Saturday, October 4, 2008
Castle Pines North to Host Candidate Forum
The City of Castle Pines North will host a Candidate Forum on Tuesday, October 7, at 7 p.m. at the CPN Community Center, 7404 Yorkshire Drive. Participating in the forum are U.S. Congressional candidate Mike Coffman, State Senate candidate Mark Sheffel, Colorado House candidate Carole Murray and County Commissioner candidates Steve Boand and Jill Repella.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Castle Pines North: A New Website and a New Blog
The City of Castle Pines North announced it's new website to residents via email today. The site promoted a series of "planned financial forums" that will feature a review of the City’s 2008 budget, a presentation of the 2009 budget and an opportunity for citizens to ask questions.
Alternatively, a local citizen organization, CPN Homeowners for a Solid Foundation, launched it's blog yesterday. Citing proposed higher taxes and a reallocation of funds away from water projects, the blog urges taxpayers to "vote no" on City sponsored ballot initiatives.
Links to each site can be found below.
http://www.cpngov.com
http://cpnhomeowners.blogspot.com/
Alternatively, a local citizen organization, CPN Homeowners for a Solid Foundation, launched it's blog yesterday. Citing proposed higher taxes and a reallocation of funds away from water projects, the blog urges taxpayers to "vote no" on City sponsored ballot initiatives.
Links to each site can be found below.
http://www.cpngov.com
http://cpnhomeowners.blogspot.com/
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Summary of Colorado Ballot Issues
The link below presents a summary of ballot issues and the position of the Colorado Republican Business Coalition. The CRBC is the single statewide business advocacy organization that represents small business interests to State legislators based on the Republican principles of less government, lower taxes, individual freedom and personal responsibility.
http://www.smallbusinessrepublicans.com/issues/2008Ballot.htm
The full text of the ballot language for each amendment and referendum can be found on the Secretary of State's web site at http://www.elections.colorado.gov/DDefault.aspx?tid=1035
http://www.smallbusinessrepublicans.com/issues/2008Ballot.htm
The full text of the ballot language for each amendment and referendum can be found on the Secretary of State's web site at http://www.elections.colorado.gov/DDefault.aspx?tid=1035
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Castle Pines Delegates Darlings of the RNC
Hurricane Gustav may have dampened the opening day celebrations at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, but that didn't keep three local ladies from attracting hordes of media attention. From the moment they entered the Xcel Center, Keri Brehm, Crista Huff and Charcie Russell were the center of attention. The three wore white T-shirts which proclaimed in large red letters, "Moms Trust McCain," one word on each shirt. On the backs of each were pinned a paper sign proclaiming, We Love Sarah," in reference to the recently announced VP candidate, Governor Sarah Palin.
At first, a few delegates from other states took some photos and the questions revolved around where they were from, how they knew each other, and whether they planned to wear the shirts every night of the four-day convention. But soon the professional cameramen and journalists began to notice. The trio were interviewed by the Minnesota Times Star, Shockwave Radio, Channel Five News in Minneapolis and ABC news affiliate KTTC in Rochester, MN. A Toledo, Ohio newspaper, KIRO radio from Seattle and a correspondent from Taiwan followed. The questions our three delegates answered for the press ranged from reaction to the postponement of the convention, to their opinions on energy, terrorism and presidential candidates, McCain and Obama.
"It was fun at first," said Crista, but soon it got a little tedious. "They all ask the same questions. Now I know how celebrities feel." The delegates from Castle Pines stayed well after the final gavel fell on Monday, answering still more questions from eager journalists and posing for TV cameras and photographers. "It got so crazy, we had to start turning down interviews," said Keri. One interview they turned down was with Bill Maher, the host of "Politically Incorrect." "Can you believe it," said Crista, "we turned down Bill Maher." "He's always mean to the people he interviews," replied Keri, "Let's find Sean Hannity, he's nice."
Charcie Russell of Castle Pines came up with the idea for the shirts and soon convinced Crista and Keri to go along. Jeff Wasden, owner of Proformance Apparrel, printed the shirts on a rush order before the three left Colorado. The ladies bucked the official dress code for the day. The rest of the Colorado delegation wore dark blue polo shirts with a GOP convention logo on the shoulder.
The most interesting question they received? The correspondent from Taiwan asked if they had received permission from the party or if anyone from the government had asked them to tone down their message. "No," replied Keri, "This is America, we have freedom of speech."
