thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Home-building academy’s goal: Provide a foundation for people seeking stable careers, new starts

Billy Liptrot is making the transition from prison to life on the outside just as one of the nation ’ s hottest economic streaks has imploded in the face of a global pandemic .
But the 38-year-old husband and father is optimistic as he undertakes training for what he hopes will lead to a career as a carpenter in the home-building industry .
Although the unemployment rate keeps shooting up across the state and country , home builders say the longtime shortage of skilled workers coupled with years of “ under building ” means that people such as Liptrot have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry as a whole is prepared to undertake much more aggressive recruitment efforts , ” Robert Dietz , the chief economist with the National Association of Home Builders , said in a recent webinar .
Dietz expects the industry to focus on hiring despite the significant drops in spending and in single-family home starts expected this year .
He estimated that the reduced pace of home building over the last decade or so has left the country short about 1 million homes .
“ If we ’ re correct that housing is under-built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a recovery we do think it ’ s going to be led by housing , ” Dietz said .
In an interview with The Denver Post , Dietz said the industry nationwide was short 200,000 to 400,000 workers in any given month before the coronavirus outbreak halted a lot of work .
The home-building industry has desperately needed an infusion of new workers , said Justin Johannes , vice president of construction for Taylor Morrison .
“ During the last downturn , most of the people just went away .
The industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son teaching son , ” Johannes said .
“ The last downturn almost wiped out a generation , so there was nobody teaching people.
” Johannes sees the home-building academy as a gateway to the industry for people who ’ ve lost their jobs or want to change careers and to fill the holes left as more of the skilled laborers retire .
He said the academy offers classes for people just starting out or who want to sharpen their skills .
Johannes frequently talks to students at the academy and participates in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviews .
“ People might hire them as day laborers and work them up to apprentices and then journeymen , ” he said .
Construction has continued as other businesses have had to close their doors or curtail activity to curb the spread of the coronavirus .
But the industry hasn ’ t gone unscathed .
Nearly 7,000 jobless claims were filed by those in construction over five weeks ending April 4 , according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Unemployment .
However , Johannes said the outlook is different this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home builders were among the first to let workers go .
“ This time , everyone is kind of digging in their heels and thinking we can ride this out until this COVID-19 thing passes and we ’ ll see how the market rebounds , ” he said .
Liptrot is looking to the construction industry to help him lay a new foundation for his life .
“ I ’ ve done general labor quite a bit .
I ’ m the guy who goes and keeps the site cleaned up , picks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s no fire hazards , ” he said .
“ I always had an admiration and respect for the guys that are walking around in their hard hats and their boots and they have their lunch in a cooler .
Those are the tradesmen and they know stuff and have skills.
” After completing the construction skills boot camp at the home-building academy , participants will get an OSHA certificate for safety training .
“ Once I ’ m finished here , I ’ d like to get into an apprenticeship as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liptrot said .
People who apply for the construction boot camp have a variety of backgrounds and experience , said Brian Dare , the academy ’ s recruiter .
Some , such as Liptrot , are looking for a new start after leaving prison .
Others want a better job and pay or a new career .
“ We do have plenty of career shifters .
They may have been very successful and made a lot of money in other fields but just want something that seems more meaningful and more satisfying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a structure is just a very human , satisfying thing to do .
“ But we also help a lot of people out of poverty and different situations , out of paycheck-to-paycheck situations , to where they can find a really great career and decent wages because of the training and career help we provide , ” Dare added .
The academy offers a youth apprenticeship program that works with area high schools .
But Dare said the bulk of the training is for adults , generally between 25 and 45 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are saying , ‘ Hey , I want a real career .
I want to make some decent money .
I want to do something that ’ s meaningful and satisfying , ' ” Dare said .
“ Sometimes it ’ s in your 30s or 40s before you realize what you were doing was not satisfying.
” The academy was started in 2017 and was primarily supported by Oakwood Homes .
Another partner is the University of Denver-Franklin L. Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management .
Tuition is free for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the construction industry There are charges for electrical and construction management classes .
Like most things , COVID-19 has affected how the academy does business .
Construction work across the state continues , but the home-building academy has had to postpone the hands-on training offered at its site in north Denver .
The program normally takes four weeks in the accelerated form or eight weeks going two nights a week .
“ It ’ s heavy hands-on training but we live in an environment right now where we can ’ t do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little bit and made it a three-week program , ” Dare said .
“ They get the same content and instruction they would normally get .
It ’ s just lacking the hands-on element.
” People going through the online boot camp will be invited back when the academy can open its doors again , Dare said .
They ’ ll have opportunities to network , get help with their resumes and preparation for interviews as well a chance to attend career fairs .
Most of the 60 people who applied for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead even without being able to put on a hard hat and goggles and work on projects in the academy ’ s training lab .
Liptrot said once he was out of prison , he was ready for the kind of direct learning the academy typically provides .
“ You ’ ve got to understand , I ’ ve been in a closed environment for the last couple years .
I got home and I ’ m ready to shoot for the stars , go here , go there .
Then you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to stay at home , ” Liptrot said .
He now sees the time at home as an unexpected benefit .
He said he ’ s taking in a lot of information during the online sessions , doing a lot of homework .
And he ’ s learning from classmates who ’ ve been in the building industry .
“ I ’ ve been able to focus on the things that are important .
What that is , is my family and my future , ” Liptrot said .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Heck , my parole officer , my kids .
This is something that ’ s bigger than me .
”

Billy Liptrot is making the transition from prison to life on the outside just as one of the nation’s hottest economic streaks has imploded in the face of a global pandemic. But the 38-year-old husband and father is optimistic as he undertakes training for what he hopes will lead to a career as a carpenter in the home-building industry.
Although the unemployment rate keeps shooting up across the state and country, home builders say the longtime shortage of skilled workers coupled with years of “under building” means that people such as Liptrot have reason to be hopeful.
“The industry as a whole is prepared to undertake much more aggressive recruitment efforts,” Robert Dietz, the chief economist with the National Association of Home Builders, said in a recent webinar.
Dietz expects the industry to focus on hiring despite the significant drops in spending and in single-family home starts expected this year. He estimated that the reduced pace of home building over the last decade or so has left the country short about 1 million homes.
“If we’re correct that housing is under-built, to the extent that we do get a recovery we do think it’s going to be led by housing,” Dietz said.
In an interview with The Denver Post, Dietz said the industry nationwide was short 200,000 to 400,000 workers in any given month before the coronavirus outbreak halted a lot of work.
The home-building industry has desperately needed an infusion of new workers, said Justin Johannes, vice president of construction for Taylor Morrison.
“During the last downturn, most of the people just went away. The industry has always been based on father teaching son teaching son,” Johannes said. “The last downturn almost wiped out a generation, so there was nobody teaching people.”
Johannes sees the home-building academy as a gateway to the industry for people who’ve lost their jobs or want to change careers and to fill the holes left as more of the skilled laborers retire. He said the academy offers classes for people just starting out or who want to sharpen their skills. Johannes frequently talks to students at the academy and participates in panels to help them prepare for job interviews.
“People might hire them as day laborers and work them up to apprentices and then journeymen,” he said.
Construction has continued as other businesses have had to close their doors or curtail activity to curb the spread of the coronavirus. But the industry hasn’t gone unscathed. Nearly 7,000 jobless claims were filed by those in construction over five weeks ending April 4, according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Unemployment.
However, Johannes said the outlook is different this time. In the last two downturns, home builders were among the first to let workers go.
“This time, everyone is kind of digging in their heels and thinking we can ride this out until this COVID-19 thing passes and we’ll see how the market rebounds,” he said.
Liptrot is looking to the construction industry to help him lay a new foundation for his life.
“I’ve done general labor quite a bit. I’m the guy who goes and keeps the site cleaned up, picks up trash, makes sure there’s no fire hazards,” he said. “I always had an admiration and respect for the guys that are walking around in their hard hats and their boots and they have their lunch in a cooler. Those are the tradesmen and they know stuff and have skills.”
After completing the construction skills boot camp at the home-building academy, participants will get an OSHA certificate for safety training.
“Once I’m finished here, I’d like to get into an apprenticeship as a carpenter and go from there,” Liptrot said.
People who apply for the construction boot camp have a variety of backgrounds and experience, said Brian Dare, the academy’s recruiter. Some, such as Liptrot, are looking for a new start after leaving prison. Others want a better job and pay or a new career.
“We do have plenty of career shifters. They may have been very successful and made a lot of money in other fields but just want something that seems more meaningful and more satisfying,” Dare said. “Putting up a structure is just a very human, satisfying thing to do.
“But we also help a lot of people out of poverty and different situations, out of paycheck-to-paycheck situations, to where they can find a really great career and decent wages because of the training and career help we provide,” Dare added.
The academy offers a youth apprenticeship program that works with area high schools. But Dare said the bulk of the training is for adults, generally between 25 and 45.
“It’s folks like Billy who are saying, ‘Hey, I want a real career. I want to make some decent money. I want to do something that’s meaningful and satisfying,'” Dare said. “Sometimes it’s in your 30s or 40s before you realize what you were doing was not satisfying.”
The academy was started in 2017 and was primarily supported by Oakwood Homes. Tuition is free for those seeking a job or promotion in the construction industry
There are charges for electrical and construction management classes.
Like most things, COVID-19 has affected how the academy does business. Construction work across the state continues, but the home-building academy has had to postpone the hands-on training offered at its site in north Denver. The program normally takes four weeks in the accelerated form or eight weeks going two nights a week.
“It’s heavy hands-on training but we live in an environment right now where we can’t do that. so we’ve tightened up a little bit and made it a three-week program,” Dare said. “They get the same content and instruction they would normally get. It’s just lacking the hands-on element.”
People going through the online boot camp will be invited back when the academy can open its doors again, Dare said. They’ll have opportunities to network, get help with their resumes and preparation for interviews as well a chance to attend career fairs.
Most of the 60 people who applied for the current boot camp decided to go ahead even without being able to put on a hard hat and goggles and work on projects in the academy’s training lab.
Liptrot said once he was out of prison, he was ready for the kind of direct learning the academy typically provides.
“You’ve got to understand, I’ve been in a closed environment for the last couple years. I got home and I’m ready to shoot for the stars, go here, go there. Then you’ve got everyone telling you that you need to stay at home,” Liptrot said.
He now sees the time at home as an unexpected benefit. He said he’s taking in a lot of information during the online sessions, doing a lot of homework. And he’s learning from classmates who’ve been in the building industry.
“I’ve been able to focus on the things that are important. What that is, is my family and my future,” Liptrot said. “I’ve got my wife rooting for me. Heck, my parole officer, my kids. This is something that’s bigger than me.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--UFC 249 is Saturday. Here’s what you need to know about Colorado’s fighters.

