(Mid-morning Note from Nanny: Dennis Webb, over on the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel did a very comprehensive piece today on this new fracking disclosure rule. She missed that because another headline was in its place. Here's the link:
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/new_fracking_rules_called_toug/
What's interesting is Webb's disclosure that there is a clause that can be invoked by the industry to protect trade secrets. That is very good news and we were wondering. That kind of intellectual and trade property cannot be forced by law to become public information. What has really happened here in this new rule is that the efforts of David Neslin of COGCC have brought all parties to the table and brokered a deal for the industry to recognize that voluntary disclosure is the best for all. Now, wasn't that a simple thing to accomplish? How much easier would it have been if we didn't have all the years of radical left politicians such as Houpt and DeGette stirring up the flamers alongside the biased media and radical groups? A thank you to Dennis Webb for the great coverage.)
Earlier post:
One shouldn't underestimate the cooperation of the industry with bringing this new 'fracking rule' to the table.
What better way to get radical extremist groups like 'WildEarth Guardians' quiet (at least for awhile until they create a new manifesto) than to let them see nothing's wrong?
http://www.fracfocus.org/ has been around for nearly a year now and has always listed the dangerous chemicals. The only change this brings is that the industry is now stripped of trade secrets.
Watch for the consumer pricing to go up.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 14, 2011
SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "Powderhorn Mountain Resort set to open December 15th"
"MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KKCO) - Many people in the Grand Valley are eager to see what the new and improved Powderhorn Mountain Resort will look like.
The resort will open on Thursday morning. At 8:45am, members of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce will be on hand for a ribbon cutting to celebrate. The first chair will head up the moutain a short time later...."
(KKCO)
(Read more? Click title.)
December 13, 2011
SandBox Comments: Red State "The Omnibus: 3 x 24 = 72 "
Good grief.
Hey, that half-time congress and senate thing is sounding better day, isn't it?
"The House is set to pass a trillion dollar spending bill. Sources say we can expect the bill to be posted online sometime close to midnight tonight. I have no doubt that the bill will include all kinds of hidden earmarks and spending gimmicks. But the clever bill writers will make these hard to find. This is why it is so important that the public and Members of Congress have a chance to read the bill before it comes to the House floor.
In the much ballyhooed Pledge to Nowhere, the House promised to post all bills online for three days prior to consideration.
Jo Maney of House Rules Committee clarified that three days does not mean 72 hours. According to my math, 3 x 24 = 72. But thanks for the clarification...."
(Erick Erickson)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Hey, that half-time congress and senate thing is sounding better day, isn't it?
"The House is set to pass a trillion dollar spending bill. Sources say we can expect the bill to be posted online sometime close to midnight tonight. I have no doubt that the bill will include all kinds of hidden earmarks and spending gimmicks. But the clever bill writers will make these hard to find. This is why it is so important that the public and Members of Congress have a chance to read the bill before it comes to the House floor.
In the much ballyhooed Pledge to Nowhere, the House promised to post all bills online for three days prior to consideration.
Jo Maney of House Rules Committee clarified that three days does not mean 72 hours. According to my math, 3 x 24 = 72. But thanks for the clarification...."
(Erick Erickson)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Weasel Zippers "Obama: My Presidential Achievements Surpass Any Other President “With The Possible Exceptions” of Lincoln, FDR And LBJ…"
Zip: "He'll be lucky if he's judged higher than Jimmy Carter."
"President Obama suggested, during his recent CBS interview, that his domestic and foreign policy achievements over his first term surpass any other United States president, “with the possible exceptions” of Presidents Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson.
“I would put our legislative and foreign policy accomplishments in our first two years against any president — with the possible exceptions of Johnson, F.D.R., and Lincoln,” Obama told Steve Kroft, “just in terms of what we’ve gotten done in modern history.”Keep reading…(Beltway Confidential via Weasel Zippers)
SandBox Comments: SkyHi Daily "Former Grand Lake Chamber director, accused of stealing, changes plea to not guilty"
"Former executive director of the Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce, Brad Taylor, 42, accused of stealing funds from the chamber while overseeing its functions, has abandoned his plea agreement with the district attorney and has entered a not guilty plea.
A five-day jury trial has been set for May 14, 2012.
Taylor's former attorney, Jeffrey Herren of Winter Park, quit the case on July 26, claiming his client “failed to pay financial obligations” and did not comply “with requests of his attorney.” Taylor did not file an objection to the claims, according to court documents.
Taylor, who is free on bond, is now being represented by Emily Wickham, deputy state public defender, of Steamboat...."
(Sky-Hi Daily)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
A five-day jury trial has been set for May 14, 2012.
Taylor's former attorney, Jeffrey Herren of Winter Park, quit the case on July 26, claiming his client “failed to pay financial obligations” and did not comply “with requests of his attorney.” Taylor did not file an objection to the claims, according to court documents.
Taylor, who is free on bond, is now being represented by Emily Wickham, deputy state public defender, of Steamboat...."
(Sky-Hi Daily)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Jill Gruenberg "Angry over abuse and harassment"
"I understand that anger is not always the most effective catalyst for social change. At times, the sheer force of anger can be both paralyzing to ourselves and polarizing to others.
I know this, and yet still, I am angry. I don't know how to deny it. I am frustrated at the thought of having to justify it. I certainly don't want to have to apologize for it. In fact, I think it's about time more of us got angry based on the violence against women, girls and boys and the attitudes that condone this injustice that is occurring in our community, our nation and our world. As the popular bumper sticker says, “If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention....”
(Jill Gruenberg)
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to discuss)
I know this, and yet still, I am angry. I don't know how to deny it. I am frustrated at the thought of having to justify it. I certainly don't want to have to apologize for it. In fact, I think it's about time more of us got angry based on the violence against women, girls and boys and the attitudes that condone this injustice that is occurring in our community, our nation and our world. As the popular bumper sticker says, “If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention....”
(Jill Gruenberg)
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit Daily News "Liddick: Education funding ruling a boondoggle"
"Hold on to your wallets, everyone, this is going to hurt. District Judge Sheila Rappaport has single-handedly decided your taxes should go up by 50 percent, minimum. And no whining, because “It's for the children...”
(Morgan Liddick)
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(Morgan Liddick)
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SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Letter to the Editor "Make Aspen more bicycle friendly"
Hear! Hear!
The boondoggle that is the "We-Cycle" and Mirte Mallory and Philip Jeffreys is so unpopular with residents and commuting locals who work in Aspen every day (not to mention the taxpayers who're forced to pay for it) there is no way this is going to be a business that thrives.
And then there's that pesky uncomfortable truth of the bikes costing $6,000 each.
just sayin.
"While We-Cycle might appear to be just the thing, the numbers just don't work, and I can't imagine that the program is financially sound, given the assumptions. Poll a bike shop or two. Use a spreadsheet or the back of an envelope. The goals are laudable, and it's great to take advantage of federal funds. But when I work the numbers, I'm convinced the program will never break even.
Around here, suitable town bikes are nearly free! My current townie bike (with dead front shock and XT shifters) cost me a 12-pack! Isn't that about $6,488 less expensive per bike than the startup costs for We-Cycle?
I suggest we dedicate a couple of parking spots in the Rio Grande garage to bike parking and charge users a monthly fee to lock up a bike there. We can grow the service in response to demand. Fewer cars in town is a laudable goal, but there are many ways to achieve it.
Mike Tullar and others have suggested acquiring cheap bikes and painting them the same color for around-town rides. This solution would at least avoid the boondoggle of We-Cycle. But someone would still have to maintain those bikes. We should make it easy for those so inclined to have their own bikes in town. Why not make more bikes in town easy and scalable rather than hard, expensive and “failable”?
(Sam Cox/Basalt)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The boondoggle that is the "We-Cycle" and Mirte Mallory and Philip Jeffreys is so unpopular with residents and commuting locals who work in Aspen every day (not to mention the taxpayers who're forced to pay for it) there is no way this is going to be a business that thrives.
And then there's that pesky uncomfortable truth of the bikes costing $6,000 each.
just sayin.
"While We-Cycle might appear to be just the thing, the numbers just don't work, and I can't imagine that the program is financially sound, given the assumptions. Poll a bike shop or two. Use a spreadsheet or the back of an envelope. The goals are laudable, and it's great to take advantage of federal funds. But when I work the numbers, I'm convinced the program will never break even.
Around here, suitable town bikes are nearly free! My current townie bike (with dead front shock and XT shifters) cost me a 12-pack! Isn't that about $6,488 less expensive per bike than the startup costs for We-Cycle?
I suggest we dedicate a couple of parking spots in the Rio Grande garage to bike parking and charge users a monthly fee to lock up a bike there. We can grow the service in response to demand. Fewer cars in town is a laudable goal, but there are many ways to achieve it.
Mike Tullar and others have suggested acquiring cheap bikes and painting them the same color for around-town rides. This solution would at least avoid the boondoggle of We-Cycle. But someone would still have to maintain those bikes. We should make it easy for those so inclined to have their own bikes in town. Why not make more bikes in town easy and scalable rather than hard, expensive and “failable”?
(Sam Cox/Basalt)
(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: Vail Daily News "Geothermal exploration in Gypsum is still on the table"
There are four energy forms that Western Colorado should be not just actively pursuing but rapidly pursuing.
We have an abundance of the fuels just going to waste out there every day.
Geothermal energy is one.
Another is biomass with our strong farming and ranching base.
The capture of methane from coal mines.
The capture of energy in the heat and gasses that are a by-product of numerous burning underground coal fires.
"GYPSUM, Colorado — It's taken longer than initially predicted, but the plan to explore geothermal possibilities in Gypsum is still in the works.
Flint Eagle LLC first approached the town of Gypsum in 2010, asking for cooperation in drilling an exploratory well at the Eagle County Regional Airport. The well would be about 4,000 feet deep and 77⁄8 inches in diameter — just enough to test the water temperature, volume and chemistry.
Lee Robinson, of Flint Eagle, hopes to find water in the Rio Grande Rift that's hot enough to use for heating or energy. The concept of going that deep is a relatively new one. Most geothermal resources that are used today are much closer to the Earth's surface.
Since he first approached the town of Gypsum, the permitting has become more involved than initially predicted. Mineral and water rights had to be determined first, and now Robinson is working with the Department of Water Resources for permits that clarify and stipulate all the procedures that will be used for the well.
“Right now, it's a paper process,” Robinson said. “It details how the operation will be conducted but there is nothing that is controversial. Our objective now is to test the volume, chemistry and temperature.”
Robinson hopes to get a draft permit within the first quarter of 2012. If that happens, he would be drilling the exploratory well within a year.
“The permit would stipulate when the operations occur,” he said. “These things take time. We're still very much on the radar, though.”
Aspen is drilling for a potential geothermal resource, as well. In July, the Aspen City Council obtained a permit to drill as deep as 1,500 feet. Last week, the exploratory well reached 1,000 feet — where the water was predicted to be — but had yet to reach anything. The company doing the drilling believed it was close, however, according to the Aspen Daily News.
Geothermal and geo-exchange projects are proliferating in this part of Colorado as technology improves...."
(Derek Franz)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
We have an abundance of the fuels just going to waste out there every day.
Geothermal energy is one.
Another is biomass with our strong farming and ranching base.
The capture of methane from coal mines.
The capture of energy in the heat and gasses that are a by-product of numerous burning underground coal fires.
"GYPSUM, Colorado — It's taken longer than initially predicted, but the plan to explore geothermal possibilities in Gypsum is still in the works.
Flint Eagle LLC first approached the town of Gypsum in 2010, asking for cooperation in drilling an exploratory well at the Eagle County Regional Airport. The well would be about 4,000 feet deep and 77⁄8 inches in diameter — just enough to test the water temperature, volume and chemistry.
Lee Robinson, of Flint Eagle, hopes to find water in the Rio Grande Rift that's hot enough to use for heating or energy. The concept of going that deep is a relatively new one. Most geothermal resources that are used today are much closer to the Earth's surface.
Since he first approached the town of Gypsum, the permitting has become more involved than initially predicted. Mineral and water rights had to be determined first, and now Robinson is working with the Department of Water Resources for permits that clarify and stipulate all the procedures that will be used for the well.
“Right now, it's a paper process,” Robinson said. “It details how the operation will be conducted but there is nothing that is controversial. Our objective now is to test the volume, chemistry and temperature.”
Robinson hopes to get a draft permit within the first quarter of 2012. If that happens, he would be drilling the exploratory well within a year.
“The permit would stipulate when the operations occur,” he said. “These things take time. We're still very much on the radar, though.”
Aspen is drilling for a potential geothermal resource, as well. In July, the Aspen City Council obtained a permit to drill as deep as 1,500 feet. Last week, the exploratory well reached 1,000 feet — where the water was predicted to be — but had yet to reach anything. The company doing the drilling believed it was close, however, according to the Aspen Daily News.
Geothermal and geo-exchange projects are proliferating in this part of Colorado as technology improves...."
(Derek Franz)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Intellectual Conservative "More on the Great Green Energy Bust"
Terrific article from Gary Jason. Somewhere out there on 'Intellectual Conservative'. A blog that sees its fair share of lawyers with pens.
Love the way he closes off this piece: "This is what comes of having an economically illiterate and morally corrupt affirmative action lawyer/community organizer take over energy policy." (Gary Jason)
lol.
Every day, here in America more and more voices are raised in protest.
just sayin...
"Keystone would have created 20,000 high paying jobs–in the Regime’s terms, shovel ready jobs–compared to the risible 1,100 jobs Solyndra brought–and only temporarily at that!
More articles are reporting the Great Green Energy Bubble Bust, that is, the collapse of the dream of replacing fossil fuels by such sources as solar power, wind power, and bio-fuels.
The first reports that the Labor Department has announced that all of Solyndra’s 1,100 former employees are eligible now for federal aid such as “income assistance” and job retraining. These goodies are going to cost the U.S. Taxpayer about $13,000 per person (for a total of $14.3 million).
