Another month has passed and once again it has been a very interesting education of your thoughts and concerns. Thank you to all that have posted and we look forward to hearing more of your comments and concerns.If you are confused about how to post on the blog or feel more comfortable e-mailing me your comments and concerns, please do so and we will post it for you.
E-mail: dustin.mcintyre@yahoo.com
Dustin McIntyre, Gateway News and gatewaynews.org
300 comments:
1 – 200 of 300 Newer› Newest»REPOST FROM APRIL:
Hi Gateway
Can you find out why Brighton can put the city budget on their website and Commerce City doesn't? CC Citizens can go into the city offices and see the budget or they can purchase one. It would be nice to have it on line.
Good Comment, I will ask.
In response to the following comment:
"Hey gatewaynews,
How can you say the meeting was “well attended” with only 50 people showing up! I thought this was a whole city wide town hall meeting. That is only like 12 people per ward! I really wish that you would stop trying to put a positive spin on everything! It is getting tiring!
ccSpeaks"
It was not my intention to put a "positive spin" on reporting. I was merely reporting the event in the context of other events I have covered in the last 5 years. In this sense, it was well attended.
Dustin McIntyre, Gateway News
Are we to that point where we need to remove Benson as our council person? He doesn't appear too interested in our ward and our issues.
Benson wants city to pay for his legal fess Around 2 grand!
I think the city has to pay his legal fees.
Tim Dalton
City does not have to do anything, they did not go to court over this, all they did was just release the tapes.
Erin NW
I hope city doesnt pay!
Benson wants his legal fees, it is in the PDF from his Lawyers, says it is legal that he gets his fees paid for
Tim Dalton
Is this really the right person to represent us?
Has he never worked in a team?
All he wants to do is embarrass us and try to make some easy money.
Great Representative!
How do we replace him?
Mr. Jim Benson will get his money and also be put back on all his boards.
As he should.
ccSpeaks
Clarification:
Regarding Mr. Benson and his boards.
It will be a council decision. A resolution will cancel the last one. It is not just something automatic.
Dustin McIntyre, Gateway News
Right from Bob Gehler's (Commerce City Attorney) mouth, he read this at the last council meeting:
A letter to Commerce City from our Council member Jim Benson.
"Also, there remains the issue of attorneys fees, which right now are under $2,000.00. I cannot afford to spend this kind of money to overturn illegal council actions and I should be reimbursed for it. If I do not get voluntarily reimbursed, I will pursue further court action, and the fees will only increase."
Is city going to give Jim his money for his attorney's fee?
I do not think they should, they did not go to court.
Randy, Commerce City
Jim can only be removed by a recall vote. Please don't do this!! My suggestion is:
Pay the $2000 and get this over with.
All represented citizens call or email Jim on every issue, and make sure he knows the wishes of the Ward
Be involved in the selection of the all members of the new council
Ask the current council to stay clear and concise about the issues, focus on the issues and keep personalities out of decisions.
Grocery stores
Even though a grocery store can get free land, the profit margin is so small and the costs of building are so high that the project needs to be looked at over 10 years. And so should the city with looking at the possible city revenues. Tower Road may be a better project to fund right now than a grocery store.
Just because Mr. Benson states he is due legal fees, does not make it so.
Remember he is an attorney. They manipulate the laws for their convience all the time.
He was a big mistake to be on the council as anything he doesn't like he will sue, I have heard his threats.
I will never support him again and regreat I did.
Some of his actions and petitions have made our city appear ashamed and could have cost us money.
Jim needs to be paid and we need to put this behind us and move forward.
You are all NUTS!
Jim Benson is winning! The City is just rolling over! They already released the exec tapes, word is they are going to pay the legal fees. So far Benson is unstoppable. He has caught the city doing something very wrong! He is the only one calling them out and they are just giving him everything he wants. WHY? Because he is right! They are LUCKY Benson did not take them to court. Did you all listen to the exec tapes! City was completely in the wrong. It was not even close to the reason they gave to go into exec session.
You all need to read the Benson Lawyer’s letter and also re listen to the exec tapes.
Your Next At Large Rep!
Why is the city just giving Jim Benson everything he wants. I would have rather them fight this in court.
Jim should be a ward rep for ward one, not my ward (Reunion Ward)
Everything on the exec session tapes should have been out in the public. Mr. Benson, I want to personally say THANK YOU for calling the city out on this. This city does not have any more special rights then any other governmental agency, period!
Resident on Cherry Street
I love how all the people who hated Jim when he was trying to change the name of the city is now their hero! Ridiculous!
Is the city going to give Jim Benson his legal fees? And if so, how much is it?
Red Barn Rebel
Why is the Gateway News not covering more on this. Yes I see the tapes and letter from Benson, but this should have been bigger news then what it is.
Core Comments
City would look stupid if it took Jim to Court! Listen to the tapes! Completely illegal meeting in my opinion! Pay Jim and lets move on.
Why is the city just giving Jim Benson everything he wants. I would have rather them fight this in court.
DeeDee
Gateway News has everything right here at your finger tips. I think they have cover this just fine.
