'Jazz Shaw':
Eric Holder has had enough of you peasants asking pesky questions about whether or not he should remain in his job as Attorney General and he’s not going to take it any more. Further, his unique investigative skills as a law enforcement expert have been put to good use and helped him identify where all of these nasty rumors are coming from… the reporters at The Daily Caller.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
November 30, 2011
SandBox Comments: Denver Post/Breaking News "Bail increased for former Arapahoe sheriff Pat Sullivan in sex-for-meth case"
SandBoxBlogs will post this one up because it is such a huge, huge story.
There will be no more postings done on this case unless there is significant and truly updated news reported.
Our reasoning is simple.
Our beloved everyday heroes in law enforcement have to be reeling from this news. There are just some circumstances in alleged crime reporting that serve no purpose to post except to bring further heartache or harm.
Try to remember that his name is just Patrick Sullivan. He no longer has anything to do with Arapahoe County or the S.O. there. A building's name can simply be changed.
Try to remember that we are a nation of law and the presumption of innocence is what those everyday heroes are supposed to be out there fighting for.
They are and until shown otherwise, we must believe and trust in that no matter how it looks on the surface.
Comment ability on this post is blocked.
(Read the article? Click title.)
There will be no more postings done on this case unless there is significant and truly updated news reported.
Our reasoning is simple.
Our beloved everyday heroes in law enforcement have to be reeling from this news. There are just some circumstances in alleged crime reporting that serve no purpose to post except to bring further heartache or harm.
Try to remember that his name is just Patrick Sullivan. He no longer has anything to do with Arapahoe County or the S.O. there. A building's name can simply be changed.
Try to remember that we are a nation of law and the presumption of innocence is what those everyday heroes are supposed to be out there fighting for.
They are and until shown otherwise, we must believe and trust in that no matter how it looks on the surface.
Comment ability on this post is blocked.
(Read the article? Click title.)
SandBox Comments: Colorado Independent "Lack of financial services putting MMJ businesses in a bind"
Jared Polis (D-Colorado) should be impeached over this.
For any elected official to both thumb their nose repeatedly at federal law and waste taxpayer resources in the type of economic crisis we are in simply to present useless legislation that would never pass until that federal law changes; is bad enough.
But what is unconscionable is Polis continuing to beat the drum of encouragement to these barely making it small businesses in the MMJ industry. "If" Jared Polis was truly a lawmaker, a leader of Coloradans, he would do his job.
Which is to follow the rules of law. We have processes to go through and he has just wasted years worth of time that these now headed for failure MMJ businesses did not have.
Shame on you Congressman Polis.
Shame, shame on you.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
For any elected official to both thumb their nose repeatedly at federal law and waste taxpayer resources in the type of economic crisis we are in simply to present useless legislation that would never pass until that federal law changes; is bad enough.
But what is unconscionable is Polis continuing to beat the drum of encouragement to these barely making it small businesses in the MMJ industry. "If" Jared Polis was truly a lawmaker, a leader of Coloradans, he would do his job.
Which is to follow the rules of law. We have processes to go through and he has just wasted years worth of time that these now headed for failure MMJ businesses did not have.
Shame on you Congressman Polis.
Shame, shame on you.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Silt approves budget, ‘B/I zone,' subdivision rewrite"
What....in the world is Silt Mayor Dave Moore up to??
Every time we turn around, the guy gets closer and closer to shooting himself out of a cannon and rocketing to stardom.
(Let's poke some fun at Dave---he's a great sport)....'He's definitely not the best-looking Mayor on the Western Slope. And his people skills really are non-existent. The man has zero tact and could really care less what people think of him.'
And oh, good lord. When it comes to politics he can be near rabid in sharing his views. Does conservatives in the trenches proud every time he opens his mouth. Plus, he really annoys local liberal media spin doctors and is a great read wherever he shows up.
But this.
Throwing out and starting over on all of Silt's codes?
This man should be in the White House. Or at least in Perry's cabinet. "We don't need no stinking badges".
Go, Dave!
(Read Colson's bullet points on Silt's most recent successes? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Every time we turn around, the guy gets closer and closer to shooting himself out of a cannon and rocketing to stardom.
(Let's poke some fun at Dave---he's a great sport)....'He's definitely not the best-looking Mayor on the Western Slope. And his people skills really are non-existent. The man has zero tact and could really care less what people think of him.'
And oh, good lord. When it comes to politics he can be near rabid in sharing his views. Does conservatives in the trenches proud every time he opens his mouth. Plus, he really annoys local liberal media spin doctors and is a great read wherever he shows up.
But this.
Throwing out and starting over on all of Silt's codes?
This man should be in the White House. Or at least in Perry's cabinet. "We don't need no stinking badges".
Go, Dave!
(Read Colson's bullet points on Silt's most recent successes? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Post Independent opinion: Shop locally with your holiday dollars"
It may not be two in a row....but it is two in the same month.
We now have the second 'Post Independent Opinion' that we feel the folks can live with reading all the way through.
Times are a-changing. Thank you to the editorial staff on the PI.
This one is a great read. It's sincere, for one thing. No dominating press-op campaign for one or two local organizations. In fact, the well-said (and well spotted) mild criticism of 'buy local but comes from China?' is duly noted. Maybe our downtown merchants will pay attention to that and start spending the few dollars they have for inventory on unique, local or regional inventory. They need to restore the high caliber of quality shopping downtown instead of just filling shelves with what they can afford.
Is there any way you could use the power of your ink to help them with that? Like really do some investigative reporting on how effective (or not) our local ordinances and leaders really are? Get away from some of, if not all of, the canned PR and really get to know the readers and their lives?
Who knows.
Maybe it really is a whole new world out here.
just sayin.
(Read the PI's holiday shopping suggestions? Click title. Comment to discuss)
We now have the second 'Post Independent Opinion' that we feel the folks can live with reading all the way through.
Times are a-changing. Thank you to the editorial staff on the PI.
This one is a great read. It's sincere, for one thing. No dominating press-op campaign for one or two local organizations. In fact, the well-said (and well spotted) mild criticism of 'buy local but comes from China?' is duly noted. Maybe our downtown merchants will pay attention to that and start spending the few dollars they have for inventory on unique, local or regional inventory. They need to restore the high caliber of quality shopping downtown instead of just filling shelves with what they can afford.
Is there any way you could use the power of your ink to help them with that? Like really do some investigative reporting on how effective (or not) our local ordinances and leaders really are? Get away from some of, if not all of, the canned PR and really get to know the readers and their lives?
Who knows.
Maybe it really is a whole new world out here.
just sayin.
(Read the PI's holiday shopping suggestions? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "New patrol shack at Buttermilk a model of efficient energy use"
Of course it is.
It was built by Beezer and Bud.
(See an example of some of the best building in the Valley? Click title.)
It was built by Beezer and Bud.
(See an example of some of the best building in the Valley? Click title.)
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Steamboat to host Nordic combined event Saturday"
Still haven't introduced yourself to Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp.?
Even more so than Vail and Breck, Steamboat Springs has pushed through the ski scene in recent years and become one of the best venues in Colorado.
Year round, world class sport competitions, wide range of live music and entertainment offerings, incredible food and drink offerings, friendly folks who are genuinely glad to see you and want you to feel at home.
International flights right next door. Easy and affordable access.
Introduce yourself, your friends, guests and family to Steamboat Springs.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Even more so than Vail and Breck, Steamboat Springs has pushed through the ski scene in recent years and become one of the best venues in Colorado.
Year round, world class sport competitions, wide range of live music and entertainment offerings, incredible food and drink offerings, friendly folks who are genuinely glad to see you and want you to feel at home.
International flights right next door. Easy and affordable access.
Introduce yourself, your friends, guests and family to Steamboat Springs.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
November 29, 2011
SandBox Comments: Roll Call/Race Details "Race Rating Map"
'SandBox Nanny' found these amazing race statistics over on Roll Call.
She especially likes the details of their 'Race Rating Map'.
Here, is their 'Mountain Region Roundup' page.
Very, very interesting...
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
She especially likes the details of their 'Race Rating Map'.
Here, is their 'Mountain Region Roundup' page.
Very, very interesting...
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Steve Skinner "American consumers occupy Black Friday"
"Dear Lord it can be embarrassing to be an American these days. Even now, when Americans are supposedly tightening belts and bemoaning the state of the economy, some are charging over unconscious people in a rush to get to the Christmas holiday deals.
According to the Huffington Post, some shoppers allegedly stepped over a collapsed man in a Target store in West Virginia as they hurried in for the best Black Friday savings. The man later died.
They say that American consumers don’t have confidence. They say that we need to purchase more stuff to grow the economy. They say we are in dire shape. But American consumer spending is up significantly over last year and some American consumers have not received the message that we are supposed to be hurting..."
(Steve Skinner)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
According to the Huffington Post, some shoppers allegedly stepped over a collapsed man in a Target store in West Virginia as they hurried in for the best Black Friday savings. The man later died.
They say that American consumers don’t have confidence. They say that we need to purchase more stuff to grow the economy. They say we are in dire shape. But American consumer spending is up significantly over last year and some American consumers have not received the message that we are supposed to be hurting..."
(Steve Skinner)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Weasel Zippers "Iran: Satellite Images Show Revolutionary Guard Missile Base Completely Destroyed After Mysterious Explosion…"
Our thanks goes out to that "mysterious explosion".
(Incredible photos. Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Incredible photos. Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Out of Touch and in need of a Reality Check"
'Dick Tracy' reports. Over on the Eagle County Times. In 'his' never-ending quest to make sure no spin is ever allowed to snowball the folks...we once again watch the Eagle County School Board admin's 'Tall Tales' debunked....
(by Dick Tracy)
Awareness for our Eagle County School District Board and School District employees.
Background:
”We asked you (our community) to tell us if you supported a mill-levy increase to adequately reinstate funds eliminated by the state, and you said ‘no.’ As always, we will keep our budget solvent, and unfortunately it will now come at a more profound and painful cost.”
Responsibly, the ‘painful cost’ will be on these non-classroom non-student expenditures, for these are what we all said no to.
August 2011: the same month our school board decided to ask for another permanent property tax increase-here is what they continued to spend our tax money on - (Note-no teacher pizza’s here!):...."
(by Dick Tracy)
Awareness for our Eagle County School District Board and School District employees.
Background:
Consider this former (letter to the Fishwrap’s Editor), written by the former President of your Eagle County School District Board - Connie Kincaid-Strahan, President of the Board of Education and Sandra B. Smyser Superintendent of Eagle County Schools,November 3, 2011 (Click Here).
”We asked you (our community) to tell us if you supported a mill-levy increase to adequately reinstate funds eliminated by the state, and you said ‘no.’ As always, we will keep our budget solvent, and unfortunately it will now come at a more profound and painful cost.”
Responsibly, the ‘painful cost’ will be on these non-classroom non-student expenditures, for these are what we all said no to.
Or is it going to be a case of “You get behind me, we all profit; you challenge me, we all go down‘ – by Big Boy Caprice?
August 2011: the same month our school board decided to ask for another permanent property tax increase-here is what they continued to spend our tax money on - (Note-no teacher pizza’s here!):...."
(See the real expenditures? Read more? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "Gov. launches innovation office "
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper is doing a great job.
Even conservatives think so.
"DENVER — Gov. John Hickenlooper announced an initiative Monday that aims to connect innovators with entrepreneurs in order to convert ideas into products more quickly. The governor said he hopes the construct will result in more manufacturing jobs in Colorado.
“We had this idea that we wanted to have a center of innovation, an innovation office, and what should it look like?” Hickenlooper said.
The Colorado Innovation Network will be folded into the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. It aims to link public and private researchers with development groups with an eye on quickly getting new ideas to market, creating jobs along the way...."
(Patrick Malone)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Even conservatives think so.
"DENVER — Gov. John Hickenlooper announced an initiative Monday that aims to connect innovators with entrepreneurs in order to convert ideas into products more quickly. The governor said he hopes the construct will result in more manufacturing jobs in Colorado.
“We had this idea that we wanted to have a center of innovation, an innovation office, and what should it look like?” Hickenlooper said.
The Colorado Innovation Network will be folded into the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. It aims to link public and private researchers with development groups with an eye on quickly getting new ideas to market, creating jobs along the way...."
(Patrick Malone)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/The Bottom Lines "Roaring Fork Business Resource Center grant"
Congratulations to Randy Lowenthal and the RFBRC! A terrific organization that stepped up to the plate when founded by meeting what was, at the time, a gaping hole in small business advocacy in the Roaring Fork Valley.
They've done an amazing job and it's great to see such significant support from the community continue on year after year."The Roaring Fork Business Resource Center has received an anonymous challenge again this year from a funder who will match sponsorship pledges received by Dec. 31 dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $20,000.
