Peter Wehner:
"...It is not a good thing, and it can even be a frightful thing, when we have as president a man who seems to reject the idea (at least when re-election is at stake) that we are a nation of laws, not of men. But that is where we are, given Obama’s casual indifference to our laws and traditions...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 7, 2012
SandBox Comments: Delta County Independent "Seniors learn vital role of police dog "
Cedaredge K-9 Officer 'Buddy' goes visiting. It looks like catching bad guys and sniffing out drugs isn't the only thing this officer excels at.
Officer 'Buddy' also appears to have a great deal of personal charm. He certainly has Iris Marconette won over.
Thank you for your service, 'Buddy'.
(Read the article? Meet Officer Buddy and his human, Sergeant Dan Sanders? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Officer 'Buddy' also appears to have a great deal of personal charm. He certainly has Iris Marconette won over.
Thank you for your service, 'Buddy'.
(Read the article? Meet Officer Buddy and his human, Sergeant Dan Sanders? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Attempted second-degree murder charge filed Friday"
(See related story here)
"...The day after his Dec. 15 arrest, Jamie Lee Patton, 24, was advised by a judge that the prosecution had planned to charge him with attempted first-degree murder, among other offenses. But on Friday, Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin decided to ratchet down the charge to attempted second-degree murder. A first-degree charge would have indicated that authorities believed Patton's crime was premeditated; second-degree implies that Patton had not planned the attempted killing.
“I had the opportunity to look at it with greater analysis,” Mordkin said, when asked why he did not pursue a first-degree charge...."
(Rick Carroll)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...The day after his Dec. 15 arrest, Jamie Lee Patton, 24, was advised by a judge that the prosecution had planned to charge him with attempted first-degree murder, among other offenses. But on Friday, Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin decided to ratchet down the charge to attempted second-degree murder. A first-degree charge would have indicated that authorities believed Patton's crime was premeditated; second-degree implies that Patton had not planned the attempted killing.
“I had the opportunity to look at it with greater analysis,” Mordkin said, when asked why he did not pursue a first-degree charge...."
(Rick Carroll)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Coloradoan "Pot bust leaves grower in quandary"
Wonder what would happen if Colorado voters elected state lawmakers into office that campaign promised to sit down and tackle the job of roto-rooter mucking out the quagmire of Colorado's laws?
Then watched over them to make sure they were keeping their promise once they were sworn in.
Lawmakers who would take the time to go statewide and talk with all of our cops, district attorneys, judges.
Eliminate the myriad of gray areas and clean up laws that are causing so much angst and burden on our cities and towns.
Wonder what would happen?
"Stephen Minardi says he's done nothing wrong.
He says the 50 marijuana plants in his west Fort Collins home are there to treat legal patients who can't afford to buy from store-front medical marijuana centers.
Minardi, who, along with his wife, is facing felony charges of cultivation and distribution, said the criminal case makes them "look like massive Al Pacino drug dealers."
Fort Collins police have reason to doubt the Minardis' story. The day before Thanksgiving, they served a search warrant and confiscated processed marijuana and $3,400 cash at Minardi's home, where pictures of his wife and three children line the walls of the living room.
As dispensaries close, police worry about the rise of larger home-grow operations. They’re allowed under state law, but lawyers and law enforcement officials continue to deal with gray areas regarding how much a person can grow, and even what constitutes a plant.
The laws leave people like Stephen Minardi in a precarious position.
“I’m proud of what I do,” he said. “I take care of people....
(Robert Allen)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Then watched over them to make sure they were keeping their promise once they were sworn in.
Lawmakers who would take the time to go statewide and talk with all of our cops, district attorneys, judges.
Eliminate the myriad of gray areas and clean up laws that are causing so much angst and burden on our cities and towns.
Wonder what would happen?
"Stephen Minardi says he's done nothing wrong.
He says the 50 marijuana plants in his west Fort Collins home are there to treat legal patients who can't afford to buy from store-front medical marijuana centers.
Minardi, who, along with his wife, is facing felony charges of cultivation and distribution, said the criminal case makes them "look like massive Al Pacino drug dealers."
Fort Collins police have reason to doubt the Minardis' story. The day before Thanksgiving, they served a search warrant and confiscated processed marijuana and $3,400 cash at Minardi's home, where pictures of his wife and three children line the walls of the living room.
As dispensaries close, police worry about the rise of larger home-grow operations. They’re allowed under state law, but lawyers and law enforcement officials continue to deal with gray areas regarding how much a person can grow, and even what constitutes a plant.
The laws leave people like Stephen Minardi in a precarious position.
“I’m proud of what I do,” he said. “I take care of people....
