Any one of these options would be so much better than the old Subaru site. With downtown, the problem will still be parking.
John Stroud:
"The working group included representatives from the city of Glenwood Springs, Amtrak, Greyhound Bus Lines, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Nine potential sites for such a facility were evaluated through the planning process. The public got a chance to rate the various site options during an open house in February.
The transit facility would be intended to serve local commuters and long-distance travelers alike, by creating a central hub where people can make connections to various modes of transportation more easily.
The project is only in the planning stages, and funding to build the facility has not yet been identified.
The proposed multimodal facility is being planned in conjunction with RFTA's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) implementation. RFTA is working to secure the former Subaru car dealership property on South Glen Avenue to serve as the primary Glenwood Springs hub for the BRT system.
But a more central transit hub is envisioned in the city of Glenwood Springs' 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan, as well as the city's confluence-area plan.
Other possible locations included three sites scattered along Wulfsohn Road and Midland Avenue west of the Glenwood Meadows development. Another site on the north side of Interstate 70 at Soccer Road and Highway 6 in West Glenwood was also evaluated....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Showing posts with label City of Glenwood Springs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City of Glenwood Springs. Show all posts
April 27, 2012
April 12, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Get those mallets ready"
Bummer....if Ullr is really on the way this weekend.
One of the most looked forward to by Coloradans all over the state sports. Right here in Glenwood Springs this Saturday. Bless the Irish for starting it all!
Jeff Casperson:
"Eccentric, mallet-wielding cyclists will be out en masse on the grass at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs this Saturday.
And they want you to join them.
Local cycling collective Stomparillaz, which stages various spoke-related events throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, is putting on the Colorado Cup grass bike polo tournament. Matches will run all day long, from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Bike polo is what you'd imagine it to be. Think traditional polo, but replace the horses with bicycles.
Atop a heavy dose of local teams, the tournament will feature squads from Fort Collins, Denver and Durango. New teams are welcome to sign up, too, and there will be limited bikes and mallets available to use.
The Stomparillaz have held a number of tournaments in the area in recent years, and the group is looking to boost the history-rich sport's profile locally.
“It's been around for a long, long time,” said Steve Novy, who's not only organizing the tournament but is also playing in it. “It started in Ireland, right around the turn of the century — the late 1800s. Locally, it's grown in popularity very slowly. It's not the type of sport that's appealing to everyone.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
One of the most looked forward to by Coloradans all over the state sports. Right here in Glenwood Springs this Saturday. Bless the Irish for starting it all!
Jeff Casperson:
"Eccentric, mallet-wielding cyclists will be out en masse on the grass at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs this Saturday.
And they want you to join them.
Local cycling collective Stomparillaz, which stages various spoke-related events throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, is putting on the Colorado Cup grass bike polo tournament. Matches will run all day long, from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Bike polo is what you'd imagine it to be. Think traditional polo, but replace the horses with bicycles.
Atop a heavy dose of local teams, the tournament will feature squads from Fort Collins, Denver and Durango. New teams are welcome to sign up, too, and there will be limited bikes and mallets available to use.
The Stomparillaz have held a number of tournaments in the area in recent years, and the group is looking to boost the history-rich sport's profile locally.
“It's been around for a long, long time,” said Steve Novy, who's not only organizing the tournament but is also playing in it. “It started in Ireland, right around the turn of the century — the late 1800s. Locally, it's grown in popularity very slowly. It's not the type of sport that's appealing to everyone.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 8, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: City of Glenwood Springs "DRAFT AGENDA: REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 19, 2012"
Update May 14, 2012:
http://www.ci.glenwood-springs.co.us/Packet/agenda.htm
The subject of whether or not COGS 'leases' the marketing gimmick of 'Glen Wood' back from their hired tourism marketing vender GSCRA, has been moved from agenda to agenda for months now.
Will this be still yet another publicly funded tourism marketing related topic that gets either shoved under the rug or secreted back behind the closed, bolted and security guarded doors of GCRA as so many similar issues have for over 25 years?
Where is COGS? Do they care that public perception is so negative out there? Or are they still influenced by the ludicrous spin that it is all the conspiracy plot of a 'pushed agenda' by a few that 'hang out on a certain (very popular) blog?
Either way, it is absolutely undeniable after over two decades of this kind of nonsense that our elected officials that run the City of Glenwood Springs are out of touch with public need for transparency and accountability.
______________________________________________________
(See wk. of April 16 change by city council to move "Glen Wood" topic to meeting of May 3, 2012)
(See public commentary on related story here)
City of Glenwood Springs:
"Item #8: Discussion and/or Action on Approval of License to Use Advertising Materials (Re: Glen Wood) with Chamber Resort Association...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
http://www.ci.glenwood-springs.co.us/Packet/agenda.htm
The subject of whether or not COGS 'leases' the marketing gimmick of 'Glen Wood' back from their hired tourism marketing vender GSCRA, has been moved from agenda to agenda for months now.
Will this be still yet another publicly funded tourism marketing related topic that gets either shoved under the rug or secreted back behind the closed, bolted and security guarded doors of GCRA as so many similar issues have for over 25 years?
Where is COGS? Do they care that public perception is so negative out there? Or are they still influenced by the ludicrous spin that it is all the conspiracy plot of a 'pushed agenda' by a few that 'hang out on a certain (very popular) blog?