This is on top of the $528 million that this failed solar company will cost the taxpayer because of the sweetheart deal the Regime’s Department of Energy (DOE) gave the company, one primarily owned by a billionaire (George Kaiser) who had contributed heavily to Obama’s election campaign...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
Love the way he closes off this piece: "This is what comes of having an economically illiterate and morally corrupt affirmative action lawyer/community organizer take over energy policy." (Gary Jason)
lol.
Every day, here in America more and more voices are raised in protest.
just sayin...
"Keystone would have created 20,000 high paying jobs–in the Regime’s terms, shovel ready jobs–compared to the risible 1,100 jobs Solyndra brought–and only temporarily at that!
More articles are reporting the Great Green Energy Bubble Bust, that is, the collapse of the dream of replacing fossil fuels by such sources as solar power, wind power, and bio-fuels.
The first reports that the Labor Department has announced that all of Solyndra’s 1,100 former employees are eligible now for federal aid such as “income assistance” and job retraining. These goodies are going to cost the U.S. Taxpayer about $13,000 per person (for a total of $14.3 million).
This is on top of the $528 million that this failed solar company will cost the taxpayer because of the sweetheart deal the Regime’s Department of Energy (DOE) gave the company, one primarily owned by a billionaire (George Kaiser) who had contributed heavily to Obama’s election campaign...."
(Gary Jason)
(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: Steamboat Today "Jimmy Westlake: Look out for Geminid meteor shower"
"Steamboat Springs — The annual Geminid meteor shower peaks this week, but it will be competing against the bright December moonlight. Unlike most other annual meteor showers that have been around for centuries, the Geminid shower is a relative newcomer to our skies. No one reported seeing any Geminid meteors before the year 1862, but every December since that year, the Geminid shower has appeared on schedule and seems to be getting stronger and better each year. Astronomers predict that this year’s Geminid meteor shower could produce 120 meteors per hour at its peak...."
(Jimmy Westlake)
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(Jimmy Westlake)
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December 12, 2011
SandBox Comments: Stars and Stripes "Army honors WWII nurse for aiding U.S. troops during Battle of the Bulge"
Ms. Chiwy, thank you so much for your service.
A delightful story of extraordinary bravery and service.
Steven Beardsley:
"...Chiwy also once accompanied Prior to the front lines to retrieve wounded. According to King, when Prior remarked that Chiwy’s small size must be the reason she wasn’t wounded by oncoming fire, she replied, “ ‘Oh, so they’re not going to see a black face in white snow? They’re just bad shots.’ ”
King describes Chiwy as a wry wit with the “heart of an ox” in a 5-foot, 2-inch frame. Born in Africa of a Belgian father and Congolese mother, she was sent to Belgium in her youth for an education. She attended nursing school and was working near Brussels in 1944 when she made her way to Bastogne.
In the chaotic days that followed, Prior and Chiwy developed a close relationship, King said. The doctor brought Chiwy to work with him at the 101st headquarters in Heintz Barracks after the aid station’s destruction. When someone raised concerns over a black woman treating white soldiers, Prior fought for her, King said.
Chiwy hoped to continue with the division after it left Bastogne, but was told she wasn’t needed.
King said he needed four years to get Chiwy’s story from her and compare it to Prior’s diaries, along with official reports from the war. Also at Monday’s ceremony was a representative from Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, and retired Gen. David Petraeus, former 101st commander, wrote a letter for the ceremony, said Col. Greg Julian, public affairs officer for SHAPE. McGee later said that, even now, Chiwy looked like someone capable of braving the enemy.
“She still has that fire,” he said. “You can just tell.”
King, who sat next to Chiwy during the ceremony, said when they first walked into Monday’s event, she turned to him and said in French, “ ‘They took their bloody time, didn’t they?’....”
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to discuss)
A delightful story of extraordinary bravery and service.
Steven Beardsley:
"...Chiwy also once accompanied Prior to the front lines to retrieve wounded. According to King, when Prior remarked that Chiwy’s small size must be the reason she wasn’t wounded by oncoming fire, she replied, “ ‘Oh, so they’re not going to see a black face in white snow? They’re just bad shots.’ ”
King describes Chiwy as a wry wit with the “heart of an ox” in a 5-foot, 2-inch frame. Born in Africa of a Belgian father and Congolese mother, she was sent to Belgium in her youth for an education. She attended nursing school and was working near Brussels in 1944 when she made her way to Bastogne.
In the chaotic days that followed, Prior and Chiwy developed a close relationship, King said. The doctor brought Chiwy to work with him at the 101st headquarters in Heintz Barracks after the aid station’s destruction. When someone raised concerns over a black woman treating white soldiers, Prior fought for her, King said.
Chiwy hoped to continue with the division after it left Bastogne, but was told she wasn’t needed.
King said he needed four years to get Chiwy’s story from her and compare it to Prior’s diaries, along with official reports from the war. Also at Monday’s ceremony was a representative from Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, and retired Gen. David Petraeus, former 101st commander, wrote a letter for the ceremony, said Col. Greg Julian, public affairs officer for SHAPE. McGee later said that, even now, Chiwy looked like someone capable of braving the enemy.
“She still has that fire,” he said. “You can just tell.”
King, who sat next to Chiwy during the ceremony, said when they first walked into Monday’s event, she turned to him and said in French, “ ‘They took their bloody time, didn’t they?’....”
(Read the rest? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments; KJCT News 8 "Lawsuit Claims Troopers Covered Up Crash"
Out of respect for Garfield County Sheriff, comment ability is disabled on this post.
"DENVER -- A Littleton family injured in a car crash involving the former Garfield County sheriff claims the officer got special treatment by the Colorado State Patrol.
The family has filed a lawsuit in federal court that says troopers never checked former sheriff Verne Soucie for impairment after the 2009 crash and didn't seek out witnesses...."
(KJCT News 8)
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"DENVER -- A Littleton family injured in a car crash involving the former Garfield County sheriff claims the officer got special treatment by the Colorado State Patrol.
The family has filed a lawsuit in federal court that says troopers never checked former sheriff Verne Soucie for impairment after the 2009 crash and didn't seek out witnesses...."
(KJCT News 8)
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Sand Box Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Senators should stay out of the fray over unitization"
Thank you, Rep. Scott for being the first and only one to step up and call a spade a spade.
The rules and processes technically do not allow Sen. Udall and Sen. Bennet to lodge the interference they have to date over the unitization requests.
"....Of course, all affected parties and stakeholders need to be active in future NEPA analysis, but we also need to abide by the rules and processes currently in place.
To that end, Sens. Udall and Bennet need to refrain from future attempts to insert themselves in this and any other unitization request through the BLM.
Finally, I support the stated intentions of the Thompson Divide Coalition and the Community for Thompson Divide to have input in the way these federal lands are managed.
I encourage both groups and all concerned citizens to familiarize themselves with the NEPA process and to stay engaged as the Lake Ridge unit moves forward. There will be many opportunities for public comment before any development occurs, and I wholeheartedly support members of the community making their voices heard.
Ray Scott of Grand Junction represents District 54 in the Colorado House of Representatives."
(Ray Scott)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The rules and processes technically do not allow Sen. Udall and Sen. Bennet to lodge the interference they have to date over the unitization requests.
"....Of course, all affected parties and stakeholders need to be active in future NEPA analysis, but we also need to abide by the rules and processes currently in place.
To that end, Sens. Udall and Bennet need to refrain from future attempts to insert themselves in this and any other unitization request through the BLM.
Finally, I support the stated intentions of the Thompson Divide Coalition and the Community for Thompson Divide to have input in the way these federal lands are managed.
I encourage both groups and all concerned citizens to familiarize themselves with the NEPA process and to stay engaged as the Lake Ridge unit moves forward. There will be many opportunities for public comment before any development occurs, and I wholeheartedly support members of the community making their voices heard.
Ray Scott of Grand Junction represents District 54 in the Colorado House of Representatives."
(Ray Scott)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Durango Herald "Tipton reviews his first year in Congress"
Scott Tipton has done a terrific job. The best personality fit for the job of any candidate that was in the race.
SandBox is glad to see him running again and supports his race.
With that said, we don't blame him if this next stint in office is his last one. Anybody who would want to be a career politician in these times is an anomaly.
"WASHINGTON – For U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, the last year in Congress – his first – has been nearly as frustrating from the inside as it has been to the broader public, whose opinion of the legislative body has dipped to record lows.
SandBox is glad to see him running again and supports his race.
With that said, we don't blame him if this next stint in office is his last one. Anybody who would want to be a career politician in these times is an anomaly.
"WASHINGTON – For U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, the last year in Congress – his first – has been nearly as frustrating from the inside as it has been to the broader public, whose opinion of the legislative body has dipped to record lows.
“People are genuinely concerned,” he said during a sit-down interview with The Durango Herald.
“There is no confidence because they’ve seen nothing, outside of what we’ve put forward that is sitting in the Senate, that moves to reduce the size of government...”
(ROCÍO GONZÁLEZ)
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SandBox Comments: Craig Daily Press "Candidate emerges: Brett Barkey announces bid to become next DA"
(See related story here)
"There will be a shakeup next year in the tri-county 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, encompassing Moffat, Routt and Grand counties.
District attorney Elizabeth Oldham said Saturday she wouldn’t seek re-election, a move she’s contemplated for some time now.
“When I finally came to the decision that I wasn’t going to run again, I started searching for someone I thought would be good to transition into that role,” Oldham said. “I wouldn’t say bringing Brett (Barkey) in was a calculated move, but he is someone I think would bring a lot of experience to the office.”
Barkey, 50, a Hayden resident and the 14th’s assistant district attorney, announced Saturday he’s seeking the district attorney’s position in the November 2012 election...."
(Joe Moylan)
When will the folks 'buy the pitch'?
When is it appropriate for an elected by the public District Attorney to engage in legalese manipulation through creative interpretations (or) anything aimed at political gain?
Only during campaign season for the latter. Never for the former.
Brett Barkey is in the running for the 14th. Will he have a competitor and turn it into a race? If not, then that's OK because Barkey is a conservative running as a Republican.
The folks are probably thinking District Attorney Oldham has made a good choice.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"There will be a shakeup next year in the tri-county 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, encompassing Moffat, Routt and Grand counties.
District attorney Elizabeth Oldham said Saturday she wouldn’t seek re-election, a move she’s contemplated for some time now.
“When I finally came to the decision that I wasn’t going to run again, I started searching for someone I thought would be good to transition into that role,” Oldham said. “I wouldn’t say bringing Brett (Barkey) in was a calculated move, but he is someone I think would bring a lot of experience to the office.”
Barkey, 50, a Hayden resident and the 14th’s assistant district attorney, announced Saturday he’s seeking the district attorney’s position in the November 2012 election...."
(Joe Moylan)
When will the folks 'buy the pitch'?
When is it appropriate for an elected by the public District Attorney to engage in legalese manipulation through creative interpretations (or) anything aimed at political gain?
Only during campaign season for the latter. Never for the former.
Brett Barkey is in the running for the 14th. Will he have a competitor and turn it into a race? If not, then that's OK because Barkey is a conservative running as a Republican.
The folks are probably thinking District Attorney Oldham has made a good choice.
(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: Pueblo Chieftain "No-staff crossing planned in Texas "
"BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas — The bloody drug war in Mexico shows no sign of relenting. Neither do calls for tighter border security amid rising fears of spillover violence.
This hardly seems a time the U.S. would be willing to allow people to cross the border legally from Mexico without a customs officer in sight. But in this rugged, remote West Texas terrain where wading across the shallow Rio Grande undetected is all too easy, federal authorities are touting a proposal to open an unmanned port of entry as a security upgrade.
By spring, kiosks could open up in Big Bend National Park allowing people from the tiny Mexican town of Boquillas del Carmen to scan their identity documents and talk to a customs officer in another location, at least 100 miles away...."
(via Pueblo Chieftain)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
This hardly seems a time the U.S. would be willing to allow people to cross the border legally from Mexico without a customs officer in sight. But in this rugged, remote West Texas terrain where wading across the shallow Rio Grande undetected is all too easy, federal authorities are touting a proposal to open an unmanned port of entry as a security upgrade.
By spring, kiosks could open up in Big Bend National Park allowing people from the tiny Mexican town of Boquillas del Carmen to scan their identity documents and talk to a customs officer in another location, at least 100 miles away...."
(via Pueblo Chieftain)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Crimes-against-kids cases a major concern in budget negotiations"
"Hilkey is asking to restore some of the investigation abilities lost in 2010 budget cutting.
The investigations of crimes against children have suffered significantly, the Sheriff’s Department said in budget documents. With the loss of an investigator’s position, the caseload per investigator has almost doubled, from 9.9 to 18.5 cases per complex-crimes unit investigator, delaying responses to those cases.
“In 2010 we responded in days” to such reports, the sheriff’s budget request says. “In 2011 we are responding in weeks....”
(Gary Harmon)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The investigations of crimes against children have suffered significantly, the Sheriff’s Department said in budget documents. With the loss of an investigator’s position, the caseload per investigator has almost doubled, from 9.9 to 18.5 cases per complex-crimes unit investigator, delaying responses to those cases.
“In 2010 we responded in days” to such reports, the sheriff’s budget request says. “In 2011 we are responding in weeks....”
(Gary Harmon)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Alpine Bank – Backs Off in ongoing Cordillera Litigation"
Good morning, dear readers. This morning, 'SandBox Nanny' is bringing back out of archives one of your fav commentary pieces.
"Exactly, how do the acts of 'unjust enrichment' and 'tortious interference' really play out in the real world of the common construction industry worker?"
Let us begin:
Let's pick any one of the hot-beds of fodder for our topic. Like say, any private golf course development in the area. All the same. Or, if you prefer to use a gated community, that's fine. All the same.
