by Ashe in America | Sep 26, 2024 | Feature Story Bottom Left
ASHE IN AMERICA — OPINION
Dave Williams is the Chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, but Eli Bremer claimed the title after a dubious meeting on Saturday, August 24.
Billed as an official gathering of the party’s State Central Committee, a fraction of delegates — and no one from current party leadership — showed up to participate in the ousting of Chairman Dave Williams, Vice Chair Hope Scheppelman, and Secretary Anna Ferguson.
The meeting was contested before it began.
Flip Flopping Court Findings
At the end of July, Arapahoe County District Court Judge Thomas Willard Henderson IV issued a temporary restraining order on the meeting, stating, “the leadership of the Colorado Republican Party would be called into question, leaving the party in disarray roughly 100 days before election day on Nov. 5, 2024.”
Henderson reversed course on August 6, rescinding his TRO. The reversal stated that the Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case and should never have issued the TRO to begin with.
On August 24, the meeting proceeded. It was a who’s who of establishment figures who’ve been repeatedly rejected by Republican voters. Former Chair Kristi Burton Brown reportedly played a facilitation role, along with Senior Advisor to Runbeck Election Services and serial “public servant,” Wayne Williams.
Williams is also the former Colorado Republican Secretary of State that unsuccessfully attempted to mandate Dominion Voting Systems in 2016. “When they do buy new equipment, at least the software must be from Dominion,” said Williams, in a 2016 interview reported by Complete Colorado at the time. He lost that battle in court.
“What’s important to clarify, the court DID NOT rule on the legality of the dispute,” the State Executive Committee stated in a letter to the party.
The dispute is that the official State Central Committee meeting was already scheduled for August 31, in accordance with the GOP bylaws. The bylaws also explicitly and repeatedly give authority to the “CRC Chairman,” which is Dave Williams.
The statement continued, “The Republican National Committee’s own parliamentarian, Al Gage, issued an opinion along with our own parliamentarian, Gregory Carlson, outlining why August 31st is the only legitimate meeting.” The letter linked to the opinions of both Parliamentarians.
When reached for comment after the August 24 meeting, Chairman Williams expanded on the statement, “The court did not give an opinion on who has jurisdiction because the State Central Committee has the jurisdiction.”
A Clear Coup
Republican bylaws state that 30% of delegates need to be present for a quorum and 60% of the entire SCC must be present to oust leadership. During the meeting, those present — roughly, 77 in person delegates and 104 proxies — voted to interpret the 60% rule as 60% of those present, not of the total SCC, so they could continue their illegitimate vote. There are 414 total delegates, so around 19% were actually participating in person.
The result of the vote to oust the three officers was 166.66-12. Once “removed,” those present voted on replacements, and Eli Bremer was “elected” Chairman.
What came next is reminiscent of Joe Biden’s actions in the wake of November 3, 2020. It also recalls Kamala Harris’ conduct since the Sunday afternoon ousting of Joe Biden.
Bremer immediately updated his social media presence, referring to himself as “Chair of the Colorado Republican Party,” and engaged in over-communication about his progress. His feed on X, formerly Twitter, is a masterclass in pretend authority.
Bremer called candidates and NGOs and associations, repeatedly citing the authority of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) – “a political committee devoted to increasing the number of Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives” – as though this political committee is somehow an authority over the Republican National Committee (RNC).
It’s not. The NRCC has no official authority in party affairs, at the local, state, or national levels.
One of my favorite moments from Bremer’s post-coup hysteria is his spin on the GOP Headquarters.
“The historical COGOP HQ has been non-functional for a while. Working to bring it back. In the mean time, if candidates need support for collateral storage and distribution, we have a new temp HQ set up. Working to bring Trump collateral into CO ASAP. @GOP @NRCC,” Bremer posted on X on August 28.
The COGOP HQ is currently occupied by actual COGOP leadership. Bremer’s “new temp HQ” should remind everyone of Joe Biden’s “Office of the President Elect” branding that was ubiquitous in the aftermath of the stolen election.
Some readers might be surprised to learn that a Republican, and a former Olympian, is exhibiting all the classic earmarks of the so-called ruler of the United States, but Bremer revealed himself as an establishment hack in the wake of losing his 2022 Senate run.