Either way, it is absolutely undeniable after over two decades of this kind of nonsense that our elected officials that run the City of Glenwood Springs are out of touch with public need for transparency and accountability.
______________________________________________________
(See wk. of April 16 change by city council to move "Glen Wood" topic to meeting of May 3, 2012)
(See public commentary on related story here)
OK, 'kids'. Per your request, 'gws44 and glenwoodsprings 22'; here is your post on the upcoming city council meeting.
City of Glenwood Springs:
"Item #8: Discussion and/or Action on Approval of License to Use Advertising Materials (Re: Glen Wood) with Chamber Resort Association...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 7, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Fee waivers clear way for Glenwood Green"
(See related story and public comments here. Research all things Cordillera, Base Village, Four Seasons Vail, Dancing Bear. All employee/affordable housing developments from Aspen to Vail, including who finances them, in order to begin to get up to speed on the magnitude of how much money is ultimately burdened (and taken) onto the backs of the folks with these types of boondoggles that your elected leaders keep signing blank checks for.)
When one sets aside the musings of possibility that the problem is both long-term and short-term memory loss in our council members and community leaders minds.
Sets aside the thought that maybe it's the ideology or personal politics of individual leaders.
Sets aside the thought that maybe time, patience and diplomacy on the folks end, will eventually win.
Sets aside the Pollyanna desire that common sense decisions based on facts not the wishes, imagination and ideology of our leaders will finally prevail on behalf of the citizens they represent.
When one sets aside the historical data that shows how many chances various leaders have been given and then cast aside by same; to gather only historical data, all the facts and offerings and really dig in by actually going to take a good look in person at what their decisions create.
After setting aside all those things.
One ends up right back at the undeniable conclusion that the folks must be right.
That no matter what they do, there is no hope that they will be listened to.
Power, business and political influence will reign.
Excuses and false justification from community leaders will spin all things off into oblivion with platitudes such as "...we have an open door....we can't please all the people all the time...that's not the way government money works...we did check concerns with a couple of people and think that's enough....we don't do follow through, not our job....".
That layer upon layer of cloudy press and the ill-intent of special interests will fuzzy up all minds for everyone and the endless cycle will just continue to spin.
Yes, the folks must be right.
About what?
That the only way to get anything done that is truly in the best interests of the folks is to keep believing in the elections system.
Through the power of one vote, to keep flushing away any party politician, on any side of the fence, until they have a majority of leaders who refuse to use an excuse or false justification to cover their tracks.
Unless you are a knowledgeable builder you likely have no idea whatsoever how much money the City of Glenwood Springs has burdened onto the citizens of both Garfield County and COGS with this latest phase in the Glenwood Meadows development.
How 'far' do you think $474,000 (that's just the waived fees) goes in profitability to Macgregor and his cohorts throughout the Meadows development? Unthinkable that a developers ultimately self-enrichment has just come at the expense of desperately needed education fees for our kids and utility burdens on the backs of our seniors, underemployed and unemployed.
How about when you add on the "subsidized housing credits" that COGS gave the project early on? BTW, where are the jobs and the illegal immigration enforcement that should have come first before thinking about building another low-rent, subsidized mass build of apartments?
How about the long-term costs for all the problems that come when you add on the cheapest, slap-it-up-don't-look- back-building, engineering, labor and materials that is the modus operandi for this developer?
How about when you add on the 'build-it-on-top-of-a-hidden-lake' type of ethics in engineering this developer has already proven with previous phases? As he slaps up another major core and shell build with COGS never having changed the rules to force him to accountability? That will last (if we're lucky) the same longevity as the RFTA maintenance facility of less than a decade? Long after Macgregor is gone?
Glenwood Meadows aka 'The Ghettos'. As the folks are so fond of calling it.
It's a great question, the one the folks keep asking over and over again.
"Where, exactly, does the money go with all these deed-restricted, affordable housing, subsidized to the developer/owner projects and whose money, exactly, is it?"
Talk about a boondoggle.
Give some cred to Councilman Leo McKinney for not falling for the shills of "2 restaurant owners" who spoke up on behalf of a dead, isolated development and its need for foot traffic. Big no vote for Leo. It will be interesting to listen to public comments on that huge change. Give him some cred for it, please.
And say thank you to Councilman Mike Gamba for steadily staying the course and proving to the folks that he is all that they hoped he would be.
Now, how many more Michael Gambas can you go round up to run in the next municipal election?
John Stroud:
“I've been a supporter of this project … but I'm not a supporter of putting the financial burden on the backs of citizens and [utility] rate payers,” Councilman Mike Gamba reiterated at Thursday's meeting before voting against the waivers. “This project needs to stand on its own feet financially.”
Denver-based Community Housing Concepts, through its development arm, Steele Properties, obtained $11 million in low-income tax credits from the Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to build the $14 million project.
Glenwood Green will provide low-cost rental units for individuals and families earning between 40 and 60 percent of the area median income.
Without the fee waivers, the project would have been in jeopardy, said Steele representative Jennifer Cloud at the Thursday meeting.
Cloud offered letters from CHFA, the Colorado Division of Housing and project investors indicating the lack of fee waivers from the city would trigger a review of the project's financing.
