http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/ November 6, 2007 Coordinated and Regular Biennial School Election Sample Ballot Copyright 2007 John Orr Sun, 30 Dec 2007 19:26:52 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Radio UserLand v8.2.1 jworr@opermail.com jworr@opermail.com rssUpdates 23 0 22 3 1 21 14 12 60 http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/11/08.html#a9546 <p><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7399048">From</a> <i>The Denver Post</i>, "A lawyer who heads the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition is leading the tightest race on Denver's ballot for a seat to represent northwestern Denver on the school board. Arturo Jimenez, 35, would be the newest member of the seven-member board if the trend continues that pushed him ahead of environmental engineer Tony Curcio for the District 5 seat. That seat is being vacated by Lucia Guzman because of term limits. The new board is to be sworn in Nov. 19. Jimenez trailed early Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, Jimenez had a lead of 190 votes."</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/11/08.html#a9546 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:04:46 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/11/07.html#a9541 <p>Latest <a href="http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/564/documents/Summary%20Report%208.pdf">results</a> [pdf] from yesterday's election.</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/11/07.html#a9541 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 01:52:40 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/11/07.html#a9531 <p>Here's the <a href="http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/564/documents/Summary%20Report%206.pdf">link</a> to the Unofficial Summary Report #6 of election results for yesterday's election from the <a href="http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/election_commission">Denver Clerk and Recorder's Election Division</a>. These are the latest as of 6:45 a.m.</p> <p>Denver voters have passed <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7388564">Initiative 100</a>, according to <i>The Denver Post</i>. From the article:</p> <blockquote>More than half of Denver voters favored an initiative making marijuana the city's lowest law enforcement priority. With just a handful of ballots left to count, the measure had captured 55 percent of the vote. The result means the mayor must appoint a panel to monitor how marijuana cases are handled by the police and city prosecutors and issue a report. "It appears as if it is going to pass, and it shows there is a wealth of support around the city," said Mason Tvert, campaign director of Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation, the group behind the initiative. Tvert says the measure was motivated by what he says are overzealous police who continue to cite adults for possessing under an ounce of marijuana despite a law that allows simple pot possession in Denver. Denver police and prosecutors say possessing marijuana still violates state and federal laws. A spokeswoman for Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper has said that enforcement of laws governing small amounts of marijuana is already a low priority. Similar initiatives passed in Seattle in 2003 and in Missoula, Mont. last year.</blockquote> <p>It looks like all of Mayor Hickenlooper's tax increases and ballot issues will pass, as expected by most observers. The website doesn't say when we'll have more results and a final tally.</p> <p>Early coverage of the election from <i>The Denver Post</i> <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7391528">here</a> and <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7390582">here</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7388396">School Board</a> election coverage from <i>The Denver Post</i>. They write, "Two incumbents appeared to retain their Denver school board seats, and the race for the northwest Denver seat was too close to call late Tuesday night with only a 36-vote difference as votes continued to be tabulated. School board President Theresa Pe&ntilde;a was on her way to retaining her at-large seat, leading challengers John McBride and Rita Montero with 45.5 percent of the vote. Incumbent Bruce Hoyt also led in the District 1 race that represents southeast Denver, ahead of challengers Larry Botnick and Frank Deserino with 65.4 percent of the vote. The tight race in northwest Denver's District 5 featured attorney Arturo Jimenez narrowly ahead of environmental engineer Tony Curcio by 36 votes - or 33.7 percent to 33.2 percent of the votes. Grocery store clerk Raymond J. Gutierrez had 22.2 percent of the votes in the District 5 race."</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/11/07.html#a9531 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:53:16 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/11/06.html#a9526 <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/images/vote.jpg"><img src="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/images/vote.jpg" width="66" height="64" border="0" align="right" hspace="5" vspace="0" alt="A picture named vote.jpg"></a> <p>Progress Now sends the following in email: For Denver voters, the following drop-off sites will be open Tuesday (11/6 -- Election Day) from 7AM to 7PM:</p> <p>Elections Division Office Lobby, 303 W. Colfax Ave. (Colfax & Court Place)<br> Wellington Webb Municipal Office Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave.<br> Tattered Cover BookStore, 1628 16th St.<br> Tattered Cover Book Store, 2526 E. Colfax Ave.<br> Athmar Recreation Center, 2680 W. Mexico Ave.<br> Barnum Recreation Center, 360 Hooker St.