Kathleen Parker:
"Whatever the case, the point has been made, the suggestion placed, the people have been distracted. And so it goes ... and so it went. And they conjured magic, and they took away their freedom, and the mob roared....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Showing posts with label glenwood springs post independent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label glenwood springs post independent. Show all posts
August 27, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Judge sets CMC-SourceGas trial for June 2013"
So good to hear that Source Gas remains remembering that the teeny tiny bit of real information, that was piled into ten million tons of disinformation by a single source that started the snowball panic attack against the much needed compressor station; is the sole source that began what has turned out to be a high loss to CMC credibility.
Bottom line is that no matter how CMC now tries to package up their retreat and attempt to market it to the public at large; they entered into a legal lease agreement that Source Gas had no reason not to trust.
At least not until the 'one ringie-dingie' campaign started up from the usual sources that sort of thing usually comes from in Glenwood Springs.
Who loses?
The land and money grabbers who started the ruckus and then threw the jet fuel of disinformation on to the flames of their creation?
Or the taxpayers who will be footing the bill for this very costly stance of CMC Trustees who caved to that pressure?
Actually, it is every student who enters the CMC campus for a number of years to come who ultimately is hurt by this incredible waste of monetary resources by the Trustees. The taxpayers and general population of surrounding areas suffer the loss of credibility. At least until the next election cycle when Trustees can be swept out.
Good luck to Source Gas on this and thank you to Judge James Boyd for erring on the side of fairness. May Source prevail in their quest for monetary damages.
John Colson:
"The judge did not dismiss the entire SourceGas suit outright, as requested by CMC, leaving open the company's ability to sue the school for monetary damages.
The company has claimed that it spent roughly $2.5 million on equipment, engineering and planning for the proposed CMC site, and that shifting to another site will entail more costs.
SourceGas attorney Timothy Knapp told the Post Independent on July 7, following Judge Boyd's previous ruling, that the company would be seeking monetary damages from the college...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Bottom line is that no matter how CMC now tries to package up their retreat and attempt to market it to the public at large; they entered into a legal lease agreement that Source Gas had no reason not to trust.
At least not until the 'one ringie-dingie' campaign started up from the usual sources that sort of thing usually comes from in Glenwood Springs.
Who loses?
The land and money grabbers who started the ruckus and then threw the jet fuel of disinformation on to the flames of their creation?
Or the taxpayers who will be footing the bill for this very costly stance of CMC Trustees who caved to that pressure?
Actually, it is every student who enters the CMC campus for a number of years to come who ultimately is hurt by this incredible waste of monetary resources by the Trustees. The taxpayers and general population of surrounding areas suffer the loss of credibility. At least until the next election cycle when Trustees can be swept out.
Good luck to Source Gas on this and thank you to Judge James Boyd for erring on the side of fairness. May Source prevail in their quest for monetary damages.
John Colson:
"The judge did not dismiss the entire SourceGas suit outright, as requested by CMC, leaving open the company's ability to sue the school for monetary damages.
The company has claimed that it spent roughly $2.5 million on equipment, engineering and planning for the proposed CMC site, and that shifting to another site will entail more costs.
SourceGas attorney Timothy Knapp told the Post Independent on July 7, following Judge Boyd's previous ruling, that the company would be seeking monetary damages from the college...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
August 7, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Garfield County to pay off jail, sheriff's administration building"
Congrats to Garfield County Sheriff! The citizens of GarCo can be proud of being debt free and accomplishing that by now owning the state-of-the-art Sheriff's annex in Rifle!
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Garfield County commissioners will exercise the county's purchase option on the county jail and sheriff's administration building in Glenwood Springs, saving more than $2 million in future interest payments and retiring the county's long-term debt for the time being.
“It's an anomaly in government to be out of debt,” Commission Chairman John Martin said during the regular Board of County Commissioners meeting on Monday.
“Getting this done has been one of my biggest goals,” Martin added in a prepared statement issued by the county following the decision.
“We will be free of this commitment and own the jail and sheriff's office outright,” he said. “We also have addressed the concerns of any citizens who thought our fund balances were a little too high.....”
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Garfield County commissioners will exercise the county's purchase option on the county jail and sheriff's administration building in Glenwood Springs, saving more than $2 million in future interest payments and retiring the county's long-term debt for the time being.
“It's an anomaly in government to be out of debt,” Commission Chairman John Martin said during the regular Board of County Commissioners meeting on Monday.
“Getting this done has been one of my biggest goals,” Martin added in a prepared statement issued by the county following the decision.
“We will be free of this commitment and own the jail and sheriff's office outright,” he said. “We also have addressed the concerns of any citizens who thought our fund balances were a little too high.....”
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
June 19, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Obama can't make up his mind about the economy"
James Kellogg:
"There are plenty of headwinds right here at home, too. The president castigates congressional Republicans for blocking his potentially game-changing proposals to give tax breaks to businesses that hire and to provide mortgage refinancing for underwater homeowners. And in the last couple weeks, Obama proclaimed, “The big challenge we have in our economy right now is state and local government hiring has been going in the wrong direction.”
Here's a tip for the president. At this point, the majority of American voters don't care who is to blame for the current crisis. They are demanding solutions. Such solutions will be founded on free markets and private enterprise, not government control.
If Obama is intent on convincing Americans that he is powerless to foster the circumstances for economic recovery, why would we give him a second term?
The November election is looming closer, and voters are already waving goodbye to the president. Who will Obama blame for that? It'll be a tough decision......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
"There are plenty of headwinds right here at home, too. The president castigates congressional Republicans for blocking his potentially game-changing proposals to give tax breaks to businesses that hire and to provide mortgage refinancing for underwater homeowners. And in the last couple weeks, Obama proclaimed, “The big challenge we have in our economy right now is state and local government hiring has been going in the wrong direction.”