This is a great opportunity to maximize sponsorship dollars before the end of the year, while supporting the center's mission “to help businesses start, develop, and grow, resulting in job creation and retention, economic growth, and positive impacts on the communities we serve.”
Funds will be used to increase the capacity to provide technical and educational assistance; to focus on business development; and to develop research capabilities for start-ups and business owners from Parachute to Aspen.
The center is tax-exempt under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, so sponsorships may be treated as a tax-deductible contribution.
Call (970)945- 5158 for information. "
(via Glenwood Springs Post Independent)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "European tourism outperforms expectations'
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Continued economic uncertainty in parts of Europe didn’t hamper the tourism industry, which continues to outperform many other economic sectors. International tourist arrivals to the continent grew by a healthy 6 percent during the first eight months of 2011, according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization.
Some of the strongest growth came in countries facing major economic challenges, including Greece (up 14 percent), Ireland ( up 13 percent), Portugal ( up 11 percent) and Spain (up 8 percent)...."
(Summit Voice)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Some of the strongest growth came in countries facing major economic challenges, including Greece (up 14 percent), Ireland ( up 13 percent), Portugal ( up 11 percent) and Spain (up 8 percent)...."
(Summit Voice)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
November 28, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Ballot transparency a statewide debate"
SandBox advises Marilyn Marks to enjoy and savor the moment.
Tomorrow, she reviews ballots that she has fought for (and won) the right to see after waging an epic battle with the City of Aspen and County of Pitkin.
Her victory is on behalf of all Colorado voters.
And possibly all American voters.
They say that when a woman of courage walks into a room, one just knows how special she is.
In the case of Marilyn Marks, SandBox would have to agree.
Celebrate and savor, Marilyn. Thank you again for your advocacy.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Tomorrow, she reviews ballots that she has fought for (and won) the right to see after waging an epic battle with the City of Aspen and County of Pitkin.
Her victory is on behalf of all Colorado voters.
And possibly all American voters.
They say that when a woman of courage walks into a room, one just knows how special she is.
In the case of Marilyn Marks, SandBox would have to agree.
Celebrate and savor, Marilyn. Thank you again for your advocacy.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: KREX News 5 "More Information Released in Home Invasion/Murder Case"
(See updated story here. Over on the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. )
Can this story and case actually get any worse?
A young man is murdered.
Everyone is in shock thinking it was a home invasion and the man of the house is a hero protecting his family. Tremendous concern outpours from the community as he fights for his life.
We then find out the young man who was killed is a member of a gang that is at least four years old and known by locals as a gang that's been around that long. Commentators start to fire up asking questions. After all, they've been listening to Chief Camper and Sheriff Hilkey pump out the news that there are no real gangs in Grand Junction and they don't have a real problem. What's up with that and now what's up with this news?
We then find out that the alleged killer is known all over town and hiding out in various homes eluding capture.
And now we find out that the brave hero protecting his family is actually a major enough hard drugs dealer that he had the nerve to keep what sounds like meticulous books and records like any good small business does?
We now learn that his wife, with a young child in tow, came out to watch and help a drug transaction with known gang members. Is she the bookkeeper? Is it standard practice to let their child attend drug buys with known gang members? Does the baby go along when they go out to buy from their source? Does the shocked and frightened grandmother who was commenting in local forums and speaking of how wholesome her family is have any idea what her daughter believes is great childcare?
We now learn that the deceased young man's uncle drove them to this drug buy? After sitting around the family table for Thanksgiving dinner? Did he stay in the car just waiting for his drugs? Or was he just the wheelman long enough for these kids to score and then was headed back to the family home for some Thanksgiving football?
Can this story and case actually get any worse?
(Read the article by clicking the title. Comment to discuss)
Can this story and case actually get any worse?
A young man is murdered.
Everyone is in shock thinking it was a home invasion and the man of the house is a hero protecting his family. Tremendous concern outpours from the community as he fights for his life.
We then find out the young man who was killed is a member of a gang that is at least four years old and known by locals as a gang that's been around that long. Commentators start to fire up asking questions. After all, they've been listening to Chief Camper and Sheriff Hilkey pump out the news that there are no real gangs in Grand Junction and they don't have a real problem. What's up with that and now what's up with this news?
We then find out that the alleged killer is known all over town and hiding out in various homes eluding capture.
And now we find out that the brave hero protecting his family is actually a major enough hard drugs dealer that he had the nerve to keep what sounds like meticulous books and records like any good small business does?
We now learn that his wife, with a young child in tow, came out to watch and help a drug transaction with known gang members. Is she the bookkeeper? Is it standard practice to let their child attend drug buys with known gang members? Does the baby go along when they go out to buy from their source? Does the shocked and frightened grandmother who was commenting in local forums and speaking of how wholesome her family is have any idea what her daughter believes is great childcare?
We now learn that the deceased young man's uncle drove them to this drug buy? After sitting around the family table for Thanksgiving dinner? Did he stay in the car just waiting for his drugs? Or was he just the wheelman long enough for these kids to score and then was headed back to the family home for some Thanksgiving football?
Can this story and case actually get any worse?
(Read the article by clicking the title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Donklephant "The First Super Committee"
Donklephant: 'Big Teeth. Huge Ass. Surprisingly reasonable."
"mw Says:
November 27th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
This is actually a historically accurate portrayal of the Pilgrims."
"Randy Says:
November 27th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
Great cartoon! Pretty much sums it up. Still, I get so frustrated with the total irrelevancy of our federal government. I mean, these people have no clue about life for the average person."
Click title.
"mw Says:
November 27th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
This is actually a historically accurate portrayal of the Pilgrims."
"Randy Says:
November 27th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
Great cartoon! Pretty much sums it up. Still, I get so frustrated with the total irrelevancy of our federal government. I mean, these people have no clue about life for the average person."
Click title.
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Mother in Cargill heir lawsuit wants allegations stricken'
Very good to see some balance start to come out in the open and public eye for Patricia MacMillan.
"A part-time valley resident who is being sued by her son, an apparent heir to the Cargill fortune, wants a judge to strike allegations in a court motion she says are “impertinent, immaterial or scandalous.”.....
.....He alleges that she and unnamed accomplices set up a nearly identical email as Andrew MacMillan’s attorney, David Bovino of Aspen, in an attempt to divert millions to herself from his $250 million trust fund. Bovino is also a plaintiff in the case, and a judge on Nov. 10 approved his motion allowing him to withdraw as Andrew MacMillan’s legal representative in the lawsuit against his mother. Bovino had argued that Andrew MacMillan needed an independent attorney in the case; it is not clear if he continues to represent MacMillan in other matters.....
...Recent court filings by the new attorney for Bovino and Andrew MacMillan, Lori Hulbert of Denver, say that on the same day as the lawsuit was filed in Pitkin County District Court, Patricia MacMillan filed a court petition in Florida seeking an emergency guardian for her son. A judge found Andrew MacMillan not competent to stand trial on various criminal charges. He was charged with domestic violence and resisting an officer in February, and has also been charged with trafficking oxycodone, according to Florida court records...." (Learn more? Click title. Comment ability blocked on this post.)
(Chad Abraham)
"A part-time valley resident who is being sued by her son, an apparent heir to the Cargill fortune, wants a judge to strike allegations in a court motion she says are “impertinent, immaterial or scandalous.”.....
.....He alleges that she and unnamed accomplices set up a nearly identical email as Andrew MacMillan’s attorney, David Bovino of Aspen, in an attempt to divert millions to herself from his $250 million trust fund. Bovino is also a plaintiff in the case, and a judge on Nov. 10 approved his motion allowing him to withdraw as Andrew MacMillan’s legal representative in the lawsuit against his mother. Bovino had argued that Andrew MacMillan needed an independent attorney in the case; it is not clear if he continues to represent MacMillan in other matters.....
...Recent court filings by the new attorney for Bovino and Andrew MacMillan, Lori Hulbert of Denver, say that on the same day as the lawsuit was filed in Pitkin County District Court, Patricia MacMillan filed a court petition in Florida seeking an emergency guardian for her son. A judge found Andrew MacMillan not competent to stand trial on various criminal charges. He was charged with domestic violence and resisting an officer in February, and has also been charged with trafficking oxycodone, according to Florida court records...." (Learn more? Click title. Comment ability blocked on this post.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Secrets in the city"
".....Most of my friends are pretty opinionated, and not one of them gives a damn whether anyone sees those ballots. The only people who do are those who work for the city, and I’m beginning to wonder what they trying to hide. Seems the city has better things to do with my money.
And as long as we are talking about money, I’m wondering how much it’s going to cost to prosecute our local (alleged) drug dealers. When you take into account how old these guys are it’s going to cost plenty. First we have the cost of incarceration, and then we have to add the cost of medical care for older folks, not to mention the cost of adult diapers.
Look, if these guys were hanging out at the elementary school force feeding drugs to our kids I’d be the first to say string them up, but all they were doing was filling a demand that this city has had for years and years. Assuming they did it, they are kinda like pharmacists.
Many years ago I came up with an idea that I thought would clear the courts of victimless crimes. The idea is that each member of the jury must write a check when they find someone guilty — put your money where your verdict is, so to speak. As a juror you are going to be asking yourself, “How much is this going to cost me?”
Now if you think about it, some people would go free and some laws would be found to be really stupid. On the other hand, some jurors would go to the bank and get a loan to put someone away. Rape, robbery, Bernie Madoff? Where’s my checkbook? Selling something to someone who asked for it? Mmm, not so fast.
Well, I think it’s a good idea. What do you think?..."
(Sheldon Fingerman)
(Great column from Fingerman. Be sure to click the title and read the rest. Comment to discuss)
And as long as we are talking about money, I’m wondering how much it’s going to cost to prosecute our local (alleged) drug dealers. When you take into account how old these guys are it’s going to cost plenty. First we have the cost of incarceration, and then we have to add the cost of medical care for older folks, not to mention the cost of adult diapers.
Look, if these guys were hanging out at the elementary school force feeding drugs to our kids I’d be the first to say string them up, but all they were doing was filling a demand that this city has had for years and years. Assuming they did it, they are kinda like pharmacists.
Many years ago I came up with an idea that I thought would clear the courts of victimless crimes. The idea is that each member of the jury must write a check when they find someone guilty — put your money where your verdict is, so to speak. As a juror you are going to be asking yourself, “How much is this going to cost me?”
Now if you think about it, some people would go free and some laws would be found to be really stupid. On the other hand, some jurors would go to the bank and get a loan to put someone away. Rape, robbery, Bernie Madoff? Where’s my checkbook? Selling something to someone who asked for it? Mmm, not so fast.
Well, I think it’s a good idea. What do you think?..."
(Sheldon Fingerman)
(Great column from Fingerman. Be sure to click the title and read the rest. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Silt trustees to consider boosting business with changes to regulations"
Hey, how about that Silt Mayor Dave Moore?
And those Trustees?
"Objects in your rearview mirror may be closer than you think."
Congrats and kudos to the Town of Silt. Again.
(See what's happening in Silt? Click title. Comment to discuss)
And those Trustees?
"Objects in your rearview mirror may be closer than you think."
Congrats and kudos to the Town of Silt. Again.
(See what's happening in Silt? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Fractional occupancy difficult to pin down"
"Tracking actual occupancy levels of Aspen’s fractional ownership and timeshare properties is difficult, but they appear produce slightly more “hot beds” than traditional lodges, according to a study recently commissioned by the city of Aspen.
The study, produced by former Aspen planning director Julie Ann Woods, is based on interviews with knowledgeable people in the industry, surveys filled out by the general managers of two Aspen fractional properties, and confidential occupancy data shared by another Aspen property. Woods concludes that occupancy at Aspen’s fractional properties averages out around 60 to 65 percent on a year-round basis, and can be in the 80-95 percent range during “high season” periods.
“It is perceived that occupancy in fractional units is slightly higher on average over traditional lodging,” Woods writes in the study...."
(Curtis Wackerle)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The study, produced by former Aspen planning director Julie Ann Woods, is based on interviews with knowledgeable people in the industry, surveys filled out by the general managers of two Aspen fractional properties, and confidential occupancy data shared by another Aspen property. Woods concludes that occupancy at Aspen’s fractional properties averages out around 60 to 65 percent on a year-round basis, and can be in the 80-95 percent range during “high season” periods.
“It is perceived that occupancy in fractional units is slightly higher on average over traditional lodging,” Woods writes in the study...."
(Curtis Wackerle)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "London, Vancouver taxpayers facing big Olympics bills"
Very interesting expose' piece by Summit Voice.
