Author: Dean Toda
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Attorneys general discuss border issues, drug trafficking
Please, no jaywalking near the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. More than half of America’s state attorneys general are gathering at the Colorado Springs conference center this week for weighty discussions of drug trafficking and cybercrime, plus some sightseeing. Colorado’s attorney general, John Suthers, welcomed his counterparts from 29 other states and territories to his hometown Tuesday,…
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Attorneys General holding summer meeting here today
The National Association of Attorneys General is holding its annual summer meeting at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort today through Thursday. John Suthers, Colorado’s attorney general, will welcome his counterparts from many other states to his hometown as they gather to discuss immigration, internet pornography, DNA database sharing and other issues. Most panel discussions are open…
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Colorado coalition to oppose Sotomayor
A conservative coalition has formed in Colorado to oppose President Barack Obama’s nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing the New York judge is a judicial activist who puts her “personal political agenda” above the rule of law. “Sonia Sotomayor’s statement that a ‘wise Latina woman’ would generally make better decisions because…
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Local legislators not so green, environmental group says
One of the state’s leading environmental groups has issued its annual rating of state legislators, and for the first time in eight years, three of the legislators got zeroes. Two of the three are from Colorado Springs. Republican Sens. Dave Schultheis and Bill Cadman, along with Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley, voted against Colorado Conservation Voters‘…
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A review of Ritter’s 2009 legislative session
At a news conference on Friday, the last day for him to sign or veto bills produced by the 2009 regular session, Gov. Bill Ritter said he and the Legislature had achieved their goals. “Despite a tough economy and a tough budget, we created jobs and we made the economy stronger,” Ritter said. “We expanded…
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Ritter’s latest swipe at labor angers firefighters
Gov. Bill Ritter vetoed a bill Thursday that would have granted collective-bargaining rights to firefighters’ unions. Senate Bill 180 would have given firefighters’ unions with a minimum of 50 employees equal negotiating status with management in decisions on pay, benefits and working conditions – but not the right to strike. Ritter, a Democrat, said he…
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Spending limit dies by Ritter’s signature
Perhaps the most significant bill to come out of the 2009 Legislature was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Bill Ritter. This wasn’t merely a life-and-death issue such as 3.2 beer, or even the death penalty. This was the big deal: repeal of the Arveschoug-Bird limit. You’re not alone if your reaction was “huh?” But…
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Rain washes out Gold Hill Mesa sodding project
A few years ago, the slopes of Gold Hill were so pleated with erosion furrows that Mark Walker, who monitors the site for the state Department of Public Health and Environment, compared a drive down State Highway 24 between 21st and 8th Streets to a tour of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. Then the…
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Gov. Ritter signs bill to block Army expansion at Piñon Canyon
Gov. Bill Ritter signed a bill Tuesday that’s intended to hinder the Army’s quest for land to expand a Fort Carson training area.Under the new law, the state is forbidden to sell or lease state lands to expand the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, northeast of Trinidad. Areas surrounding the training area are dotted with state…
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Texting to take a back seat on Colorado roads
Text n drive? U cud get a ticket. Gov. Bill Ritter signed a bill into law Monday making it illegal to send text messages while driving in Colorado. And drivers under the age of 18 won’t be allowed to use a cell phone at all, unless they pull over and stop. After HB1094 takes effect…