SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Aspen city attorney says opinion to commission is confidential"

Good grief.

First, Mitzi Rapkin's disingenuous column from the city the other day.

And now this load of bunk on his personal definition of confidentiality and who he represents from Aspen City Attorney John Worchester.

(whisper...whisper...sheesh...wonder if the City of Aspen is ever going to figure out who they really represent out here....whisper...whisper....could there be any greater lengths for them to go to in their effort to redefine the word "secrets"?)

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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: Crested Butte News "CBMR ready to open for a new season of skiing "

SandBox Nanny remembers Crested Butte when it was no bigger than a couple blocks.  Had Tony Stefanic's store where you could buy (5) cinnamon bears and last month's comic books (with the cover torn off) for a dime...

Congratulations to the folks up there as they open the season.  May Ullr be generous.

"Ski resort planning big party for opening day
As if skiing for free on opening day weren’t enough, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is turning this year’s opening day into a birthday bash. The final hurrah after a year-long 50th anniversary celebration, the festivities will begin in time for the first chair on November 23 and continue throughout the day..."
(Crested Butte News)

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SandBox Comments: Vail Daily: "Andy Daly becomes Vail's new mayor"

Congratulations to Powderhorn CEO Andy Daly on his appointment for Mayor of Vail.

Former CEO of Vail Resorts, Andy and partners purchased Powderhorn last year and has been busy making improvements and getting ready for the 2011-2012 season.

Why would the folks over in Vail not think that is a conflict of interest?

Because, he is Andy Daly.

"After the council voted against electing Kurz as mayor, the council voted unanimously for Daly.

“I think it was appropriate once Andy was nominated, and I did not get the votes; it was appropriate for me to vote on behalf of Andy,” Kurz said later. “I think he'll do a great job.”

Outgoing mayor Dick Cleveland, who did not seek re-election, said he has confidence in Daly's ability to take over as mayor. He said he'll have his hands full, though, just as Cleveland did when he first stepped into the role.

There will be a learning curve, and he'll have to figure out the best way to moderate discussions, Cleveland said, by “trying to figure out at what point either council comments or public comment has gone on too long.”

Daly has studied how the town works and how the council interacts and is confident in himself as mayor.

“I'm committed to keeping Vail a cutting-edge, world-class resort, and I think I'm in a better position to do that as mayor,” Daly said."
(Lauren Glendenning)

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SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "Grand Junction Rockies look ahead, excited to join community "

Congrats to Grand Junction!

Their new minor league baseball team "Grand Junction Rockies" are in town making plans for the big move to Mesa County, Colorado.

In just around a month, owners are pleased to see 404 season pass sales . 

"Grand Junction is Rockies country," said Monfort."

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SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "City fighting a losing ballot battle"

Maurice Emmer:

"I am a conservative for election transparency. I naively thought citizens usually could trust elected officials to honor transparency, as it enhances their legitimacy and public trust; it makes their jobs easier. I was wrong and our liberty is threatened by what I have learned.

Unlike at least one member of City Council, according to news reports, I read the entire unanimous opinion of the Colorado Court of Appeals in Marks v. Koch. It didn’t take long — it is only 16 double-spaced pages. Did council members read it before hastily voting to proceed with a further costly appeal? The city had 45 days to appeal, and yet rushed an unannounced private meeting and vote to move ahead with an appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court without any open hearings from the public.

The Court of Appeals opinion is well reasoned and thorough. As with any good judicial opinion, it summarizes key facts, states the arguments, analyzes each argument applying relevant law and states a conclusion on each argument. It is not complicated; it is not based on anyone’s political viewpoint or vendetta. It is a straightforward legal analysis and opinion. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the issues on either side...."

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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 Times "On ballots, magic and transparency"

That's the trouble with only performing partial duty.  When you are a public servant, in a position of trust and you do not fulfill all of your duty, sooner or later the layers you've piled on by not will begin to fall away.

Great letter to the Aspen Times from elections activist Marilyn Marks on the duality that resides in the depths of Aspen City Hall.

"With such obvious inconsistencies underlying the closed door decision to appeal, it's no wonder that the five councilmen refused to allow the requested and required public comment session prior to their court filing. Who would want to face the simple question from the public: “Were you telling the real story two years ago or when you filed your appeal? It can't be both.”

Their other claims, just as absurd, will be referenced in future letters...."
(Marilyn Marks)

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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 Times "Marks wants to see latest Pitkin County ballots"

You go, girl.