Over and up on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
"SUMMIT COUNTY— As Colorado boosters once again talk up the idea of a potential bid for the Olympics, it’s worth paying attention to what has happened in other recent Olympic venues with regard to the financing of the multi-billion dollar venues needed for the games. This issue is especially poignant in Colorado, given that voters in the state chose to reject the 1976 Olympics based partly on concerns about putting taxpayers on the hook for the bill.
As often as not, organizers of Olympic bids swear up and down that will never happen, yet two years after the 2010 winter games, Vancouver residents are still paying, and the citizens of London are also facing a £326-million bill after the city decided to bail out the developers of the Olympic village in a closed-door meeting with no public input.
In a recent paper, University of Alberta sociology professor Jay Scherer examined how the 2008 economic crisis and undisclosed local political commitments led to the Vancouver fiasco. He attributed the Vancouver and London woes primarily to the economic crash and to a lack of transparency and communication with citizens...."
(Summit Voice)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Over and up on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
"SUMMIT COUNTY— As Colorado boosters once again talk up the idea of a potential bid for the Olympics, it’s worth paying attention to what has happened in other recent Olympic venues with regard to the financing of the multi-billion dollar venues needed for the games. This issue is especially poignant in Colorado, given that voters in the state chose to reject the 1976 Olympics based partly on concerns about putting taxpayers on the hook for the bill.
As often as not, organizers of Olympic bids swear up and down that will never happen, yet two years after the 2010 winter games, Vancouver residents are still paying, and the citizens of London are also facing a £326-million bill after the city decided to bail out the developers of the Olympic village in a closed-door meeting with no public input.
In a recent paper, University of Alberta sociology professor Jay Scherer examined how the 2008 economic crisis and undisclosed local political commitments led to the Vancouver fiasco. He attributed the Vancouver and London woes primarily to the economic crash and to a lack of transparency and communication with citizens...."
(Summit Voice)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/ Dave Danforth "Turning on a dime"
"What does it take to be different these days? To a big business like a bank, airline, or phone company, why does it matter? Why might they worry about patrons who’d rather “switch than fight”?
“Competitive advantage” means a lot in industries where reputation and service are key. People don’t often compare restaurants on price alone. But they’ll switch banks in a heartbeat.
The ski industry has enjoyed the ability to compete on distinctness. Over the years Aspen has defined itself as a premier ski resort, a year-round resort, a lifestyle spot, a nightlife spot, a second-home mecca and semi-retirement spot. Who can forget the campaign defining the place as “uncrowded by design?” That worked particularly well when it was uncrowded for every other reason but design..."
(Dave Danforth)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
“Competitive advantage” means a lot in industries where reputation and service are key. People don’t often compare restaurants on price alone. But they’ll switch banks in a heartbeat.
The ski industry has enjoyed the ability to compete on distinctness. Over the years Aspen has defined itself as a premier ski resort, a year-round resort, a lifestyle spot, a nightlife spot, a second-home mecca and semi-retirement spot. Who can forget the campaign defining the place as “uncrowded by design?” That worked particularly well when it was uncrowded for every other reason but design..."
(Dave Danforth)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Carbondale public art funding in question"
For as many years as it has been displayed, the public art displayed in Glenwood Springs has been an eyesore complained about by many and twisted into a 'debate' by few. Now, keep in mind, we are not talking about the murals and painted displays under the bridge and on pathways.
We are talking about 'art' in the form of metal work and statues.
Another heated debate has been the high dollar cost to not only bring in and display the 'art' but to also maintain the 'art'.
In Carbondale, their public art is gorgeous. Same thing in downtown Grand Junction, Edwards, Avon and Vail. True tourism draws that the folks are proud of.
With that said, there also comes a time when the wish list has to be cut back in favor of true needs and priorities.
For the folks in Carbondale, the time has come to be content with what they currently have and patiently wait until economic times are better.
For the folks in Glenwood Springs......maybe we could sell the stuff and put the few bucks generated into our human service needs. Such as Feed My Sheep and Salvation Army.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
We are talking about 'art' in the form of metal work and statues.
Another heated debate has been the high dollar cost to not only bring in and display the 'art' but to also maintain the 'art'.
In Carbondale, their public art is gorgeous. Same thing in downtown Grand Junction, Edwards, Avon and Vail. True tourism draws that the folks are proud of.
With that said, there also comes a time when the wish list has to be cut back in favor of true needs and priorities.
For the folks in Carbondale, the time has come to be content with what they currently have and patiently wait until economic times are better.
For the folks in Glenwood Springs......maybe we could sell the stuff and put the few bucks generated into our human service needs. Such as Feed My Sheep and Salvation Army.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Climate: Large scale carbon-capture tried in Illinois"
This is fascinating, a must read. Off the Summit County Citizens Voice.
SUMMIT COUNTY — Carbon dioxide byproducts from an Archer Daniels Midland Company ethanol plant will be injected 7,000 feet deep into an Illinois sandstone formation in the first million-ton carbon sequestration demonstration in the U.S.
Although geo-engineering is not without controversy, top administration officials say geologic storage of CO2 could be an important part of climate mitigation strategies...."
(Bob Berwyn)
(Read more? Click title and link. Comment to discuss)
SUMMIT COUNTY — Carbon dioxide byproducts from an Archer Daniels Midland Company ethanol plant will be injected 7,000 feet deep into an Illinois sandstone formation in the first million-ton carbon sequestration demonstration in the U.S.
Although geo-engineering is not without controversy, top administration officials say geologic storage of CO2 could be an important part of climate mitigation strategies...."
(Bob Berwyn)
(Read more? Click title and link. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Aspen Times series: Challenges grow, funds shrink in Aspen's public forest lands"
"Editor's note: The Aspen Times, starting today, is launching a five-part weekly series taking a close look at the major issues facing the White River National Forest. Today's first installment offers a broad overview of those issues, which range from the impacts of tourism on ranchers, to the oil and gas industry's interest in drilling prospects in Pitkin County, to the U.S. Forest Service's handling of the federal budget crisis....."
(Start reading the series? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times/Peter Parker "Peter Parker’s Porcupine discovered yesterday on Vail Mountain!"
OMG!! Look at what 'Peter Parker' spotted from the chair lift over in Vail yesterday.
Click title.
Click title.
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Sunday funnies"
Life...according to Scotty Bondo.
Check out a selection of Thanksgiving cartoons here: http://www.cagle.com/news/turkeys/. Other popular cartoons, including Calvin and Hobbles, are online at Comics.com...."
(See what's so funny? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Local artist and all-around entertainer Scotty Bondo shares his take on the world in our online Sunday funnies section. Visit Bondo’s website for more information.
Check out a selection of Thanksgiving cartoons here: http://www.cagle.com/news/turkeys/. Other popular cartoons, including Calvin and Hobbles, are online at Comics.com...."
(Bob Berwyn)
(See what's so funny? Click title. Comment to discuss)
November 26, 2011
SandBox Comments: Commentary Magazine/Contentions "Medicare Administrator Steps Down"
It was pretty clear that controversial Medicare head Don Berwick ""wasn’t going to make it past the end of the year, after 42 Republican senators vowed to block his confirmation. On Wednesday, the Obama administration finally announced that Berwick will step down, a major scalp for Republicans in the health care battle, but one that will probably get lost in the Thanksgiving news blackout:
Obama nominated Berwick to the post but before Democrats scheduled a hearing, the president bypassed the Senate and appointed him to the post during recess last July, which allowed him to serve through the end of the year.
The soon-to-be former Medicare head was a favorite target for Republicans, who pointed to past quotes they say demonstrated his embrace of socialized medicine and rationing as a sure reason to oppose him...."
(Alana Goodman)
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Power Line "Climategate 2.0 and Me"
"Back in 2005 I wrote a paper for AEI entitled “Climate Change Science: Time for ‘Team B?’”, which argued that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was so badly politicized that the time had come to emulate the famous CIA Team B assessment of the Soviet Union in the 1970s:
(Steven Hayward)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
A genuinely independent climate assessment process would need to build from the ground up, recruiting a team wholly independent of the IPCC’s personnel, and funded adequately to conduct original research, computer modeling, and consultations on a scale similar to the IPCC. Congress might consider earmarking a portion of current climate science appropriations for a competitive effort, perhaps in collaboration with Australia, Russia, Italy, Japan, and other nations that have expressed reservations about the Kyoto process.Well, well, well—my idea turns up in one of new batch of Climategate emails released last week...."
(Steven Hayward)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Stars and Stripes "Marines to wind down Afghan combat in 2012 "
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (AP) -- U.S. Marines will march out of Afghanistan by the thousands next year, winding down combat in the Taliban heartland and testing the U.S. view that Afghan forces are capable of leading the fight against a battered but not yet beaten insurgency in the country's southwestern reaches, American military officers say.
At the same time, U.S. reinforcements will go to eastern Afghanistan in a bid to reverse recent gains by insurgents targeting Kabul, the capital.
Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, said in an Associated Press interview that the number of Marines in Helmand province will drop "markedly" in 2012, and the role of those who stay will shift from countering the insurgency to training and advising Afghan security forces.
The change suggests an early exit from Afghanistan for the Marine Corps even as the prospects for solidifying their recent successes are uncertain...."
(Robert Burns)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "Passing judgments"
"Editor:
Jack Johnson has been so venomous to Marilyn Marks and Elizabeth Milias over the years that he deserves everything they throw at him and more. In Bruce Berger’s judgment scale, Jack Johnson also goes out of his way to be a shark in a small pond, and I highly doubt he engages in winter sports of any kind. For many of us that call Aspen our home, I am proud to call Elizabeth Milias a friend. There is nothing hysterical about Elizabeth Milias and Berger’s catch-phrase sexism is more a reflection upon himself and the more negative aspects of the old guard than anything else."
(Randy Geren, Aspen)
(Comment to discuss)
Jack Johnson has been so venomous to Marilyn Marks and Elizabeth Milias over the years that he deserves everything they throw at him and more. In Bruce Berger’s judgment scale, Jack Johnson also goes out of his way to be a shark in a small pond, and I highly doubt he engages in winter sports of any kind. For many of us that call Aspen our home, I am proud to call Elizabeth Milias a friend. There is nothing hysterical about Elizabeth Milias and Berger’s catch-phrase sexism is more a reflection upon himself and the more negative aspects of the old guard than anything else."
(Randy Geren, Aspen)
(Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Lorenzo Semple "Fast women in Aspen"
"What’s more beautiful than fast women on skis? It’s a rhetorical question really. One man will choose a scantily clad swimsuit model over a bundled up bunny. Another will gladly peel away the layers after a satisfying day on the slopes to reveal the beauty underneath. There’s just something inexplicably sexy and graceful about a woman on skis, especially one who can dominate the mountain. They are almost more than mortal man deserves, and can handle.
There’s a carnival like atmosphere in town right now with the Women’s World Cup races. As you drive down Main Street and see the flags from all around the world, it’s hard not to get excited about this weekend. The schedule looks action packed, complete with fireworks and live music. Late this summer there was an unexpected weekday fireworks display that pleasantly caught a lot of people off guard. I was walking downtown right as it started and passed some happily baffled tourists. They asked me what the occasion was to which I casually replied in passing — it’s Aspen, there’s fireworks every night...."
(Lorenzo Semple)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
There’s a carnival like atmosphere in town right now with the Women’s World Cup races. As you drive down Main Street and see the flags from all around the world, it’s hard not to get excited about this weekend. The schedule looks action packed, complete with fireworks and live music. Late this summer there was an unexpected weekday fireworks display that pleasantly caught a lot of people off guard. I was walking downtown right as it started and passed some happily baffled tourists. They asked me what the occasion was to which I casually replied in passing — it’s Aspen, there’s fireworks every night...."
(Lorenzo Semple)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
November 25, 2011
SandBox Comments: UK Telegraph "Criminals and cyber bullies to be banned from the web"
Just one more thing above and beyond the United States that law enforcement and justice get right over in the UK:
"It calls for police and courts to make more use of existing “cyber sanctions” to restrict access to the social networks and instant messaging services in cases of hacking, fraud and online bullying. Sex offenders and those convicted of harrassment or anti-social behaviour also face more internet restrictions under the new strategy.
"It calls for police and courts to make more use of existing “cyber sanctions” to restrict access to the social networks and instant messaging services in cases of hacking, fraud and online bullying. Sex offenders and those convicted of harrassment or anti-social behaviour also face more internet restrictions under the new strategy.
Similar orders have been imposed on those charged with involvement in a series of cyber attacks by the Anonymous and LulzSec groups earlier this year, while they await trial.
Cyber sanctions were also used following the riots this summer. Two teenagers in Dundee were banned from the web for inciting riots via Facebook.
