General Issues May, 2011

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.

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 www.gatewaynews.org

383 comments:

1 – 200 of 383   Newer›   Newest»
pro city 2.0 said...

IF a Gaylord hotel and the National Western Stock Show could come to the Dick Sporting Goods Park. It could change Commerce City FOREVER!

Anonymous said...

This is an idea of what Gaylord Ent. can build, if they come to cc.

http://www.gaylordentertainment.com/index.htm

Anonymous said...

Well, finally some outstanding news! Chris Fiedler the wonderful principal of Prairie View High School will be the new Superintendent of 27J!! An awesome choice! Congratulations to Mr. Fiedler, we are behind you 110%!

Archer said...

Right, big beautiful hotels/convention centers.
Do you really see this in Dicks Sporting Goods Park? Overlooking the post office or Suncor in the distance?
Think it might end up in Aurora.

Wes, Northern Range said...

Can Commerce City offer TIFs (Tax Increment Financing) like Aurora can? If so how much?
My point is I think this might be a little too big for Commerce City.
But we can all DREAM.

Anonymous said...

Maybe it is a big project, but so was the Rapids Stadium. Where there is a will there is a way.

The REAL Core Comments said...

Commerce City! Lets not ruin our chance with this like we did with NASCAR. We are not going to get many more opportunities.

In the Know said...

pretty sure Adams County would help out on the Gaylord NWSS idea. Would not just be Commerce City only.

S.J. said...

NO Doubt this would change the city, the entire city.
Getting the National Western Stock Show and a GayLord Project would be astronomical!
Hope we can hang in there and say all the right things.

Hyde said...

between the southern walmart and now the nursing home. I dont think I want to go to the core anymore.

Anonymous said...

We have land in the Northern Range for these projects (NWSS and/or the Gaylord Hotel). Why are they not looking up here?

Team Tracey said...

maybe ed casso could help commerce city get the nwss and hotel. anyone want to ask him?

Anonymous said...

Do we know that the city hasn't been working on this?

via email said...

great report by ch. 7 on ccpd and nursing home.
So, why didnt ccpd just investigate after they were notified?

Archer said...

way waaaaaaaay too much details in both t.v. segments on Commerce City.

9 news (wal*mart eye doc) was bad, but I think 7 news (nursing home) is worse.

All in one week? c'mon!

Makes you wonder how many of these reports are not reported.

Stella, Comm City said...

Woodridge Park in Commerce City on 7 News. Commerce City Police Dept didn't investigate after getting the report?

Belle Creek Obsever said...

Nursing Home Quality Report for Woodridge Park Nursing and Rehabilitation

7150 Poplar Street
Commerce City, CO 80022
(303) 289-7110

http://www.healthgrades.com/nursing-home-directory/co-colorado/commerce-city/woodridge-park-nursing-and-rehabilitation-dd628d46/quality-report

Anonymous said...

Commerce City cops are to busy writing speeding tickets on 104th Avenue to investigate real crimes.

Irene, CC said...

Commerce City Police already have to investigate the walmart eye doctor. Now they need to investigate a Nursing Home CNA? Lets make this the last type of incident in Commerce City!

Wes, Northern Range said...

hey belle creek observer,
great info.
thanks for posting!

Anonymous said...

I think the CC police do a great job. The crime in this city is down.
Yes, do bad things still happen, of coursel, there are bad people and the police can't be everywhere.
To anonymous sour grapes about the speeding cops. They save lives too. Many slow down and are more careful. People die all of the time because of speeders like you!

Anonymous said...

The National Western Stock Show and the new hotel are not going to come to Commerce City. First of all we have no financing capacity left, when the city wanted to do the baseball stadium they were actually looking at taking mortgages out on the recreation center and other city owned buildings to pay for it. So that cannot be overcome and second the Stock Show has a lease til 2040 with Denver that they will not be let out of and third Denver itself has the first most popular site out by DIA. So forget it, it will never happen here. Sorry but that is the reality.

Kyle, n. resident said...

yes city has no money, but maybe Adams County does? Hell, maybe even state or federal could help us out?

Anonymous said...

if your getting a speeding ticket on 104th, your just stupid. SLOW down the speed limit is 45 MPH. And your right, it does save lives.

via email said...

I am for MORE enforcement on 104th! Kids walk around this area and the cars need to slow down.
CCPD can patrol this all day and night. I am 100% behind them.

Anonymous said...

We've had an unsolved murder right across the street from an elementary school (64th & Holly), abuse at the nursing home (66th and Hwy. 2), and abuse at the Walmart (60th & Hwy. 2). But we don’t want gambling at the race track (62nd & Holly/Hwy. 2) because it will “hurt the neighborhood.” Let’s just keep doing nothing, ignoring problems, and saying no to all proposals – and things will certainly get better, right?

Anonymous said...

what's with Jason saying he doesn't get paid enough to go to events for the city. did he get elected for the money?

