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Sales Tax Hikes For One And All

Sales Tax Hikes For One And All

by | Jul 20, 2018 | Editorials

Jolon Clark

Never in the 160-year history of the City of Denver has its governmental coffers been so bountifully filled as they are today. The extraordinary rise in property values have brought in untold millions of dollars in real property taxes even if it is breaking the back of small business in the city. [See Chronicle p. 1, July 2018.] Sales tax revenue is also skyrocketing and the myriad taxes on marijuana is a bonanza for the city. As for copious amounts of funds for capital projects the city’s voters approved an almost $10 billion in bonds. The original goal for bond proceeds was much smaller but grew and grew as optimism skyrocketed about the state of the city’s economy.

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce is gathering signatures for a statewide ballot to increase the state’s sales tax by 2.9 percent or 29 cents per $10 purchase for roads and transportation projects. Since Denver will be the largest contributor to the funding it can be expected to garner the lion’s share of the proceeds for projects it is interested in.

What is a little surprising is that, notwithstanding this mountain of cash, Denver appears to be ignoring various standard expenditures. One would perhaps not be shocked to find out, according to City Councilman Jolon Clark, that Denver Parks and Recreation has a $127 million deferred maintenance backlog. Mayor Hancock and the developers who own him see open space and parks as future apartment house and affordability sites. Why bother to maintain them when in the natural course of business in Denver they will be cemented over, turned into drainage ponds and/or monetized as concert venues and the like.

Nonetheless, Councilman Clark has proposed, and the City Council approved by a 12 to 1 margin, a dedicated parks sales tax of 0.25 percent or 2.5 cents per $10 purchase for park maintenance and acquisition of new or replacement parks. That would produce approximately $46 million next year. Given how fast the City Council is destroying parks and open space in the city, the $46 million would appear modest. The only person voting no was Albus Brooks who instead wants to turn all of the city’s sidewalks into runways for some reason known only to the mayor’s developer friends who want to make him the next mayor of Denver after Hancock retires in 2022.

Clark has noted that the remaining green space in the city “has become too crowded.” A good point since Denver has gone from one of the leading American cities in parks and open space per capita to one of the worst in only a couple of decades.

Kendra Black

This caused Councilwoman Kendra Black, affectionately known as “the dumbest person in America with a master’s degree,” to declare, “There’s definitely a need for this.”

It was left to Councilman Kevin Flynn to point out that what will happen is that the city will simply cut back park maintenance to almost nothing and let the dedicated park fund pay for it all. In effect the dedicated parks tax will become just another feeder to the general fund. Others have noted the Mayor, and his cronies, will use the fund to purchase virtually worthless land that no one wants, even the scummiest developers, from the highly connected. That inescapable logic caused Councilman Flynn to propose a successful amendment that the Council hold public hearings and take votes on five-year plans for the spending of the money. This way the crooks who run the city will have to grease not only the mayor but also individual councilmembers.

Others are gathering signatures for dedicated sales taxes for a myriad other good causes including, but not limited to, mental health and substance abuse treatment; college scholarships; and healthy food programs.

We say yes to all the sales tax initiative that make the ballot in Denver. All the money will eventually end up in the back pockets of CRL Associates, Norm of Arabia, the mayor’s favorite developers and other politically connected individuals. But the public does not appear to appreciate the fact that the mayor spends all his time working out and chasing skirts while the City Council does virtually nothing. Shouldn’t the people who run the city and do all the work be handsomely rewarded for their endeavors? We say yes and thus the voters must approve sales tax hikes for one and all. We are confident, based on past performance, that the Denver voters will do the right thing and vote yes on any and all tax hikes that make the ballot, no matter the purported purpose.

— Editorial Board

I’ll Quit When I Need Glasses

I’ll Quit When I Need Glasses

by | Jul 20, 2018 | Blasting with Boyles

How Writing Columns Like This Are Going To Make You Go Blind.
Call It The Denverbergers

Recently I have been dedicating this award-winning column and lots of very expensive airtime to the hidden bosses of the City of Denver and the State of Colorado. Oftentimes the same person and the same organizations.

Since we seem to be the only scribes in the Colorado media to talk about John Hickenlooper’s trip to the Bilderberg I thought it would be of interest and importance for us to list the Denverbergers. The rich and powerful that have controlled Denver and the State of Colorado for a number of years.

As I have said to my critics, “I’ll quit when I need glasses.” Oops I already wear them. OK, I hope my mom doesn’t catch me.

One prediction — sometime after the first of the year, in January 2019, John Hickenlooper will announce his hat is in the ring. He will be running for President of the U.S. to challenge Donald Trump. Don’t take this bet, you’ll lose, he’s in.

We’ve spent a lot of time talking and writing about the power elites who control the EU, foreign policy decisions, and are currently on the ropes being punched by your old Trumpites. So in Colorado the elite of business, politics, media and academia tend to, and oftentimes do, control the direction of the City and the State.