Officials are now looking into whether "cyber tag" technology could be used to monitor offenders and report to authorities if break their bail or sentence conditions by using the internet.
"The Ministry of Justice and the Home Office will consider and scope the development of a new way of enforcing these orders, using ‘cyber-tags’ which are triggered by the offender breaching the conditions that have been put on their internet use, and which will automatically inform the police or probation service," cyber security strategy said...."
(Emma Barnett)
(Read more on how they're going to accomplish this without harm to free speech? Click title.)
SandBox Comments: Washington Post " What to say to ‘Thank you for your service’"
"Emerging into the sunlight, I’m leaving for work in Winchester, Va., in my Army combat uniform.
Coffee sloshes from my cup onto my bag; my patrol cap is in my hand, not on my head as it should be.
I’m a wreck. A woman I don’t know, a bit older than me, smiles. She looks as if she’s about to say, “Thank you for your service,” to which I’m never sure how to respond.
Six months ago I was in Baghdad, serving as operations chief of the Gulf Region District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Our unit oversees infrastructure rebuilding — a beautiful and expensive endeavor managing construction of schools, roads, hospitals and other big-ticket items. I was someone else six months ago, in charge of force protection, intelligence, security and combat movement across Iraq.
Then my older son, Nicholas, a charismatic and passionate 21-year-old in his third year of college, shot himself during my last week in theater.
Our unit suffered five fatalities during our year in Iraq. One individual was killed by a sniper’s single shot to the head. One person, also named Nicholas, was lost to a vehicle-borne suicide bomb. During my tenure, I learned how to receive such calls and to inform our commander. I had to be direct and calm and succinctly present the information he needed. Remaining professional during these events was difficult, especially because I was out of practice...."
(Jodi Jones Smith)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Coffee sloshes from my cup onto my bag; my patrol cap is in my hand, not on my head as it should be.
I’m a wreck. A woman I don’t know, a bit older than me, smiles. She looks as if she’s about to say, “Thank you for your service,” to which I’m never sure how to respond.
Six months ago I was in Baghdad, serving as operations chief of the Gulf Region District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Our unit oversees infrastructure rebuilding — a beautiful and expensive endeavor managing construction of schools, roads, hospitals and other big-ticket items. I was someone else six months ago, in charge of force protection, intelligence, security and combat movement across Iraq.
Then my older son, Nicholas, a charismatic and passionate 21-year-old in his third year of college, shot himself during my last week in theater.
Our unit suffered five fatalities during our year in Iraq. One individual was killed by a sniper’s single shot to the head. One person, also named Nicholas, was lost to a vehicle-borne suicide bomb. During my tenure, I learned how to receive such calls and to inform our commander. I had to be direct and calm and succinctly present the information he needed. Remaining professional during these events was difficult, especially because I was out of practice...."
(Jodi Jones Smith)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Craig Daily Press "Army Ranger and MCHS grad back in Craig for holiday"
"Picture the wounded soldier returning to the place of his youth.
The familiar landmarks — schools, parks, streets — are dusted with snow. Thanksgiving is coming, and holiday lights twinkle in the storefronts.
Maybe he thinks of boyhood games he played here. Maybe he thinks of friends left behind.
He spends the holiday with family, who rejoice that their son, nephew and grandson has come home alive.
These images could easily belong to the realm of Hollywood and black-and-white celluloid film.
But for Casey Greene — a 2007 Moffat County High School graduate and recuperating U.S. Army Ranger specialist — this isn’t fantasy.
This homecoming is real...."
(Bridget Manley)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The familiar landmarks — schools, parks, streets — are dusted with snow. Thanksgiving is coming, and holiday lights twinkle in the storefronts.
Maybe he thinks of boyhood games he played here. Maybe he thinks of friends left behind.
He spends the holiday with family, who rejoice that their son, nephew and grandson has come home alive.
These images could easily belong to the realm of Hollywood and black-and-white celluloid film.
But for Casey Greene — a 2007 Moffat County High School graduate and recuperating U.S. Army Ranger specialist — this isn’t fantasy.
This homecoming is real...."
(Bridget Manley)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Gessler proposing campaign finance changes"
Again, thank you to Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler for continuing to keep his word on his campaign promises.
Coloradans want election, campaign and voter reform in Colorado. For far too long, cronyism has played a significant role in our election processes.
Thank you for staying the course. Keep up the great work.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Coloradans want election, campaign and voter reform in Colorado. For far too long, cronyism has played a significant role in our election processes.
Thank you for staying the course. Keep up the great work.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Maurice Emmer and Harvie Branscomb "Why insist on secrecy but dismiss anonymity?"
"We both write repeatedly about the importance of election transparency. We present facts. We don't make things up. Stories about revealing ballot “secrets” often sound like scary tales told to children. They are designed to frighten, not inform. Jack Johnson's scary story recently published in another paper might trigger your instinct to fight, but that's what fiction and political propaganda are intended to do.
Johnson's column, and recent announcements by the city of Aspen, misconstrue election and open-records law as well as misrepresent the Marks v. Koch case and the Court of Appeals' unanimous opinion in favor of ballot transparency. As untrue assertions have become Aspen's norm, here we try to separate fact from fiction...."
(Maurice Emmer and Harvie Branscomb)
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Johnson's column, and recent announcements by the city of Aspen, misconstrue election and open-records law as well as misrepresent the Marks v. Koch case and the Court of Appeals' unanimous opinion in favor of ballot transparency. As untrue assertions have become Aspen's norm, here we try to separate fact from fiction...."
(Maurice Emmer and Harvie Branscomb)
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
November 23, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Defendant in cocaine case to remain jailed"
"An Eastern European man will remain in jail despite the suppression of key evidence in his cocaine case, a judge said Monday.
Andrian Arapu, 25, of Moldova, has been in jail since his arrest in April on a felony count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Earlier this month, Judge Gail Nichols of Pitkin County District Court ruled that evidence found in his former residence at the Copper Horse Apartments on Main Street cannot be used.
When he was originally detained by immigration agents for being in the country on an expired visa, Arapu gave a police detective permission to stay behind to collect the defendant’s personal effects and to lock up.
But Nichols ruled that the detective exceeded the scope of that authority when he remained in the residence, which other officers allegedly entered without Arapu’s permission, and eventually found nearly 1.5 ounces of cocaine, a scale, baggies and a loaded handgun.
After the ruling, Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin, who told Nichols that he cannot prosecute Arapu without that evidence, filed a notice of appeal with the Colorado Supreme Court. That automatically stays all proceedings in the case, including a potential motion to dismiss.
“I don’t have any choice. I have to wait” for the state Supreme Court’s decision, Nichols said...."
(Chad Abraham)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Andrian Arapu, 25, of Moldova, has been in jail since his arrest in April on a felony count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Earlier this month, Judge Gail Nichols of Pitkin County District Court ruled that evidence found in his former residence at the Copper Horse Apartments on Main Street cannot be used.
When he was originally detained by immigration agents for being in the country on an expired visa, Arapu gave a police detective permission to stay behind to collect the defendant’s personal effects and to lock up.
But Nichols ruled that the detective exceeded the scope of that authority when he remained in the residence, which other officers allegedly entered without Arapu’s permission, and eventually found nearly 1.5 ounces of cocaine, a scale, baggies and a loaded handgun.
After the ruling, Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin, who told Nichols that he cannot prosecute Arapu without that evidence, filed a notice of appeal with the Colorado Supreme Court. That automatically stays all proceedings in the case, including a potential motion to dismiss.
“I don’t have any choice. I have to wait” for the state Supreme Court’s decision, Nichols said...."
(Chad Abraham)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "DA staff to get bonuses, not salary increase"
"District Attorney Martin Beeson has dropped a 2 percent staff salary increase from his 2012 budget, in response to a request from the Pitkin County commissioners.
He is instead budgeting for a 1.5 percent end-of-year bonus, if economic conditions allow. The county is on track to give a similar bonus to its own employees next year, lifting a salary freeze that has been in place since 2009.
Beeson’s request for a staff raise was met with varying responses in all three of the counties his office serves — Garfield, Pitkin and Rio Blanco.
Garfield County commissioners had OK’d the 2 percent salary increase. Rio Blanco had opposed a raise or any bonus, because it is poised to continue a salary freeze for its employees through 2012.
“The Rio Blanco County commissioners have declined to participate in this plan as they do not believe they can do so in good conscience while denying their own employees a compensation increase of any sort,” Beeson wrote last week in an updated budget memorandum to the Pitkin County commissioners.
The tri-county DA’s budget has to be approved by all three counties that fund its operations.
“That put the DA’s office in something of an awkward position,” Pitkin County Manager Jon Peacock told the commissioners Tuesday.
Beeson is moving forward with the bonuses, using funding from Garfield and Pitkin counties only. He has pledged to pay for Rio Blanco’s portion — $2,100 — out of his own salary...."
(Andrew Travers)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
He is instead budgeting for a 1.5 percent end-of-year bonus, if economic conditions allow. The county is on track to give a similar bonus to its own employees next year, lifting a salary freeze that has been in place since 2009.
Beeson’s request for a staff raise was met with varying responses in all three of the counties his office serves — Garfield, Pitkin and Rio Blanco.
Garfield County commissioners had OK’d the 2 percent salary increase. Rio Blanco had opposed a raise or any bonus, because it is poised to continue a salary freeze for its employees through 2012.
“The Rio Blanco County commissioners have declined to participate in this plan as they do not believe they can do so in good conscience while denying their own employees a compensation increase of any sort,” Beeson wrote last week in an updated budget memorandum to the Pitkin County commissioners.
The tri-county DA’s budget has to be approved by all three counties that fund its operations.
“That put the DA’s office in something of an awkward position,” Pitkin County Manager Jon Peacock told the commissioners Tuesday.
Beeson is moving forward with the bonuses, using funding from Garfield and Pitkin counties only. He has pledged to pay for Rio Blanco’s portion — $2,100 — out of his own salary...."
(Andrew Travers)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Letter to the Editor "Questions still unanswered"
Note from SandBox: Comment ability is not blocked on this post. However, comments will remain closely monitored on all Lofgren news. Please recall all that SandBox has ever stated on Lofgren as to the reasons why. Remember, the closure for the family and the respect all citizens we know of have shown by respectfully honoring the family at all times in their comments will be required if you wish to post here. Please also remember that with the preventable failure of prosecution to try these cases; SandBox now errs on the side of the family. All the answers they need should be brought forward and in part, those answers cannot come unless citizenry requires them. Nowhere, in the present culture of the 9th Judicial District, is there freedom for the folks to speak up freely. SandBox is not the depository for avatars trying to make up that deficit. It is simply one of three regional blogs that believe the only current means your need to be heard has is through alternative media. Maybe, just maybe, law enforcement and prosecutors in the 9th and in other Colorado districts where the citizenry has the same problem will finally set up safe, neutral means for the folks to express all of their concerns and knowledge. Until then, out of the three we know of; SandBox Commentators moderates all incoming on these very sensitive issues. Please stick to the areas in Lofgren that you control. Which are: the demand for accountability of what went wrong on Popcorn Lane that has forever shattered the hearts of surviving family, the preventable failure(s) that were the criminal allegations from the moment they were contemplated to be filed, and the power your vote holds in the politics of all elected officials involved from the day the Lofgrens were lost.
(See related stories and comments here and here)
"Why was this home so lethal? Why was there no carbon monoxide detector in the home as required by law? Why did this home have a certificate of occupancy? Who is responsible for their deaths? Three years later, there are many unanswered questions. We had hoped that the criminal trials would give us some insight into what happened. We had hoped to hear the evidence that the grand jury heard, evidence that compelled them to issue indictments.
We want to understand the seeming cascade of failures that led to this tragedy. We want to understand how to prevent this from happening again. We want to educate people about carbon monoxide poisoning, and we want to influence legislation to make carbon monoxide detectors as ubiquitous as smoke detectors...."
(Christina Fedolfi, on behalf of the extended family of Caroline, Parker, Owen and Sophie Lofgren)
(Learn more? Read the rest by clicking title. Comment to discuss)
(See related stories and comments here and here)
"Why was this home so lethal? Why was there no carbon monoxide detector in the home as required by law? Why did this home have a certificate of occupancy? Who is responsible for their deaths? Three years later, there are many unanswered questions. We had hoped that the criminal trials would give us some insight into what happened. We had hoped to hear the evidence that the grand jury heard, evidence that compelled them to issue indictments.
We want to understand the seeming cascade of failures that led to this tragedy. We want to understand how to prevent this from happening again. We want to educate people about carbon monoxide poisoning, and we want to influence legislation to make carbon monoxide detectors as ubiquitous as smoke detectors...."