Anonymous said...

commerce city won't highlight the north because they hoping to take advantage of it's proximity to Stapleton. Bad idea though - can't compete with Denver. Have they seen the new development, Smith rd to 53rd ave between Havana and Quebec? Point another made- choose between a view of nice cityscape or pollutant prone industrial plants and competing with tractor trailer traffic.

yeah, our city leaders are putting our eggs in the wrong basket.

Anonymous said...

ed casso is a yes on house bill 11-1311 which helps commerce city leverage these projects with the stock show and the areas surrounding.

Team Tracey said...

ch7 story has Casso Explaining $350 charge from lobbyist.

Pro Casso said...

Yes, and he said. It was an accounting error! A NON STORY!
Give it a rest already!

Anonymous said...

so ed casso hd 32, says the meeting never happened about pinnocal assurance?, I would like to know what AXIOM has to say about that?

Team Tracey said...

dusty
can you ask axiom strategies about that $350 Ed Casso "accounting error"?

Gateway News said...

We called and emailed Axiom regarding the amount in questioned.

We will post any response we get.

Anonymous said...

good for Jason - he doesn't need to go to all the events, just Council Meetings and retreats that's it - the rest is fluff and Council Meetings are mostly a formality - when will you people learn that this is not a professional council system - no other City our size and even much larger have professional Councils - only Denver, and there are cities as big as Denver elsewhere that don't have professional Councils. Hire a competent City Manager to run the City like everyone other City does.

Anonymous said...

You should ask for Flannery's receipts for the past year.

Anonymous said...

Don't just ask Flannery for receipts- ask the whole City Manager's Office. I understand most of them are rarely there but "off site" at "important meetings" - I would bet somehow spending some more of the tax payer money as if their unnecessary jobs (3 Managers and a intergovernmental Manager - whatever that is), car allowances and benefits aren't enough of a waste. When is this City Council going to start asking some questions about what is really going on in the City Manger's Office -especially after the objective and factual comparison done by the Gateway on surrounding cities hi level staff. I suggest they ask someone other than the people in the City Manager's Office.

pro city 2.0 said...

Forget the receipts. Why do you think there is something wrong going on all the time in Commerce City?

pro city 2.0 said...

by the way, a "intergovernmental manager" is a intricate vital piece of any good responsible government that is needed. Commerce City is not an island. It is essential that Commerce City cooperate and work with all of its surrounding jurisdictions.

Yuri said...

I think it maybe a good idea to have someone keepin an eye on good ole Commerce City.

Wes, Northern Range said...

3 city managers, no responsibility for water or fire.

Close to the Highest, if not the Highest car allowance in the state.

72 grand - for a house that took a loss, later to find out it was sold for a profit. for a house that is not even paid for yet.

Police Department that did not investigate a sex crime (thedenverchannel.com)

yeah, we need someone to watch Commerce City.

Anonymous said...

Yes WES! and you can fix everything when your the NEW MAYOR! RIGHT?!

Anonymous said...

Wes, the police were not contacted about the first "sex" problem at Walmart. The complaint was only give to Walmart!!
Police can only work on cases they are presented with.
Man, you really should run for mayor. No doubt you would fix everything!!!!!

Team Tracey said...

“They can’t accept money or a cup of coffee and there was a $350 meal,” Ross said of an Axiom reimbursement that asked for $350 for a meeting with Rep. Ed Casso, D-Commerce City. “That representative on Monday (in the CALL7 story) said that meeting never happened.”

hmmm. so what are we suppose to believe?

Ollie said...

dusty,
can you ask Commerce City if the red light tickets that are constantly going off at the 60th intersection are legally binding, or are they just bogus like the other cities.
thanks.
ps- great site, learn a whole lot.

Anonymous said...

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” ~Martin Luther King Jr.

thanks for the forum GN.

Anonymous said...

So 2.0 (who the rest of us know is a City Employee) if Flannery has 2 assistants and an "intergovernmental manager" a Economic Dev. Person and all the Department Heads and countless managers and supervisors - WHAT DOES FLANNERY DO ALL DAY BESIDES PLAY GOLF AND SMOKE CIGARS?

Gateway, perhaps you should find out how vital the "intergovernmental manager is" maybe you should call back all of the Cities you asked about assistant managers (again only one had an assistant much less two)and car allowances and see if any of them have an "intergovernmental manager" - I will start taking bets at 20 to 1.

Anonymous said...

Jeanete Lewis is at it again. Article in HUB shows clearly that the teachers and students of the ACHS are miserable. Not renewing a contract for a teacher with a master's degree from Harvard, the ice cold response from the district says that they are not "concerned" about teacher retention (course not, they got rid of so many quality teachers and staff). The teacher was quoted as saying that the administrators created a "climate and culture of fear" where job security unfortunately trumps student's needs. The article also says that "teachers at Adams City High School have cited a need for reform in recent years. A survey taken in 2009 revealed that 9 in 10teachers did not wish to continue employment with Adams 14". Have J. Lewis' petty revenges destroyed the whole district? What education and qualifications does Lewis have? I think we would be shocked. It will take decades to undo this mess.

Dustin, Gateway News said...

Ollie,
Do you mind giving me some background on you comment about red light tickets being legally binding?

Team Tracey said...