“All of them expressed great concern for the financial impact of not having the fee waivers,” Cloud said.
Any delays could also put the project in danger of meeting a June 5 deadline to spend 10 percent of the project budget, or risk losing the tax credits, she added.
“That's more likely to kill the project than any other factor,” Cloud said.
The city's land-use code allows for “partial or total” fee waivers as an incentive for eligible affordable housing projects. City planners recommended approval of the waivers.
Councilman Stephen Bershenyi had previously opposed the full waiver request. But he changed his tune, especially after hearing from two Glenwood Meadows Market Street restaurant owners Thursday night. They supported any incentive to encourage housing development next to the isolated commercial area...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
When one sets aside the musings of possibility that the problem is both long-term and short-term memory loss in our council members and community leaders minds.
Sets aside the thought that maybe it's the ideology or personal politics of individual leaders.
Sets aside the thought that maybe time, patience and diplomacy on the folks end, will eventually win.
Sets aside the Pollyanna desire that common sense decisions based on facts not the wishes, imagination and ideology of our leaders will finally prevail on behalf of the citizens they represent.
When one sets aside the historical data that shows how many chances various leaders have been given and then cast aside by same; to gather only historical data, all the facts and offerings and really dig in by actually going to take a good look in person at what their decisions create.
After setting aside all those things.
One ends up right back at the undeniable conclusion that the folks must be right.
That no matter what they do, there is no hope that they will be listened to.
Power, business and political influence will reign.
Excuses and false justification from community leaders will spin all things off into oblivion with platitudes such as "...we have an open door....we can't please all the people all the time...that's not the way government money works...we did check concerns with a couple of people and think that's enough....we don't do follow through, not our job....".
That layer upon layer of cloudy press and the ill-intent of special interests will fuzzy up all minds for everyone and the endless cycle will just continue to spin.
Yes, the folks must be right.
About what?
That the only way to get anything done that is truly in the best interests of the folks is to keep believing in the elections system.
Through the power of one vote, to keep flushing away any party politician, on any side of the fence, until they have a majority of leaders who refuse to use an excuse or false justification to cover their tracks.
Unless you are a knowledgeable builder you likely have no idea whatsoever how much money the City of Glenwood Springs has burdened onto the citizens of both Garfield County and COGS with this latest phase in the Glenwood Meadows development.
How 'far' do you think $474,000 (that's just the waived fees) goes in profitability to Macgregor and his cohorts throughout the Meadows development? Unthinkable that a developers ultimately self-enrichment has just come at the expense of desperately needed education fees for our kids and utility burdens on the backs of our seniors, underemployed and unemployed.
How about when you add on the "subsidized housing credits" that COGS gave the project early on? BTW, where are the jobs and the illegal immigration enforcement that should have come first before thinking about building another low-rent, subsidized mass build of apartments?
How about the long-term costs for all the problems that come when you add on the cheapest, slap-it-up-don't-look- back-building, engineering, labor and materials that is the modus operandi for this developer?
How about when you add on the 'build-it-on-top-of-a-hidden-lake' type of ethics in engineering this developer has already proven with previous phases? As he slaps up another major core and shell build with COGS never having changed the rules to force him to accountability? That will last (if we're lucky) the same longevity as the RFTA maintenance facility of less than a decade? Long after Macgregor is gone?
Glenwood Meadows aka 'The Ghettos'. As the folks are so fond of calling it.
It's a great question, the one the folks keep asking over and over again.
"Where, exactly, does the money go with all these deed-restricted, affordable housing, subsidized to the developer/owner projects and whose money, exactly, is it?"
Talk about a boondoggle.
Give some cred to Councilman Leo McKinney for not falling for the shills of "2 restaurant owners" who spoke up on behalf of a dead, isolated development and its need for foot traffic. Big no vote for Leo. It will be interesting to listen to public comments on that huge change. Give him some cred for it, please.
And say thank you to Councilman Mike Gamba for steadily staying the course and proving to the folks that he is all that they hoped he would be.
Now, how many more Michael Gambas can you go round up to run in the next municipal election?
John Stroud:
“I've been a supporter of this project … but I'm not a supporter of putting the financial burden on the backs of citizens and [utility] rate payers,” Councilman Mike Gamba reiterated at Thursday's meeting before voting against the waivers. “This project needs to stand on its own feet financially.”
Denver-based Community Housing Concepts, through its development arm, Steele Properties, obtained $11 million in low-income tax credits from the Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to build the $14 million project.
Glenwood Green will provide low-cost rental units for individuals and families earning between 40 and 60 percent of the area median income.
Without the fee waivers, the project would have been in jeopardy, said Steele representative Jennifer Cloud at the Thursday meeting.
Cloud offered letters from CHFA, the Colorado Division of Housing and project investors indicating the lack of fee waivers from the city would trigger a review of the project's financing.
“All of them expressed great concern for the financial impact of not having the fee waivers,” Cloud said.
Any delays could also put the project in danger of meeting a June 5 deadline to spend 10 percent of the project budget, or risk losing the tax credits, she added.
“That's more likely to kill the project than any other factor,” Cloud said.
The city's land-use code allows for “partial or total” fee waivers as an incentive for eligible affordable housing projects. City planners recommended approval of the waivers.
