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
227 comments:
1 – 200 of 227 Newer› Newest»I read this in a article by Post about Buffalo Run, "The city hopes to avoid other options, such as selling the course, leasing it out to a third party or converting the greens to an open space area."
I thought all of those options were completely off the table.
Curious in Reunion
good question, but not true.
Those options are off the table. The statement is typical newspaper stuff, showing the worst mentioned options, not considered viable from councils statements.
Some people (newspapers) love to stir up concern!
Pioneer Park has tons of kids and families, which is a good thing.
But I did se something that made me very worried, that was the disregard of some have of the posted speed limit on 60th. Please take into consideration that their are lots of people out enjoying the summer, slow down.
Gina, Commerce City
City staff clearly stated golf course is not going anywhere. Bottom line.
Post loves to say things to get Commerce City people all angry.
It sells their stuggling paper.
DeeDee
Well, well, well.
Mr Benson was seen with his buddies (some CARZ Club members and the recall group) meeting to discuss how together they can recall the mayor.
Mr Benson apparently doesn't have any interest in focusing on his ward, but rather spend his time going after the mayor.
Why was he elected?
What is wrong with him??
does anyone really think Jim Benson really wants to be the mayor of Commerce City? Has anyone ever heard him actually say this?
Just curious, I plan on talking to Jim personally, he is my ward rep and I do plan on giving him a piece of my mind. I just don't know if he really is this eager?
Sarah sjessup@paris.com
via email.
I read the article by the Post about FasTracks. I think there be more to the rumor of Commerce City not getting a station then I thought. I know I will never see this project come to reality, just want to see Commerce City get its fair share of the deal
Fred A. fred303@mail.com
Power problems with the 4th of July Fireworks Display at Dicks Sporting Goods Park. The plan is to reschedule the Firework Display Event.
Yes, I have heard him say he wants to be mayor.
He also stated he wants a casino in the northern range.
When you ask him anything, he watches for loopholes in the question. Word them carefully.
He is a legalist.
Where can I sign the recall petition for Jim Benson?
Today, July 6th marks the second anniversary of Jerry Flannery as the city manager of Commerce City. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, JERRY!!!
I thought I heard the redo was July 15th?
Confused
According the the Dicks Site the 4thFest is to be on July 25th.
Gateway News
City does not need to enter into a contract with a consultant for a review process of the city manager and city attorney. Just use the format as you have inthe past.
ccSpeaks
via email
Please post on your blog.
I am Very concerned about the extremely negative comments that are being posted about our city on the channel 9 news website. I have reported them, but they are still there for the entire world to see.
I will be talking about this a lot until we as a city do something.
Ericka M. Commerce City
Sitting here listening to the city council meeting. First of all, why the heck are we spending almost thirty thousand dollars to hire a consultant to tell us if the city manager and city attorney are doing their job or not?? NO other city does this. I trust that our mayor and city council members know a heck of a lot more than some outside consultant, who is hired by the city manager. What is that???? Hire your own evaluator that you are paying. I bet we get a real "honest" evaluation.
And by the way, what is going on with the city manager's house? Is he paying for it? Did he buy it from the city finally? It has been two years and no one is talking about it. That is a lot of our tax dollars giving him a free place to live.
Hello everyone! The center of Commerce City is at 104th Avenue and Chambers Road. Check it out. That is where the Boys and Girls Club should be. It is not fair for the kids in the north for the city to only care about the kids in the south. How about council talking to the parents in 27J too, and not just ACSD14.
many kids from the north now have to go to brighton to go to their rec ctr and the boys and girls club. please listen to the voters and residents in the north.
who has a budget of 28 grand to hire consultants to tell us that our high paid employees are doing a good job, isn't that what we elect council to do
NO MORE FIREWORKS, IT WAS BLOWN, LET IT GO, TRY AGAIN NEXT YEAR, TAKE THE MONEY AND DO SOMETHING GOOD, LIKE PAY ANOTHER CONSULTANT, WE MUST NEED ANOTHER ONE FOR SOMETHING! $12,000 MAYBE WE COULD HIRE AN IMAGE CONSULTANT. GO TO CHANNEL NINE BLOG AND SEE IF WE DON'T NEED AN IMAGE CONSULTANT.
Ya did you go to the nine news blog, wow, commerce city needs an image consultant!
olive garden would be good but after they read channel nine news blog, they won't come here
It is appearing to me that a few citizen (that happen to be candidates) keep appearing during the citizen comunication.
Is this their "free" chance to get there name and face out there via streaming? Their subjects are always of little value, often something focusing on themselves.
I see it as a waste of council time as well as mine, as it is not useful.
Attending to listen and learn is all well and good....
but BEING at a council meeting, does not qualify you to be a councilmember, any more than attending a trial qualifies you to be a lawyer or judge.
I go to the ballet, still doesn't make me a dancer!!
The consultant for the evaluations is to cost approx $7,000.
Not $30,000.
From what I heard last night, it is a much bigger job than some might think.
Having a third position to oversee it, and put the individual council members input together, creates a much better eval.
If you know this council, how many have experience at that level, to do a real evaluation these positions?
To anonymous and CC speaks
this consultant was the one the council hired to locate a city manager. they did a great job and will be great in this position. the cost is $7000 not $30,000.
regarding past evaluations, the city manager's assistant was the facilitator at the city manager's evaluation. how fair and unbias was that?