Here's a tip for the president. At this point, the majority of American voters don't care who is to blame for the current crisis. They are demanding solutions. Such solutions will be founded on free markets and private enterprise, not government control.
If Obama is intent on convincing Americans that he is powerless to foster the circumstances for economic recovery, why would we give him a second term?
The November election is looming closer, and voters are already waving goodbye to the president. Who will Obama blame for that? It'll be a tough decision......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "CMC sticks with its rejection of compressor station"
Should Pat Chamber run again for CMC Trustee, just say YES.
One has to wonder what defines 'education' in the Trustee's eyes. The loss of $12,000 in revenue per year that would pay a lot of overhead on our local CMC campus.
Remember, this is a dispute over a noxious weed infested patch of land that even the donor's families refuse to maintain and our Trustees do absolutely nothing with.
What's on the agenda for this ground if no revenue is generated off it?
Another few decades of continued neglect or is there some secret campus expansion or learning mecca planned for the spot?
Inquiring minds want to know exactly what 'education' is set for this land.
John Colson:
"News of the lease was met by an uproar among students, faculty members and landowners living near the college, including ranchers who had donated land for the school's campus back in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The furor prompted the trustees to reconsider Jensen's agreement.
Less than two weeks after the May 14 meeting, SourceGas filed a lawsuit asking a judge to force the school to allow the compressor station to be built on campus property. The company also asked the trustees to consider a proposal to put the compressor station at a second site, near the school's water tower.
The majority of trustees this week appeared unswayed by the threat of continued legal action against the school.
“We're here to do education,” said Trustee Kathy Goudy of Carbondale, “and this is not education.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
One has to wonder what defines 'education' in the Trustee's eyes. The loss of $12,000 in revenue per year that would pay a lot of overhead on our local CMC campus.
Remember, this is a dispute over a noxious weed infested patch of land that even the donor's families refuse to maintain and our Trustees do absolutely nothing with.
What's on the agenda for this ground if no revenue is generated off it?
Another few decades of continued neglect or is there some secret campus expansion or learning mecca planned for the spot?
Inquiring minds want to know exactly what 'education' is set for this land.
John Colson:
"News of the lease was met by an uproar among students, faculty members and landowners living near the college, including ranchers who had donated land for the school's campus back in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The furor prompted the trustees to reconsider Jensen's agreement.
Less than two weeks after the May 14 meeting, SourceGas filed a lawsuit asking a judge to force the school to allow the compressor station to be built on campus property. The company also asked the trustees to consider a proposal to put the compressor station at a second site, near the school's water tower.
The majority of trustees this week appeared unswayed by the threat of continued legal action against the school.
“We're here to do education,” said Trustee Kathy Goudy of Carbondale, “and this is not education.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Mediation unable to resolve Encana, Thompson dispute"
Let's hope the outcome on this one is the same defeat as the Strudley family. Isn't it about time that Colorado passed the same type of frivolous lawsuit laws as Rick Perry has instilled down in Texas?
The rising costs of heating our homes, gas prices and all needs every American has when it comes to using energy sources daily deserve to not be forced even higher because of ridiculous lawsuits like this one.
Good wishes to EnCana USA that their winning streak on this one continues.
John Colson:
"RIFLE, Colorado — A court-appointed mediator has been unable to resolve a dispute between Porcupine Creek landowner Thomas Thompson and Encana Oil and Gas (USA), a drilling company operating on Thompson's land.
As a result, according to spokesmen for both sides, the matter appears headed for trial.
Thompson and Encana disagree about the cause of a 2011 flood along Porcupine Creek, which flows through Thompson's 40-acre property south of Rifle.
Thompson maintains that the flood, which he says caused $700,000 in damage to his property on both sides of the creek, happened because EnCana did a poor job installing a culvert/bridge over the creek for an access road to its drilling sites. The flood damage is uphill from the culvert.
EnCana, however, has said that its culvert had nothing to do with causing the damage, and that repair costs should be more like $75,000.
Thompson ordered the company off his property in March, and Encana won an injunction to force Thompson to let its crews resume work on the drilling rigs. But Garfield District Judge James Boyd's ruling did not grant the company legal permission to start fixing the creekside damage unless it obtains Thompson's permission....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
The rising costs of heating our homes, gas prices and all needs every American has when it comes to using energy sources daily deserve to not be forced even higher because of ridiculous lawsuits like this one.
Good wishes to EnCana USA that their winning streak on this one continues.
John Colson:
"RIFLE, Colorado — A court-appointed mediator has been unable to resolve a dispute between Porcupine Creek landowner Thomas Thompson and Encana Oil and Gas (USA), a drilling company operating on Thompson's land.
As a result, according to spokesmen for both sides, the matter appears headed for trial.
Thompson and Encana disagree about the cause of a 2011 flood along Porcupine Creek, which flows through Thompson's 40-acre property south of Rifle.
Thompson maintains that the flood, which he says caused $700,000 in damage to his property on both sides of the creek, happened because EnCana did a poor job installing a culvert/bridge over the creek for an access road to its drilling sites. The flood damage is uphill from the culvert.
EnCana, however, has said that its culvert had nothing to do with causing the damage, and that repair costs should be more like $75,000.
