Disqus - Latest Comments for greenchiledem

Re: Surface Rights Primer for Proposed Ballot Initiative

greenchiledem — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 15:28:02 -0000

This NW resident is willing to help! I have heard the horror stories from my neighbors to the west. Can you imagine going on vacation for two weeks and returning home to find a gas well being drilled on your property? That's what can happen under the current laws. This is necessary legislation. But the grassroots citizens group will need the help of all in NW Colorado. I am sure Leslie Robinson will provide us with links where we can find petitions and help get the 100k necessary signatures in time to get on the ballot. Good job Leslie!

P.S. This type of citizens initiative is truly why we must protect the rights for citizens to bring forth remedy.

Re: Dick Lamm, The Pioneer Fund, and Defend Colorado Now

greenchiledem — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 17:12:36 -0000

Lamm Spewing Hatred in Vail, Colorado Monday July 24 Thanks Erin for the timely information. I just received and email that Dick Lamm will be speaking to the Vail Symposium.

"Tackling the controversial subject of our country's racial divide, former Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm urges minorities to take partial responsibility for their destiny and strive to overcome the growing economic, educational, and employment gaps in our society. Without discounting the challenges and uneven playing field that minorities face, Lamm notes that certain groups have excelled against the odds because of their education-oriented, self-empowering cultures. " (http://www.vailsymposium.org/).

There is more information on the web that includes

"In his new book, Two Wands, One Nation: An Essay on Race and Community in America , Lamm boldly confronts the issues of minority immigration and underperformance. Based on a letter that University of Denver viewed as "too controversial" to publish, Lamm's essay takes a position that a number of Hispanic and African-American leaders and scholars have endorsed, but that many in the mainstream fear to voice."

Hmmm. I wonder why. Sounds to me like the results of the 'bogus scientific studies' mentioned in your column. I will be attending and bring your information with me. If there is more information I should take with me to present, or questions I should pose, please post here or forward to me. I am going to call a TV producer friend to join me with a camera. Anyone care to join us?

Re: The Surprise Is There Is No Surprise

greenchiledem — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 09:38:45 -0000

Let's not forget the Sensenbrenner Anti-Immigration bill John Salazar represents a district with 21.5% Latino Population - ranked 69 of 435 US congressional districts. Yet he voted in favor of the Sensenbrenner bill that includes building a fence along the border and no legal status option.

This is the bill that myself and thousands of others, many in his district, marched against on May 1st. Where' the compassion for his constituency by voting on what's been called divisive and in-humane legislation?

Will the big surprise be on Election Day when Latino voters decide not to vote?

From Washington Post Key Vote Summary:

Vote 661: H R 4437: This bill would clamp down on illegal immigration and toughened border security. It does not include any new avenue for current illegal immigrants to gain legal status.

Re: A Progressive View On the DLC’s “National Conversation”

greenchiledem — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 15:03:50 -0000

Mountains Had Backbone in 2004 Actualy the 'spine' of Colorado mountain country was very blue in 2004. Eagle County won 9 of 10 races for Dems. Something we hope to duplicate this year.

Re: Ballot Issue: Surface Rights Group Look to 2007

greenchiledem — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 04:50:11 -0000

John Gorman and Kathleen Curry - Profiles in Courage I continue to circulate the petitions on behalf of he I.S.O.R. group this week. Had this issue met the required number of signatures, I have no doubt that the voters would have passed the measure. It only makes sense that the oil & gas industry compensate fairly.

Gorman and Curry deserve the Courage Award for taking on this issue.

Re: English Only Off the Table

greenchiledem — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:43:14 -0000

Yeah! One Less Fight! Glad to hear this one did not make it. One less fight for the Latino/a people in our state and in this case the children.

Re: Latina Targets Tancredo…With a Little Help from Her Friends

greenchiledem — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 05:44:00 -0000

Weekend for Winter-Oct. 13-15, 2006 - Sign-up Now! Calling all volunteers! Sign-up at the DNC event web page today and help Bill Winter win CO-06.

Go to the event link here:

http://www.democrats.org/page/event/detail/campaign/4jl95

Or contact the Bill Winter for Congress campaign directly at http://www.winterforcongress.com.

Help us show our out-of-state guests that Colorado is behind Bill Winter all the way!

Please signup today! Thank you.

DKM

If you are unable to volunteer for the weekend, consider a donation to help Bill.

Re: Another Democrat Enjoys Daily Sentinel Endorsement

greenchiledem — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 07:42:53 -0000

Right On! Dana Great job getting the GJS endorsement. Let's get Dana the money he needs to make this a race. Here's a link to his web site where donations can be made - up to $800.

http://www.danabarker4senate.com/

Re: 81611 = $

greenchiledem — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 07:21:16 -0000

We Love You Aspen!

Re: Rent Crisis in Boulder and Fort Collins?

greenchiledem — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 11:21:07 -0000

Compton is in So. California in Los Angeles. Just want to get the record straight. Thanks for the report. I wonder what Eagle and Pitkin county percentages are?