Ward 2 does have citizens that would support a recall of Jim Benson, but not enough to get it done.
Tim Dalton
I dont want to see the city spend money on another Texas consultant to tell counicl how to review. I think they are smart enough to take on this task themselves.
Gina, Commerce City
Gateway,
Please post the city rumors from last night.
TO PAUL:
you say, "this consultant was the one the council hired to locate a city manager."
How is this Fair or Unbiased?!?!?!?
ccSpeaks (a voice for responsible government)
boys and girls club should be at old ACHS site. Perfect place.
City gives D14 millions in land and breaks, is city going to do the same for 27J
I have a question? Why are there "new" pit bulls in Commerce City as council said last night during the meeting? I thought we had a ban?
Ryland, Northern Range
I have a rumor that may not really be a rumor but very true.
Recall group is going to try to recall the mayor again, are already having meetings. I heard this lat night at council. Citizens were talking about it.
Two things I would like to answer.
I remember the old city manager.
I heard that he wrote his own contract, & now hear that his assistant wrote his evaluations.
Although expensive, don't we as a city avoid situations like we had with the old management.
This is the transparency that I asked for. We now are at least aware of how decisions are made.
I would not want my kids going to the old ACHS for any club etc. Ms Drotar told me that it is full of asbestos.
We need to recall Jim Benson.
Tim don't discount those in ward 2. It only takes (I think) 20% of those that voted in his election, to get it on the ballot.
I say lets go for it.
It will finally get him to pay attention to his ward!
This is going to be strange for most of you, but I would like to say Thank You to all of the City Counicl for keeping the vision of the citizens in regards to Pioneer Park. The water feature will be a much better fit for the area and will be a good day when it comes to reality.
DeeDee
Once again, the kids are the losers with decisions made by city council and Adams County School District 14. The current Boys and Girls Club is turning away qualified kids because of space. The Boys and Girls Club had a great opportunity for an extremely large grant to bring services for the kids into Commerce City. And the city contribution was minimal compared to the large contribution that Boys and Girls Clubs make for the kids of our community- regardless of the location. The old ACHS site was mentioned as the alternative- not doable because of the safety considerations with kids crossing the highway. Pioneer Park may not have been an option- but if council wanted this project- they would have come up with viable alternatives. This loss of the project is a loss for our kids.
I'm concerned about your assertion that "anyone who “hears” something about a candidate to please verify and have a open discussion with the candidate in question before posting your comments." It was my understanding that the Gateway was built on rumors and hearsay.
Good points about the Boys and Girls Club. Also, why cant the school district pay the 15% operation cost requested by the boys and girls club? Why does it have to be the city to give out money? Doesn't seem very fair does it. The city has already paid their dues to the children with the Rec Center and also the city has to think about the Golf Course too. Taking on a money obligation for a boys and girls club does not make any sense to me.
To the comment: "I'm concerned about your assertion that "anyone who “hears” something about a candidate to please verify and have a open discussion with the candidate in question before posting your comments." It was my understanding that the Gateway was built on rumors and hearsay."
I do not know how to make this anymore elementary then presently stated, sorry.
maybe someone should ask the council if they are being sued for non enforcement of their code
there was a case filed in adams county civil court
The civil case you are referring to is the Mr. Jones issue from awhile ago. It is a zoning issue involving residential next to industrial. This will more likely be in Adams County civil court for a number of years. We will report the outcome of the courts decision when it is rendered.
Thank you for your concerns,
Gateway News
I got a rumor,
Jim Benson and friends are going to try another recall effort for the Mayor for this November 2009.
Any truth to this one?
Concerned in Reunion
I have heard the same kind of a thing and had heard they are already having meetings.
I hope not, but if so, I hope the citizens are smart enought to get the facts first.
Tim Dalton
I would like to personally say thank youto mayor Scott Jaquidth on the smarts to change the pit bull ban, or should I say the UNFAIR pit bull ban of Commerce City. You got my vote.
Thank you for your comment, but it does need clarification.
Points of Clarification:
Scott Jaquith is the Ward 1 Representive and is also the Mayor Pro tem, not the Mayor.
The Commerce City Pit Bull Ban is not changed as of yet, further, the Mayor Pro tem's statement was to only "discuss" the issue.
The recall rumor is probably true
They have asked me to be part of it and I refused
The idea is that Mr. Benson has pulled the voter registration information for the city and will use that for this attempt. Mr. Benson stated that the group failed the last time because they did not verify that the signers were registered
They are counting the days back so that they will pull the petition with enough time to gather signatures, have it checked and they fix the ones that may be wrong.
They will put it on the ballot in Novemeber and then run a old CC election campaign where they pick up senior voters, take them to the polls, and tell them how to vote
I admit this did work in the past because the seniors were the only ones to vote. With more voters out there now, this may not work
I still do not understand why Mr. Benson is involved in this.
give it up rene, even if you do get it on the ballot it will be shot down so bad it will be funny!
Recalls are for politicians that are doing drug deals, stealing money, getting massages on the tax payers dime, that sort of thing.
Not because you lost an election and you have a chip on your shoulder.
