Endorse any of the 2011 candidates or ballot initiatives. Tell everyone why your guy or ballot measure is the best and why. If you are confused about how to post on the blog or feel more comfortable e-mailing me your endorsement. please do so and we will post it for you.
E-mail: dustin.mcintyre@yahoo.com Dustin McIntyre, Gateway News and www.gatewaynews.org
*In general, an opinion is a subjective belief, and is the result of emotion or interpretation of facts. An opinion may be supported by an argument, although people may draw opposing opinions from the same set of facts.
396 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 396 of 396Response to Anonymous Sept. 22: It’s my understanding that Sumner actually has her Phd, and is on numerous boards and councils in Commerce City. Don’t knock an adjunct; from what I’ve read, Sumner is a by far the best candidate for Ward 2. She has my vote!!
My vote goes to Steve Douglas, at large candidate for cc council. He has the heart, common sense and experience to help the people of Commerce City. He is a hardworking and honest man who is not afraid to speak his mind. He has earned the respect of many as he has done a great job with the boards that he has been on. He is also a devoted husband and is the best father I have ever seen. Whoever wrote that he is trying to say he brought King Soopers to Commerce City just doesn't know Steve. He is a humble and generous man who would never take credit for anything he did not do. I have heard him say many, many times that he is so excited that Shea and King Soopers finally got the King Soopers store off and running to the finish line. He has often said that King Soopers has been a wonderful employer and that he looks forward to all the jobs it will afford the people in Commerce City and how great their services and groceries are. Whoever wrote about him negatively on this blog just doesn't know him very well at all. In fact, that person sounded extremely arrogant and condescending. For the record, Steve worked at King's at night so he could go to all of his children's school and other events but changed to days so that he will be available to attend council meetings.My vote goes to Steve Douglas, a man of vision, courage and integrity.
Yes - great for her Phd - not that hard to do really these days if you can afford the time and money to just keep going to school -again what is her real life experience, so much that she is an adjunct professor at Metro State (you have to put things in perspective). I am sure she can read and write and that is about it (although perhaps ahead of some of the others running currently in that regard)! I am sure she is a great person - I am just saying having a Phd - doesn't make you automatically qualified for a Council seat.
We,a group of seniors in Commerce City, are backing Tracey Snyder. We know her. We believe in her. She really loves her City and loves us, and we feel the same about her!
I say ward 2 watch out or you'll end up with Mr B again.
Too many people running (which says something about our wards satisfaction with Benson).
The large number could easily split up the vote and cause Mr. B to get in by default ( name recognition).
I hope everyone gets together to support one basic candidate.
I can't stand another term with Benson at the helm (hot air and his know it all atitude).
I'll try and get my dates strait. I think it was the spring budget of 2010? Dr Chandler, Jennette Lewis and Bill Klocker wanted to lay off and fire 70 people from Adams 14 to balance the budget. Robert Vashaw sent out a email asking how many Adams 14 employees could be saved if they cut the pay of the Superintendent and all administration? Hillary Bryant The Wife of school board candidate Michael Bryant went on Ch 8 and ripped Robert, Larry and Adrian for trying to save the staff and not have 40 kids in each classroom!!!!!!! That didn't happen because some one wanted our students to have a better education. Thanks Guys. So that means Bill Klocker and Michael Bryant are only running for the BOE to protect their wives JOBS. NOT THE JOBS OF THE TECHERS!!!!! Why didn't the teachers support Klocker? They must know something. Please vote for LARRY, Anita and one other person besides Klocker and Bryant!!!!!! please save the kids not the administration.
M, Adams 14 graduate and parent of 2 Adams 14 students.
A VOTE FOR QUINTANA IS A VOTE FOR
THE FUTURE 0F THE STUDENTS
VOTE VOTE VOTE
QUINTANA
PLEASE VOTE M&M "MARY MORTON"
SHE BELIEVES IN OUR KIDS.
NOT JUST HER OWN
REMEMBER ANITA MERCADO
SHE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU
AND YOUR STUDENTS
REMEMBER VOTE FOR ANITA MERCADO
Let me make this as simple as I can!
The Adams14 School Board members need to only do 2 things and 2 things only!
Number 1- Every decision that they make they need to ask themselves- Is this good for the children?
Number 2- FOLLOW THE BOARD POLICIES! Simple.
There has been more and more challenges with the second item then ever before in the history of the school district.
Klocker is the better choice, why? Simple because he follows the 2 simple things. That is the bottom line, that is what the parents and voters need to know.
I am supporting Klocker wholly.
He will captain us through the next four years and will make a great School Board President.
My D14 Support.
Robert Vashaw was RIGHT to ask! How many could be saved if we all just chipped in a little bit.
Makes sense in this economy.
My vote is going to Larry Q.
I think the board seats should go to Larry Quintana because he truely wants whats best for the kids in the community and he will always listen. Mary Morton because after talking to her, she seems to want the same things for the kids that I want. And Anita Mercado because you always see her in the community and no she will help with anything so I'm sure this will carry over to her position on the board. Klocker I see on channel 8 and I think it's time for him to look for other ways to spend his time. I never see the other 3 candidates around and don't no who they are.
FOP Lodge 28 Brother Joe Sandoval is running for City Council at-large in Commerce City in the November 2011 election. Joe has 16 years experience with Commerce City PD as an officer and sergeant, and serves currently as a Criminal Investigator with the Division of Gaming. Joe holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
Simply Put,
What are you talking about? What makes you think that if Klocker gets in he would be the next board president?
You have to be out of your mind!
anonymous to: SIMPLY PUT
FOLLOW THE BOARD POLICIES: results
not happening.
ASK YOUR SELF IS IT BEST FOR THE CHILDREN: results not happening.
SIMPLE FOLLOW THE BOARD POLOCIES:
results not happening.
What else do you have in your bag to pull out. We need people who can think on there own and do what is right. NOT WHAT LEWIS DICTATES THROUGH HER HER SIDEKICK Chandler.
Vote who is not rubber stamping everything. Again vote for KIDS FIRST! VOTE KIDS FIRST qUINTANA, MORTEN, MERCADO.
good news if you are running against Ford, Elliott, or Teter.
FOP is supporting them. FOP does not support the winners
District 32
Council member Moreno has served in Washington D.C. and has more experience than Ms. Synder even though she has served 8 years on council. He is moving up to where the greater need is for his service and expertise. One can not call this bailing when there are several good people to take his council seat but only a few qualified to serve in District 32. It is called serving where the greatest need is.
CONGRATULATIONS TO STEVE DOUGLAS! He was endorsed by the FOP!
Ward 2,
Lets all Pull Together and Vote for Madson! We can not afford another 4 years of Benson!
Please VOTE Kim Madson for WARD 2!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know Dominick Moreno (Ward 1) has announced that he wants to be the next HD32 rep. for Colorado.
But I am still firmly standing behind Tracey Snyder.
I do not like people bailing on commitments.
To "Seen on TV" interseting name,
What do you say to the fact that Snyder did not hold her "commitment" to the Republican Party?
What do you say that Snyder did the exact same thing that Moreno is doing when she was only 2 years in when she ran against Casso as a Republican?
Okay for Snyder but not for Moreno?
Not Fair, you can't have a double standard. Too many of those already in Commerce City.
I can appreciate the drive for the Measure 3D (increase mill levy)
But, no I can't handle any increase on anything. Times are tough. I just refinanced. It is just a bad time. I would say maybe after the economy recovers. Maybe 2 years.
Vote Kristine Sumner for Ward II City Council. I have been her neighbor for years and have been very impressed with her experience and her insight.
Klocker for president?! Really?! Obviously you havent attended a meeting to see actual D14 staff look away at the fact he can barely read!!! That's showing the exact kind of education our kids will get with Klocker in the hot seat!
Guess Chandler will step up and take over his puppet strings!