Re: SD5 Republican Gets Diluted

greenchiledem — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 16:24:02 -0000

Go Gail! Entz is not only diluted, he is evaporating. Gail has run a great campaign. People in the 5fh have a clear choice. It looks like they are going to choose the Democrat and the woman.

Re: New Poll Show Statewide Races Still Close

greenchiledem — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 08:32:17 -0000

Kennedy race close? When I read that Cary Kennedy was ahead by 9 I thought WOW! Cary's frugal management of her campaign finances allowed her to buy TV ads this past week or so and the voters must like what they see. She has the mo and may very well win this race. She is the best candidate, IMHO. I wonder if all three of these candidates will win because of the Bill Ritter coattails effect? Let's hope so.

You're right about non-voters. They might as well turn off their phones until Tuesday.

Re: Where Were Democrats’ 2006 Colorado Wins?

greenchiledem — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 01:13:09 -0000

Tourism counties? Those of us who live in the 'tourism' county of Eagle don't consider ourselves as 'long being competitive' nor more urban. I think you could make the argument that Eagle has a more educated population, but it is still a very conservative area. Yes, we have had two great election cycles, in 2004 and 2006. But, we fielded the better candidates locally and that will always trump our minority registration. The same is true for Garfield, which has one pocket, Carbondale, that can be considered progressive. I appreciate your effort, but I think you're reaching conclusions. 2004 was the first glimpse of purple in most of these counties, except for Pitkin. Until we see more wins, we remain a very competitive and lean- conservative county.

P.S. Dan Gibbs had a big win here and all the counties in the 56th - Lake, Eagle, Summit. A good example of a much better candidate.

Re: A Progressive’s Thanksgiving. Forgive me, Janis Joplin

greenchiledem — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 05:39:55 -0000

The tune will be on my mind all day now! n/t

Re: Front Range High Speed Rail?

greenchiledem — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 05:12:14 -0000

This is a bigger story than just the front range. How did you miss it?

The most important web link for this story is directly to the proposers at this link: Rocky Mountain Rail Authority

The plan is realistic and well thought out. The costs for each state are outlined in the plan online. There are maps of the rail North to South cooridor and the I-70 cooridor.

Re: Front Range High Speed Rail?

greenchiledem — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 08:52:48 -0000

My pleasure. n/t

Re: Immigration: Breaking News in Colorado

greenchiledem — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:32:38 -0000

How you can help. ==Toll Free Hotline to call for family member of people who may have been detained yesterday. After the Swift raids yesterday, the local ICE office provided the chapter here in Minnesota with a toll free hotline to call for family members of people who may have been detained yesterday. (Thanks to Donna Lipinski for the hotline tip.)

Hotline: 866-341-3858

==ACTION ALERT! Help Families Affected by the SWIFT ICE Raids in Greeley:You are invited to Make a Donation to Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, working with several other agencies to distribute financial assistance to the affected community.

Send Checks to: Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Attn: Rev. Bernard Schmitz, 1311 Third Street, Greeley, CO 80631,

Phone: 970.353.1747 (please don't flood them with calls,

Fax: 970.353.4830. Please write in the Memo line: for the families affected by ICE.

==Friday, 12-15-06, 7:00 PM Mass & Vigil

Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church

1311 Third Street, Greeley, CO 80631

Community groups and immigrant rights organizations based in Greeley are holding a Candle Light Vigil and Mass this Friday evening, December 15, 2006 at 7:00 PM at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church.

==AFSC is organizing a complimentary vigil in Denver on Friday night. They are holding a planning meeting tonight and will have details on when and where tonight or tomorrow. From AFSC:

While a location has yet to be decided, please consider joining us tonight to plan a meaningful event and strategize for ways to further achieve Humane Comprehensive Immigration Reform

(Thanks to Jordan Garcia from American Friends Service Committee for the information on sending donations and about the candlelight vigils in Greeley and Denver.)

Re: There’s Been No “Immigration Debate,” Only Anti-Mexican Posturing

greenchiledem — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:52:15 -0000

Please join us in Solidarity I know its a busy time of year, but please help us fill the churches and demonstrate that Colorado is opposed to DHS raids and show support for those who will have not Christmas this year.

Simultaneous Statewide Prayer Vigils Friday December 15th, 7pm

The Greeley community will protest the raids and call for comprehensive immigration reform with a candlelight prayer vigil at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Greeley on Friday, December 15th at 7pm.

Denver - Friday, December 15th, 2006 - 7:00pm

A Candle Light Vigil In Solidarity With Immigrant Families!

St. Cajetan's Church

Re: Salazar: Denver’s Chances 50-50 for Dem Convention

greenchiledem — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 06:18:05 -0000

Denver Stock Show and Rodeo is a national event that is hosted every year! I don't think its a matter of being able to 'do it without a hitch' It's probably just the money. So come on you wealthy Colorado corporations, put up now!