Thompson ordered the company off his property in March, and Encana won an injunction to force Thompson to let its crews resume work on the drilling rigs. But Garfield District Judge James Boyd's ruling did not grant the company legal permission to start fixing the creekside damage unless it obtains Thompson's permission....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
June 12, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Carbondale pulls out the stops for Ride the Rockies"
John Stroud:
"Rose Quinn of Avon was relaxing in the shade at the Fourth Street Plaza enjoying a beer and “reliving her day.”
“It was such a gorgeous ride today,” Quinn said of the 68-mile second stage from Hotchkiss, over McClure Pass and into Carbondale.
Quinn came to the realization as she embarked on her second Ride the Rockies from Gunnison Sunday morning that she had forgotten her bicycle cleats.
So she duct-taped her sneakers to her pedals and made it through two days of riding before she finally found a bike shop in Carbondale to buy a new pair of bike shoes.
“I bumped into one of the town's employees and he even took me to the bike shop,” Quinn said. “This is easily the best host city so far in the two years I've been doing this. People here are just so friendly.”
Greg Norling and Paul Richards, both from Seattle, were quick to agree....." (Read more? Click title)
"Rose Quinn of Avon was relaxing in the shade at the Fourth Street Plaza enjoying a beer and “reliving her day.”
“It was such a gorgeous ride today,” Quinn said of the 68-mile second stage from Hotchkiss, over McClure Pass and into Carbondale.
Quinn came to the realization as she embarked on her second Ride the Rockies from Gunnison Sunday morning that she had forgotten her bicycle cleats.
So she duct-taped her sneakers to her pedals and made it through two days of riding before she finally found a bike shop in Carbondale to buy a new pair of bike shoes.
“I bumped into one of the town's employees and he even took me to the bike shop,” Quinn said. “This is easily the best host city so far in the two years I've been doing this. People here are just so friendly.”
Greg Norling and Paul Richards, both from Seattle, were quick to agree....." (Read more? Click title)
June 8, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Carbondale prepares to party with Ride the Rockies"
Nelson Harvey:
"CARBONDALE, Colorado — By any standard, Carbondale is a bike obsessed town. But its bike mania, on display last month during the annual Bonedale Bike Week, will ramp up a few notches come Monday.
That day, 2,000 riders on the Ride the Rockies bike tour will roll into town, establishing a base camp for the night at Roaring Fork High School before heading downtown for an afternoon and evening of festivities.
Carbondale will host Ride the Rockies for the first time since the Denver Post launched the event in 1986. After starting in Gunnison on Sunday, this year's 442-mile, six-day tour takes riders through Hotchkiss and Carbondale, then over Independence Pass and into Leadville. After that, they'll make stops in Granby and Estes Park before finishing at the Odell's Brewery in Fort Collins on Friday, June 15.
In Carbondale, a committee of bike-loving locals is planning a warm welcome for the riders as they pass through the Roaring Fork Valley.
On Monday, Main Street will be closed off between Third Street and Weant Boulevard, and Fourth Street will be blocked for a half block north and south from Main Street. The Fourth Street Plaza will play host to a food court featuring local vendors, as well as several musical acts on the town stage.
Street buskers, including musicians, jugglers and other local artists, will greet the riders as they filter downtown on Monday afternoon, from their headquarters at Roaring Fork High School..."
(Read more? Click title)
"CARBONDALE, Colorado — By any standard, Carbondale is a bike obsessed town. But its bike mania, on display last month during the annual Bonedale Bike Week, will ramp up a few notches come Monday.
That day, 2,000 riders on the Ride the Rockies bike tour will roll into town, establishing a base camp for the night at Roaring Fork High School before heading downtown for an afternoon and evening of festivities.
Carbondale will host Ride the Rockies for the first time since the Denver Post launched the event in 1986. After starting in Gunnison on Sunday, this year's 442-mile, six-day tour takes riders through Hotchkiss and Carbondale, then over Independence Pass and into Leadville. After that, they'll make stops in Granby and Estes Park before finishing at the Odell's Brewery in Fort Collins on Friday, June 15.
In Carbondale, a committee of bike-loving locals is planning a warm welcome for the riders as they pass through the Roaring Fork Valley.
On Monday, Main Street will be closed off between Third Street and Weant Boulevard, and Fourth Street will be blocked for a half block north and south from Main Street. The Fourth Street Plaza will play host to a food court featuring local vendors, as well as several musical acts on the town stage.
Street buskers, including musicians, jugglers and other local artists, will greet the riders as they filter downtown on Monday afternoon, from their headquarters at Roaring Fork High School..."
(Read more? Click title)
May 30, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Legalizing drugs will only make addiction grow"
Zell Zordel:
"Why is it that when the debate about legalizing drugs is mentioned, the drug war card is played? That's because it's a crutch. Now that it is out, let us address it.
Yes, America is encouraging other countries to participate in the drug war, with $40 trillion spent since 1971. In 2010 alone, the U.S. government spent $15 billion. The reason those laws were passed is because drugs were killing Americans. With the first laws passed in 1885, this is not just a 40-year-old issue.
Those are facts. Let's look at a few others.
My original letter of May 19 was about the real potential in human lives lost. I compared it to the very real and highly used drug, alcohol. I used that baseline to show the ever-so-likely outcome we would experience if we legalized drugs. I pointed out that all of the negative criminal impacts will not go away.
Mr. Kirchenwitz, in his May 24 response, commented that “any drug use in and of itself is generally non-violent.” I suggest he ask any law enforcement officer who has ever had to deal with a violent suspect what was driving the destructive intent. Most will respond with drug use or alcohol.
Remember, drug usage is still currently at a low level. Legalization will only increase the number of addictions due to easier access....." (Read more? Click title)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
"Why is it that when the debate about legalizing drugs is mentioned, the drug war card is played? That's because it's a crutch. Now that it is out, let us address it.
