It has been requested that the gatewaynews.org create a comment section that is organized into larger areas wherein numerous issues can be commented on. These will be renewed on a monthly basis. This first area will be the City of Commerce City including such subjects as: city council, ordinance and resolutions, the Commerce City Police Department, Neighborhood Services, city budget, etc.
453 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 453 of 453I was not at the actual meeting, but I was listening to it being streamed and I thought I heard that was a urban legend by a city staffer. Just wanted to get to the bottom of it, because that was not the first time I heard this. I know Dave very well and will tae this up with him.
I have some information that needs to be clarified. First the Council Norms that was created by the California Consulting group is still in Draft Form and will be formally adpoted by the entire city council in the near future. It is open to the public and I am sure after formally apoted will be in all three of the newspapers.
As if everything in life, there are always two sides to the story and that is what we are all faced with here with this recall of our Mayor Paul Natale. First, I think the Gateway News should have gotten the other side of the story. They should have interviewed Mayor Paul Natale and gotten a response to the video that they created. And if they really wanted to be fair, they should actually do a video for the Mayor as they so graciously did for Rene Bullock. Well, I did talk to the Mayor and did get a response to the video, it is simple and will not even take up you precious space to print. The Mayor stated that the allegations are unfounded and some of them do not even deserve a response! So unless you have proof, you need to truly get a life and move on! Rene, you have already done enough to damage our city, please stop!
Regarding the assault of petition holder for the recall of Paul Natale. After hearing the story, I think it was more that the older man was just upset because of a issue of solicitation and not really because he was in support of the Mayor. Only clear message hear is do not put your hands on anyone no matter how angry you get, and second never grab a petition out of anybody hands and rip it up. It is illegal, so do not do it. All of us have rights and we all need to respect each other, even if we do have a vast difference in opinions or views. That is why news papers and agencies have such place for you to voice you opinion as I am doing so right now.
And yes I do not support the recall, it is my opinion that it will cause a black eye for our community and will set us back about 10 years at least.
Just a question, I am not for or against the recall, I am still trying to decide who to believe, but, why is it that city council never follows their agenda items, It is published that the city council was suppose to talk about Belle Creek Family Center discussion, Quality Community Foundation, and other issues that were never brought up.
I also talked to a council member and they stated that the retreat or advance or what I like to call now a "revance" they were suppose to talk about Derby and that never happened, is it a time thing or what?
This just in, CSAP scores, you know what that means?!?!? Lets see how d-14 vs. 27j did. and lets not forget cla for d-14.
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeassess/documents/csap/csap_summary.html
I went on the website for the city to research some of this information. I could not locate the 2008 budget (2006 was up) or a copy of the 2007 audit. I also noticed that there has been no news since July 1.Is it somewhere on the website
The agenda for August 8 shows an amendment to the city manager's contract. How much are we paying him? What kind of increase does he get when the rest of us are lucky to get 2%- if any at all.
I would like to say Paul Natale has done a great job bringing us from the days living with such monikers as Stinky city, Trailer town, Tijuana north. Thanks to the investors and developers in the northern enclave we are becoming known as a clean, friendly and all around great place to live and raise families. There are those who have become less significant in our growths that continue attempts at sabotaging our successes. They should be ostracized and not supported; this will be evident at the polls.
Damn some great questions being asked. I would love the answers to all of them, As far as the website, I agree with it not being updated regularly, We have the staff in place god knows that. Also did you know that council packets will be up for a little bit and them taken back down again. I work with websites and I know that it is not that hard to upload info. Maybe with a new PR PIO guy we will get more news and correct and timely agendas and packets that can stay up for more then a day.
As far as the city manager, his contract says that he could get a incentive if he does a good job, and looks like council has given him the "stamp of approval" so I wonder what the "incentive" is?
I plan on asking all of this questions and concerns to the famous AskC3.com. As soon as I get a response I will post here.
Love the questions and love the information that I get from here.