UFC 249 is taking place Saturday at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville , Florida , and there are several fighters with Colorado ties who are competing .
Here ’ s a primer on who they are and what they ’ re fighting for : The always-exciting Denver-born Cerrone ( 36-14 ) will face Anthony Pettis ( 22-10 ) .
The two fought once before with Pettis winning via knockout in January 2013 .
Cerrone is looking looking to avoid his fourth straight loss , although his last three opponents are ranked Nos .
1 ( Tony Ferguson ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Justin Gaethje ) in the UFC lightweight division .
The former two-time state wrestling champion at Coronado High School turned Olympic gold medalist , Cejudo ( 15-2 ) is the reigning UFC bantamweight champion .
He was also the flyweight champion but vacated the belt in December .
He was originally scheduled to face Jose Aldo , but Aldo pulled out because of visa issues .
Dominick Cruz ( 22-2 ) , who is coming off of a three-year absence from the sport , will be Cejudo ’ s opponent .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the No .
4 contender in the UFC ’ s lightweight division after three straight wins , all of which ended in the first round via knockout .
Gaethje ( 21-2 ) , 31 , is one of the more exciting MMA fighters in the company .
Of the 23 bouts he ’ s had in his career , 21 have ended via knockout or TKO .
He replaces champion Khabib Nurmagomedov against Tony Ferguson ( 25-3 ) .
The two will battle for the interim lightweight title .
The 34-year-old Aurora native @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making her 2015 debut in the UFC .
Now ranked No .
8 in the division , Waterson ( 17-7 ) faces off against No .
7 Carla Esparza ( 15-6 ) with the victor taking a step forward toward a title fight .
More : Michelle Waterson : UFC 249 without fans “ might be a little weird.
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UFC 249 is taking place Saturday at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, and there are several fighters with Colorado ties who are competing. Here’s a primer on who they are and what they’re fighting for:
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone
The always-exciting Denver-born Cerrone (36-14) will face Anthony Pettis (22-10). The two fought once before with Pettis winning via knockout in January 2013. Cerrone is looking looking to avoid his fourth straight loss, although his last three opponents are ranked Nos. 1 (Tony Ferguson), 3 (Conor McGregor) and 4 (Justin Gaethje) in the UFC lightweight division.
Odds: +120 underdog via Bovada
Henry Cejudo
The former two-time state wrestling champion at Coronado High School turned Olympic gold medalist, Cejudo (15-2) is the reigning UFC bantamweight champion. He was also the flyweight champion but vacated the belt in December. He was originally scheduled to face Jose Aldo, but Aldo pulled out because of visa issues. Dominick Cruz (22-2), who is coming off of a three-year absence from the sport, will be Cejudo’s opponent.
Odds: -225 favorite
Justin Gaethje
The former All-American wrestler at Northern Colorado is the No. 4 contender in the UFC’s lightweight division after three straight wins, all of which ended in the first round via knockout. Gaethje (21-2), 31, is one of the more exciting MMA fighters in the company. Of the 23 bouts he’s had in his career, 21 have ended via knockout or TKO. He replaces champion Khabib Nurmagomedov against Tony Ferguson (25-3). The two will battle for the interim lightweight title.
Odds: +155 underdog
Michelle Waterson
The 34-year-old Aurora native has been a perennial top-10 strawweight since making her 2015 debut in the UFC. Now ranked No. 8 in the division, Waterson (17-7) faces off against No. 7 Carla Esparza (15-6) with the victor taking a step forward toward a title fight.
Odds: +120 underdog
More: Michelle Waterson: UFC 249 without fans “might be a little weird.”
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
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thedenverpost--2020-05-08--50 Coloradans have been allowed to stay on unemployment after refusing work, labor official says

The phased reopening of Colorado ’ s economy amid the coronavirus pandemic means detective work for the people who oversee the state ’ s unemployment benefits program .
So far state labor officials have opened investigations into 150 instances of workers being called back to their workplaces or being offered new jobs and refusing , choosing instead to continue requesting unemployment benefits , Jeff Fitzgerald , the state unemployment insurance director , estimated Thursday .
In 50 of those cases , the state allowed the workers to stay on unemployment .
Five workers have been told they no longer qualify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases are still open , Fitzgerald said before a weekend when hundreds of businesses in the Denver area will be allowed to reopen , potentially calling tens of thousands of people currently collecting unemployment back to work .
Officials did not provide specific details for any of the cases , but the state is allowing people to turn down work during the pandemic in certain situations .
Fitzgerald did not have industry-specific information about where the disputes were coming from .
There are two main channels for the disputes to head to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information that workers who are collecting unemployment benefits are required to file with the labor department on a weekly or biweekly basis .
That filing portal includes reminders that falsified information is considered fraud .
“ In addition to reporting if they received any earnings over those weeks , they would also have to report if they were offered a return to work or a job offer , and what that will do is that will prompt a temporary hold on the benefits while we analyze the situation and determine should those benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away due to the appropriateness of the return-to-work ” offer , Fitzgerald said .
The state also has a form on its employer resources page through which employers can report if someone refused an offer of suitable work .
So far , that form has generated about 200 responses , officials say .
Unlike some other states , Colorado ’ s labor office does not have an Occupational Safety and Health Administration function that allows it to investigate workplace safety , said Cher Haavind , the labor department ’ s deputy executive director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done by OSHA and state and local health authorities .
Instead , the department gathers facts from both the employers and the employee and makes a determination based on that .
Its rulings can be appealed , Fitzgerald noted .
At the direction of Gov .
Jared Polis , the labor department drafted an emergency rule last week allowing people to decline job offers and stay on unemployment in certain circumstances .
Fitzgerald said the circumstances his division will consider include : • If the workplace is blatantly not complying with health standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a part of a group that is vulnerable to the novel coronavirus , like people over 65 or those with preexisting health conditions • If the worker has COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , or is taking care of someone in their household who has it • If the work that was turned down did not fit with the person ’ s previous employment , i.e .
dock work for a laid off accountant

The phased reopening of Colorado’s economy amid the coronavirus pandemic means detective work for the people who oversee the state’s unemployment benefits program.
So far state labor officials have opened investigations into 150 instances of workers being called back to their workplaces or being offered new jobs and refusing, choosing instead to continue requesting unemployment benefits, Jeff Fitzgerald, the state unemployment insurance director, estimated Thursday.
In 50 of those cases, the state allowed the workers to stay on unemployment. Five workers have been told they no longer qualify for benefits.
The rest of the cases are still open, Fitzgerald said before a weekend when hundreds of businesses in the Denver area will be allowed to reopen, potentially calling tens of thousands of people currently collecting unemployment back to work.
Officials did not provide specific details for any of the cases, but the state is allowing people to turn down work during the pandemic in certain situations.
Fitzgerald did not have industry-specific information about where the disputes were coming from.
There are two main channels for the disputes to head to the labor department. One is via the information that workers who are collecting unemployment benefits are required to file with the labor department on a weekly or biweekly basis. That filing portal includes reminders that falsified information is considered fraud.
“In addition to reporting if they received any earnings over those weeks, they would also have to report if they were offered a return to work or a job offer, and what that will do is that will prompt a temporary hold on the benefits while we analyze the situation and determine should those benefits continue or should the benefits be taken away due to the appropriateness of the return-to-work” offer, Fitzgerald said.
The state also has a form on its employer resources page through which employers can report if someone refused an offer of suitable work. So far, that form has generated about 200 responses, officials say.
Unlike some other states, Colorado’s labor office does not have an Occupational Safety and Health Administration function that allows it to investigate workplace safety, said Cher Haavind, the labor department’s deputy executive director. In Colorado, that work is done by OSHA and state and local health authorities.
Instead, the department gathers facts from both the employers and the employee and makes a determination based on that. Its rulings can be appealed, Fitzgerald noted.
At the direction of Gov. Jared Polis, the labor department drafted an emergency rule last week allowing people to decline job offers and stay on unemployment in certain circumstances. Fitzgerald said the circumstances his division will consider include:


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Coronavirus mask mandates draw ire in some political circles