I’m mindful now that everybody bitches about traffic and overcrowding. How did this happen? How did it get this way? Well it’s fairly simple. The same people who told you not to water your lawns and not to fill your kids’ swimming pools were handing out water permits to developers, campaign contributors, butt boys and buddies. You can’t make any money on roads, can’t make any money on infrastructure unless it’s the A Train to the plane. You just settle back, hope the Broncos get in the playoffs, and leave the rest up to us.

So along with my crack staff, Chuck and Julie, we’ve put the list together of who the Denverbergers are. From the top down:

Phil Anschutz — The state’s wealthiest business owner, the true gray eminence.

Pat Stryker — One of the most powerful people in the State of Colorado you never heard of. If there were ever a member of the lucky sperm club Pat would win. To the best of my knowledge Pat never lifted a finger in any kind of a working company.

John Hickenlooper — The name speaks for itself.

Norm Brownstein and Steve Farber — What more do you need to know.

Larry Mizel — CEO and Chairman of MDC Holdings. Made the Fortune 500 list. Knows how to stay in the background and also be part of the shakers and movers.

Tim Gill — Wealthy political activist, part of the Gang of Four with Pat Stryker.

Bruce Benson — Big time oilman. You see him everywhere if you dine at the Denver Country Club.

John Malone — Liberty Media. Always manages to get one of his many minions in on any meeting whether to foist the Olympic Games or some back-door power deal.

Charlie Ergen — Also known as EchoStar.

Peter Coors — Of course, I rest my case.

Stan Kroenke — Denver based Kroenke Sports Enterprises.

Pat Hamill — CEO of Oakwood Homes and former head of Colorado Concern.

Ken Salazar — Former U.S. Senator. Oil and power broker.

Wellington Webb — Former Denver Mayor.

Jack Finlaw — Fast Jack, advisor to kings and queens.

Kelly Brough — President and CEO of Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Walter Isenberg — President and CEO Sage Hospitalities.

Dan Ritchie — President Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation.

Bill Owens/Bob Beauprez crime family — Former Governor most recently found sucking up to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock at a Ken Salazar fundraiser.

Cole Finegan — Big money bundler.

Larry Richardson — Managing partner of Bow River Capital.

Sylvia Young — President and CEO of HealthONE.

And if you notice not one of these people holds an elected office, except Hickenlooper who is term limited and on his way to the stars.

But these people, whether you know their names or not, are the reason we have an overcrowded city and highways and homeless people crapping in your alley.

And as the sun sinks slowly on Denver’s corporate media outlets you’re not going to hear anything about these people. I bet there are few, if any, reporters who even know who these people are because they’re too busy covering Trump protests and celebrity dog washes.

So, when they get together to screw you and your family a majority of these people belong to Colorado Concern, an organization devoted to lining its members’ pockets and screwing you.

It doesn’t matter whether Walker Stapleton wins and Anschutz hands out the party favors or Jared Polis wins and Tim Gill hands out the party favors. Remember you got no shot. Go Broncos.

— Peter Boyles

3 Reasons To Take Your Workouts Outside

3 Reasons To Take Your Workouts Outside

by | Jun 28, 2018 | Feature Story Middle Left

by Colleen Salgado

Summer is here, and in Colorado we’re fortunate to have plenty of sunshine, low humidity and mountains of recreation opportunities right in our backyard. Here are three reasons to take advantage of the long days and head outdoors for health and wellness.

1. It boosts the mood. More than anything, going outside is good for your spirit. When you’re outside, you see, smell and hear things you wouldn’t experience indoors, which stimulates the senses.

In addition, being outdoors exposes us to sun. While sunscreen is of course important, being in the sun regulates the production of melatonin in our bodies. According to research published in Environmental Health Perspectives, this can help prevent insomnia, premenstrual syndrome and seasonal affective disorder. Exposure to sun also improves serotonin levels, which can result in less stress, more positive moods and a “calm, yet focused” mental outlook. This means simply: Sun makes us happy!

2. It sharpens the mind. As we age, we begin to lose receptors in the brain, resulting in decreases in balance, cognitive function and short-term memory. For people over 50 or for those recovering from trauma to the brain, the ability for the remaining receptors to connect also decreases.

However, when we walk outside, it’s possible to replace and repair those receptors. Every step we take sends a signal from the foot, up through the spinal column, to the brain. The brain shoots back down a signal telling the foot how to realign and reset balance before we take the next step. Creating more of this rapid communication between the body and the brain helps keep the mind challenged. This, in turn, improves the ability to think and process.

3. It strengthens the body. Walking outside does even more wonders. When we get used to walking in the same places or indoors, our bodies simply adjust. But when we go outside to walk, our bodies must negotiate new terrain. They must maneuver over cracks, slants or uneven terrain. This activates different muscle groups and further engages our legs, core and abdominals.

Walking or not, being outside in the sun also maximizes the body’s production of Vitamin D, which can promote strong bones, disease prevention, a healthier immune system and even weight loss. On the flip side, not getting enough Vitamin D can result in tiredness, aches and pain, and severe bone or muscle pain. Yes, you can get Vitamin D by taking a supplement. However, you can also just take a stroll in the sunshine, which sounds much better!

What to keep in mind. Of course, as you head outside, it is important to keep safety in mind. I like to remind people of these tips:

• When walking outside, partner up. Or, let people know where you’re going and when to expect you back.

