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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Politics & Elections

  • Colorado’s assistant adjutant general for Air relinquishes command to successor

    BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Shawn Ryan, assistant adjutant general, Air and commander of the Colorado Air National Guard, will pass the colors to U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. D. Micah “Zeus” Fesler, during a change of command ceremony at Buckley Space Force Base, Jan. 8, 2023, at 2 p.m.

    The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Laura L. Clellan, commander of the Colorado National Guard, will serve as the presiding officer for the ceremony.

    “Brigadier General Fesler has led Airmen in both combat and peacetime and brings a rich background of innovative tactical and strategic experience at multiple levels in both military and civilian sectors,” Clellan said. “He possesses incredible problem-solving skills and unbelievable compassion, combined with an unrelenting positive attitude and energy level that is extremely rare. I have no doubt Zeus will continue to lead our Airmen into the future with the same passion he brought to all of his previous leadership positions,” Clellan said.

    Fesler is currently chief of staff-Air and previously served as the 140th Wing Commander from August 2019 to August 2021.

    Fesler is a command pilot with more than 2,000 flight hours, primarily in the F-22A and F-15C, spanning 26 years of service. He commanded at both the squadron and wing level, flew combat missions over Syria and Iraq during overseas contingency operations, and participated in numerous joint and coalition exercises.

     

     

    “I want to congratulate Brigadier General Shawn Ryan on his more than 32 years of exemplary service to both state and nation culminating with his assignment as assistant adjutant general, Air, and commander of the Colorado Air National Guard,” Clellan said.

     

    “Shawn has served in this role since May 2021 during the most challenging time in our organization’s history,” Clellan said. “He ensured that the men and women under his command were trained and equipped to accomplish both their federal and domestic operations missions. He oversaw the Colorado Air National Guard’s response to COVID and ensured the readiness for the individual and collective deployments of the 140th Wing. Thank you, Shawn, for a job well done!”

    The ceremony will be held at Hangar 909 and is not open to the public.

  • Colorado Air National Guard colonel to promote to brigadier general

    BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Chief of Staff-Air U.S. Air Force Col. Michael J. Bruno will be promoted to the rank of brigadier general during a ceremony to be held at Hangar 909, Buckley Space Force Base, Jan. 7, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

    Bruno also serves as the full-time deputy executive director for the Colorado Department of Military and Veteran Affairs in his civilan capacity.

    “Ever since I started working with Col. Bruno when we were both group commanders, I’ve known him to have the unique capability to both be a mission-focused leader, and yet at the same time, someone who is intensely caring for those under his command. He’s a people first leader, and I’m excited to see him take this next step in his career,” 140th Wing Commander U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher “Wedge” Southard said.

    Bruno previously served as the chief of the joint staff, Joint Force Headquarters, Colorado, where he oversaw both special and personal staffs, including the judge advocate general, inspector general, human resources office, public affairs, commander’s action group, chaplains, executive officer, and administrative assistant.

    His initial assignment was as the executive officer for the 137th Space Warning Squadron, Greeley, Colorado.  He later transitioned to operations as a space and missile warning officer and the chief of operations training.

    In 2006, Bruno was assigned to Buckley Air Force Base as the commander of the 140th Mission Support Flight. His other previous commands include the 140th Logistics Readiness Squadron, the 140th Force Support Squadron, the 140th Mission Support Group, the 233d Space Group, and other notable positions in the 140th Wing and 233rd Space Group.

    The promotion ceremony is not open to the public.

  • ANALYSIS: What’s Changed — and What Hasn’t — Two Years After Jan. 6 Insurrection

    6 select committee — established a year-and-a-half ago to investigate the insurrection — has concluded its work, making history by suggesting the prosecution of a former president while leaving some dismayed by a lack of conclusive analysis into law enforcement failures that enabled the violence on to take hold. In 11 televised hearings over the course of seven months, the select committee investigating the Capitol attack worked to make the case to the public that Trump was singularly responsible for the violence on Jan. Through the scrutiny of tens of thousands of pages of records and interviews with hundreds of witnesses — the vast majority of whom were Republican aides and allies to the former president — the select committee revealed that Trump was aware his allegations of mass fraud in 2020 were unfounded and yet pushed them anyway.