Local governments ’ orders mandating residents to wear masks have become a political flash point in Colorado ’ s ongoing coronavirus pandemic response , with some condemning the orders as government overreach and others heralding them as a prudent step to preserve public health .
The controversy about the mandates springs in part from their scattershot implementation , doubts about the efficacy of masks , frustration with ongoing restrictions on daily life , and the longstanding debate on the government ’ s reach .
“ My sense is that we are such a polarized , divided country at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchen tables , and being unable to get together with our peers , we still need to find things to fight about , ” said Eric Sondermann , an independent political analyst .
“ The mask mandate in different localities is just the latest flash point in these ongoing culture wars.
” Local mask mandates have been put in place in about a dozen communities across the state , including Denver , Boulder and Larimer counties .
Some order residents to wear face coverings in businesses , others at all times in public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to violations while others seek voluntary compliance .
In Larimer County , though , Sheriff Justin Smith said Wednesday he won ’ t enforce the new countywide public health order , which requires all residents over the age of 2 to wear masks when patronizing businesses until at least May 30 and classifies ignoring the order as a misdemeanor criminal offense .
Smith said mask wearing should be encouraged through social pressure and education , not through legal mandates , which he said are unenforceable and create angst among residents .
Colorado has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus and hospitals have not been overwhelmed by patients .
As restrictions across the state ease , he said , suddenly mandating masks in Larimer County seems unnecessary .
“ We ’ re using a March strategy like this is a tidal wave , and the actual reality has proven different , ” he said .
“ To throw in something like this , which has a lot of people angry and frustrated , is bad juju , and it ’ s something that is going to get my folks hurt .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capitol , the guy here with pipe bombs , we ’ re starting to get to a tipping point , and I ’ m just , I ’ m not going to walk us to the tipping point , I ’ m going to walk us back.
” The sheriff ’ s office is tasked with enforcing the law , he acknowledged , but said officers have discretion on how to do so .
“ Every police officer has it beat into their heads , ‘ You ’ re not here to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is out there , ’ ” he said .
“ ‘ You are here to protect the community .
You have these tools available to you .
Use them with appropriate discretion .
Use the least amount of enforcement necessary to gain compliance.
” In Garfield County , Sheriff Lou Vallario said he has seen widespread voluntary compliance with the mask mandate in the city of Glenwood Springs .
There is no countywide order , and the town-by-town approach adds to the confusion , Vallario said .
“ More of the general social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can do this here , but not there ?
” he said .
“ ‘ How come I have to wear a mask in Glenwood but not the city down the road ?
How come I can wait in line for a cheeseburger at McDonald ’ s but I can ’ t go to church in the parking lot ?
” Some of the concern , he said , also stems from the initial back-and-forth from public health officials on whether masks were helpful in slowing the spread of the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government overreach .
“ It gets to the point where people start feeling , whether it is a lawful order or not , how much can you infringe on what I am going to do ?
” he said .
“ If we have a blizzard in Glenwood Springs or Garfield County this winter , and we are under a winter storm warning , can the government say I have to wear a parka or I can ’ t go outside ?
Or I have to wear Sorel boots or I can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Still , national polling has shown that most Americans support caution when reopening the country amid the pandemic , and the most vocal objections to mandated masks seem to be coming from a “ noisy minority ” within the conservative bend , Sondermann said .
About 82 % of Coloradans support or strongly support stay-at-home orders , according to an April study by the University of Denver and Montana State University-Bozeman .
About 64 % approve of Gov .
Jared Polis ’ handling of the pandemic response .
The governor has strongly recommended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered essential workers to wear masks , but has stopped short of a statewide mandate for all residents .
Sara Spaulding , a spokeswoman for Wheat Ridge , which has a mask mandate on the books but does not attach any penalties to violations , said the city only implemented the order after hearing from frightened grocery store employees who were seeing a steady stream of unmasked customers .
The order , she said , is intended to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and protect public health .
The virus often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sneezes , and masks can help stop those droplets from spreading from person to person .
“ It ’ s about those people who are asymptomatic , ” she said .
“ You might not have symptoms and you might not know you are a carrier .
But if you ’ re wearing a face mask , you are going to reduce the chance that one of those vulnerable people gets COVID .
And that ’ s what we all want , to stop the spread of this disease , see our numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life looks like.
” She added that although the city ’ s order doesn ’ t carry criminal penalties , the police department can still leverage other means of enforcement , like citing someone for trespassing if they refuse to wear a mask inside a business and the business owner objects .
“ We all need to protect each other , ” she said .

Local governments’ orders mandating residents to wear masks have become a political flash point in Colorado’s ongoing coronavirus pandemic response, with some condemning the orders as government overreach and others heralding them as a prudent step to preserve public health.
The controversy about the mandates springs in part from their scattershot implementation, doubts about the efficacy of masks, frustration with ongoing restrictions on daily life, and the longstanding debate on the government’s reach.
“My sense is that we are such a polarized, divided country at the moment that even in quarantine, from our kitchen tables, and being unable to get together with our peers, we still need to find things to fight about,” said Eric Sondermann, an independent political analyst. “The mask mandate in different localities is just the latest flash point in these ongoing culture wars.”
Local mask mandates have been put in place in about a dozen communities across the state, including Denver, Boulder and Larimer counties. Some order residents to wear face coverings in businesses, others at all times in public; some orders attach misdemeanor criminal penalties to violations while others seek voluntary compliance.
In Larimer County, though, Sheriff Justin Smith said Wednesday he won’t enforce the new countywide public health order, which requires all residents over the age of 2 to wear masks when patronizing businesses until at least May 30 and classifies ignoring the order as a misdemeanor criminal offense.
Smith said mask wearing should be encouraged through social pressure and education, not through legal mandates, which he said are unenforceable and create angst among residents. Colorado has successfully slowed the spread of the novel coronavirus and hospitals have not been overwhelmed by patients. As restrictions across the state ease, he said, suddenly mandating masks in Larimer County seems unnecessary.
“We’re using a March strategy like this is a tidal wave, and the actual reality has proven different,” he said. “To throw in something like this, which has a lot of people angry and frustrated, is bad juju, and it’s something that is going to get my folks hurt. We’ve got angry protests at the capitol, the guy here with pipe bombs, we’re starting to get to a tipping point, and I’m just, I’m not going to walk us to the tipping point, I’m going to walk us back.”
The sheriff’s office is tasked with enforcing the law, he acknowledged, but said officers have discretion on how to do so.
“Every police officer has it beat into their heads, ‘You’re not here to be a strict enforcer of every law that is out there,’” he said. “‘You are here to protect the community. You have these tools available to you. Use them with appropriate discretion. Use the least amount of enforcement necessary to gain compliance.”
In Garfield County, Sheriff Lou Vallario said he has seen widespread voluntary compliance with the mask mandate in the city of Glenwood Springs. There is no countywide order, and the town-by-town approach adds to the confusion, Vallario said.
“More of the general social unrest comes from, ‘How come I can do this here, but not there?” he said. “‘How come I have to wear a mask in Glenwood but not the city down the road? How come I can wait in line for a cheeseburger at McDonald’s but I can’t go to church in the parking lot?”
Some of the concern, he said, also stems from the initial back-and-forth from public health officials on whether masks were helpful in slowing the spread of the coronavirus, and as well as general unease about government overreach.
“It gets to the point where people start feeling, whether it is a lawful order or not, how much can you infringe on what I am going to do?” he said. “If we have a blizzard in Glenwood Springs or Garfield County this winter, and we are under a winter storm warning, can the government say I have to wear a parka or I can’t go outside? Or I have to wear Sorel boots or I can’t walk in the snow?”
Still, national polling has shown that most Americans support caution when reopening the country amid the pandemic, and the most vocal objections to mandated masks seem to be coming from a “noisy minority” within the conservative bend, Sondermann said.
About 82% of Coloradans support or strongly support stay-at-home orders, according to an April study by the University of Denver and Montana State University-Bozeman. About 64% approve of Gov. Jared Polis’ handling of the pandemic response. The governor has strongly recommended that residents wear masks in public and ordered essential workers to wear masks, but has stopped short of a statewide mandate for all residents.
Sara Spaulding, a spokeswoman for Wheat Ridge, which has a mask mandate on the books but does not attach any penalties to violations, said the city only implemented the order after hearing from frightened grocery store employees who were seeing a steady stream of unmasked customers.
The order, she said, is intended to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and protect public health. The virus often spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and masks can help stop those droplets from spreading from person to person.
“It’s about those people who are asymptomatic,” she said. “You might not have symptoms and you might not know you are a carrier. But if you’re wearing a face mask, you are going to reduce the chance that one of those vulnerable people gets COVID. And that’s what we all want, to stop the spread of this disease, see our numbers go down and get back whatever normal life looks like.”
She added that although the city’s order doesn’t carry criminal penalties, the police department can still leverage other means of enforcement, like citing someone for trespassing if they refuse to wear a mask inside a business and the business owner objects.
“We all need to protect each other,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Ask Amy: Problem drinking creates problems in marriage