(Robert Allen)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "3rd suspect arrested in botched robbery"
"...Police have arrested another suspect in a botched robbery the night of Thanksgiving that resulted in the death of a co-conspirator and the shooting of the home’s resident.
Ryan Edward Mitchell, 23, 1302 Glenwood Ave., No. 203, told police during an interview Dec. 19 he unscrewed the light bulbs in the garage of the home that he and his friends later attempted to burglarize, according to an arrest affidavit.
Mitchell was arrested Thursday on suspicion of robbery, being involved in a violent crime where a weapon was used and first-degree burglary.
He was in jail Friday in lieu of $100,000 bond.
Mitchell told investigators he and Joshua Ringold, 22, were the only ones to get out of the vehicle and tamper with the lights about 20 minutes before his co-conspirators were involved in the attempted robbery and shootings at 293 1/2 28 Road.
According to an affidavit, Mitchell, Ringold, Cody English, 16, Jeremiah Carey, 20, and Johnny Herrera, 19, drove to the 28 Road home in an attempt to rob the residents of marijuana...."
(GJ Sentinel)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Ryan Edward Mitchell, 23, 1302 Glenwood Ave., No. 203, told police during an interview Dec. 19 he unscrewed the light bulbs in the garage of the home that he and his friends later attempted to burglarize, according to an arrest affidavit.
Mitchell was arrested Thursday on suspicion of robbery, being involved in a violent crime where a weapon was used and first-degree burglary.
He was in jail Friday in lieu of $100,000 bond.
Mitchell told investigators he and Joshua Ringold, 22, were the only ones to get out of the vehicle and tamper with the lights about 20 minutes before his co-conspirators were involved in the attempted robbery and shootings at 293 1/2 28 Road.
According to an affidavit, Mitchell, Ringold, Cody English, 16, Jeremiah Carey, 20, and Johnny Herrera, 19, drove to the 28 Road home in an attempt to rob the residents of marijuana...."
(GJ Sentinel)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Historic Emma town site defaced"
There has been a gang element in Basalt Middle and High School since 1999.
Parents who live in Basalt haven't let their kids travel between Basalt and Carbondale and then hang out in Carbondale after dark for years.
Why?
Because of the Latino gangs.
This is not new news and it is very disappointing to see Pitkin County officials acting as though they're surprised and shocked over this happening again.
This time, spend the money to protect the building with a high quality graffiti protectant. Tnemec's Dur A Pell GS is one of the best. The Paint Store in Carbondale can help you figure it out.
And consider pulling all elected officials heads out of the sand in the upper Roaring Fork Valley and taking a good, hard look at the gang and drug problems we have.
Voters, you have some commissioners, city council, a D.A. and in another year or so a PitCo Sheriff to look at in the voting booth. Focus on getting in those that will support law enforcement's most major challenges in our area.
"...The sheriff’s office is investigating the crime. The open space department is offering the reward for anyone with information leading to the vandal or vandals’ arrest.
Multi-colored spray-painted tags run across two sides of the building facing the highway. Armstrong said authorities believe they might be gang-related and have enlisted a graffiti expert to interpret their meaning, in the hopes of tracing them to the perpetrators.
Cleaning the graffiti is particularly challenging because chemical paint thinners or blasting would damage the brick.
“Whatever we use, we have to be careful because that brick is 125 years old,” Armstrong said. “Sand-blasting is not an option....”
(Andrew Travers)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Parents who live in Basalt haven't let their kids travel between Basalt and Carbondale and then hang out in Carbondale after dark for years.
Why?
Because of the Latino gangs.
This is not new news and it is very disappointing to see Pitkin County officials acting as though they're surprised and shocked over this happening again.
This time, spend the money to protect the building with a high quality graffiti protectant. Tnemec's Dur A Pell GS is one of the best. The Paint Store in Carbondale can help you figure it out.
And consider pulling all elected officials heads out of the sand in the upper Roaring Fork Valley and taking a good, hard look at the gang and drug problems we have.
Voters, you have some commissioners, city council, a D.A. and in another year or so a PitCo Sheriff to look at in the voting booth. Focus on getting in those that will support law enforcement's most major challenges in our area.
"...The sheriff’s office is investigating the crime. The open space department is offering the reward for anyone with information leading to the vandal or vandals’ arrest.
Multi-colored spray-painted tags run across two sides of the building facing the highway. Armstrong said authorities believe they might be gang-related and have enlisted a graffiti expert to interpret their meaning, in the hopes of tracing them to the perpetrators.
Cleaning the graffiti is particularly challenging because chemical paint thinners or blasting would damage the brick.