Yes, America is encouraging other countries to participate in the drug war, with $40 trillion spent since 1971. In 2010 alone, the U.S. government spent $15 billion. The reason those laws were passed is because drugs were killing Americans. With the first laws passed in 1885, this is not just a 40-year-old issue.
Those are facts. Let's look at a few others.
My original letter of May 19 was about the real potential in human lives lost. I compared it to the very real and highly used drug, alcohol. I used that baseline to show the ever-so-likely outcome we would experience if we legalized drugs. I pointed out that all of the negative criminal impacts will not go away.
Mr. Kirchenwitz, in his May 24 response, commented that “any drug use in and of itself is generally non-violent.” I suggest he ask any law enforcement officer who has ever had to deal with a violent suspect what was driving the destructive intent. Most will respond with drug use or alcohol.
Remember, drug usage is still currently at a low level. Legalization will only increase the number of addictions due to easier access....." (Read more? Click title)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
May 29, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Deny Carbondale's request for energy impact funds"
Excellent idea from Sharon Brenner this morning. Here on the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.
Sharon Brenner:
"I am wondering why Carbondale thinks it should get energy impact funds for its new library, especially since the town is doing all it can to fight natural gas drilling in the area. The town itself is responsible for adding significant additional costs to the construction of the library. It is retirees and trust funders who have moved to Carbondale that are driving the need for a larger library — not energy company employees. I urge the Garfield County commissioners to deny the town's request.
Just out of curiosity, if the library were oriented to take advantage of solar heating (windows) in the morning and winter, and shaded in the afternoon during the summer, how much would be saved by not installing solar panels and the accompanying controls? How long will it take to recover the costs of the solar panels?
...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Sharon Brenner:
"I am wondering why Carbondale thinks it should get energy impact funds for its new library, especially since the town is doing all it can to fight natural gas drilling in the area. The town itself is responsible for adding significant additional costs to the construction of the library. It is retirees and trust funders who have moved to Carbondale that are driving the need for a larger library — not energy company employees. I urge the Garfield County commissioners to deny the town's request.
Just out of curiosity, if the library were oriented to take advantage of solar heating (windows) in the morning and winter, and shaded in the afternoon during the summer, how much would be saved by not installing solar panels and the accompanying controls? How long will it take to recover the costs of the solar panels?
...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Town eyes renewal of gas lease to Antero Resources"
John Colson:
"SILT, Colorado — The town's Board of Trustees meets tonight at Town Hall to debate whether to renew more than 75 “net mineral acres” in natural-gas leases to the Antero Resources drilling company.
Town administrator Pamela Woods said the three-year agreement will bring in “about $180,000 a year” to the town's coffers.
The lease, which expired on April 29, gave Antero the right to drill for natural gas deposits deep underground in several areas within the town.
A map of the lease areas is available from Town Hall.
The measurement “net mineral acre,” according to a memo from town attorney Lee Leavenworth, is used when rights are owned by more than one party.
Leavenworth wrote that, for example, if the lessor owns 100 percent of the minerals underlying one acre, that equals one net mineral acre.
But if only 50 percent of the minerals underlying one acre are owned by the lessor, that constitutes half of a net mineral acre.
Leavenworth's memo did not contain any breakdown of the town's mineral rights ownership.
According to Leavenworth, the town first signed a lease with Antero in 2005, for a period of three years...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"SILT, Colorado — The town's Board of Trustees meets tonight at Town Hall to debate whether to renew more than 75 “net mineral acres” in natural-gas leases to the Antero Resources drilling company.
Town administrator Pamela Woods said the three-year agreement will bring in “about $180,000 a year” to the town's coffers.
The lease, which expired on April 29, gave Antero the right to drill for natural gas deposits deep underground in several areas within the town.
A map of the lease areas is available from Town Hall.
The measurement “net mineral acre,” according to a memo from town attorney Lee Leavenworth, is used when rights are owned by more than one party.
Leavenworth wrote that, for example, if the lessor owns 100 percent of the minerals underlying one acre, that equals one net mineral acre.
But if only 50 percent of the minerals underlying one acre are owned by the lessor, that constitutes half of a net mineral acre.
Leavenworth's memo did not contain any breakdown of the town's mineral rights ownership.
According to Leavenworth, the town first signed a lease with Antero in 2005, for a period of three years...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 21, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "A case for high density downtown living"
Here's to Don Ensign of Carbondale.
For voicing the the most sound option to date for prosperity and growth in downtown Glenwood Springs.
And the simplest, along with being nearly zero cost to taxpayers.
Private development that builds high density downtown living. Something that a few in the construction industry have been shouting out for years trying to achieve.
Don Ensign:
"...High density living is not for everyone, but my experience and that of others demonstrates a strong market for downtown housing, especially on sites proximate to natural amenities, recreation activities, quality shopping and dining, schools, libraries, etc., with all of which downtown Glenwood is richly endowed.
Glenwood Springs has the opportunity to be a model smart growth community due to an absolutely unique set of circumstances: a river confluence, wonderful scenery, trail system, excellent transit, downtown amenities and unparalleled public services. It would be a shame to squander such a rich legacy due to irrational or uninformed fears of density...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
For voicing the the most sound option to date for prosperity and growth in downtown Glenwood Springs.
And the simplest, along with being nearly zero cost to taxpayers.
Private development that builds high density downtown living. Something that a few in the construction industry have been shouting out for years trying to achieve.