At first, a few delegates from other states took some photos and the questions revolved around where they were from, how they knew each other, and whether they planned to wear the shirts every night of the four-day convention. But soon the professional cameramen and journalists began to notice. The trio were interviewed by the Minnesota Times Star, Shockwave Radio, Channel Five News in Minneapolis and ABC news affiliate KTTC in Rochester, MN. A Toledo, Ohio newspaper, KIRO radio from Seattle and a correspondent from Taiwan followed. The questions our three delegates answered for the press ranged from reaction to the postponement of the convention, to their opinions on energy, terrorism and presidential candidates, McCain and Obama.
"It was fun at first," said Crista, but soon it got a little tedious. "They all ask the same questions. Now I know how celebrities feel." The delegates from Castle Pines stayed well after the final gavel fell on Monday, answering still more questions from eager journalists and posing for TV cameras and photographers. "It got so crazy, we had to start turning down interviews," said Keri. One interview they turned down was with Bill Maher, the host of "Politically Incorrect." "Can you believe it," said Crista, "we turned down Bill Maher." "He's always mean to the people he interviews," replied Keri, "Let's find Sean Hannity, he's nice."
Charcie Russell of Castle Pines came up with the idea for the shirts and soon convinced Crista and Keri to go along. Jeff Wasden, owner of Proformance Apparrel, printed the shirts on a rush order before the three left Colorado. The ladies bucked the official dress code for the day. The rest of the Colorado delegation wore dark blue polo shirts with a GOP convention logo on the shoulder.
The most interesting question they received? The correspondent from Taiwan asked if they had received permission from the party or if anyone from the government had asked them to tone down their message. "No," replied Keri, "This is America, we have freedom of speech."
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
American Academy and DC School District to Present Opposing Views
Tonight, CPN City Council will hold a public hearing on the rezoning application for the proposed Lagae Development in Castle Pines North. A dispute has arisen between the Douglas County School District and the proponents of the American Academy charter school who hope to build on the site. The District and the Lagae developer, who is donating land to American Academy, disagree over how much money and land the developer will "dedicate" to the school district for the impact of the new homes he is proposing.
On August 22, Douglas County Schools Chief Operating Officer, Steven Herzog sent a letter to Mayor Maureen Shul of CPN objecting to the City's staff report recommending approval of the rezoning application for the Lagae development. The application provided in part for the developer to dedicate land for the construction of the American Academy charter school. The text of Herzog's letter can be read here:
http://www.americanacademyk8.org/aastaffhome/BOD/downloads/LettertoCPNMayor8-22-08.pdf
In addition, the School District distributed it's position through a memo to parents of Buffalo Ridge and Timber Trail elementary schools. The memo can be found here:
http://www.americanacademyk8.org/aastaffhome/BOD/downloads/LettertoCPNFamilies8-26-08.pdf
Representatives of the American Academy refute what they feel are inaccuracies in the District's communications to the public. They prepared a point by point response to the District's concerns which can be reviewed here:
http://www.americanacademyk8.org/aastaffhome/BOD/downloads/LettertoCPNFamilies8-26-08AAResponse.pdf
The District's stated concerns focus on the issue of overcrowding in the public schools. For me, the District's attempt to link the approval of the Lagae rezoning and the American Academy School to overcrowding in the District's existing facilities is unpersuasive. The DCSD Board has decided to place a $395 million bond and $17 million override measure on the November 4, 2008 ballot. The Board is asking Douglas County voters to approve a fixed 4 mil tax increase to provide much needed funding. Successful passage of this bond issue will help alleviate overcrowding in the public schools, not lobbying our representatives to deny private development.
For the reader who is interested in additional information, the City of Castle Pines North will be holding a hearing on the issue at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27 at the Castle Pines North Community Center.
On August 22, Douglas County Schools Chief Operating Officer, Steven Herzog sent a letter to Mayor Maureen Shul of CPN objecting to the City's staff report recommending approval of the rezoning application for the Lagae development. The application provided in part for the developer to dedicate land for the construction of the American Academy charter school. The text of Herzog's letter can be read here:
http://www.americanacademyk8.org/aastaffhome/BOD/downloads/LettertoCPNMayor8-22-08.pdf
In addition, the School District distributed it's position through a memo to parents of Buffalo Ridge and Timber Trail elementary schools. The memo can be found here:
http://www.americanacademyk8.org/aastaffhome/BOD/downloads/LettertoCPNFamilies8-26-08.pdf
Representatives of the American Academy refute what they feel are inaccuracies in the District's communications to the public. They prepared a point by point response to the District's concerns which can be reviewed here:
http://www.americanacademyk8.org/aastaffhome/BOD/downloads/LettertoCPNFamilies8-26-08AAResponse.pdf
The District's stated concerns focus on the issue of overcrowding in the public schools. For me, the District's attempt to link the approval of the Lagae rezoning and the American Academy School to overcrowding in the District's existing facilities is unpersuasive. The DCSD Board has decided to place a $395 million bond and $17 million override measure on the November 4, 2008 ballot. The Board is asking Douglas County voters to approve a fixed 4 mil tax increase to provide much needed funding. Successful passage of this bond issue will help alleviate overcrowding in the public schools, not lobbying our representatives to deny private development.