I use to be very active in city government and took a sort of leave of absence for about 6 months. But, with everything going on, I got to get back into it.
Don't know the details about the Recall but will talk to the Mayor and also Kathy McIntyre (publisher and editor of the Gateway News) and also Norm Union (publisher and editor of the Commerce City Beacon). After that I will form my own opinion and be back on here.
Stay in there Commerce City, we will get through this and be a better city afterwards.
Over heard a citizens (actually Rene and council member Jim Benson)having questions about the recall procedure. I found it on the city website and thought I should post it here, if Jim and Rene have questions I am sure that we all will have questions.
The procedure hereunder to effect the recall of any elective public officer shall be as follows:
(a) The procedure hereunder to effect the recall of an elective public officer shall be in accord with the provisions of Article XXI of the Constitution of the State of Colorado and the Statutes of the State of Colorado except the city council may, by ordinance, adopt different recall procedures not inconsistent with the Constitution of the State of Colorado.
(b) The ballot upon which such proposed recall is submitted shall state the grounds set forth in the petition for demanding such recall and there shall also be printed thereon the words, “Shall (name of person against whom the recall petition is filed) be recalled from the office of (title of office)?” Following such question shall be the words “Yes” or “No” on separate lines with a blank space to the right of each in which the voter shall indicate, by marking a cross (X), his vote for or against such recall. Voting machines may be used in recall elections.
(c) In the event that an officer is recalled by a majority vote of those voting on the question, the office or offices shall be deemed vacant, and shall be filled as provided in this Charter for the filling of vacancies, except that the officer recalled shall not be appointed to fill the vacancy.
repost:
Something interesting: Just look at these numbers. Last Ten years (1997 to 2007), the number of city employees by functions and program: City manager went from 4.0 to 10.50, that is a positive 6.50 Economic Development went from 2.50 to 3.00, that is only a positive .5 in the last ten years. Now it is reported that is 2008, the City's Economic Developer is gone. So factor in 2008 and now we are down to a negative .5, everyone following me? Look for the city to take action to replace a ED person that I am sure will cost much more then the previous ED Director. Lets all keep our eyes open people, someone needs to watch. This is by no means just the responsibility of our mayor Paul Natale, but rather the entire council. And we wonder why Brighton and Stapleton are so far ahead of us.
This information needs to be given to one of our wonderful elected officials for their opinions.
I hate to admit this, but I Love reading the commentary, Whenever I get the Commerce City Beacon or the Gateway I always jump right to the commentary page, of course I disagree sometimes, but then again I whole hearted agree sometimes. The idea that citizens can have their own opinions and voice them in a true way that will not get them into fear of retaliation is the best thing that has ever happened to this city. I have read all of the commentaries on this website and once again, agreed and disagreed. I miss the old heavy hitters like Bud and whatever happen to Gene, Norm has backed down quite a bit. I know that we live in a different world but we still have the same freedoms and want to thank all of you who have left comments and never back down. Your Thought, Your Opinions, Your Rights!
Best scenario for current recall: Get it on the ballot, but vote no. Now everyone is happy!
Hardly seems right to put something like that on the ballot and give Rene that kind of power.
This is the man who tried to charge the city for his massage and tickets to a pro basketball game when out of town.
This is the guy who "rumor has" (all around town) got hookers while out of town representing the city.
This is the guy that wanted a race track regardless of the people who's homes would be devalued.
Why give this low life this kind of power??
So what has the city manager done to get a stamp of approval? The major projects were all in work before he came, the Mile Hi Music Festival was in work for 2 years, the fund balance is lower, for the 3rd time, council has rules to operate by (which I'm sure they will ignore like the other times) at a huge expense to the taxpayers, a salary of $160,000 per year, plus the consultant at $180,000 who is running the city while the city manager is never seen by employees,and a sweet deal on a home loan plus a car allowance worth more than my mortgage. And what did happen to the ED director? Maybe we should start over with all of council. And demand to know why the manager gets a stamp of approval.