Steve Douglas has proven that he will always speak with his convictions while at the same time, keeping his composure and respect for other's opinions. Even if people disagree with his opinions, they all respect him. He has courage and integrity. Plus, as others have already said, he really is the nicest guy and can work with anyone.
When is Lewis leaving the Adams 14 board? A few weeks? It can't be soon enough. What a mess she has made of the district.
Kristy Sumner for Ward I! A bright, committed and knowledgeable candidate.
To be real,
I want a candidate that will listen to the people and then translate what they heard to action. They are there as the voice of the people. Not for their own agenda.
I still don't know who I am supporting, but they have to a good listener and then act on that information gathered.
This could be good for ward one!
Lets all vote for Crystal Elliott, and Gene Leffel all of us and then when Domnick Moreno win the house seat, the Commerce City Council can appoint Jeannette Lewis.
We would then have 3 reps. from ward one!
Oh and by the way,
Mrs. Jeannette Lewis has done nothing but good for this community including the school district and housing!
When D14 gets their act together and finally decide to make the old ACHS site into a large middle School. I for one will push to name it Jeannette Lewis Middle School!
I know some of you laugh and I know who you are. But I am damn serious!
Both Moreno and Tracy are going to have a tough time getting people to vote for them.
Either way, I think whoever is successful will win the seat in Adams County.
Tracy still has to explain why she flipped from a R to a D.
Moreno has to explain fully why he is abandoning his Commerce City ward 1 seat.
Should be interesting. Look for them to play the political game.
Both are very good at being politicians.
D14 VOTE for QQQQQQQQ! Can't go wrong!
Jim said Joe was a police officer for a long time...lets not forget why he is not with their department anymore. Crystall Elliott and Steve Douglas are by far the best at large candidates. They are strong enough to make things happen, this is really true with Sean Ford as Mayor.
"FOP Lodge 28 Brother Joe Sandoval is running for City Council at-large in Commerce City in the November 2011 election." and the COMMERCE CITY Lodge 19 isn't endorsing him...hmm
Hmmm that is interesting. I heard lodge 19 is endorsing Sean, Crystal, Rick and Steve(needs verified)
I say let Moreno go to the house. Good ridden. Then council can appoint Leffel or Farlin, at least they want to represent our city.
Lets be positive now, LET'S ALL STAND UP AND VOTE FOR QUINTANA. You know he's the one for the job.
He works well with the public and the parents and the students.
When people qoute items wrong he tries to bring in the correct definition to things. He's not arguemenative, but looks for a way to settle things as peacably as possible.
VOTE FOR QUINTANA
He's FOR KIDS FIRST
Moreno is too young and inexperienced to take on the House 32 job.
Tracey has a ton more experience then Moreno does.
Moreno needs to stay in his ward 1 seat and gain the experience that you can only get by living it.
You can't assume you are better at leading just because you went to some fancy overpriced East coast University or from some books.
I am voting for Tracey because she has put in the years and years and years of time.
In good time, maybe Moreno would be a good CO house rep. But, He has to EARN IT!
looks like we need to vote in both the Adams 14 School Board incumbents back into office.
looks like to me it would be the ultimate checks and balance choice.
Very Smart thinking DR! I am impressed!
click here for the Joe sandoval story
but never charged. so a non-issue.
I agree with DR (parent in d14)
Lets vote in the 2 incumbents so there is not one dominant one way of thinking.
For those of you who have not talked to Steve Douglas in a while, I suggest you do.
He is well spoken and has a good platform.
I would suggest anyone who has a slot open on their at-large choice to vote for Steve Douglas.
Good Family man with a lot to offer.
I refuse to go back to the old days. I am voting for R. Toavs for mayor.
Say what you will but it is the right choice.
PLEASE vote Toavs for Commerce City Mayor in November!
I will vote for Toavs also. It is my vote against Ford.
It won't stop the monster machine, but I will at least have my voice.
R. Toavs for mayor?
Yes a lawful honest man with impeccable integrity.
Toavs a lawful man? When was the last time felony chagres were leveled against him....weeks or months?
Joe Sandoval was charged and plead guilty to a DWAI. It is an issue...a cop who gets in trouble for doing what he has been taking other peoples freedom away for doing.
The good news is CCPD had enough integrity to get rid of the bad apple. I dont want my city council rep getting press for a DWAI, I would prefer it be for something postive.
The reason Joe got a DWAI plea was because they offer that to anyone on a first time charge. His BAC was over .08, making it a DUI.
Stats show that a person who gets caught once, has driven drunk 600+ times previous.
here is the story where he gets charged
I apologize, Please try to re-post, the link in not working.
Joe gets charged here
This issue with Sandoval came up last time too.
There is a comment in this section that will be posted as soon as we verify the contents. Thank you for your patience.
I think this is the article people are referring too
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/jan/03/police-sergeant-gets-dui-summons/
help pass Prop 103:
Proposition 103 is Colorado’s only chance to stop irresponsible and short-sighted cuts to our schools, colleges and universities.
www.greatfuturescolorado.org/prop103
2011 Candidates
I know before I get this written there will be some remark about who I would support. Everyone of us needs to research personally who we plan on voting for. I wait until after all the Forums and listen to what everyone has to say before I decide. I support certain people because I have personally talked to them and looked at their records of service. I know first hand that the schools on the East Coast are tough! Thank God, we still have freedom of choice in America. It only takes one devastating vote to pull a city or country down. Time of service means little and age means even less, young or old, it is the level of service and commitment to the people that one brings to any position. Support who you will, but, don't belittle another's choice. Give reasons why you would vote for one or the other but don't attack the voter!
NO on JOE SANDOVAL!
Joe forgets to mention in his bio that he was fired from Commerce City Police Department for being arrested and charged with DUI resulting in an accident.
Joe couldn't even get endorsed by the FOP Lodge that he belonged to for 16 years.
On his website Joe uses an on-duty female uniformed Commerce City Police officer with a marked patrol as a picture. Is that allowed by the City? Is the City endorsing Joe? Way to go Chief of Police!
Seems like a misuse of our taxpayer dollars if police are campainging and not patrolling. Gil M.
I support the FOP's endorsememts of Sean Ford, Jim Benson, Chrystal Elliot, Steve Douglas, and Rick Teter.
Notice Joe Sandoval did not get the FOP's endorsement of which he was a member of.
JOe Sandoval will not answer important questions.
I have asked numerous questions on his web page and he answered one in private, removed my posts and then blocked me from making comments or asking questions. What is he hiding? I was told he has said he wanted this position so he could get back at the city for firing him......Answer Mr. Sandoval!
Jose Cardena-Cardena
My name is Joe Sandoval and I am a candidate for City Council At Large. I grew up in Commerce City and was hired as a police officer in 1993. I held that position until I was promoted in 2005 to sergeant. During my tenure, I was heavily involved in community-based programs and worked endlessly to help the community that I grew up in and loved.
In December 2008, I was involved in a DUI-related accident (single car, no other property damaged and no one else involved). All charges were dropped and I pled to a DWAI--I did not lose my license or serve any type of probation.
As a sergeant, I held my officers accountable at all times. I expected nothing less from myself. I took full responsibility for my actions and was held accountable (as I should have been). This action, my action, resulted in me losing my dream job--a job I truly loved.
This incident occurred three years ago. So much has happened since that time. When I left the department, I maintained a positive relationship with the Chief and other members of the police department. I continued my studies in my Master's program and in fact, for my Master's Thesis, I chose a project in the police department that was designed to better serve the citizens of Commerce City.
I completed my Master's degree in Public Administration, then was hired as a Criminal Investigator with the State of Colorado, which is where I am currently employed.
No one is questioning my performance as a police officer or what I did with and for this community that I served. The only focus is on my DUI. I do not downplay the seriousness of it, but this incident does not define my character and has only strengthened my resolve in serving my community.
If anyone would like to contact me directly and talk about the issues affecting Commerce City and my plan as a Councilmember, please feel free to email me at jsandoval4c3atlarge@hotmail.com. Thank you.