Dustin, did you ask Axiom Strategies about the Casso $350 experience? is it an "accounting error"?

Dustin, Gateway News said...

Email sent to Axiom Strategies Inc Regarding the Ed Casso Line item on invoice #5676...

could you provide me with some more detail about your Invoice #5676 to Pinnacol Assurance (Denver, CO) Dated on 4/1/10? One of the line items is a $350 Mtg with Ed Casso on 3/5/2010. Mr. Casso says this is an "accounting error" and the meeting never took place. Can you confirm this was indeed a error or is this a legitimate line item?

Dustin McIntyre, Gateway News


Response will be posted when I receive it...

Ollie said...

dusty,
fox did story on red light tickets and photo speeding tickets in denver. was wondering if it was the same in CC
http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-investigation-are-red-light-tickets-worthless-too-20110504,0,473570.story

Team Tracey said...

But Ed Casso Raised his hand and swore he was telling the truth on TV in front of everyone!

Therefore, it MUST be an accounting mistake! Right?!

Brent Keesley said...

Adams County! We need to CLEAN HOUSE! enough is enough! Is there not one department that is not involved in some kind of a scandal!

Pro Casso said...

why would sheriff darr have to bash nicaslte? he had this in the bag from the start. darr is a democrat in adco. nicastle is one of those party flipper, you know, like tracey in Commerce City.

Team Tracey said...

Yeah, PRO CASSO!
I think you should be more concerned about $300+ mysterious lunches and "accounting errors".

Wes, Northern Range said...

HEY! this is "GENERAL ISSUES" keep the casso v. snyder fight in the right section.

BUT...... I would like to know more about that $350 charge.

So, I guess it is okay.

Gateway News Twitter said...

For a good cause...

Commerce City 27th Annual Pancake Breakfast is 7 to 10 am, May 7, at Commerce City Rec Center, 6060 E Parkway Drive. Cost is $4 at the door.

Anonymous said...

The "intergovernmental manager" is a title that CC made up, therefore you probably won't find anyone named this in other cities.
From my knowledge which is limited, he has a number of duties, including keeping the city appraised of what is going on at the state legislative level.
I have heard he is very good at all duties given to him and well respected metro wide.
Nah sayers, say what you will. If we get someone good you complain, if we get someone not you complain!!

via email said...

GN! Thanks for the follow-up story on Axiom. Goes to show you. It is really not the story, but how you report it.

Pro Casso said...

HA! Read that Team Tracey!
Straight from the horses mouth!

"Rep. Ed Casso attended and covered his own expense."

Team Tracey said...

Yes! Rep. Ed Casso attended and covered his own expense.

said the lobbyist!

gina, cc said...

Why do all gov and policy makers have to have meeting over eating food. why not save the tax payers money and meet at each others offices?

Anonymous said...

the business world have lunch meetings all of the time too. It is just how people in power do business.

In the Know said...

Gateway,
Pull the receipts of Commerce City staff "Lunch Meetings"
Sure they are a higher then a lobbyist!

Anonymous said...

Maybe, hey wasn't our city manager a lobbyist before becoming a city manager?

DeeDee said...

channel 7 story was ridiculous. Not the way to treat people. Gotcha Reporting at its finest.

Thanks Gateway for posting Axiom Response. I am in agreement with them 100%!

Belle Creek Obsever said...

Re: 7news so called 'investigation'

Nice Gateway! A follow up story. Puts it in entire different light!

S.J. said...

I like Micki Hackenberger of Axiom Strategies, this guy hold nothing back and just tells it as it is.
Commerce City should hire him.

Close to the Situation said...

I dont know I think I still have a issue with elected officials in the call7 investigation. I dont trust them. I think they took advantage of a nice lobbyist, think who the hell would ever find out.

FYI said...

lobbyist:
someone who is employed to persuade legislators to vote for legislation that favors the lobbyist's employer.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous thanks for making my point about the "intergovernmental manager". the point being that that CC did make the title up and the job up and you will not find it elsewhere because this role is something usually done by the City Manager or maybe by one of the two assistants elsewhere. I will also tell you that there are just as many people who speak unfavorably of him and his "special abilities".

Q said...

all I learned from the channel 7 news story about Ed Casso and Axiom is that Axiom used poor terminology for the description. It should not have read "mtg with Casso"

Anonymous said...

Way to go Sean Ford! We are all behind you! The City rocked when you were Mayor! We wondered if you were going to run. Good news, for sure.

Common Sense for the Common Good said...

I would like to know if the city did any of the 2011 Citizen Survey in Spanish? Seems like this would be common sense with the city stats coming out with almost half of the city being Hispanic.

Curious in Reunion said...

Sean Ford running for Commerce City mayor. Okay, anyone else running?

Hyde said...

good for ford. at least he got the guts to put himself out there.

A Proud Republican said...

I admire S. Ford for stepping up to the plate. Mayor for a small town is no easy task.

Archer said...

Great Ford is Back, lets get Perry back too!

seriously, lets try and get Perry back.

Wes, Northern Range said...