Councilman Stephen Bershenyi had previously opposed the full waiver request. But he changed his tune, especially after hearing from two Glenwood Meadows Market Street restaurant owners Thursday night. They supported any incentive to encourage housing development next to the isolated commercial area...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 22, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Westword "Feds may investigate collaboration between school resource officers and ICE in Colorado"
Anyone who follows local avatars in commentary cannot possibly ignore the accuracy of many of their predictions.
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/02/sandbox-comments-glenwood-springs-post_4442.html
"Bullying our Schools and Demonizing Local Law Enforcement"
Now, the question is:
What about the overwhelming majority of regional citizens who will suffer the actions of these activist groups? What about the safety, social health and well-being of our regional law enforcement?
Betcha that there will not be one positive vote for the 'Strawberry Days 'Massacre' to be thrust in our faces again by CIRC and other activist groups.
But, it sure looks like avatar predictions are about to come true:
Melanie Asmer:
"Immigration advocates are hopeful that a new agreement between the Roaring Fork School District and three local police departments will put an end to the controversial collaboration between school resource officers and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. But they also fear that the agreement doesn't go far enough -- and they've asked the federal Department of Homeland Security to investigate.
A letter provided to Westword confirms that the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, or CRCL, received a complaint about the issue. It says the complaint will be forwarded to the DHS Office of the Inspector General to review. If that office declines to investigate, it will be returned to CRCL for an "appropriate response" -- which could include an investigation to "find and address problems in DHS policy."
Westword has contacted DHS to ask whether the CRCL has decided to investigate. Brendan Greene with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and Rebecca Wallance, an attorney with the Colorado ACLU, say the CRCL has agreed to do so.
What happened in the Roaring Fork Valley could have "national implications," says Wallace. She's been involved in the issue since October, when she sent a letter to the Roaring Fork RE-1 school board urging members to adopt a policy banning school resource officers from collaborating with ICE.
"We have some cases documented of him questioning students about their parents' status," Greene told Westword. "We have instances of him deporting family members of parents and students at the schools. Then, those same children have to see him at school in the following days.... It makes them not feel safe at the school."
The Roaring Fork school board agreed to look into implementing a policy. Months later,it ended up with a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, that urges the Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Basalt police departments to use "extraordinary discretion" when assigning duties to school resource officers "where a student's family immigration status may come into question as these assignments may diminish the necessary trust the SROs have worked so long to build with the student and the family."
Alex Alvarado of AJUA says he's disappointed that the MOU doesn't go farther. "We felt it could be more binding," he says. "Our goal was to have a written document that would strictly remove ICE from the schools."
But though he feels AJUA was wrongly cut out of the process of crafting the agreement, Alvarado says he's proud that the group's advocacy caused a change. "To have the police departments and the school board write something that agrees with what we've been saying -- that officers that work with ICE will lose the trust of the community -- that's awesome to see," he says. "As students, we feel happy that the police departments and the school district recognize that."..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/02/sandbox-comments-glenwood-springs-post_4442.html
"Bullying our Schools and Demonizing Local Law Enforcement"
Now, the question is:
What about the overwhelming majority of regional citizens who will suffer the actions of these activist groups? What about the safety, social health and well-being of our regional law enforcement?
Betcha that there will not be one positive vote for the 'Strawberry Days 'Massacre' to be thrust in our faces again by CIRC and other activist groups.
But, it sure looks like avatar predictions are about to come true:
Melanie Asmer:
"Immigration advocates are hopeful that a new agreement between the Roaring Fork School District and three local police departments will put an end to the controversial collaboration between school resource officers and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. But they also fear that the agreement doesn't go far enough -- and they've asked the federal Department of Homeland Security to investigate.
A letter provided to Westword confirms that the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, or CRCL, received a complaint about the issue. It says the complaint will be forwarded to the DHS Office of the Inspector General to review. If that office declines to investigate, it will be returned to CRCL for an "appropriate response" -- which could include an investigation to "find and address problems in DHS policy."
Westword has contacted DHS to ask whether the CRCL has decided to investigate. Brendan Greene with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and Rebecca Wallance, an attorney with the Colorado ACLU, say the CRCL has agreed to do so.
What happened in the Roaring Fork Valley could have "national implications," says Wallace. She's been involved in the issue since October, when she sent a letter to the Roaring Fork RE-1 school board urging members to adopt a policy banning school resource officers from collaborating with ICE.
The issue first came up last year, when a local student advocacy group called the Asociacion de Jovenes Unidos en Accion, or AJUA, raised concerns about a school resource officer named Alvaro Agon. The group objected to the fact that Agon had once worked as the Carbondale Police Department's liaison to ICE.
"We have some cases documented of him questioning students about their parents' status," Greene told Westword. "We have instances of him deporting family members of parents and students at the schools. Then, those same children have to see him at school in the following days.... It makes them not feel safe at the school."
The Roaring Fork school board agreed to look into implementing a policy. Months later,it ended up with a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, that urges the Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Basalt police departments to use "extraordinary discretion" when assigning duties to school resource officers "where a student's family immigration status may come into question as these assignments may diminish the necessary trust the SROs have worked so long to build with the student and the family."
Alex Alvarado of AJUA says he's disappointed that the MOU doesn't go farther. "We felt it could be more binding," he says. "Our goal was to have a written document that would strictly remove ICE from the schools."