For simplicity's sake, we'll use 'Generic Golf Course Development (GGCD)' in order to not send certain closet readers of SandBox into the throes of panic that the cops and judicial task forces are going to finally come rolling down the driveway at any moment now with those oh, so embarrassing lights flashing.
Here's the crux of the problem:
Let's hypothetically say that the plans, scope and construction budget for one house in the development is $1.1 million. The course developer sold some lots to a builder. The builder then sold this lot to a local couple. That local couple, unknown to anyone except Golf Course Developer, is also an overall investor in the entire development. And that local couple has a few skeltons in their closet that have been brewing and simmering to come out for a long, long time. As it turns out, so does the builder and the Golf Course Developer.
The owner/developer has been around a long time, prominent in the community, attends all the social and politically correct functions and organization memberships. Names are splashed all over the media and are common household topics of conversation for many.
They find a builder that is well-known but nevertheless in need of some work and sort-of has a reputation for being an easy push-over. And since it's such a small world, they bought the lot from him! And they share the same bookkeeper! (wink, wink)
The talk gets talked. Now, the important thing to remember here is intent and it is way, way back at this moment of agreement that all things future are going to to stem from. One hears 'we'll save money at every point we can and give you a great build'. Another hears 'the budget is for the plans and scope at this moment. That changes, then money changes.' Another in this trio of soon-to-be miscreants hears 'it's her dream house, we'll give her anything she wants'.
Remember now, Golf Course Developer Guy is nowhere in the conversation because the builder is the seller of the lot.
In our hypothetical scenario with the 'GGCD' project, it would turn out later down the road that the husband and wife team were worlds apart on thinking of 'how' their dream home was going to be built. All the builder and every industry related trades and professionals coming in behind him know is that the rule of law is the plans, the budget, the choices made by the owner/developer and the quality at the end.
In construction, your talent, skill and output are your own but they are based solely on executing what you're told to do. Smart industry members keep detailed records of what they're told to do. That way, when the usual time in most builds when an owner or trade or vendor takes things south and attempts to flip the blame of their actions over on to you; there is a record of what really happened.
Let's pick up the pace here and get away from this boring part of our commentary:
"...So, the talk is talked. Builder starts up on a loose contract and handshake. (After all, 'Suzy socialite' is in the news every day, how can these people possibly go south?)
Trades and everyone else piles on with the builder footing the bill.
The owner/wife there daily and slipping in change after change to the scope. Builder's starting to toss and turn at night, but, the first few checks from the husband who's really not on the same page to start with roll in and are on time. And you do have that tiny little clause in your loose handshake from one of those stellar pillars of the community who did say they wanted your best and were willing to pay for it. "It's her dream", after all.
Time marches on as always in the world of men, machines, dirt, framing and wiring.
"Oh!!! My dream!! My vision!! And just look, honey!! I found all of our plumbing fixtures and lighting at 'Milly's Repo Mall' and 'Overstock Extravaganza'!!!! For a fraction of what the plumber and electrician want to charge!!!! See what a good manager I am? Just look!"
"Oh, Mr. Plumber Man! See what I bought? These are just perfect, aren't they? But wait, I'm still not sure if I want to add that 10th bathroom and dog wash. But I will let you know soon just as soon as we get back from the interior designer I hired 3 months ago and have drawing up all new plans!"
"Huh?" says, Mr. Plumber Man. "Lady, I'm at the rough in stage. We can't add another bathroom. Who's the designer? This is her idea?"
"Oh, no!!! It's my idea, it's my dream!!! She keeps saying absolutely not, but frankly she can be a real force to be reckoned with and I'm not sure if even I can get her away from her firm stance. But I'm the best, don't you know!!! By hook or crook, that's my motto!!"
"Yea. If it's her she's not going to back down or cave to you so we're safe and you're dreaming. If you want to make changes, you need to get with Builder Man and stop the project until you're sure. What is this stuff you bought? Lady, 'Milly's Repo Mall' is the worst. You just bought a 3/4" fitting for a 1/2" outlet. And there's no thing-a-ma-jig that's the most important part of the whole thing. This stuff is worthless. Huh....WTH??!!!....what're you doin?"
"HOW DARE YOU!! I am the owner and I sign your checks. I'm getting my husband. These are the faucets I want. It's my dream!!! What are you doing?"
"Packing up, Lady. Have Builder Man give me a call when you all get it worked out."
The next day when the trades arrive on site, Builder Man says: "Go on home, everybody". Golf Course Owner Family hasn't paid the payments on the land I sold to 'Queen of Mean and hubby aka the old Suzy socialite and quiet, mild-mannered husband' to build this thing on. Didn't pay the utility PUD fees for the development, spent the money on the latest lawn mowers for the golf course. And there's some kind of flap about investors with money from God only knows where that the Golf Course Owner Family trusted in the beginning. Surprise, surprise that the quiet hubby on this job is one of those investors. But we've got a tiny little clause in my loose handshake on this and it'll be alright because we've got 'Designer Force Lady who the old Suzy Socialite talked into racking up a mongo A/R bill' running interference for us. And I can always repo the dirt it sits on."
Trudging off to their trucks and units, all the trades are heard muttering under their breath that 'this thing is going to Antartica it's that far south'.
Builder Man starts to drive off down the road and Golf Course Owner Family blocks the road. "WTH?? Where are you going?? The owner of that one holds all the cards on the money I need to stay out of class-action!! Tick him off and I'm doomed!!!"
"What do you mean you're doomed? As of this moment you're without the dirt the thing sits on because he's holding payment back on everything until his wife is happy. I'm slamming the lid until you're all worked out AND have that dame under some kind of control. She's driving us nuts!"
Three years later, the house has been forced built at the cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars in loss to everyone working on it. But the Queen of Mean aka Suzy socialite is thrilled because she did get her 'Milly's Repo Mall' specials after all and with what they didn't pay everyone, the house appraised at nearly $2 million but was built for half of that!! What a gal, what savings!
The amenities of the development aren't up to par or even fully running.
Class action lawsuit by enraged homeowners that can't golf are whipped into a fake frenzy by the 'Queen of Mean aka Suzy socialite' in order to hide her being the force that spun it all into chaos and her husband having some minor concerns about how some of their wealth accumulated over the years. Dinero he used to be an original investor in the whole mess.
Designer Force Lady and a couple others in the Builder Man's world still struggling to get paid and clear. The 555th district DA trying to be involved but caved to the powers that be and keeps sitting back waiting for more to shake out of the branches of the tree so he can maybe fill in all his holes.
Now, dear readers. Who is the culprit that is the tort interference and unjust enrichment in our hypothetical scenario?
The Golf Course Owner Family, the quiet, mild-mannered hubby with his group of investors and all cronies in-between.
Who are the victims? Not the ones in the middle like Builder Man. He came out pretty flat. The victims are everyone from there on down the food chain."
But, hey Dave!
Slippery but nice and slick move to get some payments caught up at that alleged crony of everyone Alpine Bank!
And the beat goes on...
(Read the article from those top-notch investigative reporters Della Street and Paul Drake? Click title)
"Exactly, how do the acts of 'unjust enrichment' and 'tortious interference' really play out in the real world of the common construction industry worker?"
Let us begin:
Let's pick any one of the hot-beds of fodder for our topic. Like say, any private golf course development in the area. All the same. Or, if you prefer to use a gated community, that's fine. All the same.
For simplicity's sake, we'll use 'Generic Golf Course Development (GGCD)' in order to not send certain closet readers of SandBox into the throes of panic that the cops and judicial task forces are going to finally come rolling down the driveway at any moment now with those oh, so embarrassing lights flashing.
Here's the crux of the problem:
Let's hypothetically say that the plans, scope and construction budget for one house in the development is $1.1 million. The course developer sold some lots to a builder. The builder then sold this lot to a local couple. That local couple, unknown to anyone except Golf Course Developer, is also an overall investor in the entire development. And that local couple has a few skeltons in their closet that have been brewing and simmering to come out for a long, long time. As it turns out, so does the builder and the Golf Course Developer.
The owner/developer has been around a long time, prominent in the community, attends all the social and politically correct functions and organization memberships. Names are splashed all over the media and are common household topics of conversation for many.
They find a builder that is well-known but nevertheless in need of some work and sort-of has a reputation for being an easy push-over. And since it's such a small world, they bought the lot from him! And they share the same bookkeeper! (wink, wink)
The talk gets talked. Now, the important thing to remember here is intent and it is way, way back at this moment of agreement that all things future are going to to stem from. One hears 'we'll save money at every point we can and give you a great build'. Another hears 'the budget is for the plans and scope at this moment. That changes, then money changes.' Another in this trio of soon-to-be miscreants hears 'it's her dream house, we'll give her anything she wants'.
Remember now, Golf Course Developer Guy is nowhere in the conversation because the builder is the seller of the lot.
In our hypothetical scenario with the 'GGCD' project, it would turn out later down the road that the husband and wife team were worlds apart on thinking of 'how' their dream home was going to be built. All the builder and every industry related trades and professionals coming in behind him know is that the rule of law is the plans, the budget, the choices made by the owner/developer and the quality at the end.
In construction, your talent, skill and output are your own but they are based solely on executing what you're told to do. Smart industry members keep detailed records of what they're told to do. That way, when the usual time in most builds when an owner or trade or vendor takes things south and attempts to flip the blame of their actions over on to you; there is a record of what really happened.
Let's pick up the pace here and get away from this boring part of our commentary:
"...So, the talk is talked. Builder starts up on a loose contract and handshake. (After all, 'Suzy socialite' is in the news every day, how can these people possibly go south?)
Trades and everyone else piles on with the builder footing the bill.
The owner/wife there daily and slipping in change after change to the scope. Builder's starting to toss and turn at night, but, the first few checks from the husband who's really not on the same page to start with roll in and are on time. And you do have that tiny little clause in your loose handshake from one of those stellar pillars of the community who did say they wanted your best and were willing to pay for it. "It's her dream", after all.
Time marches on as always in the world of men, machines, dirt, framing and wiring.
"Oh!!! My dream!! My vision!! And just look, honey!! I found all of our plumbing fixtures and lighting at 'Milly's Repo Mall' and 'Overstock Extravaganza'!!!! For a fraction of what the plumber and electrician want to charge!!!! See what a good manager I am? Just look!"
"Oh, Mr. Plumber Man! See what I bought? These are just perfect, aren't they? But wait, I'm still not sure if I want to add that 10th bathroom and dog wash. But I will let you know soon just as soon as we get back from the interior designer I hired 3 months ago and have drawing up all new plans!"
"Huh?" says, Mr. Plumber Man. "Lady, I'm at the rough in stage. We can't add another bathroom. Who's the designer? This is her idea?"
"Oh, no!!! It's my idea, it's my dream!!! She keeps saying absolutely not, but frankly she can be a real force to be reckoned with and I'm not sure if even I can get her away from her firm stance. But I'm the best, don't you know!!! By hook or crook, that's my motto!!"
"Yea. If it's her she's not going to back down or cave to you so we're safe and you're dreaming. If you want to make changes, you need to get with Builder Man and stop the project until you're sure. What is this stuff you bought? Lady, 'Milly's Repo Mall' is the worst. You just bought a 3/4" fitting for a 1/2" outlet. And there's no thing-a-ma-jig that's the most important part of the whole thing. This stuff is worthless. Huh....WTH??!!!....what're you doin?"
"HOW DARE YOU!! I am the owner and I sign your checks. I'm getting my husband. These are the faucets I want. It's my dream!!! What are you doing?"
"Packing up, Lady. Have Builder Man give me a call when you all get it worked out."
The next day when the trades arrive on site, Builder Man says: "Go on home, everybody". Golf Course Owner Family hasn't paid the payments on the land I sold to 'Queen of Mean and hubby aka the old Suzy socialite and quiet, mild-mannered husband' to build this thing on. Didn't pay the utility PUD fees for the development, spent the money on the latest lawn mowers for the golf course. And there's some kind of flap about investors with money from God only knows where that the Golf Course Owner Family trusted in the beginning. Surprise, surprise that the quiet hubby on this job is one of those investors. But we've got a tiny little clause in my loose handshake on this and it'll be alright because we've got 'Designer Force Lady who the old Suzy Socialite talked into racking up a mongo A/R bill' running interference for us. And I can always repo the dirt it sits on."
Trudging off to their trucks and units, all the trades are heard muttering under their breath that 'this thing is going to Antartica it's that far south'.
Builder Man starts to drive off down the road and Golf Course Owner Family blocks the road. "WTH?? Where are you going?? The owner of that one holds all the cards on the money I need to stay out of class-action!! Tick him off and I'm doomed!!!"
"What do you mean you're doomed? As of this moment you're without the dirt the thing sits on because he's holding payment back on everything until his wife is happy. I'm slamming the lid until you're all worked out AND have that dame under some kind of control. She's driving us nuts!"
Three years later, the house has been forced built at the cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars in loss to everyone working on it. But the Queen of Mean aka Suzy socialite is thrilled because she did get her 'Milly's Repo Mall' specials after all and with what they didn't pay everyone, the house appraised at nearly $2 million but was built for half of that!! What a gal, what savings!
The amenities of the development aren't up to par or even fully running.
Class action lawsuit by enraged homeowners that can't golf are whipped into a fake frenzy by the 'Queen of Mean aka Suzy socialite' in order to hide her being the force that spun it all into chaos and her husband having some minor concerns about how some of their wealth accumulated over the years. Dinero he used to be an original investor in the whole mess.
Designer Force Lady and a couple others in the Builder Man's world still struggling to get paid and clear. The 555th district DA trying to be involved but caved to the powers that be and keeps sitting back waiting for more to shake out of the branches of the tree so he can maybe fill in all his holes.
Now, dear readers. Who is the culprit that is the tort interference and unjust enrichment in our hypothetical scenario?
The Golf Course Owner Family, the quiet, mild-mannered hubby with his group of investors and all cronies in-between.