<br> District 3 Police Station, 1625 S. University Blvd<br> Eisenhower Recreation Center, 4300 E. Dartmouth Ave.<br> Glenarm Recreation Center, 2800 Glenarm Pl.<br> Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center, 4890 Argonne Way<br> Harvey Park Recreation Center, 2120 S. Tennyson St.<br> Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center, 3334 Holly St.<br> Montbello Recreation Center, 15555 E. 53rd Ave.<br> Montclair Recreation Center, 729 Ulster Way<br> Scheitler Recreation Center, 5031 W. 46th Ave<br> Westerly Creek Elementary School, 8800 E. 28th Ave.</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/11/06.html#a9526 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:37:22 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/11/05.html#a9517 <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/images/vote.jpg"><img src="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/images/vote.jpg" width="66" height="64" border="0" align="right" hspace="5" vspace="0" alt="A picture named vote.jpg"></a> <p>Progress Now sends the following in email: For Denver voters, the following drop-off sites will be open this Monday (11/5) from 10AM to 7PM and Tuesday (11/6 -- Election Day) from 7AM to 7PM:</p> <p>Elections Division Office Lobby, 303 W. Colfax Ave. (Colfax & Court Place)<br> Wellington Webb Municipal Office Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave.<br> Tattered Cover BookStore, 1628 16th St.<br> Tattered Cover Book Store, 2526 E. Colfax Ave.<br> Athmar Recreation Center, 2680 W. Mexico Ave.<br> Barnum Recreation Center, 360 Hooker St.<br> District 3 Police Station, 1625 S. University Blvd<br> Eisenhower Recreation Center, 4300 E. Dartmouth Ave.<br> Glenarm Recreation Center, 2800 Glenarm Pl.<br> Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center, 4890 Argonne Way<br> Harvey Park Recreation Center, 2120 S. Tennyson St.<br> Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center, 3334 Holly St.<br> Montbello Recreation Center, 15555 E. 53rd Ave.<br> Montclair Recreation Center, 729 Ulster Way<br> Scheitler Recreation Center, 5031 W. 46th Ave<br> Westerly Creek Elementary School, 8800 E. 28th Ave.</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/11/05.html#a9517 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 13:40:15 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/11/04.html#a9503 <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/images/vote.jpg"><img src="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/images/vote.jpg" width="66" height="64" border="0" align="right" hspace="5" vspace="0" alt="A picture named vote.jpg"></a> <p>Here's a look at <a href="http://origin.denverpost.com/ci_7364058">Tuesday's ballot issues and tax increases</a> from <i>The Denver Post</i>. From the article:</p> <blockquote>Denver voters on Tuesday will pass judgment on a $550 million bond package and tax increase that supporters say will make Denver a world-class city. "If you want to be a third- world country, fine, but I don't want to be a third-world country," said Bruce Benson, an oil industry executive and former state GOP chairman, who is co-chair of the bond campaign. "I want to be the best city in the country." Detractors argue the tax increase isn't needed and that money slated for cultural facilities in two of the bond questions should instead be paid for with increased admissions. If voters approve all nine questions, the owners of an average $255,000 home in Denver would see their taxes increase by about $62 annually. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper continually has stressed that even if the entire package passes, Denver property taxes would remain the lowest in the region. The tax increase, Question 1A, would raise $27 million annually. Supporters say that would help the city keep pace with maintenance needs, instead of having catch-up bond issuances every 10 years of so. The mayor has said the bond questions will help the city repair city assets.</blockquote> <p>Here's the link to locations to <a href="http://denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=denvergov.org/election_commission">drop off</a> your ballot.</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/11/04.html#a9503 Sun, 04 Nov 2007 13:57:27 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/31.html#a9467 <p>The ever helpful <i>Westword</i> cartoonist, Kenny Be, has some <a href="http://news.westword.com/comics/worstcase/2007-11-01.html">tips on renaming your bong</a> if Initiative 100 passes.</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/31.html#a9467 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 01:15:19 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/31.html#a9462 <p><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7324642">From</a> <i>The Denver Post</i>, "Denver voters are deciding on an initiative that says marijuana should be the city's 'lowest law-enforcement priority.' To find out how the law works, Denver can look to Seattle, where an 11- member panel began reviewing marijuana incidents in 2003 to see whether police and prosecutors were pursuing cases against adults who possessed small amounts of marijuana...</p> <p>"Although the committee cannot agree on why the numbers of marijuana arrests and prosecutions are down in Seattle, city officials have sent a letter to Denver endorsing the law as safe, effective and inexpensive. The Seattle group also found no evidence of an increase in marijuana use among young people, crime or adverse effects on public health...</p> <p>"In 2004, Seattle police officers were told during roll call that marijuana incidents would be their lowest priority. But Denver police Sgt. Ernie Martinez says he's not going to direct officers to stop arresting drug users. 'Our official response is to continue to enforce marijuana laws,' Martinez said. 