I heard that Gov. Jared Polis called a special session of the Legislature recently. As reported by CBS News, our governor put on construction safety goggles and then used a bat to hit and bust open a glass case. The case had a sign on it that read, “IN CASE OF NO PROP HH BREAK GLASS.”

Then Polis pulled out a piece of paper and announced, “looks like a special session for property tax relief.” Seriously? We need solutions, not drama. The voters have spoken.

A grassroots swell of resentment flooded Colorado — sweeping away the hopes of those in the Capitol who would use TABOR funds for their pet projects. Sixty percent of Coloradans declared no to the ballot initiative. As they cast their ballot, diverse groups of people from our rural areas, cities and all demographics voted their anger toward the statewide government that they feel will not listen to them.

Colorado’s political establishment in power was warned of the coming loss. Back in August — The Fourth Annual Pulse poll was implemented by a multipartisan group of researchers. Results of the survey warned all that 80% of voting Coloradans were concerned about the high cost of living and housing.

The organization behind the poll, The Colorado Health Foundation, tells us on their website, “By serving Coloradans who have less power, privilege and income, and by prioritizing Coloradans of color, we keep equity at the heart of our work to bring health in reach.” So, the warning about voter mistrust was delivered to Democrat and progressive leaders from people with the same ideology as theirs.

Researchers on this same poll also reported that 45% of those queried had a growing impatience with state government. Citizens expressed displeasure with political polarization, lack of compromise and not being represented.

But the party in power in Colorado still didn’t listen. Not even to those who voted them into office.

Instead of addressing the issue of property taxes being too high — helping homeowners and renters financially, Colorado Democrats tried to put the squeeze on beleaguered voters.

They missed the opportunity to bring relief to the higher mortgage and/or rent payments that accompany higher property taxes.

This is a terrible way to treat the working people whom they claim to champion. Many Colorado voters can scarcely afford to have the government take money from them. TABOR refunds are sometimes the only relief from inflation received by working people.

If we dare to look at these voter actions through an emotional lens — it is clear that at least 60% of Colorado voters feel betrayed by our government.

As they should. If rioting is the language of the unheard — a strong vote of “NO” is the language of those who feel betrayed by those they put into power.

The complex language on the ballot didn’t help. The proposal primarily drafted in the Governor’s Office did not reassure those who read it. Especially after Republicans and even Democrat local city councils and county commissioners complained about being shut out of the process.

This amount of mistrust could be political poison in 2024. Maybe that’s why we are seeing drama at the state house as our governor beats inanimate objects that can’t fight back.

Likely voters are hoping for an solution instead of political double talk that takes money out of our pockets. Or bat wielding political theatre.

Michael Fields, a political analyst in Denver, shared with television reporters at CBS in Denver how regaining the trust of voters will work.

The people want a short bill that says property taxes are going up — cut property taxes. Deal with this problem. Stop playing political games, Fields said.

He’s right. Breaking glass is just drama. Without a legislative solution that works and can be understood, new grassroots swells of anger and resentment among Democrat voters could flood Colorado in 2024. A flood that sweeps away the positions of those in the Capitol who refused to listen when the people spoke.