But though he feels AJUA was wrongly cut out of the process of crafting the agreement, Alvarado says he's proud that the group's advocacy caused a change. "To have the police departments and the school board write something that agrees with what we've been saying -- that officers that work with ICE will lose the trust of the community -- that's awesome to see," he says. "As students, we feel happy that the police departments and the school district recognize that."..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 3, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "City supports plan to acquire bus station site"
One of these days, RFTA is going to get caught while their hand is out for mega grants like the Omnibus Spending bill, by a clear thinking politician who's going to check out every single word of their grant application.
Like.....whether or not they really have the land, means and local support from all counties and municipalities affected before they are given millions of taxpayer dollars.
John Stroud:
"A local engineer who has been working with Kum & Go on their project, Phil Harris of Boundaries Unlimited, disputed Kincade's assertion that RFTA had formally approached Rudd before the lease with Kum & Go was in the works last summer...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Like.....whether or not they really have the land, means and local support from all counties and municipalities affected before they are given millions of taxpayer dollars.
John Stroud:
"A local engineer who has been working with Kum & Go on their project, Phil Harris of Boundaries Unlimited, disputed Kincade's assertion that RFTA had formally approached Rudd before the lease with Kum & Go was in the works last summer...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Council OKs library, parking garage plans"
Is it the nature of the beast?
Or are the 'horror stories' that get spread around about architects, designers, builders and trades really true?
Or is it possible that just maybe those construction professionals really do know what they're talking about and communication is the key? Granted, it's usually communication that is not pleasant by any standards.
A special thank you again goes out to city councilman Mike Gamba and Todd Leahy for standing up at the hardest part, for a very brief time and accomplishing what previous council and many on current council could not get done in years worth of effort.
The library can now finally move forward.
John Stroud:
"“I know that wasn't a pleasant situation for anyone,” Gamba said. “But what we have now is a design we can all support..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Or are the 'horror stories' that get spread around about architects, designers, builders and trades really true?
Or is it possible that just maybe those construction professionals really do know what they're talking about and communication is the key? Granted, it's usually communication that is not pleasant by any standards.
A special thank you again goes out to city councilman Mike Gamba and Todd Leahy for standing up at the hardest part, for a very brief time and accomplishing what previous council and many on current council could not get done in years worth of effort.
The library can now finally move forward.
John Stroud:
"“I know that wasn't a pleasant situation for anyone,” Gamba said. “But what we have now is a design we can all support..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 9, 2012
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Glenwood Springs retail sales end year up 1.7 percent"
Of all the little victories and breakthroughs for the little guys here in the Roaring Fork Valley over the past four years; this one from John Stroud over on the Glenwood Springs Post Independent makes 'SandBox Nanny' feel the best.
Look at this.
He even has graphics. Talk about smoking right on by the guys up on the Aspen Daily News!!! Yowza!!
Will this be enough, all you avatars in commentary?
Has John Stroud finally done enough to satisfy your shout outs for details when it comes to revenue reporting from the City of Glenwood Springs?
Has he ever. Thank you, Mr. Stroud. This is very, very well done. Let's see if the 'kids' buy it.
Hooah.
(Take a look? Ready? Click title.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Look at this.
He even has graphics. Talk about smoking right on by the guys up on the Aspen Daily News!!! Yowza!!
Will this be enough, all you avatars in commentary?
Has John Stroud finally done enough to satisfy your shout outs for details when it comes to revenue reporting from the City of Glenwood Springs?
Has he ever. Thank you, Mr. Stroud. This is very, very well done. Let's see if the 'kids' buy it.
Hooah.
(Take a look? Ready? Click title.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
December 26, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "ACRA going global with new revenue"
Don't look at how much more money ASCRA has to work with than GSCRA does down here in Glenwood Springs. It's depressing. The folks up in Aspen trust their tourism marketing decisions and ASCRA has shown by proven performance, that they are doing the right marketing for Aspen. So much trust that they actually voted to raise taxes accordingly and give ASCRA more to work with. How many times have we heard the 81601 folks chat up that they would be thrilled to do the same but first need to see both control and performance of the money we already have?
Do look at the detailed breakout. Set the difference in monetary values aside.
My word, they sure do get a more balanced plan and practical, diversified approach than GSCRA offers, don't they?
Could we even just piggyback off some of these promotions and events? Please? Pretty, please?
The folks are pretty desperate out here, 81601 tourism leaders.
just sayin that surely with this stark of a contrast, aren't there any light bulbs flipping on?
(Read what Aspen has going on? Click title. Comment to discuss.)
Do look at the detailed breakout. Set the difference in monetary values aside.
My word, they sure do get a more balanced plan and practical, diversified approach than GSCRA offers, don't they?
Could we even just piggyback off some of these promotions and events? Please? Pretty, please?
The folks are pretty desperate out here, 81601 tourism leaders.
just sayin that surely with this stark of a contrast, aren't there any light bulbs flipping on?
(Read what Aspen has going on? Click title. Comment to discuss.)
December 10, 2011
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."
December 9, 2011
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."
December 7, 2011
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."
December 5, 2011
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Glenwood Springs may consider hiring economic development director"
SandBox commentary on the news itself is found at the end of this post.