Fred A. fred303@mail.com
Discussing the City Rumors is the BEST BEST BEST Idea the city has ever done!
Yuri
I had Mr. Benson tell me, "I don't believe in recalls".
Now he is planning a recall and is trying to find some "legal" error on the mayor's part to justify his actions.
He is the kind of lawyer people cringe at and make jokes about, no ethics, he can't be trusted.
site is very informative. would also like to thank council on keeping the original vision of pioneer park.
wes
Thank You for the clarifications on the pit bull ban of Commerce City.
Irene, Commerce City
Gateway News,
It might clear up a lot of confusion if you post exactly what Scott said on Monday about the pit bulls in Commerce City, just a thought.
AKA
The mayor pro tem only said that he would like to discuss the issue (pit bulls) in a future meeting. It was a very short statement during reports.
Gateway News
Your Help is Needed...
Friday night, June 26th a
tractor owned by the South
Adams County Water and
Sanitation District was stolen
from District property located
at 85th Avenue and Quebec
Street. The thieves moved the
31 year old, classic green John
Deere workhorse onto the
railroad tracks where it was
hit by a train, demolishing the
tractor and tying up rail
transportation for several
hours. If you have any information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of the thief/thieves, please contact the Commerce City Police Department at 303.289.3653 or 303.289.3648. Your help in solving this crime is greatly appreciated.
Too bad about the South Adams Water District Tractor, does this mean our water rates are going to have to go up?
Ryland, Northern Range
FYI:
In regards to Mr. Jaquiths statement Mon night meeting.
I remember him stating that he would like to consider letting those who have pit bulls in the city illegally, given the chance to have them licensed and to meet all of the other rules.
Nothing mentioned about changing the rules on pits.
I am glad to hear that El Jardin is not moving away. It is one the the greatest things Commerce City has.
Cheo Larcombe
thank you for the clarification,
I was told this information by a third party. I had some of the facts confused.
Monica
None the Less, at least Commerce City is PRO-actively addressing the Pit Bull issues that are in all the Denver Metro Area.
Linda, Commerce City
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED, Brighton Police Investigating Pharmacy Robbery on July 9 2009 at about 12:30 pm PLEASE CLICK http://tinyurl.com/mh2xl3 2 minutes ago
hey gateway,
Is the city going to start the progrma of "take your picture and mail it to you with a fine if you run a red light?"
I saw this on the upcoming meeting, Intergovernmental Agreement with Colorado Department of Transportation for Red Light Camera Program
Julianne, Commerce City
I would say that council member Scott is a pretty fair guy, I don't know if you all heard, but his idea of making a special district in the case of the Monroe area is a great idea. No need for one business to step up to the plate to upgrade the water line from a 4in to a 8 in, that will benefit eveyone, everyone should chip in.
Good Job Scott! Fairness will win everytime
Everst and Ron, Commerce City business owners
Has anyone pulled the paperwork to recall Jim Benson in ward 2?
I see the Red Light Program too,
I would like to know at what intersection on HWY 2 they are planning to have them at?
Are they going to enforce both North/South and East/West?
Does the city think it will make more $ off of this then what is proposed?
Do we really have that many people running red lights to cover 40K?
Yuri
I live in Jim Benson's ward and I talk to my fellow ward 2ians often.
The fact is, yes people are tired of Jim, but no they will not recall him.
What he is doing is just not enough to be recalled, at least that is the outlook of the citizens in ward 2 now.
Out of 10 people, only 2 said they would actually sign a recall petition. And 5 did not even know what was going on. Truth be told, a lot of people have NO IDEA what is going on in local government until something major happens in their own backyard. Much less they do not really care.
A shocking statistic I read recently is that a large portion of citizens in the Northern Range did not know they were in a special GID!
Maybe things will change if Jim keeps it up, but as of now, there will be no recall of Jim Benson.
Collette, Commerce City
Colette, since he is actively working on a recall on the mayor, I believe once the others of usin Ward 2 hear those facts, involvment will insue.
Yes, most have no idea what is going on in our local government, it is time they are told!
I am tired of Benson doing nothing for us and cause nothing but trouble for the city.
He could have cost us thousands if some of his antics had gone forward.
Now he wants to support a casino in the Northern range??
He needs to go!
We need professional, college educated, experienced people on city council and on school board. And I don't care how long ago your FELONY was, once a FELON always FELON, sorry VASHAW. Look at your behavior and your blog about Dr. Lange, that's why voters should never trust a FELON.
I think the comments about Jim Benson should be thought about before you write them. There is no one on city council right now that has done ANYTHING for our city except Jim Benson. He tried to change the name which would have brought retail to our city. But the uneducated voters turned that down. Now no retail and also Benson wins everytime he goes to court. He knows right from wrong. Guess that is scary for some. Hope he gets the emails and Gateway posts them on their website.
Good one Scott Jaquith. Take a bunch of people who are breaking the law in Commerce City and try to change a law to fit their illegal behavior. As soon as Scott Jaquith is willing to be put in a yard alone with an angry pit bull so all citizens can watch, he had better shut up. Oh and can we change some other laws too Scott, so we can all get out of our traffic tickets. OK to speed, drive drunk, run others off the road. Then we will all be in compliance. Don't act so stupid Jaquith.
