March 19th, 2010 - Pueblo Chieftain - Chieftain.Com
TUESDAY’S CAUCUSES showed that Colorado is in for some tough political fighting among both Democrats and Republicans leading up to the primary election. For Democrats, the main bout for the U.S. Senate pits former House Speaker Andrew Romanoff against appointed incumbent Michael Bennet. In a straw poll, Pueblo Democrats gave the edge to Mr. Romanoff.
However, Sen. Bennet has a huge war chest, much of it money from East Coast liberals. And he’s been endorsed by President Barack Obama, although in recent by-elections that endorsement has not resulted in victories.
Pueblo Republicans gave Evergreen businessman Dan Maes the edge over former Rep. Scott McInnis in a straw poll in the governor’s race. That may have been a result of tea party supporters who are seeking more conservative candidates — a backlash to the liberals who control Congress and the Colorado Statehouse.
Pueblo was one of 13 counties in which Republicans showed more support for Mr. Maes than for Mr. McInnis. It’s clear that, if Mr. McInnis is to win the governorship, we highly recommend that he reconsiders his position on Pinon Canyon. Mr. McInnis’ support of the Army’s proposal to buy up more ranchland around Fort Carson’s Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site may play well in Colorado Springs. But it turns off many Southern Coloradans who know full well that shutting down the ranches in Southeastern Colorado will directly damage the economies of Pueblo and the nearby farm communities.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Gubernatorial Candidate says 'NO' to Pinon Canyon expansion
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Hickenlooper opposes Pinon Canyon growth
John Hickenlooper
By NICK BONHAM
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
If residents of Southeastern Colorado don't support the expansion of the Army's Pinon Canyon training facility, gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper said Saturday he doesn't support the expansion either.
"With the way (the expansion) was presented, I'm a 'No,' ” the Denver mayor said in an interview before the Pueblo Democratic party's St. Patrick Day's fundraiser, held at the Union Depot.
"Unless there is a deal embraced by the residents of Southeastern Colorado that they feel is better for their community, it's hard for me to support it. I don't think the military is so foolish that they want one part of the community to thrive at the expense of another."
Hickenlooper is running against Republican Scott McInnis, who supports the military's position on site expansion.
Hickenlooper, dressed in an Irish-green blazer, said he's not anti-military. "There is no reason why this state shouldn't be incredibly pro-military," he said.
Part of his campaign will be to visit farmers and ranchers in Las Animas County who live around the site.
"Hearing their side, hearing what their specific issues are and seeing if there's any kind of solution that addresses" the expansion is a priority, Hickenlooper said.
Despite being an urban mayor, Hickenlooper said he should appeal to rural voters because of his agricultural roots that trace to his grandparents, who were farmers. When he was a restaurant owner, he bought from Colorado food producers.
"What the agricultural community needs is a governor who can be a salesman and who can actually promote their products, and not just in-state. That creates the value of what they produce," he said.
Through his business background and his six years as mayor of Denver, Hickenlooper said he's well versed in economic development, business growth, the workings of government and teamwork.
"It's about surrounding yourself with talent, making sure what everyone is supposed to get done, what their time line is, having a way of being transparent and holding everyone accountable. It's creating a real team. Isn't that what the governor's supposed to do — bring the whole state together?"
nickb@chieftain.com
"With the way (the expansion) was presented, I'm a 'No,' ” the Denver mayor said in an interview before the Pueblo Democratic party's St. Patrick Day's fundraiser, held at the Union Depot.
"Unless there is a deal embraced by the residents of Southeastern Colorado that they feel is better for their community, it's hard for me to support it. I don't think the military is so foolish that they want one part of the community to thrive at the expense of another."
Hickenlooper is running against Republican Scott McInnis, who supports the military's position on site expansion.
Hickenlooper, dressed in an Irish-green blazer, said he's not anti-military. "There is no reason why this state shouldn't be incredibly pro-military," he said.
Part of his campaign will be to visit farmers and ranchers in Las Animas County who live around the site.
"Hearing their side, hearing what their specific issues are and seeing if there's any kind of solution that addresses" the expansion is a priority, Hickenlooper said.