To listen to the work sessions and the council meeting for yourself, click here. Timing for the City of Glenwood Springs to get the feed posted up runs anywhere from a day or two after the meeting to roughly 10 days to 2 weeks.
Let's comment first, for a moment, on a 'hypothetical' situation.
Let us fantasize that just maybe there really, really is a very large group of citizens and business folks in the 81601 zip code that are fed-up with the handling of public funds, the ways, means and methods of promoting our largest industry of tourism (and) thoroughly disappointed in the stewardship by our elected and hired leaders of our local economic strengths and growth.
Remember now, this is a 'hypothetical' 'fantasy' that such 'people' really do exist. We 'know' for 'absolute certainty' because "facts" and "credible news" and "credible" people in "positions of trust" 'tell' 'us' that there really is "no such group" and that "only one level of discourse" exists in 81601. Backing 'them' up are the 'few elite' and the 'propoganda' that "confirms" that for 'us'.
In our 'fantasy' this morning, this group of citizens that may or may not really exist, pick up their free copy of the morning paper.
What is the likely question that first pops into their mind?
Could it possibly be a WTH? Or maybe: "Are we ever, ever going to have any credible press releases or news reporting that doesn't completely destroy all the hard work of the folks?"
Remember now, this 'hypothetical fantasy' is coming from the viewpoint of people who have to live day in and day out in the true economic reality of 81601. Not that partially disclosed, rose-colored cheerleader version that's usually in the morning paper. These people are the ones that carry all the weight of every disappointing performance and failed stewardship of duty from our leaders.
SandBox comments this morning: "Chances are, after so many years of little but propaganda, hard knock of criticism after hard knock and the last 10 months or so of obvious struggle to break entrenched habits not getting the job done of eliminating that vexation of the folks; 'probably not'.
Mr. Stroud, if you would even just entertain the remote notion that your written word that used to hold the tremendous power to sway the public, has weakened to simply thoroughly upseting a good portion of the population on most days you write; you just might not cost 81601 so much monetary loss every time you pour the ink.
Let's now look at the reported news itself and see what we can do to help the common's voices out here:
'SandBox Nanny' has still not listened to the session or the meeting nor is she likely to. Such a complete waste of time at this point, plus the content is likely to be disheartening. She really does not get too many perks to her 'job' of moderating and posting. But, one of the ones she does get is all the input and feedback from you that saves her from the often coma-inducing sitting through long, long meeting feeds.
Why don't y'all temper the reality you're forced to live, by the major disappointment that is our economic condition in 81601 right now, with a little 'fantasy' of your own?
Think....."DDA. Leslie Bethel. Councilman Gamba."
There ya go. Because there is one absolute fact that you can count on.
Your empowerment and subsequent growth powered results is permanent. Nowhere, ever again unless you let it, will your voices die off and 'old realities' get out of the dust cloud you've left them behind in.
Help this movement from the city to take hold. In fact, things are so bad out here you might want to think about helping it all burst out of the gate.
(Read Stroud's piece? Click title. Comment to discuss)
To listen to the work sessions and the council meeting for yourself, click here. Timing for the City of Glenwood Springs to get the feed posted up runs anywhere from a day or two after the meeting to roughly 10 days to 2 weeks.
Let's comment first, for a moment, on a 'hypothetical' situation.
Let us fantasize that just maybe there really, really is a very large group of citizens and business folks in the 81601 zip code that are fed-up with the handling of public funds, the ways, means and methods of promoting our largest industry of tourism (and) thoroughly disappointed in the stewardship by our elected and hired leaders of our local economic strengths and growth.
Remember now, this is a 'hypothetical' 'fantasy' that such 'people' really do exist. We 'know' for 'absolute certainty' because "facts" and "credible news" and "credible" people in "positions of trust" 'tell' 'us' that there really is "no such group" and that "only one level of discourse" exists in 81601. Backing 'them' up are the 'few elite' and the 'propoganda' that "confirms" that for 'us'.
In our 'fantasy' this morning, this group of citizens that may or may not really exist, pick up their free copy of the morning paper.
What is the likely question that first pops into their mind?
Could it possibly be a WTH? Or maybe: "Are we ever, ever going to have any credible press releases or news reporting that doesn't completely destroy all the hard work of the folks?"
Remember now, this 'hypothetical fantasy' is coming from the viewpoint of people who have to live day in and day out in the true economic reality of 81601. Not that partially disclosed, rose-colored cheerleader version that's usually in the morning paper. These people are the ones that carry all the weight of every disappointing performance and failed stewardship of duty from our leaders.
SandBox comments this morning: "Chances are, after so many years of little but propaganda, hard knock of criticism after hard knock and the last 10 months or so of obvious struggle to break entrenched habits not getting the job done of eliminating that vexation of the folks; 'probably not'.
Mr. Stroud, if you would even just entertain the remote notion that your written word that used to hold the tremendous power to sway the public, has weakened to simply thoroughly upseting a good portion of the population on most days you write; you just might not cost 81601 so much monetary loss every time you pour the ink.
Let's now look at the reported news itself and see what we can do to help the common's voices out here:
'SandBox Nanny' has still not listened to the session or the meeting nor is she likely to. Such a complete waste of time at this point, plus the content is likely to be disheartening. She really does not get too many perks to her 'job' of moderating and posting. But, one of the ones she does get is all the input and feedback from you that saves her from the often coma-inducing sitting through long, long meeting feeds.
