The Truth

There is simply no harm in knowing the truth. That is all we want.

By Adrian

To Ann

Ann, I know very little about how the lobbyists were paid. However, I was informed by one of my commissioners that several lobbyist were infiltrating the state capitol and they were so full of crap and arrogance that it was a bit of a spectacle. I am sure it would be easy to find out who they were but what they are paid and how they are paid may be a little more difficult.

I believe various donations are somewhat laundered through the Broomfield Economic Development Corporation (BEDC). BEDC then makes contributions to advance a particular "economic" agenda. To verify exactly how the money is handled would require reviewing subsidiary ledgers and corporate minutes. This information is of course not in the public library, which I feel is another issue in itself, so you may have to issue a demand letter to obtain records.

Were Broomfield residents aware of lobbyists? There is a core group of people that seem pretty much involved in politics, ie Metro Chamber of Commerce, BEDC, elected officials, advisory boards, and the municipal chamber of commerce so they were probably aware of what was going on. However, BF citizens in general? I highly doubt that had any idea that anything was going on until after the fact.

Contributions to the task force? I am assuming you are talking about the C/C task force. In any event, if Interlocken is contributing funds to it I am sure it is borderline legal, so I do not see any point in pursuing it. Although the ethics of this are certainly an issue as history appears to repeat itself with this kind of thing; which is the basis of our labor laws.

Didn't you know, BF is creating the C/C of Interlocken?

By Joan

For Br. Anon. - Annexations

There is a boundary map as part of the constitutional amendment. Prior to the effective date when Broomfield becomes a county, the city of Broomfield may annex areas within the boundary map in accordance with the state's municipal annexation laws. After the effective date, any annexation of areas within the boundary map will be subject to state laws regarding changes in county boundaries. For example, say that some of the rural unincorporated areas to the north were not annexed before the effective county date. Then, the only way those areas could be annexed is by approval of the voters of Adams County and by approval of the voters of the City and County of Broomfield.
The only way any city in Colorado can annex an area unilaterally is if that area has been an enclave for at least three years - in other words totally surrounded by a city on all sides for 3 years. The Sunny Slopes subdivision falls within this category. However, if Sunny Slopes is not annexed prior to the county effective date, then the state laws pertaining to changes in county boundaries will apply - i.e., the annexation would have to be approved by the voters of Adams County and by the voters of the City and County of Broomfield. I think that Broomfield should be carefully considering what areas it desires to annex before the city/county becomes effective. The City's Master Plan projects most of the area north of Highway 7 for commercial uses. So, I doubt that it will significantly change the Master Plan's population projections at build-out.
The current primary difference between Broomfield and Northglenn is that Broomfield still has room to grow. Eventually, that will not be the case.
Hope this helps.

By BBW

To BWW--Number 4

Thank you, again. We may continually "agree to disagree" on when BF leadership is void of citizen input; and when the title of "coucil member or city leader" is misused as a citizen. My discouragement is A. The lack of public meetings after the Feb 21 study session; B. The meeting of council members and city leaders to form CBLG and the committment of each council person to find 20 people each to work for the county (this really boils me); had this been a public meeting for citizens to find 20 people each, I would not interpret this a just a coucil/city issue; C. the use of paid professional lobbyists at state assembly (Do you have the names here--are they from BF). I do not have a problem with the people you listed being relatives of Cooper and Stovall; they are still BF residents; not council or city leaders. When in need, turn first to family, at least the family has a good relationship.

For the council to orchestrate the entire county process is a direct insult to the people of Broomfield. This is a "no-confidence" vote for the residents of Broomfield; one that says we are not qualified to participate in such an encompassing decision. There was not; and apparently, is not, a qualified group of citizens to formulate a campaign, and now, from the governor's point of view, to work on the transition to the county. I have always seen the active citizenry as knowledgeable in most areas; and when not certain of their decision; willing to bring in an expert in the area.

When the preparation was being done on the annexation, between March 12 and April 1, it was stated in the paper the level of participation citizens could enjoy at the state. It is clearnly stated "Those for and against the item can address the ballot item itself, but THIS IS NOT A HEARING TO DEBATE THE QUESTION OF BECOMING A CITY/COUNTY."

From this statement under guidelines for participating at the state level; is the assumption that the public of BF had already been involved in the placement of a ballot question. You and I both know, there were no public meetings between Feb 21 and Mar 12.
YOu and I both know that it is clearly stated on every city council agenda that public comment is not accepted on any items on the agenda during the comment portion; and comment is only taken on items listed as public input sessions on the agenda. Usually, as a public meeting.

Why did the council have no confidence in the public for the decision to form the county? From this point on; we have been treated as non-entities unless you are in the loop discribed above...King Arthur's hand picked roundtable.

By Br Anonymous