Dear Amy : I am 63 and my husband ( of six years ) is 67 .
He drinks every night .
Most nights he drinks to the point of stumbling , and not recalling what he says or does .
He says he doesn ’ t remember his actions because he was so tired , not because he was so drunk .
In recent years he gets so negative and grumpy in the evening , it really is quite difficult to ignore , and takes a toll on me — emotionally and physically .
He refuses to admit he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help .
I am at a loss as to how to stay focused on me , and on keeping healthy and happy in my own life , despite the choices he ’ s making for his life .
Divorce , right now , seems very difficult due to the virus and stock market losses , and resulting large losses of our retirement funds .
Is there anything I can do to work on getting and keeping myself happy , despite my environment at home ?
Dear Worried : I ’ m so sorry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is both in the grip of alcohol and in a state of denial regarding the impact his drinking has on both of you .
Obviously , if he is drinking to the point of intoxication every night , he is at increased risk for accidents and falls , in addition to the toll his drinking is taking on his marriage – and I assume , other relationships .
You should do your very best to steer clear of him when he ’ s drinking .
Retreat to another room with some reading , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends and family .
Do not engage with him when he is drunk .
Given that he seems to forget what he has said and done , he is quite conveniently also absent from acknowledging and accepting the consequences of his actions .
Detachment is the art of lovingly letting go .
Detachment will help you to cope .
Read “ Let Go Now : Embrace Detachment as a Path to Freedom , ” by Karen Casey ( 2019 , Conari Press ) .
This is a book of meditations , lessons and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus ) , that could help you to reflect on changes you can make – in your own life – to detach from your husband ’ s drinking .
Wisdom I ’ ve returned to often in my own life is delivered by Buddhist nun Pema Chodron , in her practical , wise ( and funny ) lectures on detachment : “ Don ’ t Bite the Hook : Finding Freedom from Anger , Resentment , and other Destructive Emotions ” ( 2007 , Shambhala ) .
Al-Anon is the 12-step change agent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of alcoholics .
During the pandemic , the organization is hosting “ electronic meetings ” to substitute for physical meetings .
Check al-anon.org .
I hope you notice that all of this information is pointed toward YOU .
Clarity on where you stand – in your own life — will help you to discern what you should do next .
Dear Amy : My husband and I are expecting our first child – a daughter .
We are over the moon and have begun planning baby names .
Right now , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classically beautiful name “ Juliette.
” I have a deceased aunt named Julie , who has left behind two daughters .
We ’ re not very close , but catch up occasionally .
I am sure some family might assume the name Juliette would be in honor of my aunt Julie , but truth be told , I just really love that name and I see them as different names ( albeit my future daughter could choose to go by Julie if she wanted ) .
I would feel terrible if this hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them feel they couldn ’ t name their potential future daughters Julie , but I could see myself getting into a bind if I ask their permission and they say no .
I am , of course , open to other names but was wondering if you might have some advice on this ?
Dear Excited : Juliette and Julie are different names ( much as Amelie and Amy are ) .
And yes , I agree that it is a lovely name .
I think the kindest way to frame this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French name Juliette .
One bonus is that it will always remind us of Aunt Julie.
” Dear Amy : “ Curb Appeal ” was wondering how to cope with neighbors who let their dogs poop on her lawn .
I couldn ’ t believe you suggested fencing .
Why should the homeowner pay the price ( and go to the trouble ) to protect their own property ?
Dear Upset : Honestly , this solution seemed easier than constant surveillance and/or rage .

Dear Amy: I am 63 and my husband (of six years) is 67. He drinks every night. Most nights he drinks to the point of stumbling, and not recalling what he says or does.
He says he doesn’t remember his actions because he was so tired, not because he was so drunk.
In recent years he gets so negative and grumpy in the evening, it really is quite difficult to ignore, and takes a toll on me — emotionally and physically.
He refuses to admit he has a problem, let alone seek help.
I am at a loss as to how to stay focused on me, and on keeping healthy and happy in my own life, despite the choices he’s making for his life.
Divorce, right now, seems very difficult due to the virus and stock market losses, and resulting large losses of our retirement funds.
Is there anything I can do to work on getting and keeping myself happy, despite my environment at home?
— Worried
Dear Worried: I’m so sorry you are trapped with a husband who is both in the grip of alcohol and in a state of denial regarding the impact his drinking has on both of you. Obviously, if he is drinking to the point of intoxication every night, he is at increased risk for accidents and falls, in addition to the toll his drinking is taking on his marriage – and I assume, other relationships.
You should do your very best to steer clear of him when he’s drinking. Retreat to another room with some reading, crafts, or entertainment. Connect with friends and family. Do not engage with him when he is drunk.
Given that he seems to forget what he has said and done, he is quite conveniently also absent from acknowledging and accepting the consequences of his actions.
Detachment is the art of lovingly letting go. Detachment will help you to cope.
Read “Let Go Now: Embrace Detachment as a Path to Freedom,” by Karen Casey (2019, Conari Press). This is a book of meditations, lessons and anecdotes, (mainly with a Christian focus), that could help you to reflect on changes you can make – in your own life – to detach from your husband’s drinking.
Wisdom I’ve returned to often in my own life is delivered by Buddhist nun Pema Chodron, in her practical, wise (and funny) lectures on detachment: “Don’t Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and other Destructive Emotions” (2007, Shambhala).
Al-Anon is the 12-step change agent for countless concerned “friends and family” of alcoholics. During the pandemic, the organization is hosting “electronic meetings” to substitute for physical meetings. Check al-anon.org.
I hope you notice that all of this information is pointed toward YOU.
Clarity on where you stand – in your own life — will help you to discern what you should do next.
Dear Amy: My husband and I are expecting our first child – a daughter. We are over the moon and have begun planning baby names. Right now, my heart and soul are stuck on the classically beautiful name “Juliette.”
I have a deceased aunt named Julie, who has left behind two daughters. We’re not very close, but catch up occasionally. I am sure some family might assume the name Juliette would be in honor of my aunt Julie, but truth be told, I just really love that name and I see them as different names (albeit my future daughter could choose to go by Julie if she wanted).
I would feel terrible if this hurt my cousins in any way or made them feel they couldn’t name their potential future daughters Julie, but I could see myself getting into a bind if I ask their permission and they say no.
I am, of course, open to other names but was wondering if you might have some advice on this?
— Excited Mom
Dear Excited: Juliette and Julie are different names (much as Amelie and Amy are). And yes, I agree that it is a lovely name.
I think the kindest way to frame this is to say, “We love the French name Juliette. One bonus is that it will always remind us of Aunt Julie.”
Dear Amy: “Curb Appeal” was wondering how to cope with neighbors who let their dogs poop on her lawn.
I couldn’t believe you suggested fencing. Why should the homeowner pay the price (and go to the trouble) to protect their own property?
— Upset
Dear Upset: Honestly, this solution seemed easier than constant surveillance and/or rage.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Keeler: With Tom Brady and Big Ben on the docket for the Broncos’ September, Drew Lock needs to pick

Keeler: With Tom Brady and Big Ben on the docket for the Broncos’ September, Drew Lock needs to pick up where he left off

No sooner had Broncos coach Vic Fangio walked over to the deep end of the pool when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ran over , unseen , and shoved him straight into the drink .
The first fifth of the dance card is a doozy , kids .
Derrick Henry at home on Monday night , followed by Big Ben in Pittsburgh on short rest , then Tom Brady .
There ’ s a lot to like about the Broncos ’ 2020 schedule , assuming the coronavirus pandemic allows everybody to follow the script as it was written Thursday .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East swing before the weather gets nasty .
A bye in Week 8 .
Brady early and Drew Brees ( Let it snow ! )
late , both at home .
But here ’ s what can ’ t happen , if the autumn ’ s reality is to match the spring ’ s postseason-or-bust hype : Quarterback Drew Lock has to pick up right where he left off .
Or thereabouts .
No excuses about a new system .
No griping about a new offensive coordinator .
No waiting for the engine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to have to grow up fast , ” Broncos GM John Elway told NFL Network on Thursday night .
With Brady out of the AFC , the cluster battling for the final three postseason spots figures to be as wide as the Rio Grande Gorge .
The Titans ( Week 1 ) and Steelers ( Week 2 ) are at the head of the class .
So does a decent start , at first blush .
According to the wiseapples at Sharpfootballstats.com , the Broncos only have six matchups against teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games or fewer , and four of them — at the Jets , vs. Miami , at Atlanta , at Las Vegas — fall within Weeks 4-10 .
If you ’ re going to get fat , it ’ s there .
Conversely , the Broncos draw 10 tests against opponents projected to win eight games or more .
And five of those games land within Weeks 11-17 , including the Chargers twice , Buffalo at home , New Orleans at home , and a trip to Kansas City the first weekend of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on paper , come with caveats .
The Panthers and the Chargers before their first meeting have byes in advance of the Broncos showing up .
And the Chargers leading up to their second meeting will have an extra few days of rest and preparation , given a Thursday night game the week prior .
Ditto the Falcons and the Chiefs before that first Kansas City scrum .
On the flip side , Fangio & Co. get a few extra days ’ run-up for a visit to New England and whomever coach Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 .
Unless Belichick is twice the genius he thinks he is , the Pats are projected to be swimming in that vast seven-to-nine-win pond , too .
“ We ’ re going to introduce the world to the Denver Broncos early , ” Elway told the NFL Network .
“ We were slow last year … we ’ ve got to figure out a way to get off to a quick start.
” No forcing a young quarterback to have to try to make magic from behind the chains .
Given an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough .
A 9-7 finish might do it , if it ’ s the right 9-7 .
Then again , the Broncos are 14-22 since 2017 vs. the AFC , 7-11 vs. the AFC West .
An 0-2 start , and you risk living through 2016 all over again .
The Chargers get the Bengals and Panthers in September .
The Raiders draw the Panthers and Pats .
If you ’ re flipping the switch in Week 5 this time around , brother , it ’ ll already be too late .