In June 2022, Bremer published, “Is It Time Republicans Outsource The Caucus System?” in Campfire Colorado. The article is no longer available – notable and also reminiscent of Democrat tactics – though Bremer’s Facebook Post announcing the piece is still on his page.
You read that right: from his prior positions, Bremer appears to be aligned with Kent Thiry’s radical transformation of ballot access in Colorado elections — Initiative 310 (vote NO). That’s in addition to his rapid and radical moves as the ruling junta of the fake Republican party.
The Actual Official Proceeding
On August 31, the State Central Committee officially gathered with 204 members present in person and by proxy, establishing a quorum to conduct business.
The body moved quickly to pass bylaw amendments, including upholding the State Executive Committee Decision that the August 24 meeting and its outcome were invalid. The decision was amended to add a concurring statement from the State Central Committee.
Party leadership then voluntarily called for a removal vote as a show of good faith to party delegates that may be concerned about the dueling proceedings. From the COGOP official statement:
“Even though the State Executive Committee Decision was upheld, your true State Party Officers voluntarily submitted ourselves to a removal vote.
The Removal Results were as follows:
No (Retain): 191.5
Yes (Remove): 10
The majority has spoken, and your true State Party Leadership team will jealously defend these results against a vocal minority in and out of court.”
Notably, the official August 31 proceeding had a greater number of delegates present, credentialed and voting, and Chairman Williams received a greater share of the total party vote than Mr. Bremer during the prior vote.
As the RNC parliamentarian already issued a statement on which meeting was the official proceeding, Williams, Ferguson, and Scheppelman’s victory appears conclusive.
“There was never any real support to remove any of the officers and today proved it,” Chairman Williams said when reached for comment after the official meeting.
In light of the totality of the circumstances and evidence, what we have here is a failed coup by the former ruling coalition of Colorado Republicans — the same coalition that was rejected by Republican voters in every official party proceeding since 2022.
Voters’ rejection of this coalition is consistent because it is overwhelmingly clear that their goal is raising money, whining about Colorado Democrats, and failing to accomplish ANY Republican platform objectives — including the primary objective of electing Colorado Republicans.
Readers will recall the December 2022 financial scandal where this same ruling coalition paid themselves bonuses out of the party coffers, despite a complete and total failure to achieve the much anticipated “red wave.” Bonuses are generally an award for exemplary performance, and it’s never been established what accomplishment those bonuses awarded.
Perhaps their actual objective was defeating the red wave and draining party resources prior to their ousting. I’m speculating, of course, but their ongoing conduct appears to support my speculation.
Bremer and company cherish their role as the minority party in our state — the pomp and party planning, the promises, and always out of reach progress — and this failed coup was an attempt to get back to that “important,” subversive work.
Chairman Williams blasted the failed coup leaders, asserting that all his opponents have done is “sow chaos and division with less than 65 days left in this election.”
He’s not wrong. Because of Republican infighting, voters are confused and disillusioned with the party, while enemies of the people continue to radically reshape Colorado civic life. (Side note: Again, please vote NO on ballot initiative 310 if you ever want to have a voice in your own self governance again.)
“We hope they stop harming the State Party and, instead, join with everyone else in electing President Trump this November,” Williams told me.
Me too, Mr. Chairman, but don’t count on it. These uniparty coup leaders have a job to do, and that job isn’t electing Republicans.
Eli Bremer did not respond to Chronicle requests for comment. Notably, he’s still calling himself “Chairman” in his social bios.
This saga is likely heading to court.
Ashe in America is a writer and activist. Find all her work at linktree.com/asheinamerica.
by Valley Gadfly | Sep 26, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
Ah, October: The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter! It’s the fall season: A time for cozy hugs and warm mugs!
This is a month for pumpkin spice lattes, cinnamon-scented candles, and Halloween décor. It’s the time of the year when autumn finally feels like it’s kicking into high gear.
As breezes serenade the trees, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment, for a confident, colorful, and cool month to celebrate those fall feelings:
One of today’s top guitar pickers and singers, Fort Collins-based blues, country, and folk artist Cary Morin brings his four-piece band Ghost Dog to entertain at Dazzle in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
All art aficionados: The Cheesman Fall Arts Invitational has paintings, sculpture, and jewelry in the park Oct. 5-6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-324-5956.