“Whatever we use, we have to be careful because that brick is 125 years old,” Armstrong said. “Sand-blasting is not an option....”
(Andrew Travers)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Letter to the Editor "Lose the buses"
We couldn't agree more, Dieter.
RFTA is not only all you say in your letter to the Times, it is the most poorly run business in the region. Possibly the nation.
No project and nothing they ever commit to ever comes out the way it was either planned or promised.
Never is executed without bailouts and asking for more handouts.
When they cannot get their way? They force their way.
The folks would have more respect for CEO Blankenship and RFTA if he simply stood out on Hwy 82 and flew a sign.
Would certainly be cheaper.
Realistically, as long as there is the long-standing cronyism that fuels RFTA, things will not change.
So, it's up to the folks to vote into office a transfusion of new blood, new thinking and trustworthy politicians.
(Read Dieter's sensible approach to the problems known as RFTA? Click title. Comment to discuss)
RFTA is not only all you say in your letter to the Times, it is the most poorly run business in the region. Possibly the nation.
No project and nothing they ever commit to ever comes out the way it was either planned or promised.
Never is executed without bailouts and asking for more handouts.
When they cannot get their way? They force their way.
The folks would have more respect for CEO Blankenship and RFTA if he simply stood out on Hwy 82 and flew a sign.
Would certainly be cheaper.
Realistically, as long as there is the long-standing cronyism that fuels RFTA, things will not change.
So, it's up to the folks to vote into office a transfusion of new blood, new thinking and trustworthy politicians.
(Read Dieter's sensible approach to the problems known as RFTA? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Residents around Paonia fight drilling plans"
'SandBox Nanny' grew up on Kebler Pass in Colorado. Paonia on one side of the pass and Crested Butte on the other.
The most gorgeous, private and incredibly diverse area in Colorado. Spectacular country.
Anyone who intimately knows the land in question here would be protective from anything that would bring it harm.
And she is all for these leases being granted.
As long as when the deal is made the developer follows the lead of Bill Barrett Corp. and their Jack Canyon and Desolation Canyon project out in Utah.
As long as they follow the lead of EnCana and reclaim the land when done.
There needs to come a time in our history here in the United States when senseless environmentalism is brought to a halt. When frivolous and repetitive litigation by environmental groups that fail to do their full research before filing and/or refuse to look at any other view other than their own demands is stopped completely.
Compromise and the best interests of all can be found on middle ground. Desolation Canyon and companies such as Bill Barrett Corp and EnCana prove that.
Just say YES to the granting of these leases. Work out a deal that wins for all and then spend your time making sure that deal is upheld rather than spending it in court.
(Read more? Click title and links. Comment to discuss)
The most gorgeous, private and incredibly diverse area in Colorado. Spectacular country.
Anyone who intimately knows the land in question here would be protective from anything that would bring it harm.
And she is all for these leases being granted.
As long as when the deal is made the developer follows the lead of Bill Barrett Corp. and their Jack Canyon and Desolation Canyon project out in Utah.
As long as they follow the lead of EnCana and reclaim the land when done.
There needs to come a time in our history here in the United States when senseless environmentalism is brought to a halt. When frivolous and repetitive litigation by environmental groups that fail to do their full research before filing and/or refuse to look at any other view other than their own demands is stopped completely.
Compromise and the best interests of all can be found on middle ground. Desolation Canyon and companies such as Bill Barrett Corp and EnCana prove that.
Just say YES to the granting of these leases. Work out a deal that wins for all and then spend your time making sure that deal is upheld rather than spending it in court.
(Read more? Click title and links. Comment to discuss)
January 6, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Billionaire leads push for Castle Creek guardrail"
(sighs....rolls eyes....prays for patience....sighs again...)
Pity poor Bill Koch.
In our lifetime, will we ever see a headline on any of the Koch Brothers that's fair? Balanced? How about true?
Ya know, Ms. Urquhart. If you're going to force the guy, again, into the local headlines which will then be viral link baited around the globe within an hour or less of publication; at least get it right.
"MULTI-billionaire leads push for Castle Creek guardrail".
Tonight, 'SandBox Nanny' sends out a thank you to all the Koch brothers, whether they are at peace with each other or not.
You are appreciated for all you do with your enterprises that bring so many jobs to Americans.
You are also appreciated for the random acts of philanthropy and generosity that you do for so many and also for the major good works you do that are never in the forefront.
(sigh....rolls eyes....)
Pity poor Bill Koch for having to undergo a complete forensic audit of his financial status simply to get a guardrail up on Castle Creek Road.
(Learn more? Get the juicy details? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Pity poor Bill Koch.