Re: ICE Defied Court Order In Greeley Raid

greenchiledem — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 09:31:58 -0000

Torture legislation and repeal of Habeus corpus allows the US Government and DHS to do just about anything they want - citizens or not. (I warned Sen. Salazar about this before he voted in favor of the legislation.)

In court documents filed with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., the Justice Department said a new anti-terrorism law being used to hold detainees in Guantanamo Bay also applies to foreigners captured and held in the United States.

The link to the AP report from a Nov. 13 diary on Kos isn't working. But here's the link to the diary.

Daily Kos diary by OneCrankyDom - "Bush Ranks ALL Immigrants withTerrorists, Can Be Detained Forever

So, I wonder if they will use this an argument as to why they defied the court order. These peole are scary.

Re: ICE Defied Court Order In Greeley Raid

greenchiledem — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 09:41:08 -0000

Using the Bush detention/torture bill to go after US aliens. Here's a better story on it with a link that works.

This is dated Sept. 28, 2006. Scarecrow on Kos

Why did the Republicans want the White House/House version? The White House presumably wanted to gain back part of what it gave up in the original compromise. But a Boston Globe report suggests that perhaps another reason was because Republicans, long frustrated in their efforts to get punative illegal immigrant legislation, saw the detainee bill as a way to go after illegal immigrants in the US, not just detainees captured in Afghanistan or elsewhere and held in Guantanamo.

Boston Globe story here.

Re: Denver Blizzard Snows In West Slope Economy

greenchiledem — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 21:34:15 -0000

Eagle County report Cheers to our post office workers who came in early to process packages and opened on Sunday for a few hours for people to receive their overdue packages.

Jeers that my last package wasn't among them!

Cheers that I have fewer gifts to wrap at the last minute.

Cheers to US Foods who managed to get a truck up from Denver and delivered my restaurants food order when we were about to run out of some items late Saturday afternoon.

Cheers to Edwards Village Market who receive their deliveries from Utah and was well stocked. Reports are that City Market, who gets their deliveries from Denver, was running low.

Cheers to the people in my community who remained cheerful despite the full parking lots and lines where there usually are none.

Cheers to my daughter who still believes in Santa Claus.

Re: Immigration: NBC’s Spotlight on Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley

greenchiledem — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 07:06:09 -0000

I hear this all the time, but where's the proof? Your comment that

virtually all construction contractors do not hire individuals as employees. Instead, these people are hired as "independent contractors."

is one I hear often, however, in my experience as an employer, it's an exception, not the rule. And it's not legal to do so. The biggest obstacle for employers in our area is finding employees who already have housing. Next is that we can no longer provide affordable health insurance for our workers and so that benefit has been cut or is too expensive for employees to sign-up for. Which is the reason for the busy free-clinics. As seen with the new oil industry workers.

We need some serious social

Re: Plant to Head Energy Conservation Office

greenchiledem — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 06:58:45 -0000

Nice choice! Go Tom. n/t

Re: Q&A With Chris Gates, Co-Chair of Denver Convention Committee

greenchiledem — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:12:58 -0000

Wrong link. Jason, the link you placed above goes to the "Draft Denver" web page. The official Denver 2008 web page is at this link:

http://www.denverconvention2008.com/convention/.

Also, there is not a volunteer sign-up form up yet, but since Chris Gates mentioned it, all volunteers should fill out the contact form. Please make a note in the "Comment" section of the form that you are applying to volunteer and if you are a Democratic party official in your area, precinct captain, etc. make sure to include that important fact!

Note: greenchiledem is a Colorado DNC member.

Re: UPDATED: Want to be a Convention Delegate? Read This.

greenchiledem — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:48:59 -0000

Haven't I seen that graph before? Yes, it's all coming back to me! Thanks Leslie for the reminder.

Re: E-Voting Machines Debated

greenchiledem — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 13:56:39 -0000

Great job to all who testified. Our own, Harvie Branscomb, Co-Chair of Eagle County Democrats has been working tirelessly on the voter integrity issue for the past year or more. He takes the time, as a volunteer, to attend all front range meetings and to keep the issue in front of the Colorado Democrats. Thank you Harvie!

And thank you to Claudia Kuhns and to all who are working to make our election system work for all.

Re: A Day in the Life: The Case of Mrs. Smith, Part III

greenchiledem — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 06:54:25 -0000

Great series Leslie. Thank you. A link to Luis Toro's story on HB1023 might add to your story for those unfamiliar with the new Colorado laws. I am glad that Mrs. Smith's story has a happy ending. You have uncovered many issues here. The Immigration office should at least ring a bell when someone gets their citizenship! Thanks again.

Re: Union Targets Prison Labor

greenchiledem — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:33:07 -0000

Correction: United Farm Workers (UFW) not the United Food and Commericial Workers (UFCW) that you have quoted above. Here's the link to the UFW website "Campaign of the Week" website. They ask people to sign an online email to Governor Ritter.