    Efforts continue to hold perpetrators accountable, while the work of the Congress has again been halted
    January 6, 2023
     
    By Jacob Gardenswartz
    Special to the Wyoming Truth
     
    WASHINGTON — Exactly two years ago, on Jan. 6, 2021, the work of the U.S. Congress was ground to a halt by a violent mob seeking to stop the certification of President Joe Biden’s electoral victory. After blowing past police barricades, rioters forced their way into the Senate chamber chanting “hang Mike Pence” and sending lawmakers scrambling for safety underground.
     
    Today, the work of the U.S. House has again ground to a halt, though this time lawmakers are not barricaded underground but tethered to their seats. For three straight days, Republicans have tried and failed to elect a Speaker of the House as a coalition of far-right lawmakers refused to back Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). The 20 holdouts — most of whom belong to the so-called “Freedom Caucus” — have effectively held the body hostage, preventing the swearing in of new members or any legislation from being considered.
     
    Throughout Washington, the symbolism of the day is apparent. Biden is set to hold a ceremony at the White House to commemorate the anniversary, where he’ll award the Presidential Citizens Medal to individuals who worked against Trump’s attempts to overturn the election. Elsewhere, protests and marches are planned, calling for the former president to be held accountable for the violence many believe he directed that day.
     
    On Capitol Hill, however, the impact of the 6th has played out differently. Most of the members holding up the work of the Congress are among those who voted to overturn the 2020 election, while over half continue to deny Biden’s victory. Many still were supported during their campaigns by McCarthy himself, who despite initially stating that Trump “bears responsibility” for the violence came around to support him again.
     
    The Jan. 6 select committee — established a year-and-a-half ago to investigate the insurrection — has concluded its work, making history by suggesting the prosecution of a former president while leaving some dismayed by a lack of conclusive analysis into law enforcement failures that enabled the violence on to take hold.
     
    And for Wyoming, the 6th had a drastic impact, resulting in the ousting of a legislator once seen as a rising star and her replacement with a Trump-aligned figure who’s echoed his unproven claims of a stolen election.  
     
    Jan 6 hearings probe
     
    In 11 televised hearings over the course of seven months, the select committee investigating the Capitol attack worked to make the case to the public that Trump was singularly responsible for the violence on Jan. 6. “The central cause of Jan. 6 was one man, former President Donald Trump, whom many others followed,” the panel’s final report states. “None of the events of Jan. 6 would have happened without him.”
     
    Through the scrutiny of tens of thousands of pages of records and interviews with hundreds of witnesses — the vast majority of whom were Republican aides and allies to the former president — the select committee revealed that Trump was aware his allegations of mass fraud in 2020 were unfounded and yet pushed them anyway. Witnesses said Trump ignored warnings of possible violence in the lead up to the 6th, and sought to bend arms of the government to his will to bolster his claims.
     
    Moreover, as the extent of the danger to lawmakers and Pence became clear the day of the attack, Trump did nothing for hours, reveling in the chaos as he watched on TV from the White House residence.
     
    The Justice Department has charged nearly 1,000 individuals in connection with the violence that day, with many cases still ongoing. And last month the Congress passed legislation which would amend the centuries-old law Trump utilized in his attempts to overturn the election results, clarifying that the vice president has no power to overturn the will of the voters, as Trump suggested.
     
    Yet Trump has thus far evaded any real consequences, waiting out a Congressional subpoena as he’s become embroiled in numerous investigations into other matters. Though the panel made the historic decision to suggest prosecution of Trump, the decision of whether to do so ultimately falls on Attorney General Merrick Garland, who has said only that he promises to follow the facts wherever they lead.
     