Erin NW
I can answer the question about why the city is giving Mr. Benson and his lawyers everything he wants. Because the know they are WRONG and Benson caught them on it and is actively doing something about it. Love him or Hate him, he is right!
Core Comments
I am all for moving forward, I want to know how we are going to be assured that this type of thing will not happen again!
Fred A. fred303@mail.com
Fine, Pay Jim his 2 grand, but make sure he is not on any Boards that he can make a mess of things. He has made so many people upset, no will ever want to work with Commerce City. WE HAVE TO think regionally! We are going to be sitting here all by ourselves while if we keep burning bridges by letting Benson act the way he does.
Charlie C.
The following is from the Gateway News PDF file "From Jim Benson's Lawyer":
Mr. Benson will also seek an award of his reasonable attorneys fees, which are mandatorily to be
awarded to a successful plaintiff under § 24-32-204(5), C.R.S.
I really do not think the city has any other choice in the matter.
Yes, but hold on a sec. That is only if it goes to court. They did not go to court. All the city did was just release the recordings, that is it. I have talked to a attorney friend of mine and she agrees with me. I would like to see Commerce City not pay the legal fees.
Gregory H.,
River Run
LET'S RECALL BENSON. He's not doing anything for our ward. He actions are all in representing ward 1.
I regret voting for him and feel used and stupid; should have listened to those in south.
Listening to the tapes of both the executive sessions (took a long time), I felt that the council took the advice of the city attorney holding the sessions. You can tell that they wanted them done correctly. If they were not, shame on the city attorney.
It is also obvious that they were trying to work with & avoid embarrasment for Benson. How silly, he doesn't mind embarrasing our city, over and over again.
We may lose the attorney fees to him, but we have learned alot at Mr. Benson and HIS priorities, it is ALL about HIM!
Being on City Council anywhere should not be a personal thing. I encourage ANYONE who is thinking about being a politician to not get in it for the wrong reasons! If you are only getting in it to have a Power trip, to get your ego blown up. Please DO NOT RUN!
Erin NW
Recall Benson!?
Are you CRAZY! Did you see how the last 4 recalls went. All recalls do is bring down moral and bring negative press.
No need to recall Benson, he just needs to learn to be more diplomatic. end of story.
No need to recall Benson, We just need to trade him for the Ward ! rep!
B.C.
Like in the NFL Draft, a "up trade"
Reba Drotar captured a beautiful picture of the water blessing, what a great event.
Mitchell
Why in the World would we want to recall Jim Benson. He has caught the city red handed in a illegal executive session meeting. If you have not read the PDF files and MP3 files on here you NEED to!
I do not think we need to recall the ONLY "watch dog" on council. City has release the recordings because they know they are in the WRONG!
I say GOOD JOB Benson and shame on the city attorney Gehler and the rest of the City Council.
PS answer to Randy's question, the attorney fees for Benson around under $2000.
Why recall Benson? Because he caught you all doing something illegal and he called you out on it!
Pay his legal fees and put him back on all his boards where he belongs!
Core Comments
You are upset at Jim Benson because he won, so now you want to recall him?!
ccSpeaks
Jim Benson does not need to be recalled.
I do not get this quick trigger this city has for a recall.
Recalls are for mayor and council members who do Drugs or Steal Money or get caught with Prostitutes. This Jim Benson issue is not even close for a recall effort.
The city needs to pay the legal fees and we need to move forward. You have to realize that Mr. Benson is just being Mr. Benson. You need to know who you are dealing with and then just deal with it.
Tim Dalton
I agree, a recall should be for illegal actions such as theft or embesslement.
Disliking someone or their stance should be saved for the voting booth.
I do think Benson does a lot of things just to prove he can.
I also think he is way over his position in talking out of hand from the council.
That is obvious from the exec tapes. I believe I heard everyone there state complaints about his actions! That tells you something because all thought they would never be heard. So what is said in public isn't nearly as telling as the private meeting!!
Why do we need to settle for our representation?
Why can't we have a politician that will act in our behalf!
Benson will lose his boards tonight.
Charlie, Reunion
City attorney needs to be held accountable, Benson's $2,000 legal fees should come out of city attorney pocket!
Core Comments
City did NOTHING Wrong, they went in to Executive Session for Legal Advice, they did NOT go to court, they did not do anything Wrong.
All they did was release the recordings and tonight they will fix the resolution, Benson will lose his voice on boards and commissions and we can move on to much happier times. Everyone is making a bigger deal about this then is needed.
Dalton
Benson is just another "sour grapes" person.
He was held accountable for his actions (going behind the council with private meetings and such) and now he wants to be a thorn in the city's side.
He has no real concern for the best of our city. Just wants to promote himself. He has told a number of people he'll be the next mayor!!
Then all we'll need is racetrack Rene or dealing Sean Ford for his Protem.
God help us all!
That's right, keep bashing on Jim, all the way he keeps winning.
Hope you enjoy writing that $2000 check to him and his attorneys!
ccSpeaks
Amazing that the City's Website still has the damaged file of the state of the city on it! It has been Weeks! What are they doing over there!
Maybe they are all too busy with Benson!
Connie Richards, Commerce City
CC speaks.... I bet you are one of those who complained about Benson before....now that the council is having problems with him, you are his BIG supporter.