E-mail Colorado's Governor today and tell him that allowing growers to hire prisoners to work in the agriculture is nothing more than legalized slavery. Tell him the solution to the nation's immigration crisis is not prison labor.

Link: UFW Campaign of the Week - Email Colorado's Gov. today!

Re: Hush, Hush and On the QT: Ears on High, Lips on Spin

greenchiledem — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:54:07 -0000

So sad to hear that Franklin Murphy has passed. I have a collection of letters from Mr. Murphy. (I am a compulsive saver of everything.) Since it's long distance phone call to just about everywhere from his home in Walden, he was a prolific letter writer. I have many that are handwritten. Then more recently he bought a computer and learned to type them. I remember when he bought a color printer and the letters began coming in vivid colors! What a joy to receive his letters. He always reminded us that it was the Democrats who passed the rural electric program and those rural voters have the Dems to thank for having affordable electricity. I will miss him.

Via con Dios Franklin Murphy. May you rest in peace.

Re: Base Vote vs. Swing Vote: Two Studies Weigh In

greenchiledem — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:31 -0000

West Slope is the big, big difference here! The data shows that the Western Slope has moved significantly more progressive in 2006. It probably helps that we have two Dems from the Western Slope in Congress, but Ammendment A is still helping the Dems.

Colorado West Slope Dems, congratulations!! We rock!

Re: It’s National Women’s History Month

greenchiledem — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 04:38:43 -0000

I am humbled to be honored by Chairwoman Pat Waak. On this special day for women, I honor:

Helen Chacon Luna, my Grandmother who lived 93 years and displayed maternal determination, leadership, love, strength, charity and kindness, faith, devotion, pride of family, tradition and honesty. And she made kick-ass hot green chile!

My Sisters, all five of them who exemplify the character of our grandmother. I am proud of you all.

Mrs. Ballesteros, my 7th grade teacher who revealed my ability to become a leader for the Latina/o community, whether I liked it or not.

Susie Davis and Beth Reilly, my teammates for the resurrected <a href="http://ecopeacejustice.wordpress.com "> Eagle County Peace & Justice group who did not hesitate when deciding that we needed to lead & establish an on-going 'no-more-war' presence in our community. March 19th will be our first event in the Eagle River Valley.

Ramona Martinez, Maria Handley and the members of the DNC Hispanic Caucus, amigas y amigos who are determined to increase Latino participation in the Democratic Party and the Denver 2008 convention.

Dorinda Moreno from California who started the WeAreTheOnesWeHaveBeenWaitingFor yahoo news group and list-serve for women. The introduction says it all:

Esteemed Friends and Co-conspirators, Human Rights & Peace Activists, Indigenous/Traditionals, people of color, social change artists, movers & shakers, whistle blowers-- and good people everywhere on our Mother Earth fighting the good fight in your locales for peace and justice and against war, violence, hunger, poverty, aids, discrimination, racism/sexism/ageism, homophobia, and repression.

At this fragile time in history, and with some 30-plus years in grass roots and internet organizing, we bring important news and causes on indigenous survival in the 4 directions, presented by Dorinda Moreno, Hitec Aztec Communications / Elders of 4 Colors 4 Directions, project: 'We Are The One's We Have Been Waiting For!'.

With the ultimate goal of promoting the creation of a model project for the development of an Archive Center, Clearing House of Information, Library Museum, which could be adopted by many villages in the diaspora for migrating tribal peoples and indigenous families displaced by the need for work and societal displacement due to war, global warming, lack of living stability and employment, and survival in a world that is becoming smaller and more fragmented.

Also, we believe the support for women in leadership make the definitive difference in peaceful coexistance and negotiation and that men who work for the cause of women are an unique and necessary breed and should be recognized for their work in support of a change in attitudes regarding women's issues. Also, lessening the prior divides in history, recognizing that many cultures maintain age old customs of dominance over women which trample over their human rights.

Working in concert, we condemn the rise in the global violence towards women which rears its ugly head particularly with int'l gender and sexual exploitation, child slavery for prostitution and the drug trade, which includes the selling of babies, children... our actions will save lives and give hope where it is most desperately needed. Aho.

(click the link to join!)

The Working Women in the world who return home tired everyday and yet find a smile and a loving hug for their children. On this day, give yourselves a break and take a nice long bubble bath. You deserve it.

Finally, to Jeanne Yancey, (now deceased) Colorado leader and trainer of many Colorado business women who always ended her talk with this:

Ladies, go out an make a difference!

So, let's do it Ladies! Right after the bubble bath of course.

Re: Weekend Peace Marches Planned

greenchiledem — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:11:44 -0000

Crosses 4 Peace in the Eagle River Valley

Community Members say,

"Help Stop the War!"

EDWARDS, Mar-12

Re: Stop The Iraqi War Surge OKed

greenchiledem — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 03:58:59 -0000

This is step one. Write your State Senate members and Representatives and urge them to support the Tupa/Gordon bill. Let's add Colorado to the list of nearly 30 states who have passed similar resolutions! Congratulations to the Senate leaders on this first step!