Who are the victims? Not the ones in the middle like Builder Man. He came out pretty flat. The victims are everyone from there on down the food chain."
But, hey Dave!
Slippery but nice and slick move to get some payments caught up at that alleged crony of everyone Alpine Bank!
And the beat goes on...
(Read the article from those top-notch investigative reporters Della Street and Paul Drake? Click title)
"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 "Recession snuffs Aspen Skiing Co.'s need for foreign workers"
(See related op-ed piece from Johnny Boyd here)
It's embarrassing. Laughed at in private and a true joke. Who would you trust to have your back in a fight for life or death? A self-proclaimed elite pillar of society in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale or Aspen? NO WAY! Would be a totally worthless proposition.
Spend enough time interviewing the common folks up and down the valley and that is what they're going to end up telling you.
What a wagon load of manure this article is, Mr. Condon.
The Skico has the heat of the changes NLRB forced them to make through the portions of Lee Mulcahy's lawsuit that he did win.
The Skico has unrelenting bad PR, respected opinion columnists and avatars all over the region keeping up the chatter over their alleged illegal immigration practices including under investigation abuses of J1 Visas and H2B Visas. Give Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colorado) a call and find out where all that is at, won't you? Thanks.
Reality, is that the Skico has never pushed for locals to work for them. Never. They pull in the much cheaper foreign workers long in advance of hiring time and leave no room for local workers. They make money off all that housing they own and fairly worthless benefits they use to entice those workers. If not revenue then in all kinds of tax and asset breaks.
These aren't wild conspiracy theories, Mr. Condon. They're facts based on decades of locals 'living with the Aspen Ski Corp'.
They can't blame anything on the 'Great Recession', 'George Bush', 'Lee Mulcahy', 'bitching locals' or that Ullr probably isn't coming around much this year.
Paula and Jim Crown and the Skico have only themselves to blame for all their problems, including flat sales a couple years in a row.
What a wagon load of manure this article is.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
It's embarrassing. Laughed at in private and a true joke. Who would you trust to have your back in a fight for life or death? A self-proclaimed elite pillar of society in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale or Aspen? NO WAY! Would be a totally worthless proposition.
Spend enough time interviewing the common folks up and down the valley and that is what they're going to end up telling you.
What a wagon load of manure this article is, Mr. Condon.
The Skico has the heat of the changes NLRB forced them to make through the portions of Lee Mulcahy's lawsuit that he did win.
The Skico has unrelenting bad PR, respected opinion columnists and avatars all over the region keeping up the chatter over their alleged illegal immigration practices including under investigation abuses of J1 Visas and H2B Visas. Give Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colorado) a call and find out where all that is at, won't you? Thanks.
Reality, is that the Skico has never pushed for locals to work for them. Never. They pull in the much cheaper foreign workers long in advance of hiring time and leave no room for local workers. They make money off all that housing they own and fairly worthless benefits they use to entice those workers. If not revenue then in all kinds of tax and asset breaks.
These aren't wild conspiracy theories, Mr. Condon. They're facts based on decades of locals 'living with the Aspen Ski Corp'.
They can't blame anything on the 'Great Recession', 'George Bush', 'Lee Mulcahy', 'bitching locals' or that Ullr probably isn't coming around much this year.
Paula and Jim Crown and the Skico have only themselves to blame for all their problems, including flat sales a couple years in a row.
What a wagon load of manure this article is.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Johnny Boyd "Reject the slums of Aspen"
(See related story here)
Opinion columnists and commentators keep pounding away on the same points because those points need to be changed.
Silence is simply not an option.
Are we successful? Are all the anonymous (yes, even if you slap your name and photo up you're still 'anonymous' in the world of the internet..how do we really know that's you 'just sayin'? What a ridiculous debate to even waste time on when the content being spoken is what has legitimacy. If we wanted to be recognized for ourselves instead of what we bring to the table, we'd be a politician now, wouldn't we?) voices out here really getting their point across?
You betcha.
Another welcome back this morning goes out to the Boyd. Up on the Aspen Daily News.
Bravo!! Very well done.
Johnny Boyd. In a tribute to Paula and James Crown and their companion in philosophy Warren Klug:
"...If ACRA’s lobbying efforts prove fruitful, the businesses of Aspen would have an unlimited supply of labor that is stripped of all rights granted to American citizens. With no avenue to speak out or air grievances, these “workers in limbo” would be a boon to all employers looking to save a buck. A more cynical policy probably can’t be imagined, though that isn’t a challenge.
During most of the last decade the SkiCo imported its labor from abroad. Its ability to secure visas from the federal government was key in making sure that wages for every business in the valley are kept low in spite of the skyrocketing cost of living. If you can’t move the mountain to the cheap labor, move the cheap labor to the mountain. As the largest employer in the valley, the SkiCo sets the bar for all employers, and especially for ACRA.
The SkiCo ignored the outcry of last year to pay a living wage and the controversy went away. That’s how it usually works in America. Almost every issue is a passing fad. It’s one of the hazards of living in a shallow sound-bite society. SkiCo has no motivation to pay its employees enough to lift them above the poverty line because the pressure is off.
It is this disdain for the American worker that is causing certain segments of society to take to the streets in protest. The avarice of large employers has finally been linked to the economic depression of American workers. The workers are angry and rejecting the circumstances that leave fully employed laborers forced to live in slums because of the greed of employers. The protesters have become liquid for the winter, but this is no passing fad. I fear there will be blood...."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Opinion columnists and commentators keep pounding away on the same points because those points need to be changed.
Silence is simply not an option.
Are we successful? Are all the anonymous (yes, even if you slap your name and photo up you're still 'anonymous' in the world of the internet..how do we really know that's you 'just sayin'? What a ridiculous debate to even waste time on when the content being spoken is what has legitimacy. If we wanted to be recognized for ourselves instead of what we bring to the table, we'd be a politician now, wouldn't we?) voices out here really getting their point across?
You betcha.
Another welcome back this morning goes out to the Boyd. Up on the Aspen Daily News.
Bravo!! Very well done.
Johnny Boyd. In a tribute to Paula and James Crown and their companion in philosophy Warren Klug:
"...If ACRA’s lobbying efforts prove fruitful, the businesses of Aspen would have an unlimited supply of labor that is stripped of all rights granted to American citizens. With no avenue to speak out or air grievances, these “workers in limbo” would be a boon to all employers looking to save a buck. A more cynical policy probably can’t be imagined, though that isn’t a challenge.
During most of the last decade the SkiCo imported its labor from abroad. Its ability to secure visas from the federal government was key in making sure that wages for every business in the valley are kept low in spite of the skyrocketing cost of living. If you can’t move the mountain to the cheap labor, move the cheap labor to the mountain. As the largest employer in the valley, the SkiCo sets the bar for all employers, and especially for ACRA.
The SkiCo ignored the outcry of last year to pay a living wage and the controversy went away. That’s how it usually works in America. Almost every issue is a passing fad. It’s one of the hazards of living in a shallow sound-bite society. SkiCo has no motivation to pay its employees enough to lift them above the poverty line because the pressure is off.
It is this disdain for the American worker that is causing certain segments of society to take to the streets in protest. The avarice of large employers has finally been linked to the economic depression of American workers. The workers are angry and rejecting the circumstances that leave fully employed laborers forced to live in slums because of the greed of employers. The protesters have become liquid for the winter, but this is no passing fad. I fear there will be blood...."
(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."
December 10, 2011
SandBox Comments: Breitbart TV "Obama Whines: ‘We’ve Been Spending The Last Three Years Cleaning’ Bush’s Mess Up"
Has anyone noticed how much less coverage Obama's campaign is getting this time around?
Even as an incumbent the amount of ink and air-time is very low.
Barack Obama. "The Apostle of Change".
(Watch the video? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Even as an incumbent the amount of ink and air-time is very low.
Barack Obama. "The Apostle of Change".
(Watch the video? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Tree of Mamre "Holder Defends Himself: Misleading Congress and Lying to Congress Are Two Completely Different Things"
Since when does the highest law enforcement officer and prosecutor in the nation get to use legalese tactics during the course of his job?
If he was not a prosecutor as well then law enforcement discretion, maybe.
Holder has never even bothered to pick up the phone to Brian Terry's family.
Be sure to read this article by John Scotus and watch all the videos he has included. Click title.
If he was not a prosecutor as well then law enforcement discretion, maybe.
Holder has never even bothered to pick up the phone to Brian Terry's family.
Be sure to read this article by John Scotus and watch all the videos he has included. Click title.
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Thousands of Colorado marijuana applications on hold"
"DENVER — Some 4,200 medical marijuana applications in Colorado are on hold at the state health department while investigators look at possible fraud.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced Friday that marijuana registry applications from certain physicians are on hold after law enforcement officials witnessed potential patients being seen by someone other than a physician. Colorado law requires a "bona fide" doctor-patient relationship before a physician can recommend marijuana pot for certain ailments..."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced Friday that marijuana registry applications from certain physicians are on hold after law enforcement officials witnessed potential patients being seen by someone other than a physician. Colorado law requires a "bona fide" doctor-patient relationship before a physician can recommend marijuana pot for certain ailments..."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Delta County Independent "Drug task force arrests 4 adults "
"Four Delta residents were arrested Friday, Dec. 4, after the 7th Judicial District Drug Task Force executed three search warrants and seized quantities of methamphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana. The task force searched two homes in the City of Delta and one residence in the Peach Valley area of Delta County.
Task force members were assisted by the Delta County Sheriff's Office, Delta Police Department, Cedaredge Police Department, ATF and the Montrose County Sheriff's Office.
The arrest and search warrants were the conclusion of an investigation over several months of distribution of methamphetamines and purchasing of weapons..."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Task force members were assisted by the Delta County Sheriff's Office, Delta Police Department, Cedaredge Police Department, ATF and the Montrose County Sheriff's Office.
The arrest and search warrants were the conclusion of an investigation over several months of distribution of methamphetamines and purchasing of weapons..."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "State Patrol apologizes to Palisade man after court dismisses charges"
(See related stories here and here)
"On Sundays, James Fletcher of Palisade regularly may have passed Don Moseman in the hallways of Canyon View Vineyard Church in Grand Junction.
On a Saturday in June, Fletcher believes he illegally was arrested by Moseman.
Fletcher said he thought he wasn’t angry anymore at Moseman, the now-former Colorado State Patrol trooper at the heart of a massive probe that is questioning the integrity of years of drunken-driving prosecutions in Mesa County.
“I had to give that anger back to God ... I believe in that Bible verse that says ‘vengeance is mine,’ ” said Fletcher, 51, owner of Jay Max Sales, a mining and drilling-industry parts business.
“I had a peace about things, but last night I couldn’t sleep,” he said. “It still kind of bugged me that it all happened.”
In a letter dated Dec. 1, Moseman’s last day with the State Patrol after a career that spanned two decades, State Patrol Maj. Barry Bratt wrote to Fletcher.
“An extensive investigation has been conducted into your concerns surrounding your arrest on June 25, 2011,” Bratt wrote in the letter. “It is my finding that mistakes were made in this investigation. I apologize to you on behalf of the agency that the trooper did not uphold the high expectations of the Colorado State Patrol. Please be assured that this incident will be handled in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the State Personnel System to ensure it does not happen again....”
(Paul Shockley)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"On Sundays, James Fletcher of Palisade regularly may have passed Don Moseman in the hallways of Canyon View Vineyard Church in Grand Junction.
On a Saturday in June, Fletcher believes he illegally was arrested by Moseman.
Fletcher said he thought he wasn’t angry anymore at Moseman, the now-former Colorado State Patrol trooper at the heart of a massive probe that is questioning the integrity of years of drunken-driving prosecutions in Mesa County.
“I had to give that anger back to God ... I believe in that Bible verse that says ‘vengeance is mine,’ ” said Fletcher, 51, owner of Jay Max Sales, a mining and drilling-industry parts business.
“I had a peace about things, but last night I couldn’t sleep,” he said. “It still kind of bugged me that it all happened.”
In a letter dated Dec. 1, Moseman’s last day with the State Patrol after a career that spanned two decades, State Patrol Maj. Barry Bratt wrote to Fletcher.
“An extensive investigation has been conducted into your concerns surrounding your arrest on June 25, 2011,” Bratt wrote in the letter. “It is my finding that mistakes were made in this investigation. I apologize to you on behalf of the agency that the trooper did not uphold the high expectations of the Colorado State Patrol. Please be assured that this incident will be handled in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the State Personnel System to ensure it does not happen again....”
(Paul Shockley)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "City sales taxes continue to rebound"
Here's an alternate way of looking at the news, 'kids'.
There's no more 'lip gloss on the pig'.
You demanded that cheerleader rally type of unsubstantiated numbers reporting from a vendor be eliminated.
You shouted out for the city to be the voice. While that city voice has yet to appear, it is coming.
Nothing can be done about how the local paper reports revenues, but John Stroud does give a little insight today into an inability to access city numbers for months after the fact. Unlike every other municipality in the area, it appears the City of Glenwood Springs manager and finance department are steady running two months behind in getting their act together on detailed reports.
So, you have what you asked for.
That could be called progress.
On the other hand, 1.75% up overall from the previous year, when all other governments around us are 5% to 12% higher is so, so depressing. Especially when one of the marketing vendor's board of directors and a prominent seat on the tourism board, Carl Moak, is still dreaming big of 2007 numbers.
A dream that ill-suits the responsibility of his position.
The hole we are in, because we are so far behind all others is still at around 60% to 70% loss is now headed into its 5th year. We would have to perform, for a year straight at 50% increase in lodging and tax revenues just to climb out and flat-line to 2007 numbers.
1.75% cannot be called a rebound nor can it come close to being called progress.
John Stroud:
"For the year to date, sales taxes are up 1.75 percent over last year. Sales in 2011 continue to outpace monthly figures for both 2009 and 2010, a trend that began in June.