Sorry kids in the south part of Commerce City, you have the rec ctr, you have Pioneer Park, you have a Boys and Girls Club at Kearney, you have RTD bus service, you have the library, you have retail shopping. NOW it is time for the north to get something for the kids in the north. NO MORE for the south part of the city. The dollars that are spent by the city should be for EVERYONE. Got it???
Most people living in the north don’t follow the bickering in council. There’s a large segment of folks that don’t identify with CC and view the core city as illegal immigration gone amuck. It is what it is. We shop in Thornton, Brighton and Denver so we just don’t feel connected to CC. There is no presence of “CC” in the north such since there are no government facilities such as a rec centers, libraries. The city only owns land in industrial areas to build so when they do build most people will remain in their own communities remaining unconnected to CC. I sure wish they hired consultants in the past. People who lived for years surrounded by industrial businesses, negotiating tractor trailer traffic to get to parks and recreation think it’s perfectly ok so it should be ok for everyone. Those are the people starting recalls, spreading anti north rumors to the senior citizens in the south to get votes. The demographic and values are different in the north. We want more of a green family friendly group of communities with good schools, recreation facilities within safe walking/biking distances for our children and not in some industrial park.
That is why we really need to get our neighbors involved in the next election and what our current council person is or is not doing for us. Let’s converse
Voting home owner (VHO)
Anyone know what is going on with Jim Benson and the mayor's emails? It seemed to just dropped off.
I think staff or council should update us who actually care about the city.
Gina, Commerce City
I think you could actually get enough signatures to recall Benson, but it is going to take 3 people to get together and actually do it. I don't see this happening, sorry.
Unitas, Core City
Gateway News,
A story that fell threw the cracks that you guys should cover is about the cats in Commerce City.
A group called Devine Feline come did some wonderful work in the trailer park areas.
I have more information for you, email me.
harlot1992@gmail.com
I am glad El Jardin is not moving from Commerce City.
Dustie, do you know what is going on with old time capsule that was at the old city hall?
ccSpeaks
Boys and Girls Clubs have specific criteria for where the club locates. It uses family income within a specific geographic area, plus several other criteria. Fortunately for the north area kids, they do not qualify. But does that mean that the KIDS in the south should be deprived? A rec center in the north would be great, I agree. But the lack of this was no reason to turn down an $8M grant and contribution to the kids in the southern portion of our community. The temporary Boys and Girls Club at Kearney was already at capacity and now will be closed. The programs offered thru Boys and Girls Club could have broken the cycle of proverty for some families- benefiting the community. I think it is sad and outrageous that the elected officials and staff of the city and the school district did not work together to bring this opportunity into the city. Shame on all of you!!
OK Benson does a lot of things that most of us don't care for. But what will another useless attempt at a recall (and none of them have ever made it to the ballot) do for this city?
Michell, Hi there. I emailed you for more info on Devine Feline, but it did not go through. please email me at, mac4ccw1@q.com
Thanks, Mac
Common Sense for the Common Good
mac4ccw1@q.com
LOVE what you guys are doing. ACHS video is GREAT!
You guys are truely a class above the d-14 school board members.
Good Job Gateway!
Irene, Commerce City, CO
Another Great Job Dusty!
I listened to "deal" that the Boys and Girls club wanted the city to buy into.
I didn't like it either, and I want a club for our city!!
No one, I mean No one should ever make a deal that has to be done so quickly, costs such a large amount of money, & continualy financial support. There were with no guarantees who the other non-profits at the "Choice Center" would be.
It is like... "I have a great deal but you have to sign right now or lose the deal!
I say lose the deal.What a can of worms!
Okay, lets all be honest for a second here. We know that council is NOT going to give city attorney Bob G. a bad review. Matter of fact, with all the crap he had to put up with Benson, he should get a purple heart. And city manager Jerry has done a pretty damn good job too. So, my suggesting is to take that 7 grand that you were going to spend on the consultant, split it on half and give 3500 to Bob and 3500 to Jerry as a bonus. There, a done deal. Simple, easy, and honestly, the right thing to do. You never know Bob and Jerry might even spend that money back into Commerce City, unlike the consultants that will only take the money back to Texas and spend it on Dallas Cowboy stuff!!!!
Tim Dalton
The city, the school district and some citizens worked on the Boys and Girls Club deal for over 4 years. The $8M was a fluke in this day and age of nonprofits cutting back so the timeframe was short to make this deal happen with this funding. So with the ability to get some significant funding (go back and read the excitement that the $160,000 from the federal government through Rep. Perlmutter's efforts) on a project that was deemed inportant enough to be in the works for 4 years, should have had council, SD14 and their staffs looking for a way to make it work for the KIDS. If the city agreed to the project, the commitment for our city and KIDS would have been there and things could have been handled in the negotiation period. The city should have grabbed the chance to benefit the KIDS.
No, not with that timeline and those demands!
15% operating cost?! City can't get into that kind of a situation
Ryland
Listening to council on line. Now I am really for giving the money to the city manager and city attorney. This consultant is a joke.
I guarantee! council will give great reviews to the attorney and manager and they are well deserved. Bottom line: Waste of Time and Money!
ORVAL IS HILARIOUS!!!
No Computer?
Poor Consultant. I bet he wasn't expecting that!