For the reader who is interested in additional information, the City of Castle Pines North will be holding a hearing on the issue at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27 at the Castle Pines North Community Center.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Castle Pines Area Sends Four Delegates to GOP Convention
Five women from Castle Pines North, Castle Pines Village and Charter Oaks will soon be packing their bags for Minneapolis. Keri Brehm, Crista Huff, Charcie Russell and Kendall Unruh were all elected to be delegates to the Republican National Convention. Susan Malone was elected as an alternate. The five were elected from among 385 statewide candidates at Colorado State Assembly on May 31. Twenty-two delegates and 22 alternates will be represent Colorado at the Republican National Convention, September 1-4.
Crista is District Captain and Keri is Assistant District Captain in District 6. Kendall, Charcie and Susan are all elected precinct people in their respective neighborhoods.
A coalition of statewide representatives from the McCain, Romney, Gulianni and Huckabee campaigns endorsed the four delegates on the "Unity Slate" at the State Convention . In addition, they received the endorsement of the Republican National Coalition for Life. The women have all been active in national, state, and local politics for some time.
Note: I hope to update this blog from the convention in Minneapolis since I will be traveling as a guest of one of the delegates. Be sure to check back for updates or click the subscribe button at the bottom of the page.
Crista is District Captain and Keri is Assistant District Captain in District 6. Kendall, Charcie and Susan are all elected precinct people in their respective neighborhoods.
A coalition of statewide representatives from the McCain, Romney, Gulianni and Huckabee campaigns endorsed the four delegates on the "Unity Slate" at the State Convention . In addition, they received the endorsement of the Republican National Coalition for Life. The women have all been active in national, state, and local politics for some time.
Note: I hope to update this blog from the convention in Minneapolis since I will be traveling as a guest of one of the delegates. Be sure to check back for updates or click the subscribe button at the bottom of the page.
City Opposes T-Mobile Cell Site
A cell tower proposed for the corner of Monarch and Daniels Gate was recently denied by the City of Castle Pines North. "The site was designed to provide vastly improved coverage to the residents and Emergency 911 needs of T-Mobile subscribers in northern Castle Pines North," said Matt Butler, Senior Project Manager for T-Mobile.
The City Attorney, relying on a 20-year old document known as the Castle Pines North Development Guide, stated in a letter to City Planner, Sam Bishop that "a cell tower is not a permitted use in the Open Space under the Castle Pines North Development Guide." The City Attorney's letter went on to explain that "facilities of a public utility" are distinct from "utilities services and facilities."
Castle Pines North Metropolitan District Manager, Jim McGrady explained the proposal at the District's monthly meeting on Monday. The cell tower, disguised as a street light, was to have been installed in the right-of-way with underground cabling to a nearby well site. T-Mobile was prepared to substantially improve the well site by adding landscaping, a stone veneer wall and paving the entry to the site. Now it appears these improvements will have to wait, along with the improved phone service.
The City Attorney's narrow reading of the Development Guide may have cost the community an opportunity to improve it's notoriously poor cell phone coverage. Instead of relying on legal nuances in outdated documents, this community would be better served by public officials who found ways to get things accomplished.
The City Attorney, relying on a 20-year old document known as the Castle Pines North Development Guide, stated in a letter to City Planner, Sam Bishop that "a cell tower is not a permitted use in the Open Space under the Castle Pines North Development Guide." The City Attorney's letter went on to explain that "facilities of a public utility" are distinct from "utilities services and facilities."
Castle Pines North Metropolitan District Manager, Jim McGrady explained the proposal at the District's monthly meeting on Monday. The cell tower, disguised as a street light, was to have been installed in the right-of-way with underground cabling to a nearby well site. T-Mobile was prepared to substantially improve the well site by adding landscaping, a stone veneer wall and paving the entry to the site. Now it appears these improvements will have to wait, along with the improved phone service.
The City Attorney's narrow reading of the Development Guide may have cost the community an opportunity to improve it's notoriously poor cell phone coverage. Instead of relying on legal nuances in outdated documents, this community would be better served by public officials who found ways to get things accomplished.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Castle Pines North at Important Crossroads (Again)
The City of Castle Pines North will face several key hurdles in the coming weeks. The newly incorporated city has been scrambling to fill a $2 million revenue shortfall. On July 21, City officials suddenly found that anticipated revenues would not be available to the City from the existing mill levy assessed by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District. Those revenues had been previously pledged to lending institutions by the District in order to secure water storage in the Reuter-Hess Reservoir.