Re: Red or Green?

greenchiledem — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 07:59:29 -0000

Green from this Greenchile dem! But, ooh mama, I make a killer red too. From scratch, chile pods, the New Mexican way.

Great question. I will start asking around.

Re: Sen. Salazar Makes a 180 on AG Gonzales

greenchiledem — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:39:04 -0000

Glad to hear it. n/t

Re: Pass/Fail: A Mid-Term Report Card of Colorado’s State Legislators

greenchiledem — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 06:18:42 -0000

Looking forward to this review! n/t

Re: Journalists Celebrate Great Local Reporting

greenchiledem — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 17:59:57 -0000

Cheers! Salud! Bravo to Coco. Big congratulations. You all rock!

Re: Billions and Billions Needed to Mitigate Energy Impacts

greenchiledem — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 05:22:05 -0000

That's what I was thinking. The Eagle County number doesn't make sense to me and I live in Eagle Cty. I wonder what is behind this estimate? Any ider?

Re: Howard Dean’s Convention Rally Speech

greenchiledem — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:17:15 -0000

Congrats Leslie on your video post!

Re: Denver Elections: Interview with Paul Lopez

greenchiledem — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:15:05 -0000

Go Paul Lopez! Paul's vision for West Denver is from the heart. What more could the voters of Denver ask for than to have a born & raised local representing them? Vote for Paul Lopez in District 3 Denver.

Re: Kernels of Truth: Jeff Crank and Senate Vacancies

greenchiledem — Sun, 20 May 2007 03:22:10 -0000

Eagle County is not part of SD16. Therefore, anyone floating an Eagle commissioners name is incorrect. Eagle is part of SD8.

Democratic insider? Yea sure. Any insider would know the distict boundaries.

Dan Gibbs could win the district, imo.

Re: Change in Gov’s Office Leads to Change in CDOT Approach

greenchiledem — Sun, 20 May 2007 03:40:15 -0000

This is a huge development and welcome. The mountain communities have a realistic albeit costly approach to releive I-70 congestion while retaining the environmental attributes of the places where people want to travel and recreate.

For background on a rail along the coordior, see this link: Trains not Lanes

The new CDOT office can no longer be accused of this:

<img src="http://trainsnotlanes.info///Images2/headupass4.png" alt="" title=""></img>

Re: Kernels of Truth: Jeff Crank and Senate Vacancies

greenchiledem — Mon, 21 May 2007 09:06:19 -0000

You're right. Levy is not in SD16 but in SD18 - which is Tupa's district.

Re: Sportsmen, Environmentalists React to Oil and Gas Impacts

greenchiledem — Sun, 27 May 2007 05:40:31 -0000

New group aims to help hunting and fishing community. The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership is a new organization whose home page message says "Guaranteeing You a Place to Hunt and Fish". The coalition includes hunting and fishing orgs, environmental & conservation orgs and unions. Membership is FREE. They already have over 100,000 individual members.

Our Mission: The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership is a coalition of leading hunting, fishing and conservation organizations, labor unions and individual grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions of hunting and fishing by a.) expanding access to places to hunt and fish, b.) conserving fish and wildlife and the habitats necessary to sustain them, and c.) increasing funding for conservation and management.

They are working on oil and energy policy initiative called F.A.C.T.S. They are calling for more Funding to manage wildlife habitat in affected resource areas. Accountability where the public is able to track that the decision are in compliance with the law. Coordination with outdoor interests, local and state governing entities and the public. Transparency in planning and decision making. Last but not least, Science that reduces the impacts on wildlife. You can sign the FACTS petition here.

Check it out.

Re: Phillips May Fight Lopez on Residency

greenchiledem — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 06:20:31 -0000

Get over it. These claims have been the only issue that a losing campaign could grasp in attempt to get more than the 15% of the votes received in the general election. Paul Lopez' challenger lost and lost big time, twice. It doesn't sound like there will be a lawsuit. It doesn't sound like the case has merit if it does go to court. West Denver voted for their favorite candidate even though the challenger put forth these alleged residency claims during the run-off. The challenger has attempted to claim that Paul Lopez has little experience, yet he is a leader for the union and a community organizer and leader. I have yet to hear any substantive reason why Mr. Lopez should not represent West Denver. He is liked in his district. His family is from the district. He is from the district. He has a new family and child he will raise in the district. He will represent a multi-cultural and diverse community well. He is young and full of energy.

Talk that these residency claims have become an 'enormous credibility' problem in the city hall is very sad and unsubstantiated. Where, who are these people DearDenver says are making these claims? There are many community leaders who came out in support of Paul Lopez including current electeds from Denver. Dear Denver has done their reporting of facts, mostly, but until and unless there is any further action, get over it DD.