Joe faced the music and got my respect. By the way, my name is Wes, I live in the N. Range.
Joe Sandoval is getting my vote!
Got to love how negative campaigning backfires.
I love that this guy Sandoval answered his attackers. Shows courage.
Hell, we all make mistakes. I say lets hear him out.
I am voting for Steve Douglas for one of my at large positions.
I am still undecided on the other.
GN,
Do any of the candidates have criminal records the voters should know about. I read about Joe's, what about others.
I also admire Joe for facing the attackers. Shows character.
I am completely undecided in all my candidate choice.
Mere fact that there are so many of them.
Yes. We are working on it.
I am think the way they attacked the Sandoval candidate there was something more to the story!
Damn, People need to drink some damn Chamomile tea!
Vote Crystal and Gene!
Two individuals that will take this city to new heights.
Both will be Dedicated to Progress.
As a Brighton High School graduate and now the parent of a student in the Brighton schools, I recognize the importance of my child having the opportunities I had when I was a student. I am concerned when I see the pupil funding in our school district. How can we possibly expect to educate any child for $53 a year? We have the lowest funding per student of all 15 metro area school districts. To me, this is unacceptable!
During the past three years the District has had to make many cuts to maintain a balanced budget. The District has eliminated teaching positions that in turn is cause for increased class sizes. Our kids cannot have their learning needs met in large classes. Support staff has been cut and that, too, directly affects the classroom. I disagree with our teachers continually having their salaries frozen. How can we attract or retain the best teachers? I was fortunate to have many great teachers while a student in the District and feel a great teacher in every classroom is the best assurance of a quality education.
So many programs have already been lost and we are unable to offer the best learning programs because of financial constraints. I remember beginning band in fifth grade. That is no longer available to our fifth graders. We had nurses in our schools and that is not the case now. We have a need for foreign language education beginning at the elementary level if we are to compete in a global economy. Our students would greatly benefit with having the International Baccalaureate program in our district. Programs cost money and we don’t have money to provide our children with that same quality of education I feel I was fortunate to have.
The District 27J Board of Education is asking the voters to pass a mill levy override to help replace the funds we have lost from the state. We have had only one very small levy override passed in the history of the District. It is time for the voters in our District to step up and do the right thing. This is a small increase in property taxes, but a big increase in supporting our children. The proposed mill levy will add about $100 annually to the property tax of an owner of a home valued at $200,000. For less than $9 a month, we can make a tremendous difference in the quality of education for our children.
We have long been proud of the schools in our District and have taken pride in the academic achievement of our young people. Now is the time for us to support the mill levy override and continue the tradition of support for our students.
VOTE YES ON 3D.
Nicole Huerta
Brighton
Living in Commerce City for 32 years, maybe more then most of you. I can tell you Commerce City is a city of second chances.
I have no problem with making mistakes in life. We all have times in all of our lives where we made some bad choices.
How we hold ourselves accountable will define who we are.
I am voting for Gene Leffel and Ricky Teter and Sean Ford. My second choice for the second At-Large seat is still up in the air.
I am looking forward to the Oct forum by the Commerce City Business and Professional Association.
Joe Sandoval,
My name is Tina B., I live in Commerce City proper.
I had a DUI reduced to DWAI conviction in 2001. I felt like my life was over. I thought I would never get a job. I was in a bad place at the time. I was in a bad relationship and was dealing with huge money problems.
My DUI was a wake up call for me.
Since then, I have received my RN and do have a dream job.
It takes a lot of courage to go thru something like this and face your family, friends and the community. I admire you that you took it so seriously and are not down playing it.
From Kathy McIntyre - Editor of the Gateway News. For those of you who are reading this blog and also who have emailed me and called me, we are researching the criminal backgrounds of candidates. We are concerned with criminal acts that are violent and that have caused injury to people. Violence crosses the line and eliminates trust completely. Violent people are a danger to everyone in our community. We will be releasing the information very soon. Please be patient.
I want to thank Joe Sandoval for making a difference in my son's life. If you all knew the true Joe Sandoval and what he did for my kid and many others throughout his career, you would know he would be an excellent addition to city council. Thank you, Joe. You have my vote!!
I want to say that I am distressed with all of the negative comments that have been posted here. The name of this blog is 2011 Candidate Endorsements, not candidate bashing. Joe Sandoval will receive my vote now since some of you were so concerned about bringing up his history that is completely irrelevant to his life today, it prompted me to do some research, including who some of you are. I am very upset that some of you actually work in positions of authority in our city. Joe Sandoval is a true man of integrity and honesty and a leader who loves our city. When life challenges came his way, he owned up to them, and made positive responsible changes. Joe Sandoval can be trusted, is highly educated, dedicated and has true perseverance and I would urge others to vote for him if they truly care about our city.
I was at Wal-Mart the other day doing some shopping and I noticed Mary Morton there. I walked up to her and started talking to her and it was like I was talking to a longtime friend. She is funny and very easy to talk to. She does talk very seriously about running for the school board and what she would like to see happen if she wins. I felt comfortable going up to her and starting a conversation with her and I now feel that I would always be able to approach her if I had something to say. She is a very likable person and one of my votes would go to her for sure. I wanted to talk to two of the other people running for the school board but when I approached them at the spaghetti dinner they didn't seem to have anything to say to me or they didn't seem like the types that would be open to talking to us parents if we had something to say about our kids school or how they are learning. Good Luck Mary I've been telling my friends and neighbors that you will be great for the job and that you will listen and who probably won't listen.
Thank you Joe for your honesty. I know many who support you.
It is not that I dont care about kids or schools. I just cant vote yes on the mill over ride.
Maybe next year when the economy picks up. Really bad timing me. Dont think I am alone.
Sorry.
Tough times for all. We are just going to have to make it a bit longer.
Commerce City Council Expected to Pass Resolution in Support of the 2011 27J School District Mill Levy Over-Ride...
http://t.co/Y88k3OCR
Maybe next year....maybe that is what is stalling this economy.
The "maybe next year ideal"
Our students cant get text books, the class rooms are over crowded.
I say have one less burger and one less coffee per month.
One less something!!
It is an average of $100 dollars per 200,000 home value, per year!! Less than $10 per month. If your home is $300,000 value less than $15 per month.
The area needs good schools providing good education. That will bring us business and home values as well as most important educated kids!!
I say....(sorry) suck it up and tighten for our kids.
ps I have no kids in school
I have talked to most if not all the candidates and have made the following decisions.
Based on their ideas not their vendettas.
Mayor-none sadly disappointed
Ward- Kim Madson
At large- Diaz and Sandoval
I want a positive direction with education thought.
The information that has been provided about Joe Sandoval is relevant to the discussion. It's about full disclosure, not personally bashing the candidate.
I'm glad to see that the Gateway is also looking into the backgrounds of the other candidates as well. The voters need to know the whole picture of everyone that wants our trust.
Apparently Joe violated the trust of the police department if he was let go from that position. I'm interested to know if the other candidates have committed mistakes as well that should be considered before receiving my vote.
We all make mistakes, but we don't all ask for the public's trust. Let's have full disclosure.
Manuel
FOP only supports those who will promise to give them what they want.
The FOP really does not represent the feelings of all CC officerss
I know a large number of officers that are supporting J Sandoval.
Fair enough.
Was wondering how FOP comes up with the endorsement.
Most of us are in the dark about FOPs.
But I do respect their endorsements. They do serve and protect us.
"Anonymous said...
FOP only supports those who will promise to give them what they want.
The FOP really does not represent the feelings of all CC officerss
I know a large number of officers that are supporting J Sandoval."
Endorsements come from people who are promised to get what they want? WOW!! When you say you know a large number of officers who support J.Sandoval, I am guessing it is not a majority, and they were probably promised something from Sandoval, so who cares!
Was wondering how FOP comes up with the endorsement.
