Let's say you're a congressperson or tea party leader looking to champion deficit reduction, a cause 38 percent of Americans tell pollsters they support. And let's say you're deciding whether to back two pieces of imminent legislation.
According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the first bill's spending provisions cost $100 billion annually and its tax and budget-cutting provisions recoup $111 billion annually, thus reducing total federal expenditures by $11 billion each year.
The second bill proposes $636 billion in annual spending and recoups nothing.
Over 10 years, the first bill would spend $1 trillion and recover $1.11 trillion - a fantastic return on taxpayer investment. Meanwhile, the second bill puts us on a path to spend $6.3 trillion in the same time.
Save $110 billion, or spend $6.3 trillion? If you're explicitly claiming the mantle of fiscal prudence, this should be a no-brainer: You support the first bill and o
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David Sirota: No contest in federal savings here
Vail Daily letter: County needs to get to the real basics
Well, the news is finally out concerning Eagle County's budget shortfalls and pending layoffs of staff.
According to Scott Miller's piece in the Daily, the theme of "Back to Basics" will guide the county in making these cuts.
Real estate's cascading failure filters through the system and falling valuations come home to roost in Eagle.
I'm going to go out on a limb here, since I live with and teach solar technology, but I submit that road grading, snow plowing, the sheriff's office and jail's staffing, schoolbus driving and teaching are as basic as county and local services get.
Cuts in these areas, to personnel and service delivery to taxpayers who depend upon these people and services should simply be off-limits, until population levels change to require less of these services. Why else do we form government, anyway?
There are many areas in Eagle's county government that are light years from "essential."
For
Vail Daily letter: Those are my tax dollars Eagle County is spending
"Concerning Eagle County spending" article from Nov. 18, I have a few comments. In your article you refer to the use of the "county credit card" by several employees. The "county credit card" is a euphemism for my tax dollars. This is not a casual use of general funds, but a misuse of dollars collected from every citizen in this county. Those high property taxes and sales taxes that I pay are going to pay for a willow tree in some person's office?
I don't want to buy plants for an office. In fact, I think that as long as an office has adequate office supplies, temperature control, four walls that won't cave in during a storm, and the employees have health insurance, then I have done my job as the provider of funds.
If the employee wants to give a baby gift, they should buy it themselves. If the employee wants a plant or a picture to pretty the place up, buy it out of their pocket and take it with you when you leave. My tax dollars should ne
I don't want to buy plants for an office. In fact, I think that as long as an office has adequate office supplies, temperature control, four walls that won't cave in during a storm, and the employees have health insurance, then I have done my job as the provider of funds.
If the employee wants to give a baby gift, they should buy it themselves. If the employee wants a plant or a picture to pretty the place up, buy it out of their pocket and take it with you when you leave. My tax dollars should ne
Vail Daily letter: The beasts politicians must serve
As we approach the 2010 mid-term elections, a Republican priority and primary campaign talking point will be to advance the cause of a limited, smaller federal government.
On its face, this is a desirable cause and one that moderates can embrace, although the track record of the last three Republican administrations has been poor in achieving anything in shrinking the federal budget and the federal deficit.
A close look at our national behavior over the last four decades and the challenges facing every congressperson, regardless of party, in balancing the message of smaller government with the reality of what is required for reelection paints a stark picture.
A look at federal expenditures in the 2008 fiscal year tells the common story of decades past. The vast majority of federal expenditures are consumed by mandatory entitlements (Social Security, Medicare, SCHIP and Medicaid), interest owed on our national debt and "discretionary" spending on national security. The t
On its face, this is a desirable cause and one that moderates can embrace, although the track record of the last three Republican administrations has been poor in achieving anything in shrinking the federal budget and the federal deficit.
A close look at our national behavior over the last four decades and the challenges facing every congressperson, regardless of party, in balancing the message of smaller government with the reality of what is required for reelection paints a stark picture.
A look at federal expenditures in the 2008 fiscal year tells the common story of decades past. The vast majority of federal expenditures are consumed by mandatory entitlements (Social Security, Medicare, SCHIP and Medicaid), interest owed on our national debt and "discretionary" spending on national security. The t
Vail: What's next in resort real estate?
VAIL, Colorado - Vail Valley resident Jim Brinkerhoff has been in the development business for 30 years. And, like everyone else in the business these days, times are tough. But Brinkerhoff thinks he's on track to help redefine the resort business.
Brinkerhoff - who lives near Edwards - and several partners are working on a project in Baja Mexico, "Palm Orchard." Plans for the 20-acre property near the town of Todos Santos include just 29 homes, most with price tags of $1 million or less.