In our lifetime, will we ever see a headline on any of the Koch Brothers that's fair? Balanced? How about true?
Ya know, Ms. Urquhart. If you're going to force the guy, again, into the local headlines which will then be viral link baited around the globe within an hour or less of publication; at least get it right.
"MULTI-billionaire leads push for Castle Creek guardrail".
Tonight, 'SandBox Nanny' sends out a thank you to all the Koch brothers, whether they are at peace with each other or not.
You are appreciated for all you do with your enterprises that bring so many jobs to Americans.
You are also appreciated for the random acts of philanthropy and generosity that you do for so many and also for the major good works you do that are never in the forefront.
(sigh....rolls eyes....)
Pity poor Bill Koch for having to undergo a complete forensic audit of his financial status simply to get a guardrail up on Castle Creek Road.
(Learn more? Get the juicy details? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "Local Company Strikes Big Deal With Vail Mountain"
Congratulations!!
What a major coup this is for the Western Slope of Colorado!! Thank you, Vail Resorts! Happy 50th Anniversary!
"...Vail Mountain is one of the premier resorts in the country and Leitner-Poma is thrilled its keeping its business in state.
The company’s president, Rick Spear says “They're a Colorado company and its great to work with them. This lift will involve over 20,000 man and woman hours of work right here in Colorado....”
(KJCT)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
What a major coup this is for the Western Slope of Colorado!! Thank you, Vail Resorts! Happy 50th Anniversary!
"...Vail Mountain is one of the premier resorts in the country and Leitner-Poma is thrilled its keeping its business in state.
The company’s president, Rick Spear says “They're a Colorado company and its great to work with them. This lift will involve over 20,000 man and woman hours of work right here in Colorado....”
(KJCT)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 5, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Melanie Sturm "America's New Years resolution: fiscal fitness"
"...Like a long-running soap opera whose actors change though the story line doesn't, we spend $4 billion more than we have every day — and growing. Since 2008, spending skyrocketed past our historical average of 20 percent of gross domestic product to 25 percent.
The problem isn't merely the amount of debt — though as Sen. Obama asserted before voting against the 2006 debt-ceiling increase, “Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren” — it's the size of the debt relative to our economy that reflects poor economic health. With our debt-to-GDP ratio at 100.3 percent versus 69.8 percent in 2008, we're living on “borrowed” time unless politicians stop deluding themselves that a stagnant private sector can finance a growing public sector.
The eurozone crisis offers America a timely warning that the battle of the spending and debt bulge is an existential one. Europe's saga is our “Chronicle of a Death Foretold,” except America can avert doom by slashing spending levels and lifting private-sector burdens. If Sweden, Ireland and a new reform-minded Spanish government can do both — the reverse of what we've done during the Great Recession — America should, too...."
(Melanie Sturm)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The problem isn't merely the amount of debt — though as Sen. Obama asserted before voting against the 2006 debt-ceiling increase, “Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren” — it's the size of the debt relative to our economy that reflects poor economic health. With our debt-to-GDP ratio at 100.3 percent versus 69.8 percent in 2008, we're living on “borrowed” time unless politicians stop deluding themselves that a stagnant private sector can finance a growing public sector.
The eurozone crisis offers America a timely warning that the battle of the spending and debt bulge is an existential one. Europe's saga is our “Chronicle of a Death Foretold,” except America can avert doom by slashing spending levels and lifting private-sector burdens. If Sweden, Ireland and a new reform-minded Spanish government can do both — the reverse of what we've done during the Great Recession — America should, too...."
(Melanie Sturm)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Crested Butte News "Council to consider support for Bear Ranch deal "
Just say YES.
Bill Koch's proposal for Bear Creek Ranch is and always has been, win-win.
"Former Crested Butte mayor Tom Glass of the Western Land Group, Inc. came before the council Tuesday, January 3 asking for a letter of support for the exchange. “We’ve been at this a long time,” he told the council. “Bear Ranch is a working ranch 20 miles west of here near Erickson Springs. The owner [energy billionaire Bill Koch] wants to obtain a strip of BLM land that split the ranch. We have proposed a land exchange.”
Under the proposal, Koch would obtain 1,846 acres of BLM land in six parcels near the property that would tie the Bear Ranch together. In exchange, he would purchase parcels of land near the Curecanti National Recreation Area, Dinosaur National Monument, Marble, Paonia and Erickson Springs and give them to the public....."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Bill Koch's proposal for Bear Creek Ranch is and always has been, win-win.