Generally, I used to be in another lodge out east, the condidates are interviwed or given questions. Based on their answers the members vote and whoever has the most votes wins. Where I came from many of the members lived in the township where they worked. It forced them to vote not only for who supported the lodge, but also who would do the best for the township. I am sure some of the officers here are in the same boat, so it is not only about what the lodge will get out of it.
Most of us are in the dark about FOPs. The FOP, Frternal Order of Police is basically a union. Some of them are allowed to bargain for labor rights, some are not. It basically gives the officers a collective voice to deal with issues of policy violation and unfairness, without retribution.
But I do respect their endorsements. They do serve and protect us. I do to, especially having worked in law enforcement for 32 years, I put a lot of weight on what the FOP says. It is a good representation of how the majority of officers feel.
I have no doubt some officers want one of their past officers to represent them as a journeyman, but I also think it speaks volumes that they did not endorse him. In my experience it probably shows that he wasn't the best candidate for more reasons than they dont like him.
I am glad to see that J.Sandovel has paid his punishment. In a post that supposedly came from him, he says that he didnt lose his license?
That is weird, when he arrested me for being in a crash when I was charged with DUI 10 years ago, I lost my license When I did get my license back I found out that insurance was so expensive it wasnt worth driving This cost me my job, as I couldnt my truck anymore.
I can still remember some things from that night. One of them was that I was not acting very nice. I dont think that I did anything to desevre the way I was treated by this officer.
He was condescending and mean to me when I needed help to realize I had a problem. So to those of you who think that we should forgot about the J's accicent, I say ok, but why was it ok for him to treat others so poorly for the doing the same thing that cost him his job?
I am pleased to see voters standing up for a candidate and actually giving their real names. I have known Joe Sandoval for years and I am proud of the way he is handling all of his critics. We all make mistakes in judgment. It is what we do with those mistakes turning them into successful outcomes that shows a person's character. By the same token, when a person just continues the same old, same old; we need to take note of that too! Whether that is on City Council or Adams 14 SD.
On Monday September 22nd the membership of the Commerce City Fraternal Order of Police voted to endorse several candidates for Mayor and City Council in this year’s election. Public safety and crime is of major concern to the citizens of Commerce City. It is in the forefront of the mind of our community.
Prior to the police membership voting on these endorsements our membership held interviews with each candidate that accepted our invitation who are running for these important local offices.
Each candidate we interviewed was genuinely concerned with the public safety issues facing our
community. However in each race the choice of candidate was clear. These endorsements reflect our belief that these candidates’ best understands the opportunity to build real and productive relationships between Commerce City's police officers and the citizens they serve.
Each candidate we have endorsed has genuine concern not only for the role of public safety services in our city, but also in finding a way for city government and its police officers to work together to find solutions to issues facing the men and women who police the streets of our city.
Each of these candidates, if elected, are best positioned to ensure the police continue to receive the support they need to provide the community with the highest level of service achievable. A major part of fighting crime is to have the political support behind the police officers. The voters
want to know who the police trust and respect. And they also want to know which politicians support the police. It is with great pride that the men and women of Commerce City Fraternal Order of Police endorse the following candidates for Mayor and City Council:
Sean Ford for the office of Mayor
Jim Benson for the office of City Council Ward 2
Rick Teter for the office of City Council Ward 4
Crystal Elliott for the office of City Council At Large
Steve Douglas for the office of City Council At Large
RE: CCPD FOP endorsements,
I like that group!
Many ways you can look into it.
Don't think Mayor Natale would too happy with it.
By the way, How many more meetings does he have left?
I also like them all, except for Jim. I think any of the others would be better.
Well I say YES to Jimmy B.
I want someone on the CC council who is not a puppet!
Can I get a witness!
I respect the Fraternal Order of Police.
But I would like everyone to get to know Ward 2 candidate Kristine Sumner.
She is a good candidate. I don't know what Jim Benson has done for our ward at all.
Rhonda
Dave Z,
Thank you so much for the insight. I have been wonder about this process for years.
To be really honest.
As far as the At Large Commerce City Candidates. Because none of them really stand out, all of them have the same cookie cutter answers. I think I will follow the CCPD FOP.
Ref: FOP endorsement,
I'd like to know what percentage of officers were present for the interviews.
What were the questions that were asked.
How many (again percentage) of offercers voted.
If all the candidates were able to attend.
These are all factors.
Can't imagine them supporting Benson, he has done nothing for anyone in our ward.
The Commerce City FOP is in turmoil right now, but none of the members will say anything because they can not discuss FOP business with non-FOP members. But I am here to tell you that the majority of members DO support Joe Sandoval.
Find out how many members were told they could vote and then how many actually were allowed to vote. The process was flawed. I know firsthand that Joe Sandoval was a great leader and member of the police department. He held officers accountable to do their job and for that, a handful of officers do not like him. He treated everyone with respect and dignity. There are almost 80 members in the FOP, but less than a third were allowed to vote when all were told they would have an opportunity. That is hardly the majority. They just happened to be the ones that were there when the vote happened. But the sad fact is, the FOP will not tell anyone how the process was flawed and hide behind their by-laws. The FOP should be ashamed of themselves.
For obvious reasons, I must remain unsigned.
I heard that a member of district 14 board of education or members of the board of education have asked that a censure of jeannette lewis be placed on the october 11 agenda, this is long overdue.
RE: Censure in D14
Wow that is news. Can't wait to hear more about this.
I appreciate the support, but please do not bash the FOP. It is a great organization and I respect their decision and vote.
I would also like to thank everyone else for their support.
Joe Sandoval
Candidate--City Council At Large
"Knows the FOP said...
The Commerce City FOP is in turmoil right now, but none of the members will say anything because they can not discuss FOP business with non-FOP members. But I am here to tell you that the majority of members DO support Joe Sandoval.
Find out how many members were told they could vote and then how many actually were allowed to vote. The process was flawed. I know firsthand that Joe Sandoval was a great leader and member of the police department. He held officers accountable to do their job and for that, a handful of officers do not like him. He treated everyone with respect and dignity. There are almost 80 members in the FOP, but less than a third were allowed to vote when all were told they would have an opportunity. That is hardly the majority. They just happened to be the ones that were there when the vote happened. But the sad fact is, the FOP will not tell anyone how the process was flawed and hide behind their by-laws. The FOP should be ashamed of themselves."
LOL...try he was arrogant and condescending if you weren't in his "circle". It is too bad for the few that support him. They are crying because their good ole boy club is crumbling.
Their old majority is now the minority. Ethics and leadership are overtaking favors and cover up.
I see this as a good trend, and thier endorsements show this!
FOP is are the guys who serve and protect us. I have nothing but the utmost respect for them.
And like a lot of you,
I think I will take their lead on the at large choices. Since they are all the same.
mayorpaulcc: Stopped by Kim Madson 's. Ward 2 has a great choice. Time to have a council person that truly represents the ward.
Dont agree with mayor a lot. But this is one I can see eye to eye on.
PLEASE vote Madson when your ballot comes in the mail.
Really..."ethics and leadership is taking over favors and cover ups"..
then FOP endorsements are not making sense.
Ask the Klein family about the ethics of the Fords.
Ask the many, many citizens who didn't have the clout to get the Fords to back them. If you have power or money then the Fords will give you what you want.
That my friend is not ethics, it is FAVORS.
"Really..."ethics and leadership is taking over favors and cover ups"..
then FOP endorsements are not making sense.
Ask the Klein family about the ethics of the Fords.
Ask the many, many citizens who didn't have the clout to get the Fords to back them. If you have power or money then the Fords will give you what you want.
That my friend is not ethics, it is FAVORS."
Clearly you have thought out your argument. You want Toavs as mayor. This will mean that the code enforcement department will be closed. The lawns to most houses will be 7 foot tall weeds. The streets will be lined with cars that have no tires and are half dismantled. Cars wont be able to drive on the streets due to the litter. Kind of like Mad Max, but with no Tina Turner. Good idea!