Why don't y'all temper the reality you're forced to live, by the major disappointment that is our economic condition in 81601 right now, with a little 'fantasy' of your own?
Think....."DDA. Leslie Bethel. Councilman Gamba."
There ya go. Because there is one absolute fact that you can count on.
Your empowerment and subsequent growth powered results is permanent. Nowhere, ever again unless you let it, will your voices die off and 'old realities' get out of the dust cloud you've left them behind in.
Help this movement from the city to take hold. In fact, things are so bad out here you might want to think about helping it all burst out of the gate.
(Read Stroud's piece? 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."
November 4, 2011
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Glenwood's September sales up 2.6 percent"
Before you 'kids' jump all over John Stroud again, (rightfully so at this point) for his abject failure in reporting sales tax information that is of any use whatsoever except a feel-good moment, please try to notice that he has managed to break out his numbers a little bit this month and the report is better than it's ever been.
Take the high road, please.
Mr. Stroud,
In case you missed knowing their voices are out here:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/09/sandbox-comments-glenwood-springs-post_507.html
(and an example of what they are asking you to do):
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/10/sandbox-comments-aspen-daily-news_3357.html
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to start discussion)
Take the high road, please.
Mr. Stroud,
In case you missed knowing their voices are out here:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/09/sandbox-comments-glenwood-springs-post_507.html
(and an example of what they are asking you to do):
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2011/10/sandbox-comments-aspen-daily-news_3357.html
(Learn 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."
October 27, 2011
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Sunset plugs Glenwood as a November destination"
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Sunset magazine's November issue features a two-page travel article touting Glenwood Springs as an ideal off-season day trip destination.
“The tourist herd has thinned, turning this hot-springs town back into a serene village ideal for preholiday pampering,” writes Steve Knopper, a Denver freelance writer and author of a Moon handbooks guide to Colorado.
“Serene village” may not be the phrase that comes to mind for locals, but snappy writing and appealing photos make our fair city sound like just the place to be in November.
“Day trip Glenwood Springs” plugs the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, Sunlight Mountain Resort, along with tidbits on eateries, shopping, lodging and side trips to Carbondale, Redstone and Rifle...."
(Heather McGregor)
(Learn more? Click title and comment to start discussion)
“The tourist herd has thinned, turning this hot-springs town back into a serene village ideal for preholiday pampering,” writes Steve Knopper, a Denver freelance writer and author of a Moon handbooks guide to Colorado.
“Serene village” may not be the phrase that comes to mind for locals, but snappy writing and appealing photos make our fair city sound like just the place to be in November.
“Day trip Glenwood Springs” plugs the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, Sunlight Mountain Resort, along with tidbits on eateries, shopping, lodging and side trips to Carbondale, Redstone and Rifle...."
(Heather McGregor)
(Learn more? Click title and comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is seen as self-evident."
October 18, 2011
SandBox Comments: Denver Post/Breaking News "Report: U.S. Pro Cycling Challenge brought 1 million fans and $83.5 million to Colorado"
Now, the big question on local's minds...is what is The City of Glenwood Springs going to do to cash in on the Pro Cycling frenzy?
"All of the sudden, Colorado has jumped to the top of wish lists for people around the country and the globe," said Al White , director of the Colorado Tourism Office...."
(Learn more? Click title and 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."
October 15, 2011
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Local News Briefs "Biz-Opoly trade fair emphasizes ‘buy local' options"
The latest gimmick from the 81601 tourism marketing vendor: Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, previously met with such scathing negative reviews all over the region in commentary; SandBox Nanny almost took pity on the concept by not tossing up the launch to the kids today.
Here's what changed her mind:
First, the population of 81601 was 'sold' on using the current marketing plan through the use of a lot of 'Big Talk'. And the simultaneous oxymoron 'reality' of not having a public vote. Just like so many things in Glenwood Springs such as medical marijuana, 'back-in' parking, The Ghettos 'improvements' and continued development, Midland Avenue, public art, 200 large+ spent on the concept of 7th Street's 'Sea World', the debacle of how poorly the construction is on the Community Center, traffic calming on Grand, the 'political statement' of the city's comprehensive plan, capital improvement projects using tens of millions of dollars of borrowed 'good deal' money in the middle of the first worst recesssion in history and the ongoing issues of major public relations problems; the folks really don't have any say at all in how they are led or how their tax dollars are spent. Not really. Not in Glenwood Springs.
The conclusion of her first point? 'Big talk' is not only paid 'Big Money' to perform; as a vendor trying to play in the same 'Big Leagues' as all the thriving tourism promoters surrounding 81601; the logical assumption is that they are "Big Kids" who should not be sheltered from the review of the general population they serve.
Nanny's second point, is that there are no city screened checks and balances on tourism marketing performance in Glenwood Springs. We have no media that is not 'owned', we have a fledgling city council that is just finding its sea-legs in standing up to the rigors of performing sworn duty, we have a partially strong citizens tourism board that is heavily seeded with special interests, we hold the now three year rank of the lowest in the region when it comes to tourism and sales revenues (and) we can go nowhere in prosperity until we clear a minimum 60% deficit in our tourism performance.
