Article V Convention Could Force Congress to Balance the Budget

On July 22, 2025, Kim Monson explores constitutional solutions to federal spending with former state senator Kevin Lundberg and examines how local land use codes are stripping property rights from Colorado landowners with Chaffee County residents Mark Kostelic and Blaine Clark.

Constitutional Path to Balanced Budget

Start listening at 20:51 – Hour 1

Kevin Lundberg, former Colorado state senator and author of the Lundberg Report, makes the case that Elon Musk should redirect his frustration with Washington’s spending habits toward the Article V Convention of States movement rather than starting a third party. Lundberg traces the movement’s origins to a 2012 meeting at the Independence Institute in Denver, where Michael Farris, founder of the Convention of States organization, helped launch the state legislators’ Article V caucus.

Lundberg explains that 19 states have now passed Convention of States resolutions, with 34 needed to call a convention. Any amendments proposed would still require ratification by 38 states, making a “runaway convention” impossible. He draws parallels to Colorado’s TABOR, arguing that a similar constitutional restraint on federal spending would force Congress to live within its means regardless of which party holds power.

“Don’t spend money you don’t own.”

Kevin Lundberg, Former Colorado State Senator

Regulatory Takings in Chaffee County

Start listening at 72:17 – Hour 2

Mark Kostelic, a Chaffee County property owner whose family ranch has operated since 1905, describes how new land use codes have devastated property values and crushed landowner dreams. The 400-page code, developed over years and passed despite overwhelming public opposition, changed building density from one dwelling unit per two acres to one per 35 acres in rural areas.

Kostelic reveals that county officials now claim private property for “visual resources” and wildlife habitat, blocking development based on aesthetics rather than safety. River setbacks expanded from 50 feet to 150 feet, rendering some properties worthless. One analysis found that 45 miles of Arkansas River frontage lost over a billion dollars in equity.

“But we’ve been working at it, and what we’ve learned so far is that private property rights have been violated.”

Mark Kostelic, Chaffee County Property Owner

The Housing Authority Connection

Start listening at 78:18 – Hour 2

Blaine Clark, a CPA with 45 years of experience in valuations and conservation easements, exposes concerning conflicts of interest in Chaffee County’s planning process. The chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission also serves as permanent CEO of the Chaffee Housing Authority, a state subsidiary. Meanwhile, the Chaffee Housing Trust, a 501(c)(3), uses tax-deductible donations to purchase properties while relying on government subsidies for cash flow.

Clark traces these local actions to state legislation and UN Agenda 2030 goals of creating 15-minute cities with high-density housing. Six land use bills signed by Governor Polis in May 2024 gave local governments right of first refusal on subsidized housing. The county even mandated EV charging units in a 60-unit affordable housing development, despite residents being unable to afford electric vehicles.

“And this takes away the incentive for them to pass on their legacy, which is over 100 years.”

Blaine Clark, CPA and Chaffee County Property Owner