Interesting!
What an emotional night! Benson gets what he wants basically. Benson wins again.
ccSpeaks
RE: Jim versus City Council as a whole
Sounds like a big lack of communication. Almost too much to handle. I hope we can all move forward. Benson on Short leash, Maybe we can all calm down and concentrate on the city now.
Fred A., fred303@mail.com
Needs to be Crystal Clear that the City did not go to court, they did not lose anything.
These are just the facts. I will for sure post this more then once, until it is clearly understood!
Tim Dalton
Benson gets over $4000.00 dollars in legal fees?! This is a little different then the first reported “under $2000.00” why such a jump in price?
Cheo Larcombe
I am sure Benson was out celebrating what he thinks is another victory over the city with his Group in the Back of the room!
Listened to the exec tape sessions on the Gateway
Watched the stream of last nights meeting
Conclusion, many on council are different than I thought
Benson-nothing I didn't expect, always a lawyer, always looking for a loop hole,never trusted
Drotar- over dramatic, and a phoney
Snyder- silent, but stood her beliefs
Jaquith-strong and convicted
Natale-nothing new
Lewis- major flips and flops
Tetter-bends with the group
Johnson- came out swinging, and then sat on the mat
Mceldowny-no real back bone, only talks a good game
These views came from what was said in the tapes and what I saw last night!!
Four thousand!!!
Sounds like Mr. B saw a chance to make some money!! Probably made a deal with his lawyer.
I heard he is always threatening to sue, so it probably won't be the last!
Man he has cost our city in more ways than one!!
What is with the Bi Polar Council? At least some of them.
They are like Ricky Hattan, act all tough before the fight, then just crumble like milk toast in the second round.
I have respect for the ones that stayed strong!
Not only did Benson Win Money, but he wore down the council mentally to the point where they just gave in.
Why is that little 4 page PDF from Beson's lawyers 4 grand? That is $1,000 a page! Can you say inflation!!!!!!!
Gina, Commerce City
A clarification needs to be made about a comment one of your council members made on Monday night. It was stated that the power lines that needed to be place at the Commerce City E-470 location were "Huge Poles".
This statement is not true, the above ground poles are not "Huge" by any stretch of the imagination.
I nicely ask that the elected Commerce City Council please chose their words carefully while speaking to the citizens in public.
Trever Scott, Denver
If Benson cries enough for Ice Cream at city counicl meeting are you going to give him that too!?!?!?!?!?!
We need a council with some back bone
I agree, Benson beat then legally and mentally.
Not a good thing.....
AKA
This council basically stabbed the mayor in the back. I hope Mayor Natale knows that he can not count on this council to back him up on anything!
Never saw anything like the Council member Tony Johnson Rant (on video) then just completely do a 180 degree turn around and just give up.
So sad.
Dear Trent from "Denver". Maybe a hundred foot pole isn't noticable or huge when compared to downtown skyscrapers but they are very noticable on the flat plains of this area. Your opinion is certainly welcome and free to give here but understand what you speak of before you give advice.
They will only give Benson ice cream if he cries about it and then threatens to sue because ice cream was not cold enough!
Harold K.
Benson’s comment about city spending $100 per person for town hall meeting is unfair!
It is not the cities fault that the citizens don’t care, until of course it is something that hits their backyard.
Erin NW
Many of the previous writers have the same idea I did.
Mr. Benson is like the playground bully. He threatens, and threatens if he doesn't get what he wants.
Then the group of kids cave and give him their lunches, hoping he'll stop or go away.
They just made him stronger and will now bully more.
Hold on to your lunch money and any thing else he wants...he'll always look for the loop hole and take what he wants....no ethics!!
It appears Mr. Benson only cares about running the legal lines.
My view is he doesn't care about the city or its image, but proving how clever he is.
I will relate one example that shows his attitude to his neighbors, HOA, and therefore others.
In Reunion, there is a regulation to have a green tree in your front yard.
Mr. Benson's died and he left it there. The HOA warned him. What did he do? Did her replace it to protect the appearence of the neighborhood and follow guidelines? No!
He sprayed the dead tree GREEN, thus complying with the specific word of the rules, not the intent.
Proudly he made others aware of this!
You see everything is a challange for him to prove his intellegence.
Some may find this story funny, but I bet his neighbors did not appreciate his dead "green" tree.
He is not about the best for the neighborhood or city, it's about him!
I too am disappointed with the weakness I saw displayed with many on our council.
Maybe they figured no one would listen to what they said "in private".
Under the guise of fairness, I saw weakness! Some I expected, others were really disappointing!
Very sad!
Jim is only doing what is right. He called them out and they got caught red handed. Cities don’t give out $4,000 checks when they are right!
Your next At Large Council Member
If city wanted a big turn out for city hall meeting, they should have told everyone it was about NASCAR.
A message to all the Commerce City council members currently.
I have been in the political scene for many, many years, 21 years to be exact. If you continue on the high emotional pace that you are on, seriously, all you are going to do he burn yourselves out. You can not continue to run at the pace you are at.
John L. Colorado
to your only think you will be next at large
I can tell you have little knowledge of the world of law.
there are people out there who know what amount to sue for. If you keep under a certain amount in a suit, it is easier and "cheaper" for cities and companies to just pay because the jury is not always smart and your lawyers cost more then the small amount requested.
