The Blog Wrangler | NoCoPolitics.com

http://nocopolitics.com/

NoCoPolitics sits at the intersection of politics and business, covering issues relevant to Northern Colorado from a center-right, pro-economy point-of-view.

Andrew Boucher writes and edits NoCoPolitics.com, but guest posters appear from time-to-time. Andrew is a political consultant based in Fort Collins and heads the Enterprise Group, an entity dedicated to increasing the voice of the business community in the political arena and supporting those who support greater economic opportunity for Northern Colorado.

Paid "volunteers" in Colorado?

August 14, 2009

"(But the Democrats accuse conservatives of "astroturfing").

This link from Instapundit caught my eye:

"Wanted: Obama healthcare reform volunteers willing to be paid $15 an hour."

The L.A. Times is reporting that:

It seems that, despite all the media attention lavished on e-mail appeals to his supporters, not everyone pushing for President Obama's embattled healthcare reform plan these warm August days is an idealistic volunteer in it for the sake of helping move the country forward and gaining medical attention for millions of uninsured Americans.

Post offices closing

August 7, 2009

"It's happening right here in Fort Collins:

The U.S. Postal Service is correct to consider the relocation of the Old Town post office in Fort Collins, a necessary step as the agency looks to close a $7 billion gap nationwide.

It's important that the Postal Service continue to have an Old Town station, but a space smaller than the current 26,252-square-foot facility would be adequate and save money. The Postal Service also could sell the adjacent parking lot."

Tea Party overwhelms Obamacare advocates in Fort Collins

July 29, 2009

"FINAL UPDATE: I got back to my office just before the rain started a few minutes ago. I counted and re-counted a few times over the course of the rally, walking up and down the street, and there were more than 450 people there to protest against government-run health care."

Let's start a pool on Fort Collins water rate hikes

July 10, 2009

"Grab a calendar and pick a date. It's prediction time.

On one hand, we have the City of Fort Collins constantly nagging us to conserve water.

Xeriscape. Don't over-water your lawn (and they'll provide a free sprinkler system audit to check up on you). Inside, be sure to turn off the water when you brush your teeth. Take shorter showers, and don't rinse dishes in the sink before putting them in the dishwasher.

On the other hand, I haven't run the sprinklers at my house since May."

Diggs Brown on Independence Day

July 4, 2009

"It takes less than a minute to be sworn into military service. It takes a lifetime of selfless sacrifice to uphold the duty sworn to within those 60 seconds.

The men and women with whom I have served understand that obligation. We are dedicated to preserving the union and defending the ideals instilled by our nation's founding fathers.

And, just as they did in Philadelphia 233 years ago, to this cause, we also mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.
God bless America and all she stands for."

Using the troops as an excuse

August 10, 2009

"We posted over at the Draft Diggs website about Betsy Markey's vote for some new private jets for Congress.

The new luxury jets are "conveniently" padded onto a defense appropriations bill. The destination for the original jet? The Africa Command."

Fort Collins Patients First rally

August 6, 2009

"This photo was taken at the Patients First health care rally early this morning in Fort Collins.

This was a 7:30 AM rally and there were more than 100 people there. (UPDATED AND CORRECTED, SEE BELOW)

UPDATE: According to Patients First, 350 signed the petition this morning in Fort Collins."

The government taking control of trash

July 21, 2009

"Here we go... as predicted, Fort Collins is making its move to a "pilot trash district program."

This would be funny if it weren't so sad:

With an exclusive contract and a large customer base, a hauler should be able to provide discounted rates similar to those offered other contract customers, such as homeowner's associations, Turnquist said.

(Because, of course, government-controlled monopolies are wonderful vehicles for delivering stellar service at low, low prices, right?)"

Fort Collins cuts: What took you so long?

July 6, 2009

"Fort Collins is cutting $2.2 million from the general fund budget.

Take note of this curious quote:

Residents might not notice the cuts, which include money that was tabbed for travel, office supplies and advertising expenses, Freeman said. In some cases, equipment replacement and facility renovations have been put on hold.

"We tried to make cuts that would have minimal impact on residents and service levels," he said.

Quick question: If residents (i.e. taxpayers) might not notice the cuts, why weren't they made long ago?"

"New Colorado auto fees stir shock, anger"

July 3, 2009

"You don't say.

So say you're working on an old clunker in your garage, and it's a long way from being put back together. You can either register it now, even though it's not even close to being ready to drive (and pay insurance)... or get hit by a major fine for being "late" when you register it later."

Face the State