The Neighborhood Identification Project Lead by Community Enterprise
is a good thing. I just feel a little left out being a resident in the north. Seems like all these little groups like Community Enterprise and the Commerce City Historical Society are only doing things in what is know as Commerce City proper. Don't we have history in the Northern Range? Don't we have Neighborhoods that need Identified?

Anonymous said...

wes,
I think your neighborhoods in the north are already named, such as Reunion, River Run, Turnberry, etc.
I think it is history project to determine the name of the southern or as you call it "proper" Commerce City neighborhoods.

Yuri said...

Yes Wes,
We already have subdivision names up here. Speaking of that, what the hell is a "Turnberry"?

via email said...

dusty,
you keep posting the highlights for the upcoming commerce city council meeting, why would anyone ever go or listen?

pro city 2.0 said...

You should go to council or listen to the Commerce City Council Meetings because it is a lot more then just HIGHLIGHTS!

Ryland said...

so Sean made it official. Why is it so early. It is May, we don't vote until November, right?

Anonymous said...

i thought sean's name was spelled shawn?

Dustin, Gateway News said...

No, the correct spelling is Sean Ford.

King of Olive Street said...

Sean got this one in the bag! Who are the other candidates announcing? Anyone new or the usual suspects?

Belle Creek Obsever said...

Only MAY! There is a LOT of time until November! How we all don't get burnt out on Campaign Talk!

Also, Where were the parents of the kids who had the altercation in Belle Creek?

Anonymous said...

Yee Haw - Sean Ford for Mayor. Sean you are going to need a mighty big broom to clean up the mess Flannery has made of the City and the City Manager Office, but it does need a good sweeping. Please bring this City a manager and direct staff that are qualified, experienced, competent and most important - have INTEGRITY. Sean bring some like minded folks to the Council with you to help push that big old broom.

Anonymous said...

for the record - I don't think Flannery was a lobbyist or a City Manager before he came to CC. He worked for a massive county in Arizona that had a relatively tiny population as an assistant county administrator. This likely meant that he was the guy who had to go to all the functions and meetings the actual administrator didn't want to attend (kind of like the vice president). He WANTS to be a lobbyist is what I've heard, as he openly tells others this - good luck - you have the right moral ideas (none) but you don't have the skills Jerry. I think you would find that Flannery was the least qualified of applicants when he got this job, which is what Natale wanted - someone to push around and bully who will do whatever he is told - a yes man not a City Manaer.

The REAL Core Comments said...

I completely DISAGREE and I will tell you why.
I think Jerry is the one pushing around Council. Everyone has the idea that they have all this power when they get on city council and it is simply just not true. Flannery and Gehler really run the show. As a council member you are only one of nine. Second if you do not like something that is going on, lets say like a business/city agreement that is not being honored. There is really nothing you can do about it as one council member. Think I am not telling the truth? Actually talk to your council member in person and just ask them. It is amazing what information you can get just by asking the right questions.
Bottomline, Jerry and Gehler run the show. Council has their hands tied at many difficult crossroads.

Tough Love said...

Core Comments or the REAL Core Comments makes a good point.

You can't just tell Jerry what to do. Most likely you can't even do it, because there is always a loop hole or some law issue (legally binding type deal)

DO you all think firing the city manager is a viable option? Lets say you are angry over a issue, let it be ANYTHING, your first option better be diplomatic! Getting rid of a city manager says a lot about a city.

It tells other communities that you have dirty laundry and it is out for all the public to see.

It makes a permanent mark on the history books that will never go away, something Commerce City does NOT need anymore of.

Lastly, it SCARES the business sector. Who is their right mind would ever want to do business with a city that is always has city manager issues.

Wes, Northern Range said...

re: tough love

That is only one theory. Another angle, it is common knowledge that City Managers have a rather short tenure with cities. Especially the smaller cities.

Think Commerce City needs to transition Flannery out with someone who can move this city forward.

Curious in Reunion said...

why does the name Marty Flaum ring a bell?

DeeDee said...

love how commerce city staff just assume that all they people they called in their citizen survey were real citizens.

Cheo, Commerce City said...

I understand there is a stigma that if you live in Commerce City you must be illegal and not speak English.
The day that ends is the day Commerce City will finally be taken seriously.

Archer said...

why did Commerce City ask about "Immigration issues" in their Phone Survey? What does that mean?

Belle Creek Obsever (OPINION) said...

here is the issue I have with a Phone Survey. The city calls your house, so they know your name and where you live. Then they ask you if they are doing a good job. Is there any chance that you might tell them they are doing a good job, knowing that they could come to your house and give you a ticket for one six inch weed?

Love the idea, but needs to by anonymous. Is it fair that council gets to Anonymously critique a Appointed council member position or Anonymously evaluate the city manager and city attorney, but the residents are not afforded the same privilege?

To be clear, I think surveys are great, but if you really want to know what people think, they need to be alone in a room or given the option to tell their true feelings in a safe place with no fear of retaliation.

pro city 2.0 said...

Let me be Clear! Commerce City is NOT in the business of selective enforcement or retaliation!

Anonymous said...

