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The following is the text of the
guest editorial I wrote, originally published in the Hometown Weekly
newspaper on 3-10-10.
(New blog entries continue below)
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Bonanza
Connection is not Black and White
Those behind the
push to connect Bonanza Drive and Vista Parkway want us
to believe that this is a simple matter of constructing
a minor road connection so that Erie will reap an
economic harvest along Highway 7. These interests have
suggested that this stretch of Bonanza is now a major
artery capable of carrying heavy traffic, and that
retailers are just waiting in the wings.
If the issue
were that simple, there would be no debate.
In reality,
there are more questions than answers, and a premature
decision could cost the taxpayers millions. It is true
that developers will pay some of the cost to simply pave
the small connection. But the physical connection is a
tiny piece of an enormous puzzle with an unknown price
tag. It is likely that major improvements will be
required to convert this sleepy street to a major
thoroughfare. The taxpayers will be left to pay for any
other improvements mandated by our development code,
such as medians, sidewalks, the purchase of additional
right-of-way, and more. Some have suggested that these
improvements will not be necessary, but in reality, we
do not have these answers. A study is underway, but it
is not complete.
We have been
told that undermining is not a problem at the connection
point. Maybe so, but undermining is a major obstacle
along the existing stretch of roadway. Two years ago, a
large portion of this road collapsed due to
undermining. Increased traffic will only aggravate the
problem. Will we pay to mitigate the undermining now,
or will we simply repair the street each time it caves
in?
Why are we being
asked to do this? We are told that if we build it,
retail will come. But there is no proof that converting
this road will entice development. Much of the
purported evidence is nothing but innuendo and hearsay.
In fact, one Highway 7 developer has publicly stated
that they purchased the land without any expectation of
a connection at Bonanza.
And what of the
safety and quality of life for those who live on and
near this street? Will children be consigned to their
backyards, lest they be hit by a speeding car?
Currently the traffic count for Bonanza is approximately
500 cars per day. If connected, the Town of Erie
Transportation Master Plan projects 9,000 cars per day
at buildout. Does this seem appropriate for a
residential street? Would you welcome that many cars in
front of your home without any tangible evidence of
benefit, other than vague innuendo and promises made by
politicians with an agenda?
Under the right
circumstances, after proper study, understanding costs
and funding mechanisms, and most importantly, with a
guarantee of a return, connecting Bonanza might make
sense. But it is wrong to destroy a neighborhood
without fully understanding the required road
improvements, cost to taxpayers, the impact on
residents, and without any genuine promise of meaningful
benefit.
For information you will not find elsewhere, go to
www.bonanzainfo.com. |
March 14, 2010
Twitter
Follow trustee candidate Mark Gruber on
Twitter.
Trash trash trash
Cheryl Hauger
is contending there is no push to take over trash. Mayor Moore has been
engaged in a full court press to set up the trash takeover for months.
Anyone who knows how the mayor operates can clearly see the obvious
setup. It's textbook Moore. But he won't be mayor in a few more weeks.
Hauger is his hand-picked successor,
that many (including myself) feel was chosen because she will continue
his agenda and can be controlled.
Much like healthcare, once they take it
over, it's too late.
The writing is on the wall. Don't listen
to their words, watch their actions.
March 13, 2010
Hauger a no-show
Cheryl Hauger was the only candidate
(mayor and trustee) not to appear at last Wednesday night's candidate
forum. The forum was moderated completely by students from Erie
High School. The kids did a great job running the forum!
When I announced the forum at Tuesday's
Board of Trustees meeting, and talked about training the kids to run
such an event, Ms. Hauger was seen to be rolling her eyes and making
rude faces. I am deeply disappointed in such disrespectful
behavior from someone who wants to be mayor. She then further
disrespected Erie's children by not attending the forum.
Ms. Hauger also states on her web site
that she believes this forum will be biased. Let me repeat that
statement.
Cheryl Hauger believes the kids of Erie
High school will put on a biased form. Ask any one of the other
nine candidates or any audience member who had the courtesy to attend
(many of whom also attended the State of the Town address, another
reason she cites for her absence) if they feel the event was biased.
March 12, 2010
Bonanza Drive
See the top of the page for the
guest editorial I wrote, originally published in the Hometown Weekly
newspaper on 3-10-10.
Facebook group
Check out the facebook group
No to Bonanza Drive Extension in Erie, CO.
February
28, 2010
Government controlled
trash
Government run
trash update: According to numerous people I have spoken to, the mayor
basically laid out two options and asked which version of government
controlled trash do you prefer? This is classic Moore -- define the
terms of the debate and then offer a "choice" of two evils. What
about a third option -- stay the heck out of our trash cans?
Later he sent an
e-mail to all HOA leaders stating, "We'll see how soon this comes
back. Could be 6 months or 6 years but it is almost certain some Board
in the future will feel the need to do something." [sic] For a "free
market" guy, Moore sure seems stuck on this issue.
Remember -- in 6
months or 6 years -- elections have consequences. If you don't want
Washington style government control in Erie, vote accordingly.
February
27, 2010Upcoming candidate forums
Mark your calendar.
| Date: |
March 10, 2010 |
| Location: |
Erie High School |
| Time: |
7:30 pm |
| Moderator: |
Erie High student government class |
| |
|
| Date: |
March 15, 2010 |
| Location: |
Erie High School |
| Time: |
7:00 pm |
| Moderator: |
Unknown |
| |
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| Date: |
March 18, 2010 |
| Location: |
Erie Middle School |
| Time: |
6:30 pm |
| Moderator: |
League of Women Voters |
Meet Joe Wilson
There are also upcoming meet and
greet events for Mayoral Candidate Joe Wilson:
| Date: |
February 27, 2010 |
| Location: |
Erie Lion's Club (Cheesman & High St.
in old town) |
| Time: |
9:00 am to 12:00 pm |
| |
|
| Date: |
March 6, 2010 |
| Location: |
Erie Community Library |
| Time: |
10:00 am to 12:00 pm |
| |
|
| Date: |
March 13, 2010 |
| Location: |
TBD |
| Time: |
TBD |
February
24, 2010Trash and recycling
The apparent push
to socialize trash in Erie continues tonight. There is a town/HOA
meeting at Vista Ridge to discuss recycling and help people "accept
change" as Mayor Moore termed it at last night's BOT meeting. Mayoral
candidate Cheryl Hauger will be there. Hopefully she will explain her
position on whether or not the government should tell us who can carry
away our trash.
February
21, 2010
Municipal
Election
Election day is Tuesday, April 6, 2010.
Mail-in ballots are scheduled to be sent on March 15th.
This is a very important election as we will be
selecting three new trustees and a new mayor.
For some good information on the election, check
out the page
A Better Erie. You do not have to be a Facebook member to view
the page.
Here are some other important web sites:
Mayor:
Vote for
Joe Wilson.
Trustee:
Vote for
Mark Gruber.
Vote for
Robb James.
Ballot issues:
Vote NO on 2E.
We have absolutely NO idea what this connection will cost
taxpayers, yet we are asking for a voter mandate? This is
irresponsible government.
Check out
www.noonbonanza.com for more information.
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posts located in the archive] |
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