"Marks, meanwhile, predicted the issue will wind up before the state Legislature. She said she met Monday with the Colorado Press Association regarding her push, as well as with legislative lobbyists...."
(Janet Urquhart)

You know, in the way of rightful things, want to bet the high court moves fast to knock down the City of Aspen's appeal?

How grand that would be!

The City of Aspen could then stop violating the high court's order to pay Marks her attorney costs to date.
  
Then, the citizens of Aspen could sleep better at night with the relief that Mayor Mick would be finally contained,  the feds weren't preparing to march on Aspen and haul the folks away for their leaders violating the high court's order.

You go, girl.

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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 "State: Marilyn Marks owes more than $55,000 in taxes"

EEEWWW!!!  aaghh!!...how gross and disgusting!!

Picking up our beloved Aspen Daily News and seeing them prostituting themselves in what must be a race to compete in the same genre as corporate competitors is like pouring a great big glass of cold milk to wash down chocolate cake and the first swig tells you that you've got a mouth full of sour milk.

And it's Chad Abraham who has stooped to such gutter lows.  OMG!!  EEEWWWW!!!

Eh, do you think that just maybe if the City of Aspen was not in defiance of a court order and paid the attorney's fees they owe Marilyn Marks that she might find the financial relief  helpful?

How about a follow-up story on that twist to this tabloid style wonder?

Call out Marolt!  Call out Boyd!!  Call out Madden!!  This demise, this fall from grace is opinion worthy!

SandBox Nanny just poured a hefty shot in her cuppa to help her make it through the rest of the day's postings.  How sad, how tragic the loss of credibility at the Daily, even for just a day.


(Learn more about the stunning fall from grace of our beloved Daily News?  Click title.)

SandBox Comments: Garco Sheriff "K-9"

How many of you knew Garfield County Sheriff has such a terrific K9 force?

The original K9 hero?  Dual purpose German Shepherd, K9 Kelo, handled by Commander Bill Middleton.

Then came K9 Drogen.  And the latest addition of K9 Cio.

Sgt. Jim Schuckers oversees the K-9 program. Started the K9 Handler School with K9 Toben and his current partner is K9 Falcos.

Cpl. Brent Baker is paired up with one year old K9 Ejon, a German Shepard from Slyvokia.

Corporal Josh Craine originally partnered with K9 Drogen.  Now, his partner is K9 Cio (pronounced "see-yo".

Corporal Chad Whiting and K9 Bak were certified as a team through the Colorado Police Canine Association.

Commander Kurt Conrad received his K9 Handler Training with the help of K9 Toben.  His current partner K9 Blitz is the county’s only explosives detection K9.

Garco Sheriff:

"...The K9 Unit is a tremendous asset to the department’s work in narcotics interdiction, fugitive investigation, helping ensure a particular area is free of explosives, and locating evidence and lost articles. The unit routinely works with the School Resource Officers throughout the county, as well as public demonstrations at community events. In addition to assisting patrol deputies in day to day operations the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office regularly works with and assists the Two Rivers Drug Enforcement Team, (TRIDENT), the Colorado State Patrol, (CSP), and the various municipal agencies throughout Garfield County..."

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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/Letter to the Editor "Ski pass price unreasonable"

Ruth Harrison of Aspen asks the question inquiring minds have wanted to know the answer to for years:

"Editor:

The Aspen ski pass price is one of the highest in the country (not fair to quote the chamber price). Instead of offering so many different passes and racking your brains on how to increase skier visits, why not just lower the price of a full pass?..."
(Ruth Harrison, Aspen)
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SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Jimmy Westlake: Tales of 2 clusters"

"Stars are born in clusters — families of dozens to hundreds of stars that share the same age and chemical makeup — but they don’t remain in clusters their entire lives. Like fledgling birds, stars eventually leave the nest in which they were born to roam the galaxy alone...."
(Jimmy Westlake)

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SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Voters’ secret ballots may not be so secret after ruling"

SandBox Nanny sends out  a shout to Marilyn Marks of Aspen, to send the followers of SandBox Commentators, as much information as she wishes to  counter Sheila Reiner's statements in this article.

The average voter does not realize how much power the Clerk and Recorder they elect has over the election process.

The title of the elected office is even misleading.  "You are electing the most powerful individual in your voting area, be sure to choose wisely" should be the title.  This position is not 'just a clerk'.

Most of these elected officials are to be highly commended.  Their job is not easy and they hold their power as good stewards of public trust.

'Cronyism at its finest' is another often spoken description of those Clerks and Recorders who are not good stewards for the public they serve.  The office is a very powerful extension of the political party the elected clerk is affiliated with.

Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler has made bringing much-needed sunshine into the election logistics of Coloradans one of his missions of office.

Activists, such as Marilyn Marks, have made ground-breaking strides toward election transparency.

We have, as voters, a vested interest in assisting that move to bring transparency to the election process here in Colorado.

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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 "Winter driving"

Time to pull the annual 'Winter Driving' column of Sheldon Fingerman from the archives.

Up on the Aspen Daily News.

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SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "Jail control centers going civilian "

".....In five years, the sheriff's office is expected to see a savings of $200,000 by paying the civilians at a lower salary level than the pay of a starting deputy, detention Chief Darlene Alcala said.

"We're always looking at ways to save money, and we had been hearing about other counties that have been doing this with success," she said.

"It's going to be more efficient and we'll be able to hire more folks," Sheriff Kirk Taylor said. "We're not the first ones to do this. . . . It's been successful in other agencies and the biggest thing is it saves taxpayers and increases our people."

Taylor was quick to point out that there won't be layoffs.

Salary for the new full-time positions will start around $24,000 a year, Alcala said. Deputies start at about $29,000 a year..."
(Nick Bonham)

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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: LA Times "Swing county in Michigan isn't sold on batting for Obama"

(Maeve Reston, Reporting from Sterling Heights, Mich.)

"Macomb County's mercurial "Reagan Democrats" have long served as a barometer of the national mood. Their abandonment of their own party to support Ronald Reagan helped usher in GOP rule nationally. Three decades later, Barack Obama pulled them back into the fold, sweeping the county by more than 8 points and winning Michigan by the largest margin for a Democrat since 1964...."

SandBox Nanny is reminded of 'colegrayson' and his "I am a Real Democrat, therefore I now vote Republican" post over on Red State.

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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: The Hill "Holder pushes back against GOP lawmakers over Fast and Furious"

"Attorney General Eric Holder is trying to get in front of the Fast and Furious controversy that has led to calls from conservatives for his resignation.

Holder has shed the low-key persona that sought to quietly deflect a torrent of mounting congressional criticism over his role in a botched gun tracking operation.

In its place, President Obama’s top law enforcement official has embraced a new strategy, actively confronting and rebuffing the serious concerns and disparaging remarks emanating from Capitol Hill while admitting mistakes made by his department, promising to hold officials accountable, and vehemently seeking to tell his side of the story...."
(Jordy Yager)

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SandBox Comments: Stars and Stripes "U.S. Marine Corps fights for its budget"

"Toward the end of his tenure, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates encouraged the U.S. Marine Corps to redefine itself.

Amphibious landings have become less crucial than they were a few generations ago, when Marines stormed beaches from Iwo Jima, Japan, to Inchon, South Korea. There is no longer a pressing need, he and others would point out, for essentially "a second land army."

Marine Commandant Gen. James Amos responded by asserting that Marines could have a role as a light, fast and self-sustaining force that would take and hold an area while a larger force was being assembled.

With all the armed services now fighting to maintain a financial foothold in anticipation of a decade-long drive to trim the Pentagon budget by $450 billion, the Marine Corps seems especially under the gun to stay relevant, as Bloomberg Businessweek reports.

“Looking ahead," Gates said last year, "I do think it is proper to ask whether large-scale amphibious assault landings along the lines of Inchon are feasible....”
(Stars and Stripes)

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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 Times "Public records in secret sessions"

Could it really be posssible that Aspen's city council, mayor and city attorney are truly incapable of seeing the chasm they've dug themselves out of what was a small hole?


My gosh, the ramifications of how much worse it is going to be when Marks and supporters win, again, and those ballots have to be revealed.


What, exactly, is the City of Aspen and Mayor Mick Ireland hiding?


Never before, until now in reading what has happened to Harvie Branscomb in this post off The Times, did SandBox believe there was anything amiss.


There has to be.  This is just way, way over the top.

(Read Harvie's Letter to the Editor by clicking 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: KJCT News 8 "Mesa County Drug Bust Nets 100 Pounds Of Marijuana"

Thank you to the Mesa County Sheriff's deputy that made this bust simply because he was an observant guy when he pulled them over.

"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- A drug bust in Mesa County led to the arrest of two people...."
(KJCT)

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SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "A Marine to his very marrow"

"The man really wants to wear the green.

And he will.

Lindow will be commissioned a 1 p.m. Sunday as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He'll be joined by family, friends and anyone else who wants to wish him well during the ceremony in the Gypsum Town Hall..."
(Randy Wyrick)

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