witnesses.

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Originally Published: July 8, 2024 at 1:37 p.m.