(Christina Fedolfi, on behalf of the extended family of Caroline, Parker, Owen and Sophie Lofgren)
(Learn more? Read the rest by clicking title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
November 19, 2011
SandBox Comments: Commentary Magazine/Contentions "Optimistic or Pessimistic About America: R.R. Reno"
"Mark me down as an American optimist. True, we face many challenges: the fiscal crisis of the modern welfare state, the end of American military super-hegemony, an elite culture bent on dismantling the Judeo-Christian moral consensus. Add our present economic woes, which seem intractable, and only a naif can but conclude that we face real problems posing real threats. Nonetheless, I remain convinced that America will remain a vital, attractive, and immensely powerful nation in the coming decades...."
(R.R. Reno)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Scott Tipton "Tipton Statement on Failure of Balanced Budget Amendment "
"Tipton Statement on Failure of Balanced Budget Amendment
Washington, D.C. –Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued the following statement after the House failed to pass H.J. Res. 2: The Balanced Budget Amendment.
“We saw 261 Republicans and Democrats unite today to say ‘enough is enough’ to runaway spending, and I proudly joined in support of the Balanced Budget Amendment, which unfortunately fell short of the 2/3 majority needed to pass. Hearing cheers and applause on the floor at its failing says a lot—sadly.
“However, while this common sense solution failed today, there is still a significant opportunity to seriously address our country’s spending problem. We must meet our existing obligations, fulfilling the promise to our seniors and military, while fulfilling our obligation to ensure that our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to achieve the American dream....”
(Scott Tipton)
(Comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Marks to again view Pitkin County ballots"
"Marks, the Aspen resident embroiled in a legal battle with the city of Aspen and three other Colorado counties over the right to view election ballots, said her latest request to Pitkin County is intended to facilitate the establishment of policies and procedures for complying with such requests. Being able to view ballots cast in an election is a matter of election transparency, according to Marks...."
(Janet Urquhart)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
(Janet Urquhart)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Paul Nitze: Silence and stone-throwers"
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
November 18, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Can we keep a secret?"
Poor Jeremy Madden. That glaring typo in today's Aspen Daily News that put his name on what is really an opinion column from Jack Johnson...ouch. So glad to see the Daily fixed that online by late morning.
SandBox is going to try a new form of posting some commentary. Inserting annointed text commentary (in this case from Marks) into the actual article or column. Since one can never really tell what Jack is going to deem respond to as a "All responsible and serious queries and emails"; this just might get a broader viewpoint out into the public eye.
Let Nanny know how you like it.
"Election law is complex. It is also important. Marks v. Koch seeks to overturn a century’s worth of election law and should be reviewed by the Colorado Supreme Court."
[The election law has not been overturned in any way. The Open Records Law, in place for over 40 years, which allows ballots to be public records has merely been upheld. It is modeled after the same open records law that permitted the Bush/Gore ballots or the Coleman/Franken ballots to be reviewed by the press and public to reach their own conclusions.]
No elected or appointed official in Aspen invented Colorado election law or the secret ballot. They are only charged — for our benefit and upon our behalf — with interpreting and implementing it. Average citizens, the press and even loud-mouthed local public policy columnists all very much take the secret ballot for granted. We have forgotten, if we ever knew, how hard it was to win the right to such because much of the intellectual thought regarding election law and the right to a secret ballot was settled in the 19th century.
[Actually “secret” ballots were allowed until 1947, and even the 20’s Colorado ballots were traceable if an official peeked at the concealed ballot number on the voted ballot. “Secrets” to be shared with and by election officials are subject to abuse. So, in 1947, the constitution was changed to guarantee that ballots are anonymous and the officials could obtain no “secrets” about how we vote. The only “secret” is your privacy in the act of voting the anonymous ballot.]
In a nutshell, ballots are cast and then counted. Results are determined and announced. Some people celebrate and drink beer and cheer the results, others not so much. Later, audits are performed and tests for accuracy are conducted.
[ The first such audit in Aspen was in 2011. Counties have had years of post-election audits.]
This all occurs in public and at specific times and places determined by law.
[starting in 2011 in Aspen.]
Then there exists a “contest” period during which the results may be challenged. Anyone can request a recount and have one conducted. But when recounts are conducted they occur under very strict procedures and are overseen by a judge.
[No, the recount is performed by the election commission and local citizen election officials No court is involved. Johnson has confused a “recount” with an “election contest.”]
After the contest period is over ballots are sealed in the ballot box for six months and then destroyed.
[No, the ballots are sealed on election night and the ballot box entered for various needed functions, including auditing, canvassing, recounts, election complaints, etc. In municipal elections ONLY, ballots are destroyed 6 months after election day, not 6 months after the contest period ends, as Johnson incorrectly states. In county, state and federal elections the ballots are preserved for at least 25 months, and may be maintained for years. ]
However, during these six months a judge can order a recount if sufficient proof of fraud can be shown.
[There are other criteria for a contest other than fraud.]
If one has evidence of fraud or corruption it should be produced, shown to the judge and if a recount is ordered it will be under court supervision.
[ No, recounts are NOT under court supervision. Johnson is referring to an election contest—a very different process.]
That’s what the law prescribes and it does so to protect our right to both verify the outcome of an election while also protecting our right to a secret ballot.
[Johnson assumes that the public can verify any election by asking for a recount and/or mounting a court supervised election contest. Both are expensive, barring most candidates or public from such an activity. But, in county, state and federal elections in Colorado, ONLY the LOSING candidate may request a recount, thereby making “verification” through a “recount” off limits to all but a few well -funded losing candidates.. Even then, Colorado recount laws require recounting on the same machines, which may just replicate the error in the first count, and no real verification is possible. Election contests are available only to those who can prove that the outcome of the election would change if the court considers the evidence. That is hardly a way to verify any election, even if the applicant had the scores of thousands of dollars to mount an election contest. Jack is completely off base in his claim. ]
Secret ballots were an improvement in election law history because they made vote buying all but impossible and made it easier to vote one’s conscience without influence from others.
[Mail-in ballots make vote buying and selling quite easy and leave no trace of the nefarious activity.]
There are other reasons but secret ballots, recounts overseen by courts,
[recounts are not overseen by the courts]
employing uniform legal procedures and the eventual destruction of ballots are progressive improvements to our voting system and should be respected and strongly defended.
[Modern election law does not require destruction of those records. Aspen’s law does, and it should be changed. There is no reason to destroy anonymous ballots. Prior to 1947 there indeed was a reason to destroy marked, identifiable ballots. I would hope that the Florida 2000 ballots have been archived and well preserved as an important piece of history.]
Why not turn over the ballots for “public” inspection as Marks v. Koch seeks? There are at least two types of secrecy in voting — one is that of voting in private so that no one else knows how we are voting while we are actually voting. Privacy screens and sleeves, no identifying marks traceable to an individual voter, etc., preserve this type of secrecy. But there is another aspect of secrecy more difficult to explain but equally important.
[yes, it’s hard to explain because Johnson has it wrong. ]
Procedures for counting and the methods for the examination of ballots after they’ve been cast, counted, audited, certified — these were put into law to protect this sort of secrecy.
[ No, the counting auditing and certification process is required to be in public---NOT in private. That is why we have citizen watchers and allow the press to observe the counting process. Anonymous ballots create no need for secret counting of votes!]
Eventual destruction of said ballots ensures secrecy forever.
[anonymous ballots do not need to be secret or destroyed. County, state and federal ballots are NOT required to be destroyed.]
The main issue in Marks v. Koch is whether or not ballots and their images (from 2009) are subject to Colorado’s sunshine laws. If so, they should be available for public inspection. District Judge Boyd ruled that ballots were constitutionally exempt from the sunshine laws and held there is no difference between a ballot and a copy of that ballot. The Colorado Court of Appeals recently ruled in effect that copies aren’t originals and since the constitution says nothing about copies the city of Aspen should make the copies available.
[ No, the Court reaffirmed that BOTH the paper ballots and their copies are both public records available to anyone who asks. ]
It is certainly true that copies aren’t originals or we wouldn’t call them copies, would we? So the letter of the law is being upheld but the spirit is completely and, wrongly, being ignored. Would the court rule your original tax return is secret but if someone in the IRS made a copy it could be published in the paper? If a copy were made of your medical records could they be read aloud over the airwaves? Of course not. This is sophistry.
[Johnson’s analogy fails in that tax returns and medical records ARE confidential documents, for which copies are not materially different, and also confidential. Ballots are NOT confidential records, so their copies are not confidential either. ]
The relevant section of the constitution was written in 1889 or something and never amended. So this flap rests on the notion of whether copies are originals and we have two conflicting opinions. Of course the Supreme Court should hear it. The outcome is too important not to. Why? For one reason because the reactionary and (nosey) forces wishing to look at the image of your 2009 ballot are now doubling down and want to see your actual ballot from 2011.
Fortunately the city has denied this effort and proactively seeks a ruling from the District Court. I voted in that election and Elizabeth Milias and Harvie Branscomb seek to review ballots similar to mine — perhaps even my exact ballot for all I know.
[No one examining the ballots will ever know Jack’s ballot for anyone else’s anonymous ballot. ]
For the reasons I briefly outlined above, I believe I would suffer harm from their inspection of any ballots and most definitely from inspection of mine.
[What possible harm could that be for the inspection of ballots which cannot be traced to a voter?]
No one should be allowed to take the ballots home and come up with their own count over a box of wine while watching American Idol.
[Why not? We can take other public records home and review them and even make false claims about them if we want. Others can check our credibility. By all means, we should be allowed to create our own accurate or inaccurate re-tabulations from COPIES, of course. That is the American way. Would Johnson have blocked the Washington Post from recounting the Bush/Gore ballots? Sounds like it.]
I want the city to vigorously defend my right to a secret ballot as outlined in the state constitution. I ask the court to uphold my right to a secret ballot. The desire to personally count the ballots does not trump my right to a secret ballot.
[there is no need to have these rights compete to trump each other. Rights to an anonymous ballot in fact facilitate the right to have anyone count the ballots. ]
See how great this kind of chat posting is!! The Bee's Knees!!
(Read original article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox is going to try a new form of posting some commentary. Inserting annointed text commentary (in this case from Marks) into the actual article or column. Since one can never really tell what Jack is going to deem respond to as a "All responsible and serious queries and emails"; this just might get a broader viewpoint out into the public eye.
Let Nanny know how you like it.
"Election law is complex. It is also important. Marks v. Koch seeks to overturn a century’s worth of election law and should be reviewed by the Colorado Supreme Court."
[The election law has not been overturned in any way. The Open Records Law, in place for over 40 years, which allows ballots to be public records has merely been upheld. It is modeled after the same open records law that permitted the Bush/Gore ballots or the Coleman/Franken ballots to be reviewed by the press and public to reach their own conclusions.]
No elected or appointed official in Aspen invented Colorado election law or the secret ballot. They are only charged — for our benefit and upon our behalf — with interpreting and implementing it. Average citizens, the press and even loud-mouthed local public policy columnists all very much take the secret ballot for granted. We have forgotten, if we ever knew, how hard it was to win the right to such because much of the intellectual thought regarding election law and the right to a secret ballot was settled in the 19th century.
[Actually “secret” ballots were allowed until 1947, and even the 20’s Colorado ballots were traceable if an official peeked at the concealed ballot number on the voted ballot. “Secrets” to be shared with and by election officials are subject to abuse. So, in 1947, the constitution was changed to guarantee that ballots are anonymous and the officials could obtain no “secrets” about how we vote. The only “secret” is your privacy in the act of voting the anonymous ballot.]
In a nutshell, ballots are cast and then counted. Results are determined and announced. Some people celebrate and drink beer and cheer the results, others not so much. Later, audits are performed and tests for accuracy are conducted.
[ The first such audit in Aspen was in 2011. Counties have had years of post-election audits.]
This all occurs in public and at specific times and places determined by law.
[starting in 2011 in Aspen.]
Then there exists a “contest” period during which the results may be challenged. Anyone can request a recount and have one conducted. But when recounts are conducted they occur under very strict procedures and are overseen by a judge.
[No, the recount is performed by the election commission and local citizen election officials No court is involved. Johnson has confused a “recount” with an “election contest.”]
After the contest period is over ballots are sealed in the ballot box for six months and then destroyed.
[No, the ballots are sealed on election night and the ballot box entered for various needed functions, including auditing, canvassing, recounts, election complaints, etc. In municipal elections ONLY, ballots are destroyed 6 months after election day, not 6 months after the contest period ends, as Johnson incorrectly states. In county, state and federal elections the ballots are preserved for at least 25 months, and may be maintained for years. ]
However, during these six months a judge can order a recount if sufficient proof of fraud can be shown.