No sooner had Broncos coach Vic Fangio walked over to the deep end of the pool when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ran over, unseen, and shoved him straight into the drink.
The first fifth of the dance card is a doozy, kids. Derrick Henry at home on Monday night, followed by Big Ben in Pittsburgh on short rest, then Tom Brady.
There’s a lot to like about the Broncos’ 2020 schedule, assuming the coronavirus pandemic allows everybody to follow the script as it was written Thursday. No three-game road junkets. A manageable AFC East swing before the weather gets nasty. A bye in Week 8. Brady early and Drew Brees (Let it snow!) late, both at home.
But here’s what can’t happen, if the autumn’s reality is to match the spring’s postseason-or-bust hype:
Another September like 2019.
Quarterback Drew Lock has to pick up right where he left off. Or thereabouts.
No excuses about a new system.
No griping about a new offensive coordinator.
No waiting for the engine to turn over.
“We’re going to have to grow up fast,” Broncos GM John Elway told NFL Network on Thursday night.
With Brady out of the AFC, the cluster battling for the final three postseason spots figures to be as wide as the Rio Grande Gorge. The Titans (Week 1) and Steelers (Week 2) are at the head of the class.
Tiebreakers matter.
So does a decent start, at first blush. According to the wiseapples at Sharpfootballstats.com, the Broncos only have six matchups against teams projected by the oddsmakers to win seven games or fewer, and four of them — at the Jets, vs. Miami, at Atlanta, at Las Vegas — fall within Weeks 4-10. If you’re going to get fat, it’s there.
Conversely, the Broncos draw 10 tests against opponents projected to win eight games or more. And five of those games land within Weeks 11-17, including the Chargers twice, Buffalo at home, New Orleans at home, and a trip to Kansas City the first weekend of December.
Even the kinder tussles, on paper, come with caveats. The Panthers and the Chargers before their first meeting have byes in advance of the Broncos showing up. And the Chargers leading up to their second meeting will have an extra few days of rest and preparation, given a Thursday night game the week prior. Ditto the Falcons and the Chiefs before that first Kansas City scrum.
On the flip side, Fangio & Co. get a few extra days’ run-up for a visit to New England and whomever coach Bill Belichick has running the show by Week 5. Unless Belichick is twice the genius he thinks he is, the Pats are projected to be swimming in that vast seven-to-nine-win pond, too.
“We’re going to introduce the world to the Denver Broncos early,” Elway told the NFL Network. “We were slow last year … we’ve got to figure out a way to get off to a quick start.”
No red-zone foibles.
No correctable penalties.
No forcing a young quarterback to have to try to make magic from behind the chains.
Given an extra postseason ticket, 10-6 should be enough.
A 9-7 finish might do it, if it’s the right 9-7.
Then again, the Broncos are 14-22 since 2017 vs. the AFC, 7-11 vs. the AFC West. An 0-2 start, and you risk living through 2016 all over again.
The Chargers get the Bengals and Panthers in September. The Raiders draw the Panthers and Pats. If you’re flipping the switch in Week 5 this time around, brother, it’ll already be too late.


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Rental dispute leads to shooting in Weld County

A Weld County man is being investigated on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly shooting at a tenant over a failure to pay rent .
Brian Fletcher , 51 , of Keenesburg , was held Thursday at the Weld County jail on suspicion of crimes including second-degree assault , menacing and possession of a weapon by a previous offender , according to a sheriff ’ s office news release .
Deputies responded about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday to a reported shooting in the 1900 block of Weld County Road 55 , about 5 miles south of Keenesburg .
Whitney Moore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shooting .
She told deputies that her husband , Fletcher , had a dispute with Richard Warsaw , 64 , who lives in a trailer on their property but had stopped paying rent , according to a news release .
“ Moore told deputies her husband was agitated about an incident the day before in which he confronted Warsaw about the unpaid rent while armed with a revolver , ” the release said .
“ Fletcher pointed the weapon at Warsaw from a distance of about 2 feet .
Warsaw simply slapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , Fletcher left the house and returned about 15 minutes later , telling Moore to call 911 because “ he had just shot a man while doing target practice , ” the release said .
Warsaw , however , told deputies that he was working on his trailer when Fletcher “ pointed a revolver at him , told him to get off the property and then started firing , ” according to the sheriff ’ s office .
Warsaw ran and took cover behind a large steel storage container , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a friend of Warsaw ’ s , was inside the storage container when shots were fired .
A bullet ricocheted and hit Skeers in the abdomen .
The bullet didn ’ t break the skin , and Skeers sustained a minor injury , the release said .

A Weld County man is being investigated on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly shooting at a tenant over a failure to pay rent.
Brian Fletcher, 51, of Keenesburg, was held Thursday at the Weld County jail on suspicion of crimes including second-degree assault, menacing and possession of a weapon by a previous offender, according to a sheriff’s office news release.
Deputies responded about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday to a reported shooting in the 1900 block of Weld County Road 55, about 5 miles south of Keenesburg.
Whitney Moore, 67, called 911 to report the shooting. She told deputies that her husband, Fletcher, had a dispute with Richard Warsaw, 64, who lives in a trailer on their property but had stopped paying rent, according to a news release.
“Moore told deputies her husband was agitated about an incident the day before in which he
confronted Warsaw about the unpaid rent while armed with a revolver,” the release said. “Fletcher pointed the weapon at Warsaw from a distance of about 2 feet. Warsaw simply slapped the gun away.”
About 3 p.m. Tuesday, Fletcher left the house and returned about 15 minutes later, telling Moore to call 911 because “he had just shot a man while doing target practice,” the release said.
Warsaw, however, told deputies that he was working on his trailer when Fletcher “pointed a revolver at him, told him to get off the property and then started firing,” according to the sheriff’s office.
Warsaw ran and took cover behind a large steel storage container, according to the release. Roger Skeers, 55, a friend of Warsaw’s, was inside the storage container when shots were fired. A bullet ricocheted and hit Skeers in the abdomen. The bullet didn’t break the skin, and Skeers sustained a minor injury, the release said.
Fletcher was held Thursday on $150,000 bail.


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Colorado Republican Chair Ken Buck in the hot seat after revelations over election results

Colorado Republican Chairman Ken Buck is facing criticism from within his own party after revelations that he pressured another party official to submit incorrect election results — and then spent party money to defend the move .
At least two party executives say they were surprised to learn Buck — who ’ s also a U.S. representative — defended his position on the state Senate District 10 primary ballot in district court and then appealed that ruling to the Colorado Supreme Court , running up possibly tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees .
Kris Cook , chair of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it Wednesday only to hear hours later that Buck canceled a committee meeting that had been scheduled for Friday .
“ We ’ re touching on something here that ’ s not quite clean , and it ’ s not quite the image I have of what the party ought to be , ” Cook said , later adding : “ I think it ’ s worth questioning whether him in that role is going to have a negative effect on the rest of this cycle.
” On an April 17 conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a GOP chairman for state Senate District 10 , to follow the direction of the central and executive committees and certify that a Senate candidate had won a place on the ballot .
The candidate , however , did not receive 30 % in an assembly vote as required by the state .
Filing that paperwork would have been illegal , Bremer told Buck on the call , but the chair persisted .
Ultimately , a Bremer ally filed a friendly lawsuit in Denver District Court , where a judge ruled that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The GOP appealed the matter to the Colorado Supreme Court , which declined Tuesday to hear the case , cementing the decision .
The state Republican Party won ’ t appeal the issue further , representatives said .
It ’ s unclear whether authorities are looking into the legality of Buck ’ s direction to Bremer on the call , which The Denver Post obtained a recording of this week .
A representative of Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser ’ s office declined to comment , instead nodding in the direction of El @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Senate District 10 is in El Paso County .
Lee Richards , a spokesperson for May , said in a text that nothing has been filed with the district attorney regarding the matter .
She did not respond when asked whether the office is investigating .
Wayne Williams , a Republican former Colorado Secretary of State who argued the court case against the GOP , said he could see how the disagreement might arise over the reporting of the assembly results .
Until this point there had been no substantial legal precedent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they legitimately believed they had the ability to do that , but they were wrong and multiple courts have said so , ” Williams said .
It ’ s unclear whether the U.S. House Committee on Ethics will take up the issue .
A representative declined to comment Thursday .
Amid the controversy , Buck canceled a state GOP committee meeting planned for Friday .
Party spokesperson Joe Jackson told The Post that there was no pending business , “ therefore Chairman Buck decided not to waste everyone ’ s time with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party ’ s team was “ humming along , ” the Denver GOP ’ s Cook said — a characterization she did not agree with : “ I find that a little head-in-the-sand and a little bit misleading.
” She is unhappy that she was kept in the dark about the party ’ s legal scuffles with Bremer despite the fact that she is a member of the executive committee , which is essentially the state party ’ s governing board .
In addition to the legal costs racked up by the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney fees , which he estimates will total $ 15,000 , in addition to an apology from Buck .
“ We ’ ve not been apprised of any of the legal shenanigans on this or that we ’ ve been exposed to paying Eli ’ s legal fees , ” Cook said .
Kaye Ferry , a committee member from Eagle County , also was disconcerted to find out about the legal battle in the news .
She isn ’ t calling for Buck ’ s resignation but said the situation is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be on re-electing President Donald Trump and Sen. Cory Gardner .
“ You are in the middle of an uproar and there ’ s a target on your back , ” she said of Buck , “ which means there is a target on our back.
” Indeed , the situation drew comment from state Democrats on Thursday .
“ I ’ m pretty blown away by this , ” Morgan Carroll , chair of the Colorado Democratic Party , said in a statement .
“ The idea that a chair of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a sitting congressman , at that — would attempt to coerce a local party leader to knowingly falsify an election result is disturbing and undemocratic .
”