Octomom and mayor Paul Natale have a lot in common.
Both have to take care of 8 cry babies to take care of.
Charlie
Funny.! Octomayor
Trever,
Commerce City has a real chance here to make this E-470 area something really nice. Maybe even a office type campus. That is why they are fighting so hard about getting those power lines below the ground.
And although the lines will benefit Commerce City later on down the road the main purpose is for the Brighton Hospital.
Amber homes guy get to talk for almost 4 full minutes, don’t believe me look at the video. All other citizens can only speak for 3 minutes. Top of that Amber guy is complaining that Shea gets special treatment?
Dustie Chan,
I have some ideas about you mystery PDF problems via the official Commerce City website.
I tried downloading it different ways. It does not seem to be a browser issue, but rather a Adobe Acrobat version problem. It does crash when the end user uses Acrobat 5.0
Solution would be to recreate the PDF and make it compatible with Acrobat Version 5 or simply have the end user down load a updated Acrobat Reader (I recommend this one).
Kenji Sato, Osaka Japan
Arigato!
Sato San
I think it is hilarious how Council are out and about begging for people to be on city council then act they way they do in council meetings!
What person in their right mind would sign up for such a drama, unless you are actor or actress.
I would never be on council. I have enough drama in my personal life.
Mr. Dalton of the North wants us all to know that the city didn’t go to court. Great but that does not take away from the fact that the city held illegal meetings and just folded when called out on it.
How is it illegal meeting? They went in to get legal advice about how to handle a issue with a fellow council member.
Tim Dalton
Mr. Dalton,
You need to re-read the PDF from Mr. Benson’s attorneys. I am not a lawyer but common sense tells me that whatever twisted reason the city gave to go behind close doors was obviously not legal.
In reviewing the agendas for council meetings, it appears that many of the executive sessions may not be legal, according to the information in Benson's attorney's letter. I reviewed the cases cited and the council needs to be more specific about calling executive sessions. And it sound like council made a decision in executive session and then 'rubber stamped' the decision in an open portion of the meeting. Council needs to follow all the statues and rules from this point forward.
Dear Editor,
I am writing this comment about your recent article about the No place for hate program at Prairie View High school. Recently a student published an article that made me sick to my stomach. I was appalled that this student was allowed to publish this article full of hate for immigrants to be published in the school news paper. Students of all colors were deeply offended by its hateful bashing of immigrants. A near riot broke out in protest of the article and the staff member in charge of allowing the student to publish the article was more concerned for his students and their physical and emotional safety. What about the physical and emotional safety of our immigrant students? Did he not think of the many immigrant students and staff at Prairie View? I think Prairie View has a lot more training to do for staff and students if they are in deed to become a No place for hate school.
Victoria Aguilar
Article titled "Alien Immigration Attracts Attention" from PVHS is shocking!
I hope the teacher gets FIRED ASAP!
Cheo Larcombe
I feel so sorry for the students who were hurt by this.
You are right on Victoria Aguilar!
Gina
Rumor is teacher is already fired from PVHS.
Where is the parents of this student?
disgusted 27J Parent
Melanie Ginas
It is funny that you all think that Benson is going to change. You will never take the Lawyer out of Benson. You guys ever hear the saying, you can’t teach a old dog new tricks?
This city council really needs to have a group hug and get on with focusing on the city, mainly the economic development. A store in the north and the area around the Rapids Stadium should be priority number one.
Elaine P. of Commerce City
Lets get this crystal clear, City pays over $4000 for legal fees, and now Benson has to have lunch eight times, once with all the council members for I guess “couples therapy” which I am sure they will expense out to us the tax payers. So at the end we should be somewhere $4300. Thanks a lot Jim/council/city attorney.
You know in Basketball when the other team is going on fast breaks and the other team finally calls a time out to break the momentum. That is what happened on Monday Night. The council WAS all on the same page, then they took a 5 min .break. It was enough time to let what they were about to do to sink in. I really think that is what did it. Otherwise, I do think Benson would have lost 6 to 3 or 5 to 4. The Break before the vote is what did it. Nothing but bad timing.
How the Hell can McEldowny and Johnson come out so strong in the beginning, then just give is so fast?!
Yes, City Council as a Whole needs a COME TO JESUS Hug!
I feel sorry for the city staff. This council goes out and approves all this money for council norms and procedures, then just completely forgets everything that they were suppose to learn from it. They are suppose to work together, they are suppose to be a team!
I am impressed with the Gateway News. I had a problem opening up a city website pdf (the 2009 state of the city), the Gateway News went out of their way to help find a solution to the problem. I did upgrade the pdf viewer and now I do not have any more issues. I’m a strong believer in customer service and this made a positive impression on me. Thanks again.
Connie C.
Connie,
Thank you for the nice comments. Glad to hear the upgrade worked.
Gateway News
OK I give up, who is my next AT LARGE CITY COUNCIL person going to be???