"Former Crested Butte mayor Tom Glass of the Western Land Group, Inc. came before the council Tuesday, January 3 asking for a letter of support for the exchange. “We’ve been at this a long time,” he told the council. “Bear Ranch is a working ranch 20 miles west of here near Erickson Springs. The owner [energy billionaire Bill Koch] wants to obtain a strip of BLM land that split the ranch. We have proposed a land exchange.”
Under the proposal, Koch would obtain 1,846 acres of BLM land in six parcels near the property that would tie the Bear Ranch together. In exchange, he would purchase parcels of land near the Curecanti National Recreation Area, Dinosaur National Monument, Marble, Paonia and Erickson Springs and give them to the public....."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "‘Wildways for Wildlife' in Vail"
This has been in the works here in Colorado for years. The folks are pretty happy over how beautiful this concept is and that it solves the problem as well.
We can hardly wait to get through the seemingly endless preliminaries with all powers that be and actually get construction started.
Imagine...these 'wildways' throughout the entire U.S.
(Want to see? Click title. Comment to discuss)
We can hardly wait to get through the seemingly endless preliminaries with all powers that be and actually get construction started.
Imagine...these 'wildways' throughout the entire U.S.
(Want to see? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 4, 2012
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Sky Watching: Happy Perihelion!"
Bob Berwyn isn't our fav astronomer guy. Professor Jimmy Westlake, over on Steamboat Today is our absolutely best fav 'star man'.
But...Berwyn does put out some good posts on what's happening in the galaxy. This one is quite interesting.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — It may not be quite as sexy as the recent lunar eclipse, or as spectacular as this morning’s meteor shower, but Earth nonetheless experiences another celestial milestone today when it reaches it’s closest point to the sun during its 365-day orbit.
To be precise, at perihelion, our planet will close in to within about 91 million miles of the sun, more than 3 million miles closer than at the early July aphelion, when the the Earth and sun are more than 94 million miles apart. All this because, of course, the Earth’s orbit is elliptical and not circular.
It may seem counter-intuitive that the Earth is closer to the sun during the coldest time of the year, but the temperatures at the surface of the planet are influenced by the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth’s axis and the angle of the sun’s rays much more than by the distance from the sun. Because of that tilt, the northern hemisphere days are much shorter in our winter, leading to the colder temperatures.
According to NASA, there are measurable differences in solar heating that result from our planet’s slightly elliptical orbit.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
But...Berwyn does put out some good posts on what's happening in the galaxy. This one is quite interesting.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — It may not be quite as sexy as the recent lunar eclipse, or as spectacular as this morning’s meteor shower, but Earth nonetheless experiences another celestial milestone today when it reaches it’s closest point to the sun during its 365-day orbit.
To be precise, at perihelion, our planet will close in to within about 91 million miles of the sun, more than 3 million miles closer than at the early July aphelion, when the the Earth and sun are more than 94 million miles apart. All this because, of course, the Earth’s orbit is elliptical and not circular.
It may seem counter-intuitive that the Earth is closer to the sun during the coldest time of the year, but the temperatures at the surface of the planet are influenced by the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth’s axis and the angle of the sun’s rays much more than by the distance from the sun. Because of that tilt, the northern hemisphere days are much shorter in our winter, leading to the colder temperatures.
According to NASA, there are measurable differences in solar heating that result from our planet’s slightly elliptical orbit.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Summit sunset series"
Anyone who thinks bloggers and commentary moderators have it easy, think again.
We don't have regular hours, days off unless we force them to be scheduled or the luxury of just a set scope of duties.
With as many as a dozen forums at a pop up on one's computer screen and heavy activity such as the Iowa Caucuses last night, the instant gratification you all see out there comes at a price for those of us who are currently etching out a living in the blogosphere.
So, today...SandBox says "Thank you" to Texas Governor Rick Perry for staying the course. Wait for it that our predictions given in the previous post come to pass.
Until tomorrow on this forum, here are a couple of relaxing spots for you followers. All credit goes to Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
We don't have regular hours, days off unless we force them to be scheduled or the luxury of just a set scope of duties.
With as many as a dozen forums at a pop up on one's computer screen and heavy activity such as the Iowa Caucuses last night, the instant gratification you all see out there comes at a price for those of us who are currently etching out a living in the blogosphere.
So, today...SandBox says "Thank you" to Texas Governor Rick Perry for staying the course. Wait for it that our predictions given in the previous post come to pass.
Until tomorrow on this forum, here are a couple of relaxing spots for you followers. All credit goes to Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
January 3, 2012
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "DA to sift 400 cases in probe of ex-trooper"
We'll take a larger snip of this article on Trooper Moseman in today's Grand Junction Daily Sentinel because it is the portion that sums up what avatars in commentary have been voicing concerns over.