    Cheney out, Hageman in
    Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney’s transformation from conservative stalwart to anti-Trump crusaderbrought about her swift demise in Wyoming, which broke for Trump by a higher margin than any other in the nation.
     
    Cheney’s vote to impeach Trump for his conduct on the 6th earned her censure from the Wyoming GOP, while her continued anti-Trump rhetoric got her booted from GOP leadership in Congress.
     
    But it was her decision to serve as vice chair of the Jan. 6 committee, one of only two Republicans who were seated against the wishes of the Republican minority leader, that brought about the biggest change to her public profile. Through her direct and repeated condemnations of the former president, Cheney became a martyr to some, who despite opposing her conservative beliefs found value in her willingness to stand up for principles of democracy.
     
    While Cheney’s Jan. 6 panel work raised her national profile significantly, it only served to diminish her standing in Wyoming. She was easily ousted by Harriet Hageman in the GOP primary, and now lives in limbo, with many speculating she could seek presidential office next year.
     
    And it’s not just Cheney who paid for her anti-Trump moves. Of the 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after Jan. 6, only two remain in Congress. Meanwhile, 179 so-called “election deniers,” individuals who refused to acknowledge Biden’s legitimate victory, were elected to Congress. They’ve promised to continue backing Trump’s goals — once Republicans select a speaker and they’re able to be sworn in.
     
    Among them is Hageman, today entering her fourth day in procedural limbo as Congresswoman-elect.

  • Governor Polis Takes Action to Provide Temporary Regulatory Relief due to Suncor’s Temporary Shutdown

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis verbally authorized the activation of the State Emergency Operations Plan to ensure that the state utilizes all necessary tools to provide temporary regulatory relief to reduce any potential fuel supply chain risk in Colorado due to the temporary shutdown at the Suncor oil and gas refinery which is located in Commerce City.  Such regulatory relief includes but is not limited to trucking hours, truck weight limits, and streamlined pipeline transporting regulations. 

    This verbal declaration activates the State Emergency Operations Plan and directs the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to take necessary and appropriate State actions to assist the affected jurisdictions with their response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.

  • Justices spar in latest clash of religion and gay rights

    By JESSICA GRESKO and MARK SHERMAN
    Associated Press

    WASHINGTON (AP) _ The Supreme Court ‘s conservative majority sounded sympathetic Monday to a Christian graphic artist who objects to designing wedding websites for gay couples, a dispute that’s the latest clash of religion and gay rights to land at the highest court.

    The designer and her supporters say that ruling against her would force artists _ from painters and photographers to writers and musicians _ to do work that is against their beliefs. Her opponents, meanwhile, say that if she wins, a range of businesses will be able to discriminate, refusing to serve Black customers, Jewish or Muslim people, interracial or interfaith couples or immigrants, among others.

    Over more than two hours of spirited arguments, the justices repeatedly tested out what ruling for the designer could mean, using detailed and sometimes colorful hypothetical scenarios. Those included a Black Santa asked to take a picture with a child dressed in a Ku Klux Klan outfit, a photographer asked to take pictures for the Jewish dating website JDate and also the marital infidelity website Ashley Madison, and a food business called “Grandma Helen’s Protestant Provisions.”

    Justice Neil Gorsuch, one of three high court appointees of former President Donald Trump, described Lorie Smith, the website designer in the case, as “an individual who says she will sell and does sell to everyone, all manner of websites, (but) that she won’t sell a website that requires her to express a view about marriage that she finds offensive.”

    Where to draw the line for what a business might do without violating state anti-discrimination laws was a big question in Monday’s arguments at the high court.

    Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson asked whether a photography store in a shopping mall could refuse to take pictures of Black people on Santa’s lap.

    “Their policy is that only white children can be photographed with Santa in this way, because that’s how they view the scenes with Santa that they’re trying to depict,” Jackson said.

    Justice Sonia Sotomayor repeatedly pressed Kristen Waggoner, the lawyer for Smith, over other categories. “How about people who don’t believe in interracial marriage? Or about people who don’t believe that disabled people should get married? Where’s the line?” Sotomayor asked.