Censure Lewis, thats a bunch of hog wash! What has she ever done to deserve nothing but praise from Commerce City? If the Board does this they are nuts, the only people that hate here are those that do not understand she is probably the most intelligent that has ever been on the Board. You people are just plain stupid!
Joe Sandoval? He is a drunk, arrogant man who abused his authority as a Police Sergeant. Though I did not work for him, I am told by officers of Commerce City that once he became a supervisor (one with authority!) he was a night-mare. I can read between the lines! If he becomes part of the City Counsel he will continue abusing is authority.
As the representative of Colorado Concerned Citizens and a Commerce City citizen, I have spoke with many people concerning this issue. Other than the people in his circle, the other officers working around him hated working for him because of the mean way he did busines. There is no doubt he is a very well educated man. A master's degree does not clear your record from a DUI. Everyone knows how the court system works, just because he didnt lose his license means nothing more than being an officer taught you how to beat the system! Congratulations on that.
I have been told Mr. Sandoval told people he was going to get the position in the City and he will have the last word over the city who fired him. In Mr. Sandoval's responses and the "buddies" he has responding on this forum, they are trying to paint a picture of Mr. Sandoval that never existed. The night he crashed he was fighting with the officers investigating the accident and he continued denying accountability for being drunk. I am told he never admitted fault in the accident and in fact tried fighting the city to retain his job. Now that he wants something he is trying to paint a picture of being a nice, caring person. I know the voters of Commerce City are intelligent enough to see through this distorted version.
Now that Mr. Sandoval needs support, he went back to the Fraternal Order of Police from Commerce City and the majority of the officers for Commerce City voted NO! That should mean everything to us! End of question.
Sincerely,
Jose Cardena-Cardena
I say lets all vote for crystal and gene and leave all this mess behind us. sounds like it is going to be an on-going issue.
COME MEET AND GREET ALL OF YOUR CANDIDATES
for Commerce City, D14 and 27J
On Saturday, October 8, from 10 am until 1 pm, everyone is invited to come to the Reunion Recreation Center gym to meet your candidates face to face before you receive you ballot in the mail. Everyone is invited, candidates and voters from Commerce City, D14 and 27J. Questions please call 720-221-7352. Sponsored by the Committee to Elect Sean Ford.
I thought Mary Morton was realted to Adrian Schimpf.
VOTE LARRY QUINTANA!
I would just like all to know what kind of outstanding individual Larry Quintana is, he represents everyone without hesitation. He is always ready to help with suggestions or actions when confronted with situations that affect our families or children. He fought for the correction of my name and Mary Morton's name to be put on the ballot after being told that, we did not have enough signatures of active voters to be put on the November ballot. Larry worked diligently to correct this error in our favor. Please elect Mr. Larry Quintana our children deserve this kind of devotion looking out for their best interest.
Anita Mercado
I would really like to see Kristine Sumner get elected. She has done more in the few years of living here than most of us have. She has taken Commerce City and truly made it her hometown. Kristine shows us on her facebook page all of the Commerce City committee's she is apart of. She supports numerous causes that all benefit our city's growth. Proud to offer her help to Landmark Academy students and their sales for school money, she is a real go-getter with a level head and ideas that will ensure tremendous growth for Northern Commerce City residents that is stagnant and non-existent under Jim Benson. We need an "outside of the box" thinker that isn't afraid to jump in and start knocking on the doors of businesses with figures and benefits that will be theirs when they come to Commerce City.
To Anonymous 9/12; with all the chatter about school supervisors and who will support education, I would think that education is rather important. Are you saying that a PhD is no big deal and unimportant that someone took time to educate themselves to this level. Hmmm, it's education that encourages our minds to think beyond, bigger and better. The education level of candidates IS VERY important. It reflects a persons drive and dedication to succeed. Dr. Sumner has certainly shown dedication to Commerce City by the many boards and councils she has joined. What and where are the other candidates? Education opens doors so that ideas will be well thought out and presented in a professional manner that reflects a new standard for our childrens education as well as development for our city. I believe Dr. Sumner is an excellent example for our children to strive to become. It takes time and commitment to reach high levels of education but if our children can stick with it, they too can help change and build a city. I vote Kristine Sumner!
I have actually talked to all the ward 2 cand.
Kristine Sumner, at least for me is the best choice. I also like Kim Madson.
I will say one thing, looking back today I strongly believe in my hearts of hearts that Kristine Sumner would have won mayor if she would have ran.
Vote Sumner, a good candidate for any of the position she is in.
I have a question,
How can any one person (candidate) promise anything. I am pretty sure that everyone knows they are only a vote of one.
On that same note. If they (candidates) tell some group, lets say the FOP that they will back them. What is wrong with that.
After all, aren't these the Police that protect us here in Commerce City. By the way, they do a Damn good job at it.
I would hope that all the council would back the FOP.
Ooops! Interesting morning in the world of commerce politics! Wonder how FOP 28 feels today.
ok I give up, what did you do to FOP28?
Thank you Anita for the info on the ballot. You have my vote along with Larry and Mary. I was shocked when Vashaw told me they crossed him off your ballot and he showed me his card showing he was a registered voter in adams 14. I'm glad we have lots of good people supporting our kids. I think it will be a close election and the best people will be elected for our students. Anita told me if she is elected she will support every student and every voter whether they voted for her or not. Now that's awesome. We all need someone like that on the school board. I see that in Larry too and I believe mary has the same feelings in her heart too.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Johny Adams 14 parent.
Please vote Anita, Larry and Mary.
To the Mad Max anonymous writer.
I guess I heard that we have 9 on council, not one (mayor)
So I am embarrassed to say that I assumed that all have a vote in city ordinances.
So therefore I am not worried about, abandoned cars, tall weeds a grass etc.
I am concerned that new people who will be elected, might not know to what Fords "tricks"
So yes I would rather have Toavs as mayor than someone with access to the city credit card, who has a history of abusing it.
Robert Toavs is a much better fit for Commerce City.
We all need to vote Toavs for Commerce City Mayor.
I know Anita she is always ready to help our community and she does have the best interest for our kids at heart. She is a great choice.
Vote Anita Mercado Vote Larry Quintana
Commerce City At-Large Candidate Joe Sandoval withdraws his name from the 2011 Elections... More information to follow...
What happened?!
Why is Joe dropping out?
IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION FOR Adams 14 VOTERS
If you did not vote in the 2010 General Election, did not vote in a sub sequent election or have not returned the postcard mailed to you by the Secretary of States Office requesting a mail in ballot you may get a ballot from the Adco Elections Office, (Adams County Service Center) 4430 So. Adams County Parkway, just north of 120th and Sable
VOTE EARLY --- MAIL IN YOUR BALLOT IF YOU RECEIVED IT IN THE MAIL OR YOU MAY DROP IT OFF AT THE COMMERCE CITY CIVIC CENTER (City Hall), IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE A BALLOT YOU CAN VOTE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION - Motor Vehicle Office 4201 East 72nd Ave, (72nd and Colorado Blvd.)
Larry Quintana
Candidate for Adams 14 BOE
I know the Gateway will confirm this first, but Joe Sandoval was arrested again for DUI last night by Adams County Sheriff's. That is why he is dropping from the race.
Unfortunately this has been a well known and repeated pattern for Joe for years.
Hopefully the Gateway will look into how Joe was able to get hired as a Criminal Investigator for the Gaming Commission with his pattern of alcohol abuse. Perhaps there is a story there. CJ
I know the Gateway will confirm this first, but Joe Sandoval was arrested again for DUI last night by Adams County Sheriff's. That is why he is dropping from the race.
Unfortunately this has been a well known and repeated pattern for Joe for years.
Hopefully the Gateway will look into how Joe was able to get hired as a Criminal Investigator for the Gaming Commission with his pattern of alcohol abuse. Perhaps there is a story there. CJ
Joe Sandoval was pulled over at 11:42 p.m. near 84th Avenue and Conifer Road for a DUI.