• Sunshine is good for you — but sun damage isn’t. Remember the sunscreen!

• If you have sensitive skin or allergies, take steps to mitigate them before you head outside.

• Wear the right shoes — A long walk will require more than sandals or flip-flops.

• Bring a snack. If you’re going to be outside awhile, bring a combination of protein and carbs to refuel.

• Finally, stay hydrated. A good rule of thumb is 1 ounce for every minute of high-intensity activity.

Summer is the perfect time to get out there and get fit, have fun and stay safe. For more ways to live healthy outdoors — and indoors — all year long, contact the health and wellness professionals!

Colleen Salgado is the Health & Wellness Director at the Schlessman Family YMCA. A fitness instructor for many years, Colleen is certified in ACE personal training, AFAA Group Fitness, SilverSneakers, Zumba, Les Mills, Madd Dog, Yoga, Pilates and willPower & grace.

Glendale Pairs American Rugby With Local Craft Brewers

Glendale Pairs American Rugby With Local Craft Brewers

by | Jun 28, 2018 | Glendale City News

by John Arthur
Writer on behalf of Infinity Park

For the first time, Glendale’s Bruises & Brews Beerfest will expand to two days: August 24 and 25, 2018. Photo by Travis Prior

Since its creation more than a decade ago, Glendale’s Infinity Park has been the epicenter of rugby in the United States, establishing its rugby programming during that time as a friend and champion of local businesses. For the inaugural season of professional rugby in the U.S., the Glendale Raptors have featured local brewers at each home game, and will also host the annual Bruises and Brews beer festival in August — taking place over two days this year for the first time in the event’s history. As Major League Rugby’s exciting first season winds to a close, rugby fans and beer enthusiasts can look forward to the two-day festival — a perfect pairing with the annual RugbyTown 7s tournament. Hearing from two featured brewers demonstrates what makes the hard-hitting sport and cold, local suds such good bedfellows.

A Colorado native, Dave Meira of Boggy Draw Brewery started brewing beer in 1989. The warm, woodsy ambience of his Sheridan taproom is almost as welcoming as the rich, smooth flavor of his Groundhog Mountain Milk Stout. Built by Meira himself, a carpenter by trade, the outdoor-themed bar is named for an area in southwest Colorado’s San Juan National Forest, a place where he grew up hunting. The featured brewer at the Raptors home opener, a victory over Austin Elite Rugby, Meira’s passion for rugby is plainly equal to his passion for beer. Opened in July 2015, Boggy’s somewhat sparse décor includes a number of rugby balls and jerseys. With 16 beers typically on tap, Meira is slowly working toward expansion, though his bread and butter remains the Sheridan taproom.

Playing rugby himself in the late ’80s, Meira admits today’s professional league is another animal altogether: “It was a different game back then,” he chuckles. “Today’s game is a lot faster and a lot more fluid. Back then if you could still stand up you kept playing.” When his son was in high school, Meira learned of the rugby programming at Infinity Park and both got involved. While his son played, Meira volunteered as an assistant coach. Asked about the comparison between the sport and brewing, he notes that the two share a common mentality: “Rugby is very fraternal, and the brewing scene at our level is like that too. They’re both close-knit communities.” That fraternity ensures Colorado brewers and American rugby will continue to grow together.

Just south of Mile High Stadium, Strange Craft Beer Company was born from disaster. Owner Tim Myers had been home brewing for eight years when the Great Recession cost him his IT job. Rather than wade through unpromising employment prospects, he took the plunge and founded Strange, the first nanobrewery in Denver. Asked about the distinction, Myers explains that craft brewers are typically described in terms of size: “There are multinationals, regional brewers, packaging breweries, brewpubs, and more,” he says. “Smaller brewers are microbreweries: we’re the next size down. We celebrate our smallness, focusing on selling pints across the bar in our tasting room.” Myers experimented with nearly 65 beer recipes last year — the most in Strange’s history.

The featured brewer for the Raptors May 13 win over San Diego Legion, Strange Craft embodies how craft brewing is facilitating the burgeoning American rugby scene. Myers explains: “I always think of rugby as an English sport, and it seems like any time I’ve gone to a rugby event there has been Bass or Harp or Guinness on tap,” he says. “Those were the original craft beers in the 1970s and ’80s in the U.S. If you wanted something different tasting, that’s what you drank. I think that plays really well with bringing rugby to America. That craft beer heritage and the U.S. brewing scene work well toward Americanizing rugby.”

Myers’ sentiment succinctly explains Glendale’s brewer-friendly mentality. Pairing the athletic spectacle of the niche sport and its uniquely community-centric ethos, with the creativity, camaraderie, and local-focus of craft brewing is a no-brainer. Embracing the grassroots nature of rugby, Colorado’s craft brewers are finding themselves on the ground floor of a rapidly growing sport, and enjoying the successful inaugural season of Major League Rugby in the process. As craft brewing continues to grow, so too will Glendale’s presence as the center of American rugby. Drop by Infinity Park to check out the professional rugby action — and have a pint while you’re at it.

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