I wonder if DD is becoming the 'pain' in their spare time as they state in their story online today. If it's ok say that a citizen questioning the timing of the election in court is a pain, shouldn't DD make the same claim for the Paul Lopez challenger? There appears a double standard here. Get over it DD.

I can't help but wonder if the fact that a councilman submitted a voter reg form in Spanish has something to do with this. If ever there was a true representative of a neighborhood, it is Paul Lopez of West Denver and for West Denver. Congratulations Paul Lopez!

Re: Polis Hires James as Campaign Manager

greenchiledem — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 08:45:35 -0000

Good choice! Jared Polis for US Congress.

Go Jared!

Re: Bye, Bye Roan Plateau

greenchiledem — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 04:18:21 -0000

Can't believe they don't give a damn about this special place. Man oh man. What a tragedy.

Wouldn't it be great if they opened up drilling on the Roan Plateau and no one came?

Re: Coloradans Fared Better Than Many in Passport Delays

greenchiledem — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 05:10:48 -0000

13 weeks. That's how long it takes. According to the Vail Post Office. For standard passport return in our area. I opted to pay the additional fees for expedited service which they say is about two weeks. Otherwise, our passports wouldn't return 'til after daughter is back in school.

Wish I hadn't let my passport expire. It would have been much easier and less expensive.

Glad to know the Congressional members are able to help.

Re: Ritter Taking BLM to Task

greenchiledem — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 07:34:57 -0000

Give 'em hell Governor!

Re: Colorado Reviving the Sagebrush Rebellion?

greenchiledem — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 06:33:28 -0000

Sagebrush III - Yes! Rural voters, sportsmen/women, outdoor enthusiasts/recreationalists are the new rebels.

Re: Local Immigration Law “Useless”

greenchiledem — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 13:35:48 -0000

Rep. Terrence Carroll is a hero for the immigrant community. Cheers to Rep. Carroll!. He has been opposed to this ill-advised, politically motivated and poor legislation from the beginning. Bravo!

Jeers to those legislators and leaders who used the special session with political motives and then neglected to fix the wrongs during the regular session. They could've fixed it, but chose not to do so. Why, I ask would they allow people to be removed from their homes? Why would they not provide women with pre-cancer screening medical exams?

I can only conclude that they don't care.

Re: CD-2 Candidates Pleased With Early Fundraising

greenchiledem — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:17:02 -0000

Correction. I believe the end of the quarter is June 30th, and the report deadline is July 15. Your final paragraph states it differently and may confuse the reader.

Re: CoCo Finalist for Online Journalism Award

greenchiledem — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 05:48:06 -0000

Blow a tube CoCo! Congratulations. It has been great to see this project and the writers receive recognition. Way to go!

Re: Immigrant Rights Coalition Introduces First Public Policy Coordinator

greenchiledem — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:02:10 -0000

Bravo! Bravo! Appears that CIRC has tapped a great talent for the job.

Re: Obama, Clinton Campaigns Target the West Slope

greenchiledem — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 05:49:51 -0000

Sen. Obama gets more than half and wins Western Colorado. I wouldn't have believed last year that there would be Sen. Clinton supporters in Colorado conceding to 'split the delegates'. Then I also wouldn't have believed we would have a candidate like Sen. Obama who has given us an inspirational alternative. In my county, I predict Sen. Obama will get more than half the delegates.

That folks is a win! Who would have ever thunk?

Re: Clinton Advisers Whack Obama Over Mailer

greenchiledem — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 06:28:55 -0000

Sen. Clinton so much as admitted Sen. Obama's case on teevee this morning. On This Week with Stephanopolis, she stumbled when answering about penalties if people don't sign up for her health care plan. That's the issue that Sen. Obama is trying to convey with his mailer. Do we want the health care police forcing us to pay for health insurance?

Also, I do wonder why this is an issue on CoCo when the mailer has not gone to Colorado voters as far as I know? CoCo didn't report on the mailer sent in NH that lied about Sen. Obama being against abortion. Rep. DeGette didn't make hay about that now did she? Cara, your bias is being questioned here for good reason.

Re: Clinton Advisers Whack Obama Over Mailer

greenchiledem — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 08:19:41 -0000

My apology to Cara. Reading from the comments, I mistook the story as hers!

I am very embarrassed about that and stand corrected.

However, as I said, Senator Clinton so much as agreed with Senator Obama this morning on This Week. That's the point. This mailer is stating the truth.

WASHINGTON - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sunday she might be willing to garnish the wages of workers who refuse to buy health insurance to achieve coverage for all Americans.

Link: Yahoo News Clinton health plan may mean tapping pay

Re: BLM Plans for Oil Shale Mining

greenchiledem — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:13:54 -0000

We can't get a Dem president elected soon enough!

I'm so fed up with the raping of our Western lands to line the pockets of Dick Cheney and his corporate supporters! Sick. Sick. Sick.

To the phones people. Get your candidate elected. And don't forget to call you Congress critters too.

Fed Up I am. Fed up!