'It's still illegal in the state statues and federal statutes.' That philosophy is the reason why marijuana proponents felt the need to draft an initiative in Denver."</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/31.html#a9462 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:41:13 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/30.html#a9453 <p>Here's the <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7312750">list of ballot drop-off locations</a> from <i>The Denver Post</i>.</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/30.html#a9453 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:12:38 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/27.html#a9435 <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/images/family/coyotegulchmtantero806.jpg"><img src="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/images/family/coyotegulchmtantero806.jpg" width="85" height="64" border="0" align="right" hspace="5" vspace="0" alt="A picture named coyotegulchmtantero806.jpg"></a> <p>We lost an entire day of posting yesterday due to server unavailability. It was late evening before we could get to a location with cell coverage and call the backup sysadmin. We're not going to catch up for a couple of days. Today we're heading up into Mesa Verde National Park for a romp around "Farview Reservoir." Tomorrow is a travel day. Posting will be on and off.</p> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/27.html#a9435 Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:00:35 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/24.html#a9417 <p>Here's a <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7262304">look</a> at the District 1 School Board election, from <i>The Denver Post</i>. They write:</p> <blockquote>An incumbent, a teacher and a social worker are facing off to represent southeastern Denver on the seven-member school board in the Nov. 6 election. Bruce Hoyt, 49, has held the District 1 seat since 2003 and wants to continue on the belief that "continuity of leadership is key to achievement in urban schools." Hoyt, an investment banker, has two daughters in Denver Public Schools and wants to continue the reforms that have been put in place. "This is an important election," said Hoyt, a graduate of Manual High. "We have a dynamic visionary superintendent being supported by a reform-oriented board. It's about fully implementing the Denver plan to drive student achievement." Hoyt says he has learned a lot in four years, and wants to continue working on bettering the district's financial situation, improving middle schools and increasing the number of early childhood educational offerings. Laurence Botnick, 44, is a social worker who for two decades has worked with troubled youth. He is director of the Denver chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He has two children attending DPS. Botnick said he wants to find out if the district is using its money wisely, hoping to get more funds into the classroom to keep good teachers from leaving and provide children access to necessary materials. "My kids are sharing textbooks," he said. "They are not allowed to bring books home. My youngest, who is going to Morey (Middle School) has a great geography program, but the teacher had to buy the maps."</blockquote> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/24.html#a9417 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:18:36 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/21.html#a9402 <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/images/family/coyotegulchmtantero806.jpg"><img src="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/images/family/coyotegulchmtantero806.jpg" width="85" height="64" border="0" align="right" hspace="5" vspace="0" alt="A picture named coyotegulchmtantero806.jpg"></a> <p>We're heading over the Great Divide to the <a href="http://softwaresummit.com">Colorado Software Summit</a>. We should be back online tonight as the broadband at Keystone Resort is usually excellent.</p> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/21.html#a9402 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 21:30:40 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/18.html#a9375 <p><a href="http://www.politicswest.com/11250/diary_mad_voter_better_tax_denver">Jessica Peck Corry (via Politics West):</a> "To achieve a 'Better Denver', [Mayor John Hickenlooper] points us to his campaign website, brought to us courtesy of a million-dollar budget complete with flashy commercials and full-color brochures. Not surprisingly, this is a campaign that has been funded almost exclusively by the same businesses and public cultural attractions that stand to benefit if taxpayers say yes.</p> <p>"Leading the way has been the city's science museum -- shelling out more than $300,000 in cash and in-kind contributions. If Denver voters support measures 1G and 1H, the museum, together with the city's botanic gardens and concert hall, stands to gain more than $130 million in additional funding. Not surprisingly, Hickenlooper's ads never mention the total price tag.</p> <p>"The city will tell you it doesn't have enough money, but while Denver's population has risen less than 2 percent in the last four years, total city spending has skyrocketed by 13 percent. Even without Hickenlooper's tax increases, next year will mark a major milestone for Denver -- the city's first billion-dollar budget.</p> <p>"At the same time that Hickenlooper sells us a vision of grand cultural amenities, we know that most Denver families will never be able to afford the going rate of nearly $70 a pop for top seat at the symphony. For them, he assures us that 'A through I' are about 'catching up' and 'maintaining' the city. For this, we're supposed to support a permanent tax increase of $27 million every year to fund capital maintenance.