Coyote Gulch

Thursday, August 28, 2003

Denver Charter Changes for the November 2003 Ballot
Here's an editorial in support of the charter changes on the November ballot from the Denver Post [August 28, 2003, "City pay changes necessary"]. Says the Post, "The proposal also will allow city managers in good economic times to offer bonuses to employees who work hard and work smart, rather than giving the same raise to everyone, regardless of work ethic and production. The City Council was smart to appoint city workers to the committee of elected officials and compensation experts that will work out the new pay rules, if the charter changes are approved by voters. It's important for the city's 10,000 career-service employees to have a voice in their future."
6:09:36 AM

2003 Denver Mayoral Transition
The Denver Post [August 28, 2003, "Mayor assembling diverse staff"] is running an article about the diversity represented in Mayor Hickenlooper's appointments. Says the paper, "Hickenlooper still has a number of postions to fill, including the agency heads of parks and recreation, public works, planning and environmental health. He also must appoint a City Attorney. A number of top appointments will be announced next week, he said. Eleven executive staff appointments, including four policy positions, are expected today."
6:02:18 AM

November 2003 Ballot
Referendum A opponents and supporters gathered yesterday along the South Platte River to rally their respective troops, according to the Rocky Mountain News [August 28, 2003, "Duel of words over water referendum"]. Opponents of the referendum include, mayor of Grand Junction, Western Slope legislators, Front Range environmentalists and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. The Rocky lists some of their grievances, "Identify any specific projects the money would be spent on, leaving that decision solely up to the Colorado Water Conservation Board and ultimately Gov. Bill Owens. Include requirements that the Western Slope be compensated for water diverted to the Front Range. Provide money for less ambitious projects costing less than $5 million that would help small towns and farmers. Safeguard local water users who could be saddled with a project selected by the conservation board and governor, then be required to pay back the cost of the project without a chance to vote for it themselves." Opponents also maintain that existing methods of financing available are sufficient. Here's the coverage from the Denver Post [August 28, 2003, "Water-storage battle begins on riverbank"].
A group of Commerce City residents is trying to collect enough signatures to get a measure on the November ballot opposing expansion of gambling in the city, according to the Rocky Mountain News [August 28, 2003, "Commerce City group opposes gambling plan"]. From the article, "If Barenburg collected 476 valid city voters' signatures, the proposal will go on the November ballot, City Clerk Judie Ridgeley said. It is unclear whether a change to a city municipal code could override a state constitutional amendment approved by voters."
5:43:04 AM

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