WHOA! are you saying selective enforcement maybe an issue in Commerce City?! I am SHOCKED!

Belle Creek Obsever said...

great video about belle creek stabbing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNYuSHk6S_c

Wes, Northern Range said...

kids in belle creek were just rehearsing West Side Story Production and it got out of hand.

Anonymous said...

Stabbing in North furthers the idea that we need a rec center or something for the north kids to do. To keep out of trouble.

Anonymous said...

Tough Love, I am sorry, but your premise about city managers is not accurate. Most city managers stay a number of years and move on. City managers and cities negociate these things all of the time. It doesn't necessarily mean anything negative. Just the city or manager moving in different directions. The only reason that it would "scare" the business sector is if the city itself is unstable.

Anonymous said...

I would vote for Sean Ford in a heartbeat! Reading about his campaign and that he is running will not burn me out. I think he was a great mayor and feel like things are really looking up.

Anonymous said...

Gateway, I heard this weekend that the city's reserves are gone. Is this true?

Anonymous said...

Bet Jim Benson is going to run.

pro city 2.0 said...

Commerce City reserves are NOT GONE! Give me a Break!

Anonymous said...

I have to say I thought there would be some anti-Ford comments. None so far. A little bit shocking.

Unitas said...

I would like to see who else is running before I make my decision. Also, would like to hear about what candidate Ford has to sell us as his plan. Residents have clearly stated that Economic Development is the number one priority.

Vikki, Commerce City said...

Unitas,
That is only fair. I would expect that out of any responsible voter. I am not saying Sean is not the best candidate, but I would like everyone for a change vote on the issues and not just because you are friends or family of the candidate. Something Commerce City is notorious for. I over heard a sad conversation today that a person will not run because they know they can't beat Sean Ford. Not because of anything else but his name.

Ford for Mayor 2011! said...

I can sum up ford in one sentence.

You get what what you see.

No games, No taking things personal. It will be refreshing!

Anonymous said...

whatever. You all sure ford can't walk on water too?

Anonymous said...

Ford for Mayor, are you kidding???
I know the Ford clam well. The are infamous for what they take and what they think the citiens/government owe them.
It will be same ole same ole if he gets in.
Sad

Anonymous said...

Sean was a city employee in the street department. He knows that he doesn't know everything and respects the staff. the current mayor thinks he knows everything and so does the City Manager and his hoard of assistants. Sean will bring back some sense of integrity and sanity to the City Manager Office, but he will need help - so I encourage others who think a change is good to run for office! I will be announcing soon also.

Also In the Know said...

about time there is at least one anti-ford comment. I was getting worried.

Anonymous said...

"infamous for what they take and what they think the citiens/government owe them"

GN-Anyway you can pull what current mayor spent on national and international trips on the city dime compared to the previous mayor?

Vikki, Commerce City said...

it is true people would be crazy to run against Ford for mayor.
As long as Ford does not say or do anything really crazy, he will be our next mayor.

Call your Mother, it is Mothers Day!

A. Church, Commerce City Resident said...

My first comment, so be gentle.

I like the "Commerce City citizen or more to the fact resident survey". It is good that the city is doing this.
I would like to know the cost if any, or is the city finally doing projects in house.
Second, and this might be the most important question the city can ask.

Ask the residents, DO YOU WANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE CITY.

I see the city asks a lot of question about the knowledge the citizens/residents have, they never ask if they really want to know.

This may sound strange a first, but there are a lot of people who just don't really care about what the city does, as long as they have trash pickup, okay streets to drive on (including winter time) and Police Protection, all the rest falls in the category of WHO CARES.
This is not "sad" or "irresponsible" It is just the cold hard truth!

Anyone else who disagrees with me or has a point view that is different I would like to learn from you.

Wes, Northern Range said...

church (interesting name)
I find that those who really want information will go out to seek it. It is not like the information is hard to get, Especially these days.
I also, know for a FACT that people will not get involved in local city government until something affects them personally. I call it the "In my backyard" phenomenon. Case in point would be Reunion and NASCAR, now it is the Reserves (Buffalo Run Golf Residents) and the cheap housing that is coming. Another is the Pit Bull people, one more is the street lights and crime in the south people.
It is not that they don't care, just not a big deal until it hits their backyard.

TOWNIE Elections City said...

to Church,
Nice point, Also true, is that in Commerce City (small town) People will vote on the candidate if they are only friends and family. It is like a verizon network. No one really votes on the persons political talking points.
these so called "forums" we seem to have every year are a complete waste of time.
Just the some old suspects coming out to show support for their friends and family.

Commerce City is a "TOWNIE Elections City"

Anonymous said...

your right Church,
Look at what started the CARZ Club in Commerce City.

Hyde said...

god I feel like I am in a classroom!
Nice theories.

Anonymous said...

GN, maybe you should research what the past mayor and current mayor spent of the city tax dollars on trips.(As suggested national as well as international.)
That should include ALL costs the city covered for each mayor.

Anonymous said...