    But Justice Samuel Alito, who seemed to favor Smith, asked whether it’s “fair to equate opposition to same-sex marriage to opposition to interracial marriage?”

    The case comes at a time when the court is dominated 6-3 by conservatives and follows a series of cases in which the justices have sided with religious plaintiffs. Across the street from the court, lawmakers at the Capitol are finalizing what would be a landmark bill protecting same-sex marriage.

    The proposed law, which also would protect interracial marriage, has gained momentum following the high court’s decision earlier this year to end constitutional protections for abortion. That decision to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling prompted questions about whether the court _ now that it is more conservative _ might also overturn its 2015 decision declaring a nationwide right to same-sex marriage. Justice Clarence Thomas explicitly said that decision should be reconsidered.

    The case being argued before the high court Monday involves Smith, a graphic artist and website designer in Colorado who wants to begin offering wedding websites. Smith says her Christian faith prevents her from creating websites celebrating same-sex marriages.

    “Ms. Smith believes opposite-sex marriage honors scripture and same-sex marriage contradicts it,” Waggoner told the justices.

    But offering wedding websites to same-sex couples and refusing to design them for opposite sex couples could get Smith in trouble with state law. Colorado, like most other states, has what’s called a public accommodation law that says if Smith offers wedding websites to the public, she must provide them to all customers. Businesses that violate the law can be fined, among other things.

    Five years ago, the Supreme Court heard a different challenge involving Colorado’s law and a baker, Jack Phillips, who objected to designing a wedding cake for a gay couple. That case ended with a limited decision and set up a return of the issue to the high court. Waggoner, of the Alliance Defending Freedom, also represented Phillips.

    Like Phillips, Smith says her objection is not to working with gay people. She has had gay clients, her lawyer said. But she objects to creating messages supporting same-sex marriage, just as she wouldn’t create a website for a couple who met while they both were married to other people and then divorced.

    Smith says Colorado’s law violates her free speech rights. Her opponents, including the Biden administration, the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, disagree.

    Twenty mostly liberal states, including California and New York, are supporting Colorado, while 20 other, mostly Republican,states, including Arizona, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee, are supporting Smith.

    The case is 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, 21-476.

  • Colorado Secretary of State Announces Mandatory Recount of Colorado House District 3 Race

    Denver, Colo. – On November 30th, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office ordered a mandatory recount of the results for the race for Colorado’s U.S. House District 3. Because the vote differential in this race is within 0.5% of the winner’s total, a recount is required according to Colorado Statute § 1-10.5-101(1)(b).

    All counties within U.S. House District 3 have been notified to begin preparations to proceed with a recount for this race, which must be completed by Tuesday, December 13, 2022, as required by statute.

    “The results of the District 3 race reinforce the fact that every vote matters,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “Colorado voters have made their voices heard, and I am ordering this recount in accordance with Colorado law to confirm the will of the voters.”

    Once the recount begins, the 27 counties that are completely or partially in U.S. House District 3 will work with their bipartisan canvass boards to complete a logic and accuracy test (LAT) on the required tabulation equipment. Following the LAT tests, the counties will begin recounting all ballots for the US House District 3 race in the same manner they were processed during the election, meaning all counties will rescan ballots using tabulation equipment with the exception of San Juan County, which will manually recount ballots.

    On Friday, November 18, Colorado began the statewide bipartisan Risk-Limiting Audit (RLA) – a post-election audit that gives a statistical level of confidence that the outcome of an election is correct. Bipartisan county audit boards successfully completed the audit on November 22. The reported winner in all the audited races was confirmed.

    Colorado’s U.S. House District 3 is comprised of 26 complete counties, as well as part of Eagle County. Those 26 counties include: Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Costilla, Delta, Dolores, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Huerfano, La Plata, Las Animas, Mesa, Mineral, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Otero, Ouray, Pitkin, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, Rio Grande, San Juan, San Miguel, Saguache.

