Denver November 2004 Election
Here's an opinion piece arguing against the building of FasTracks from the Rocky Mountain News [May 15, 2004, "Unlikely 'Slow Tracks' plan will attract very many riders"]. From the article, "DRCOG only considered two alternatives: building FasTracks or not building it. If the agency analyzed HOT lanes and bus-rapid transit, rail transit wouldn't have a chance. Real solutions to the region's transportation problems demand something other than a multibillion-dollar rail transit system that will attract only 0.5 percent to 1.4 percent of auto users out of their cars. HOT lanes and bus-rapid transit will do far more to relieve congestion. Best of all, they require no new taxes. If you want to pay more taxes while doubling congestion and the time you waste sitting in traffic, then support RTD's plan. But if you want less congestion and cleaner air with no new taxes, then demand that your local and regional officials get off RTD's trains and onto HOT lanes with bus-rapid transit."
And here's another opinion piece in favor of buidiing FasTracks from the Rocky Mountain News [May 15, 2004, "FasTracks proposal arrives at pivotal point in city history"]. From the article, "DRCOG, an organization representing 50 cities and counties in the metro area, reviewed the plan and unanimously voted to approve its financial feasibility. The cost to construct the system, including work on all nine corridors is $4.7 billion. Voters will be asked to approve an RTD sales tax increase of four-tenths of 1 cent, or 4 pennies on a $10 taxable sales purchase. This is not a tax on groceries, prescription drugs, gas or home heating fuels."
Colorado is in the national spotlight over the issue of refusing communion to members that vote for candidates that support abortion rights, according to the Denver Post [May 16, 2004, "Politics, faith on collision course"]. From the article, "In a pastoral letter making waves nationally, Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan this month declared that Catholics who vote for candidates who support abortion rights, euthanasia, "illicit" stem- cell research or gay marriage cannot receive Communion until they recant and repent in the confession booth. Sheridan is believed to be the first U.S. bishop to suggest denying Communion to rank-and-file Catholics, a suggestion previously limited to Catholic politicians who clash with church teaching. There will be no Eucharistic police force patrolling the aisles. So the decision whether to heed Sheridan's call rests with the 125,000 registered Catholics in the 10-county diocese, which includes ranching communities on the Eastern Plains, politically conservative Colorado Springs, booming south Denver suburbs, and Latino-immigrant-rich Leadville...Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput last month suggested Catholic politicians whose positions conflict with church teachings against abortion aren't really Catholic, and urged voters to hold them accountable. Chaput's spokesman, Sergio Gutierrez, has said Chaput has no immediate plans to issue any statements on Communion. In recent weeks U.S. bishops have taken vastly different stands on the issue, with some taking a hard line on dissenting politicians and others saying they will continue to serve them Communion. The debate will hit critical mass next month in Denver when more than 250 bishops gather for what was to have been a quiet prayer retreat. The admonitions from Colorado's two most prominent bishops come as three Catholics seek a U.S. Senate seat: Republicans Peter Coors and Bob Schaffer, who oppose abortion rights, and Democratic Attorney General Ken Salazar, who supports keeping abortion legal."
The Democratic State Assembly is the Saturday, May 22, in Pueblo. Thanks to Mike Miles website for the information.
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