Simplistically, her point sums up to:
Where, exactly, are the folks supposed to go in order to speak up freely if she doesn't toss this up out of her sincere feelings of pity on the cartoon concept of 'Glen Wood'?
As one more of her long-standing in the community business friends, recently decided they had no choice but to close their doors due to inability to withstand the continued 'year' of reckoning' here in Glenwood Springs...SandBox Nanny thinks it's best, now that the ink is nearly dry on the 'Big Deal', to let 'Big Kids' finally begin to first-time ever face the shock of being treated just like the rest of the business community.
A word of caution to commentators:
There is so much fodder in the truth here on this article, you have no reason whatsoever to get overly personal at any one individual. You are being moderated closely on this one. Stick to public information and public viewpoints only.
(Learn more? Click title and comment to start discussion)
Here's what changed her mind:
First, the population of 81601 was 'sold' on using the current marketing plan through the use of a lot of 'Big Talk'. And the simultaneous oxymoron 'reality' of not having a public vote. Just like so many things in Glenwood Springs such as medical marijuana, 'back-in' parking, The Ghettos 'improvements' and continued development, Midland Avenue, public art, 200 large+ spent on the concept of 7th Street's 'Sea World', the debacle of how poorly the construction is on the Community Center, traffic calming on Grand, the 'political statement' of the city's comprehensive plan, capital improvement projects using tens of millions of dollars of borrowed 'good deal' money in the middle of the first worst recesssion in history and the ongoing issues of major public relations problems; the folks really don't have any say at all in how they are led or how their tax dollars are spent. Not really. Not in Glenwood Springs.
The conclusion of her first point? 'Big talk' is not only paid 'Big Money' to perform; as a vendor trying to play in the same 'Big Leagues' as all the thriving tourism promoters surrounding 81601; the logical assumption is that they are "Big Kids" who should not be sheltered from the review of the general population they serve.
Nanny's second point, is that there are no city screened checks and balances on tourism marketing performance in Glenwood Springs. We have no media that is not 'owned', we have a fledgling city council that is just finding its sea-legs in standing up to the rigors of performing sworn duty, we have a partially strong citizens tourism board that is heavily seeded with special interests, we hold the now three year rank of the lowest in the region when it comes to tourism and sales revenues (and) we can go nowhere in prosperity until we clear a minimum 60% deficit in our tourism performance.
Simplistically, her point sums up to:
Where, exactly, are the folks supposed to go in order to speak up freely if she doesn't toss this up out of her sincere feelings of pity on the cartoon concept of 'Glen Wood'?
As one more of her long-standing in the community business friends, recently decided they had no choice but to close their doors due to inability to withstand the continued 'year' of reckoning' here in Glenwood Springs...SandBox Nanny thinks it's best, now that the ink is nearly dry on the 'Big Deal', to let 'Big Kids' finally begin to first-time ever face the shock of being treated just like the rest of the business community.
A word of caution to commentators:
There is so much fodder in the truth here on this article, you have no reason whatsoever to get overly personal at any one individual. You are being moderated closely on this one. Stick to public information and public viewpoints only.
(Learn more? Click title and 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."
September 30, 2011
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Glenwood sales taxes up 3 percent for August"
You're right, 'anonymous'.
It takes patience beyond measure.
One of SandBox Nanny's fav sayings, given to her long ago by an unlikely sage, is: "What I hear you saying..."
She thinks that once again, she is being left by John Stroud with no other choice than to leave the PI, The City of Glenwood Springs and our local tourism marketing efforts in the hands of the 'kids'.
What she will do for Mr. Stroud, on this article, is use the tool of an unlikely sage:
"What I hear you saying, is that it is way too difficult to simply grab the statistical data that breaks down both the city sales tax numbers (and) the lodging/accommodations tax numbers; and post them up in the only daily newspaper 81601 has. Because it is way too difficult to do that, you believe it best to continue to antagonize the folks who want to get down to the facts instead of the 'gild on the lily' as they are so fond of saying."
SandBox Nanny will add that she is very pleased to see the change in reporting that Mr. Stroud has made. More and more we see just the facts and that is sincerely appreciated.
Congratulations to the City of Glenwood Springs on what looks like on the surface, a cresting over the peak.
'Kids', what can you do to help John Stroud hear you?
(Learn more? Click title or comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
It takes patience beyond measure.
One of SandBox Nanny's fav sayings, given to her long ago by an unlikely sage, is: "What I hear you saying..."
She thinks that once again, she is being left by John Stroud with no other choice than to leave the PI, The City of Glenwood Springs and our local tourism marketing efforts in the hands of the 'kids'.
What she will do for Mr. Stroud, on this article, is use the tool of an unlikely sage:
"What I hear you saying, is that it is way too difficult to simply grab the statistical data that breaks down both the city sales tax numbers (and) the lodging/accommodations tax numbers; and post them up in the only daily newspaper 81601 has. Because it is way too difficult to do that, you believe it best to continue to antagonize the folks who want to get down to the facts instead of the 'gild on the lily' as they are so fond of saying."
SandBox Nanny will add that she is very pleased to see the change in reporting that Mr. Stroud has made. More and more we see just the facts and that is sincerely appreciated.
Congratulations to the City of Glenwood Springs on what looks like on the surface, a cresting over the peak.
'Kids', what can you do to help John Stroud hear you?
(Learn more? Click title or comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
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