[There are other criteria for a contest other than fraud.]
If one has evidence of fraud or corruption it should be produced, shown to the judge and if a recount is ordered it will be under court supervision.
[ No, recounts are NOT under court supervision. Johnson is referring to an election contest—a very different process.]
That’s what the law prescribes and it does so to protect our right to both verify the outcome of an election while also protecting our right to a secret ballot.
[Johnson assumes that the public can verify any election by asking for a recount and/or mounting a court supervised election contest. Both are expensive, barring most candidates or public from such an activity. But, in county, state and federal elections in Colorado, ONLY the LOSING candidate may request a recount, thereby making “verification” through a “recount” off limits to all but a few well -funded losing candidates.. Even then, Colorado recount laws require recounting on the same machines, which may just replicate the error in the first count, and no real verification is possible. Election contests are available only to those who can prove that the outcome of the election would change if the court considers the evidence. That is hardly a way to verify any election, even if the applicant had the scores of thousands of dollars to mount an election contest. Jack is completely off base in his claim. ]
Secret ballots were an improvement in election law history because they made vote buying all but impossible and made it easier to vote one’s conscience without influence from others.
[Mail-in ballots make vote buying and selling quite easy and leave no trace of the nefarious activity.]
There are other reasons but secret ballots, recounts overseen by courts,
[recounts are not overseen by the courts]
employing uniform legal procedures and the eventual destruction of ballots are progressive improvements to our voting system and should be respected and strongly defended.
[Modern election law does not require destruction of those records. Aspen’s law does, and it should be changed. There is no reason to destroy anonymous ballots. Prior to 1947 there indeed was a reason to destroy marked, identifiable ballots. I would hope that the Florida 2000 ballots have been archived and well preserved as an important piece of history.]
Why not turn over the ballots for “public” inspection as Marks v. Koch seeks? There are at least two types of secrecy in voting — one is that of voting in private so that no one else knows how we are voting while we are actually voting. Privacy screens and sleeves, no identifying marks traceable to an individual voter, etc., preserve this type of secrecy. But there is another aspect of secrecy more difficult to explain but equally important.
[yes, it’s hard to explain because Johnson has it wrong. ]
Procedures for counting and the methods for the examination of ballots after they’ve been cast, counted, audited, certified — these were put into law to protect this sort of secrecy.
[ No, the counting auditing and certification process is required to be in public---NOT in private. That is why we have citizen watchers and allow the press to observe the counting process. Anonymous ballots create no need for secret counting of votes!]
Eventual destruction of said ballots ensures secrecy forever.
[anonymous ballots do not need to be secret or destroyed. County, state and federal ballots are NOT required to be destroyed.]
The main issue in Marks v. Koch is whether or not ballots and their images (from 2009) are subject to Colorado’s sunshine laws. If so, they should be available for public inspection. District Judge Boyd ruled that ballots were constitutionally exempt from the sunshine laws and held there is no difference between a ballot and a copy of that ballot. The Colorado Court of Appeals recently ruled in effect that copies aren’t originals and since the constitution says nothing about copies the city of Aspen should make the copies available.
[ No, the Court reaffirmed that BOTH the paper ballots and their copies are both public records available to anyone who asks. ]
It is certainly true that copies aren’t originals or we wouldn’t call them copies, would we? So the letter of the law is being upheld but the spirit is completely and, wrongly, being ignored. Would the court rule your original tax return is secret but if someone in the IRS made a copy it could be published in the paper? If a copy were made of your medical records could they be read aloud over the airwaves? Of course not. This is sophistry.
[Johnson’s analogy fails in that tax returns and medical records ARE confidential documents, for which copies are not materially different, and also confidential. Ballots are NOT confidential records, so their copies are not confidential either. ]
The relevant section of the constitution was written in 1889 or something and never amended. So this flap rests on the notion of whether copies are originals and we have two conflicting opinions. Of course the Supreme Court should hear it. The outcome is too important not to. Why? For one reason because the reactionary and (nosey) forces wishing to look at the image of your 2009 ballot are now doubling down and want to see your actual ballot from 2011.
Fortunately the city has denied this effort and proactively seeks a ruling from the District Court. I voted in that election and Elizabeth Milias and Harvie Branscomb seek to review ballots similar to mine — perhaps even my exact ballot for all I know.
[No one examining the ballots will ever know Jack’s ballot for anyone else’s anonymous ballot. ]
For the reasons I briefly outlined above, I believe I would suffer harm from their inspection of any ballots and most definitely from inspection of mine.
[What possible harm could that be for the inspection of ballots which cannot be traced to a voter?]
No one should be allowed to take the ballots home and come up with their own count over a box of wine while watching American Idol.
[Why not? We can take other public records home and review them and even make false claims about them if we want. Others can check our credibility. By all means, we should be allowed to create our own accurate or inaccurate re-tabulations from COPIES, of course. That is the American way. Would Johnson have blocked the Washington Post from recounting the Bush/Gore ballots? Sounds like it.]
I want the city to vigorously defend my right to a secret ballot as outlined in the state constitution. I ask the court to uphold my right to a secret ballot. The desire to personally count the ballots does not trump my right to a secret ballot.
[there is no need to have these rights compete to trump each other. Rights to an anonymous ballot in fact facilitate the right to have anyone count the ballots. ]
See how great this kind of chat posting is!! The Bee's Knees!!
(Read original article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Local defendant reaches plea deal in DEA cocaine trafficking case"
And then there were two.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Final cost of monoxide defense for county, city nearly $260,000"
"....Defense attorney Gerry Goldstein handled the case of Brian Pawl, another once-accused inspector, for free, Ely said. The misdemeanor reckless endangerment charges against him were dropped in January, also for statute-of-limitation reasons.
Hutt said after the felony dismissal that he had charged a reduced rate of $350 an hour; he also said the Boyd’s dismissing of the charges likely saved the city and the county at least $200,000 for additional attorney and expert time.
Beeson said his office has not formulated the expense involved in both convening the grand jury and its nearly year-long investigation into the Lofgrens’ deaths. Pitkin County pays a share of the budget for Beeson’s office, along with Garfield and Rio Blanco counties.
He said, though, that money does not factor into decisions to prosecute.
“When seeking justice, we do not consider cost, for it is not the cost of the case that determines whether or not a crime has been committed. It is the evidence,” Beeson said in an email. “The tragedy is not the cost and effort put into this case. The tragedy is that an entire family died unnecessarily. Let us not forget that.”
That evidence led to a prosecution that was deemed “unprecedented” in American law by a friend-of-the-court brief filed by the city and the county, along with the International Code Council and the Colorado Municipal League. The brief was filed in support of a motion to dismiss by Hutt that cited immunity usually granted to public employees. The only similar case the defense could find arose in the 1920s and was dismissed, Hutt wrote.
The day before the criminal charges were dropped against Peltonen and Brown, a federal judge dismissed the civil lawsuit filed by Lofgren relatives against Pitkin County, Peltonen and Pawl. The civil case against Brown and several other contractors who worked on the residence before the tragedy, along with the owner of the home, is proceeding in Denver District Court....."
(Chad Abraham)
See the related Lofgren story D.A. Beeson is referring to here.
Note from SandBox:
Previous posts and commentary on the Lofgren cases, from avatars all over the state including all the commentary done on the Aspen Times and Glenwood Springs Post Independent since the tragic loss and in the case of SandBox's news summary blog over the past 16 months of our existence; have contained a great deal of information into the public's mindset about these cases.
The range of debate ran from the construction industry ramifications to political concerns to concerns over the case handling itself.
Never was there ever, in our memory, any comment made that had anything but concern over how the families were affected. In fact, the general public and reporters in all the nationwide reporting that has been done on these cases in 9th Judicial, have shown as the primary voices of concern for the families. There is an accumulation out there of incredibly insightful, compassionate and caring people who have spoken up from all sides of the issue.
SandBox, gave very clear (and rare) commentary on Lofgren when the criminal cases were dismissed, via the link above that holds prosecutor Paul Nitze's column and again when Erik Peltonen recently wrote his appreciation for the community support letter in the Aspen Daily.
In that commentary, some of which is now hard-copy archived, SandBox expressed concern that neither the families or the former accused would be able to find closure. Solely because of the political and policy ramifications that have been at the forefront from the key dates that the 9th decided to not take the findings of law enforcement, convene the Grand Jury and then lash the high-profile aspects of Lofgren and Bebb-Jones to the reasoning for D.A. Beeson dropping out of the race for 3rd Congressional.
All of those things were very publically promoted by the 9th. And have always struck us as highly inflammatory, given the mindset of what the folks were saying in commentary since the family passed.
Today, Chad Abraham once again shows very steady hands on the reins of reporting the next phases of Lofgren. Which, due to the nature of politics playing a very strong hand in local law enforcement; is going to begin to escalate simply because we are entering another election cycle.
Chad has now done two articles, clearly showing that the media is not going to forget the details and the facts.
D.A. Beeson, in this article, appears to be responding in what has always been seen as his demeanor and personal beliefs.
With nowhere else to go except now out into national media spotlight, which is a place commentators have never appreciated being thrust when it comes to Lofgren. And with the Aspen Times now being so strongly rebelled against for their use of the most invasive to privacy social network there is in Facebook; that leaves only three regional blogs where comment ability is available.
SandBox Commentators not only being one of them but also being the least provocative.
Based on how both entities, in D.A. Beeson and the Daily have clearly postured themselves in the last two Daily articles on Lofgren; here's how SandBox is going to handle what looks like the shaping up to be a clash of culture and philosophy from the D.A.'s end (and) the hard answers the folks are already wanting as they move forward and unfortunately for timing, into an election cycle.
"If" she feels there is media insensitivity to any individual involved, 'SandBox Nanny' will be pulling the plug on comment ability. Politics or no.
Otherwise, SandBox will stand on the commentary made on Nitze's column on Lofgren as the only comment we feel needs to be made. Public commentary will not be given any further special and considerate moderating and will be allowed to run in the same manner as all other public information.
With that said, please heed D.A. Beeson's caution in this article, albeit whether you personally feel differently than the tone he gives that caution in, to remember that a family lost their lives. Stick to the factors that the family and survivors had no control over. Which are the only relevant at this point factors.
(Read more? Click title and comment to start discussion)
Hutt said after the felony dismissal that he had charged a reduced rate of $350 an hour; he also said the Boyd’s dismissing of the charges likely saved the city and the county at least $200,000 for additional attorney and expert time.
Beeson said his office has not formulated the expense involved in both convening the grand jury and its nearly year-long investigation into the Lofgrens’ deaths. Pitkin County pays a share of the budget for Beeson’s office, along with Garfield and Rio Blanco counties.
He said, though, that money does not factor into decisions to prosecute.
“When seeking justice, we do not consider cost, for it is not the cost of the case that determines whether or not a crime has been committed. It is the evidence,” Beeson said in an email. “The tragedy is not the cost and effort put into this case. The tragedy is that an entire family died unnecessarily. Let us not forget that.”
That evidence led to a prosecution that was deemed “unprecedented” in American law by a friend-of-the-court brief filed by the city and the county, along with the International Code Council and the Colorado Municipal League. The brief was filed in support of a motion to dismiss by Hutt that cited immunity usually granted to public employees. The only similar case the defense could find arose in the 1920s and was dismissed, Hutt wrote.
The day before the criminal charges were dropped against Peltonen and Brown, a federal judge dismissed the civil lawsuit filed by Lofgren relatives against Pitkin County, Peltonen and Pawl. The civil case against Brown and several other contractors who worked on the residence before the tragedy, along with the owner of the home, is proceeding in Denver District Court....."
(Chad Abraham)
See the related Lofgren story D.A. Beeson is referring to here.
Note from SandBox:
Previous posts and commentary on the Lofgren cases, from avatars all over the state including all the commentary done on the Aspen Times and Glenwood Springs Post Independent since the tragic loss and in the case of SandBox's news summary blog over the past 16 months of our existence; have contained a great deal of information into the public's mindset about these cases.
The range of debate ran from the construction industry ramifications to political concerns to concerns over the case handling itself.
Never was there ever, in our memory, any comment made that had anything but concern over how the families were affected. In fact, the general public and reporters in all the nationwide reporting that has been done on these cases in 9th Judicial, have shown as the primary voices of concern for the families. There is an accumulation out there of incredibly insightful, compassionate and caring people who have spoken up from all sides of the issue.
SandBox, gave very clear (and rare) commentary on Lofgren when the criminal cases were dismissed, via the link above that holds prosecutor Paul Nitze's column and again when Erik Peltonen recently wrote his appreciation for the community support letter in the Aspen Daily.
