December 22, 2011

SandBox Comments: Center Post Dispatch "Traceable ballots could sabotage Colorado elections in 2012"

(See related story and comments here)

"...The CORA block would prevent poll watchers, media, and ordinary citizens from examining ballots, and would delay and restrict examination of logs, poll books, and other essential election information in the event of a disputed election. This even after Colorado Sec. of State Scott Gessler won a lawsuit in August 2011 against Saguache County Clerk Melinda Myers, with District Judge Martin Gonzales ruling that ballots are public records and Gessler as well as ordinary citizens have a right to request and inspect them.

Judge Gonzales’ decision was later upheld by an appeals court decision granting Aspen election-integrity advocate Marilyn Marks the right to inspect and copy photocopies of ballots cast during her bid as a candidate for mayor of Aspen, Colorado, in 2009.

Despite these clear rulings by the courts, for the past several months the Colorado County Clerks and Recorder’s Association (CCCRA) has been lobbying to obstruct CORA requests for ballots, most of them made by Marks, and has openly questioned the Colorado Appeals Court decision. Further, the City of Aspen has appealed the appellate ruling to the Colorado Supreme Court...."
(Teresa L. Benns)

(Read more?  Click title.  Comment to discuss)

SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "White, Baumgardner both seek Senate District 8 seat"

The time White has spent filling in on the vacancy left by her husband has not only seen little to no strong for the district activity from her; there has been more than enough dissention and strife.  Issues that began with the way she was 'elected' to hold the vacancy in the first place.

Baumgardner has done a phenomenal job in office and this move to Senate in District 8 is a very good one.

Area Republicans and conservatives have long memory spans.

— Jean White and Randy Baumgardner have their sights set on the Senate District 8 seat.

White, the Hayden Republican who was appointed to the state Senate seat a year ago to fill the vacancy left by her husband’s resignation, announced early Wednesday that she will seek election to a full term in November 2012. Just a few hours later, Baumgardner, a Hot Sulphur Springs Republican who is the state representative for House District 57, publicly announced his intention to run for the same Senate seat.

“I’m disappointed that he chose to run against me, especially after he gave me his word that he wouldn’t,” White said, recalling a conversation she said she had with Baumgardner a couple of weeks ago. “He looked me in the eye and told me he wasn’t going to run a primary against me.”

Baumgardner said he was encouraged to run by others.

“It’s not a matter of throwing a hat in the ring against a fellow Republican,” he said. “Several people have contacted me in the district and were in support of me running in that district...”
(Brent Boyer)

(Read more?  Click title. Comment to discuss)

SandBox Comments: Vail Daily "Drug suspects arrested Monday in Eagle, Dotsero"

Well, finally they nab at least one long-time, major, major (alleged) trafficking coke dealer out of Glenwood Springs that most every construction site in the Valley has known about for years.

Thank you.

Thank you to the Eagle County Sheriff's Dept. for this major drug bust.  And any other agency, officers or agents who assisted.  You are appreciated.

"EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado — The Eagle County Sheriff's Office arrested two drug suspects in two separate drug operations Monday.

Sergio Alfredo Rascon Venegas, 35, of Glenwood Springs, was arrested while delivering two ounces of cocaine worth $1,500 to undercover personnel in the Dotsero area of Eagle County, police said. He was charged with felony possession and distribution of cocaine and is detained in the Eagle County Detention Facility with a $50,000 bond and an immigration “hold” due to his illegal status in the United States.

Fredrick Herman Holz, 44, of Gypsum, was arrested after attempting to deliver heroin to undercover personnel in the Eagle area of Eagle County, police said. Holz was charged with felony possession of cocaine, and possession and attempted distribution of heroin. He is being held in the Eagle County Detention Facility with a $50,000 bond. 

The Sheriff's Office continues to investigate this incident."
(Comment to discuss) 

SandBox Comments: Crested Butte News "County OKs $200,000 in supplemental marketing '

"It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) used that adage to its advantage this week. Responding to hesitation over its recent partnership with the Gunnison Crested Butte Tourism Association (TA), CBMR representatives brought a mock-up of a web page to its most recent meeting with the Board of County Commissioners..."
(Alissa Johnson)

(Learn more?  Click title. Comment to discuss)