I had to laugh about Natale's response to the video. Of course he's going to say none of the allegations are true and not worth responsing to. I like the debate idea. Rene may be doing this because of revenge but he may also have great points and facts- no matter what his intent is.
I disagree.
If he had these "facts" he had the opportunity to share them on the video, instead he used the vague accusations anyone can imply.
That was a perfect chance, as Natale wouldn't have even been there to dispute.
With specifics Natale would have had to.
Anyone who has been in the city for awhile knows about Rene, his reputation is more than tarnished.
Wrong. The concert was supposed to be in City Park. That deal happened in a few months.
Dont' know what happened to the ED director. Do know that we have nothing to show for their "work".
I have talked to the working part of staff, they are pleased with the manager and the changes, it was pretty D__n obvious we need changes.
I read something in the paper about the council person in Denver fighting the music festival not being in city park.
That was earlier this year.
Wonder if that was one of the bullocks that posted the comment about the music festival being planned 2 years ago. It was highly publicized how the current city leadership negotiated for the concert. I sure hope we do a lot more house cleaning of unqualified city employees. It will only make us better. As far pay It costs money to recruit talent if everyone remembers the old city manager didn’t do much even in a booming economy. Bet he was a friend or relative of someone in previous leadership.
The soccer stadium complex was designed for music festivals. It was part of the total package presented to council. And you are talking to different city employees than I am. It would be interesting to get the results of a survey from all employees to see overall how happy the employees are with the manager. An outside company- not the current consultant.
I'm sure it was part of the total package, but you said the music festival was planned to years ago. That is not true. It's easy to see who you are, just trying again to stir up trouble.
As others have said "get a life" Rene/Deborah.
What a backwards city, you have a a felon on school board and no one says anything, you have a mayor with unfounded allegations and gets a recall effort, COmmerce City get your act together.
Who thew hell is a felon on School Board and what school board!
Just think this thru for a second, if what Rene is saying is true and the Mayor went over the head of the City manager, and got rid of people (what I heard he said where "the Queens"), if this is true, then doesn't the city have to get rid on the City Manger too. It means that the City Manager allowed this to happen, I hope Rene realizes what the storm he brings to our city.
By the way, just a matter of time before the big media gets a hold of this, lets all brace ourselves.
Hell, I thought everyone knew that Vashaw was gellin like a felon on good ole D-14. This was out more then a minute ago, damn people keep up with your elected officials.
I just love this blog.
People love to spred rumors about others lives.
You are all a hoot and don't have a clue.
New boss = people leave.
Ever been in a job with a new head person?
Things change.
In our city's case they needed to.
Everyone "knows so much" about the employee's, do you understand a crooked drunk hired them?
Let our city manager do his job!!
I guess that Rene had to expect that the "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" issue coming out during all of this. I was just wondering how long it would take. Wonder how long it will take for the rest of the skeletons to wake up and start walking out of the closet.
Heard that the Beacon says nothing about the recall? I thought there was a “meet the press” at El Jardin last week, I guess Norm pulled the story, most likely because everyone is making such a big deal about the Rene Video on the Gateway News. Beacon does not want to cover stories that Gateway News breaks, which may be a real problem for the Beacon since the Gateway News has there website and videos.
Addition to last comment:
Who says that Bud and Gene and even Norm or Tom Todd are not on this blog? Somthing to think about...
FUNNY!!! that is a good comment and/or but not limited to opinion.
Please Advertise in the Commerce City Beacon.
Really funny!!!Commerce has the best leadership ever and all the crooks are mad they lost the under the table cash. GO PAUL
Amen to the last blog. Go Paul!!
We believe in you.
It is so refreshing to have an educated, articulate, ethical leader!
ehtical! what about all of his breaking the rules about exec session, we would have an exec session and then have Brain from channel 4 covering it on the news the next morning!
Further more Paul cant even get the meeting procedures down and how long has it been since he has been our fine mayor?
Shoot I think at this point I would even rather have that tucker toavas at this point for mayor.