The numbers bode well for a strong finish to the year. However, retail sales remain behind the city's pre-recession numbers from 2007 and the first 10 months of 2008.
The city will release November numbers in early January, while the December and preliminary year-end numbers are reported in February...."
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
There's no more 'lip gloss on the pig'.
You demanded that cheerleader rally type of unsubstantiated numbers reporting from a vendor be eliminated.
You shouted out for the city to be the voice. While that city voice has yet to appear, it is coming.
Nothing can be done about how the local paper reports revenues, but John Stroud does give a little insight today into an inability to access city numbers for months after the fact. Unlike every other municipality in the area, it appears the City of Glenwood Springs manager and finance department are steady running two months behind in getting their act together on detailed reports.
So, you have what you asked for.
That could be called progress.
On the other hand, 1.75% up overall from the previous year, when all other governments around us are 5% to 12% higher is so, so depressing. Especially when one of the marketing vendor's board of directors and a prominent seat on the tourism board, Carl Moak, is still dreaming big of 2007 numbers.
A dream that ill-suits the responsibility of his position.
The hole we are in, because we are so far behind all others is still at around 60% to 70% loss is now headed into its 5th year. We would have to perform, for a year straight at 50% increase in lodging and tax revenues just to climb out and flat-line to 2007 numbers.
1.75% cannot be called a rebound nor can it come close to being called progress.
John Stroud:
"For the year to date, sales taxes are up 1.75 percent over last year. Sales in 2011 continue to outpace monthly figures for both 2009 and 2010, a trend that began in June.
The numbers bode well for a strong finish to the year. However, retail sales remain behind the city's pre-recession numbers from 2007 and the first 10 months of 2008.
The city will release November numbers in early January, while the December and preliminary year-end numbers are reported in February...."
(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: Aspen Daily News "Aspen needs a black dog of its own"
“A man is not a good man to me because he will feed me if I should be starving, or warm me if I should be freezing, or pull me out of a ditch if I should ever fall into one. I can find you a Newfoundland dog that will do as much.” — Henry David Thoreau Walden"
(From Lorenzo Semple's column, Aspen Daily News)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(From Lorenzo Semple's column, Aspen Daily News)
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SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "It takes all types"
Nope. Colson just isn't looking like he's going to find that slow boat, is he?
Maybe we'll all be fortunate and the Aspen Times will do a clean sweep of opinion columnists that need to be replaced with 'fresh' voices of insight.
"Dear Editor:
I came across John Colson's column for the first time in a while and realized he has yet to find his way aboard a slow boat to another, more fair, land. A magical place where there is no capitalism or opportunity to build upon one's success.
As my eyes meandered down the first nine or 10 lines, I became increasingly impressed with the clarity and creativity in which he describes our country's current challenges and the fact that “we are in a pickle.” His successful beginning quickly turns to frivolous descriptions of the sacrifices of the soldiers, American patriots of the Revolutionary War, whose bravery and hard work (yes, hard work!) gifted us with freedom.
His sadness that there are no true communist countries left in the world to which he can escape has left him content to stay right here in America, where he can continue to practice his right of free speech. Is this the only pillar of our great nation that he is truly fond of? Do you think our Founding Fathers would tip their “charming tri-cornered hats” to Mr. Colson's pickled words?
What about the free speech that the tea baggers are entitled to? Can't Donald Trump wear his hair any way he chooses? It's the differences in all of us that are the beauty of the human race. You can't ever eliminate the interests of the left, or the right...."
(Margaret Wilson Reckling Aspen)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Maybe we'll all be fortunate and the Aspen Times will do a clean sweep of opinion columnists that need to be replaced with 'fresh' voices of insight.
"Dear Editor:
I came across John Colson's column for the first time in a while and realized he has yet to find his way aboard a slow boat to another, more fair, land. A magical place where there is no capitalism or opportunity to build upon one's success.
As my eyes meandered down the first nine or 10 lines, I became increasingly impressed with the clarity and creativity in which he describes our country's current challenges and the fact that “we are in a pickle.” His successful beginning quickly turns to frivolous descriptions of the sacrifices of the soldiers, American patriots of the Revolutionary War, whose bravery and hard work (yes, hard work!) gifted us with freedom.
His sadness that there are no true communist countries left in the world to which he can escape has left him content to stay right here in America, where he can continue to practice his right of free speech. Is this the only pillar of our great nation that he is truly fond of? Do you think our Founding Fathers would tip their “charming tri-cornered hats” to Mr. Colson's pickled words?
What about the free speech that the tea baggers are entitled to? Can't Donald Trump wear his hair any way he chooses? It's the differences in all of us that are the beauty of the human race. You can't ever eliminate the interests of the left, or the right...."
(Margaret Wilson Reckling Aspen)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 9, 2011
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "High hopes for a grocery store, bank in Silt"
"...Perhaps we in Silt can see a light at the end of the dark tunnel. We will know more by the end of the month, so keep us in your thoughts. And a special thanks to all the citizens of Garfield County for the positive and supportive spirit they have shown. I can't help but to believe that all Garfield County is openly or secretively rooting for this small town in western Garfield County. Thanks again...."
(Dave Moore, Mayor Silt)
(oh....whisper...whisper...look!....Dave mentioned us!!.....whisper...whisper....yowza!...)
Yes, 'kids'. That probably is a reference to fans of Dave and Silt who troll from the shadows.
The observation from the local SandBox is first a noticing of how long it's been since Silt Mayor Dave Moore penned one of his targeted missives from the basement of Silt's Town Hall.
Heaven knows they really, really need a grocery store and a bank. But this coming out in the open after so many months tucked away working on bringing things up to speed down in Silt is curious.
Could it be that Dave has begun thinking about higher political aspirations?
What say you?
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Dave Moore, Mayor Silt)
(oh....whisper...whisper...look!....Dave mentioned us!!.....whisper...whisper....yowza!...)
Yes, 'kids'. That probably is a reference to fans of Dave and Silt who troll from the shadows.
The observation from the local SandBox is first a noticing of how long it's been since Silt Mayor Dave Moore penned one of his targeted missives from the basement of Silt's Town Hall.
Heaven knows they really, really need a grocery store and a bank. But this coming out in the open after so many months tucked away working on bringing things up to speed down in Silt is curious.
Could it be that Dave has begun thinking about higher political aspirations?
What say you?
(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/Melanie Sturm "America's ‘Tebows' await their start"
One of The Valley's most respected conservative opinion columnists, Melanie Sturm with a good column on changes America could make immediately to help boost the economy.
Wonder who Sturm is supporting in the presidential races?
"...As improbable as the moniker “Tim Tebow, starting NFL quarterback” once seemed, the U.S. economy, like Tebow, is showing signs of resurgence.
News that the U.S. unemployment rate fell from 9.0 to 8.6 percent in November (though due largely to job seekers exiting the market) is as surprising as Tebow's 6-1 record since becoming the starter. His late-fourth-quarter magic and four come-from-behind victories earned Tebow his teammates' trust, his coaches' confidence and the adoration of Broncos fans.
If only America's private-sector “quarterbacks” were liberated to call their own plays and scramble like an unleashed Tebow, America could win the economic equivalent of the Super Bowl — GDP growth of 4.5 percent and unemployment of 6 percent. If you expect politicians to renounce micromanagement of the U.S. economy as NFL cognoscenti have stopped proclaiming Tebow an NFL bust, Think Again.
If politicians were as wise as Tebow's coach, they'd formulate strategies to get business owners off the sidelines...."
(Melanie Sturm"
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Wonder who Sturm is supporting in the presidential races?
"...As improbable as the moniker “Tim Tebow, starting NFL quarterback” once seemed, the U.S. economy, like Tebow, is showing signs of resurgence.
News that the U.S. unemployment rate fell from 9.0 to 8.6 percent in November (though due largely to job seekers exiting the market) is as surprising as Tebow's 6-1 record since becoming the starter. His late-fourth-quarter magic and four come-from-behind victories earned Tebow his teammates' trust, his coaches' confidence and the adoration of Broncos fans.
If only America's private-sector “quarterbacks” were liberated to call their own plays and scramble like an unleashed Tebow, America could win the economic equivalent of the Super Bowl — GDP growth of 4.5 percent and unemployment of 6 percent. If you expect politicians to renounce micromanagement of the U.S. economy as NFL cognoscenti have stopped proclaiming Tebow an NFL bust, Think Again.
If politicians were as wise as Tebow's coach, they'd formulate strategies to get business owners off the sidelines...."
(Melanie Sturm"
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Obama supporter unhinged"
How important is 'public opinion'?
We all care about what others think of us. In some cases, our entire sense of self is wrapped up in that need. In other cases, public view is capitalized on. In still other cases the internal need for public recognition manifests itself out into forcing the engagement of others into interacting with you. There are those that choose to experiment with manipulating, either positive or negative, public perceptions of themselves. And some who normally would never give up their privacy yet find themselves forced into the public eye and under intense scrutiny to the point where public perception is out of their control.
What category do a strong number of locals think Carl Heck of Aspen falls into?
Probably Door #4 in the choices up there.
But then, Carl is mostly about personal gain and politics.
And politics is certainly not paddy-cake.
Which actually places Carl Heck behind Door #5 in the choices above and his 'victims' behind Door #6.
The good news is that same large group of locals are on to Carl's bag of tricks.
Great letter today from Illya Lenin regarding Carl Heck.
"Editor:
(This is addressed to letter writer Carl Heck).
Hysterics and liberal emotional derangement never garner facts. You apparently are unhinged now; then imagine your insanity when any one of these GOP “clowns” absolutely destroys the bumbling and teleprompterless president in a real debate about his accomplishments and the overwhelming withdrawal of public support for the direction and debt this fool has heaped onto all of us. Make an attempt at being intellectual. Name one thing ObaMao, your fake liberal God on earth, has accomplished that hasn’t usurped our Constitution, cost trillions or laid the ground work for his type of class warfare."
(Illya Lenin, Basalt)
(Comment to discuss)
We all care about what others think of us. In some cases, our entire sense of self is wrapped up in that need. In other cases, public view is capitalized on. In still other cases the internal need for public recognition manifests itself out into forcing the engagement of others into interacting with you. There are those that choose to experiment with manipulating, either positive or negative, public perceptions of themselves. And some who normally would never give up their privacy yet find themselves forced into the public eye and under intense scrutiny to the point where public perception is out of their control.
What category do a strong number of locals think Carl Heck of Aspen falls into?
Probably Door #4 in the choices up there.
But then, Carl is mostly about personal gain and politics.
And politics is certainly not paddy-cake.
Which actually places Carl Heck behind Door #5 in the choices above and his 'victims' behind Door #6.
The good news is that same large group of locals are on to Carl's bag of tricks.
Great letter today from Illya Lenin regarding Carl Heck.
"Editor:
(This is addressed to letter writer Carl Heck).
Hysterics and liberal emotional derangement never garner facts. You apparently are unhinged now; then imagine your insanity when any one of these GOP “clowns” absolutely destroys the bumbling and teleprompterless president in a real debate about his accomplishments and the overwhelming withdrawal of public support for the direction and debt this fool has heaped onto all of us. Make an attempt at being intellectual. Name one thing ObaMao, your fake liberal God on earth, has accomplished that hasn’t usurped our Constitution, cost trillions or laid the ground work for his type of class warfare."
(Illya Lenin, Basalt)
(Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Tree of Mamre/John Scotus "The ATF’s “Collateral Damage”: 2 Federal Agents and 300 Civilians Sacrificed to Make the Case for Gun Control"
"Operation Fast and Furious was an ATF initiative to allow–indeed, encourage–the purchase of AK-47s and .50 caliber rifles by proxies (straw purchasers) for Mexican drug gangs, and then to let these guns to be taken over the border into Mexico without making any attempt to interdict or trace them, even though both the flow into and the possession of these guns in Mexico is illegal. According to the Mexican government, at last count 300 people have been murdered in Mexico as a result of the guns allowed to walk in Operation Fast and Furious. In addition, two US Federal Officers, including Border Patrol agent Brian Terry, have been murdered with Fast and Furious weapons.
Since the ATF is legally compelled to interdict straw purchases and stop the illegal flow of weapons into Mexico, Operation Fast and Furious was not just unethical and short-sighted: It was illegal. ATF and DOJ memos released earlier this year directly state that the bureaucrats and agents involved expected that there would be “collateral damage” (i.e., unnecessary deaths) as a result of Operation Fast and Furious. Thus, effectively, Operation Fast and Furious was an illegal conspiracy to aid and abet murder. The yet unanswered questions are who approved Operation Fast and Furious, and why it was approved to begin with...."
(John Scotus)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Since the ATF is legally compelled to interdict straw purchases and stop the illegal flow of weapons into Mexico, Operation Fast and Furious was not just unethical and short-sighted: It was illegal. ATF and DOJ memos released earlier this year directly state that the bureaucrats and agents involved expected that there would be “collateral damage” (i.e., unnecessary deaths) as a result of Operation Fast and Furious. Thus, effectively, Operation Fast and Furious was an illegal conspiracy to aid and abet murder. The yet unanswered questions are who approved Operation Fast and Furious, and why it was approved to begin with...."
(John Scotus)
(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: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "DA tosses eight DUIs, citing ‘bias’ by trooper"
"The Mesa County District Attorney’s Office as of Thursday had dismissed eight criminal cases in the face of questions about the credibility of a now-former Colorado State Patrol trooper.
More dropped cases are expected as prosecutors seek to review hundreds of cases handled by Donald Moseman, a veteran State Patrol trooper who left the employment of the law enforcement agency Dec. 1 following an internal investigation.
The cases that were dismissed Wednesday and Thursday were 2011 misdemeanor drunken-driving arrests in which Moseman was the prosecution’s sole witness, Chief Deputy District Attorney Trish Mahre said.
Motions filed in the cases said dismissal is “in the interest of justice” and the product of “issues relating to proof.”