    To view the recount order, click here.

    C.R.S. 1-10.5-101. Recounts required – expenses:

    (1)(b)  A recount of any election contest shall be held if the difference between the highest number of votes cast in that election contest and the next highest number of votes cast in that election contest is less than or equal to one-half of one percent of the highest vote cast in that election contest. If there is more than one person to be elected in an election contest, a recount shall be held if the difference between the votes cast for the candidate who won the election with the least votes and the candidate who lost the election with the most votes is less than or equal to one-half of one percent of the votes cast for the candidate who won the election with the least votes. A recount shall occur only after the canvass board certifies the original vote count.

    (2)  Except as provided in section 1-10.5-106, any expenses incurred in conducting a recount in any political subdivision shall be paid by the entity that certified the candidate, ballot question, or ballot issue for the ballot. Members of the canvass board who assist in any recount shall receive the same fees authorized for counting judges in section 1-6-115.

    C.R.S. 1-10.5-102. Recounts for congressional, state, and district offices, state ballot questions, and state ballot issues.

    (1)  If the secretary of state determines that a recount is required for the office of United States senator, representative in congress, any state office or district office of state concern, any state ballot question, or any state ballot issue certified for the ballot by the secretary of state, the secretary of state shall order a complete recount of all the votes cast for that office, state ballot question, or state ballot issue no later than the thirtieth day after the election.

  • Polis Administration Secures Asteroid Mining Company for Denver Expansion

    DENVER – The Polis Administration and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that space resources startup Karman+ has selected Denver for relocation from the Netherlands. The Karman+ team is working to enable the mining of near-earth asteroids for mineral resources that are carbon neutral and sustainable. 


    “As Colorado’s technology and aerospace industries continue to boom, we are thrilled to welcome innovative companies like Karman+ to Denver, one mile closer to space. This exciting move will bring 150 new good-paying jobs to Colorado as we continue to work to change the future of space exploration and sustainable energy,” said Governor Polis. “I believe Colorado is the best place to live, work and do business and this is clear as more companies choose to move or grow here.”


    The company’s mission is to mine near-Earth asteroids to provide abundant, sustainable energy and resources for the space economy. The first stage of development is focused on the process of mining for water. The tailings from mining will form the basis for the building of space-based solar power systems that will allow them to deliver electrical power in space and on Earth as non-intermittent sustainable electricity. In selecting Colorado, Karman+ sought a state and national regulatory environment more conducive to advancing the development of space resources. The company is also excited about the potential for critical collaboration with higher education institutions, as well as the quality of life Denver will offer Karman+ employees.


    “Our goals are daring, and we like that. Colorado shares our spirit of adventure and clearly supports space exploration through resources like the Space Symposium. The State, the Metro Denver Economic Development Commission and the City of Denver have been very inviting, and we look forward to forming new partnerships that will propel us toward success,” said Daynan Crull, Co-Founder of Karman+.


    The company has chosen Denver for its headquarters and expects current employees to begin moving to Denver in late 2022. Karman+ is actively hiring. 


    “OEDIT and the state of Colorado are committed to maintaining a business-friendly climate and a Colorado economy that works for everyone. Cutting-edge businesses like Karman+ are part of that ecosystem, advancing future technologies and the state’s economy,” said Pat Meyers, OEDIT executive director. 


    “The addition of companies like Karman+ continues to position Colorado as a leader in aerospace,” said Raymond H. Gonzales, President of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Executive Vice President of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. “The company has all the ingredients they need for growth and success here: outstanding access to talent, customers and a collaborative aerospace community that’s second to none.”  


    “When my administration created our Global Business Development Team six years ago, helping to bring good-paying jobs and innovative companies like Karman+ to our community is what we had in mind,” Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “Denver and our region are fertile ground for these future-looking industries, and we’re proud to welcome Karman+ to the Mile High City.”