The Colorado Symphony Cello Ensemble performs in rich, deep chocolatey tones at Boettcher Concert Hall, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Be a Charlie Brown, find a Great Pumpkin at Four Mile Park’s Pumpkin Harvest Festival with music, acts, Oct. 12-13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.
Holiday shop in Woodward Studios at 1950 S. Holly, #8. View fine art, furniture, jewelry, boards-platters in artist’s studio and show room. Invitational Exhibition is Sept. 22-Oct. 31 with Reception Sept. 22, 3-5 p.m. Information: 617-460-1668.
Looking for some cash to spend during the holidays? Colorado Gold Mart loans cash for gold jewelry, diamonds, Rolexes, vintage watches, and coin collections. In business for 30 years at 1124 S. Colorado Blvd. Information:303-692-0555.
Plan to see Grammy nominated saxophonist, arranger, and composer Lakecia Benjamin at the Newman Center Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
The world’s most famous brass group today, the Canadian Brass entertain at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Oct. 20, 2:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Take your boys and ghouls to the Halloween Spooktacular concert with films and TV music at Boettcher Hall, Oct. 27, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Support mental health, plus substance use care, by attending the 41st Annual Tribute Fundraising Gala for Mental Health Colorado. The formal attire occasion is in the Grand Hyatt Denver, October 12, 6 p.m. Enjoy art, live music, and dancing, with drinks and dinner. Information: 720-208-2220.
October always seems more October-y than other months. Confident, cool, and commanding. Cherry Creek Valley communities craft an October for the ages each year.
Parks and lawns stretch like a carpet of jewels, emerald, topaz, and garnet. The trees along the highway glow yellow and bronze. Everywhere you walk the colors shout and sing.
Summer’s oppressive heat is just a memory, and the golden leaves promise a month full of picturesque memories. Everyone loves October, it’s the month we all fall for each year.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 23, 2024 | Main Articles
Construction On Cherry Creek North’s Delay-Plagued, But Plush Condo Project At 2nd & Steele Set For January Start
by Glen Richardson
Miami’s Stacked Boxes: Cherry Creek’s condo developer PMG built this 100-story Waldorf Astoria hotel-condo tower. It is a design inspired by stacked and cantilevered boxes.
Waldorf Astoria — the name that evokes history and elegance — first announced plans for a Cherry Creek North condo building in December 2021. Three years later, build-out of the much-anticipated project site at 185 N. Steele St. is at last imminent. The proposed start date is January 1, 2025, with completion expected in 2026.
Upper Crust In Creek: Architectural rendering shows what the much-anticipated Waldorf Astoria condos building at 2nd Ave. and Steele St. will look like. Start date is January, 2025.
Property Markets Group (PMG), the development firm behind a 100-story Waldorf Astoria hotel and condo tower in Miami, and its architecture firm, Shears Adkins Rockmore, presented architectural renderings to the Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board earlier this year. PMG also owns the block where TV station Denver7 operated for decades and plans to develop a 12-story, 600-unit apartment complex on that site. The station has relocated to Delgany St. in RiNo.
The architectural firm’s Andy Rockmore told the design board that the five-story building is intended to serve as a transition between shorter buildings to the east and taller buildings — up to 12 stories — to the west. PMG initially requested that the city rezone the property to allow up to eight stories. However, the development firm ultimately decided to be content with five stories, and withdrew the application before the city could respond.
A $29.1 Million Deal
PMG spent $29.1 million in multiple transactions between late 2021 and early 2023 to acquire the 0.81-acre site where the condo building will be built. The spot is where the former Italian trattoria Piatti has sat empty since Christmas 2021. The project will also include the plot of land where the longtime closed Cherry Creek Bombay Clay Oven restaurant building stands.
The development firm’s plans now call for a five-story, 172,000-sq.-ft. luxury condo project to be built on the 0.81-acre site. It will feature roughly 40 residential units across floors two through five, including seven penthouses on the top floor, six of which will have private rooftop terraces.