Yuri
I am hearing candidate Robert Romine talking about something about China. What the hell?!
NO TO RED LIGHT PROGRAM! will not pay for itself!
Unitas
red light program will cost 40K and need part time guy 30K, at least that is what they say.
OK now i have heard it all, after city council votes 6 yes and 3 no, for using a seven thousand dollar plus counsultant, to review the city manager and city attorney, we find out we are paying for the mayor and council to fill out a thirty minute online survey, that of course lewis cant do cause he doesnt do computers, what a bunch of stupidity and waste of money, anyone see the movie OFFICE SPACE, we just witnessed an OFFICE SPACE moment
Listening to council online
I take my words back. Install the program! I didn't know that many people were running the red lights!
People in the north do follow what is going on in the city, we have more voters registered and more voters who voted in the last election than the south part of the city. People in the north are more permanent residents who have lived here for almost six years most of us, and the south has a lot of people who move in and out.
did i hear that correct? the multi thousand dollar counsultant did not even know what the council did last year for their evalution of the city manager and attorney? and we are paying him for what?????
Hi Mr. Consultant from Texas. There are now a lot of college educated citizens and voters in Commerce City. This will be your last hurrah. This November we will all vote for people to sit on city council that know better than to fall for this kind of stupidity. Who moved my cheese? Yes a rat.
Does anyone know what there are cameras on all the traffic lights going into Reunion at every intersection? Just noticed them this weekend. Kind of creepy. Why is Reunion being "watched" and no one else?
what does the mayor have to hide in his emails, if there is nothing there that is wrong, why not give them over to jim benson, there is really something STRANGE going on, the more the mayor fights this with retroactive resolutions and complaining about it the more the citizens are going to demand to see the emails, Gateway News can you get the emails???
Jason McEldowney, do NOT run for city council, you are a YES man for the mayor and you are no good for our city. And we want INDEPENDENT thinkers not YES men.
When are the recall petitions ready to recall the mayor and how can we find out where and when to sign? Can someone put this on this blog so we don't miss our chance?
Robert Romine for city counsel!!!! What a joke. Drive by his home at 6760 East 74th.Look at the junk.Come to city counsel meetings listen to his comments during citizens communication.Check out the award he says he procured for the city. Ask him where he stands on new ordances to better our city. I could go on and on. I dont think he is right for the position of City counsel
like it or not The Boys and Girls club will benefit mostly illegal immigrants like the rest of the parks and recreational facilities that are only in south Commerce City. The people in the north have goods cars and trucks and can afford to drive their kids to the south. That's the way city council wants the city to function.
Home for Sale
The "cameras" on the traffic signals are the systems that allow emergancy vehicles to change the signals.
They are not cameras (although I agree they look like them). Look around, they are all over the metro area!
Personally I don't blame the mayor (or anyone else Benson might bully to get e-mails) to fight it. It isn't what is in the e-mails, but Mr. Benson's tactics.
I heard the mayor offer to Benson, any specific e-mails he wants. " He doesn't know what he is looking for" according to Mr. Benson.
Fishing isn't his right.
Why are some people supporting that. Would they also support him coming into their computers and "looking"?
He wants the stuff, he should pay for the stuff.
Just wanted to say, I think the rumor control by the city is a great thing. Also, the candidate meeting on information is a GREAT thing.
DeeDee
Who ever wrote that Jason was a "yes" man has not been paying attention lately. Go back to the videos of Jason's discussion on the Benson issue.
Jason is far from being the mayor's "yes" man.
Dalton
I am also very happy the city is putting on this canidate information meeting on Wednesday.
gateway, please promote this meeting as much as you can.
Erin NW
I am 100% for the Red Light Violation Program. We have way too many accidents on Highway 2 and 85.
I am all for people following the law to make this a safer city.
Jennifer, Commerce City
just told recently about Jim Benson and Mayor of Commerce City.
UNREAL! Who knew Commerce City turned into a reality show
Michael, Brighton
There are obviously a couple of people filling the blog with CRAP, trying to sway opinion.
The "gateway please post the recall info for the mayor, so we don't miss our chance" is soooo bogus!
Mr. Benson & racetrack rene are filled with venom and will spred lies to get their way.
We are smarter than that!
I just talked to someone who saw the council meeting Mon.
I understand that councilwomen Drotar is too busy to do the evaluation on our city manager.
Isn't that one aspect of her job as council person?
I am for sure if there is any kind of an action to recall the Mayor the Gateway News will be all over it.
TIm Dalton
Does anyone know if the city has any kind of a law that prohibits people putting advertisements on our door knobs?
Charlie, Northern Range
So the council hired a consultant to do a online review of the manager and lawyer.
can we the citizens do a online review of the city counil members. It only seems fair to me.
not trying to "get" anyone. I personally think the current council is doing a pretty good job. I do have a problem with Benson. I would love to take a survey and have people express their views.
Erin NW
I would support a survey!
I think it should be city wide, but a great point, it is only fair that the citizens (council boss) review the counicl.
I would promote this survey as much as I could.
Yuri
A survey would be great if controlable. How would it be monitored to make sure someone didn't "stuff" the survey.
My vision, is Mr. B filling out tons against the mayor and in support of himself.
He does seem to have a ton of time to walk the streets for petitions.....so a survey that he could fill out during all his spare time would be a sure thing.