First, that when Hautzinger pointed out the discrepancies, Moseman had been suspected for years prior to. The folks are asking why it took so long for prosecutors, other cops and also the state patrol to speak up.
Second, the overall stress factor dumping this huge number of cases on our already weighted judicial system in the 21st District and how much that is going to cost the folks.
Very good report by Paul Shockley over on the Sentinel. Be sure to click title and read in its entirety.
Paul Shockley:
"Nearly 400 cases dating back to 2008 in Mesa County will be re-examined in the face of credibility concerns surrounding a former Colorado State Patrol trooper, Mesa County District Attorney Pete Hautzinger said.
Hautzinger’s assessment came after the District Attorney’s Office recently was provided a list of cases involving former trooper Donald Moseman over the past three years, which covers Moseman’s most recent stint working in Mesa County.
Hautzinger said the task of assessing old Moseman cases could take months, adding he may have to hire temporary employees or law school interns to assist with the job.
“My existing staff is already swamped,” he said.
At the DA’s request, the State Patrol compiled a list of all cases in which Moseman was the primary investigating officer or a significant witness. Hautzinger said a cursory review of the list showed everything from speeding infractions to alcohol- or drug-impaired driving arrests, in addition to at least two felony cases involving vehicular eluding and motor vehicle theft. The list was not released.
It does not include the 12 pending criminal cases, mostly DUI arrests in 2011 in which Moseman was the sole witness, that already have been dismissed by Hautzinger’s office over the past three weeks.
Reports were suspect
Moseman’s work became the focus of an internal investigation by the State Patrol after the District Attorney’s Office in October pointed out inconsistencies in Moseman’s case reports.
The State Patrol investigation found Moseman displayed a bias against drivers “who may have consumed alcohol or drugs prior to driving,” State Patrol Maj. Barry Bratt wrote in a letter to Hautzinger dated Dec. 5.
The letter said Moseman has submitted reports that combined information from prior arrests and the new criminal allegations, “resulting in reports which contained wrong or conflicting information.”
Hautzinger and State Patrol leadership have declined to elaborate.
First, that when Hautzinger pointed out the discrepancies, Moseman had been suspected for years prior to. The folks are asking why it took so long for prosecutors, other cops and also the state patrol to speak up.
Second, the overall stress factor dumping this huge number of cases on our already weighted judicial system in the 21st District and how much that is going to cost the folks.
Very good report by Paul Shockley over on the Sentinel. Be sure to click title and read in its entirety.
Paul Shockley:
"Nearly 400 cases dating back to 2008 in Mesa County will be re-examined in the face of credibility concerns surrounding a former Colorado State Patrol trooper, Mesa County District Attorney Pete Hautzinger said.
Hautzinger’s assessment came after the District Attorney’s Office recently was provided a list of cases involving former trooper Donald Moseman over the past three years, which covers Moseman’s most recent stint working in Mesa County.
Hautzinger said the task of assessing old Moseman cases could take months, adding he may have to hire temporary employees or law school interns to assist with the job.
“My existing staff is already swamped,” he said.
At the DA’s request, the State Patrol compiled a list of all cases in which Moseman was the primary investigating officer or a significant witness. Hautzinger said a cursory review of the list showed everything from speeding infractions to alcohol- or drug-impaired driving arrests, in addition to at least two felony cases involving vehicular eluding and motor vehicle theft. The list was not released.
It does not include the 12 pending criminal cases, mostly DUI arrests in 2011 in which Moseman was the sole witness, that already have been dismissed by Hautzinger’s office over the past three weeks.
Reports were suspect
Moseman’s work became the focus of an internal investigation by the State Patrol after the District Attorney’s Office in October pointed out inconsistencies in Moseman’s case reports.
The State Patrol investigation found Moseman displayed a bias against drivers “who may have consumed alcohol or drugs prior to driving,” State Patrol Maj. Barry Bratt wrote in a letter to Hautzinger dated Dec. 5.
The letter said Moseman has submitted reports that combined information from prior arrests and the new criminal allegations, “resulting in reports which contained wrong or conflicting information.”
Hautzinger and State Patrol leadership have declined to elaborate.
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "Vail's growth boosts sales tax revenue'
(See related story here)
One of the major problems privately owned Aspen has, is how far behind they are in building infrastructure.
It's going to really hurt and take a powerful toll now that they've hit the wall and realize that they must change or they will continue to lag behind other major resorts in the region.
Lodging, restaurants, amenities that are aimed at real needs among vacationers. Families, international guests, large events, the arts and sciences.
Lots of work to be done up in Aspen. Of course we support the effort completely, it is simply that there is a very long way to go with the general population not even sure yet whether or not the Skico is listening.
