February 4, 2012

SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Ankle monitor didn’t stop Mesa killer"

Paul Shockley:

".....The head of Mesa County Criminal Justice Services said Friday he didn’t yet know why a county-issued ankle monitor failed to warn anybody prior to the murder of a Mesa woman.

Dennis Berry, director of the county’s Criminal Justice Services, said his staff received no ankle-monitor alert when 47-year-old Robert Allen Matile apparently went on a property he was restrained from at 10389 48 Road. There, he took aim with a shotgun at his estranged girlfriend, 52-year-old LaVon Hoffman.

“Certainly, this is a very tragic situation, and we’re going to do whatever it takes to find out what happened in this case,” Berry said....

.....The pace of court-ordered GPS monitoring is increasing in Mesa County. According to Criminal Justice Services data, some 26 people were wearing monitors as of Friday, under the supervision of Mesa County Pretrial Services. In 2011, 55 people were supervised. The totals do not include those serving sentences, including sex offenders, on ankle monitors supervised by Mesa County and other entities.

Matile’s case is the second high-profile failure in recent months for GPS tracking by Mesa County Pretrial Services.

Free on bond, Dartanin Mitchell, 33, managed to remove his monitor undetected before embarking on an alleged crime spree that included a burglary and auto theft and fleeing the state...."

"Unapologetically tracking patterns within news others make since 2010"

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Two Carbondale residents arrested for felony forgery"

via Aspen Daily:

"....Two Carbondale men are charged with felony forgery after they were arrested this week for allegedly selling fraudulent employment documents.

Sergio Edwin Garcia Carranza, 41, and Victor Daniel Vazquez Cortes, 30, also face a charge of possession of forged instruments and are jailed under immigration holds, according to a Eagle County Sheriff’s Office press release.

Investigators on Wednesday received a tip that a group of people were selling fake employment documents. An undercover sheriff’s office detective purchased a fake Social Security card and a permanent resident alien card, the press release says.

That alleged sale led to both Garcia Carranza’s arrest and to an alleged document-manufacturing location in Carbondale.

“With the assistance of the Carbondale Police Department ... detectives seized the $2,000 manufacturing equipment setup (including a laptop computer, printer and laminator) and fake cards and cash from sales,” the press release says....."  (Read more?  Click title)


"Unapologetically tracking patterns within news others make since 2010"

SandBox Comments: Glass Ballot Box "Court Orders SOS Gessler to Hear HAVA Complaint--Saguache County"

Congratulations to Marilyn Marks on still yet another major legal victory!  We wonder if she realizes how many voters  out here are grateful for her efforts?

Why isn't there a balance in coverage on her activism?

Is it personality?  Local gossip would have you think so.

Is it social status?  Local gossip would have you think so.

Is it strength on multiple levels, courage and the kind of leadership values that are misunderstood simply because they are fairly rare?  It's too bad that there isn't any equally publicised  gossip out there to help you think so.

Many times, when there is no other choice, the type of person who has  those kinds of strength, courage and leadership abilities  is seen in the public eye by what they had to be in order to get the job done, not by what they truly are as a person.

As for the path of Marilyn Marks choosing, we hope she is aware of how appreciated her path is. 

We'll continue to 'spread a little 'gossip' of the 'other kind' to help her along.

So, when is this accountability by Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler (R) going to be seen by Colorado voters? 

Let's make it very soon.

Like maybe....before Colorado's role as one of the key swing states in the most important election of our time. 

As a fellow conservative, one would think Gessler would push aside that GOP establishment he's trying to stay rubbing elbows with and simply obey the court.  Thank you, again.  To Aspen resident Marilyn Marks as she successfully continues to help him see that he needs to.   

"Original Order

Addendum Issued February 2, 2012

For Immediate Release
Secretary of State Must Hear Voting Complaints—
Denver Court Ruling

Aspen, CO, February 3, 2012 — Today the Colorado District Court for the City and County of Denver clarified that the court’s order of October 24, 2011 requires Secretary of State Scott Gessler to hold a public hearing to investigate formal complaints filed under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) related to voting system irregularities in Saguache County’s November 2010 election.

In April 2011 Aspen citizen Marilyn Marks filed a comprehensive formal complaint with Secretary of State Gessler in accordance with the provision of state law and HAVA, which permits “any person” who believes violations of Title III of HAVA have occurred to file such a complaint. Despite the numerous irregularities documented by Ms. Marks, including voting system computer logs that show unexplained out-of-sequence time stamps of computer operations during this contentious election, Secretary Gessler refused to investigate the evidence and instead dismissed Ms. Marks’s complaint for lack of standing. Marks sued Gessler to appeal the dismissal of her complaint.