In a recent conversation at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Brinkerhoff and partners James Churches and John Santaniello - who's currently the general manager of the Ritz Carlton Destination Club at Bachelor Gulch - talked about the next era of resort real estate, who will buy it, and why.
"Buyers are looking for something affordable and authentic, that will stay that way," Churches said.
Plans are to build around the landscape, which means mo
Brinkerhoff - who lives near Edwards - and several partners are working on a project in Baja Mexico, "Palm Orchard." Plans for the 20-acre property near the town of Todos Santos include just 29 homes, most with price tags of $1 million or less.
In a recent conversation at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Brinkerhoff and partners James Churches and John Santaniello - who's currently the general manager of the Ritz Carlton Destination Club at Bachelor Gulch - talked about the next era of resort real estate, who will buy it, and why.
"Buyers are looking for something affordable and authentic, that will stay that way," Churches said.
Plans are to build around the landscape, which means mo
Vail Tech Bytes: It's time to update your Web site if ...
VAIL, Colorado ' In my column last week, I went over a few reasons why all businesses, big and small, should have a Web site. But what if you already have a Web site? How do you know when it's time to consider a change? In this week's Tech Bytes, I'm taking a look at seven signs that it's time to redesign.
Sign #1. Your content hasn't been updated in over six months.
Web sites should be full of constantly updating information to reflect your changing business (e.g., new products, services offered, weekly discounts). This not only will help your search engine rankings, but also increase the return visitors to your site, increasing your revenue. With the availability of content management systems that can allow you to make updates yourself, there's no reason to have a stale site.
Sign #2. Your design is so 2000.
If there's anything flashing, blinking, spinning or moving on the site that doesn't actually add to the overall sit
Sign #1. Your content hasn't been updated in over six months.
Web sites should be full of constantly updating information to reflect your changing business (e.g., new products, services offered, weekly discounts). This not only will help your search engine rankings, but also increase the return visitors to your site, increasing your revenue. With the availability of content management systems that can allow you to make updates yourself, there's no reason to have a stale site.
Sign #2. Your design is so 2000.
If there's anything flashing, blinking, spinning or moving on the site that doesn't actually add to the overall sit
Vail's Samana celebrates 5 years on Bridge Street
VAIL, Colorado - Samana Lounge in Vail Village is celebrating five years of entertaining the Vail Valley with a series of events this week,
Scotty Stoughton says he created Samana five years ago with the intent on providing an intimate space with a warm and welcoming vibe. The idea was to create a clean, comfortable and friendly environment focused on music. Samana does not have TVs or video games, just low lights and candles.
Stoughton says that from deep electronic music to bluegrass, hip-hop to house music, the crew at Samana works hard to consistently change the entertainment menu.
The lounge has hosted names like Dr. John, Coolio, Jo Jo Herman, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Mark Farina, and many more. This week the lounge is bringing is some home grown reggae talent, a rising international star and one of the East Coast's most entertaining DJs.
Future events will be posted in the Event Calendar in the High Life section of the Vail Daily, announced weekly on KZYR 97.
Scotty Stoughton says he created Samana five years ago with the intent on providing an intimate space with a warm and welcoming vibe. The idea was to create a clean, comfortable and friendly environment focused on music. Samana does not have TVs or video games, just low lights and candles.
Stoughton says that from deep electronic music to bluegrass, hip-hop to house music, the crew at Samana works hard to consistently change the entertainment menu.
The lounge has hosted names like Dr. John, Coolio, Jo Jo Herman, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Mark Farina, and many more. This week the lounge is bringing is some home grown reggae talent, a rising international star and one of the East Coast's most entertaining DJs.
Future events will be posted in the Event Calendar in the High Life section of the Vail Daily, announced weekly on KZYR 97.
Vail Valley middle school kicks off community meetings
MINTURN - Arn Menconi, the executive director of the Vail Valley's SOS Outreach and a former Eagle County commissioner, visited Minturn Middle School students this week as the guest speaker at the first of four community meetings throughout the school year.
Students had the opportunity to ask Menconi questions about adventure, career, personal experiences and community traits. The students, chosen by their teachers, did extra research to write up a few questions.
"We hope our students are able to answer the question 'who are we as a community' with each community meeting," said Tracy Teetaert, a counselor at Minturn Middle School. "Students are responsible for connecting the guest speaker to Minturn Middle School community traits such as habits of work and character traits."
Similar to SOS, the school's expeditionary learning program focuses on community traits. Courage and compassion are both traits that the Snowboard Outreach Society and Minturn
Students had the opportunity to ask Menconi questions about adventure, career, personal experiences and community traits. The students, chosen by their teachers, did extra research to write up a few questions.