The smallest units will be about 670-sq.-ft., whereas the largest penthouse will occupy a substantial 5,000-sq.-ft. The roof will also include a common terrace space for residents, plus a bar, and a nearly 900-sq.-ft. pool.
Restaurant & Retail
Pricey Piatti Plot: PMG paid $29.1 million for spot where the Italian restaurant Piatti has sat empty since Christmas 2021.
Preeminent Perspective: This rendering shows a slightly less formal perspective of the delay-plagued but plush condo project.
The building will have approximately 2,200-sq.-ft. dedicated to a residential lobby and concierge area. Site plans for the ground level of the building also show the structure will house a 4,360-sq.-ft. restaurant and bar on the corner of 2nd Ave. and St. Paul. There will be 3,532-sq.-ft. of retail space on the corner of Steele and 2nd Ave. The project design also calls of a 70-space underground parking garage.
Given the price PMG paid for the land and the proposed number of condos in the building, each unit is expected be listed for sale at multimillion dollar prices. For reference, a three-bedroom condo in PMG’s Miami tower start at $3.3 million.
“Cherry Creek has been a specifically targeted neighborhood for us,” explains Ryan Shear, PMG managing partner. “We love Denver, we’ve built in Denver before, and we’re excited to introduce a high-end condo project into Cherry Creek North. We aim to provide the best and most seamless addition to the neighborhood.”
Open Space, Alley Doubts
Bulldozing Bombay: The iconic condo brand is also replacing the longtime closed Cherry Creek Bombay Clay Oven restaurant building.
Plans initially called for an existing alley running north to south through the site to be replaced by one running east to west, to the south of the building. The developer argued that the change would facilitate loading and access to car elevators for the underground parking garage.
Cherry Creek North’s design board had questioned and expressed concerns about the alley relocation. They also had doubts about the amount of open space provided by the developer. Cherry Creek’s zoning mandates that at least 15% of a property must remain open. Several board members voiced concerns that the design deviated significantly from neighboring structures. Thus, the board was concerned the project would not mix well with neighboring buildings within Cherry Creek.
“We believe it fits with the district character,” Rockmore responded. “Our goal is to achieve a higher standard, to raise the bar.” Ultimately, the board did not approve the designs at the time, requesting that the developer and architect address concerns regarding mass reduction and amount of open space. It remains unclear how PMG and architects at Shears Adkins Rockmore have addressed the alley and open space concerns expressed by the design board.
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 23, 2024 | Main Articles
Glendale’s Sammy Sullivan Stars In Paris Games; Women’s Elite Rugby Picks Denver As First Pro Site
by Glen Richardson
We Won: Sammy Sullivan, who lives in Glendale, reacts as she joins her Olympic teammates after winning bronze at the Paris Olympics.
Boundless Playground: Infinity Park is one of the only rugby-specific stadiums in the U.S., and the country’s first municipality- owned stadium.
Glendale, America’s rugby haven and its moniker as RugbyTown USA, is in the spotlight’s beam again as the U.S. earned its first-ever medal in women’s rugby at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
After never finishing an Olympic rugby competition better than fifth, the U.S. women took home the bronze medal after a thrilling 14-12 comeback victory against Australia, the gold medalists in 2016. In Tokyo, the U.S. was knocked out before the medal round by Great Britain. The Americans got payback in Paris, eliminating Great Britain in the quarterfinals.
The U.S. team included Sammy Sullivan. a star Colorado rugby player for Glendale’s Gray Wolves. Now Denver — and possibly Glendale — is getting a new team in the Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) league. The league is targeting next year (2025) for its inaugural season. The revelation coincides with the U.S. winning its first-ever Olympic medal. If WER does launch here, it would be the first fully professional women’s sports team in metro Denver.
Glendale Rugby Boom
Biding Time: First lady Jill Biden, left, speaks with Glendale’s Olympic women’s rugby player Sammy Sullivan, in Eaubonne, France.
American rugby got its start in 2007 with the building of the Infinity Park Stadium in Glendale. It is one of the only rugby-specific stadiums in the country, and the first municipality-owned stadium of its kind in the country. Infinity Park hosts oodles of different rugby events, matches, and activities. Glendale also offers a variety of youth rugby, including spring after school rugby, and summer flag rugby. There’s also a high-altitude training center, considered one of the finest rugby training facilities in the country.