</p> <p>"But we've already given the city a $300 million raise over the last five years. And Hickenlooper's latest plan -- coming after a winter of seemingly endless blizzards -- fails to address one of our greatest concerns [~] how to promptly deal with snow left behind. While $150 million is pitched for transportation, the plan doesn't allocate funding for a single new snowplow."</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/18.html#a9375 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 01:31:59 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/18.html#a9372 <p><a href="http://www.coloradopols.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4473">Colorado Pols:</a> "The leadership of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association is apparently upset with Denver School Board Member Jill Conrad. They were not happy with her lack of support of the teachers during contract negotiations, and she also isn't backing the DCTA's slate of candidates for this year's elections. Superintendent Michael Bennet is 'privately' supporting Bruce Hoyt, Arturo Jimenez and Teresa Pena."</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/18.html#a9372 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:49:02 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/18.html#a9368 <p><a href="http://georgeindenver.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/denver-tax-and-bond-questions-bottom-line/">George in Denver:</a> "Admittedly, I've beat this horse, kicked this dog over the past month to the point where I'm ready to let it go[sigma]letting the chips fall and all that.</p> <p>Bottom Line: NO on 1A and 1H.</p> <p>I've argued for a YES vote on the other issues - a couple grudgingly. My arguments, comments can be seen by clicking on 'November Ballot Issues,' on the 'Categories' section of the sidebar."</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/18.html#a9368 Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:18:51 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/13.html#a9327 <p><a href="http://georgeindenver.wordpress.com/2007/10/12/1h-hhell-no-means-no/">George in Denver:</a> "1H - H=Hell, NO means NO. Yeah, a little harsh, huh. But, consider the consequences of a 'yes' vote for the NEW CONSTRUCTION encompassed by this bond question. 1H - $70 million to finance NEW CONSTRUCTION of Cultural Facilities, including, but not limited to: Classrooms, labs, a teacher education center and other facilities for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and, the Reconstruction and expansion of Boettcher Concert Hall."</p> <p><a href="http://www.politicswest.com/local_western_politics/10815/denvers_1e_sprinkles_attention_parks_rec">Politics West:</a></p> <blockquote>When Denver officials began looking into an infrastructure bond more than a year ago, they pointed to the irrigation systems in the city's parks as a textbook need. The city's sprinklers have drawn attention from park caretakers, residents and water conservationists alike. "Our systems seemed to always be at the top of the priority list because they are so visible," said Thomas Hawkey with Denver's Department of Parks and Recreation. "And many of our systems are 25 years old .... and they waste a lot of water." Denver would spend $16 million to update irrigation systems at parks, athletic fields, open space and street medians covering more than 2,500 acres. The plan is part of a $93 million bond for park and recreation facilities being put to voters as part of a larger $550 million bond and tax package this November. The issue will appear as 1E on the Nov. 6 ballot. 1E would also restore historic structures at Civic Center."</blockquote> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/13.html#a9327 Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:04:40 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/11.html#a9311 <p><a href="http://georgeindenver.wordpress.com/2007/10/11/yes-on-1d-1e-1f-1g-neglected-infrastructure/">George in Denver:</a> "YES on 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G - Neglected infrastructure.</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/11.html#a9311 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 01:56:35 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/10.html#a9302 <p><a href="http://georgeindenver.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/yes-on-1c-the-relevance-of-libraries-if-only-for-the-children/">George in Denver</a> urges voters to vote yes on 1C.</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/10.html#a9302 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:19:17 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/10.html#a9296 <p>Here's a <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7131651">look</a> at the fall ballot issues from Dave Harsanyi via <i>The Denver Post</i>. From the article:</p> <blockquote>A little here and a little there. You know how it is. A small price to pay for a World-Class City. This is what we're told each time Denver (or Colorado) comes begging for more money - which is now every year. Did you notice during Mayor John Hickenlooper's re-election campaign - or rather, coronation - all things Denver were hunky-dory? Well, by now most of you have, quite regrettably, witnessed a new commercial starring the mayor along with his merry band of Nickelodeon-style "big red letters" asking Denverites to save the city by voting "Yes on Issues A-I." More specifically, and less conveniently, they are "Issues A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I." The mayor and numerous City Council members, who so desperately worked to bundle together these issues in an effort to deny voters any choice, would have us believe all these questions are one. They are not...