I love the idea, but you make a great point, I would also be afraid of "stuffing the survey"
Does anyone have any ideas?
I would have to say that the city throw a online survey, that can be anonymous.
Just my thoughts,
Jennifer and Kathy, Belle Creek
gateway news,
why dont you report more about the crime in Commerce City?
ccSpeaks
Survey should be a overview of a bunch of issues. I would like to know about what people think about the city taking over the water district.
Yuri
hey gateway news and gatewaynews.org,
do you guys know if city manager is going to be for a bonus this year again?
Core Comments
The "Word" on the street is that a second recall attempt on the mayor is in the works. Can anyone really verify?
just heard they are going to try and recall mayor again!
Mile High Music Festival is a GREAT thing for Commerce City!
We are truly on the MAP NOW!
Way to go COMMERCE CITY STAFF!
Hyde, Reunion
council can have a legal open meeting outside the city? is that even legal?
I love chuck morris, in video he is wearing a pair of glasses and in his hand he is holding a pair of glasses!
TOOL is coming to Commerce City, I would have NEVER thought this would even happen in my life time.
MILE HIGH MUSIC FESTIVAL, Best thing ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wes, Commerce City CO
First off, I love this website, the videos are a completely new view of our local government that we have never seen before.
Second, I have personally met with the Commerce City Manager on two separate occasions.
My short evaluation as a citizen:
Jerry is smart, articulate and approachable, important qualities for any city manager.
He is moving this city in the correct direction, has brought us to the table of many regional efforts and has a clear positive long term outlook.
I am happy to say he is my city manager and would hope he stays in Commerce City for as long as he wants.
Rhonda, Commerce City
Let's make sure we start the recall of Jim Benson at the same time.
Is the mayor being blamed for forclosures in the city. Is that the reason for the recall attempts?
gateway news
I would like to be part of a citizen survey question formulation process if you are going to do one. Please email with the details
Fred A. fred303@mail.com
Why would the mayor have anything to do with foreclosures? Are the members of the recall committee in foreclosure?
The major concern I have with a "citizen survey" is most of the citiens are not informed.
Some believe the city can "buy" a grocery to come here with $80,000. Others think the city can force business to build where they want.
Many believe the city should provide citizens things that would cost the taxpayers loads of extra taxes.
Many do not understand how business or government functions.
A survey to be fair and reasonable would have given to those who understand this level of business.
I would have the same concern. I do not want anyone to waste their time with a survey of council in this town. It would be stuffed like a Thanksgiving Turkey!!!!!!!!!!
Unitas
you make a good point,
"A survey to be fair and reasonable would have given to those who understand this level of business."
Ryland, Northern Range
Gateway
Love the music coverage.
Cheo Larcombe
love the photos dusty
Jim
Hey make sure you read your "hard copy" of the gateway news.
Inside I found the city's new monthly newspaper.
It was interesting and a shame to miss.
I know you all love the mile high music festival, but it was a major disturbance for many of us in the core city on sat. night, going well past mid night.
Gina, Commerce City
true professional Dusty. Love the Pictures. seriously a great job
Yuri, Northern Range Commerce City
HOW can the mayor be responsible for the foreclosures! STUPID, STUPID STUPID.
Sasha, River Run
Dustie, I will second what Yuri said. Love the pics.
Tim Dalton
Festival has great. But yes there were some complaints on Saturday night about being too loud after midnight in the core city.
DeeDee
Hey Robert Romine, EVERY city in the United States has people with guns and they all shoot them. Are you for gun control? Maybe I should ask that on the candidates forum page too. Maybe we don't need to come to city council and trash our city that we want to represent. Many of us are trying to focus on the positive ok?
it is a good thing that the city council is reviewing their "abnorms" cause they are operating "abnormally"
three unexcused absences and off with your head
how about consultants hired by the city and paid a ton of money doing their homework first like knowing what has gone on before they came here, that would be nice instead of reinventing the wheel every time, and by the way, the wheel, whatever happened to the original commerce city logo, the wheel?
The Gateway News was really nice this week. Good job to the Gateway News.
gateway twitter says only 39,000 reported, how did the city get those numbers?
Ryland
OH MAN, no more going to council and reading them your diary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes people in Ward 4 were very much disturbed by the noise of the festival on Saturday night.
Hate to say it but Orval is my new hero, consultants are way over paid.
I went online and got a city manger evaluation form in about 15 seconds.
ccSpeaks
Music festival was too loud for ward 4? Yet some still wanted NASCAR even closer to housing in Ward 2?
Tim Dalton
ccspeaks,
Something tells me with all of your negative comments, if we really knew who you are....that would "speak" volumes!
Amen Dalton!!
Hey ccspeaks.
Were you concerned or outspoken when the past council allowed the old city managers assistant to write his evaluation??
How about the old city managers contract? That was written by himself, did you have any issues with that?
Gateway News tweeted only 39000 went to festival, that is only half of last year. I guess the economy is worse then at least I thought.
Collette
Gateway,
39 thousand at mile high music festival. a little low isn't it?
Fred A. fred303@mail.com
I like CC news. Why is it vol4 iss4?
just curious in Reunion
Playful city? what does that even mean and 93 cities in 3 states, what did every city get it?