Glendale’s Mayor Mike Dunafon — who played a stint with the Denver Broncos —launched Infinity Park and rugby for what he describes as “its camaraderie and sportsmanship.” The decision was his commitment to the community.
The strong performance in Paris will be impactful for Glendale, the Mile High City, and the sport as a whole. After this summer’s bronze-medal win, USA Rugby announced that Michelle Kang — owner of the Washington Spirit, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, and London City Lionesses women’s soccer clubs — will gift $4 million over the course of four years to the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team. Enrollment in the sport has climbed in the U.S. ever since rugby sevens became an Olympic sport in 2016. Look for the game to soar in 2025.
Sullivan Stars
Tournament Town: Rugby tournament play has long been a staple at Infinity Park. The RugbyTown 7s tournament features the U.S. Armed Forces. AP Photo by George Walker IV
A shining star on the world stage, Sammy Sullivan — who lived in Glendale — was a key player in the Olympic games, leading the U.S. women’s rugby team to several victories to begin the Paris Olympics.
She plays for the Colorado Gray Wolves, as well as the U.S. women’s rugby team. The team was originally established in 1981 as the Harlequin Olde Girls before aligning with the City of Glendale in 2007 and becoming the Glendale Raptors Merlins. In 2020 the team became an independent club, run and operated by the players. The team still plays at Glendale’s Infinity Park. Sullivan started playing rugby at West Point and holds the rank of Army Captain. She’s originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Sullivan did not attend the opening ceremony ride down the River Seine because women’s rugby played shortly afterward. Instead, she built Legos. Her Olympic Lego project features iconic Paris sites including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
While in France for the Summer Games, Sullivan met first lady Jill Biden and former Philadelphia Eagles center Jayson Kelce and his wife Kylie.
Pro Women’s Rugby
Sammy Shines: Glendale’s Sammy Sullivan was a key player in the Olympic games. She led the U.S. women’s rugby team to several victories to begin the Paris Olympics. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) has announced that Denver, along with Boston and Chicago, will be the first cities to host a professional women’s rugby team. Goal is to have 30 players on each team when the inaugural season gets underway in the spring of 2025. The announcement coincides with the U.S. winning its first-ever Olympic medal in Paris. The league hopes to have six to eight teams for its inaugural season. Matthew Payne, director of the Denver Sports Commission — an affiliate of the Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Visit Denver — responded that the Mile High City is thrilled to be a founding city
“Denver has a lot of history in women’s rugby, and recently they’ve had some success with the Women’s Premier League and have won quite a few of the national championships,” said Jessica Hammond-Graf, president of the WER. “And so, we felt like bringing that energy and the continued history of women’s rugby to the area would just really make sense.” WER has the intention to start with 6-8 teams, and then looks to build toward a strategic expansion plan during the next 10 years. The league’s founding players will be announced following a selection in January.
WER is supported financially by private investors, including members of the rugby community, sports-focused venture capital, and former Procter & Gamble executive Deb Henretta. WER is adding to its roster of investors in its current capital round, which is on track to close by years end. WER prides itself in putting founding teams in markets that have a strong foundation and grassroots efforts in both the rugby and women’s sports. Team names and stadium details for all markets will be announced later.
Childs Play: Children from in and around the Denver metro area participate in rugby sports training programs at Infinity Park.
Colorado History
The nation’s first recorded competitive women’s rugby team hails from Colorado. In 1971, both the University of Colorado and Colorado State University were formed and they played their first match in 1972. The first women’s college championships were also held in Colorado.
During 1973 another Colorado team — the Scarlet Harlots — was organized, followed in 1974 by the Denver Blues. By 1974, there were approximately 29 women’s teams in the U.S. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, women’s rugby continued to grow with a majority of those teams adopting the names of colleges and universities.
Until 1990, very few rosters of women’s collegiate rugby teams were entirely undergraduate students of the university; most college teams were made up of graduate students, alumni, and local residents. Then in 2007, following the opening of Infinity Park in Glendale, tournament rugby has been a staple, with the venue hosting some of the largest and most prestigious competitions in the country.