    Karman+ expects to create 150 new jobs at an average annual wage of $110,620, which is 147% percent of the average annual wage in Denver County. The jobs will include data engineers, marketing roles, and market analysts. The company currently has eight employees, none of whom are based in Colorado yet.


    Colorado competed with the United Kingdom and Luxembourg as the new location. The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $1,287,128 in performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits over an eight-year period to Karman+, originally referred to as Project Cobalt during the OEDIT review process.



    About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Cannabis Business Office; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; Employee Ownership Office; and Rural Opportunity Office. Learn more at oedit.colorado.gov.

  • Governor Polis Announces Chief of Staff Transition

    DENVER – Governor Jared Polis announced updates to his senior staff. 


    Governor Polis announced that after serving for over fifteen years alongside Governor Polis as his top staffer, his long-time Chief of Staff Lisa Kaufmann will be scaling back her role and stepping down as Chief of Staff effective January 1, 2023. Kaufmann was one of his first hires in 2007 for his first bid for Congress, served as Chief of Staff in his Congressional office, was the Chair of the Governor’s successful 2018 gubernatorial campaign, Chaired his Gubernatorial transition committee in 2018, and has served as the Governor’s Chief of Staff for the entirety of his first term in office. Kaufmann has been instrumental in shaping the Governor’s political career and his Governorship. As Polis’s gubernatorial Chief of Staff, she led the state through many emergencies including the COVID-19 pandemic, tragic shootings, and wildfires.  Kaufmann is credited for being the architect and chief strategist for the Governor’s ambitious first-term successful agenda of enacting his bold four initiatives of free kindergarten and universal preschool, saving people money on healthcare, 100% renewable energy, and tax reform. In addition, she championed the expansion of new state parks and ongoing revenue for public lands, oil and gas reform, infrastructure funding, and climate preparedness. Coloradans last Tuesday delivered Gov. Polis another term by a historic margin.


    As Chief, Kaufmann helped Gov. Polis and his team safely and effectively lead Colorado through the unique challenges created by the pandemic and help keep the state on a path toward continued economic prosperity and a job recovery rate that continues to substantially outpace the national average. Early in the first quarter of next year, Lisa is expected to transition into her new role in the Polis-Primavera administration as a strategic advisor for public-private partnerships in the Department of Personnel and Administration. 


    “I couldn’t be more grateful to Lisa for her leadership over the past four years. She has been an excellent Chief of Staff and trusted advisor during an unprecedented time for our state. Together, we delivered real results for Coloradans, and I am honored to have worked shoulder to shoulder with her on behalf of our beloved state,” said Governor Polis. “Lisa’s strategic thinking has been essential to helping guide my administration, and I am excited that she has agreed to continue with the administration focused on showcasing my second-term priority of expanding transit and more transit-oriented housing.”


    “Filling her shoes will not be easy. Lisa Kaufmann is a uniquely skilled, strategic, and effective leader. But I am confident that Alec Garnett is the best choice and will do an outstanding job,” said Governor Polis. 


    Kaufmann is the longest-serving member of Gov. Polis’ staff, Kaufmann is only the third woman to serve as a Colorado governor’s chief of staff, co-founded New Era Colorado, and is Denver Business Journal 40 under 40 winner.

    “Serving alongside Governor Polis who is as optimistic as he is brilliant will forever be my greatest honor and privilege. We have been through many highs and lows over the last 15 years, but the thing that always remains constant is Jared’s even-keeled, clear-eyed approach to getting results for the people of Colorado and his sense of humor – that’s what kept me doing this tough job for so long,” said Lisa Kaufmann. “As we close the chapter on the first term, I am proud of what we have accomplished for my children and all people of Colorado and I am excited to pass the torch to my very capable friend Alec Garnett who is going to do an excellent job leading the second term.”


    “Lisa is fearless and I want to deeply thank her for her leadership, vision, and commitment to delivering transformational change for our communities. Lisa has been a driving force behind much of the work we’ve accomplished for Coloradans these last four years and beyond – from innovative ways to save people money on health care, to protecting the freedoms of Coloradans to ensuring we have an administration that serves all of Colorado, not special interests,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “Lisa’s strategic and responsible leadership is unmatched and while Alec has big shoes to fill, I am confident that he will continue to help deliver real results for hardworking people and families.”