Good article over on the Vail Daily this morning.
"...Rayla Kundolf, director at Masters Gallery in Vail Village, said everyone wants to go to the new hot spots, but once that settles down, she expects all businesses in town to get a more even piece of the overall pie.
“I think it will spread out,” Kundolf said.
She reports that the gallery is about flat with last winter so far, but flat isn't bad when you're talking about a record-breaking December 2010 in terms of overall town sales tax revenues. She thinks people came to town a little later this season and seem to be staying a little later, too.
New hot spots also help existing businesses raise the bar, Kundolf said, which is good for the town as a whole.
“Each business needs to constantly reinvent themselves to keep it fresh, keep it new,” she said.
Growth in the town seems to have peaked — although Vail Resorts is still pushing through its $1 billion Ever Vail application, which would add more commercial space, condominiums and hotel rooms to the west side of Lionshead — and looking back on the strategy, some feel it has worked.
Vail Councilman Greg Moffet, who also owns Tiga Advertising and is on the Vail Economic Advisory Council, said new square footage in town has helped lower rents and allow a more diversified tenant base. A few years ago, places such as candy shops, wine and coffee shops would have had trouble affording space in either village, he said.
“The tenant mix is broadening,” Moffet said. “I think the pie is getting bigger — not getting bigger as fast as overall growth and retail space, but I think it will catch up quickly.”
Moffet said it's hard to analyze economic data from the past 21⁄2 years because the national economy has been so bad. But having a better product mix in town means more people will shop, Moffet said.
“I see it creating opportunity,” he said. “Most of my customers aren't complaining.”
(Lauren Glendenning)
Read more on what's going on in Vail?
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
One of the major problems privately owned Aspen has, is how far behind they are in building infrastructure.
It's going to really hurt and take a powerful toll now that they've hit the wall and realize that they must change or they will continue to lag behind other major resorts in the region.
Lodging, restaurants, amenities that are aimed at real needs among vacationers. Families, international guests, large events, the arts and sciences.
Lots of work to be done up in Aspen. Of course we support the effort completely, it is simply that there is a very long way to go with the general population not even sure yet whether or not the Skico is listening.
Good article over on the Vail Daily this morning.
"...Rayla Kundolf, director at Masters Gallery in Vail Village, said everyone wants to go to the new hot spots, but once that settles down, she expects all businesses in town to get a more even piece of the overall pie.
“I think it will spread out,” Kundolf said.
She reports that the gallery is about flat with last winter so far, but flat isn't bad when you're talking about a record-breaking December 2010 in terms of overall town sales tax revenues. She thinks people came to town a little later this season and seem to be staying a little later, too.
New hot spots also help existing businesses raise the bar, Kundolf said, which is good for the town as a whole.
“Each business needs to constantly reinvent themselves to keep it fresh, keep it new,” she said.
Growth in the town seems to have peaked — although Vail Resorts is still pushing through its $1 billion Ever Vail application, which would add more commercial space, condominiums and hotel rooms to the west side of Lionshead — and looking back on the strategy, some feel it has worked.
Vail Councilman Greg Moffet, who also owns Tiga Advertising and is on the Vail Economic Advisory Council, said new square footage in town has helped lower rents and allow a more diversified tenant base. A few years ago, places such as candy shops, wine and coffee shops would have had trouble affording space in either village, he said.
“The tenant mix is broadening,” Moffet said. “I think the pie is getting bigger — not getting bigger as fast as overall growth and retail space, but I think it will catch up quickly.”
Moffet said it's hard to analyze economic data from the past 21⁄2 years because the national economy has been so bad. But having a better product mix in town means more people will shop, Moffet said.
“I see it creating opportunity,” he said. “Most of my customers aren't complaining.”
(Lauren Glendenning)
Read more on what's going on in Vail?
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Power up the Power of Four"
Very well said. We couldn't agree more.
But, along with changing the way the world views Aspen and the Aspen Skico comes what lies at the core of the real problem.
The Crown Family has made Aspen into a mirror of themselves and their choices in life. We're privately owned and they do what they wish.
When the Aspen Ski Corp. finally cuts the umbilical cord and becomes a real grown-up corporation that is a business in the service oriented industries, then and only then will there be a complete turn for the better. As it stands now, the company is performing well to exactly what it is currently set up to be.
The Power of One.
’Tis the season, so let’s raise a glass to the many good things the Aspen Skiing Co. has accomplished under Jim Crown’s stewardship. Serious steady investment, great people, no layoffs in tough times, and shared values including a love of Aspen, an abiding respect for the environment and delight in sharing it with others.
Yet no matter how well intentioned, it feels like SkiCo is waxing the wrong skis.
