FTS Archive

Face The State content 2007-2009

Brad Jones and Kate Melvin on 600 KCOL, Dec. 28-31 By The Way/Buzz
December 22, 2009
Tune in to 600 KCOL in Northern Colorado Monday-Friday, Dec. 28-31, as Brad Jones and Kate Melvin guest-host "Mornings with Keith and Gail." The program runs from 5-10 am and the 5 o'clock hour is simulcast on NoCo 5 TV. Call in to 866-888-5449 to join the conversation!
FTS Radio in October By The Way/Buzz
October 2, 2009
A programming note about FTS radio in October: Brad Jones is on vacation, but KNZZ weekend show host Rick Wagner will be in on the FTS Weekend Edition to talk state politics. Speaking of the weekend program, we're happy to announce KVRH in Salida, already an affiliate of the daily Radio Minute, will now carry the FTS Weekend Edition at 7 am Saturdays.
FTS on KBDI's 'Studio 12' tonight at 8 By The Way/Buzz
August 26, 2009
Face The State managing editor Brad Jones will be a panelist on KBDI Channel 12's "Studio 12" program tonight at 8pm. The topic: on the one year anniversary of the Democratic National Convention convening in Denver, what are the long-term impacts? Is Colorado a player on the national scene in a way that wouldn't have been possible without the DNC? And did Denver cash in on the benefits as city leaders thought would be the case? Tune in on cable or over the air in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
PERA wants help in 'closing the gap' Article
August 18, 2009
Face The State Staff Report Trustees of Colorado's Public Employees' Retirement Association, the pension fund covering over 435,000 current and retired state and local government workers, are asking for help in closing a $17 billion gap in its balance sheet. That "unfunded actuarial liability" represents analysts' estimate of the difference between PERA's future assets compared to its obligation to pay benefits. The General Assembly this spring directed PERA to develop proposed law to address the shortfall, which has left the pension only 51% funded.
FTS talks PERA on 850 KOA Wednesday at 11 am By The Way/Buzz
August 18, 2009
Yeah, we're on vacation, but we can be roused to the call of work, especially when the call comes from Mike Rosen at 850 KOA. Tune in at 11 am Wednesday when FTS managing editor Brad Jones will join Mike to discuss the Public Employees' Retirement Association, its dismal financial forecast and what can be done to avoid a future taxpayer bailout. Listen over the air or at 850KOA.com.
Gone fishin' By The Way/Buzz
August 17, 2009
Face The State is on vacation through August 24, 2009. Have a great week!
Gardner makes Markey an offer she can refuse By The Way/Buzz
August 13, 2009
Face The State has obtained a letter (PDF) in which state Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, asks U.S. Rep. Betsy Markey to take part in his town hall meeting planned for Aug. 19 in Fort Collins. Garnder is one of two Republicans hoping to take on Markey in next year's midterm election.
Vacancy committee to fill HD 51 seat tonight Article
August 13, 2009
LOVELAND — At least five people, up from three last week, are vying for the Colorado House seat that Republican Don Marostica vacated when he was named the state’s top economic-development officer.
New coal plant equal to 2,000+ wind turbines Article
August 13, 2009
As the Comanche unit 3 coal plant near Pueblo is scheduled to start commercial operation this fall, utilities are also seeking ways to comply with a 2004 ballot measure that requires 20 percent of the state's electricity to come from "renewable" sources. A Face The State analysis explores the relative power of Comanche versus two large wind and solar projects.
Tweet in the name of the law! By The Way/Buzz
August 12, 2009
Twitter, the social networking site where users post updates covering everything from politics to what they had for lunch, can also keep you on the right side of the law. The Denver Police Department (@DenverPolice for the Twitter-savvy) posts blotter entries interspersed with occasional citations to the Denver municipal code - did you know bicyclists are required to obey traffic lights just like cars? Perhaps prompted by recent protests at congressional town hall meetings, DPD reminded citizens yesterday it's a no-no to disrupt "any lawful meeting."