Despite being an urban mayor, Hickenlooper said he should appeal to rural voters because of his agricultural roots that trace to his grandparents, who were farmers. When he was a restaurant owner, he bought from Colorado food producers.
"What the agricultural community needs is a governor who can be a salesman and who can actually promote their products, and not just in-state. That creates the value of what they produce," he said.
Through his business background and his six years as mayor of Denver, Hickenlooper said he's well versed in economic development, business growth, the workings of government and teamwork.
"It's about surrounding yourself with talent, making sure what everyone is supposed to get done, what their time line is, having a way of being transparent and holding everyone accountable. It's creating a real team. Isn't that what the governor's supposed to do — bring the whole state together?"
nickb@chieftain.com
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Ask your CO State Representative to vote against HB1205
| We are opposing HB1205 a Colorado Bill that will be heard on the floor of the Colorado State House - likely this Friday. The concern is that this bill will allow a potential back door to expansion of Pinon Canyon. It provides opportunities for greater influence and limitations placed by the military on zoning and planning within 2 miles of any military installations. Counties, Commissioners, The Farm Bureau, homebuilders, and others are opposed as well. We ask you call your Colorado State Representative and ask them to vote against HB1205. Look up your Representative |
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Sunday, March 7, 2010
National Ag Day March 17th - We'll celebrate in Denver at Noon at the Capital!!
Many of us as individuals will be there - to help our legislators remember how important ag and property rights are to the State of Colorado and the nation!
From the Farm Bureau:
National Ag Day celebration on Mar. 17th at the Capitol in Denver. The Ag Day celebration will coincide with the Senate Judiciary committee meeting in which the committee will consider HB 1188 the ‘Right to Trespass’ bill.
This will be a great event in which to celebrate Colorado Agriculture and also to defend it against legislation like HB 1188.
When: March 17th 2010, 12:00pm
Where: Capitol Building West Steps, Denver
Why: To celebrate National Ag Day and to help kill HB 1188.
The press conference will take place on the West Steps as 12:00 and will finish at 12:30. Legislators will be provided a sack lunch immediately afterwards and this will be an opportune time to connect with your legislator and talk about HB 1188.
The Judiciary Committee will convene at 1:30 in the Old Supreme Court room and we need as many cowboy hats and farm caps in the audience as possible!
Buses
Some County Farm Bureau’s are organizing bus trips to take members to and from the Capitol on the 17th. Buses will be leaving from around the state so members will have to drive as little as possible to meet the bus. Please contact your regional manager for additional details and to find out which bus departure will be closest to you.
Richard Connell- (970) 216-2041
Tony Hass- (719) 680-0619
Ron Brink- (303) 386- 6849
Jayde VanCleave- (719) 648-7947
Dana Thompson- (970) 227- 1783
From the Farm Bureau:
National Ag Day celebration on Mar. 17th at the Capitol in Denver. The Ag Day celebration will coincide with the Senate Judiciary committee meeting in which the committee will consider HB 1188 the ‘Right to Trespass’ bill.
This will be a great event in which to celebrate Colorado Agriculture and also to defend it against legislation like HB 1188.
When: March 17th 2010, 12:00pm
Where: Capitol Building West Steps, Denver
Why: To celebrate National Ag Day and to help kill HB 1188.
The press conference will take place on the West Steps as 12:00 and will finish at 12:30. Legislators will be provided a sack lunch immediately afterwards and this will be an opportune time to connect with your legislator and talk about HB 1188.
The Judiciary Committee will convene at 1:30 in the Old Supreme Court room and we need as many cowboy hats and farm caps in the audience as possible!
Buses
Some County Farm Bureau’s are organizing bus trips to take members to and from the Capitol on the 17th. Buses will be leaving from around the state so members will have to drive as little as possible to meet the bus. Please contact your regional manager for additional details and to find out which bus departure will be closest to you.
Richard Connell- (970) 216-2041
Tony Hass- (719) 680-0619
Ron Brink- (303) 386- 6849
Jayde VanCleave- (719) 648-7947
Dana Thompson- (970) 227- 1783
Friday, March 5, 2010
Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition Mark your calendar and come show your support for 'NO EXPANSION OF PINON CANYON' !!
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