Hyde, Commerce City
Did I hear correctly in that only the Mayor gets a purchase card?
What for? Also, is that a credit card? Does it have a limit?
ccSpeaks
Congratulations TRACEY! you will make a Great mayor protem!!!!!!!!
Supporters of TRACEY
The reason why Commerce City News is Vol.4 No.4 is that it is a continuation of the publication City Lights.
Gateway News
hey gateway,
so city will only get 19500dollars for quality lifetime GRANTS from Music festival?
oh, well, better then nothing i guess
Core Comments
ORVAL is RIGHT ON with the Consultants!
Richie, Commerce City
I asked and this mayor has no city credit card.
Hyde-
Playful city desognation refers to a city that has programs for all ages.
They had to meet specific criteria (more involved that mentioned above).
It was 93 cities in 33 states (not 3 states).
I THINK that CC is the only one in CO....
I do not understand how some issues that are important to council personally are brought up right away and voted on right away.
But other issues like the review of the UNFAIR Pit Bull ban was brought up almost 2 years ago by a citizen, the Gateway News has an actual video of it, and then one of the council members brought it up again and it is still not being addressed. All I am asking is that the city at least visit the issue again. There are new people on council and we need to hear their view on this most important issue.
Cindy and Elaine, Commerce City Colorado
Base of Interest
About a year ago, Adams City's #14 School District held a meeting and a representative of the Boys and Girls Club explained their plan to build and develop a Boys and Girls Club program for Commerce City. Currently, we serve about 100 to 150 students daily at Kearney Middle School. This plan was to build on donated District #14 land and share this facility with a Health Care program. The planning group had already received donations between one and two million dollars for the project. I thought, I heard this presenter say that eventually they would ask Commerce City Council for added support and contributions to the project. In other words, they would build on the donated land from School District #14 but that CC taxpayers would pay towards the building fund ($500,000) and then pay to run this yearly program ($75,000). At that time, I contacted a City Council member and asked if they knew any thing about these plans and they did not; no requests had been made.
We have two of the fastest growing school districts in Colorado with a combined school population of about 10,000+ students. Commerce City has the unique shape of a C wrapped around the Rocky Mountain Arsenal and given this unique shape with one Boys and Girls Club Building our students would have to be driven or be Bused to a location if they were at the Northern or Southern point of the C. Only those students near the location of the building (Adams City High School.) would benefit from this program leaving thousands of students without a program. In my opinion, the greatest need for this program begins at the Elementary and Middle School levels.
The answer for CC is a divided program at two or three locations based at different schools for easy after school access to students. This way the buildings are donated and we pay only for the program and supervision. The goal would be to have several hundred to perhaps 1,000 students committed to the program before looking at building anything. Then, I would still be in favor of building at two different locations to serve both school districts special area needs or seeking another program for the Northern area like a YMCA. The problem has been that the Boys and Girls Club has resisted school based programs to build a base of student interest and attendance in both the Northern and Southern areas of our C first before asking for the millions of dollars for support in years to come. After careful study of our actual physical layout and future needs of this city, I no longer suggest a central location for services to the community. But, I do support more on-site located services and retail centers for CC that will meet the needs of the community in 15 minutes or less.
Estelle Remington
I just hear that Jaime Dipaulo form the city is leaving, is it true?
Jaime will be missed! Did a lot of great things for the city.
JIm
To core comments & their set up "question" on the "questions to candidates blog".
The old council & city staff, took their meetings to mountain resorts for overnight stays, at the cost to the city.
I was told there was more partying than business. Liquior & dinners at expensive restaurants etc. was the norm.
Taking meetings out of town, but close by, forces the council to focus on the issues at hand, with no one leaving for lunch to go home etc.
hey gateway news,
you guys going to report on city managers house situation ever?
ccSpeaks
You know something, I am willing to bet my upside down house that Benson didn't just wake up one day and say, HEY, I think I am going to pull all of the mayor's emails! He had to be told by someone that their is a bad thing in there and he needs to see it. Now the tricky part is to find out who told him and why. Lets all remember, Benson is only looking at emails to and from other council members and staff, which leads me to logically conclude that either another council member or a worse yet a member of the staff told him to do this. Tracey Snyder was right on in the video to ask Benson "what are you looking for?", but what Tracey should have asked, is Benson, WHY are you look for this, and/or WHO told you to look for this? Now to make things a whole lot easier, Mr. Benson should just tell us all who told him to look at the mayors emails and why they told him to do such a thing. BOOM, end of story. HINT, don't hold your breath, I doubt Benson will bring this up ever again, but then again it is Commerce City and you never really know what will happen next.
Yuri, Commerce City
Singer India Arie's brother J'on Simpson accuses Commerce City Police Department of Racial Profiling?
what's the delio?!?
Yuri- you might want to look at the candidate's question blog.
The mayor made a statement reference his e-mails there.
Your idea is sound about Benson's interest, but it doesn't mean the info he got was correct.
I agree the information may not and most likely not correct. A council member needs to ask him who and why, not what.
Yuri
Arie's Bro accuses CCPD of Racial Profiling! Does he not know the demographics of Commerce City! CCPD are the NOT the ones to engage in Racial Profiling! What a JOKE!
Hyde
the police do not practice racial profiles, it was a matter of doing something illegal, but as always, he will get his day in court.