Curious but Mellow Yellow.
grocery workers/grocery stores continue to negotiate in Colorado
Gov. Bill Ritter (D-Colorado) issed the following statement:
"I strongly urge all parties - the United Food and Commercial Workers, King Soopers, Safeway, Albertsons, City Market and other stores - to redouble their efforts to reach an agreement on their labor contracts, the largest of which expires Saturday night. These are tough economic times for all Colorado families, and I am deeply concerned about the impact of any labor action - a strike and/or a lockout of employees - on grocery workers and shoppers across the state. I know that both sides have spent many long, hard hours working through their issues, and I appreciate their commitment to reaching an agreement."
Council norms should be on line. All who are interested can then know what they are getting into.
Ian
Adams County sponsored a free trash day for residents of Adams County at Tower landfill in the past few years.
Will Commerce City do the same now that it has been annexed?
Roger R.
Jasmine B. said...
Mayor at McDonalds is great story. I wish Gateway would do more stories like that one, instead of council fighting all of the time.
Jasmine B., Commerce City
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Why does everyone expect governments to keep giving out free hand outs.
NO, I Hope the city of Commerce City does NOT give a free trash day! Load up you junk and dump it on your own dime.
NO MORE GOVERNMENT BAILOUTS AT ANY LEVEL!
I wish everyone a Happy Mothers Day.
Erin NW
I agree on posting the council norms so everyone can hold council accountable. There is a larger isse. Many items for study session and council meetings are not posted on the city website and it's noted that the information will be handed out. Is this so most citizens won't get the information? Gateway can you help out here?
Good Living by Kristi Douglas
I had the pleasure of sitting next to Congressman Ed Perlmutter at a breakfast the other morning when he made a presentation for the realtors and industry affiliates of the metro area. I was most fortunate to have chosen that seat after arriving early and deciding to sit in the front near others who had gotten there early, and prior to Mr. Perlmutter’s appearance. I had no idea that I would be so fortunate to pick the “best seat in the house”.
Mr. Perlmutter is our Congressman for the 7th Congressional District in our State, and has shown me to be a caring and kind man who serves the people with sharp insight, with an emphasize on the sharp insight. After all, he had come to talk to the people most affected by our current crisis, knowing that housing is at the root of our problem.
Congressman Perlmutter gave a talk that explained how we as a country got to where we are. The talk was in easy to understand terms which I really appreciated. (If you ever get an opportunity to hear him speak, you should. He is compassionate, honest and very intelligent.) After telling the “tale” of how and why we as the people of this country find ourselves in this predicament, Mr. Perlmutter took questions from the audience. The most amazing part of the presentation was that HE TOOK NOTES from what we as the experts in our field said! And when he heard a solution for change from us as the audience, he ran over to his notebook and WROTE it down. That meant he LISTENED. I was impressed.
A few days after attending the presentation that I was so privileged to have been invited to, I decided to write an email letter of reminder to the Congressman regarding changes we in the real industry feel need to be addressed.
Here is that email:
Dear Congressman Perlmutter,
I had the pleasure of sitting next to you on your birthday at your JCAR breakfast presentation. First of all, thank you for your presentation. Your explanation of how we came to be in this "mess" was EXCELLENT.
I'm just writing to say that the one thing I got out of your talk was this: It seems that often those in position of authority take one incident that has caused some money loss and create over-compensating rules, ultimately keeping honest people from doing business. I can see that you are a common sense man with a passion for people, and I appreciate the job you're doing... so thank you. Before I sign out, I just want to remind you of the points of resolution from the breakfast that I'm sure you are already working on taking care of:
1. New Rental Guidelines for presently owned properties prohibit "move-ups" and are preventing new sales.
2. Appraiser Management Company creation is going to put a lot of good appraisers out of business and only cost the consumer, realtor, and seller in the end in terms of time and money.
3. Attend to the Commercial Finance Industry in an effort to prevent the collapse of business everywhere... Small business success will be the wave of the future as people turn against the corporate control and greed that has virtually strangled our country.
We have to go back to basic values where people, family and community count, but then I believe you already know that.
Thank you for your time,
Kristi Douglas.
I’m glad we elected Congressman Perlmutter to lead us. He is a friend of the people and that’s what we need so desperately right now. He is approachable, and treats everyone with respect and dignity. I believe that if we all could just learn to treat each other with those same kinds of values, we wouldn’t be in the “mess” we’re in…
Kristi Douglas
Good Living REAL ESTATE
Office/Mobile: 720-205-2627
Fax: 303-745-8103
REPOST:
Watch the executive sessions and see who talked differently in public.
The three who voted to oust Benson stood the same the others talked terrible about him in "private" then turned in public.
Talk about smooth, they are slick and slimey. Their drama about how much they care in the public eye is sickning!
I am one of those rare ones who actually listen to both executive session in their entirety. I do not understand, why such a change in heart so fast for those three your are talking about. It was said that if a break was not taken it would have been a 5 to 4 vote, I believe this to be true, as do many others. Oh well, at least we all learned that if we cry enough, we will get our way with this council. So sad.
PS - My advice for Mayor is not to take breaks anymore.
I know I will more likely get crucified for this comment and it is NOT the "popular view" by any means, but, it is my opinion that the northern range churches should be treated like any other business. We need to be fair to all, regardless of who you are or think you are.