I thought the mayor is term limited.
We should be looking at Ford, what he stands/stood for, and any new candidate that runs against him.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone really beieve the lobby firm when it comes to those investigated legislators? I dont think Channel 7 would waste its time with the story if there were not something going on! Of coarse they are going to say the story was wrong! They are, after all, the lobby firm for Pennacol! It isnt the first time Casso has been in trouble- anyone remember last year when he shamed himself and his District? And Terrance Carroll had to take his position away from him on Vetrans Affairs? Nobody is going to convince us that Casso is good for any of us! We say GO Tracey!

Yuri said...

I would like to know more about the veterans affairs story and Ed Casso

PRO CITY said...

Commerce City Mayor is Term Limited.
The positions that are coming up are the Mayor, 2 at-large, Ward 2 and Ward 4 all in Commerce City.

Tossing around Idea of Running said...

I remember in high school, my teacher told me their are no dumb questions, so I am going to ask and hope people dont make fun of me.

How do you become mayor (what is required)? How do you become a council member (again, what is required)? How long can you be on city council?

I hear a lot about you have to be a 'townie' or be promoted by a 'townie' to get in, like a good old boys club.

Anonymous said...

NOT Dumb Questions at ALL!
Good Information that should be out for all residents.
GN, you want to respond?

Dustin, Gateway News said...

I would like to talk to the cities first, to verify that I am giving out the correct information. Then yes we will post on websites and print in the old fashion dead tree form.

Belle Creek Obsever said...

God, it is so early to have people announcing their candidacy. It is only MAY!

Anonymous said...

I heard that Ford's kickoff was at the tailfeather's bar.
Why does that seem so appropriate for the image of CC.
Definately classy

Anonymous said...

Mary Flaum was the former county commissioner

Wes, Northern Range said...

Westminster has a mall that is a basic ghost town. Yet they seem to be able to get a plan in place to make it like Belmar in Lakewood. Why does Commerce City lack this ability with the area around Dicks Sporting Goods Park?
I know for a fact that it did not take Westminster years to plan this.
Why can't we copy what is working for other cities?
Another question would be the new Recreation Center in the city of Brighton. With less budget and less people, how are they able to build a second recreation center?

In the Know said...

The new Brighton Rec. Center is a public-private partnership venture

Hyde said...

think grants played a big part in brighton rec center too.
gn-story on grants grated to brighton v. comm city v. thornton would be interesting.

Irene, CC said...

Any resident can run for commerce city council! you dont have to be part of a group! this is not high school! Please, you you have the willingness to run, go for it! it is the American way!

Not one, just a question said...

can felons run for city council?

Archer said...

Sure Felons can RUN for City Council. As long as they are not incarcerated.

Anonymous said...

Also, I believe they can not be on Parole either, GN, you might want to check that out.

Anonymous said...

Wes you are wrong. I heard the mayor of Wesminster Nancy McNally state that this redo of Wesminster Mall took the city 10 years to get through. I dare you to contact her and ask.
The "2nd" rec center in Brighton also was in the planning for at least 8yrs.
Brighton being the county seat gets advantages of some business (yes that helps there economy)
You are full of "facts" many of which are incorrect.
Like others I challange you to get involved in other ways than on the blog.
Run for an office.

Anonymous said...

Yes we are not in High School any longer. Our city is growing up.
You don't have to be a "townie".
If you have the ability why not run. God knows we need good people.

Yuri said...

Great photos of fire, good to hear, there were no injuries. Including the animals.

Belle Creek Obsever said...

GN-how much did CC spend on Citizen Survey from Corona Inights?

Wes, Northern Range said...

So, how many yeas has the Dick Sporting Goods area been in planning stage?

Anonymous said...

Dicks Sporting Goods surrounding area was "given" by contract to be developed by Kronke, that was approx. 6yrs ago.

Anonymous said...

Atta boy! Adams 14! Great news on csaps.

Ryland said...

Boy with new survey results out I feel like I live in a whole new city.

Pro city 2.0 said...

Great news about CSAPs for both of our school districts.

Anonymous said...

isn't it interesting. anything that CC is involved in that can be turned negative is reported in your yellow journal.BUT when a great negative story comes out on Brighton, it is not even mentioned. What a surpirse.

Gateway News said...

Anonymous,
Can you please provide specific examples of what you are talking about?

Anonymous said...

yes, gateway
like your story on the walmart on 60th with the eye doctor and the nursing home scandal.

Gateway News said...

Those were not our stories, those were channel 7 and channel 9 stories.

But thank you for your concerns.

In the future if you have any issue with facts that are reported please let us know the correct facts right away so we can get the correct information out to the public.

Gateway News Twitter said...

9NEWS: "Adams 14 aims to get rid of superintendent"...

http://tinyurl.com/3vade5e

Wes, Northern Range said...

I don't get way Adams 14 wants to get rid of superintendent. the CSAP scores were just reported yesterday as going up. Aren't they on the right track?

Wes
27J Parent

King of Olive Street said...

hey didnt school district #14 just fire the last superintendent?

http://youtu.be/WcgXSb2FZrk

Archer said...

why can't Adams County School District 14 do what School District 27J is doing and phase out the superintendent with its replacement?