"We hope our students are able to answer the question 'who are we as a community' with each community meeting," said Tracy Teetaert, a counselor at Minturn Middle School. "Students are responsible for connecting the guest speaker to Minturn Middle School community traits such as habits of work and character traits."
Similar to SOS, the school's expeditionary learning program focuses on community traits. Courage and compassion are both traits that the Snowboard Outreach Society and Minturn
Vail Valley: Holidays are bittersweet for caregivers
VAIL, Colorado - It was to become the last holiday our family would all be together.
My brother was able to get a rare holiday off and would be home for Thanksgiving. My father had dementia and rarely spoke, and although he still knew my younger sister, he no longer recognized me or my older sister. He had also recently stopped recognizing my mother.
A good day had become defined not by how difficult or exhausting it was, but by whether her sweetheart of 57 years knew her.
My mother had prepared his favorites. She felt no one else could make the turkey, dressing, homemade dinner rolls and pumpkin pie just the way he liked. My two sisters and I helped in the small ways she would let us. The good china and table cloths were brought out. The table was set with flowers and arranged so that he would be surrounded by his children.
When our father recognized my brother, it seemed that the day would be all that our mother had hoped. My brother escorted dad to the table and tried t
My brother was able to get a rare holiday off and would be home for Thanksgiving. My father had dementia and rarely spoke, and although he still knew my younger sister, he no longer recognized me or my older sister. He had also recently stopped recognizing my mother.
A good day had become defined not by how difficult or exhausting it was, but by whether her sweetheart of 57 years knew her.
My mother had prepared his favorites. She felt no one else could make the turkey, dressing, homemade dinner rolls and pumpkin pie just the way he liked. My two sisters and I helped in the small ways she would let us. The good china and table cloths were brought out. The table was set with flowers and arranged so that he would be surrounded by his children.
When our father recognized my brother, it seemed that the day would be all that our mother had hoped. My brother escorted dad to the table and tried t
Vail Daily's 7 questions with Meredith Ogilby
VAIL VALLEY, Colorado - The American West is a place of extraordinary beauty and broad open spaces. It is also a place of complex history and culture, one that is ever changing and evolving with the tides of our nation as a whole.
In more recent times political views are shifting, and changing attitudes about conservation and battles over natural resources are shedding light on our region at the national level. It seems even more important to define for ourselves what the term Western encompasses.
Four years ago, Meredith Ogilby and Corinne Platt, two Western women, set out to create a "panoramic view of today's West," to explore the meaning of the West. They traveled more than 1,000 miles in rain and snow, getting lost at least three times, to meet with and interview 49 fellow Westerners. What they created is a collection of narratives and photographs that begins a dialogue about the convergence of past, present and future in our region.
Their new book, &#
In more recent times political views are shifting, and changing attitudes about conservation and battles over natural resources are shedding light on our region at the national level. It seems even more important to define for ourselves what the term Western encompasses.
Four years ago, Meredith Ogilby and Corinne Platt, two Western women, set out to create a "panoramic view of today's West," to explore the meaning of the West. They traveled more than 1,000 miles in rain and snow, getting lost at least three times, to meet with and interview 49 fellow Westerners. What they created is a collection of narratives and photographs that begins a dialogue about the convergence of past, present and future in our region.
Their new book, &#
Paintings past-bedtime in Vail
VAIL, Colorado - Anne-Marie Keane considered the painting hanging in Masters Gallery in Vail
It had a splashes of pink.
It had a name - "Princess Smarty Pants."
It also belonged to an artist who, at that very moment, was home with the baby sitter.
"Princess Smarty Pants," Keane said with a laugh as she studied her four-year-old daughter's masterpiece. "I wonder what that means to her."
Clad in dresses and suits, gallery patrons Thursday night sipped wine and noshed on ahi tuna lollipops from the chef of Lord Gore restaurant. It was like any other art opening, except that the artists were some of the youngest gallery director Rayla Kundolf has ever featured.
The artists were children 22 months to five years old who attend the Children's Garden of Learning in Vail. Professional artist Carrie Fell visited the pre-school this past week to paint with them. Childrens' paintings were auctioned off at Masters Gallery as a fundraiser for th
It had a splashes of pink.
It had a name - "Princess Smarty Pants."
It also belonged to an artist who, at that very moment, was home with the baby sitter.
"Princess Smarty Pants," Keane said with a laugh as she studied her four-year-old daughter's masterpiece. "I wonder what that means to her."