Mathew Pratt
OHHHHH! God reads all!
Yes! Post the Council Norms for all of us to see, MOSTLY FOR THE COUNCIL TO SEE, since I think most of them have forgotten them or maybe did not even read them in the first place.
I don’t think Dr. Mathis would be very proud of this council.
I don’t mind my elected officials being a little salty. It goes to show you that they actually care about what they are doing.
Difference between caring and suing the city. Legal action should always be the last resort.
Jim Benson was a bit jumpy on that legal trigger. But, What did you except, he is a lawyer.
Ryland
I am all for NO more gov. bailouts too! But I do not think that it would hurt if Commerce City helped sponsor a free trash day at the Tower Land fill. Lets all admit it would be a benefit to all in the city. We have made some strides in our Image as a city, but we have a long way to go. Just my 2 cents.
What the days of doing special favors for certain businesses are over! This has been the city of “connections” for years, why are we all of a sudden changing now!
Man! Last comment is more true then you think
Sally
I’ll second that, But churches should get a little break, lets not swing so far the other way.
Ryland, Reunion
For god sake, give the church a break.
Collette
Not really a matter of a “break” rather a safety and traffic issue. Sorry.
Fine you want to enforce the law to the fullest for everyone? You sure you want that headache. Just work with them, they are not hurting anyone.
Macey
I assume this is the Crossroads issue?
LET MY PEOPLE GO!!!! AND BY PEOPLE I MEAN SIGNS!!!!!
First time on this website. I LOVE THE ON LINE STREAM! Amazing, never saw this before.
Ashley Pauly
Turn the golf course into an open space, classic Commerce City answer. How about selling the idea of the golf course to the city's residents. I have lived here for two years and just recently found out it was here. Thank you Gateway for letting us hear council live at home. I can't attend meetings as I have small children.
Reply to previous blogger. Since when should a church be treated as a business?? A church is a church, they are a non profit entity, they do not sell goods or services, they do not collect sales tax or pay income tax. They rely soley on contributions from them members. BUT they do contribute to the community like no business ever does. THINK BEFORE YOU BLOG.
Anybody out there EVER received a post card from the golf course??? And who the heck ever even opens the MONEY MAILER???
Golf Course needs tons of money, But city says it is a great marketing piece. Hard issue to talk about. I don't want to see it go, we NEED to look at the mangement of it.
I agree, we should be looking at how the golf course is being managed. We have far too many unqualified people in positions of management within our city government. Persons hired by virtue of being related, maybe a friend of a council member? Could we have jobs that were filled by “the highest bidder” ? I’ve heard rumors that we have people known to be using false social security numbers working for the city and employees are threatened to ignore letters from the feds?
I want council to concentrate on fixing the failures left by the previous leadership more than bickering amongst each other. The Benson issue is resolved so let it go so we can move on (he’s a one term council person if doesn’t start representing the needs of ward 2). The economy is starting to pick up so let’s go after the money that’s out there.
concerned voter
Buffalo Run suffers from being a mediocre golf course at best. It has been in poor condition the past few years. I know several regular golfers that refuse to put it on their "rotation" of courses they play.
I need to say the Commerce City Police Department is one of the best police I have ever dealt with (I have lived in six different cities).
We had an issue yesterday in my area (Reunion), the PD responded extremely fast, when they did arrive, they were professional and courteous.
They are in constant communication with us (the community). I am so happy and feel very safe with the CCPD on the job.
Erin NW
city is only asking for a nightmare if they start a citizen run budget group.
ccSpeaks
I have to agree, majority of citizens have no idea what a budget is, much less even how to read one!
G. loas
Isn't that the point of electing a council.
If the citizens have to input on everything, then why do we bother having council, who are suppose to have indepth knowledge of the the city needs.
I highly doubt that most of the citizens are even closely qualified to go over the city budget. Those that are, are most likely over extended with their jobs.
I heard Council member Orval Lewis talking about who would be the mayor pro tem, when the mayor is out and the mayor pro tem is acting as the mayor. I have never heard this before and would be interesting in hearing what the city attorney has to say about this.
Regarding the citizen Budget Committee:
So council is smarter then the "regular" citizens when it come to budgets.
Also, I happen to very much disagree with the personal opinion of the city lawyer about the Aurora attempt in doing this same thing. It was not a disaster, actually, a lot was learned from it, most importantly a budget education for the general public.
I am all for a citizen group that will look over the budget!
Sign me up as one of the members
Ian Floss, Reunion
I want to wish the group going to Vegas the BEST OF LUCK!
Going this year with the Coach report (real leakage data) is a plus.
Very different approach then ever used before for Commerce City!
Yada, Commerce City
Citizen Budget Review!
God forbid we step on council's toes!
Core Comments
I don't want our city staff to have to take time to educate the general public on city budgets.
I elect the best people I can & believe they know what our city needs and that includes managing the budget.
Should we waste staff time (& dollars) to train the public to do the job council was elected to do??
If some on council think they are toooo busy to do the budget then they shouldn't be on council.
What for crying outloud is more important than overseeing the budget??
There are plenty of places general public can get involved, serve etc. Then they can have input!
If nothing else get educated about candidates and VOTE!