The Secretary based his dismissal of Marks’s complaint on the theory that any complainant has to prove that she has been personally aggrieved by or has personally witnessed the irregularities in question, regardless of the persuasiveness of the evidence presented on its own. Marks commented, “The court disagreed with Secretary Gessler and upheld the public policy in federal law that promotes transparency in the operation of voting systems, where problems should be exposed and investigated, not concealed through officials’ refusal to investigate documented irregularities.”

Marks’ attorney, Robert A. McGuire, commented, “The Court affirmed that both state and federal law allow any person who believes a violation of HAVA has occurred to file a complaint. This decision vindicates the right of every citizen to ensure that our elections are conducted lawfully. Voting is the fundamental mechanism that makes a functioning democracy possible, and all of us have an interest in preserving the integrity of the voting process. Our democracy belongs to the people, not to government and not to corporate voting system providers. Today’s decision will help keep it that way.”

Colorado Ethics Watch filed an amicus curiae brief supporting the standing of “any person” to file a HAVA complaint. They argued, “Restricting the class of persons who may file complaints to those who witnessed or are aggrieved may allow violations to go unaddressed because those who could file a complaint lack the wherewithal to do so or are intimidated into silence.” Marks stated that she felt the clear compelling arguments made by Luis Toro, attorney and director for Colorado Ethics Watch were quite helpful in reinforcing the public policy issue at stake.

The Denver court also found that federal and state law conflict on citizen’s ability to file a complaint, which will require that Secretary Gessler propose remedial legislation to the General Assembly to strengthen Colorado law to bring it into alignment with federal law that ensures the rights of all citizens to have voting system irregularities investigated and remedied.

The date for the public hearing has not been set. It is expected that voters from Saguache County as well as voting quality experts will testify at the hearing regarding problems with the ES&S voting system used in Saguache County in 2010. The ES&S system’s operation has been one of the issues prominent in the controversial 2010 Saguache County election. Marks said, “On January 24, 2012, Saguache County Clerk Myers was recalled primarily because of her role in such irregularities. Despite her recall, the voting system irregularities should be investigated for the important information that such investigation may provide to other jurisdictions that use this equipment and/or improper practices.”


For additional information contact:
Marilyn Marks
Aspen, CO
Marilyn@AspenOffice.com

"Unapologetically tracking patterns within news others make since 2010"

SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/John Colson "Company criticized for waiting to inform Silt Mesa residents"

Here they are again.  The group known as "Some Silt Mesa residents".

What's the whine about this time?

That they still don't have a hand-holding babysitter to personally inform them when public meetings are held on issues of  interest to them.

It's either the fault of the GarCo BOCC, the oil and gas companies or the dereliction of duty by Silt Mayor Dave Moore.  Always the same old whine that someone else should be responsible for coordinating their activism schedules.

Here's a bold, cutting edge concept!!  Give it some thought!

Ask your local newspaper and investigative reporter John Colson to start covering all the news and then print details of schedules and meetings in the local newspaper.

(whisper...whisper...did he even try to think before he wrote a title like that one??...isn't that what the press does is inform??....whisper...whisper...) 

A special thank you goes out to Antero Resources.  For once again having the patience of Job and for all you do to try to meet all community needs.

"Unapologetically tracking patterns within news others make since 2010"

SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Rick Carroll "Mulcahy lawsuit claims he's banned from Art Museum"

Update to this story on Feb 5, 2012: 

Here's a copy of the Aspen Art Museum letter that 'SandBox Nanny' just received in her mailbox.  Lee's out skiing and has asked if we would post this copy up for him:

"aspenartmuseum
  P 1970. 925.8050
  F 1970.925.8054
  590 North Mill Street. Aspen. Colorado 81611
  aspenartmuseum.org

December 22, 2011

Mr. Lee Mulcahy
611 Pass Go
Aspen, CO 81611

VIA REGISTERED
MAlL

Dear Mr. Mulcahy,

Please accept this letter as formal and final notice that you are no longer
Museum property or at Aspen Art museum functions. This notice is due
to the fact that you have exhibited erratic, disrespectful, and threatening
behavior toward e avi r toward our patrons, staff and physical property.
AAM property includes, but is not limited to, our facility at 590 North Mill Street , as
well as the site of the new AAM at the corner of Spring and Hyman Streets.