Gardner to host town halls in Markey’s absence By The Way/Buzz
August 12, 2009
State Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, still has a long way to go before possibly facing Congresswoman Betsy Markey, D-Fort Collins, at the ballot box next year. But that's not stopping him walking the congressional walk. Markey has been reluctant to hold open town hall meetings with her constituents during the August recess. Gardner, one of two Republicans currently vying to replace her, is stepping up to the plate and will hold his own, including one in Markey's home town.
Audio: First stop on PERA's 'listening tour' By The Way/Buzz
August 12, 2009
The Public Employees' Retirement Association, Colorado's public-sector pension fund, held the first of eight planned "listening tour" hearings Tuesday night in Denver. Staff presented facts about the fund's current fiscal status to a packed house, and those in attendance - mostly public employees and retirees - were given an opportunity to briefly address PERA's board of trustees. The proceedings were simulcast live on the Internet and Face The State now brings you an archive of the meeting audio.
Fox 31 video: Sirota and Jones on health care By The Way/Buzz
August 11, 2009
As described earlier today, Face The State's Brad Jones was juxtaposed against liberal writer David Sirota on a news package aired yesterday on Denver's Fox 31 news. Sirota says conservative protesters are part of the "khaki pants offensive" carrying out "white backlash" against Pres. Barack Obama. FTS's Jones talks policy. Watch the video, below the fold.
Xcel ad campaign shows it's hard to serve two masters Article
August 11, 2009
Xcel Energy has proposed raising energy rates on consumers while at the same time spending an undisclosed sum of money on a self-serving ad campaign. The “Responsible By Nature” ads seen online, in print and on the air encourage consumers to save money by decreasing consumption and take advantage of the company’s rebates. To encourage saving money by reducing consumption while at the same time raising rates at the meter has us scratching our heads.
State 'minority outreach' job still plays the race card By The Way/Buzz
August 11, 2009
In June, Gov. Bill Ritter hired Maranda Pleau as the "Minority Outreach Coordinator" for his office coordinating the spending of federal stimulus money. She was tasked with “helping state agencies set goals and procedures regarding minority contracting and outreach to minority communities.”
FTS Radio comes to Grand Junction By The Way/Buzz
August 11, 2009
Face The State is excited to introduce the newest member of its radio network, 1230 KEXO in Grand Junction. Listeners in Mesa County may now hear the Face The State Radio Minute Monday-Friday at 7:50 am, and select evenings at 5:50 pm.
Sirota unleashed: decries 'brownshirt tactics,' 'white backlash' By The Way/Buzz
August 11, 2009
Last night, FTS managing editor Brad Jones was interviewed for a Fox 31 news package exploring the debate over government-run health care. Representing the left was David Sirota, a well-known liberal columnist and cheerleader of President Barack Obama's "public option." Face The State was on hand to make the case for personal responsibility and responsible fiscal policy, with Sirota claiming conservative protesters are employing "old-school Brownshirt tactics" fed by "white backlash."
FTS on Fox 31 News tonight By The Way/Buzz
August 10, 2009
Be sure to tune in tonight at 9 pm to Fox 31 News (available along much of Colorado's Front Range and in the high country on cable/repeaters) to see FTS managing editor Brad Jones talk about the tone of the health care debate unfolding during the August congressional recess. We don't know what quotes they'll decide to use, but isn't it fair to ask, "where in the Constitution does it say the federal government may run an insurance company?" If you can't tune in tonight, visit FTS tomorrow morning for streaming video online.
'The Buzz' on 1310 KFKA, 8/10/09 - Pelosi's alternative universe By The Way/Buzz
August 10, 2009
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, was in Denver last week to promise capped health premiums and unlimited benefits. Only government can get away with that kind of new math. FTS managing editor Brad Jones and 1310 KFKA talk show host Amy Oliver kick around her logic for a bit.
FTS Humor: Can you hack it? Article
August 10, 2009
The Denver Post reported recently that resumes had poured in for the vacant assistant press secretary position for Colorado Senate Democrat caucus. A highly-placed mole at the state capitol has relayed to us a transcript of one of the interviews. The scene: A lazy Tuesday afternoon, where State Senate President Brandon Shaffer reads through some resumes, feet on his desk.