To the person who was asking about the Commerce City budget online. I just saw that it is on the city's official website. I don't know if it was maybe always been there, or it is a recent addition, but it is right on the front about half way down.
http://www.ci.commerce-city.co.us/
cool fire videos, how close were you?
Close enough to see the ice being formed by water.
Dustin McIntyre
Gateway News
you wrote "I elect the best people I can & believe they know what our city needs and that includes managing the budget."
Have you seen your "elected officials"?!?!?!?
I suggest you actually come to a council meeting and see them in action
I disagree with the comment that was made about you don't want our city staff to have to take time to educate the general public on city budgets.
It is the citizens money!
Diane H.
On May 14, 2009 at 1:00 p.m., Commerce City Police Officers responded to the 10400 block of Nucla St. on a reported home invasion robbery.
Officers contacted a 26 year old homeowner who advised them that two black males entered his residence and restrained him. The males were armed with handguns. The homeowner received minor injuries and was treated at the scene. A two year old male was also in the residence at the time, but was not restrained or injured. The homeowner is being interviewed by detectives.
The two black males were described as approximately 6’7” and 5’8” in height. No further description is available at this time. A white, 1996 Chevy Tahoe is missing from the residence, Colorado license 828-TLT. The occupants of the vehicle should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about this vehicle or the investigation should contact the Commerce City Police Department.
I would like to see the Adams County Commissioners go from 3 positions to 5 positions.
County is too big for just 3 reps.
Troy
Diane H.
You are right it is the taxpayers monies. Personally I don't want it spent to educate people on how city budgets are managed.
I understand you can review the budget on the city website.
The city like all government, does not have and endless supply of funds, unless you want your taxes rasied again and again.
I would rather have them spent to better our roads and provide us with the best policing, not teaching people how a city to manage a city budget!!
I find it very interesting they kick Benson off E-470, but yet the only person from Commerce City at the E-470 meeting today was Benson.
Where was the Commerce City Representation?
I would support a move to 5 commissioners. More heads get more ideas.
Ian
Why is Jim Benson still going to E470 meetings, I thought he was prohibited for three months.
Tim Dalton
Jim can go as a citizen, as anyone else who would like to attend. They are open meetings.
Open meetings, like Commerce City "open meetings", or a REAL open meeting.
Core Comments
I would support more Adams County Elected Positions, but I will not support getting rid of term limits.
Gina, Commerce City
To the person wondering about the E-470 meeting
I was at the Metro North Development Breakfast this morning. This is a large ED event that brings together businesses and elected officials on a variety of topics
This is a high cost item that I felt I needed to attend. The event did not end until after 930 and with exit talks, I did not leave until almost 10. This would not have allowed me enough time to go to the meeting.
Council person Johnson was to attend but became a proud grandfather early this am.
I contacted the staff at E470 and advised them. They stated they still had enough for a quorem and that they would send me the notes.
Please remember Mr Benson was not taken off the board because of attendance but because of actions that were alleged to be not in the city's direction.
Mayor Paul
Dear CC speaks:
I have seen some of the streaming of the council meetings.
Some of the council people do appear a bit...less than sharp.
Yet I saw some of what went on with our ex-council/mayor, and our current is still an improvement.
We had term limits before the new ones- they were called 'elections'.
Dear Mayor Natale,
I watch the City Council Meetings from the comfort of my own home in the Northern Range.
I strongly think that you have fellow council members who are out to get you, no matter what.
I personally would rather you attend the Metro North Development Breakfast MUCH, MUCH more then the E470 meeting. As far as Council Member Tony Johnson, I am happy that he has become a Grandfather and NO meeting is worth missing this special event in his life.
I know that you have a group of somewhere around 6 to 8 citizens who basically have to tear down others so they feel better about themselves. I would not spend anytime worrying about these individuals, but rather just stay the course of making our city the best it can be.
Jasmine B., Commerce City
Congratulations to Commerce City Council Member Tony Johnson on becoming a Grandfather.
I don't understand how city council members can go to all these meetings in the first place.
I am quickly coming to the conclusion that you either have to be retired or a very understanding employer.
I had the idea that I might run for council at large, but I don’t think I can put in the time required.
Robbie, Commerce City
Reunion assault on Nucla st. does NOT appear to be random. Anyone with info about this crime is asked to call PD 303-994-1146
Adams Crossing will be a great thing for the city of Brighton.
Adams Crossing is not nearly as wonderful for Brighton as realigning Tower Road right into all the shopping at Prairie Shopping Center, with the Dick's Sporting Goods, Target, Lowes... That project is on the books.
FYI:
Brighton is the county seat, therefore the county center HAD to be built there.
Love what you are doing with Fire Department!
Danger Ranger
Reunion Crime
It is not shocking to me anymore about all the crime we are having in Reunion. Let me tell you what I think is really going on here. The houses that are here are being rented out. They are being rented out because either the people who own them do not have the income to actually live in them or maybe it was the idea to rent them all along. Whatever the reason, they are being rented out. Okay, so you may be asking yourself, “so what?” Normally I would agree with you. The HUGE problem here is that the people who are doing the renting are not doing any kind of a background check. It is not a very nice financial world out there, these renters are just renting to anyone who has money.