Anonymous said...

D14 has history of weird exits for their superintendent!
The Commerce City, Colo., school board on Sept. 9 fired veteran Supt. John Lange on a 3-2 vote.

Vikki, Commerce City said...

great video of the last poor d#14guy-
http://youtu.be/WcgXSb2FZrk

Anonymous said...

I thought everything was fine at Adams 14

LW said...

maybe they can bring John Lange back

King of Olive Street said...

CSAP are up in Adams 14, Why make a change?
Maybe Vashaw can start another blog and tell us what is going on.

Belle Creek Obsever said...

RE: Adams 14 aims to get rid of superintendent

so how much does a settlement cost?

Anonymous said...

Maybe Superintendent Dr. Susan Chandler got a better job, ever think of that?

Anonymous said...

"begin negotiations with Dr. Chandler to potentially reach a separation agreement"

So is this a 2 way street? Or is she being pushed out? why? reasons?

Ryland said...

9 news makes it sound like there is something going on by reporting that school district members are not say why

Ollie said...

Nice call
GN twittered an exit strategy months ago! Why is it coming up now?

Anonymous said...

It is a difficult job.

In the Adams 14 school district that includes Commerce City, nearly one in five adult residents – or 17 percent – have less than a 9th-grade education.

Adams 14, for example, had the lowest level of adults aged 25 and over with bachelor’s degrees – 7 percent – among school districts statewide. It also has the highest poverty rate of any sizable Colorado school district with 8 of 10 students qualifying for federal lunch aid, 10 percent of its students are classified as homeless and 45 percent of residents speak a language other than English at home.

Stella, Comm City said...

I found this on the internet doing some research on the Nursing Home in Commerce City

Adams County Nursing Home Investigated
CALL7 Investigators Find Lack of Food, Poor Sanitation, Inadequate Supervision

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/call7investigators/25553829/detail.html

Curious in Reunion said...

any link between Adams 14 aims to get rid of superintendent and this:
http://www.9news.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=150099&catid=346

In the Know said...

CSAP in #14 were up this year, but in 2010 in was a different story.

Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) scores released on August 10, 2010, by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) show that Adams 14’s overall test scores declined by 2.2%.
“We are disappointed with any decline in overall student performance,” said Superintendent Sue Chandler, “and we are redoubling our efforts to improve the quality of instruction in all Adams 14 schools.”

Anonymous said...

Why is everything in the schools so heavily based on csap scores?

I dont think Chandler getting ready to leave has anything to do with csap.

BOTTOM LINE! said...

The statement sent to staff Tuesday night said Chandler would "continue implementation of the Adams 14 Strategic Plan until further notice."

Bottom Line!

King of Olive Street said...

GN twitterd this last year,

Adams #14 Board of Education to Recommend to Direct District Counsel to Initiate Superintendent’s Exit Strategy for May 11th BOE meeting.
May 10th, 2010

What took so long for it to come up again?

Curious in Reunion said...

"begin negotiations with Dr. Chandler to potentially reach a separation agreement"

Would this break a contract?

Belle Creek Obsever said...

why did commerce city wait so long to extend United Power, Excel franchise agreements?

Vikki, Commerce City said...

got this from another blog:
A terminally ill school district that keeps paying off bad superintendents to get rid of them, this makes 2 in a row! How do the taxpayers of Commerce City like their education money going to paying off bad hiring decisions by the board of education? It's a crime, no wonder their educational program is so inferior, all their money goes to "separation agreements". What a travesty!

LW said...

Colorado is AT-WILL state, why dont they just fire her? Like they did to John Lange?

Vikki, Commerce City said...

Also got this from another blog at Channel 9:
We need to really work on our image issue:
We need an "exit strategy" to get rid of Commerce City. That dump reeks of pollution and is 2nd only to Aurora for the criminals it produces.

pro city 2.0 said...

why does 9 news let people attack Commerce City is such a hurtful way?

Estelle Remington said...

About one week ago, Eagle Creek Subdivision received it's Property Tax notices. Our tax notices went up by about 25.7% or almost $50,000 in one year. The first thing we did was hire an appraiser and have a certified appraisal completed. Our appraiser had our appraisal done in one week which we took right down to the Adams County office. I am one month out of major surgery and pushed myself to go down to the office. I was just shaking. Our actual Adams County appraisal was $71,000 dollars less than we were being taxed for property tax. When, we got to the office, they said it was all just a big mistake and in fact our house had dropped another $28,000 in value in one tax period. In 2008, it had dropped about $30,000 when the markets fell. Thus, from 2008 to 2010 we have lost about $58,000 on our house value in Eagle Creek. But, we are still better off than our neighbors as we put a lump sum down on our mortgage. However, in ten years, we still have only about $40,000 of current value paid on our house and I put $50,000 down on it and we put in another $50,000 in upgrades. We will never profit from the money invested in our home purchase in Eagle Creek. If, we would have to rebuild our house it would cost $40,000 dollars more than it is worth. The entire Eagle Creek subdivision will receive revised property tax statements within these next few weeks. It was all just a big mistake and you can bet your house values have gone way down.