Please get some help.
Joe, is a good guy. He just needs to face this and get through it.
As many of you said. God Bless Joe!
"I am running for council so that I can make a positive impact on the city. I also believe that the government needs to be in the hands of the people - people who have a desire and willingness to hear the whole story, not just a portion, and make a fair and right choice." ROBERT TOAVS
This is why i am voting for ROBERT TOAVS for Mayor for Commerce City.
The WHOLE story Robert Toavs? Do you REALLY want everyone to know your WHOLE STORY? I seriously doubt that!
Toavs says ""I am running for council so that I can make a positive impact on the city. I also believe that the government needs to be in the hands of the people - people who have a desire and willingness to hear the whole story, not just a portion, and make a fair and right choice." ROBERT TOAVS
Warren you said it right.
Hope Joe gets the help he needs.
Sometimes we have to go face down to get the right view of where we are. Then we can start over in the right direction.
Best wishes to Joe.
God Bless!
On 9-14-2011 I sent all 7 of you this in an email. I want to thank the 3 of you that called and meet me for a chat. Great ideas. I hope to hear from the other 4 of you soon.
Dear the Adams 14 BOE candidates,
I'm looking for ways to start the new school board off to a great start.
I would love to hear your ideas of how we can all work together to reach the BOE goals and to educate every student in Adams 14.
I'm looking forward to working with the 3 new BOE members in November.
Thank you for your time.
Robert Vashaw
303-717-3914
rhvashaw@hotmail.com
If any of the voters would like to talk to me too please call me or email.
Joe does need help. He doesnt need to "help the city". He needs a sponsor and work the steps. He will be ok once he gets his life on track...5 or 6 years.
I hope he gets help and stays out of politics. We have enough politicians with no morals who have learned form their mistakes.
Robert Vashaw,
I like the pro active approach.
I would be interested in which ones responded and which ones blatantly ignored you.
So looks like I have a new slot open on my at-large.
Who should I choose. Read all the at-large profiles, they are all saying the same thing.
I have Crystal as one of the choices.
Sad news about Joe S., but I bet Gene Leffel is very happy!
leffel?
nope, its going to be elliott and diaz, maybe douglas.
Have you looked at the photos on the main page?
Jason, we wish you would have run for Mayor. I know appearance is not directly linked to performanace, but it would have been nice to have a Mayor we could be proud to see in public.
Steve Douglas is the best second choice to Crystal. He has good ideas about many of the issues facing the city, and he is very dedicated. I think he has been at every council meeting for years.
Gene Leffel has been at every meeting for years and years.
Also, he will not need anytime to ramp up.
I say Gene Leffel and Paolo Diaz.
For me I am voting for the under dog. I am voting for the one where there are no comments about them.
Quiet ones are usually the best.
I am voting for James B. Romito.
Plus I found his profile the most impressive.
I agree Romito looks good and the no baggage is wonderful!!
He'll have my vote!
Just talked to Robert Toavs.
Hear me out.
I have complete confidence in City Manager Jerry Flannery and the entire city staff.
Add that to a strong city council.
I am supporting Robert Toavs for the next Commerce City Mayor.
Toavs for mayor?
That worries me that people would even consider that crazy idea.
Guess we will just have to wait til Nov.
Vote Sean Ford.
The better choice.
Besides I would assume that the city staff would be backing Ford, right?
Sorry Pro Moreno, you are once again wrong! Tracey would have been finished with her first term if she would have gone to the House. And was immediately re-elected in 2007 to her second term, which she finishes in November, with 9 years under her belt. No matter how you spin it, she has the experience he just doesnt have. I say vote Snyder, and alot of others agree!
Tracey Snyder has our vote! She has been out there doing everything for so long now that we believe in her and trust her! It doesnt matter if she changed parties-that is everyone's American right to do so! Vote for the person, not the party! Vote Snyder!!
No not all of us (staff) support Ford as mayor, but realize he will probably be the next mayor.
We are gearing up for the deals he has already promised.
Back to the old days old ways.
I say: we know Ford will win. But what we don't know is for school board. We cannot continue with the present Superintedant. We need a change our kids are suffering with the present administration. A vote for Quintana will these people in line, A vote for Mary Morton will be a support for parents. A vote for Anita Mercado is support for our students. VOTE for these candidates
Whoever wins the D14 board seats.
Can they fire the football coach?
I just would like to say , Thank you to Crystal Elliott. Candidate Elliott has been teaming up with some business owners and holding meet-and-greet events. It is refreshing to sit down and express some of my opinions and views. Candidate Elliott sits and listens. So, Thank You Mrs. Elliott and Good Luck and God Bless.
The Gateway News will start a new Candidate Endorsements section after Oct. 14th, the day after the last forum.
It will be a new clean area to leave that one last plea for why your candidate or measure is the golden one...
Anonymous said:
I understand the teachers are supporting 3 of the candidates. That is awesome to have an orginazation put there strength behind some candidates at least they are not afraid to show who they support. Someone said when people askthem and would like some support from certian organization there is no responce or the people who are connected to such an organization, they try to avoid the topic and rush away from the candidates. I believe that is just such a shame,
If such person is running for a certain positon, such person can get it from such relatives or friends. Someone told that is nepotism. It is a dis service to not throw your support for fear of what people will say. the candidate don't have money to run, but they will do what they can. With all the big organizations and unions out there one would think could put there support to some good. Just maybe uinions and organizations would not be slammed. Candidates go forth with all you have to win.
Best of luck.
WATCH FOR YOU MAIL IN TO VOTE.
THOSE OF YOU WHO DOESN'T REMEMBER IF YOU VOTED THE LAST ELECTION..
GO DONE TO THE ADAMS COUNTY SERVICE CENTER 4430 S. ADAMS COUNTY PARKWAY NORTH OF 120TH AND SABLE. VOTE!!!!!!!!
PLEASE DO NOT VOTE FOR ROBERT TOAVS! He is a convicted VIOLENT felon. I don't care what his sob story is, he is in NO position to be a LEADER in our city. Please people think before you vote, please. This is the quality of our day to day life we are risking. His most recent arrest was only about 15 weeks ago, come on. And to Estelle, NO most of us have NOT been in those situations that Toavs found himself in because we are responsible and professional and are not DRUNK all the time. Give me a break!
Could the anonymous blogger that is urging people not to vote for Robert Toavs be his opponent? If it is, sounds like you’re scared of Toavs. You had your chance and you milked our community for everything you could; now you’re afraid that you won’t get elected to finish getting everything you didn’t get the first time. Stop being so mean and let the voters decide who they want to vote for. Please remember that we all have skeletons in our closets. Some people have more than others and some have closet doors that are still shut.
I say vote Toavs.
Just because Ford wasn't caught at the monies he took from the city thru trips and credit card use,
just means he is slicker and has more knowledge how to cover his tracks and have his "friends" help him.
Look at how well he was taught by Ford Sr.
Someone told me they finely saw Bryant at the candidates forum and they thought he was from 27J school district. That's funny. Way to support the Adams 14 kids Bryant.
Hi, I’m Larry Quintana and I am running for re-election to the Adams 14 Board of Education. As a voter in the upcoming election I would ask you to ask yourselves, why, would I vote for Larry Quintana?
Between now and November 1st, 2011 I will attempt to answer this and any other question you may have either on this blog or on my website, www.queskorner.net. You can also call me at 303-955-7758 and leave your question on my voice mail; I will also address your questions.
Why me and not the other candidates for the A14 BOE? Prior to running for the BOE four years ago I was active in my local PTO and involved in a number of efforts to pass bond issue to move Adams 14 in a positive direction. I co-chaired Commerce City Citizens for a New High School. For a number of years I followed the activity in the district by viewing board meeting on the TV. I attended all but one BOE meeting and study session for two years before tossing my name into the race for the BOE four years ago.