A Daily Sentinel review of several of the dismissed cases showed at least one with a defendant who had multiple prior DUI arrests.
Local defense attorneys, who were notified Wednesday via email by District Attorney Pete Hautzinger about the investigation of Moseman, were busy tracking down their own cases involving the former trooper.
Defense attorney Andrew Nolan with the Grand Junction firm Peters, Nolan and Devlin said Wednesday’s disclosure didn’t surprise him.
“We’ve been complaining about issues involving Trooper Moseman for a long time,” Nolan said...."
(Paul Shockley)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
More dropped cases are expected as prosecutors seek to review hundreds of cases handled by Donald Moseman, a veteran State Patrol trooper who left the employment of the law enforcement agency Dec. 1 following an internal investigation.
The cases that were dismissed Wednesday and Thursday were 2011 misdemeanor drunken-driving arrests in which Moseman was the prosecution’s sole witness, Chief Deputy District Attorney Trish Mahre said.
Motions filed in the cases said dismissal is “in the interest of justice” and the product of “issues relating to proof.”
A Daily Sentinel review of several of the dismissed cases showed at least one with a defendant who had multiple prior DUI arrests.
Local defense attorneys, who were notified Wednesday via email by District Attorney Pete Hautzinger about the investigation of Moseman, were busy tracking down their own cases involving the former trooper.
Defense attorney Andrew Nolan with the Grand Junction firm Peters, Nolan and Devlin said Wednesday’s disclosure didn’t surprise him.
“We’ve been complaining about issues involving Trooper Moseman for a long time,” Nolan said...."
(Paul Shockley)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Local private investigator headed to Arizona for socialite’s murder trial"
"A private investigator in the Roaring Fork Valley has been subpoenaed to testify at next month’s trial of a former Aspen socialite accused of hiring a hit man to kill her ex-husband.
Jim Crowley, a former Aspen police detective, has been involved in the investigation into Pamela Phillips and her former lover, Ronald Young, for 15 years.
During that span, Crowley has testified in preliminary hearings in Arizona for both Phillips and Young, and in Young’s 2010 trial that sent him to prison for life for detonating a car bomb that killed Gary Triano, Phillips’ former spouse...."
(Chad Abraham)
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Jim Crowley, a former Aspen police detective, has been involved in the investigation into Pamela Phillips and her former lover, Ronald Young, for 15 years.
During that span, Crowley has testified in preliminary hearings in Arizona for both Phillips and Young, and in Young’s 2010 trial that sent him to prison for life for detonating a car bomb that killed Gary Triano, Phillips’ former spouse...."
(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: Summit County Citizens Voice "U.S. Border Patrol detains fugitive Breckenridge attorney Scoop Daniel, wanted on charges of felony theft"
"SUMMIT COUNTY — A prominent Breckenridge lawyer who disappeared in 2007 has been detained in San Diego after trying to enter the U.S. from Mexico.
The U.S. Border Patrol contacted local law enforcement agencies Wednesday, Dec. 7 to confirm an active arrest warrant for Royal “Scoop” Daniel.
According to a press release from the Breckenridge Police Department, Daniel was taken into custody and is currently being held in the San Diego County Jail. Daniel is awaiting an extradition hearing, which is expected to occur Dec. 8.
Daniel vanished under mysterious circumstances in April 2007, allegedly with up to $1 million that he was managing for clients as part of his role in various real estate deals...."
(Summit Voice)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The U.S. Border Patrol contacted local law enforcement agencies Wednesday, Dec. 7 to confirm an active arrest warrant for Royal “Scoop” Daniel.
According to a press release from the Breckenridge Police Department, Daniel was taken into custody and is currently being held in the San Diego County Jail. Daniel is awaiting an extradition hearing, which is expected to occur Dec. 8.
Daniel vanished under mysterious circumstances in April 2007, allegedly with up to $1 million that he was managing for clients as part of his role in various real estate deals...."
(Summit Voice)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit Daily News "McAbee: Use vs. abuse"
Given the fact that Summit County has now joined the ranks of western Colorado counties enduring the influences and problems of having the Sureno gang in our midst; this column from Campus Supervisor Jeff McAbee of Summit High School is well-timed.
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"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 "Elected officials counter book’s criticism of local immigration issues"
(See related stories here and here.)
What makes, what defines a victim of a culture, a society or of a collective thought?
(A) Are they the ones, by their own free will choice not by necessity to defend or by being forced to defend; who jump right into a public spotlight alongside their accusers and the perps that are trying to hurt them in some way?
(B) Are they the ones, by their own free will choice, who launched themselves into positions strong enough and powerful enough to influence society?
How about 'none of the above'?
The real victims are all the folks that are not either one of the above and who live their lives privately and in their own small social circles. Who by that very need for right to quality of life through privacy, fall prey to a group such as those named in this article that have built up very powerful collective thought.
Or fall prey to an individual encouraging the imbalance of such thought as Chad Klinger of Carbondale.
Or fall prey to the affects of thoughts such as those of Brooks A. Mick, MD of Yorktown, VA.
The one unrelenting fact in all of it is that the material base of day-to-day solvency is dependent on all of us.
A point made by the authors of 'Slums of Aspen' and missed by most readers; that seems to have fallen prey to the power of collective thought.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
What makes, what defines a victim of a culture, a society or of a collective thought?
(A) Are they the ones, by their own free will choice not by necessity to defend or by being forced to defend; who jump right into a public spotlight alongside their accusers and the perps that are trying to hurt them in some way?
(B) Are they the ones, by their own free will choice, who launched themselves into positions strong enough and powerful enough to influence society?
How about 'none of the above'?
The real victims are all the folks that are not either one of the above and who live their lives privately and in their own small social circles. Who by that very need for right to quality of life through privacy, fall prey to a group such as those named in this article that have built up very powerful collective thought.
Or fall prey to an individual encouraging the imbalance of such thought as Chad Klinger of Carbondale.
Or fall prey to the affects of thoughts such as those of Brooks A. Mick, MD of Yorktown, VA.
The one unrelenting fact in all of it is that the material base of day-to-day solvency is dependent on all of us.
A point made by the authors of 'Slums of Aspen' and missed by most readers; that seems to have fallen prey to the power of collective thought.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Stakeholders have their say on Grand Ave. Bridge ‘vision'"
All the 'thousands' (conservative guesstimate) of Coloradans who daily commute over the Grand Avenue Bridge, who are so, so bone weary of listening to the 'hot air'/'all talk/righteous indignation and zero action spanning decades of time wasted' leaders of our community; come now this morning and get down on their knees to kiss the ground CDOT walks upon.
Thank you.
Bless you.
By letting all the local 'hot air and no action' folks get all the time they want in front of the press, microphones and spotlights, that they sincerely believe will enhance their community standing; you have insured that once y'all are done they must forever hold their peace.
Thank Buddha!! This is brilliant strategy!
Sandbox believes we'll see repeated but still very special thank yous from avatars to our new city councilmen Todd Leahy and Michael Gamba for pushing the Grand Avenue Bridge Project through that blast of hot air stronghold. You both are rapidly rising in the ranks to local hero status in the eyes of those in the shadows out here.
Only a few more years, 'kids'.
Just a few more years before that new bridge is done and getting you home to your families and lives literally hours sooner than you are now. With the added bonus of streamlining tourists with fat wallets into Glenwood Springs just so they can ease your poverty stricken paychecks you now pull 'from the elites'.
Oh, CDOT. You are our heroes. (Say, by any chance are most of you guys Conservatives?)
(whisper...whisper...BRILLIANT!...finally!!....'they' will get their last 10 min. of fame....hold a press conference, plan an event with banners and parade and all the trimmings!!....really do this final send off up right so there won't be any appeals filed and their savage souls will be stroked for the last time on this community issue.....not so sure about the 'leaders' part of Newland's statement but WTH!!!..the folks will give it to them because reality is that we won again!!!....hooah....whisper...whisper...)
John Stroud:
"....So, CDOT is going through an extensive public process to gather as much local input as possible before coming up with a new bridge design.
“Before, engineers would come up with a range of alternatives, then take them out to the community for input,” Newland said. “This process turns that on its head and involves the community in coming up with those alternatives.”
This week's stakeholder sessions involved 43 community leaders working with members of the design team to begin to determine alternatives for rebuilding the bridge.
Participants were also asked to identify various economic, social, tourism and environmental trends that should be considered in the design process..."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Thank you.
Bless you.
By letting all the local 'hot air and no action' folks get all the time they want in front of the press, microphones and spotlights, that they sincerely believe will enhance their community standing; you have insured that once y'all are done they must forever hold their peace.
Thank Buddha!! This is brilliant strategy!
Sandbox believes we'll see repeated but still very special thank yous from avatars to our new city councilmen Todd Leahy and Michael Gamba for pushing the Grand Avenue Bridge Project through that blast of hot air stronghold. You both are rapidly rising in the ranks to local hero status in the eyes of those in the shadows out here.
Only a few more years, 'kids'.
Just a few more years before that new bridge is done and getting you home to your families and lives literally hours sooner than you are now. With the added bonus of streamlining tourists with fat wallets into Glenwood Springs just so they can ease your poverty stricken paychecks you now pull 'from the elites'.
Oh, CDOT. You are our heroes. (Say, by any chance are most of you guys Conservatives?)
(whisper...whisper...BRILLIANT!...finally!!....'they' will get their last 10 min. of fame....hold a press conference, plan an event with banners and parade and all the trimmings!!....really do this final send off up right so there won't be any appeals filed and their savage souls will be stroked for the last time on this community issue.....not so sure about the 'leaders' part of Newland's statement but WTH!!!..the folks will give it to them because reality is that we won again!!!....hooah....whisper...whisper...)
John Stroud:
"....So, CDOT is going through an extensive public process to gather as much local input as possible before coming up with a new bridge design.
“Before, engineers would come up with a range of alternatives, then take them out to the community for input,” Newland said. “This process turns that on its head and involves the community in coming up with those alternatives.”
This week's stakeholder sessions involved 43 community leaders working with members of the design team to begin to determine alternatives for rebuilding the bridge.
Participants were also asked to identify various economic, social, tourism and environmental trends that should be considered in the design process..."
(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: Summit County Citizens Voice "Wyoming water pollution linked with fracking"
There is only one.
One Western Colorado investigative reporter that is respected and trusted to factually report on one of his specialties; the environment.
Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the locals favorite Summit County Citizens Voice.
The others in the area and state often border on disgraceful to their industry work product of tabloid and flamer style 'eco-pen terrorism' 'journalism'. Which of course, completely destroys any hope they may have of getting their point across or voices heard.
John Colson, based with Swift Communications on the Post Independent and Aspen Times, has been so pressured by the general public; he has recently improved 100 times over. Yet still, is greeted with skepticism and is a third or fourth time removed choice before even read. Colson also writes a once per week opinion column. Up on the Aspen Times. Calls it 'Hit and Run'. Each week (with the exception of this past week (first one in 7 months of weekly columns)) he subjects readership of the Times to scathing verbal assaults, premised on his first amendment right to demean, abuse and denigrate anyone with an equal right to the first amendment. Nobody likes a bully and his genre is not the spin of commentary and satire. Rather, he calls himself a professional journalist and often comes very, very close to demanding respect. With an open claim of professional credentials posted at the bottom of each column; to say that it is 'difficult' for readership to buy into Colson's points is often an understatement. Each week, readership diligently searches for anything at all to back John Colson up on that claim. With the growing number of complaints from readership publicly displayed in open letters and commentary, there seems to be a very long way to go for John. He's a good writer. Most hope he makes it up the Everest he's climbing.
Troy Hooper and David O. Williams off the Real sites and the Colorado Independent sit at the top of the leader board and took Colson's #1 spot. Brilliant writers and respected in all other areas of output; their environmental work and often their political output greatly diminish their respectability with consumers. Nobody likes a bully and their genre is not the spin of commentary and satire. Rather, they are supposed to be professional journalists.
Why this brutally honest, scathing in tone and succinct wording from 'SandBox Nanny' this morning? On a piece of high caliber journalism?
Because there are days when she gets so fed up with 'professionals' in positions of trust in public eyes....who do everything they possibly can to destroy our precious gifts that we have in our environment. Colorado is one of the most blessed by nature spots on the planet. To stay that way, she needs all the help she can get from all sides of any issue she faces. Every single time you people pick up your pens and perform like high school students in a creative writing class you not only completely destroy any hope of being fully respected by readership; you add still yet another layer of cover-up on top of all things Colorado. Wading through your dross and multiple layers of deception before they can even get to the heart of an environmental issue; investigative reporters such as yourselves force the industries, the legislators, law enforcement, elected officials and the public at-large to sometimes waste years simply getting to the point. Shame on you.
A very special thank you goes out to Bob Berwyn for this factual and unbiased report on the fracking news out of Wyoming. You are appreciated.
Bob Berwyn:
SUMMIT COUNTY —After a two-year investigation in Wyoming, the EPA this week released a draft report that links polluted groundwater in the town of Pavilion with nearby gas drilling and related fracking operations.
The EPA teamed up with gas field owner Encana to assess groundwater quality in the area and to identify potential sources of contamination.
The EPA’s analysis of samples taken fromdeep monitoring wells in the aquifer indicates detection of synthetic chemicals, like glycols and alcohols consistent with gas production and hydraulic fracturing fluids.
Benzene concentrations are well above Safe Drinking Water Act standards and high methane levels were also detected.
Given the area’s complex geology and the proximity of drinking water wells to ground water contamination, the EPA is concerned about the movement of contaminants within the aquifer and the safety of drinking water wells over time...."
(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."
December 8, 2011
SandBox Comments: Breitbart TV "Obama Voter Fraud Case Heats Up In Indiana"
Another special thank you to Marilyn Marks and her crew up in Pitkin County for staying in the trenches fighting for election transparency laws.