Don Ensign:
"...High density living is not for everyone, but my experience and that of others demonstrates a strong market for downtown housing, especially on sites proximate to natural amenities, recreation activities, quality shopping and dining, schools, libraries, etc., with all of which downtown Glenwood is richly endowed.
Glenwood Springs has the opportunity to be a model smart growth community due to an absolutely unique set of circumstances: a river confluence, wonderful scenery, trail system, excellent transit, downtown amenities and unparalleled public services. It would be a shame to squander such a rich legacy due to irrational or uninformed fears of density...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 20, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Faux-raging for a story"
Kathleen Parker:
"....The leaking of the document and the prominent display of the story have been a boon to Obama. They provided yet another welcome distraction, as well as a helpful fundraising tool, and smeared Romney by association.
The power (and hubris) of individual political donors and their offspring — the ads they want to sire — may become the tragedy of this election season. Romney is nothing like a racist, yet suddenly he is forced to distance himself from ads about which he knew nothing. And we now can agree that resurrecting Wright for any purpose would do more political harm than good.
Ricketts apparently would agree. He has distanced himself from the proposal faster than Obama distanced himself from Wright. And poor Mitt Romney had to repudiate an ad campaign that never was, that probably never would have been, and over which he had zero control.
And thus ends another faux controversy about non-ads in the very strange universe known as American Politics...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"....The leaking of the document and the prominent display of the story have been a boon to Obama. They provided yet another welcome distraction, as well as a helpful fundraising tool, and smeared Romney by association.
The power (and hubris) of individual political donors and their offspring — the ads they want to sire — may become the tragedy of this election season. Romney is nothing like a racist, yet suddenly he is forced to distance himself from ads about which he knew nothing. And we now can agree that resurrecting Wright for any purpose would do more political harm than good.
Ricketts apparently would agree. He has distanced himself from the proposal faster than Obama distanced himself from Wright. And poor Mitt Romney had to repudiate an ad campaign that never was, that probably never would have been, and over which he had zero control.
And thus ends another faux controversy about non-ads in the very strange universe known as American Politics...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 17, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Reasons to leave the Democrats"
This Letter to the Editor from liberal Chad Klinger feels like manna from heaven.
Thank you, Chad!
Chad Klinger:
"In his letter “Reasons for Leaving the Republican Party” on May 12, Thomas Rutledge describes his “awakening,” after 45 years, to the realization that the “Tea Party, Paul Ryan, Ayn Rand, Rush Limbaugh, Fox News, fundamentalist Christian” party has no place for him.
I've had a rather different epiphany. Having voted for Johnson, Carter and Clinton (twice), I now find myself viewing Democrats as the party of Saul Alinsky, Frances Fox Piven, Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayres, Van Jones, ACORN, anarcho-communist Occupiers, atheists, abortionists, shameless corruption (The Chicago Way), fiscal insanity (The Sacramento Way), Big Brother (in every way Orwell imagined), racism (the anti-white Justice Department way), class envy and class warfare.
Not only does this party have no place for me, I feel that it despises me because I'm white, Catholic, and an advocate of individual freedom as underwritten by the United States Constitution. Most of all, because I believe in America — what's left of it.
I remember the days when people complained that there were no real differences between the two parties and their candidates. To be sure, whomever we elect, it's always greatly about money and power, but factoring out such human constants, there sure are differences now."
(Read the original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Thank you, Chad!
Chad Klinger:
"In his letter “Reasons for Leaving the Republican Party” on May 12, Thomas Rutledge describes his “awakening,” after 45 years, to the realization that the “Tea Party, Paul Ryan, Ayn Rand, Rush Limbaugh, Fox News, fundamentalist Christian” party has no place for him.
I've had a rather different epiphany. Having voted for Johnson, Carter and Clinton (twice), I now find myself viewing Democrats as the party of Saul Alinsky, Frances Fox Piven, Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayres, Van Jones, ACORN, anarcho-communist Occupiers, atheists, abortionists, shameless corruption (The Chicago Way), fiscal insanity (The Sacramento Way), Big Brother (in every way Orwell imagined), racism (the anti-white Justice Department way), class envy and class warfare.
Not only does this party have no place for me, I feel that it despises me because I'm white, Catholic, and an advocate of individual freedom as underwritten by the United States Constitution. Most of all, because I believe in America — what's left of it.
I remember the days when people complained that there were no real differences between the two parties and their candidates. To be sure, whomever we elect, it's always greatly about money and power, but factoring out such human constants, there sure are differences now."
(Read the original letter? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 16, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Open space group is trying to get county sales tax on fall ballot"
With no ability amongst the folks to fully trust the accuracy of a PI report, it is hoped that the Aspen Daily continues to cover the movements of the Garfield Legacy Project. Doing so will give Mary Noone's project a fighting chance to at least have the GarCo folks pay attention.
A caution to avatars in commentary as you respond to what sounds like some progress for GarCo along with two steps back for GarCo if Noone does not change her group approach before putting this on the ballot.
SandBox's prediction?
The other groups that the Garfield Legacy Project sounds like they have associated themselves with early on, appear to be entrenched and lashed to Mary's kite tail.
If that is the case, then this proposed tax hike and the attempt to create an open space program off the role models of those groups, Pitkin county and Aspen will be not only voted down by Garco folks but likely voted down in flames.
See related story and public comments here.
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — When a group of open space program managers and supporters from around the state gathered in Glenwood Springs last fall for the yearly Colorado Open Space Alliance conference, there was a bit of irony involved.
Neither Garfield County nor the city of Glenwood Springs have formal open lands programs, although past attempts have been made to convince voters to enact tax measures to support such an effort.
But a new group of Garfield County residents is now working to add the county to the list of 20 other Colorado counties that have open space programs.