After I was elected to the Board of Education I attended every training session offered by the Colorado Association for School Board members. I received an award by CASB and was acknowledge at a BOE meeting for my efforts to become a well informed BOE director. With all of this behind me I have to admit that the first two years on the BOE I was just learning what it takes to be an effective representative of the voters who elected me. Yes, I made mistakes and in all honesty no BOE director can state he or she is able to do the job effectively in their first two years as a BOE member, not I or anyone else.
I have learned these last two years what it takes to become a true representative of the students, parents and staff of the school district and an honest overseer of the districts administration. I am firmly committed to challenge all segments of the district to be accountable for the education of A14 children. This accountability began with the Board of Education, the district administration, staff, parents and students. I have often stated “there are no big I’s and little U’s in the word team” and to succeed in the education of the students of our district we must operate as a team of equal partners, otherwise we will continue to fail our kids.
So why me? I am committed to provide each and every child, each and every student with the opportunity and tools to one day graduate and compete on an equal level with every student in the state of Colorado. Accountability and transparence are the keys to succeed in this endeavor and it takes courage to hold not only myself but all in the district to this standard. As taxpayers and voters in Adams County school district 14 you should get this from those you have chosen to server you, and I am your servant, that is why you should re-elect me to serve four more years as your servant.
How did I direct 2.8 million dollars to educate district students, the answer in my next blog?
My vote is going to Robert Toavs. Let me tell you why. I was supporting Sean Ford. I've known him for years.
We talked awile back. He was asking for my vote and I said yes but I asked him to call me. I had a few city questions for him. He still hasn't called me. So will he ever call when he is Mayor?
I talked to Robert one time and he said we should have a cup of coffee and talk. So we talked on the phone and had a coffee over at Stefines coffee shop. He listened. Most people just talk. It's good to find someone like Robert that cares.
Larry Quintana,
you will get my vote and most important my support if you do the right thing on Tuesday.
This Commerce City mayor race is more a battle between one of the candidates and the current mayor. He really does not like the candidate at all.
really bad blood. one can only speculate when it went wrong.
Joe Sandoval's certified letter announcing he is withdrawing from the race arrived at the city clerk's office today.
Major misconceptions about Larry Quintana that are out there.
Some say he is only for the Hispanic kids.
This could not be further from the truth. Larry is for ALL the children of D-14.
If you have not had a real conversation with him.
I suggest you do before you cast your vote.
I heard one Adams 14 candidate say this is a huge mess down there.
I hope and pray that whoever gets down there really came work some miracles.
Also heard there might be a mill levy over-ride next year.
My 2 cents, a bad idea.
Need to wait until economy recovers.
Also, last question, what is going on with the old ACHS site?
Is Adams 14 just going to sit on it?
Maybe that is all they can do?
maybe Commerce City URA will buy it, like they did the Dog Track?
Archer, I suggest you ask him. I bet he'd tell you.
A nice online advertisement for Robert Toavs... however, posted right above the video of his interview talking about his arrest (10, count em') record... Really? Note his characteristics:
Honesty - About your arrest record?
Integrity - Being proud of a lengthy arrest record?
Truth - That's goes with Honesty, correct? Truthful about your arrest record BEFORE or AFTER the story came out?
*Side note* There is no future in our past? The City was built on the Past aka our History! Good Grief!
I'M VOTING FORD ALL THE WAY!!!!
Love the devotion Larry Quintana has for Religion.
What I am looking for in a leader. Especially for a school district.
Larry Quintana is the best. I hope the new board will make the changes necessary to rebuild our district into the kind of district we all want for our children/future. Larry along with Adrian and Robert has the student’s best interests at heart. THEY LISTEN! A great asset to our community. I don’t give the other two BOE members credit for much. If they say they care, it’s only words!
To all Brighton Ward 4 Voters:
Brighton is indeed fortunate to have four well-qualified candidates vying to serve as City Council representative for Ward 4. No matter which candidate eventually wins, Brighton citizens will be well represented, and well served.
However, one candidate, J.W. Edwards, stands head and shoulders above his fellow candidates.
J.W. offers with his candidacy, three and a half decades of experience in volunteer public service. He has served extensively as a member, director, and fundraiser for a multitude of successful and enduring charitable, civic, educational, and cultural organizations.
In addition, he has served professionally for thirty-five years as a business leader, employer, and manager with emphasis on fiscal responsibility and accountability. He holds an advanced degree in business and marketing. He understands how business works, and he appreciates how municipalities and businesses partner to create win-win scenarios for all participants.
In the seventeen years I have known J.W., I have come to appreciate several important qualities he possesses:
First is his kindness; he is a genuinely kind and gentle man.
Second is his integrity; J.W. values honesty and truth above all.
Third is his intelligence; J.W. is a genuinely smart man. He is clever, imaginative, and innovative. He can find new solutions to old problems.
Fourth is his dedication to responsibility; he accepts it readily, and discharges his duties and obligations –whether externally imposed, or self-imposed - with professionalism, perfectionism, and promptness.
Fifth is his compassion; he continually strives to empower others to realize their full potential and maximum achievement in life.
Sixth is his faith in God; J.W. has been a faithful member, and mentor, in his church for his entire life.
I could go on but I have limited space here. Without a doubt, J.W. Edwards is the best choice of all the great choices for City Council Representative for Brighton Ward 4.
Lewis seems nice enough in public. I wonder if she is completely different in private.
Something must have set these other board members off. Vote was 4 to only 1, and I assume that was her.
That was her one vote. She has never been nice in any public event shes attended in my childrens school. Just last year she attended an event for a volunteer recognition. She never once thanked a single parent for thier work in schools, she frankly didnt talk to a single person other then the principal. I was extremely disappointed!!
I have also attended an event to which she refused to socialize with anyone other then that of power. If you didnt have a title you didnt exsist.
All she is after is having a building named after her at this point and I think its truly sad. She does has not earned that right!!
RE: CENSURE OF PRES. LEWIS
If I am right Pres. Lewis is the only board member to ever be censured in school district 14 but she is the only Commerce City elected person to be censured and this includes the city council, water and fire dept. boards also. She now has her place in CC history.
I guess I have been not paying much attention. I just discovered that there are interviews of the city candidates on the city web site. While most are very good, there are a couple that are quite revealing. You all need to check this our.
Just looked at the expenses of the candidates. Easy to see why Gateway is supporting Ford. He has given them almost $10,000. It always has been about the money.
Interesting to see who has given Ford money. I am sure no deals were made.
The Gateway News and Gateway Multimedia provides advertising and adverting design and promotion for businesses, government, schools, ballot measures and candidates for any public office. We have been providing these services for the last 8 years to all entities and all candidates in our community. Anyone who is reviewing expenses for candidates, should surely understand that the amount of money that is paid to any business for printing, addressing, mailing, inserting, DOES NOT EQUAL PROFIT, but rather the ACTUAL COST plus a small profit of those services. If there are ANY candidates that would like assistance with their campaign, we are here ready to help you as we always have in the past. Our phone number is 720-221-7352 or email me at kathy@coloradobusinessalliance.com.We are in business to provide a service to our community as is every other business in Commerce City.
gn,
makes perfect sense to me.
dont worry it is just the current mayor spreading smack about gn.
still made that you caught him giving his BFF 72K for free.
I know Jim Benson and he is a good watch dog for the council.
I will be voting for him again.
I have gained the respect of Larry Quintana and Bill Klocker.
I am struggling with the notion that I will trust them to bring us back into the light.
No doubt in my mind that adams 14 is in a dark hour.
Don't forget.
Thursday at 6:30 in the forum at Commerce City Civic Center.
Should be good!
why does natale hate ford so much?
I hear Mayor Natale talk about Sean Ford and it makes me want to vote for Sean even more.
He is obsessed.
Mayor natalie has gotten really bitter towards his end.
Hope he can find happiness when he is out of office.
Vote Bill Klocker really!