Colorado Republican Chairman Ken Buck is facing criticism from within his own party after revelations that he pressured another party official to submit incorrect election results — and then spent party money to defend the move.
At least two party executives say they were surprised to learn Buck — who’s also a U.S. representative — defended his position on the state Senate District 10 primary ballot in district court and then appealed that ruling to the Colorado Supreme Court, running up possibly tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees.
Kris Cook, chair of the Denver Republican Party, found out about it Wednesday only to hear hours later that Buck canceled a committee meeting that had been scheduled for Friday.
“We’re touching on something here that’s not quite clean, and it’s not quite the image I have of what the party ought to be,” Cook said, later adding: “I think it’s worth questioning whether him in that role is going to have a negative effect on the rest of this cycle.”
On an April 17 conference call, Buck pressured Eli Bremer, a GOP chairman for state Senate District 10, to follow the direction of the central and executive committees and certify that a Senate candidate had won a place on the ballot. The candidate, however, did not receive 30% in an assembly vote as required by the state. Filing that paperwork would have been illegal, Bremer told Buck on the call, but the chair persisted.
Ultimately, a Bremer ally filed a friendly lawsuit in Denver District Court, where a judge ruled that the move would indeed have been illegal. The GOP appealed the matter to the Colorado Supreme Court, which declined Tuesday to hear the case, cementing the decision.
The state Republican Party won’t appeal the issue further, representatives said.
It’s unclear whether authorities are looking into the legality of Buck’s direction to Bremer on the call, which The Denver Post obtained a recording of this week.
A representative of Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser’s office declined to comment, instead nodding in the direction of El Paso County District Attorney Dan May, since Senate District 10 is in El Paso County. Lee Richards, a spokesperson for May, said in a text that nothing has been filed with the district attorney regarding the matter. She did not respond when asked whether the office is investigating.
Wayne Williams, a Republican former Colorado Secretary of State who argued the court case against the GOP, said he could see how the disagreement might arise over the reporting of the assembly results. Until this point there had been no substantial legal precedent on the issue.
“I think they legitimately believed they had the ability to do that, but they were wrong and multiple courts have said so,” Williams said.
It’s unclear whether the U.S. House Committee on Ethics will take up the issue. A representative declined to comment Thursday.
Amid the controversy, Buck canceled a state GOP committee meeting planned for Friday. Party spokesperson Joe Jackson told The Post that there was no pending business, “therefore Chairman Buck decided not to waste everyone’s time with a meeting.”
The cancellation email said the party’s team was “humming along,” the Denver GOP’s Cook said — a characterization she did not agree with: “I find that a little head-in-the-sand and a little bit misleading.”
She is unhappy that she was kept in the dark about the party’s legal scuffles with Bremer despite the fact that she is a member of the executive committee, which is essentially the state party’s governing board. In addition to the legal costs racked up by the party, Bremer is demanding payment for his attorney fees, which he estimates will total $15,000, in addition to an apology from Buck.
“We’ve not been apprised of any of the legal shenanigans on this or that we’ve been exposed to paying Eli’s legal fees,” Cook said.
Kaye Ferry, a committee member from Eagle County, also was disconcerted to find out about the legal battle in the news. She isn’t calling for Buck’s resignation but said the situation is a distraction during a time when the focus should be on re-electing President Donald Trump and Sen. Cory Gardner.
“You are in the middle of an uproar and there’s a target on your back,” she said of Buck, “which means there is a target on our back.”
Indeed, the situation drew comment from state Democrats on Thursday.
“I’m pretty blown away by this,” Morgan Carroll, chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, said in a statement. “The idea that a chair of a political party — a chair who is a sitting congressman, at that — would attempt to coerce a local party leader to knowingly falsify an election result is disturbing and undemocratic.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--No charges against Adams County deputy in fatal shooting of armed man

An Adams County sheriff ’ s deputy who fatally shot an armed man , who had fired multiple shots at the deputy while fleeing an arrest , was justified in his actions and will face no criminal charges in the shooting .
Deputy Kyle Bacon was legally justified in using his firearm on Nov. 29 when he shot Keith Bruce , 40 , a suspect who was fleeing Bacon and who had fired gunshots at the deputy , according to an investigative review by Adams County District Attorney Dave Young .
Young , in a letter to Sheriff Rick Reigenborn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury that this peace officer was not legally justified in resorting to the use of force.
” Bacon was on patrol Nov. 29 when he drove to the Tomahawk truck stop in Watkins .
Bacon ran a license plate check on a pickup , and the query came back as a stolen vehicle .
Dressed in uniform , Bacon approached the truck.d Bruce , who apparently had been sleeping in the vehicle , started the engine , threw it into reverse and almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bruce fled the area .
Bacon pursued the truck northeast on East Colfax Avenue , and Bruce fired shots , including a round that hit a front light on Bacon ’ s marked patrol SUV .
As the pursuit neared Peterson Road , a rural stretch of eastern Adams County , Bruce jumped from the truck , firing a shot at Bacon as the truck rolled into a ditch , according to the review .
Bruce ran across an open field toward an isolated , single-family home .
About 70 yards out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shot at Bacon .
Bacon , according to the review , now feared Bruce would continue to use any means possible to escape , including bringing harm to the family in the home he was running toward .
Bacon retrieved a rifle from the SUV and fired five shots at Bruce , who was an estimated 400 feet away .
Bruce was hit three times , according to autopsy findings of Dr. Stephen Cina , a forensic pathologist .
The autopsy determined that Bruce “ had been using methamphetamine prior to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the field , next to Bruce , according to the review .
In 2004 Bruce was convicted in Mesa County of attempted murder of a police officer .
He was sentenced to 10 years in prison .
He had three other felony convictions .
On the day he fled from Bacon , Bruce was wanted on a Boulder County arrest warrant for burglary .
According to the review , Bruce had told the mother of his children that he would never go back to prison again .
“ When a police officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect poses a threat of serous physical harm , either to the officer or to others , it is not constitutionally unreasonable to prevent escape by suing extreme physical force , ” the review letter said .
“ Under the particular facts of this case , several provisions of Colorado law may legally justify the actions of Deputy Bacon , under the totality of the circumstances present on November 29 , 2019 .
”

An Adams County sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot an armed man, who had fired multiple shots at the deputy while fleeing an arrest, was justified in his actions and will face no criminal charges in the shooting.
Deputy Kyle Bacon was legally justified in using his firearm on Nov. 29 when he shot Keith Bruce, 40, a suspect who was fleeing Bacon and who had fired gunshots at the deputy, according to an investigative review by Adams County District Attorney Dave Young.
Young, in a letter to Sheriff Rick Reigenborn signed Thursday, said “it would be difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury that this peace officer was not legally justified in resorting to the use of force.”
Bacon was on patrol Nov. 29 when he drove to the Tomahawk truck stop in Watkins. Bacon ran a license plate check on a pickup, and the query came back as a stolen vehicle.
Dressed in uniform, Bacon approached the truck.d Bruce, who apparently had been sleeping in the vehicle, started the engine, threw it into reverse and almost hit Bacon as the truck fishtailed and Bruce fled the area.
Bacon pursued the truck northeast on East Colfax Avenue, and Bruce fired shots, including a round that hit a front light on Bacon’s marked patrol SUV. As the pursuit neared Peterson Road, a rural stretch of eastern Adams County, Bruce jumped from the truck, firing a shot at Bacon as the truck rolled into a ditch, according to the review.
Bruce ran across an open field toward an isolated, single-family home. About 70 yards out, Bruce stopped, turned, and fired a shot at Bacon.
Bacon, according to the review, now feared Bruce would continue to use any means possible to escape, including bringing harm to the family in the home he was running toward. Bacon retrieved a rifle from the SUV and fired five shots at Bruce, who was an estimated 400 feet away.
Bruce was hit three times, according to autopsy findings of Dr. Stephen Cina, a forensic pathologist. The autopsy determined that Bruce “had been using methamphetamine prior to his death.”
A 9mm handgun was recovered in the field, next to Bruce, according to the review.
In 2004 Bruce was convicted in Mesa County of attempted murder of a police officer. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He had three other felony convictions. On the day he fled from Bacon, Bruce was wanted on a Boulder County arrest warrant for burglary.
According to the review, Bruce had told the mother of his children that he would never go back to prison again.
“When a police officer has probable cause to believe that a suspect poses a threat of serous physical harm, either to the officer or to others, it is not constitutionally unreasonable to prevent escape by suing extreme physical force,” the review letter said. “Under the particular facts of this case, several provisions of Colorado law may legally justify the actions of Deputy Bacon, under the totality of the circumstances present on November 29, 2019.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-09--Windsor teen drowns in lake after his canoe overturns

A Windsor teenager drowned Thursday when his canoe capsized on Water Valley Lake .
Mason Mages , 13 , was @ @ @ @ @ when a sudden , strong wind gust overturned their boat , according to the Weld @ @ @ @ @ .
The teen victim ’ s brother was able to reach the shore after the @ @ @ @ @ s body was recovered from the lake by a dive team .
A final manner @ @ @ @ @ the completion of autopsy and laboratory reports .

A Windsor teenager drowned Thursday when his canoe capsized on Water Valley Lake.
Mason Mages, 13, was canoeing with his younger brother when a sudden, strong wind gust overturned their boat, according to the Weld County coroner’s office.
The teen victim’s brother was able to reach the shore after the boat overturned. Mason’s body was recovered from the lake by a dive team.
A determination of the cause of death awaits the completion of autopsy and laboratory reports.