The Garfield Legacy Project organized in 2009 as a coalition of citizens and partner organizations, such as the Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT), to begin exploring ways to preserve open lands in Garfield County.
Last fall, the group conducted surveys and hosted public meetings, from which it developed a “Greenprint for Conservation and Economic Opportunity.” That effort was funded primarily by a $75,000 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant.
Now, the Garfield Legacy Project is busy putting together a program proposal and sales tax question to present to voters in the November election.
A one-quarter-cent (0.25 percent) countywide sales tax is estimated to generate $2.5 million annually that would fund the program, according to Mary Noone of Glenwood Springs, one of the founding board members for the Legacy Project....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
A caution to avatars in commentary as you respond to what sounds like some progress for GarCo along with two steps back for GarCo if Noone does not change her group approach before putting this on the ballot.
SandBox's prediction?
The other groups that the Garfield Legacy Project sounds like they have associated themselves with early on, appear to be entrenched and lashed to Mary's kite tail.
If that is the case, then this proposed tax hike and the attempt to create an open space program off the role models of those groups, Pitkin county and Aspen will be not only voted down by Garco folks but likely voted down in flames.
See related story and public comments here.
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — When a group of open space program managers and supporters from around the state gathered in Glenwood Springs last fall for the yearly Colorado Open Space Alliance conference, there was a bit of irony involved.
Neither Garfield County nor the city of Glenwood Springs have formal open lands programs, although past attempts have been made to convince voters to enact tax measures to support such an effort.
But a new group of Garfield County residents is now working to add the county to the list of 20 other Colorado counties that have open space programs.
The Garfield Legacy Project organized in 2009 as a coalition of citizens and partner organizations, such as the Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT), to begin exploring ways to preserve open lands in Garfield County.
Last fall, the group conducted surveys and hosted public meetings, from which it developed a “Greenprint for Conservation and Economic Opportunity.” That effort was funded primarily by a $75,000 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant.
Now, the Garfield Legacy Project is busy putting together a program proposal and sales tax question to present to voters in the November election.
A one-quarter-cent (0.25 percent) countywide sales tax is estimated to generate $2.5 million annually that would fund the program, according to Mary Noone of Glenwood Springs, one of the founding board members for the Legacy Project....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 15, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Study affirms newer West Divide seep is ‘naturally occurring'"
I can remember clear back as far as the late 1960's when natural seepage of gas was something we had to study for science classes in the North Fork Valley area.
Now the only question that remains is if we will be given any freedom from yellow journalism pushing scare and fear tactics in the daily newspaper.
A shout out of thanks goes to Colorado's big oil and gas and our Garfield County BOCC for sticking to just the facts.
**Correction on May 16th: 'I Like Facts' has accurately pointed out that I made an error while giving byline credit. This article on the Post Independent should be proudly attributed to reporter John Stroud, not John Colson. Bylines and credit for output is lifeblood in the newspaper industry. 'I Like Facts' is correct implying that 'SandBox Nanny' knows that. With sincere apologies to John Stroud for overlooking him and to John Colson for not being able to snag credit for the article; the byline error I made is now corrected. See below:
John Colson: John Stroud:
"“Methane gas samples collected in the area of the reported 2008 seep yielded only biogenic [naturally occurring] gas,” Garfield County Oil & Gas Liaison Kirby Wynn reported to the Board of County Commissioners on Monday.
Biogenic gas occurs when organic material breaks down and bubbles to the surface, while the “thermogenic” type of gas detected in the 2004 seep is released as a result of drilling activity in deep rock formations.
Wynn's quarterly update of oil and gas activity in Garfield County included an overview of the findings by independent consultant Geoff Thyne. The University of Wyoming geologist was hired by the county last year to study ongoing concerns by West Divide Creek resident Lisa Bracken.
Thyne reported that recent testing indicates no presence of “thermogenic” gas, and that the 2004 seep “is on a path toward being remediated.”
“I think we have reached the point of diminishing returns in terms of expending county resources unless there is a big change,” Thyne reported. “The reality is that the 2004 seep is relatively small, has been remediated as best they can manage, been sampled a lot and had several studies associated with the seep and surrounding area....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Now the only question that remains is if we will be given any freedom from yellow journalism pushing scare and fear tactics in the daily newspaper.
A shout out of thanks goes to Colorado's big oil and gas and our Garfield County BOCC for sticking to just the facts.
**Correction on May 16th: 'I Like Facts' has accurately pointed out that I made an error while giving byline credit. This article on the Post Independent should be proudly attributed to reporter John Stroud, not John Colson. Bylines and credit for output is lifeblood in the newspaper industry. 'I Like Facts' is correct implying that 'SandBox Nanny' knows that. With sincere apologies to John Stroud for overlooking him and to John Colson for not being able to snag credit for the article; the byline error I made is now corrected. See below:
"“Methane gas samples collected in the area of the reported 2008 seep yielded only biogenic [naturally occurring] gas,” Garfield County Oil & Gas Liaison Kirby Wynn reported to the Board of County Commissioners on Monday.
Biogenic gas occurs when organic material breaks down and bubbles to the surface, while the “thermogenic” type of gas detected in the 2004 seep is released as a result of drilling activity in deep rock formations.
Wynn's quarterly update of oil and gas activity in Garfield County included an overview of the findings by independent consultant Geoff Thyne. The University of Wyoming geologist was hired by the county last year to study ongoing concerns by West Divide Creek resident Lisa Bracken.
Thyne reported that recent testing indicates no presence of “thermogenic” gas, and that the 2004 seep “is on a path toward being remediated.”