According to CPN Metro District manager, Jim McGrady, transferring the District's mill levy to the City would leave the District too constrained for bonding capacity.
Since then, the City has been discussing alternative financing plans with the District's financial manager and board members. Under consideration is a proposal to have the CPNMD reduce the mill levy currently used by the District to pay down debt. The City would then assess a similar tax to fund it's own operations. This approach would appease City officials who were elected on a "no new taxes" platform. However, it would postpone the defeasance of Metro District bonds. These bonds were scheduled to be retired beginning in 2013, resulting in a lower tax rate to the citizens of CPN. The tax would be picked up by the City and assessed "in perpetuity" to fund City operations. Under this plan, lower taxes for CPN seem a remote possibility.
On July 29, City officials and consultants from CH2M Hill met with members of the CPN Metro District and the Hidden Pointe Metro District, both of which operate within the boundaries of the City. Board members from both Metro Districts questioned representatives from CH2M Hill and the City Treasurer, Doug Gilbert on the accuracy of figures presented in the feasibility study used to promote the incorporation effort. Many board members were skeptical of the consultant's answers, and some viewed the City's efforts to capture Metro District revenues as detrimental to the pursuit of renewable water.
CPNMD board members may soon vote on whether or not to reduce the District's mill levy to allow the City to move forward with it's own tax assessment. In any event, voters can expect to see one or more ballot questions proposed by the City to secure tax revenues to fund City operations. City officials will be faced with the prospect of floating another tax measure with little funds in the coffer to promote it.
According to CPN Metro District manager, Jim McGrady, transferring the District's mill levy to the City would leave the District too constrained for bonding capacity.
Since then, the City has been discussing alternative financing plans with the District's financial manager and board members. Under consideration is a proposal to have the CPNMD reduce the mill levy currently used by the District to pay down debt. The City would then assess a similar tax to fund it's own operations. This approach would appease City officials who were elected on a "no new taxes" platform. However, it would postpone the defeasance of Metro District bonds. These bonds were scheduled to be retired beginning in 2013, resulting in a lower tax rate to the citizens of CPN. The tax would be picked up by the City and assessed "in perpetuity" to fund City operations. Under this plan, lower taxes for CPN seem a remote possibility.
On July 29, City officials and consultants from CH2M Hill met with members of the CPN Metro District and the Hidden Pointe Metro District, both of which operate within the boundaries of the City. Board members from both Metro Districts questioned representatives from CH2M Hill and the City Treasurer, Doug Gilbert on the accuracy of figures presented in the feasibility study used to promote the incorporation effort. Many board members were skeptical of the consultant's answers, and some viewed the City's efforts to capture Metro District revenues as detrimental to the pursuit of renewable water.
CPNMD board members may soon vote on whether or not to reduce the District's mill levy to allow the City to move forward with it's own tax assessment. In any event, voters can expect to see one or more ballot questions proposed by the City to secure tax revenues to fund City operations. City officials will be faced with the prospect of floating another tax measure with little funds in the coffer to promote it.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Americans for Prosperity Launches Colorado Chapter
On June 24, the national free-market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity (AFP) launched its newest state chapter in Colorado. The organization stated that its first goal would be to educate and mobilize taxpayers in support of the removal of government-imposed barriers to energy development, an improvement that would help lower taxes for all citizens.
“From unnecessarily limiting the supply of energy, to proposed cap-and-trade carbon taxes and regulatory schemes, many state and federal government policies are threatening Coloradans’ quality of life,” said AFP President Tim Phillips. “Current and proposed energy policies amount to higher taxes, lost jobs and less freedom. The Colorado chapter of Americans for Prosperity is going to educate and mobilize taxpayers on this and other issues, and we’re going to make sure their voices are heard loud and clear in Denver, and in Washington.”
Visit the web site here: http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php?state=co
“From unnecessarily limiting the supply of energy, to proposed cap-and-trade carbon taxes and regulatory schemes, many state and federal government policies are threatening Coloradans’ quality of life,” said AFP President Tim Phillips. “Current and proposed energy policies amount to higher taxes, lost jobs and less freedom. The Colorado chapter of Americans for Prosperity is going to educate and mobilize taxpayers on this and other issues, and we’re going to make sure their voices are heard loud and clear in Denver, and in Washington.”
Visit the web site here: http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php?state=co
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