Re: Want to be a Delegate? Follow the Paperwork

greenchiledem — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:16:13 -0000

Thanks Leslie. I just did a DNCC update and included a link to forms for delegates at Square State.

Linky: http://www.squaresta...

Re: Fitz-Gerald Takes Early Delegate Lead

greenchiledem — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:13:45 -0000

Strong showing in Eagle ...More like an upset Although the race was even steven, Fitz-Gerald had two of our Eagle county commissioners supporting her. One of them worked very hard for her. Both Jared Polis and Joan Fitz-Gerald worked the phones, worked the delegate lists and held advance events. For Jared Polis to have won over what is probably the undecided is to his credit. He persuaded those voters because he is aligned with the issues they value in our county, like the war, education and health care. There is also a distrust of Fitz-Gerald here because of the special session, anti-immigration measure. When asked last year in during a luncheon in Eagle if she would fix the flaws in the law that were causing problems in our county, she stated, "We're not going there." There is no compassion in that statement; it's a `protect thyself' answer.

I suspect that the Fitz-Gerald campaign and our commissioner were shocked at the results in Eagle. As you stated in your story, our county was expect to be in the Fitz-Gerald column.

Everyone knew that Summit was expected to vote heavily in favor of Fitz-Gerald who did represent them in the state senate. She also has a county chair who supports her and a popular new state senator who took her place supporting her in Summit. However, to the people in Eagle, she was unknown as a representative. I don't recall any issues that she led during her years in the state house that affected our county, except bark beetle. Jared on the other hand who was on the state board of education has been a friend of education for our valley. He has recently opened the first New Americans school outside of the Denver metro area in Gypsum. Jared Polis's family has had a home here for many, many years. I have a neighbor who taught the Polis Schutz kids to ski. But even with the ties to Vail, I would call the tie in Eagle an upset. Congratulations Jared!

Although the headline here is technically correct, a 20 delegate lead in a district with 872 delegates to be awarded is not much. The story here is the Eagle tie, not the expected Summit win, IMHO.

greenchiledem is the treasurer for the Polis campaign.

Re: Grassroots Democrats Worry about Split in Party

greenchiledem — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:42:59 -0000

So what were the Garfield results? Did Senator Obama or Clinton win?

Re: Obama Leading Clinton 2-1 in State Delegates

greenchiledem — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:49:15 -0000

Nice report Leslie. I hadn't seen the assembly results reported until now. I am thinking that the loss of 3% for Sen. Obama at assembly would have little or no effect on the number of delegates to the CD and state conventions and in the end little change in the composition of the delegation to the DNCC. Is that your view?

Re: Where’s Bob? U.S. Senate Candidate Schaffer a No-Show at Club 20

greenchiledem — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:54:51 -0000

Big no no.

Re: Local Officials Rebuke Oil Companies Over Waste-Pit Spills

greenchiledem — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:57:28 -0000

Leslie - I want to thank you for continuing to report on the O&G; industry. You are the only one with a continuing interest. We West Slopers are very interested in these stories even if we don't alway have time to comment.

Truly yours,

greeenchiledem

Re: Eagle County Republicans Emboldened by Controversial Commissioner’s Loss in Mayor’s Race

greenchiledem — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:18:44 -0000

Welcome DaveO. Glad to see you doing some political news again.

One correction to your story. Eagle's new Mayor Ed Woodland is an unaffiliated voter, who calls himself a Republican. But the fact is that he's been a U voter since 1999. I can't understand how someone who runs for office doesn't know how they are registered.

Anyway, the Republicans jumped on this and took the credit, but I agree with Ms. Wallace. The race for Eagle mayor was simply indicative of the voters dislike for Arn Menconi. He only received 15% of the vote. That result means even the Dems in Eagle didn't support him.

(That's what my voter file says. Unless he recently updated his registration. I know it has been brought to his attention.)

Re: New Study Measures Oil and Gas Impacts in NW Colorado

greenchiledem — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:15:27 -0000

Now tell me it's true that this study is NOT written by industry? That's the first time in a long while.

Re: GJ Protest: Not All About Cheney, It’s About Profit from War

greenchiledem — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:56:39 -0000

Cheers to peaceful protesters.

Re: For Rifle, Primary Healthcare Includes Health Fairs

greenchiledem — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:48:39 -0000

Never thought about it but many I know use the health fair in the same way. Just think what the local hospitals or docs, or heaven help us the government, could do by having regular 'health fairs'. Instead, we have a big business generously making this happen, thankfully. But it's only one day a year, in most small towns.

Re: Live Q&A with Denver City Councilman Paul Lopez

greenchiledem — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:14:18 -0000

Welcome Councilman Lopez. What is the most difficult issue you have had to tackle as a new councilman?