He always sides wih Lewis,opps abandon ship,wants to pick up votes instead
Today was a great day. I got my ballot in the mail. I voted for Larry, Mary and Anita for the Adams 14 board of education. This will be an amazing year for the students of Adams 14. I think they will work well with Robert and Adrian. It will be so nice to have 5 great School board members.
I signed my ballot I put a stamp on it and I took it to the post office.
Please vote this year. Vote for who you trust. Vote the way your hear tells you too. Please just vote.
Thank you all. Our kids need your help.
Dear Editor,
I would like to ask 27J voters to make an informed decision about 3D before submitting ballots for the November election. Mail in ballots will be arriving in the coming days and my hope is that voters will not make “blanket” decisions based on personal opinions about our current economy, our current administration, or taxes in general.
Please visit the website http://parentsandcommunityfor27j.shutterfly.com to learn more about local funding of 27J schools. Our teachers, administrators, and staff have done an outstanding job with limited resources, but ultimately, our students, our families, and our community deserve more. With state and federal funding being cut every year, it is essential that our community steps up to fill the gap that has been ignored for too long.
Yes, 27J employees know a lot about this issue but parents, community members and business owners should make it a priority to learn more before voting. Our kids need us! Please, vote “yes” on 3D.
Sincerely,
Jamie Bell
27J Parent, Alumni, & Employee
Dear Editor,
“Brighton 27J School District – Reaching Out in All Directions”. That’s the motto of the Brighton school district. The only problem is that the Brighton community hasn’t done a very good job of reaching back to the school district. And schools are only as strong as the community that supports them.
We’ve heard all the statements from the school board and district concerning funding: Brighton 27J schools are the lowest funded and fastest growing schools in the Denver metro area. But what does that mean to you? Maybe you don’t have children in the school district. Maybe your children are grown. Maybe your children are enrolled in a different school district. Maybe your children aren’t school-aged yet. Maybe you think that the schools are doing just fine the way things are.
Here is what having the most poorly funded schools in the area is going to mean for our community:
• It’s going to mean a decline in jobs in the area.
• It’s going to mean a rapid and unrecoverable decline in property values.
• It’s going to mean a decline in the school district’s ability to offer the children in our community an education that will make them competitive for scholarships and jobs.
• It’s going to mean a continued lack of not only modern technology in our classrooms but also basic supplies like textbooks.
• It’s going to mean that our school district won’t be able to attract quality teachers to educate our children.
A mill levy override is going to be on the November ballot. This mill levy override is not our salvation - make no mistake about it - it is not the lottery. This mill levy override is just the crucial first step to rescuing ourselves. It is imperative and essential for the health of not only our schools but also our community that we approve that mill levy override. Vote YES for our schools and our children and our community! Reach back to our schools – our kids are counting on you.
Edith Parrish-Kohler
Brighton, Colorado
To all Brighton School District 27J voters:
The ballots for Question 3D, a mill levy override to increase per pupil funding for Brighton School District 27J will be arriving at voters’ homes in just a few days.
If anyone has any question about the need for additional funding for our students, they should do a quick Google search under the phrase “Manufacturers need skilled workers.”
There are a multitude of news articles; the most recent of which appeared on August 7, in Bloomberg.com marveled that despite an unemployment rate of 9.1 percent, U.S. manufacturers are unable to find qualified workers. To find the workers they need, the “job creators” must look overseas because American workers are simply not well enough educated or trained to function in modern high-tech factories.
Education is not only the prime discriminator with respect to lifetime earnings; it is the primary factor in employability. Workers who cannot spell, solve basic algebra problems, or express themselves effectively in writing or orally, simply are not employable in the 21st century workplace.
If we choose to short change our youth with respect to education, we are short changing our local, regional, and national future.
Vote yes on 3D!
Charles R. Elliston,
President – Bromley East Charter School Board of Directors
Jim Benson a "watch dog for council"?? That is all well and good, but what has he done for the people of Ward 2? He should be out there fighting for jobs and businesses, but nothing has really happened in years. Yeah, there is a Kings Soopers, but we have been asking for that for years. Its people like Crystal Elliot, Kristine Sumner, Paolo Diaz, and Steve Douglas who have been volunteering with community and city groups that will make things better because they know what is going on. We need change in this city, not the same 'ole watch dogs.
J. Riverrun,
I've heard from many board members ie District 14 great example. That you don't know the other elected officals until you "really work with them"
My take is the "bitter" Natale may have learned a lot of "truths" about the others, including Ford, that sadly brought reality to his view of them.
Hense the "obsessed" attitude toward some not being elected.
Don't see why otherwise he would care.
I have talked to all but one of the candidates in Jim Benson's ward. Some of them even a couple of times.
I can tell you hands down Sumner is the top one.
She has her act together.
It will be interesting to see how having so many candidates will split this up.
Lets GO Democrats! Lets get these guys into office!
City Council At-Large (two seats)
Paolo Diaz (Incumbent by vacancy) - 303-668-0542 paolo@paolohdiaz.com
Steven J. Douglas - 720-205-2621 douglassrjr@comcast.net
Crystal Elliot - 303-406-3893 crystal4c3atlarge@gmail.com
Gene Leffel - 303-287-3075 mrglonbb@yahoo.com
City Council Ward II
Jim Benson (Incumbent) - 303-288-7011 jimbensonwardii@comcast.net
Jolene Vialpando-Nielsen- 720-280-7778 Jolene.Vialpando@gmail.com
City Council Ward IV
Harvest Thomas - 303-519-2643 HarvestforCouncil@yahoo.com
Commerce City Business & Professional Association Candidate Forum is tonight at Commerce City Civic Center 7887 E. 60th Ave 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Just read about GN blog in Denver Post. Way to go GN. Good job! Thank you for the blog.
Dear Donkeys, I believe most voters are smarter than that.
I vote for the person, NOT THE PARTY.
People connect with a party for its power. I know some on both sides, who do not vote with the part platform, or who are so dishonest its a travisty.
Know your candidates or don't vote for the position!
Just went through all of the candidates filings (I found them on city site) listing contributions and expenditures.
Suggest all take a look.
Two got a number of contributions from outside business/individuals, that may have an interest in an issue, that will be a future council vote.
Why has one, not posted any filings as required by the state election division?
Interesting information on all.
Bill. Thank you for standing up for our kids. Thank you for voting to protect everyone in Adams 14. I just wish you would of done thus sooner. I supported you 4 years ago and you u lost my vote for re-election but you did the right thing. I wish you well.
D.
I would like to comment on the Adams 14 election: I've read some interesting articles on the Klocker and Quintana. Some of the people writing don't know what they are really saying. They surely don't attend the meetings of any sort. They must be intimidated by her. VOTE QUINTANA
VOTE MORTON VOTE MERCADO THATS RIGHT
They care for the community, and
students,
Please don't listen to the negativity that the Lewis lovers are putting out there. They are upset that thing s are going the right way now.
I have known Robert Toavs for a very long time. He does not fall into the corrupt political field like so many that have been in politics. From what I understand, Brian Maass took Sean to task during 2003 to 2007 over deals that didn't seem to be on the up and up, you might check Channel 4 archives to verify this.
Robert only wants what's best for Commerce City, and he will be totally up front with the people on any subject. He will not deal on the dirty side, but, march forward with his head held high.
Robert only had one conviction and that was over 20 years ago, for trespassing, I don't hold that against him. I'd rather have a person like that than one that apparently deals on the shadey side.
Robert certainly has my vote.
I have known Robert Toavs for a very long time. Robert will not deal on the shadey side, as so many of the people in politics enjoy doing, but, will march forward with his head held high.
It is my understanding Brian Maass, Channel 4, took Sean to task several times from 2003 to 2007, over deals that didn't seem to be on the up and up.
Robert has one conviction, which was over 20 years ago, for trespassing, I'd rather have a person like him than one that apparently walks on the shadey side.
Robert certainly has my vote.
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