Greg Stump captured the Aspen experience brilliantly in the Power of Four.
Unfortunately, the business execution for a number of years now more resembles the power of one — Aspen affluent — in four different locations.....
......Instead of service that supports an experience aimed at each mountain’s natural audience with their own distinct wants and needs, service has been averaged to be more or less the same at all mountains. It’s as if we are pretending to be one huge mountain — like Vail — and in the process missing an equally huge opportunity.
How about showcasing Aspen Mountain with service that creates an experience beyond anything seen in the industry or the other three mountains in the valley? To do that, Aspen must beat Deer Valley, which is unfettered by the level of service offered at neighboring Park City. Bottom line, an Aspen Mountain ski ticket should be the most expensive in America and worth every penny — complete with Ritz levels of style and service, perfectly in keeping with the Aspen name.
The season pass should remain a four-mountain pass. Different daily prices for different mountains can be charged against a prepaid amount on a visitor’s electronic pass.
The Power of Four is the power to mesmerize four distinct audiences while your competitors work at being all things to all people, and important to none.
The mountains are waiting, the people are ready — what’s needed now is a bit of audacity."
Charlie Hughes was the founding CEO of Land Rover in the U.S., supported the 24 Hours of Aspen for years, and co-authored a book on branding titled “Branding Iron.” Charlie and his family first skied on Snowmass in 1989 and have owned a place there since 1993.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
But, along with changing the way the world views Aspen and the Aspen Skico comes what lies at the core of the real problem.
The Crown Family has made Aspen into a mirror of themselves and their choices in life. We're privately owned and they do what they wish.
When the Aspen Ski Corp. finally cuts the umbilical cord and becomes a real grown-up corporation that is a business in the service oriented industries, then and only then will there be a complete turn for the better. As it stands now, the company is performing well to exactly what it is currently set up to be.
The Power of One.
’Tis the season, so let’s raise a glass to the many good things the Aspen Skiing Co. has accomplished under Jim Crown’s stewardship. Serious steady investment, great people, no layoffs in tough times, and shared values including a love of Aspen, an abiding respect for the environment and delight in sharing it with others.
Yet no matter how well intentioned, it feels like SkiCo is waxing the wrong skis.
Greg Stump captured the Aspen experience brilliantly in the Power of Four.
Unfortunately, the business execution for a number of years now more resembles the power of one — Aspen affluent — in four different locations.....
......Instead of service that supports an experience aimed at each mountain’s natural audience with their own distinct wants and needs, service has been averaged to be more or less the same at all mountains. It’s as if we are pretending to be one huge mountain — like Vail — and in the process missing an equally huge opportunity.
How about showcasing Aspen Mountain with service that creates an experience beyond anything seen in the industry or the other three mountains in the valley? To do that, Aspen must beat Deer Valley, which is unfettered by the level of service offered at neighboring Park City. Bottom line, an Aspen Mountain ski ticket should be the most expensive in America and worth every penny — complete with Ritz levels of style and service, perfectly in keeping with the Aspen name.
The season pass should remain a four-mountain pass. Different daily prices for different mountains can be charged against a prepaid amount on a visitor’s electronic pass.
The Power of Four is the power to mesmerize four distinct audiences while your competitors work at being all things to all people, and important to none.
The mountains are waiting, the people are ready — what’s needed now is a bit of audacity."
Charlie Hughes was the founding CEO of Land Rover in the U.S., supported the 24 Hours of Aspen for years, and co-authored a book on branding titled “Branding Iron.” Charlie and his family first skied on Snowmass in 1989 and have owned a place there since 1993.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: B&W"
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — A short selection of images post-processed with the goal of recreating some old Kodak Plus X vibes …"
"SUMMIT COUNTY — A short selection of images post-processed with the goal of recreating some old Kodak Plus X vibes …"
SandBox Comments: Goose Radio "It Was All a Big Mistake!"
They've been flooding in.
Heartwarming stories of how the Goose touched their lives with positive change.
Cries of anguish that his voice will no longer speak to them on their daily commutes or off their streaming news podcasts as they work through the day.
Conservative leaning bloggers, commentators and podcasters reach out to America over the next few days and share their beloved Goose.
This morning, we start off with his classic 'Obama guy' at mid-term elections.
Heartwarming stories of how the Goose touched their lives with positive change.
Cries of anguish that his voice will no longer speak to them on their daily commutes or off their streaming news podcasts as they work through the day.
Conservative leaning bloggers, commentators and podcasters reach out to America over the next few days and share their beloved Goose.
This morning, we start off with his classic 'Obama guy' at mid-term elections.
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