</p> <p>First off, "the big red letters" are patently idiotic and offensive to anyone over 5 years of age. More importantly, these spots offer us a glimpse into how politicians perceive voters: as a bunch of children...</p> <p>Though, clearly, a skeptic could find plenty to quibble over in A through I, the mayor has made a persuasive case for many issues on the docket. Infrastructure needs and so on. ... Yet what are we to make of the $40 million tax increase to expand Boettcher Hall, home of the Denver Symphony, and another $30 million to upgrade the Denver Museum of Nature & Science? Does a World-Class City need a world-class symphony? Sure. If citizens in said city actually supported the symphony. This city apparently doesn't. After all, since when are citizens expected to collectively provide entertainment for each other? That's what the symphony is ... entertainment for the well-off. So the well-off should open their pockets and raise $40 million. Then let's remember that it was only 2004 when metro Denver boosters came crying to us for tax dollars because attendance and private fundraising couldn't possibly keep the doors open at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and other science and "cultural facilities." We extended a sales tax to keep them afloat. Interesting then, that financial reports filed last week show the "Better Denver" campaign received donations from big-business names such as MDC Holdings Inc., Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Xcel Energy and Stapleton developer Forest City. All of these entities will reap tremendous financial benefits from these tax increases. Also on the list, though, were the Colorado Symphony Association, Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, which gave to the tune of $100,000. You can't survive, but you can take money from attendees and members and turn around and use it to support an advertising campaign designed to coax more money from taxpayers?</p> <p>Many folks will tell you that failing to support institutions like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science means you're an inferior member of "the community." But no other major city has used tax increases to keep similar facilities afloat. If a citizen is inclined to support the Museum of Nature & Science, please do so. Join. Donate - as many individuals and corporations already do - to help provide free days for those who are less fortunate. There are projects worthy of collective support. Then there projects and institutions perfectly capable of living off private funding. Let's not forget the distinction.</blockquote> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/10.html#a9296 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:22:02 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/08.html#a9269 <p>The <a href="http://washparkprophet.blogspot.com/2007/10/dps-2007-election-candidates.html">Wash Park Prophet</a> is running info on the Denver School Board race. He writes:</p> <blockquote>The Washington Park Profile has the best review of the candidates for the Denver School Board's 2007 election that I have seen to date, although even it lacks detail. My preliminary impression from the article by contributor Amy Allen is to back incumbents Bruce Hoyt in the District 1 seat and Theresa Pe&ntilde;a for the at large seat. Fundamentally this is because I believe that the current DPS school board is making positive and significant reforms, although I'd welcome information beyond this one article about the candidates, which is hard to come by, in refining my views."</blockquote> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/08.html#a9269 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:29:00 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/02.html#a9213 <p><a href="http://georgeindenver.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/denvers-existing-debt-a-little-perspective/">George in Denver:</a> "I thought it might be instructive to take a look a Denver's existing debt. Given that the proposed bond questions for this November ballot will total $550 million, with an additional $27 million per year anticipated to be generated by the 2.5 mill levy increase on property taxes, the following may provide either an OMG! moment for you, or, simply provide some perspective on what we may be getting ourselves into."</p> <p>Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverMay2007Election/">Denver May 2007 Election</a></p> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/02.html#a9213 Wed, 03 Oct 2007 01:07:11 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/02.html#a9205 <p>Internet access is less than Comcastic this morning. We're having problems. If you're reading this they may have cleared.</p> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/02.html#a9205 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:37:54 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/01.html#a9204 <p><a href="http://www.thecherrycreeknews.com/content/view/1844/2/">The Cherry Creek News:</a> "We've editorially supported every tax increase in the Hickenlooper era - including the back-door Xcel Energy tax increase, the pre-school tax, the tourism tax, the justice center tax...</p> <p>"We're breaking with that tradition with the $1.4 billion dollar batch of interest and indebtedness coming this fall.</p> <p>"We urge readers to support city issues 1-A and 1-I. 1-A is a mil levy increase that will contribute $27.5 million yearly to support capital maintenance-- in other words, fixing stuff we've already bought and paid for. 1-I will pay for needed public safety improvements, including a crime lab and a Lowry fire station.