Isn't the work already done and finished for the Benson email project and thus doesn't Benson have to pay for this no matter what? He asked for it, it was completed as best of my knowledge, so now he has to pay for it no matter what?
Hey SIMPSON,
Is it still racial profiling if you are selling wrist bands for $40 illegally?
RACE PROFILING BY CCPD? how come we never heard about this before? Maybe because it NEVER happens in CC.
WHAT A JOKE, give it up.
racial profiling? Tell it to the Judge!
Fred A. fred303@mail.com
from video: mayor spend 35 to 50 hours a wk on city stuff! He is only making something like $5.50 an hour, maybe we should look at a council raise? Or maybe even throw around the idea of a mayor in a more strong position, as full time?
ps NO to the recall
Dear friends and family-
I am writing to tell you about a fundraiser for a little boy named Scotty (who will turn 1 August 22nd). Scotty lives in my neighborhood (Reunion) and has been battling cancer since birth. Originally they thought it would go away on its own, but unfortunately it hasn't and he is now in Stage 4 (neuroblastoma). He is traveling to NY to see a specialist to help him fight this. To make matters worse, his father just got furloughed and will be unemployed in September. A bake sale/garage sale fundraiser is being organized for him on the August 15th.
* If you would like to donate money, a fund (Scotty's Smile) is being set up by his parent's through Key Bank in Aurora.
Scotty's Smile Fund
KeyBank
3607 South Tower Rd.
Aurora, CO 80013
Donations can also be made via Paypal.com to scottyssmilefund@gmail.com
The garage sale will be held on August 15th from 8am-1pm
15986 East 108th Avenue
Commerce City, CO 80022
The bake sale will be held at the Reunion Rec Center from 11am-4pm
17910 E. Parkside Dr.
Commerce City, CO 80022
(north of 104th on Reunion Parkway) Reunion is basically located at 104th and Tower Rd.
Please tell your family and friend about the fundraiser on August 15th and keep baby Scotty and his family in your prayers as he battles his cancer.
hey G-News,
If Orval is such an "Old Man" and does not use a computer, his words from the online council meeting, then I hope the city is not paying for any of his internet connection or giving him a computer.
Especially when the city needs a computer for the new Red Light Camera violation employee, (city stated computer will cost $2,000).
There, a citizen just saved the city 2 grand, that is almost 1/3 of the consultant costs for the manager/lawyer evaluations.
Marcus, Northern Range of Commerce City
GOOD JOB TONY!!!!
Tim Dalton
I am shocked that no one died in that accident on 56th! It took south adams and suncor an hour to put it out.
AKA
you could see the fireworks at dicks in reunion, Great show.
Marcus
WOW people are HOT tonight! Glen and Rene bringing the PAIN!
Unitas
Gateway News,
PLEASE post the Robert Romine public comment. Not because of anything else but a clear example of what citizen communication should not be about.
Tim Dalton
REBA'S Comments is right on about Channel 8!
Great Idea!
I am sick of watching D14 stuff when I live in 27J!
Marcus
Has anyone started the recall of Benson? Where can I go to sign it? We need someone that is going to represent ward 2 and not the good ole boys from that recall committee and carz club. Anyone else tired of our declining property values, no one demanding recreation for our kids in the north while we continue to build and build recreation for illegal immigrants in south Commerce City. Look at the numbers if you don’t believe me. Outside of the businesses we receive very little in tax dollars from individuals in the south. We are not being represented and our kids are being left out. I noticed that English is the secondary language on city communications (on the back of the Spanish page). Our tax dollars at work. Thanks Council
upside down home owner
Two things:
Council needs to put a stop to citizens who are campaigning during citizen communication. Not the time and definitely not the PLACE. No campaigning on city property.
Gateway - Thank you for posting the Robert Romine video, exactly what I am referring to.
DeeDee, Commerce City
Okay I heard someone was "caught" during the break at council last night. I wasn't home so I didn't get to hear it. Who was the idiot that talked?
Please Gateway, can you let us know?
COMMERCE CITY ― On July 28, 2009, Detectives from the Commerce City Police Department presented this case to the Adams County Districts Attorney’s Office. During that filing the Adams County Districts Attorney’s Office filed formal charges on 28 year old Juan Carlos Lopez for the murder of Dung Le who was shot to death on June 3, 2009, inside the Dollar Value Plus store he owned and operated in Commerce City.
Charges are as follows:
Count 1: Murder in the first degree (Class one felony)
Count 2: Aggravated Robbery (Class three felony)
An arrest warrant has been issued through the Adams County District Attorney’s Office. Juan Carlos Lopez is currently being held at the Denver County Jail for an unrelated homicide.
gateway great video of benson discussion.
Mayor Protem: Why are you so mad! Calm Down, you sound like a old man telling benson to get off your yard.
Hyde, Commerce City
I just watched the video of Jaquith's setting the record straight.
I only have one thing to say: HOW in the world did a conversation between Jaquith and the city manager get to be known as public knowledge and now the entire world knows?
How did this even get into the public as what Benson and Drotar said it did?
hey farmer glen, the 80 grand was not for image but for economic development.
plus, I doubt the city wanted you to mow the public right of way
Fred A, fred303@mail.com
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