Progress Now Action

Check out this press release from Colorado State Parks. You might live in Colorado because of its beautiful parks, but the state doesn't have the money to let you enjoy them. One of my favorite parks, Roxborough, is slated to close completely.

Colorado State Parks News Release
CONTACT: Lyle Laverty, (720) 490-6878 or Gary Thorson, (303) 941-3656 or Clare Sinacori (303) 349-1002, clare.sinacori@state.co.us This news release is also available at www.parks.state.co.us For immediate release October 21, 2005 Proposed state parks budget cuts DENVER---In preparation for possible Colorado State General Fund cuts, Colorado State Parks has trimmed $2.6 million from the organization's fiscal year 2006 budget. With a fifty percent reduction in general fund support, the plan calls for full closure of some parks, seasonal closure of selected parks, reduced hours and staffing of parks, as well as decreased administrative services and programs

The budget was prepared in response to a request by the Office of State Planning and Budget, which needs to prepare for a $365 million budget deficit for FY 2006-07 in the event that Referendum C does not pass.
Over the past four years, state parks have cut approximately $2 million as a result of declining general fund support and were forced to increase user fees.

The governor has not yet approved the proposed budgets.
The closure of parks was determined by the ability of each park to meet it's operational costs through user fees. The plan calls for full closure of 11 state parks: Crawford, Barr Lake, Lory, Bonny Lake, Roxborough, Harvey Gap, Sweitzer, Mancos, Spinney Mountain, Paonia, and San Luis. Seasonal closure during winter months would effect 15 parks:
Castlewood Canyon, Golden Gate Canyon, Jackson Lake, North Sterling, State Forest, Highline Lake, Rifle Gap, Stagecoach, Sylvan, Vega, Yampa River Eleven Mile, John Martin Reservoir, Lathrop and Trinidad. The plan also reduces operating and staffing that will effect hours of operation for 13 parks. Three new parks that are not yet open to the public may also receive significant delays in development.

What do you think of the Fair Elections Bill -- HB550? My understanding is that it is pushing for paper records to keep with the election officials, not to necessarily give to the voter. I just don't think I agree the additional expense of printing and storing all this paper is really necessary in the technology age. Surely there's a more digital way……. Thoughts?

For more information from Coloradans for Voting Integrity click here.

Those of you interested can go here to sign the petition.

Recently, I attended a community forum where one elected community leader referred to the other elected officials in the room as "celebrities." Frankly, our public officials and we ourselves should be cautioned against using such reckless labels.

The whole concept of "celebrity" is antithetical to the principles of democratic leadership and an informed electorate. "Celebrities" are aloof, wish to be shielded from their public and live larger than life, often at the public's expense. Some "celebrities," a la Paris Hilton, don't even have to do anything - they are simply famous for being a "celebrity." Fans, on the other hand, thirst for tabloid-style news and revel in the most minute of details about the personal affairs of the celeb de jour. Labeling our politicians as "celebrities" reduces democracy to People Magazine headlines, requires important policy ideas to be expressed in sound bites, and deters any candidate who might face making Mr. Blackwell's worst dressed list. We need - nay, deserve - more substance and less fluff from our representatives.

Perhaps worst of all, this attitude of political leader as "celebrity" distances our elected officials from us. Sadly, at this same community meeting, I witnessed our community leaders talking primarily among themselves. They sat together at the same table and didn't bother to individually talk with any of the community. They practice politics as a "members only" club unless and until they are in the midst of a campaign. What a missed opportunity to connect in a meaningful way to the people they work for. Perhaps their "celebrity" has gone to their heads.

I for one prefer "public servant" as the proper label for our politicians. Our community, country and world don't need any more "celebrities."