People who have the most money now are people of the shady nature. I am not saying that everyone who rents is bad. It is just a observation that I am making.
Jay, Reunion Resident
Someone told me there is a sign in Stapleton that announces a hotel. Isn’t this bad news for Commerce City? I thought there was going to be a hotel on the Prairie Gateway, at least that is what I was told 3 years ago?
Is there really a hotel being built in Stapleton?
Adams Crossing is not just a Gov. Building, but rather a huge planned out commercial/residential ordeal, all right at the "southern gate" of Brighton aka commerce city backdoor, aka bad news for commerce city.
Core Comments
I wish the Commerce City team in Vegas good luck too. First time they are going to be there with some empirical data. Very smart, should have been done 2 years ago. Better late then never.
Fire Picture Rocks!
Hyde
Core Comments, if you EVER said any positive about our city, we would all faint. Your agenda is not hidden at all. Sour grapes big time!!
you have to be blind if you think we are okay as a city! look around, look at what other cities are doing!
real change is coming in nov.
not sour grapes, just able to see the truth.
Core Comments
Say what you will,
Commerce City is one of the only cities in the black.
Sign at Stapleton says Hotel/Office, road is already under contruction, Commerce City missed out again.
Core Comments
I don't get what a hotel in Staplton has anything to do with Commerce City, so WHAT?!
All the Fire Videos are much better viewing (not so choppy) when you go directly to youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/user/gatewaynews
Core Comments gives people in the Core a bad name.
Fire videos are great!
Fred A. fred303@mail.com
Are much better on youtube and vimeo directly.
Gateway! keep up the good work!
fire features are wonderful
Core Comments!!
I for one will fight if the change is back to the old ways with some of past council people returning to cause our city damage like they did before.
I don't want any more dirt spred or bad image brought to our city like it was then.
No more of the old deals, with the likes of Racetrack Rene and his partner Sean "little boy" Ford.
We are finally gaining a new image away from the problems of the past.
I heard your comments King Natale. You have to remeber, sir, you had a recall effort that had hunderds of citizens involved! You are not running this city well at all! We have absolutely no Econmic Development. Brighton and Staplton are so far ahead of us, we will never get caught up!
Core Comments,
Many have my same feelings, you should know you saw the recall petitions!
ps: hundreds signed it
Citizen Comm. is not a place for what is going on in your own life!
Tim Dalton
further more, Mr. Natale! you know how to push people's buttons to the point that they get so angry they can't see straight!
So does this mean that we have to have metal detector at all the doors in council?
Tim Dalton
Agree with Mayor,
Gun Law needs to start someplace!
Good Job on this!
Commerce City Council does NOT approve the second reading regarding the ability to carry a concealed Gun to Council Meetings. Vote 3 to 3.
Gateway News Twitter
Commerce City Council votes with three members absent, no Councilmembers Drotar, McEldowney, or Johnson but they voted on Ordinance 1768 that prohibits firearms in city council, it loses three to three with Councilmembers Lewis, Jaquith, and Benson voting against it. There will be a shooting, really there will be. Wear bullet proof vest to your next council meeting.
Very disappointed in Council. Gun Law should have been a no brainer!
I think they should see the Mr. Jones Video again!
Hillary
The only thing that citizens opposed Councilman Lewis was the NASCAR track and oh by the way Councilman Lewis NASCAR is all but bankrupt and the city saved $240 million dollars by not having to build the track. And also you wife Jeanette was agains the new high school in ADSD14, but obviously education is not a priority.
Douglas is questioning the traffic study on the tower road issue for the proposed parking lot.
LET IT GO, we need the ED!
Core Comments
I saw the traffic study! It was done. This will be a good thing for Commerce City. Need to let it go!
Dalton
see evryone paul king natale can't even run a meeting! closed a public hearing before city lawyer can ask questions!
ps hundreds signed the recall pappers!
Core Comments
what are "recall pappers"? Is that latin for "big flop"?
Tim Dalton
That is Damn Funny!
All I can say is....you can tell who makes the meetings go so long.
Nice and short tonight!
:)
Core Comments is a real black eye for the core!!
Most of the people there are better than this!
Don’t be fooled; People were lied to and misled to get their signatures for the bogus recall. They didn’t even give a damn about the elderly that have lived in this city for years. They just tricked them into signing. The recall committee, carz club members and the rest will never be respected by those voters in the north. There are also a lot people in the south that are outraged after finding the accusations made against mayor Natale to be both un-true and rooted in jealousy. The good out of this mess is that enough new voters have moved into the city which will put a stop to the bogus recalls. I’m amused when I see those groups show up at functions for the neighborhoods in the north just to sit in their small group and complain how we are improving the reputation of this city. I believe Stapleton and Brighton inked the majority of their deals while the previous mayor and mayor wannabe was in office. They chased away the ED.
Homeowner and voter
Saw the stream. Was pondering stupidity.
Guess I just don't understand rumors.
Why would anyone start a rumor about the mayor's past job,especially working for Mc Donald's?
Then we finally are getting a McD's in the north and someone starts a rumor about his kid owning it. Don't they check their facts?
Man he was right, they need to get a life!
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