I cant believe that all you people who support paul natale are so blind. I know if I saw somebody bullying somebody I would do something about it. I can only go on this page during my lunch break, unlike some of you, I actually have to work for a living. But I will be back on tonight with more on why the recall of paul is not just wanted but needed!
I resent that comment, I too am at work and only visit this site on my breaks. Commerce City is full of hard working people, and if your comment is meant for our mayor because he is retired? I know Paul has worked hard his whole life, he was even a business owner at one point. So you can stop with you little pokes and jabs all of the time. And yes I will be on later to dispute any of your so called "points" to counter points of FACTS!
you can try and defend paul, but his actions speak for themselves. I think you need to talk to other people in the city and see what they have to say. We have 6 guys on council and not one has it in them to take on paul. what a shame.
I think it's you and not the council members that have an issue with Paul. The city is going to move forward with or without those in denial so stay and enjoy or move if you must
I dare you to ask any of them if they have a problem with the mayor.
The only one who has a problem, has many personal issues, can't keep their mouth shut or emotions in tow.
Your mouth is big for someone who ripped off this city and then wanted to rip off the citizens in the north.
I heard you would move but can't since you can't sell either of your homes. Oh that's right you make a lot of money!! Ha Ha
I dare Mr. Natale to address any of the allegations, I dare him to say that he has not talked bad about the south, I dare him to tell the citizens that he did not call city employees "queens" I dare him to tell the citizens that he did not tell Reba, not ask, but tell her to resign. I dare him, but he won't, he rather ignore the movement and I guess we will have to see what happens.
Response to this post:
I just love this blog.
People love to spred rumors about others lives.
You are all a hoot and don't have a clue.
New boss = people leave.
Ever been in a job with a new head person?
Things change.
In our city's case they needed to.
Everyone "knows so much" about the employee's, do you understand a crooked drunk hired them?
Let our city manager do his job!!
Jerry was not hired as an AXE MAN, he was hired to manage our city! He had a great staff in place, and he got rid of them, I can count at least four that "left for a better life" read into that as much as you want. The fact is I strongly believe that Jerry was given the order to get rid of the "Perry Queens" and that order was not from the council but rather our Mayor, and that is a direct violation of our charter.
Pens, Drinking and Driving, Offices Renovations, Renegade Mayor, Previous and Present Council Members that have such a grudge they will do anything. This town needs something positive to talk about. Please anyone, lets start something that we can all talk about and have a smile about. Can’t the Cultural Council start some kind of a festival?
"There was music in the cafes at night and revolution in the air."
Dear strongly believe. We can believe what we want.
I believe you are a hate filled person.
I believe our city deserves better than your constant negative mind.
I believe we have a lot of wonderful people.
I believe you are more and more confused.
Yeah a empty revolution and what cafes? JK or Gala, remember city only has two!
I know I have lived in this city much longer then you! I am not a stranger to controversy and that does not make me a hateful person. I am only telling the truth and Paul is telling us all nothing except what a joke we are, but we will see.
A Real Story that I was told about! Unreal!
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - A couple fighting about which gang their 4-year-old toddler should join caused a public disturbance that resulted in the father's arrest, Commerce City police said.
Lets get our act together People!
Yes, let's focus on important things. I haven't been in this city for a long time, but long enough to want to see it improve.
Let's stop the jabs and barbs and go for the good.
Unless the mayor has embezzeled or something at that level, I don't care.
We can change things at the next election.
Let's act like grown ups, not adolecents.
Oh hell, the whole state talks bad about the people in south Commerce City. Yards full of crap, how many people live in one house. ten cars per house. Address those issues beccause it was sanctioned by previous mayors and council.
Thank You to all who have posted comments. It has been a real education to say the least. I will keep the July Postings up forever for anyone to refer back upon. But a new month has started and new posts should be posted on the General Issues August 2008. Once again Thank You to all who have posted and keep the comments coming.
Dustin McIntyre, (Denver, Colorado, United Stated of America, Earth) www.gatewaynews.org
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