"The prospect that an estimated 150 signatures may have been forged on petitions has raised the question of whether President Obama actually reached the legitimate number of signatures needed to be placed on the ballot in Indiana. Under state law, presidential candidates need to file 500 signatures from each of the state's nine congressional districts. Indiana election officials say that in St. Joseph County, the Obama campaign qualified with 534 signatures; Clinton's camp had 704. The certified signatures were never challenged...."
(Breitbart TV)
(Watch the video? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"The prospect that an estimated 150 signatures may have been forged on petitions has raised the question of whether President Obama actually reached the legitimate number of signatures needed to be placed on the ballot in Indiana. Under state law, presidential candidates need to file 500 signatures from each of the state's nine congressional districts. Indiana election officials say that in St. Joseph County, the Obama campaign qualified with 534 signatures; Clinton's camp had 704. The certified signatures were never challenged...."
(Breitbart TV)
(Watch the video? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit Daily News "Scott W. Turner: A critical look at domestic violence"
There is now a D.A. race in the 5th Judicial District.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Scott Turner steps up against Clear Creek County attorney Bruce Brown.
(Read the op-ed piece from Turner? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Chief Deputy District Attorney Scott Turner steps up against Clear Creek County attorney Bruce Brown.
(Read the op-ed piece from Turner? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Trooper’s ‘bias’ complicates DUI cases"
An internal Colorado State Patrol investigation found a now-former trooper submitted improper case reports and displayed “bias” during investigations, calling into question years of criminal cases in Mesa County involving the trooper, according to records obtained by The Daily Sentinel.
Donald Moseman was no longer employed by the State Patrol as of Dec. 1, according to a letter dated Dec. 5 from State Patrol Maj. Barry Bratt, District Four commander.
“As the letter makes clear, there are now significant credibility concerns relating to Trooper Moseman ...” Mesa County District Attorney Pete Hautzinger wrote in his own letter, distributed Wednesday to Grand Valley defense attorneys.
“Hundreds” of cases in Mesa County in which Moseman was the arresting or investigating officer were expected to be re-examined, some of them possibly dismissed altogether, Hautzinger said in an interview Wednesday.
“It’s a significant issue we need to deal with as proactively as possible,” Hautzinger said. “The State Patrol did a great job conducting the internal investigation and getting back to us rapidly.”
“Inconsistencies” involving Moseman’s case reports were brought to light by county court prosecutors in October, Hautzinger said. He declined to elaborate...."
(Paul Shockley)\
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Donald Moseman was no longer employed by the State Patrol as of Dec. 1, according to a letter dated Dec. 5 from State Patrol Maj. Barry Bratt, District Four commander.
“As the letter makes clear, there are now significant credibility concerns relating to Trooper Moseman ...” Mesa County District Attorney Pete Hautzinger wrote in his own letter, distributed Wednesday to Grand Valley defense attorneys.
“Hundreds” of cases in Mesa County in which Moseman was the arresting or investigating officer were expected to be re-examined, some of them possibly dismissed altogether, Hautzinger said in an interview Wednesday.
“It’s a significant issue we need to deal with as proactively as possible,” Hautzinger said. “The State Patrol did a great job conducting the internal investigation and getting back to us rapidly.”
“Inconsistencies” involving Moseman’s case reports were brought to light by county court prosecutors in October, Hautzinger said. He declined to elaborate...."
(Paul Shockley)\
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Plane crash survivor grants $1.5 million to Mountain Rescue"
"Lynda Cameron has never forgotten the plane crash outside Aspen that she survived, but which claimed her father’s life 34 years ago.
Nor has she forgotten those who rescued her and five others after the plane went down in the Capitol Creek Valley during a snowstorm on Nov. 27, 1977.
On Nov. 29, the survivor from Oklahoma returned to Aspen and the Main Street headquarters of Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA). Standing before members of the group, including two who took part in the rescue, Cameron announced that she was awarding a $1.5 million grant to fund a new MRA “cabin,” as the headquarters is known.
“There was not a dry eye in the room,” said Doug Paley, MRA president.
An MRA press release issued Wednesday says the plane took off from Sardy Field amid a snow squall. Communication with the aircraft was lost soon after, and a search was initiated.
Ground crews, helicopters and other aircraft were deployed to canvass a large search area, as rescuers had few clues where the plane was.
“It’s an amazing story,” Paley said...."
(Chad Abraham)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Nor has she forgotten those who rescued her and five others after the plane went down in the Capitol Creek Valley during a snowstorm on Nov. 27, 1977.
On Nov. 29, the survivor from Oklahoma returned to Aspen and the Main Street headquarters of Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA). Standing before members of the group, including two who took part in the rescue, Cameron announced that she was awarding a $1.5 million grant to fund a new MRA “cabin,” as the headquarters is known.
“There was not a dry eye in the room,” said Doug Paley, MRA president.
An MRA press release issued Wednesday says the plane took off from Sardy Field amid a snow squall. Communication with the aircraft was lost soon after, and a search was initiated.
Ground crews, helicopters and other aircraft were deployed to canvass a large search area, as rescuers had few clues where the plane was.
“It’s an amazing story,” Paley said...."
(Chad Abraham)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "Kids Shop With Cops"
Thank you to all SRO officers and cops down in Mesa County who participated in this program. What a wonderful concept.
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Eleven area fifth graders were escorted around Mesa Mall on Wednesday, but they weren't in trouble. It was all part of the Shop With A Cop program.
Organizers say the program is a great way to help kids that are really in need and give them a very positive experience during the holidays.
For the past twenty years, kids in need have been chosen from area elementary schools to be a part of the program.
Mark Brown, who has been organizing the program for the past four years says that for "many of these kids, this is the only presents their entire family will get, possibly this year, but also this may be the first Christmas that they ever have presents..."
(Dann Cianca)
(Read more? Watch the video? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Eleven area fifth graders were escorted around Mesa Mall on Wednesday, but they weren't in trouble. It was all part of the Shop With A Cop program.
Organizers say the program is a great way to help kids that are really in need and give them a very positive experience during the holidays.
For the past twenty years, kids in need have been chosen from area elementary schools to be a part of the program.
Mark Brown, who has been organizing the program for the past four years says that for "many of these kids, this is the only presents their entire family will get, possibly this year, but also this may be the first Christmas that they ever have presents..."
(Dann Cianca)
(Read more? Watch the video? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Weasel Zippers "NY Dem Congresswoman Asked About Fast And Furious: Never Heard Of It…"
'Zip':
"You can almost see her eyes glaze over.
Via Daily Caller:
"New York Democratic Rep. Nydia Velazquez admitted she did not know what Operation Fast and Furious was at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus event on Tuesday.
When The Daily Caller asked Velazquez if she thinks Fast and Furious was a scandal that rises to the level of a call for Attorney General Eric Holder’s resignation, she shrugged at first. Then, TheDC asked if she even knew what Fast and Furious was."...."
(Watch the interview? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"You can almost see her eyes glaze over.
Via Daily Caller:
"New York Democratic Rep. Nydia Velazquez admitted she did not know what Operation Fast and Furious was at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus event on Tuesday.
When The Daily Caller asked Velazquez if she thinks Fast and Furious was a scandal that rises to the level of a call for Attorney General Eric Holder’s resignation, she shrugged at first. Then, TheDC asked if she even knew what Fast and Furious was."...."
(Watch the interview? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Hot Air Blog "Issa: Holder misled Congress on Fast & Furious to cover for staff"
"Jon Corzine isn’t the only Democrat heading down Pennsylvania Avenue for a Congressional grilling today. Attorney General Eric Holder will also appear today to answer questions about Operation Fast and Furious in the House at 10 am ET today. Politico reports that the pressure has been getting to Holder lately..."
(Ed Morrissey)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Ed Morrissey)
(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: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Colorado to test new Obama immigration rules"
The honeymoon between a good number of conservatives that are not all that unhappy and Governor Hickenlooper had to come to an end sooner or later.
The one thing that will do that is illegal foreign nationals who call the sanctuary city of Denver home.
Hick is pretty far left when it comes to illegals with a strong showing of favoring full amnesty.
There is another AP report today that is along the same lines as this article.
http://www.gjsentinel.com/breaking/articles/feds-say-immigration-deportees-were-high-priority
The good news is that there is going to be a conservative in the oval office come 2012. Perry is the best leader when it comes to immigration. Secure the border and then come to the table.
Even Newt has a close enough similar belief process.
So, SandBox says this morning, go ahead and play with this for 6 months all of you pro-amnesty groups.
Because chances are good that 6 months is all you'll have.
The one thing that will do that is illegal foreign nationals who call the sanctuary city of Denver home.
Hick is pretty far left when it comes to illegals with a strong showing of favoring full amnesty.
There is another AP report today that is along the same lines as this article.
http://www.gjsentinel.com/breaking/articles/feds-say-immigration-deportees-were-high-priority
The good news is that there is going to be a conservative in the oval office come 2012. Perry is the best leader when it comes to immigration. Secure the border and then come to the table.
Even Newt has a close enough similar belief process.
So, SandBox says this morning, go ahead and play with this for 6 months all of you pro-amnesty groups.
Because chances are good that 6 months is all you'll have.
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News: "City Hall braces for second legal battle over release of voted ballots"
“It’s the first time in 20 years I’ve had to sue someone,” City Attorney John Worcester said.
A local judge has granted the request to keep the ballots past the six-month window. A status conference on the more substantive issue of whether the 2011 ballots can be released will be scheduled soon, Worcester said.
After the city filed the petition, Milias withdrew her request, while Marks filed an identical one.
Milias said she withdrew her request because she had no interest in racking up legal fees when there are others who are willing to see the issue through the legal process.
“Anytime they say no [to a CORA request] they are inherently saying if you really want it, sue us,” Milias said.
When asked why she wanted to see the ballots, Milias said the 2011 election was probably “as clean as any election that has ever been conducted” because the city had the “adult supervision” of Pitkin County elections manager Dwight Shellman, who advised on election procedures this time around.
Milias said she wants to see how the ballots are kept, and verify that they are in fact anonymous and untraceable..."
(Andrew Travers)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
A local judge has granted the request to keep the ballots past the six-month window. A status conference on the more substantive issue of whether the 2011 ballots can be released will be scheduled soon, Worcester said.
After the city filed the petition, Milias withdrew her request, while Marks filed an identical one.
Milias said she withdrew her request because she had no interest in racking up legal fees when there are others who are willing to see the issue through the legal process.
“Anytime they say no [to a CORA request] they are inherently saying if you really want it, sue us,” Milias said.
When asked why she wanted to see the ballots, Milias said the 2011 election was probably “as clean as any election that has ever been conducted” because the city had the “adult supervision” of Pitkin County elections manager Dwight Shellman, who advised on election procedures this time around.
Milias said she wants to see how the ballots are kept, and verify that they are in fact anonymous and untraceable..."
(Andrew Travers)
(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: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "County development code revisions suggested"
After all these years of (insert word here) retentive liberal commissioners, councilmen, Mayors of small towns it sure is great to see Republicans stepping up and not only diving right in to the biggest block to small business growth Garfield County, City of Glenwood Springs and Town of Silt have; they're getting the job done.
Land use, development and building codes throughout Garfield and Pitkin County have been needing a thorough housecleaning for decades.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Land use, development and building codes throughout Garfield and Pitkin County have been needing a thorough housecleaning for decades.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Debate over AACP process persists"
"Former Mayor Helen Klanderud said Wednesday that more council review and public hearings would be appropriate. However, she said the discussions shouldn't run past the early part of 2012.
Klanderud and others representing the business community, including the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, lobbied earlier this year for changes to ensure that the document would not take a negative tone toward future growth and development opportunities.
“I don't know if the AACP needs to be tweaked,” she said. “The issue seems to be whether the council should accept the decision of the P&Z, or whether it can make some changes. And that's an age-old dilemma: Why would people serve on volunteer boards if you never accept their decisions? But I don't think you're obligated to.
“The buck stops with the City Council,” Klanderud continued. “And if the City Council genuinely believes that something is not in the best interest of the community, I think that it has the right not to accept something as it is.”
(Andre Salvail)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Klanderud and others representing the business community, including the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, lobbied earlier this year for changes to ensure that the document would not take a negative tone toward future growth and development opportunities.
“I don't know if the AACP needs to be tweaked,” she said. “The issue seems to be whether the council should accept the decision of the P&Z, or whether it can make some changes. And that's an age-old dilemma: Why would people serve on volunteer boards if you never accept their decisions? But I don't think you're obligated to.
“The buck stops with the City Council,” Klanderud continued. “And if the City Council genuinely believes that something is not in the best interest of the community, I think that it has the right not to accept something as it is.”
(Andre Salvail)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Elected officials need a calculator"
Yes, Elizabeth. They most certainly do.
This topic of completely footing the bill for We-Cycle program founders Mirte Mallory and Philip Jeffreys to launch a private small business is one that has been hot among commentators for months.
Set aside the idiocy of the dollar amount they're asking for and the projections on selling a product that is unlikely to sell at even half of projections; do not forget that this subsidy was verbally granted by commissioners and council at a time and over the needs of Aspen's low-income childcare program.
Yes, thank goodness for Pitkin County Commissioner Robb Ittner. That brave Republican that took the leap into the Blue Sea at mid-terms.
He has a calculator and a clue.
(Read Elizabeth's letter? Click title. Comment to discuss)
This topic of completely footing the bill for We-Cycle program founders Mirte Mallory and Philip Jeffreys to launch a private small business is one that has been hot among commentators for months.
Set aside the idiocy of the dollar amount they're asking for and the projections on selling a product that is unlikely to sell at even half of projections; do not forget that this subsidy was verbally granted by commissioners and council at a time and over the needs of Aspen's low-income childcare program.
Yes, thank goodness for Pitkin County Commissioner Robb Ittner. That brave Republican that took the leap into the Blue Sea at mid-terms.
He has a calculator and a clue.