“I think we have reached the point of diminishing returns in terms of expending county resources unless there is a big change,” Thyne reported. “The reality is that the 2004 seep is relatively small, has been remediated as best they can manage, been sampled a lot and had several studies associated with the seep and surrounding area....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "CMC trustees dump SourceGas lease agreement"
Disappointing at best, that our CMC Trustees decided to punt instead of lead.
Once again, commentators appear to have been spot on in their observations over the compressor station issue. Nothing is going to satisfy the small minority that have made protests.
What they really appear to have been after is a complete withdrawal from Source Gas yet no interruptions to their quality of life served by Source Gas fueling their homes.
In addition, perfectly content to be 'non-involved' with CMC admin to the extent that Jensen had no concerns or any inkling of an idea that he was creating a public protest when he negotiated the original lease.
Folks could also observe now that the 'shaming' of CMC by Marianne Ackerman that raised such a ruckus was completely ineffective and negative in outcome. Simply getting in touch with the trustees and expressing a respectful opinion would have sufficed.
Can our CMC trustees really be blamed now for taking the easier road out and simply letting the courts be the bad guys? Not really. As that is exactly what is going to happen now with the only outcome being the same one at the onset of all this controversy.
Source Gas is a public utility that has a critical need that takes care of many people, not just the few that wanted a big show yet somebody else to handle the leadership and legalities. There will be a compressor station up on Spring Valley.
Only question that remains is if it will now be force placed onto one of these protesters private property or if it will be placed in the best spot all along.
Which is right where CMC negotiated it to be in the first place.
Predictable and not surprising that our trustees decided to punt, take the easier road.
Yet disappointing that they decided in the end to not lead.
John Colson:
"During a public comment session, the board's decision drew a mixed response...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Once again, commentators appear to have been spot on in their observations over the compressor station issue. Nothing is going to satisfy the small minority that have made protests.
What they really appear to have been after is a complete withdrawal from Source Gas yet no interruptions to their quality of life served by Source Gas fueling their homes.
In addition, perfectly content to be 'non-involved' with CMC admin to the extent that Jensen had no concerns or any inkling of an idea that he was creating a public protest when he negotiated the original lease.
Folks could also observe now that the 'shaming' of CMC by Marianne Ackerman that raised such a ruckus was completely ineffective and negative in outcome. Simply getting in touch with the trustees and expressing a respectful opinion would have sufficed.
Can our CMC trustees really be blamed now for taking the easier road out and simply letting the courts be the bad guys? Not really. As that is exactly what is going to happen now with the only outcome being the same one at the onset of all this controversy.
Source Gas is a public utility that has a critical need that takes care of many people, not just the few that wanted a big show yet somebody else to handle the leadership and legalities. There will be a compressor station up on Spring Valley.
Only question that remains is if it will now be force placed onto one of these protesters private property or if it will be placed in the best spot all along.
Which is right where CMC negotiated it to be in the first place.
Predictable and not surprising that our trustees decided to punt, take the easier road.
Yet disappointing that they decided in the end to not lead.
John Colson:
"During a public comment session, the board's decision drew a mixed response...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 14, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Sheriff has provided info to the media"
I'm pretty sure most Garfield County supporters of Sheriff Lou Vallario are aware that he is not all that comfortable in the political aspects of his role. As he states in every election cycle, 'he's a cop, not a politician'.
But his personal feelings do not change the fact that citizens feel more secure and more at ease with the changes and issues they see all around them when it is Sheriff Lou's voice they hear first and his presence that they see.
The folks feel the same frustration with local news reporting that Sheriff Lou is speaking of in his Letter to the Editor today.
Allow me to lend a hand toward the mutual effort of open communications within the county.
In addition to the information provided by Sheriff Vallario in his letter to the PI today, here are some links to direct to source news releases:
Garfield Public Info: http://garcopublicinfo.org/
GarCo Sheriff website: http://www.garcosheriff.com/press_release.html (and) http://www.garcosheriff.com
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel: http://www.gjsentinel.com/ (Dennis Webb covers Garfield County)
KMTS: http://www.kmts.com/
Garfield County official site: http://www.garfield-county.com/index.aspx
Police blotters are also found on all Swift Communications publications by clicking this link and then scrolling down the list until you get to the 'Police' section: http://www.postindependent.com/SECTION/&Profile=1074
Blotters can also be found (usually) on direct access to your local law enforcement agency websites.
This post of mine will reach over 10,000 unique readers and followers this month.
Wonder if self-gratification in using the power held in a news editor's hands, by having the controls of the only local newspaper is worth the damning public relations that upset voices raised in alternate media bring to our community?
Wonder if it will be all that much longer before the employers of the staff of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent start taking serious stock of the major problems they continue to have at the PI?
Wouldn't it just be easier and in the public's best interests for the Glenwood Springs Post Independent to just do the job they choose to have, in ways that serve the overall good of the majority?
Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario:
"I recently read a story in the Post Independent about the Garfield County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) investigating the naked man or men on some of the local trails in the Carbondale area. The story profiled an anonymous victim who made a comment about why we haven't been getting this information out to the public.
We certainly understand her concern and fears. That's why, since the first reported incidents in 2008, all responses on the part of the GCSO that have warranted an offense report have been provided to the local media via our regular press release process. Further, a Crime Stoppers flyer, complete with a photo taken of a possible suspect, was also provided more than once.
Have you seen any of this information in the local media? The fact is we do provide the information to the media, but the sheriff's office has no control over what they deem newsworthy.
