Author: Conrad Swanson
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4 GOP challengers for CD5 blast Doug Lamborn for absence
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WOODLAND PARK – Candidates vying for U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn’s seat pledged their allegiance Thursday night to President Donald Trump, recommended closing the U.S. Department of Education and called for the incumbent to be voted out of office. Lamborn didn’t defend his position during the first and only debate for Republican and unaffiliated voters before…
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Colorado Springs campaign aims to curb panhandling by redirecting donations
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After a series of controversial and failed attempts to curtail panhandling in downtown Colorado Springs, a new campaign from the city is asking residents to give money differently. The city’s traffic department hoisted 65 signs at strategic spots around the city Wednesday with the message “HANDOUTS DON’T HELP” and “HELP LOCAL AGENCIES PROVIDE SERVICES,” said…
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Stapleton says he would halt new I-25 toll lanes, after Suthers’ endorsement
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Republican gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton promised Tuesday to halt the construction of any toll lanes on Interstate 25 connecting El Paso County to Denver. The declaration came as he accepted the endorsements of Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers. “I will veto it as fast as the ink and the pen will carry me,” said Stapleton,…
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Colorado Springs Utilities water rates to climb so parks get more water
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COLORADO SPRINGS – Water rates are going up next year to pay for watering parks properties in Colorado Springs, the City Council decided Tuesday. The 6-3 vote – opposed by Councilmen Don Knight, Andy Pico and Bill Murray – will boost Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services’ foundering budget, still about $5 million shy of its…
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Colorado Springs council tackles problems with executive sessions — in another executive session
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COLORADO SPRINGS – The Colorado Springs City Council might change how it holds executive sessions, though details weren’t available because the group discussed the issue Monday in an executive session. The council has spent about $5.4 million to settle at least seven lawsuits since 2013, all decisions made in closed sessions in apparent violation of…
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Colorado Springs possibly breaking state law by doling out millions in secret sessions
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In closed executive sessions that some legal experts say violate Colorado’s open meetings law, the Colorado Springs City Council has doled out about $5.4 million to settle a string of cases, including racial and gender discrimination. The council’s closed-door process is so secretive that it remains unclear how long it’s been going on, where much…
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Utilities board recommends charging residents for watering Colorado Springs parks
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Colorado Springs Utilities’ board voted Wednesday to recommend passing along the cost of watering city parks to residents. The City Council, which consists of the same members, will vote next week on increasing water rates over the next two years to pay to water city parks, open spaces and urban forests. Board members Don Knight,…
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Kanye West wooed by El Paso County Republicans
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El Paso County Republicans are looking for some high-wattage star power for their annual marquee fundraising dinner this year. Party Chairman Josh Hosler tweeted an invitation Thursday to hip hop superstar Kanye West, asking him to attend the GOP’s Lincoln Day Dinner at the Antler’s Hotel in Colorado Springs next month. He received a near…
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Opportunity zones for Pikes Peak region met with optimism, disappointment, skepticism
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The U.S. Treasury Department certified seven opportunity zones in Colorado Springs and one in El Paso County this week, as part of a provision tucked into the tax bill passed by Congress late last year. The zones are meant to attract private investment to areas lagging economically, but, once again, southeast Colorado Springs has been…
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Colorado Springs councilman walks out of executive session, cites systemic lack of transparency
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Accusing Colorado Springs leaders of violating the state Sunshine Law on open meetings, City Councilman Bill Murray walked out of an executive session Wednesday morning in protest. According to the council agenda, the closed meeting involved “legal advice and negotiation consultation with the city attorney regarding an annexation matter.” Murray said it was about proposed…