Erin NW said...

yeah Phish concert!

Anonymous said...

I see that the Gateway has not bothered to go after the ugly story about the Brighton Council member.( Channel 7 investagates 5-10-11.)
I bet if this was about a Commerce City council persone it would be "front page" info.
Guess the fact is Gateway loves to slam Commerce City and protect Brighton.

Anonymous said...

Last night at the Adams 14 board meeting they did an exit plan for the Superintendant. Wow you should have been there. Old Lewis was down right her arrogant self. The community and students really came out strong. Then I was at the ROTC awards ceremony, isn't it something Herring had all the board members assist with handing out the awards except for Mr. Quintana. COULD THIS BE HE IS CHOSING SIDES WITH LEWIS AND DR. SUSAN CHANDLER! By this blatant display he was the only board member not to hand out awards. SHAME SHAME SHAME ON YOU HERRING. Is this what happens when you do what is right for the students of Adams 14 and not the administration. Mr. Quintana has worked tiringly for this community and students along with Vashaw, Schimpf.

Anonymous said...

School Dist 14 is a mess. The teachers are miserable, the kids are miserable and the parents are miserable. Read the last article about Adams City High School in the HUB just a couple of weeks ago.

Yuri and Marcus said...

a little expensive, but I will be attending the phish concert at DSG!

Hyde said...

GREAT JOB CC ON GETTING PHISH!

Gateway News said...

Thank you for the story link of Brighton City Council member Chris Maslanik. We can only report what we know.

Curious in Reunion said...

dusty, heard you knew about Phish concert in Commerce City a while ago.
True?

Dustin, Gateway News said...

The Phish rumor came across the Gateway News Blog on March 3rd. I did ask the city if they had any communication with AEG or any promoter about a possible Memorial Day Phish Concert... The story died off.

I am very Happy that the promoters, Dicks Sporting Goods Park and Commerce City made this happen.

JMan in CC said...

i'm happy too, its no MHMF but it is something to do in the area this summer! great for CC!

Gateway News Twitter said...

7NEWS: "BRIGHTON - Councilman Ran On Restoring Trust, Charged With Felony"...

http://tinyurl.com/3co7996

Phish Fan (jenny) said...

LOVE the PHISH NEWS!
Exciting for Commerce City!

Estelle Remington said...

Once again this summer, Adams #14 School District will facilitate food services for indigent children and their families paid for by the United States Government food service programs. Indigent Children and their families can get free breakfast and lunch at Adams City High School, Dupont and Central Schools. Those over 18 years pay $1.50 for breakfast and $2.50 for lunch. Adams #14 says that this is because children need food to learn. During the school year, Adams #14 provides about 70 to 75% of it's students with free or reduced-cost meals and through a $5,000 Grant from QWest provides Backpack meals to School Children over School weekends. Which, one can guess that other family members partake of as well.

In an article in the Gateway News by Kathy McIntyre, Colorado's largest population density is in the metro Denver area and Adams County with 242,466 unemployed and 458,319 receiving food stamps so they can eat. So, why is this Federal Food program so important to Adams #14 each year? Commerce City's latest census shows that our population has doubled in these past ten years, that our Hispanic population is 47% in CC.

Adams #14 School District is largely funded by the "Oct. Count" Money received from the State for each student that attends their school district. With 7,500 students enrolled and about $6,500 for each child that amounts to about $48,750,000 per school year. So, Adams #14 can not afford to lose even one student in their district. If, these indigent children and their families have to move back to Mexico or out of district in these hard economic times it could negatively effect their school budget. So, they have to feed these poorer families over the summer months or they may lose them to another district. Of course, this is all at the expense of the American Taxpayers!

Moreover, Colorado legislators want to pass HR 1214 which would "construct school clinics to provide preventive primary and dental care and mental-health services. (What ever that means.) May 8, 2011, Denver Post. All one has to do to receive this free health care is to become a student in Colorado's schools. Therefore, future free medical services will be tied not to Social Services but to K-12 education enrollments "which comprises 43 percent of the general fund." " A federal law change allows those already on free and reduced-price school lunches and supplemental nutrition programs to automatically qualify for some State Medicare Aid." All one has to do to register is use a home computer. In 2006, "The legislature passed a bill largely prohibiting the expenditure of taxpayers money on illegal immigrants." This new health care for students will completely circumvent whether a student and/or their family is here illegally or not. Jan. 23, 2011, Denver Post

Gateway News Twitter said...

Commerce City - ACHS principal, Wesley Paxton has resigned...

http://tinyurl.com/3f3sogd

Zeek said...

GN-SO SO SO Happy you post the news about Phish. I WILL BE THERE FOR SURE!

Close to the Situation said...

Adams District 14 is a "culture of fear and paranoia"
Administration didn't respond to concerns and fostered an atmosphere of intimidation.

Archer said...

Okay I guess I will ask the obvious question,

Is the Wes Paxton resignation and the Sue Chandler "exit strategy" in any way "linked"?

«Oldest ‹Older   1 – 200 of 383   Newer› Newest»