</p> <p>"The other seven bond issues? In short, while many of projects are worthy, many also don't belong in this costly General Obligation bond issue. Many should be paid for by developers or special taxing districts."</p> <p>Also <a href="http://www.thecherrycreeknews.com/content/view/1843/2/">from</a> <i>The Cherry Creek News</i>:</p> <blockquote>According to city documents, the property tax issues before Denver voters this November represent the largest bond issue in city history. The total price tag for Denver homeowners, on average, is $2,380 over twenty years - a figure reflecting taxes on an average value home ($255,000) according Denver City Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz, who obtained the figures from the city treasury. For the majority of Cherry Creek News readers, the total cost will be at least double that $2,380, as the tax cost increases with property values. The cost would be a $119 per year for the average home[~] for a home valued at $510,000, the cost would be $238.</blockquote> <p><a href="http://georgeindenver.wordpress.com/2007/10/01/inflation-is-a-good-thing-25-mill-levy-increase-um-not/">George in Denver:</a> "Saturday's Rocky Mountain News (Daniel Chacon) provided a piece on the upcoming November ballot issues. With regard to the 2.5 mill levy tax increase which, ostensibly, is pegged to provide ongoing infrastructure maintenance (estimated $27 million per year), a curious comment was forthcoming from Ed Scholz, the city's Deputy Director of Budget. Scholz said, "For the first time, you're providing a revenue source that's growing with inflation, so right off the bat, we're in a better position because it's growing."</p> <p>More Coyote Gulch coverage <a href="http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=denver+tax+increases&btnG=Search&sitesearch=radio.weblogs.com%2F&hq=inurl%3A0101170">here</a>.</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/01.html#a9204 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:09:51 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/01.html#a9200 <p>Curious Stranger is <a href="http://www.curiousstranger.org/post/13739150">running</a> a YouTube of Mayor Hickenlooper's pro Initiative A-I ad.</p> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/">Denver November 2007 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/10/01.html#a9200 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:11:17 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/09/29.html#a9180 <p>Here's a look at Colorado voters through the lens of Republican consultant David Hill's <a href="http://origin.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7029656">recent poll</a>, from <i>The Denver Post</i>. From the article:</p> <blockquote>Colorado political contenders on both sides of the aisle beware: Voters are cautious and looking for security and stability, not sweeping change and innovative fixes, according to a statewide poll released today by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Cost concerns surrounding health care, as well as economic anxieties, top the list of concerns voiced by state voters. Those pocketbook worries and lack of consumer confidence show voters are hesitant about change. "While they care about clear substantive points like health care," said Republican consultant David Hill, who conducted the poll, "the bigger issue is that people are not in the mood to move into a new direction. "They aren't buying or selling. They're holding."</p> <p>The poll of 602 active Colorado voters during Aug. 4 to Aug. 7 shows that voters believe that environment and water, pre-K-12 education, affordable education, and government spending are "extremely" important issues. Illegal immigration is also at the top; however, Hill said like others issues, voters' concern about illegal immigration is concentrated on cost ramifications, not the legal and ideological questions.</p> <p>Environmental groups this afternoon challenged one of the poll's findings -- that respondents solidly back Roan Plateau drilling, especially if tax revenues are used to fund higher education. Sixty-percent approve and 31 percent disapprove. The groups point out that the question posed to respondents -- whether they support drilling on the Roan to reduce dependency on foreign oil imports -- is leading. Roan drilling would be for natural gas, and would would have no impact on oil supplies. "Natural gas is very much a different substance than oil," said Deborah Frazier, communications director for the state Department of Natural Resources. "Oil you can run your car off of, natural gas we tend to equate with home heating and energy needs."[...]</p> <p>The poll, which has a margin of error of four percentage points, also shows: 44 percent of voters think they are economically worse off than a year ago. Thirty-two percent say they are better off and 22 percent say they are the same; Fifty-eight percent of voters support spending tax dollars to bring new employers and jobs to the state. Thirty-eight oppose it; Voters rejected organized labor's priorities; Seventy-percent of those polled said they would not not change current law so non-union workers must pay dues if benefitting from union negotiations; Acceptable ways of raising revenue are: casino revenue taxes, liquor sales, sales taxes and increased penalties and fines; Gov. Ritter has a 57 percent approval rate and a 19 percent disapproval. Nearly a quarter had no opinion; The state legislature has a 41 percent approval rating and a 36 percent disapproval. Nearly a quarter had no opinion.</blockquote> Category: <a href="http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2008Election/">Denver November 2008 Election</a> http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/denverNovember2007Election/2007/09/29.html#a9180 Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:32:08 GMT