Author: Pam Zubeck
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Arctic could be next hot spot for NORAD
The next frontier for the United States-Canadian air defense command should be the top of the world. Canadian Lt. Gen. Charlie Bouchard, deputy commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command based at Peterson Air Force Base, said in an interview that the Arctic’s rich reservoir of resources is spurring interest in development that should…
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Politigab: McInnis sets up campaign committee
Scott McInnis, former congressman and Colorado House member, has created a campaign committee in his bid for governor.The move means McInnis can now begin raising funds. His first contribution came frm Harold Piper, a Rifle small businessman, McInnis said in a news release.The Grand Junction Republican said his campaign website – www.ScottMcinnisForGovernor.com – launched this…
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County Committee’s approach wouldn’t be so taxing
As Colorado Springs looks at a menu of new fees and taxes on jobs, cigarettes, liquor and cars, El Paso County is focused on the blue-plate special.Options proposed by a citizen fiscal policy committee call for the county to bypass digging deeper into taxpayers’ wallets. A subcommittee of the Citizens’ Budget Oversight Committee recommended: The…
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High standards keep members on toes
With money tighter than ever, consumers are better scrutinizing who they do business with, says the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado Springs. Visits to the BBB’s Web site have spiked in recent months, said Katie Carol, director of media relations and communications. “We provide the public with objective information so they have the opportunity…
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County budget advisers recommend crediting taxpayers
As Colorado Springs looks at a menu of new fees and taxes on jobs, cigarettes, liquor and cars, El Paso County is focused on the blue-plate special. Options proposed by a citizen fiscal policy committee call for the county to bypass digging deeper into taxpayers’ wallets. A subcommitee of the Citizens Budget Oversight Committee recommended:…
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Arm of the law to get longer, thanks to stimulus
A recently announced Justice Department grant will have a dramatic impact on officer safety and efficiency in the Pikes Peak region, El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said this week.”The benefit it’s delivering to us on the equipment front is huge,” Maketa said. “We have equipment that is failing, especially on the IT aspect. It…
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Drop in inmates gives sheriff breathing room in jail
A year ago, El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa was desperate for a bigger jail. He joined county officials and others to stump for a 1-percent sales tax voters rejected last fall to build a $75.5-million jail addition, among other things. The Criminal Justice Center’s population was pushing its 1,599-bed limit, and crowding in 2007…
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Stimulus money gives local law enforcement needed resources
A recently announced Justice Department grant will have a dramatic impact on officer safety and efficiency in the Pikes Peak region, El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said this week. “The benefit it’s delivering to us on the equipment front is huge,” Maketa said. “We have equipment that is failing, especially on the IT aspect.…
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County examines storm-damaged roof at courthouse
County crews tramped around the roof of the El Paso County Courthouse Monday morning, figuring out how to repair holes caused by Friday’s sudden violent storm. “Whatever touched down, whether a funnel cloud or a microblast, it just hit this roof and ripped it off,” Deputy County Administrator Monnie Gore said. The building’s south tower…
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County retirement board will repeat ‘secret’ decision in open session
Members of the El Paso County Board of Retirement decided secretly, using e-mail, how much to pay the board’s new administrator, documents show. “They were not following the law,” said Tom Kelley, a Denver attorney who represents The Gazette. “It was a meeting. It was convened without notice. It’s probably an action that’s void under…