Clad in dresses and suits, gallery patrons Thursday night sipped wine and noshed on ahi tuna lollipops from the chef of Lord Gore restaurant. It was like any other art opening, except that the artists were some of the youngest gallery director Rayla Kundolf has ever featured.
The artists were children 22 months to five years old who attend the Children's Garden of Learning in Vail. Professional artist Carrie Fell visited the pre-school this past week to paint with them. Childrens' paintings were auctioned off at Masters Gallery as a fundraiser for th
Warren Miller: Stuck on the lift
A strange thing happened on the chairlift at the Yellowstone Club this afternoon. It stopped for an hour while my wife and I were about 43 feet above 9 feet of snow.
Usually when a lift stops, you are stuck in a wind-blown part of the hill. In our case, it didn't matter too much because we were alone on a detachable quad chair, snug in a giant plastic bubble.
No wind and no cause for alarm because within 15 minutes of when the lift stopped, Jon Reveal, the mountain manager of this new private ski resort, came roaring up the hill in his snowmobile. He stopped underneath us and said, "Not to worry. There is a power outage in the entire southwestern corner of Montana. Besides that, we have a separate auxiliary power for each one of our nine chairlifts."
Since my wife and I were the only people on the lift at the time, and since this is the first time they have had to use auxiliary power in an emergency, it took longer than the normal five or 10 minutes to make every
Usually when a lift stops, you are stuck in a wind-blown part of the hill. In our case, it didn't matter too much because we were alone on a detachable quad chair, snug in a giant plastic bubble.
No wind and no cause for alarm because within 15 minutes of when the lift stopped, Jon Reveal, the mountain manager of this new private ski resort, came roaring up the hill in his snowmobile. He stopped underneath us and said, "Not to worry. There is a power outage in the entire southwestern corner of Montana. Besides that, we have a separate auxiliary power for each one of our nine chairlifts."
Since my wife and I were the only people on the lift at the time, and since this is the first time they have had to use auxiliary power in an emergency, it took longer than the normal five or 10 minutes to make every
Vail Daily letter: Who is trying to buy votes?
I, like others, had decided to not give Paulo Narduzzi's letter the honor of a reply. However, having learned of an upcoming event scheduled by Eagle River Station developers, I must respond.
Not for the first time, Trinity/Red has plied our senior community with a free lunch (free to them, but someone certainly is paying) in order to make their pitch for Eagle River Station. On at least two other occasions they did this at the Golden Eagle Senior Center. However, when the use of government property for the purpose of solicitation was questioned, future events there were canceled.
So now, our seniors have been invited to a "free" lunch at the Broadway Grill to hear a presentation aimed to get their "yes" vote and even features another supporter, the mayor himself. I really doubt the new owners of Broadway are donating this event. They're probably thrilled for the business, any business, even though national restaurant chains located just to the eas
Not for the first time, Trinity/Red has plied our senior community with a free lunch (free to them, but someone certainly is paying) in order to make their pitch for Eagle River Station. On at least two other occasions they did this at the Golden Eagle Senior Center. However, when the use of government property for the purpose of solicitation was questioned, future events there were canceled.
So now, our seniors have been invited to a "free" lunch at the Broadway Grill to hear a presentation aimed to get their "yes" vote and even features another supporter, the mayor himself. I really doubt the new owners of Broadway are donating this event. They're probably thrilled for the business, any business, even though national restaurant chains located just to the eas
Vail Valley: Winning with attitude, aptitude, servitude, and gratitude
Check out this quote by author and speaker Krish Dhanam: "Plan with attitude, prepare with aptitude, participate with servitude, receive with gratitude, and that should be enough to separate you from the multitudes."
I recently participated in an interesting discussion group where the question before us was, "If you could improve just one thing in your life right now what would it be - relationships, stress, income, or happiness?"
The responses were really interesting as some were philosophical around how improving relationships first would create a trickle-down effect, thereby improving financial situations, reducing stress, and then obviously creating happiness. Others argued that seeking joy and happiness first would also have a positive impact on the other three areas. Still others in the group were completely focused on the reality and immediate near term challenges they face financially having a direct bearing on their stress levels.
The beauty o
I recently participated in an interesting discussion group where the question before us was, "If you could improve just one thing in your life right now what would it be - relationships, stress, income, or happiness?"
The responses were really interesting as some were philosophical around how improving relationships first would create a trickle-down effect, thereby improving financial situations, reducing stress, and then obviously creating happiness. Others argued that seeking joy and happiness first would also have a positive impact on the other three areas. Still others in the group were completely focused on the reality and immediate near term challenges they face financially having a direct bearing on their stress levels.