In that commentary, some of which is now hard-copy archived, SandBox expressed concern that neither the families or the former accused would be able to find closure. Solely because of the political and policy ramifications that have been at the forefront from the key dates that the 9th decided to not take the findings of law enforcement, convene the Grand Jury and then lash the high-profile aspects of Lofgren and Bebb-Jones to the reasoning for D.A. Beeson dropping out of the race for 3rd Congressional.
All of those things were very publically promoted by the 9th. And have always struck us as highly inflammatory, given the mindset of what the folks were saying in commentary since the family passed.
Today, Chad Abraham once again shows very steady hands on the reins of reporting the next phases of Lofgren. Which, due to the nature of politics playing a very strong hand in local law enforcement; is going to begin to escalate simply because we are entering another election cycle.
Chad has now done two articles, clearly showing that the media is not going to forget the details and the facts.
D.A. Beeson, in this article, appears to be responding in what has always been seen as his demeanor and personal beliefs.
With nowhere else to go except now out into national media spotlight, which is a place commentators have never appreciated being thrust when it comes to Lofgren. And with the Aspen Times now being so strongly rebelled against for their use of the most invasive to privacy social network there is in Facebook; that leaves only three regional blogs where comment ability is available.
SandBox Commentators not only being one of them but also being the least provocative.
Based on how both entities, in D.A. Beeson and the Daily have clearly postured themselves in the last two Daily articles on Lofgren; here's how SandBox is going to handle what looks like the shaping up to be a clash of culture and philosophy from the D.A.'s end (and) the hard answers the folks are already wanting as they move forward and unfortunately for timing, into an election cycle.
"If" she feels there is media insensitivity to any individual involved, 'SandBox Nanny' will be pulling the plug on comment ability. Politics or no.
Otherwise, SandBox will stand on the commentary made on Nitze's column on Lofgren as the only comment we feel needs to be made. Public commentary will not be given any further special and considerate moderating and will be allowed to run in the same manner as all other public information.
With that said, please heed D.A. Beeson's caution in this article, albeit whether you personally feel differently than the tone he gives that caution in, to remember that a family lost their lives. Stick to the factors that the family and survivors had no control over. Which are the only relevant at this point factors.
(Read more? Click title and comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
November 17, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Aspen city attorney says opinion to commission is confidential"
Good grief.
First, Mitzi Rapkin's disingenuous column from the city the other day.
And now this load of bunk on his personal definition of confidentiality and who he represents from Aspen City Attorney John Worchester.
(whisper...whisper...sheesh...wonder if the City of Aspen is ever going to figure out who they really represent out here....whisper...whisper....could there be any greater lengths for them to go to in their effort to redefine the word "secrets"?)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
First, Mitzi Rapkin's disingenuous column from the city the other day.
And now this load of bunk on his personal definition of confidentiality and who he represents from Aspen City Attorney John Worchester.
(whisper...whisper...sheesh...wonder if the City of Aspen is ever going to figure out who they really represent out here....whisper...whisper....could there be any greater lengths for them to go to in their effort to redefine the word "secrets"?)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Crested Butte News "CBMR ready to open for a new season of skiing "
SandBox Nanny remembers Crested Butte when it was no bigger than a couple blocks. Had Tony Stefanic's store where you could buy (5) cinnamon bears and last month's comic books (with the cover torn off) for a dime...
Congratulations to the folks up there as they open the season. May Ullr be generous.
"Ski resort planning big party for opening day
As if skiing for free on opening day weren’t enough, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is turning this year’s opening day into a birthday bash. The final hurrah after a year-long 50th anniversary celebration, the festivities will begin in time for the first chair on November 23 and continue throughout the day..."
(Crested Butte News)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
Congratulations to the folks up there as they open the season. May Ullr be generous.
"Ski resort planning big party for opening day
As if skiing for free on opening day weren’t enough, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is turning this year’s opening day into a birthday bash. The final hurrah after a year-long 50th anniversary celebration, the festivities will begin in time for the first chair on November 23 and continue throughout the day..."
(Crested Butte News)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
November 16, 2011
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily: "Andy Daly becomes Vail's new mayor"
Congratulations to Powderhorn CEO Andy Daly on his appointment for Mayor of Vail.
Former CEO of Vail Resorts, Andy and partners purchased Powderhorn last year and has been busy making improvements and getting ready for the 2011-2012 season.
Why would the folks over in Vail not think that is a conflict of interest?
Because, he is Andy Daly.
"After the council voted against electing Kurz as mayor, the council voted unanimously for Daly.
“I think it was appropriate once Andy was nominated, and I did not get the votes; it was appropriate for me to vote on behalf of Andy,” Kurz said later. “I think he'll do a great job.”
Outgoing mayor Dick Cleveland, who did not seek re-election, said he has confidence in Daly's ability to take over as mayor. He said he'll have his hands full, though, just as Cleveland did when he first stepped into the role.
There will be a learning curve, and he'll have to figure out the best way to moderate discussions, Cleveland said, by “trying to figure out at what point either council comments or public comment has gone on too long.”
Daly has studied how the town works and how the council interacts and is confident in himself as mayor.
“I'm committed to keeping Vail a cutting-edge, world-class resort, and I think I'm in a better position to do that as mayor,” Daly said."
(Lauren Glendenning)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
Former CEO of Vail Resorts, Andy and partners purchased Powderhorn last year and has been busy making improvements and getting ready for the 2011-2012 season.
Why would the folks over in Vail not think that is a conflict of interest?
Because, he is Andy Daly.
"After the council voted against electing Kurz as mayor, the council voted unanimously for Daly.
“I think it was appropriate once Andy was nominated, and I did not get the votes; it was appropriate for me to vote on behalf of Andy,” Kurz said later. “I think he'll do a great job.”
Outgoing mayor Dick Cleveland, who did not seek re-election, said he has confidence in Daly's ability to take over as mayor. He said he'll have his hands full, though, just as Cleveland did when he first stepped into the role.
There will be a learning curve, and he'll have to figure out the best way to moderate discussions, Cleveland said, by “trying to figure out at what point either council comments or public comment has gone on too long.”
Daly has studied how the town works and how the council interacts and is confident in himself as mayor.
“I'm committed to keeping Vail a cutting-edge, world-class resort, and I think I'm in a better position to do that as mayor,” Daly said."
(Lauren Glendenning)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "Grand Junction Rockies look ahead, excited to join community "
Congrats to Grand Junction!
Their new minor league baseball team "Grand Junction Rockies" are in town making plans for the big move to Mesa County, Colorado.
In just around a month, owners are pleased to see 404 season pass sales .
Their new minor league baseball team "Grand Junction Rockies" are in town making plans for the big move to Mesa County, Colorado.
In just around a month, owners are pleased to see 404 season pass sales .
"Grand Junction is Rockies country," said Monfort."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
November 15, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "City fighting a losing ballot battle"
Maurice Emmer:
"I am a conservative for election transparency. I naively thought citizens usually could trust elected officials to honor transparency, as it enhances their legitimacy and public trust; it makes their jobs easier. I was wrong and our liberty is threatened by what I have learned.
Unlike at least one member of City Council, according to news reports, I read the entire unanimous opinion of the Colorado Court of Appeals in Marks v. Koch. It didn’t take long — it is only 16 double-spaced pages. Did council members read it before hastily voting to proceed with a further costly appeal? The city had 45 days to appeal, and yet rushed an unannounced private meeting and vote to move ahead with an appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court without any open hearings from the public.
The Court of Appeals opinion is well reasoned and thorough. As with any good judicial opinion, it summarizes key facts, states the arguments, analyzes each argument applying relevant law and states a conclusion on each argument. It is not complicated; it is not based on anyone’s political viewpoint or vendetta. It is a straightforward legal analysis and opinion. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the issues on either side...."
(Learn more? Click title and comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
"I am a conservative for election transparency. I naively thought citizens usually could trust elected officials to honor transparency, as it enhances their legitimacy and public trust; it makes their jobs easier. I was wrong and our liberty is threatened by what I have learned.
Unlike at least one member of City Council, according to news reports, I read the entire unanimous opinion of the Colorado Court of Appeals in Marks v. Koch. It didn’t take long — it is only 16 double-spaced pages. Did council members read it before hastily voting to proceed with a further costly appeal? The city had 45 days to appeal, and yet rushed an unannounced private meeting and vote to move ahead with an appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court without any open hearings from the public.
The Court of Appeals opinion is well reasoned and thorough. As with any good judicial opinion, it summarizes key facts, states the arguments, analyzes each argument applying relevant law and states a conclusion on each argument. It is not complicated; it is not based on anyone’s political viewpoint or vendetta. It is a straightforward legal analysis and opinion. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the issues on either side...."
(Learn more? Click title and comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "On ballots, magic and transparency"
That's the trouble with only performing partial duty. When you are a public servant, in a position of trust and you do not fulfill all of your duty, sooner or later the layers you've piled on by not will begin to fall away.
Great letter to the Aspen Times from elections activist Marilyn Marks on the duality that resides in the depths of Aspen City Hall.
"With such obvious inconsistencies underlying the closed door decision to appeal, it's no wonder that the five councilmen refused to allow the requested and required public comment session prior to their court filing. Who would want to face the simple question from the public: “Were you telling the real story two years ago or when you filed your appeal? It can't be both.”
Their other claims, just as absurd, will be referenced in future letters...."
(Marilyn Marks)
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
Great letter to the Aspen Times from elections activist Marilyn Marks on the duality that resides in the depths of Aspen City Hall.
"With such obvious inconsistencies underlying the closed door decision to appeal, it's no wonder that the five councilmen refused to allow the requested and required public comment session prior to their court filing. Who would want to face the simple question from the public: “Were you telling the real story two years ago or when you filed your appeal? It can't be both.”
Their other claims, just as absurd, will be referenced in future letters...."
(Marilyn Marks)
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Marks wants to see latest Pitkin County ballots"
You go, girl.
"Marks, meanwhile, predicted the issue will wind up before the state Legislature. She said she met Monday with the Colorado Press Association regarding her push, as well as with legislative lobbyists...."
(Janet Urquhart)
You know, in the way of rightful things, want to bet the high court moves fast to knock down the City of Aspen's appeal?
How grand that would be!
The City of Aspen could then stop violating the high court's order to pay Marks her attorney costs to date.
Then, the citizens of Aspen could sleep better at night with the relief that Mayor Mick would be finally contained, the feds weren't preparing to march on Aspen and haul the folks away for their leaders violating the high court's order.
You go, girl.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"Marks, meanwhile, predicted the issue will wind up before the state Legislature. She said she met Monday with the Colorado Press Association regarding her push, as well as with legislative lobbyists...."
(Janet Urquhart)
You know, in the way of rightful things, want to bet the high court moves fast to knock down the City of Aspen's appeal?
How grand that would be!
The City of Aspen could then stop violating the high court's order to pay Marks her attorney costs to date.
Then, the citizens of Aspen could sleep better at night with the relief that Mayor Mick would be finally contained, the feds weren't preparing to march on Aspen and haul the folks away for their leaders violating the high court's order.
You go, girl.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "State: Marilyn Marks owes more than $55,000 in taxes"
EEEWWW!!! aaghh!!...how gross and disgusting!!
Picking up our beloved Aspen Daily News and seeing them prostituting themselves in what must be a race to compete in the same genre as corporate competitors is like pouring a great big glass of cold milk to wash down chocolate cake and the first swig tells you that you've got a mouth full of sour milk.
And it's Chad Abraham who has stooped to such gutter lows. OMG!! EEEWWWW!!!
Eh, do you think that just maybe if the City of Aspen was not in defiance of a court order and paid the attorney's fees they owe Marilyn Marks that she might find the financial relief helpful?
How about a follow-up story on that twist to this tabloid style wonder?
Call out Marolt! Call out Boyd!! Call out Madden!! This demise, this fall from grace is opinion worthy!
SandBox Nanny just poured a hefty shot in her cuppa to help her make it through the rest of the day's postings. How sad, how tragic the loss of credibility at the Daily, even for just a day.
(Learn more about the stunning fall from grace of our beloved Daily News? Click title.)
Picking up our beloved Aspen Daily News and seeing them prostituting themselves in what must be a race to compete in the same genre as corporate competitors is like pouring a great big glass of cold milk to wash down chocolate cake and the first swig tells you that you've got a mouth full of sour milk.
And it's Chad Abraham who has stooped to such gutter lows. OMG!! EEEWWWW!!!
Eh, do you think that just maybe if the City of Aspen was not in defiance of a court order and paid the attorney's fees they owe Marilyn Marks that she might find the financial relief helpful?
How about a follow-up story on that twist to this tabloid style wonder?