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Ken Buck aide among those accused of election fraud, corruption by Weld County GOP chair

The Weld County GOP chairman has filed a complaint with the local district attorney and the Secretary of State ’ s Office accusing an aide to Republican U.S. Rep. Ken Buck and three others of election fraud and corruption .
The complaint is under review by the Secretary of State ’ s Office , spokesperson Betsy Hart said Friday .
It ’ s the second accusation of election irregularities to touch Buck , who ’ s also the state GOP chairman , this week .
The first related to concerns about Buck pressuring an El Paso County Republican official to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Weld County Republican Chair William Sander told The Denver Post on Friday that an internal GOP audit found a precinct committee person entered three people as delegates who had not been elected at the party caucuses in March .
“ This is clearly a fraudulent , dishonest and corrupt act amongst four long-term Weld County Republicans who knew better .
Their action , had it not been caught , would have disenfranchised elected delegates , ” Sander wrote in one of the complaints .
Delegates are elected by fellow party members to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Post is seeking comment from Buck and the state party , neither of which could immediately be reached .
The complaint doesn ’ t provide a motive for the alleged actions .
However , Buck ’ s ex-wife , state Rep. Perry Buck , is running in a contested Republican primary for commissioner in Weld County , and the caucus/assembly process is one way to get on the ballot .
Ken Buck contacted at least three Republicans about her candidacy when the seat first became vacant , but Kevin Ross was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .
Commissioner Scott James declined to discuss the details of his conversation with Ken Buck about the position .
“ It would simply be my hope that the man that I know would have the integrity to not insert himself in a local political race , ” James told The Post .
“ The congressman has been supportive of me in the past , and I have appreciated his support .
I would also appreciate it if he let races be run fairly.
” One of those accused of being named a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a local representative for Buck ’ s 4th Congressional District office .
On his Facebook page , LeBlanc has shared Perry Buck ’ s campaign messages and voiced his support for her candidacy using the hashtags # CaucusForPerry and # PerryForWeld .
He did not return messages seeking comment Friday .
A second person named in the complaint , Todd Sargent , said he attended the party caucus where he was elected as an alternate but he would not say whether he knew that the committee person , Evelyn Harlan , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harlan did not return a call seeking comment .
Lois Rice , the third would-be delegate , declined to comment .
Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams also said he received a call from Ken Buck about the commissioner position but noted that he already supported Perry Buck for the spot .
State Sen. John Cooke , R-Greeley , told The Post he spoke with Ken Buck “ but he never asked me to do any favors for her.
” “ He ’ s walking a fine line , I have to admit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) wife and he ’ s a party chair , ” Cooke added .
When told that delegates were named improperly , Buck did nothing , Sander said in a statement .
“ While I know a lot of people would like this swept under the rug , I think it ’ s very , very important , ” he said .
“ After getting no support at the state level , I felt I had no other choice but to file a complaint .
You see the corruption in our election process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for it .
The elected officials won ’ t stand for it .
And frankly , I believe it ’ s against the law.
” The timeline for the investigation into the Weld County allegations is unclear .
In the meanwhile , Democratic activists are calling for formal discipline of Buck over the El Paso County situation .
On an April 17 conference call , Buck pressured Eli Bremer , a GOP chairman for state Senate District 10 , to follow the direction of the central and executive committees and certify that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ballot .
The candidate , however , did not receive 30 % in an assembly vote as required by the state .
Filing that paperwork would have been illegal , Bremer told Buck on the call , but the chair continued to push .
The issue went to court when a Bremer ally filed a friendly lawsuit , and the Denver District Court chief judge ruled that filing the paperwork would have been illegal .
The Colorado Supreme Court cemented the decision after it declined to hear the case on a GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of Buck ’ s own party members to question his status as state chair , but now others are pushing for legal action .
Alan Franklin , political director for the left-leaning ProgressNow Colorado , asked the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation on Friday to consider whether Buck , a licensed attorney , should be disbarred .
Buck ’ s comments to Bremer amount to suborning perjury , Franklin contends .
ProgressNow Colorado Executive Director Ian Silverii said Buck has engaged in egregious misconduct , mentioning both the conversation with Bremer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chairman of the Colorado Republican Party , Buck ’ s flagrant disregard for Colorado election law shows he can ’ t be trusted in that position , ” Silverii said .
“ As a member of Congress , former prosecutor , and licensed Colorado attorney , suborning perjury as Buck appears to have done in this case is nothing short of disqualifying .
It ’ s time for Buck to surrender his law license , and cooperate fully with the investigations that seem imminent today.
” Prominent Denver attorney Stanley Garnett , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s laws on perjury are narrowly written and rarely prosecuted .
“ I would be surprised if anything around this would get close to perjury , ” Garnett said of the Senate District 10 case .
Garnett served as district attorney for Boulder County at the same time as Buck served as the district attorney for Weld County and he said the two know each other well , despite sitting on opposite ends of the political spectrum .
“ I don ’ t see anything even close to a crime having been committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What Ken was doing was carrying out the decision of the executive committee of the Republican Party as to this particular candidate .
”

The Weld County GOP chairman has filed a complaint with the local district attorney and the Secretary of State’s Office accusing an aide to Republican U.S. Rep. Ken Buck and three others of election fraud and corruption.
The complaint is under review by the Secretary of State’s Office, spokesperson Betsy Hart said Friday.
It’s the second accusation of election irregularities to touch Buck, who’s also the state GOP chairman, this week. The first related to concerns about Buck pressuring an El Paso County Republican official to put a candidate on a primary ballot.
Weld County Republican Chair William Sander told The Denver Post on Friday that an internal GOP audit found a precinct committee person entered three people as delegates who had not been elected at the party caucuses in March.
“This is clearly a fraudulent, dishonest and corrupt act amongst four long-term Weld County Republicans who knew better. Their action, had it not been caught, would have disenfranchised elected delegates,” Sander wrote in one of the complaints.
Delegates are elected by fellow party members to select candidates to be placed before voters.
Buck and representatives of the state Republican Party couldn’t be reached for comment Friday.
The complaint doesn’t provide a motive for the alleged actions.
However, Buck’s ex-wife, state Rep. Perry Buck, is running in a contested Republican primary for commissioner in Weld County, and the caucus/assembly process is one way to get on the ballot. Ken Buck contacted at least three Republicans about her candidacy when the seat first became vacant, but Kevin Ross was appointed to fill it until the November election.
Commissioner Scott James declined to discuss the details of his conversation with Ken Buck about the position.
“It would simply be my hope that the man that I know would have the integrity to not insert himself in a local political race,” James told The Post. “The congressman has been supportive of me in the past, and I have appreciated his support. I would also appreciate it if he let races be run fairly.”
One of those accused of being named a delegate improperly, Cody LeBlanc, works as a local representative for Buck’s 4th Congressional District office. On his Facebook page, LeBlanc has shared Perry Buck’s campaign messages and voiced his support for her candidacy using the hashtags #CaucusForPerry and #PerryForWeld.
He did not return messages seeking comment Friday.
A second person named in the complaint, Todd Sargent, said he attended the party caucus where he was elected as an alternate but he would not say whether he knew that the committee person, Evelyn Harlan, had instead listed him as a delegate. Harlan did not return a call seeking comment. Lois Rice, the third would-be delegate, declined to comment.
Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams also said he received a call from Ken Buck about the commissioner position but noted that he already supported Perry Buck for the spot.
State Sen. John Cooke, R-Greeley, told The Post he spoke with Ken Buck “but he never asked me to do any favors for her.”
“He’s walking a fine line, I have to admit, because it’s his (ex-)wife and he’s a party chair,” Cooke added.
When told that delegates were named improperly, Buck did nothing, Sander said in a statement.
“While I know a lot of people would like this swept under the rug, I think it’s very, very important,” he said. “After getting no support at the state level, I felt I had no other choice but to file a complaint. You see the corruption in our election process; the public won’t stand for it. The elected officials won’t stand for it. And frankly, I believe it’s against the law.”
The timeline for the investigation into the Weld County allegations is unclear. In the meanwhile, Democratic activists are calling for formal discipline of Buck over the El Paso County situation.
On an April 17 conference call, Buck pressured Eli Bremer, a GOP chairman for state Senate District 10, to follow the direction of the central and executive committees and certify that a Senate candidate had won a place on the ballot. The candidate, however, did not receive 30% in an assembly vote as required by the state. Filing that paperwork would have been illegal, Bremer told Buck on the call, but the chair continued to push.
The issue went to court when a Bremer ally filed a friendly lawsuit, and the Denver District Court chief judge ruled that filing the paperwork would have been illegal. The Colorado Supreme Court cemented the decision after it declined to hear the case on a GOP appeal.
The conflict was enough for one of Buck’s own party members to question his status as state chair, but now others are pushing for legal action. Alan Franklin, political director for the left-leaning ProgressNow Colorado, asked the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation on Friday to consider whether Buck, a licensed attorney, should be disbarred. Buck’s comments to Bremer amount to suborning perjury, Franklin contends.
ProgressNow Colorado Executive Director Ian Silverii said Buck has engaged in egregious misconduct, mentioning both the conversation with Bremer and the Weld County case.
“As the chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, Buck’s flagrant disregard for Colorado election law shows he can’t be trusted in that position,” Silverii said. “As a member of Congress, former prosecutor, and licensed Colorado attorney, suborning perjury as Buck appears to have done in this case is nothing short of disqualifying. It’s time for Buck to surrender his law license, and cooperate fully with the investigations that seem imminent today.”
Prominent Denver attorney Stanley Garnett, a Democrat, said the state’s laws on perjury are narrowly written and rarely prosecuted.
“I would be surprised if anything around this would get close to perjury,” Garnett said of the Senate District 10 case.
Garnett served as district attorney for Boulder County at the same time as Buck served as the district attorney for Weld County and he said the two know each other well, despite sitting on opposite ends of the political spectrum.
“I don’t see anything even close to a crime having been committed here,” Garnett said. “What Ken was doing was carrying out the decision of the executive committee of the Republican Party as to this particular candidate.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Skunk tests positive for rabies recently in El Paso County

Health officials in El Paso County recently confirmed rabies in a skunk , the third positive test for the disease this year in the county .
Rabies-carrying animals are found more commonly in the summer , and health officials urge the public to be aware and keep their pets up to date on vaccinations , according to a news release .
People should not touch or feed wild or stray animals .
Rabies , a virus , is also found in bats , raccoons and foxes .
Squirrels and rabbits are not considered a rabies risk , the release said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the bite of rabid animals .
The saliva of an infected animal saliva can get into a person ’ s open wounds or cuts or can enter through membranes of the eyes , nose or mouth .
Rabies affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system , causing brain swelling and damage .
It can be fatal once symptoms appear .
A preventive vaccination is available for people who have been bitten by a rabid animal .
Anyone bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal should contact their doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year in El Paso County , 16 animals — five bats , nine skunks , one fox and one dog — tested positive for rabies .
In 2018 , 67 animals tested positive , including 60 skunks .
In 2017 , 28 animals were found to be positive , including 21 skunks .