AAM functions include, but are not limited to: Freestyle, ArtCrush, lectures, programs,
membership events, and workshops, regardless of where they are held.

Should we find you in violation of this request, we will notify the proper authorities and
prosecute you for trespassing.

Should you have any questions please contact the Museum's legal counsel Kent Christopher
Veio at (303) 534-3390.

Sincerely,
Paul Schorr
Co-President

John Phelan
Co-President

cc:  Richard Pryor, Chief of Police, Aspen Police Department
Jo DiSalvo, Sheriff, Pitkin County
Arnold Mordikin, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Aspen

                                                                 ******
Original post of Feb. 4, 2012:

(See one of the related stories that's out there in the blogosphere here)

(whisper...whisper...whisper...lol....wonder how long it will take Rick Carroll to realize he's being punked by not looking deep enough into Mulcahy's details before he writes a flamer...whisper...whisper.....oh, what tangled webs are woven when one is a reporter who just keeps waving red flags in front of really ticked off consumers...whisper...whisper...whisper....here's to the little guy...let freedom ring....whisper...whisper...whisper....)

'SandBox Nanny' to Lee Mulcahy:

"Now, Lee.  avatars in commentary everywhere know how much fun you're having with the strategy you have chosen to handle the Art Museum case.  But don't you think it's time to grant an interview to the press  and reveal the formal ban letter you received from the museum?  You know, that one that everybody but the press has seen that specifically states you cannot attend their functions, etc. etc. yet they took your $600 bucks plus as a member at the same time? 

Seriously.  It probably won't help Rick out at all but Chad Abraham over on the Aspen Daily is a nice guy and his coverage of the local area crime and justice beat is the best around.  Even Chad is sounding a little confused today:   "Lawsuit:  Man's ban from future museum site unconstitutional"

'Nanny' is asking you to think about this.  The Kaplan libel suit is the seriously concerning to Skico and the community at large suit and the Aspen Art Museum is also serious because they are way off base and out of line with any measure of common sense.   But to keep these reporters running around in circles is is a little bit harsh, wouldn't you say?

For what it's worth, here's a suggestion.

Call a press phone conference and let them have at you.  Ask whatever they want.  One time shot only.  Maybe invite Richie Cohen and a few others.  Or, if you have your public stocks built yet and are ready to place yourself in them on the Hyman Mall; hold the press conference right before somebody like Richie locks your head down.

Just try to not toy with them for too long, OK?  It's important to always at least try to place nice in the SandBox."

"Unapologetically tracking patterns within news others make since 2010"

SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Steamboat, Hayden bid for state funds to promote creative districts"

As the stories of other Colorado communities that have their bids in on the grant funding to create "creative districts", one has to wonder why Glenwood Springs hasn't applied.

Surely, with our coffers  still staying steadily down by over 60% going on four years now; one would think that focus on infrastructure growth would be a priority.

Good luck to Steamboat Springs on this bid to: 

Nicole Inglis:

"...designate downtown as a creative district. The grant application form describes creative districts as communities or neighborhoods that “attract creative entrepreneurs,” “revitalize and beautify communities” and “provide a focal point for celebrating … a community’s unique identity...” 
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically tracking patterns within news others make since 2010"

SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Paper blows off feat by hometown skater"

We agree!  How come we didn't have any press on this incredible accomplishment by local figureskater, Jeremy Abbott?

When ESPN is quoted as, "Jeremy Abbott proved he's capable of contending with the best in the world -- past and present.....", one would think we would.  

Congratulations to local world champion figure skater, Jeremy Abbott.

Click on the SandBox inserted links within the following post off the Aspen Times as Debbie Dietz Shore of Snowmass Village writes in to the Aspen Times: 
" Dear Editor:
On Sunday, Jeremy Abbott took first place at the National Skating Championships at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. This was Jeremy's third first-place win at Nationals in four years, and his score broke all records for anyone at national championships.

I have searched the paper eagerly every day this week for news of this accomplishment by a hometown boy. The excitement over the X Games notwithstanding, I would think this achievement would merit a story in The Aspen Times. ..." (Debbie Dietz Shore, Snowmass Village)  
 "Unapologetically tracking patterns within news others make since 2010"

SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning Photo: Village scenes"

All credit:  Bob Berwyn