Call out Marolt! Call out Boyd!! Call out Madden!! This demise, this fall from grace is opinion worthy!
SandBox Nanny just poured a hefty shot in her cuppa to help her make it through the rest of the day's postings. How sad, how tragic the loss of credibility at the Daily, even for just a day.
(Learn more about the stunning fall from grace of our beloved Daily News? Click title.)
SandBox Comments: Garco Sheriff "K-9"
How many of you knew Garfield County Sheriff has such a terrific K9 force?
The original K9 hero? Dual purpose German Shepherd, K9 Kelo, handled by Commander Bill Middleton.
Then came K9 Drogen. And the latest addition of K9 Cio.
Sgt. Jim Schuckers oversees the K-9 program. Started the K9 Handler School with K9 Toben and his current partner is K9 Falcos.
Cpl. Brent Baker is paired up with one year old K9 Ejon, a German Shepard from Slyvokia.
Corporal Josh Craine originally partnered with K9 Drogen. Now, his partner is K9 Cio (pronounced "see-yo".
Corporal Chad Whiting and K9 Bak were certified as a team through the Colorado Police Canine Association.
Commander Kurt Conrad received his K9 Handler Training with the help of K9 Toben. His current partner K9 Blitz is the county’s only explosives detection K9.
Garco Sheriff:
"...The K9 Unit is a tremendous asset to the department’s work in narcotics interdiction, fugitive investigation, helping ensure a particular area is free of explosives, and locating evidence and lost articles. The unit routinely works with the School Resource Officers throughout the county, as well as public demonstrations at community events. In addition to assisting patrol deputies in day to day operations the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office regularly works with and assists the Two Rivers Drug Enforcement Team, (TRIDENT), the Colorado State Patrol, (CSP), and the various municipal agencies throughout Garfield County..."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
The original K9 hero? Dual purpose German Shepherd, K9 Kelo, handled by Commander Bill Middleton.
Then came K9 Drogen. And the latest addition of K9 Cio.
Sgt. Jim Schuckers oversees the K-9 program. Started the K9 Handler School with K9 Toben and his current partner is K9 Falcos.
Cpl. Brent Baker is paired up with one year old K9 Ejon, a German Shepard from Slyvokia.
Corporal Josh Craine originally partnered with K9 Drogen. Now, his partner is K9 Cio (pronounced "see-yo".
Corporal Chad Whiting and K9 Bak were certified as a team through the Colorado Police Canine Association.
Commander Kurt Conrad received his K9 Handler Training with the help of K9 Toben. His current partner K9 Blitz is the county’s only explosives detection K9.
Garco Sheriff:
"...The K9 Unit is a tremendous asset to the department’s work in narcotics interdiction, fugitive investigation, helping ensure a particular area is free of explosives, and locating evidence and lost articles. The unit routinely works with the School Resource Officers throughout the county, as well as public demonstrations at community events. In addition to assisting patrol deputies in day to day operations the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office regularly works with and assists the Two Rivers Drug Enforcement Team, (TRIDENT), the Colorado State Patrol, (CSP), and the various municipal agencies throughout Garfield County..."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "Ski pass price unreasonable"
Ruth Harrison of Aspen asks the question inquiring minds have wanted to know the answer to for years:
"Editor:
The Aspen ski pass price is one of the highest in the country (not fair to quote the chamber price). Instead of offering so many different passes and racking your brains on how to increase skier visits, why not just lower the price of a full pass?..."
(Ruth Harrison, Aspen)
(Learn more? Comment to start discussion)
"Editor:
The Aspen ski pass price is one of the highest in the country (not fair to quote the chamber price). Instead of offering so many different passes and racking your brains on how to increase skier visits, why not just lower the price of a full pass?..."
(Ruth Harrison, Aspen)
(Learn more? Comment to start discussion)
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Jimmy Westlake: Tales of 2 clusters"
"Stars are born in clusters — families of dozens to hundreds of stars that share the same age and chemical makeup — but they don’t remain in clusters their entire lives. Like fledgling birds, stars eventually leave the nest in which they were born to roam the galaxy alone...."
(Jimmy Westlake)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
(Jimmy Westlake)
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November 14, 2011
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Voters’ secret ballots may not be so secret after ruling"
SandBox Nanny sends out a shout to Marilyn Marks of Aspen, to send the followers of SandBox Commentators, as much information as she wishes to counter Sheila Reiner's statements in this article.
The average voter does not realize how much power the Clerk and Recorder they elect has over the election process.
The title of the elected office is even misleading. "You are electing the most powerful individual in your voting area, be sure to choose wisely" should be the title. This position is not 'just a clerk'.
Most of these elected officials are to be highly commended. Their job is not easy and they hold their power as good stewards of public trust.
'Cronyism at its finest' is another often spoken description of those Clerks and Recorders who are not good stewards for the public they serve. The office is a very powerful extension of the political party the elected clerk is affiliated with.
Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler has made bringing much-needed sunshine into the election logistics of Coloradans one of his missions of office.
Activists, such as Marilyn Marks, have made ground-breaking strides toward election transparency.
We have, as voters, a vested interest in assisting that move to bring transparency to the election process here in Colorado.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
The average voter does not realize how much power the Clerk and Recorder they elect has over the election process.
The title of the elected office is even misleading. "You are electing the most powerful individual in your voting area, be sure to choose wisely" should be the title. This position is not 'just a clerk'.
Most of these elected officials are to be highly commended. Their job is not easy and they hold their power as good stewards of public trust.
'Cronyism at its finest' is another often spoken description of those Clerks and Recorders who are not good stewards for the public they serve. The office is a very powerful extension of the political party the elected clerk is affiliated with.
Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler has made bringing much-needed sunshine into the election logistics of Coloradans one of his missions of office.
Activists, such as Marilyn Marks, have made ground-breaking strides toward election transparency.
We have, as voters, a vested interest in assisting that move to bring transparency to the election process here in Colorado.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Winter driving"
Time to pull the annual 'Winter Driving' column of Sheldon Fingerman from the archives.
Up on the Aspen Daily News.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
Up on the Aspen Daily News.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "Jail control centers going civilian "
".....In five years, the sheriff's office is expected to see a savings of $200,000 by paying the civilians at a lower salary level than the pay of a starting deputy, detention Chief Darlene Alcala said.
"We're always looking at ways to save money, and we had been hearing about other counties that have been doing this with success," she said.
"It's going to be more efficient and we'll be able to hire more folks," Sheriff Kirk Taylor said. "We're not the first ones to do this. . . . It's been successful in other agencies and the biggest thing is it saves taxpayers and increases our people."
Taylor was quick to point out that there won't be layoffs.
Salary for the new full-time positions will start around $24,000 a year, Alcala said. Deputies start at about $29,000 a year..."
(Nick Bonham)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"We're always looking at ways to save money, and we had been hearing about other counties that have been doing this with success," she said.
"It's going to be more efficient and we'll be able to hire more folks," Sheriff Kirk Taylor said. "We're not the first ones to do this. . . . It's been successful in other agencies and the biggest thing is it saves taxpayers and increases our people."
Taylor was quick to point out that there won't be layoffs.
Salary for the new full-time positions will start around $24,000 a year, Alcala said. Deputies start at about $29,000 a year..."
(Nick Bonham)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
November 13, 2011
SandBox Comments: LA Times "Swing county in Michigan isn't sold on batting for Obama"
(Maeve Reston, Reporting from Sterling Heights, Mich.)
"Macomb County's mercurial "Reagan Democrats" have long served as a barometer of the national mood. Their abandonment of their own party to support Ronald Reagan helped usher in GOP rule nationally. Three decades later, Barack Obama pulled them back into the fold, sweeping the county by more than 8 points and winning Michigan by the largest margin for a Democrat since 1964...."
SandBox Nanny is reminded of 'colegrayson' and his "I am a Real Democrat, therefore I now vote Republican" post over on Red State.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: The Hill "Holder pushes back against GOP lawmakers over Fast and Furious"
"Attorney General Eric Holder is trying to get in front of the Fast and Furious controversy that has led to calls from conservatives for his resignation.
Holder has shed the low-key persona that sought to quietly deflect a torrent of mounting congressional criticism over his role in a botched gun tracking operation.
In its place, President Obama’s top law enforcement official has embraced a new strategy, actively confronting and rebuffing the serious concerns and disparaging remarks emanating from Capitol Hill while admitting mistakes made by his department, promising to hold officials accountable, and vehemently seeking to tell his side of the story...."
(Jordy Yager)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
Holder has shed the low-key persona that sought to quietly deflect a torrent of mounting congressional criticism over his role in a botched gun tracking operation.
In its place, President Obama’s top law enforcement official has embraced a new strategy, actively confronting and rebuffing the serious concerns and disparaging remarks emanating from Capitol Hill while admitting mistakes made by his department, promising to hold officials accountable, and vehemently seeking to tell his side of the story...."
(Jordy Yager)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
SandBox Comments: Stars and Stripes "U.S. Marine Corps fights for its budget"
"Toward the end of his tenure, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates encouraged the U.S. Marine Corps to redefine itself.
Amphibious landings have become less crucial than they were a few generations ago, when Marines stormed beaches from Iwo Jima, Japan, to Inchon, South Korea. There is no longer a pressing need, he and others would point out, for essentially "a second land army."
Marine Commandant Gen. James Amos responded by asserting that Marines could have a role as a light, fast and self-sustaining force that would take and hold an area while a larger force was being assembled.
With all the armed services now fighting to maintain a financial foothold in anticipation of a decade-long drive to trim the Pentagon budget by $450 billion, the Marine Corps seems especially under the gun to stay relevant, as Bloomberg Businessweek reports.
“Looking ahead," Gates said last year, "I do think it is proper to ask whether large-scale amphibious assault landings along the lines of Inchon are feasible....”
(Stars and Stripes)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
Amphibious landings have become less crucial than they were a few generations ago, when Marines stormed beaches from Iwo Jima, Japan, to Inchon, South Korea. There is no longer a pressing need, he and others would point out, for essentially "a second land army."
Marine Commandant Gen. James Amos responded by asserting that Marines could have a role as a light, fast and self-sustaining force that would take and hold an area while a larger force was being assembled.
With all the armed services now fighting to maintain a financial foothold in anticipation of a decade-long drive to trim the Pentagon budget by $450 billion, the Marine Corps seems especially under the gun to stay relevant, as Bloomberg Businessweek reports.
“Looking ahead," Gates said last year, "I do think it is proper to ask whether large-scale amphibious assault landings along the lines of Inchon are feasible....”
(Stars and Stripes)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
November 12, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Public records in secret sessions"
Could it really be posssible that Aspen's city council, mayor and city attorney are truly incapable of seeing the chasm they've dug themselves out of what was a small hole?
My gosh, the ramifications of how much worse it is going to be when Marks and supporters win, again, and those ballots have to be revealed.
What, exactly, is the City of Aspen and Mayor Mick Ireland hiding?
Never before, until now in reading what has happened to Harvie Branscomb in this post off The Times, did SandBox believe there was anything amiss.
There has to be. This is just way, way over the top.
(Read Harvie's Letter to the Editor by clicking title. Comment to discuss)
My gosh, the ramifications of how much worse it is going to be when Marks and supporters win, again, and those ballots have to be revealed.
What, exactly, is the City of Aspen and Mayor Mick Ireland hiding?
Never before, until now in reading what has happened to Harvie Branscomb in this post off The Times, did SandBox believe there was anything amiss.
There has to be. This is just way, way over the top.
(Read Harvie's Letter to the Editor by clicking title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "Mesa County Drug Bust Nets 100 Pounds Of Marijuana"
Thank you to the Mesa County Sheriff's deputy that made this bust simply because he was an observant guy when he pulled them over.
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- A drug bust in Mesa County led to the arrest of two people...."
(KJCT)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- A drug bust in Mesa County led to the arrest of two people...."
(KJCT)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "A Marine to his very marrow"
"The man really wants to wear the green.
And he will.
Lindow will be commissioned a 1 p.m. Sunday as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He'll be joined by family, friends and anyone else who wants to wish him well during the ceremony in the Gypsum Town Hall..."
(Randy Wyrick)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
And he will.
Lindow will be commissioned a 1 p.m. Sunday as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He'll be joined by family, friends and anyone else who wants to wish him well during the ceremony in the Gypsum Town Hall..."
(Randy Wyrick)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
November 11, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Snowmass fossil finds lead to quake theory"
"DENVER — Earthquakes might have led to the death of the more than 30 mastodons whose remains were recovered from Ziegler Reservoir near Snowmass Village during an excavation that wrapped up last summer...."
(Janet Urquhart)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
(Janet Urquhart)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
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