Health officials in El Paso County recently confirmed rabies in a skunk, the third positive test for the disease this year in the county.
Rabies-carrying animals are found more commonly in the summer, and health officials urge the public to be aware and keep their pets up to date on vaccinations, according to a news release. People should not touch or feed wild or stray animals.
Rabies, a virus, is also found in bats, raccoons and foxes. Squirrels and rabbits are not considered a rabies risk, the release said.
Rabies can be spread to people through the bite of rabid animals. The saliva of an infected animal saliva can get into a person’s open wounds or cuts or can enter through membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth.
Rabies affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system, causing brain swelling and damage. It can be fatal once symptoms appear.
A preventive vaccination is available for people who have been bitten by a rabid animal. Anyone bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal should contact their doctor immediately, the release said.
Last year in El Paso County, 16 animals — five bats, nine skunks, one fox and one dog — tested positive for rabies. In 2018, 67 animals tested positive, including 60 skunks. In 2017, 28 animals were found to be positive, including 21 skunks.


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Avalanche 2020-21 games in Finland postponed

The Avalanche ’ s two games against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Finland this fall have been postponed , the @ @ @ @ @ 2020-21 NHL schedule has not been released but the Avs were slated to play the @ @ @ @ @ 2020 Global Series at Hartwall Arena in Helsinki .
The games might still take place @ @ @

The Avalanche’s two games against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Finland this fall have been postponed, the league said Friday. The 2020-21 NHL schedule has not been released but the Avs were slated to play the Blue Jackets twice in the 2020 Global Series at Hartwall Arena in Helsinki.
The games might still take place next season.


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Kafer: Biden grabs DeGette’s endorsement despite #MeToo allegations

Apparently when you ’ re rich and powerful “ you can do anything… grab them by the … ” ( ahem ) and get away with it .
Guess Trump was right about that .
Recently Colorado Congresswoman Diana DeGette endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for president with nary a mention of the accusations of sexual assault against him .
Former Senate staffer Tara Reade has accused him of grabbing her by the above mentioned without permission .
People she told at the time of the incident have stepped forward to corroborate her story .
Congresswoman DeGette ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the accusations reek of double standards .
Two years ago , she called Christine Blasey Ford a hero even though there was a similar level of second-hand corroborating evidence to back her claim that then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh assaulted her when they were in high school .
“ We can ’ t just give Judge Kavanaugh a pass on his alleged behavior , ” DeGette said .
Ford ’ s claims were investigated and dismissed .
DeGette should have held off on her endorsement of Biden until Reade ’ s claims received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like she ’ s giving him a pass on his alleged behavior .
Even so , I don ’ t blame the congresswoman for endorsing the Democratic nominee .
As long as the federal government wields enormous power and money , gaining or maintaining power will trump all other concerns .
Character only matters to us when we assess the failings of our opponents .
This sort of unseemly pragmatism may feel a little uncomfortable during the # MeToo era , but it ’ s nothing new .
A little over 20 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Clinton impeachment trial as a congressional staffer .
During the proceedings , several accusations came to light : a tawdry affair with a White House intern , sexual harassment while governor , even rape , and yet the National Organization for Women continued to support him .
Democrats I knew seemed unconcerned about Clinton ’ s actions while Republicans talked about the paramount importance of character , fidelity , and truth .
I drank that Kool-Aid and the poison only wore off recently .
I now understand that power matters substantially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd was acting in its best interest by backing Clinton .
Don ’ t get me wrong , bad character does have consequences .
Bill Clinton ’ s treatment of women debased the office , got him impeached , and harmed his wife ’ s election prospects .
Likewise , President Trump ’ s adolescent rants on Twitter , mendacity , and other bull-covfefe have alienated international allies , cost Republicans seats in the House , and degraded the office .
His foibles evoke feeble justifications from supporters and from his opponent ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and misguided knitting .
Yes , I ’ m talking about those stupid pink pussy hats .
Just as Democrats backed Bill Clinton despite his behavior because they supported his policies , Republicans will support Donald Trump in November despite his behavior because of his policies .
Those who supported Clinton are not in a position to castigate Trump supporters .
While Trump supporters can and should point out DeGette ’ s double standards vis-à-vis her treatment of Kavanaugh versus Biden , they can not criticize her endorsement of Biden for president .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision they are to gain a policy advantage by supporting a person whose skeletons have left the closet .
Now we could reduce the scope of power enjoyed by those in high office , revert to a more limited federal government model , and allow state and local governments and the people themselves to regulate their own affairs .
That would lower the stakes at election time .
People would have the freedom to be a bit more selective in their choice of president .
Character would matter more because federal policy would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do with ourselves if we couldn ’ t engage in rank hypocrisy , breathless denunciations , and virtue signaling ?
Krista L. Kafer is a weekly Denver Post columnist .
Follow her on Twitter : @ kristakafer .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Apparently when you’re rich and powerful “you can do anything… grab them by the …” (ahem) and get away with it. Guess Trump was right about that.
Recently Colorado Congresswoman Diana DeGette endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for president with nary a mention of the accusations of sexual assault against him. Former Senate staffer Tara Reade has accused him of grabbing her by the above mentioned without permission. People she told at the time of the incident have stepped forward to corroborate her story.
Congresswoman DeGette’s endorsement of Biden and her silence regarding the accusations reek of double standards. Two years ago, she called Christine Blasey Ford a hero even though there was a similar level of second-hand corroborating evidence to back her claim that then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh assaulted her when they were in high school. “We can’t just give Judge Kavanaugh a pass on his alleged behavior,” DeGette said. Ford’s claims were investigated and dismissed. DeGette should have held off on her endorsement of Biden until Reade’s claims received similar vetting. Otherwise, it looks like she’s giving him a pass on his alleged behavior.
Even so, I don’t blame the congresswoman for endorsing the Democratic nominee. As long as the federal government wields enormous power and money, gaining or maintaining power will trump all other concerns. Character only matters to us when we assess the failings of our opponents.
This sort of unseemly pragmatism may feel a little uncomfortable during the #MeToo era, but it’s nothing new. A little over 20 years ago, I had a front-row seat at the Clinton impeachment trial as a congressional staffer. During the proceedings, several accusations came to light: a tawdry affair with a White House intern, sexual harassment while governor, even rape, and yet the National Organization for Women continued to support him. Democrats I knew seemed unconcerned about Clinton’s actions while Republicans talked about the paramount importance of character, fidelity, and truth. I drank that Kool-Aid and the poison only wore off recently. I now understand that power matters substantially more than character. The left-leaning NOW crowd was acting in its best interest by backing Clinton.
Don’t get me wrong, bad character does have consequences. Bill Clinton’s treatment of women debased the office, got him impeached, and harmed his wife’s election prospects. Likewise, President Trump’s adolescent rants on Twitter, mendacity, and other bull-covfefe have alienated international allies, cost Republicans seats in the House, and degraded the office. His foibles evoke feeble justifications from supporters and from his opponent’s endless pearl-clutching, elitist scorn, and misguided knitting. Yes, I’m talking about those stupid pink pussy hats.
Just as Democrats backed Bill Clinton despite his behavior because they supported his policies, Republicans will support Donald Trump in November despite his behavior because of his policies. Those who supported Clinton are not in a position to castigate Trump supporters. While Trump supporters can and should point out DeGette’s double standards vis-à-vis her treatment of Kavanaugh versus Biden, they cannot criticize her endorsement of Biden for president. She’s making the same pragmatic decision they are to gain a policy advantage by supporting a person whose skeletons have left the closet.
Now we could reduce the scope of power enjoyed by those in high office, revert to a more limited federal government model, and allow state and local governments and the people themselves to regulate their own affairs. That would lower the stakes at election time. People would have the freedom to be a bit more selective in their choice of president. Character would matter more because federal policy would matter less.
Then again what would we do with ourselves if we couldn’t engage in rank hypocrisy, breathless denunciations, and virtue signaling?
Krista L. Kafer is a weekly Denver Post columnist. Follow her on Twitter: @kristakafer.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Three-minute siren test planned for Wednesday in Denver

Denver will conduct a three-minute test of its siren warning system Wednesday .
The test , conducted annually before tornado @ @ @ @ @ of the city ’ s outdoor warning sirens simultaneously at 11 a.m. for three minutes @ @ @ @ @ unrelated to testing , people are advised to seek shelter immediately and seek additional information @ @ @ @ @ instructions .
The best tornado shelter is in basements or an interior room , away @ @ @

Denver will conduct a three-minute test of its siren warning system Wednesday.
The test, conducted annually before tornado season, will activate all of the city’s outdoor warning sirens simultaneously at 11 a.m. for three minutes.
When sirens go off unrelated to testing, people are advised to seek shelter immediately and seek additional information from local media for further instructions. The best tornado shelter is in basements or an interior room, away from windows.