    Kaufmann will remain as Chief until January 1st when Alec Garnett will step into the role.


    “No one can replace Lisa Kaufmann, who has been one of Colorado’s most successful Chiefs of Staff. Her strategic vision and pivotal role serving alongside Governor Polis over the last 15 years led to the passage of landmark legislation that is right now helping Coloradans in every corner of our state. Her leadership and steady hand guided Colorado through a global pandemic and devastating wildfires, and I’m honored to follow in her footsteps. I’m excited to advance Governor Polis’ bold vision for Colorado, implement recent legislative achievements, and continue serving the state I love,” said Alec Garnett


    “Lisa has been an incredible public servant, and her problem-solving skills and ability to develop strategic solutions to our state’s most pressing challenges is simply unmatched. The Governor, myself and our congressional delegation in Washington, and our state have all greatly benefited from her wise counsel. And while I’m happy she and her family will have the opportunity for some much-deserved time away, I’m confident she’ll continue to serve our state for years to come,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. 


    “There is no better strategic mind or team leader than Lisa – she faces challenges head-on and puts people in the best possible positions to not only succeed but grow and thrive,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg. “And she manages to do it all with an amazing amount of heart and compassion.”


    “Lisa has been the force behind making Governor Polis’ policies a reality. From universal preschool to an ambitious renewable energy economy, Colorado is where it is thanks to her. I can’t wait to see what Lisa does next,” said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper.


    Alec Garnett is the outgoing Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives representing House District 2, central Denver. Speaker Garnett just finished his eighth and final session as a state representative. During his time serving in the legislature, he championed solutions centered on affordable housing, investments in public education, gun violence prevention, and economic opportunity for all. He has passed bills to provide universal pre-K to all Coloradans and created a commonsense red flag law in Colorado to prevent gun violence.

     

    Garnett is a fourth-generation Coloradan who grew up in Boulder. Garnett and his wife, Emily, live in the Capitol Hill neighborhood with their young children. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster and completed a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Colorado, Denver. 

  • Veterans and active military get free entry into Colorado state parks on Nov. 11

    DENVER – As a thank you to U.S. military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers veterans, active-duty military and the National Guard free admission to all Colorado state parks on Nov. 11, 2022.

    Veterans and military members, residents and non-residents, can visit any Colorado state park for free by showing proof of military service. Vehicles displaying a Colorado disabled veteran or Purple Heart license plate receive free entry to all state parks year-round.

    The free daily parks pass provides a chance to experience Colorado’s state parks and the diverse wildlife and terrain they showcase. All other park fees remain in effect, including camping reservations, boat and off-highway vehicle registrations, and hunting and fishing licenses.

    CPW also offers military benefits for outdoor activities to active duty military, veterans and disabled veterans. Programs include free admission to state parks on Veterans Day, free admission to all state parks in August, year-round free entry to all state parks to residents who qualify for Colorado Disabled Veterans or Purple Heart license plates and free small game and fishing licenses for qualified disabled veterans. CPW also offers a Columbine Passwhich offers reduced park entrance fees to disabled Colorado residents.

    For more information about Colorado state parks, visit the CPW website.

  • Exodus of incumbents brings change to state legislatures

    By DAVID A. LIEB
    Associated Press

    More than one-quarter of state lawmakers whose seats are up for election across the U.S. are guaranteed to be gone from office next year _ a statistic certain to grow when the votes are counted from the November general election.

    A combination of retirements, term limits, redistricting changes and primary defeats _ especially among Republicans facing conservative challengers _ already has driven turnover in state capitols to its highest rate in more than a decade.

    More incumbents will lose Tuesday, as voters decide nearly 6,300 state legislative races in 46 states.