So, to the victim interviewed in the Post Independent story as well as all of our citizens, please ask the question of our media, “Why aren't they getting this information out?” The GCSO has been providing it and will continue to provide timely information as this active investigation continues. If anyone would like to receive the same information that we regularly send to the media about all GCSO cases, contact Tanny McGinnis at tmcginnis@garcosheriff.com or go to our website, http://www.garcosheriff.com/, for a complete listing of public releases.
As I understand your frustrations, I would like to personally invite every citizen to attend a personal safety meeting to address any concerns. Join us at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, at the Carbondale Fire House. This will be a 45-minute personal safety presentation followed by a 45-minute open discussion for citizens to voice their concerns...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
But his personal feelings do not change the fact that citizens feel more secure and more at ease with the changes and issues they see all around them when it is Sheriff Lou's voice they hear first and his presence that they see.
The folks feel the same frustration with local news reporting that Sheriff Lou is speaking of in his Letter to the Editor today.
Allow me to lend a hand toward the mutual effort of open communications within the county.
In addition to the information provided by Sheriff Vallario in his letter to the PI today, here are some links to direct to source news releases:
Garfield Public Info: http://garcopublicinfo.org/
GarCo Sheriff website: http://www.garcosheriff.com/press_release.html (and) http://www.garcosheriff.com
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel: http://www.gjsentinel.com/ (Dennis Webb covers Garfield County)
KMTS: http://www.kmts.com/
Garfield County official site: http://www.garfield-county.com/index.aspx
Police blotters are also found on all Swift Communications publications by clicking this link and then scrolling down the list until you get to the 'Police' section: http://www.postindependent.com/SECTION/&Profile=1074
Blotters can also be found (usually) on direct access to your local law enforcement agency websites.
This post of mine will reach over 10,000 unique readers and followers this month.
Wonder if self-gratification in using the power held in a news editor's hands, by having the controls of the only local newspaper is worth the damning public relations that upset voices raised in alternate media bring to our community?
Wonder if it will be all that much longer before the employers of the staff of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent start taking serious stock of the major problems they continue to have at the PI?
Wouldn't it just be easier and in the public's best interests for the Glenwood Springs Post Independent to just do the job they choose to have, in ways that serve the overall good of the majority?
Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario:
"I recently read a story in the Post Independent about the Garfield County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) investigating the naked man or men on some of the local trails in the Carbondale area. The story profiled an anonymous victim who made a comment about why we haven't been getting this information out to the public.
We certainly understand her concern and fears. That's why, since the first reported incidents in 2008, all responses on the part of the GCSO that have warranted an offense report have been provided to the local media via our regular press release process. Further, a Crime Stoppers flyer, complete with a photo taken of a possible suspect, was also provided more than once.
Have you seen any of this information in the local media? The fact is we do provide the information to the media, but the sheriff's office has no control over what they deem newsworthy.
So, to the victim interviewed in the Post Independent story as well as all of our citizens, please ask the question of our media, “Why aren't they getting this information out?” The GCSO has been providing it and will continue to provide timely information as this active investigation continues. If anyone would like to receive the same information that we regularly send to the media about all GCSO cases, contact Tanny McGinnis at tmcginnis@garcosheriff.com or go to our website, http://www.garcosheriff.com/, for a complete listing of public releases.
As I understand your frustrations, I would like to personally invite every citizen to attend a personal safety meeting to address any concerns. Join us at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, at the Carbondale Fire House. This will be a 45-minute personal safety presentation followed by a 45-minute open discussion for citizens to voice their concerns...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Criminal acts have consequences"
Marty Lich:
"Having read Debbie Centeno's May 8 letter, “Sister worried about gang colors at Strawberry Days,” I feel safe in reassuring Ms. Centeno that if she and her nephews do not have active warrants out for their arrests, are not self-proclaimed Sureños gang members wearing blue bandanna gang colors, do not possess marijuana, drug paraphernalia, nor have forged IDs with another active warrant due to their illegal status in the U.S., and multiple deportations already, they will have a good time at Strawberry Days. And finally, that they do not attempt to flee from police, as her brother David Centeno did in June 2011, for that is a crime as well.
To refresh her memory, please refer to the Glenwood Springs police report published in the Post Independent June 22, 2011. Ideally Ms. Centeno's brother will be deported once again after he serves his time....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Having read Debbie Centeno's May 8 letter, “Sister worried about gang colors at Strawberry Days,” I feel safe in reassuring Ms. Centeno that if she and her nephews do not have active warrants out for their arrests, are not self-proclaimed Sureños gang members wearing blue bandanna gang colors, do not possess marijuana, drug paraphernalia, nor have forged IDs with another active warrant due to their illegal status in the U.S., and multiple deportations already, they will have a good time at Strawberry Days. And finally, that they do not attempt to flee from police, as her brother David Centeno did in June 2011, for that is a crime as well.
To refresh her memory, please refer to the Glenwood Springs police report published in the Post Independent June 22, 2011. Ideally Ms. Centeno's brother will be deported once again after he serves his time....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 11, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "It's not attire that attracts the police"
Wendy Hobbs:
"This is in response to Debbie Centeno's letter of May 8. I don't think it's the color of a person's attire at the Strawberry Days festival or their ethnicity that will attract police attention. My suggestion would be to not have an outstanding warrant or possess drug paraphernalia while attending the festival. Also, maybe don't carry a forged instrument — just a suggestion...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"This is in response to Debbie Centeno's letter of May 8. I don't think it's the color of a person's attire at the Strawberry Days festival or their ethnicity that will attract police attention. My suggestion would be to not have an outstanding warrant or possess drug paraphernalia while attending the festival. Also, maybe don't carry a forged instrument — just a suggestion...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
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