Author: Vic Vela
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Lawmakers aim to shed light on some judicial branch records
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If the public wants to know how much the governor’s office or the Legislature spends on ink toner or Post-it notes, they can probably find that out. But good luck obtaining information on how much money the state spends on court cases. That’s because the state’s judicial branch is not subject to open records laws.…
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Democrats Herod, Goldhamer square off to represent Denver’s House District 8
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If voters based their support on candidates’ last names (which they don’t – probably), Aaron Goldhamer would cruise to victory in next year’s state House District 8 race. “People say, with a name like Goldhamer, you either need to join ‘The Strong Arm’ or be his arch-nemesis,” Goldhamer, an attorney, said of the well-advertised Denver…
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Four candidates square off for open Jeffco schools seats
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Four candidates square offfor open Jeffco schools seats By Vic Vela Regardless of what happens during an upcoming recall of the conservative Jefferson County school board majority, the board is certain to have new members. Four candidates are vying for two open board seats this fall in races that will have just as much of…
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State Fair finances, future up for grabs
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For 11 days of the year, the Colorado State Fairgrounds is filled with music, livestock, thrill rides and fried things on a stick. But most other days, there’s little fun happening at the fair site in Pueblo, the city that has served as host to the event since 1872. And it’s the off-fair time that…
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Carroll blasts Coffman over contract signed with GOP campaign committee
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U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman is taking heat from his expected 2016 rival over his signed agreement on a Republican Party contract that requires political and legislative strategy disclosures in exchange for campaign cash. The Washington Post reported Thursday that Coffman was one of two dozen House Republicans who recently signed a National Republican Congressional Committee…
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Jeffco contract with teachers wins OK amid recall aimed at board majority
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A short-term contract agreement between the Jefferson County school district and its teachers was met with mixed reviews last week, and it’s receiving plenty of attention amid a campaign to recall the school board majority. The board voted 5-0 to accept a 10-month deal with the Jefferson County Education Association on Thursday, a day after…
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Low-income housing efforts get boost, but demand remains high
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More than $5 million in tax credits have been awarded in Colorado this year for the construction of special housing projects for the homeless and others in need. Those incentives were among a larger pool of allocated tax credits aimed at increasing low-income housing availability in the state. But officials tasked with creating more permanent…
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Environmental groups target Latinos over climate change, EPA plan
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Environmental groups are launching a pro-Clean Power Plan campaign aimed at Latinos, a group activists say are disproportionately affected by climate change. Conservation Colorado has created a Latino organizing program called “Protégete: Our Air, Our Health.” Protégete, which translates to “protect yourself,” encourages greater Latino involvement in Colorado’s role complying with the federal plan. The…
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Denver college assistance measure passes first hurdle
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The Denver City Council on Monday gave initial approval to a measure that would seek voter approval for a sales tax hike to support college scholarships for local students. But if concerns expressed by dissenting councilors are shared by their constituents, backers will have some convincing to do if the proposal makes the November ballot.…
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Candidates emerge in Jeffco school board recall
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Candidates are beginning to emerge in the effort to recall three Jefferson County school board members as the movement continues to clear hurdles to make the ballot. As of Thursday evening, two candidates had declared their intentions to run for the seat held by Board President Ken Witt. The other two board members facing recall…