    “There are going to be a lot of new faces in legislative chambers across the country,” said Ben Williams, principal for the elections and redistricting program at the National Conference of State Legislatures.

    The changing composition of state legislatures could have significant implications for public policy. Though the federal government often garners more attention, state legislatures hold the power to ban or allow abortion, set rules for future elections, raise or reduce various taxes and determine what gets taught in public schools, among other things.

    This election is the first since districts were redrawn to account for population shifts noted by the 2020 census. Post-redistricting elections often see an uptick in retirements and defeats as incumbents opt against running in new areas or get matched up against each other.

    But this year’s turnover rate _ already above 26% _ is ahead of the pace from the last post-redistricting election in 2012 and more than one-quarter higher than the average over the past decade, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from the election tracking organization Ballotpedia.

    One reason is that a greater percentage of incumbents didn’t seek re-election this year. But that alone doesn’t explain it.

    While the rate of Democratic primary losses declined slightly from 2012, the loss rate for Republican incumbents rose from 4.7% a decade ago to 6.2% this year. Many of those GOP lawmakers lost to challengers aligned with former President Donald Trump and portray themselves as more conservative on such issues as election integrity, transgender policies and school instruction.

    Heading into the general election, Republicans held majorities in both legislative chambers in 30 states compared with 17 for Democrats. Two states _ Minnesota and Virginia _ had split legislative majorities. Nebraska’s Legislature is officially nonpartisan.

    When including governors, Republicans had full control in 23 states and Democrats in 14, with the others divided.

    History suggests this should be a good year for Republicans. That’s because the president’s party _ in this case, the Democrats _ typically suffers a backlash of disapproval during midterm elections, losing legislative seats. The public mood appears sour again this year. The percentage of people concerned about their financial wellbeing has risen, and just 25% say the country is headed in the right direction, according to an October poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

    “The top concern for voters overwhelmingly is the economy and cost of living,” said Andrew Romeo, communications director for the Republican State Leadership Committee, which supports state legislative candidates.

    But a summer U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning the national right to abortion _ and leaving such decisions to states _ added a twist to election-year politics and provided a new campaign angle for Democrats.

    Abortion is front and center in Michigan, one of the nation’s biggest legislative battlegrounds.

    Democrats hope a Michigan ballot proposal making abortion a constitutional right will drive left-leaning voters to also cast ballots in key legislative races. New state House and Senate districts, drawn for the first time by an independent citizens commission, give Democrats a greater shot than the former districts drawn by the Republican-led Legislature.

    The new Senate District 35, for example, takes in parts of several previous districts, extending eastward from Midland to Saginaw Bay. Democrats have run ads asserting the Republican candidate, state Rep. Annette Glenn, “wants to ban abortion, even in cases of rape or incest.” Republican ads pair Democratic candidate Kristen McDonald Rivet with Biden while denouncing “reckless spending and out-of-control inflation.”

    Which message compels more turnout than the other remains to be seen.

    “I think the big question is what will the composition of the electorate look like,” said Jessica Post, president of the national Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

    Another state targeted by both Democrats and Republicans is Minnesota, where Republicans hold a slim Senate majority and Democrats a narrow House majority. Each party wants to win full control of the Legislature.

    Republicans also are attempting to flip Democratic-led legislative chambers in Colorado, Maine, Nevada and Oregon.

    Democrats hope the New Hampshire Legislature, which frequently flips control, could turn their way this year. Democrats also are trying to make legislative gains in Arizona and Pennsylvania, two states that are pivotal in presidential elections.

    Democratic- and Republican-aligned groups have collectively poured a couple hundred million dollars into legislative races in what’s become a costly biennial battle for power. Yet both parties are downplaying their potential for sweeping victories.

    “If we’re able to preserve and hold the number of chambers that Democrats have right now, that would be a good night,” Post said.

    Speaking for Republicans, Romeo also described a good outcome as “keeping everything we have.“ He added: “A great night would be if we are able to expand and flip a chamber in one of these Democrat-held states.”