DMarquez

Re: Members Claim Club 20 Controlled by Oil and Gas

greenchiledem — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:32:14 -0000

Well Art's resignation has done it for me. I have been an individual member of Club 20 for a few years. I am not very active, because I don't have the time to devote. I joined because many said 'we need progressives in the group' to have affect change. I haven't seen it make a difference. In fact with the O&G; interests, things are worse. I will not be renewing my membership. I'll use the $100 to donate to Western Colorado Congress or some other such organizations.

Nice story Leslie btw.

Re: Rosa Wins National Journalism Nod for Supermax Investigative Series

greenchiledem — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:11:16 -0000

Nice job Erin. Blow a tube!

Re: Vail-area Superdelegate Urges Others to ‘Get Off the Fence’

greenchiledem — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:26:24 -0000

Never did I say that! I have stated very clearly that the SD's should make their decisions after the primary contests have been completed.

come the end of this primary season need to get off the fence and confirm our nominee

As a DNC member who values voters, has fought for voting integrity and against voter suppression, your claim that I would disenfranchise voters is insulting. I suggest you clean your glasses and re-read the article.

Your comment is what is stunningly offensive.

Debbie Marquez aka/Greenchiledem

Re: The Battle for Battle Mountain

greenchiledem — Tue, 20 May 2008 09:49:23 -0000

Minturn and our Valley will never be the same if this project is approved. Lots of defects in this project.

Re: First-time candidate Su Ryden not a political animal

greenchiledem — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:38:37 -0000

Su Ryden! I worked with Su Ryden a long time ago. She is one of the coolest women I have ever met. This is great news to know she is running for office. She is one great lady.

Re: First-time candidate Su Ryden not a political animal

greenchiledem — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:16:12 -0000

Su Ryden! I worked with Su Ryden a long time ago. She is one of the coolest women I have ever met. This is great news to know she is running for office. She is one great lady.

Re: Union says goodbye to living wage, property tax proposals

greenchiledem — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:40:13 -0000

I'm having trouble with the 20 employees or more health care. Although we provide hc for our employees, they don't buy in. They can't afford it. The problem isn't that employers don't provide hc, its' the affordabililty. If employers have to pay the costs, well that's would cost my small business over $250,000, a conservative estimate. Does this require employers to pay for the hc?

I don't think this is the answer. It's the affordability -even group plans are no longer affordable for small biz. 100 employees or less, maybe. But 20-no way. That's bound to decrease interest for starting a business. Or all employers go the Wal Mart route and hire only part timers. Too bad this doesn't sound like it addresses the problem - cost of hc. If hc was affordable, most employers would offer it.

Re: Union says goodbye to living wage, property tax proposals

greenchiledem — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:44:49 -0000

I'm having trouble with the 20 employees or more health care. Although we provide hc for our employees, they don't buy in. They can't afford it. The problem isn't that employers don't provide hc, it's the affordabililty. If employers have to pay the costs, well that would cost my small business over $250,000, a conservative estimate. Does this require employers to pay for the hc?

I don't think this is the answer. It's the cost -even group plans are no longer affordable for small biz. 100 employees or less, maybe. But 20, no way. That's bound to decrease interest for starting a business. Or all employers go the Wal Mart route and hire only part timers. Too bad. This doesn't sound like it addresses the problem - costs of hc. If hc was affordable, most employers would offer it.

Re: Colorado scrambles to secure farm labor amid anti-immigrant sentiment

greenchiledem — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:02:35 -0000

Why didn't they just repeal HB1023 instead? Why would workers want to come from out of state to experience our form of 'toughest' anti-immigrant hospitality in the west? It's the toughest ya know. Joan Fitz-Gerald says so.

Re: Vail area real estate sales suffer second-worst month in 12 years

greenchiledem — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:05:11 -0000

I don't know that there needs to be worry about over levered rich people. The rich people will be fine. But the realtor that states there indeed has been affect on the Vail market, that's an important measure that we hadn't seen in the resorts yet. Everyone believes their home values are stable. Most locals that own homes, own them to live, not as investment. The real estate market was probably due to see a downturn, even in Vail.

The resort industry supports a number of small businesses and employees. That is the concern. As money dries up, the businesses can't support a full staff, they lay off. If it's severe, they close shop.

David - any news about resort economic measures other than real estate sales? I have not seen any reports from the local towns or county. Is there a general economic concern? If not, should there be?

Re: Moderate GOPsters raise the ante to out anonymous conservative blogger

greenchiledem — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:05:34 -0000

The Eagle County Republican voter registration has been seeing a downward trend since I have been keeping records. Here is a graph I created from a spreadsheet I keep of the voter registration data from the SOS. This is a growth only chart since December 2004 that shows a huge increase for unaffiliated voters and a marked increase in Democratic voter reg. The local Republican party may have been harmed by both the Bush administration, war and the Buckley effect.
<center>

<img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m291/mtndem/Egl%20Cty%20Dems/th_CummVoterRegbyMonth_18973_image0-2.gif"></img>
</center>

Re: New attack ad questions Polis

greenchiledem — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:56:23 -0000

David when will there be a report on the response ad that Polis has put up?