(Read Elizabeth's letter? 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: Crested Butte News "Mt. CB business owners talk shop with the council "
"Mt. Crested Butte business owners expressed satisfaction for the direction of the summer Tuesday evening, concern over lackluster winters and interest in the possibility of moving toward Montrose as an airline hub. A potential partnership between Crested Butte Mountain Resort and the Telluride Ski Company also got some attention at a business forum hosted by the Mt. Crested Butte town council...."
(Seth Mensing)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(Seth Mensing)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Howelsen Hill to host Race to the Cup snowboarding events"
"Steamboat Springs — Jon Casson, snowboarding director for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, is hoping for sunny skies, great snow and a good vibe this week as his program prepares to host a pair of NorAm Race to the Cup events at Howelsen Hill.
“Hopefully, we will get a big local crowd to come out and cheer these racers on,” Casson said Wednesday. “This is always an exciting event.”
The Alpine snowboarding races will open Friday afternoon with the qualifying rounds for the parallel giant slalom beginning at 2:30 p.m. The top riders will advance to the finals, which are expected to begin under the lights at 5:30 p.m.
Racing will resume at 11 a.m. Saturday with the parallel slalom. The finals are set to start at 1 p.m. Those races also will be held at Howelsen Hill...."
(John F. Russell)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
“Hopefully, we will get a big local crowd to come out and cheer these racers on,” Casson said Wednesday. “This is always an exciting event.”
The Alpine snowboarding races will open Friday afternoon with the qualifying rounds for the parallel giant slalom beginning at 2:30 p.m. The top riders will advance to the finals, which are expected to begin under the lights at 5:30 p.m.
Racing will resume at 11 a.m. Saturday with the parallel slalom. The finals are set to start at 1 p.m. Those races also will be held at Howelsen Hill...."
(John F. Russell)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Day of Infamy Snowshoe Race is turning 20"
And if those visiting Presidential candidates don't care for the bitter cold up and over in Summit County they can come on over to our infamous Babbish Gulch, strap on some snowshoes and get a little 'warmed up'.
"Ann Hopkinson never imagined the tiny snowshoe race she and Fletcher Anderson founded in 1991 would still be around in 2011.
But the Day of Infamy Snowshoe Race is still around, and it's thriving.
Year after year, endurance athletes flock to the December race, which is staged on the Babbish Gulch cross country trails at Sunlight Mountain Resort. The eight-kilometer race turns 20 with Sunday's 10 a.m. running.
“We started it when snowshoe racing was just beginning,” said Hopkinson, who managed the trails at the time. “We just thought it'd be a great place for the course. It was a good time of year. It was just a nice way to start out the season and get more exposure for the trails up there, which are really neat trails.”
Hopkinson and Anderson gave it the Day of Infamy name because the race's date fell near Pearl Harbor Day..."
(Jeff Casperson)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Ann Hopkinson never imagined the tiny snowshoe race she and Fletcher Anderson founded in 1991 would still be around in 2011.
But the Day of Infamy Snowshoe Race is still around, and it's thriving.
Year after year, endurance athletes flock to the December race, which is staged on the Babbish Gulch cross country trails at Sunlight Mountain Resort. The eight-kilometer race turns 20 with Sunday's 10 a.m. running.
“We started it when snowshoe racing was just beginning,” said Hopkinson, who managed the trails at the time. “We just thought it'd be a great place for the course. It was a good time of year. It was just a nice way to start out the season and get more exposure for the trails up there, which are really neat trails.”
Hopkinson and Anderson gave it the Day of Infamy name because the race's date fell near Pearl Harbor Day..."
(Jeff Casperson)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 7, 2011
SandBox Comments: Power Line "Kings of Crony Capitalism"
"That’s the modern Democratic Party. Washington handouts are coming so fast it’s impossible to keep track of them, but here is one more that had not been on my radar screen: the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act, better known as the NAT GAS Act. What does NAT GAS do? It imposes a user fee on natural gas that starts at 2.5 cents and ramps up, in the Senate version, to 12.5 cents per gallon. The act then uses that revenue to subsidize the conversion of truck engines from gasoline to natural gas and the development of natural gas filling stations...."
(John Hinderaker)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
(John Hinderaker)
(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: Summit Daily News "Speed the search: Flight for Life offers new avalanche search tool"
What an incredible step up in technology for our first responders.
"Summit County's Flight for Life Colorado helicopter could be the second air medical device in the U.S. to be outfitted with an external beacon receiver — a powerful device that hangs below the helicopter to assist in locating avalanche victims.
The University of Utah recently broke the ice in the air medical world with testing and training with the device, which has been common in Europe, Canada and New Zealand for years, Flight for Life paramedic Kevin Kelble said. Kelble is also in charge of coordinating the statewide Avalanche Deployment and Lift Ticket programs, which bring Flight for Life's services together with ski patrol and search and rescue needs.
With Utah's Air Methods program paving the way, Kelble wants to get the device on board in Colorado to speed up the search process — and keep it safer...."
(Janice Kurbjun)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Summit County's Flight for Life Colorado helicopter could be the second air medical device in the U.S. to be outfitted with an external beacon receiver — a powerful device that hangs below the helicopter to assist in locating avalanche victims.
The University of Utah recently broke the ice in the air medical world with testing and training with the device, which has been common in Europe, Canada and New Zealand for years, Flight for Life paramedic Kevin Kelble said. Kelble is also in charge of coordinating the statewide Avalanche Deployment and Lift Ticket programs, which bring Flight for Life's services together with ski patrol and search and rescue needs.
With Utah's Air Methods program paving the way, Kelble wants to get the device on board in Colorado to speed up the search process — and keep it safer...."
(Janice Kurbjun)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "Cordillera club members seeking contempt citation against Wilhelm"
See related story here.
"EAGLE — Club at Cordillera owner David Wilhelm spent more than $30,000 suing some of his own members less than a week after a judge banned him from spending dues money on anything but maintaining golf courses and facilities, according to court documents.
Six Club at Cordillera members this week asked District Court Judge Fred Gannett to hold Wilhelm in contempt of court for ignoring the judge's order...."
(Randy Wyrick)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"EAGLE — Club at Cordillera owner David Wilhelm spent more than $30,000 suing some of his own members less than a week after a judge banned him from spending dues money on anything but maintaining golf courses and facilities, according to court documents.
Six Club at Cordillera members this week asked District Court Judge Fred Gannett to hold Wilhelm in contempt of court for ignoring the judge's order...."
(Randy Wyrick)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "Clear Creek attorney jumps into DA race"
Great news for the 5th Judicial District. Bruce Brown is back for another try for D.A.
"EAGLE, Colorado — An attorney in Clear Creek County is the first to throw his hat in the ring for next year's district attorney race.
Bruce Brown, of Evergreen in Clear Creek County, announced the that he will run as a Democrat for the spot of district attorney for the 5th Judicial District, encompassing Eagle, Summit, Clear Creek and Lake counties.
Brown would bring 25 years of courtroom experience and trial skills to the job. He has argued almost 100 cases before juries, he said in his announcement. That experience, he said, will help him assure that crime victims are effectively represented in court, and that criminals are held accountable for their actions.
“Victims deserve to be confident in case outcomes in the hands of a compassionate and capable prosecutor,” Brown said. “Public safety should always be our first goal.”
Brown would replace Mark Hurlbert, who is term limited. Brown lost narrowly to Hurlbert in 2004, not long after Hurlbert was appointed to the job...."
(Randy Wyrick)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"EAGLE, Colorado — An attorney in Clear Creek County is the first to throw his hat in the ring for next year's district attorney race.
Bruce Brown, of Evergreen in Clear Creek County, announced the that he will run as a Democrat for the spot of district attorney for the 5th Judicial District, encompassing Eagle, Summit, Clear Creek and Lake counties.
Brown would bring 25 years of courtroom experience and trial skills to the job. He has argued almost 100 cases before juries, he said in his announcement. That experience, he said, will help him assure that crime victims are effectively represented in court, and that criminals are held accountable for their actions.
“Victims deserve to be confident in case outcomes in the hands of a compassionate and capable prosecutor,” Brown said. “Public safety should always be our first goal.”
Brown would replace Mark Hurlbert, who is term limited. Brown lost narrowly to Hurlbert in 2004, not long after Hurlbert was appointed to the job...."
(Randy Wyrick)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "The public safety reason for urine drug testing"
Thomas L. Kurt, MD, MPH, Medical Toxicologist, FACPM, FAACT, FCP, FACOEM, FAHA, FACE writes in to the Aspen Daily News with a few words weighing in on the Skico reinstating their drug testing policy.
You know...here's the thing about that.
Does it really matter what level shows up in an employee who is operating major equipment capable of killing and maiming guests (or) an employee cruising the slopes as an instructer leaving a permanent impression on guests (or) a patrol first responder, search and rescue or any other position of trust?
Isn't the point: drug free? Or maybe the point is that guests want to feel completely safe and secure and we shouldn't even be having a discussion on acceptable levels of any drug use at Skico.
(Read the letter? Click title. Comment to discuss)
You know...here's the thing about that.
Does it really matter what level shows up in an employee who is operating major equipment capable of killing and maiming guests (or) an employee cruising the slopes as an instructer leaving a permanent impression on guests (or) a patrol first responder, search and rescue or any other position of trust?
Isn't the point: drug free? Or maybe the point is that guests want to feel completely safe and secure and we shouldn't even be having a discussion on acceptable levels of any drug use at Skico.
(Read the letter? 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 "Ski area water-rights duel now in political arena"
"SUMMIT COUNTY —A showdown over ski area water rights is now in the political arena, as four U.S. Senators have asked the Forest Service to delay implementing a revised permit condition that could require resorts to transfer certain types of water rights to the federal government.
In a Dec. 1 letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, Colorado Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet, along with Senators John Barasso (R—WY) and James Risch (R-ID), asked the Forest Service to consider a moratorium on the new water rights clause.
The ski industry claims the permit conditions are a federal water grab, while Forest Service officials say the intent is to keep the water rights linked with the permitted ski area use. Read more details and background in this Summit Voice story...."
(Bob Berwyn)
Also read more details from the other side by reviewing this press release from Congressman Scott Tipton (R-Colorado).
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Colorado River: Windy Gap firming plan released"
SandBox has watched both sides of this major proposal since its onset.
Bob Berwyn, up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice gives one of the best investigative reports yet.
A must read.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The average annual flow in the Colorado River below Granby Reservoir would decrease by about 15 percent under a proposed plan to increase diversions from the West Slope to the Front Range, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation acknowledged last week, releasing a final environmental impact statement for the Windy Gap firming project.
Even more worrisome to conservation advocates are the projected declines in summer flows. Below Windy Gap Reservoir, July flows could drip by as much as 20 percent, according to the Bureau’s study, which also acknowledged that extensive mitigation measures will be needed to protect West Slope aquatic ecoystems. Click here to read the EIS executive summary...."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Bob Berwyn, up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice gives one of the best investigative reports yet.
A must read.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The average annual flow in the Colorado River below Granby Reservoir would decrease by about 15 percent under a proposed plan to increase diversions from the West Slope to the Front Range, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation acknowledged last week, releasing a final environmental impact statement for the Windy Gap firming project.
Even more worrisome to conservation advocates are the projected declines in summer flows. Below Windy Gap Reservoir, July flows could drip by as much as 20 percent, according to the Bureau’s study, which also acknowledged that extensive mitigation measures will be needed to protect West Slope aquatic ecoystems. Click here to read the EIS executive summary...."
(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 "Some digging might be in order"
'SandBox Nanny' has stayed out of the public flap over powerful business people, elected officers of courts, cities and counties (and) the public in multiple counties mud-wrestling over whether or not documents that touch the public or public funds in any way are subject to anyone asking for them through CORA or FOIA.
Today, however. She's going to toss up the calm voice in all the emotional storm of Maurice Emmer on this rock-solid win for the public on the merits of Sunshine Law.
One really does have to look long and hard at any municipality or government entity in Colorado that even hesitates in releasing public information.
"....Recently I met with the district attorney to find out whether he believed the city has engaged in criminal conduct. I did so because I had read several criminal provisions of the Colorado statutes that seemed to me might apply to various aspects of the city's conduct.
I found out that a former councilman has been requesting from the district attorney information (emails, etc.) about contacts citizens have made with his office. The district attorney is obligated to disclose this information under the same Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) that permits citizens to examine anonymous ballots and other public records.
Why is a former councilman interested in whether citizens are curious about potential criminal conduct by the city? Is it idle intellectual curiosity? Is it attempted intimidation? Is it the whim of the former councilman or is it instigated by people now sitting in City Hall?
I could ask for records from City Hall under CORA to find out more about who is behind this juvenile activity. So could you. CORA is available to everyone."
(Maurice Emmer, Aspen)
(Read more? Click title. Don't know rights under CORA? You should. Comment to discuss)
Today, however. She's going to toss up the calm voice in all the emotional storm of Maurice Emmer on this rock-solid win for the public on the merits of Sunshine Law.
One really does have to look long and hard at any municipality or government entity in Colorado that even hesitates in releasing public information.
"....Recently I met with the district attorney to find out whether he believed the city has engaged in criminal conduct. I did so because I had read several criminal provisions of the Colorado statutes that seemed to me might apply to various aspects of the city's conduct.
I found out that a former councilman has been requesting from the district attorney information (emails, etc.) about contacts citizens have made with his office. The district attorney is obligated to disclose this information under the same Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) that permits citizens to examine anonymous ballots and other public records.
Why is a former councilman interested in whether citizens are curious about potential criminal conduct by the city? Is it idle intellectual curiosity? Is it attempted intimidation? Is it the whim of the former councilman or is it instigated by people now sitting in City Hall?
I could ask for records from City Hall under CORA to find out more about who is behind this juvenile activity. So could you. CORA is available to everyone."
(Maurice Emmer, Aspen)
(Read more? Click title. Don't know rights under CORA? You should. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
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