The beauty o
Vail Valley Bizwatch: Dusty Boot catering
Business name: Dusty Boot Banquets & Catering.
Locations: We have locations in Beaver Creek and Eagle for banquets - our casual catering business serves all of Eagle County.
Date opened: The Beaver Creek Boot opened 12 years ago - our Eagle location opened in October, 2008.
Owner: John Shipp.
Contact info: Call group sales manager Debbie Taagen at 970-328-7005 or e-mail dtaagen@dustyboot.com.
What goods or services do you provide? We provide more than 10 different combinations of private dining space in two locations - Beaver Creek and Eagle - for group events such as holiday parties. Both Beaver Creek and Eagle Ranch also offer a business meeting space (this is new in Beaver Creek this December) complete with projector and blackout capabilities.
If you can't come to us, we can now come to you. This year we are introducing our casual catering service. With menus ranging from $9 to $14 per person, if you have a space, you can afford a holiday par
Locations: We have locations in Beaver Creek and Eagle for banquets - our casual catering business serves all of Eagle County.
Date opened: The Beaver Creek Boot opened 12 years ago - our Eagle location opened in October, 2008.
Owner: John Shipp.
Contact info: Call group sales manager Debbie Taagen at 970-328-7005 or e-mail dtaagen@dustyboot.com.
What goods or services do you provide? We provide more than 10 different combinations of private dining space in two locations - Beaver Creek and Eagle - for group events such as holiday parties. Both Beaver Creek and Eagle Ranch also offer a business meeting space (this is new in Beaver Creek this December) complete with projector and blackout capabilities.
If you can't come to us, we can now come to you. This year we are introducing our casual catering service. With menus ranging from $9 to $14 per person, if you have a space, you can afford a holiday par
Town Talk
Submit to Town Talk
Tell us what's going on around town so we can talk about it.
Fax: 970-949-7096;
E-mail: towntalk@vaildaily.com;
Call: 970-748-2933. Submissions must be received by noon prior to the day of desired publication.
Got a Tidbit? We take info from your business or organization about deals, happenings and more on a first-come, first-served basis. Send your Tidbit to tidbits@vaildaily.com.
Thanks for all the photo submissions. We really appreciate them, and we want you to have your photos back! Please pick up your photos at the front office of the Daily within 30 days. Photos not picked up by then will be filed in the infamous File 13, never to be seen again.
Tell us what's going on around town so we can talk about it.
Fax: 970-949-7096;
E-mail: towntalk@vaildaily.com;
Call: 970-748-2933. Submissions must be received by noon prior to the day of desired publication.
Got a Tidbit? We take info from your business or organization about deals, happenings and more on a first-come, first-served basis. Send your Tidbit to tidbits@vaildaily.com.
Thanks for all the photo submissions. We really appreciate them, and we want you to have your photos back! Please pick up your photos at the front office of the Daily within 30 days. Photos not picked up by then will be filed in the infamous File 13, never to be seen again.
Historic health care bill clears Senate hurdle
WASHINGTON - Invoking the name of Edward M. Kennedy, Democrats united Saturday night to push historic health care legislation past a key Senate hurdle over the opposition of Republicans eager to inflict a punishing defeat on President Barack Obama. There was not a vote to spare.
The 60-39 vote cleared the way for a bruising, full-scale debate beginning after Thanksgiving on the legislation, which is designed to extend coverage to roughly 31 million who lack it, crack down on insurance company practices that deny or dilute benefits and curtail the growth of spending on medical care nationally.
The spectator galleries were full for the unusual Saturday night showdown, and applause broke out briefly when the vote was announced. In a measure of the significance of the moment, senators sat quietly in their seats, standing only when they were called upon to vote.
Republican Sen. George Voinovich of Ohio missed the vote.
In the final minutes of a daylong debate, Majority Leader Harr
The 60-39 vote cleared the way for a bruising, full-scale debate beginning after Thanksgiving on the legislation, which is designed to extend coverage to roughly 31 million who lack it, crack down on insurance company practices that deny or dilute benefits and curtail the growth of spending on medical care nationally.
The spectator galleries were full for the unusual Saturday night showdown, and applause broke out briefly when the vote was announced. In a measure of the significance of the moment, senators sat quietly in their seats, standing only when they were called upon to vote.
Republican Sen. George Voinovich of Ohio missed the vote.
In the final minutes of a daylong debate, Majority Leader Harr
Vail Daily Editor Don Rogers: That's not just an engine whining
If the Hidden Gems wilderness proposal is fully imposed, snowmobiles and motorcycles and mountain bikes will hardly be "locked" out of the national forest.
They'd still have a million acres of where they actually go available. A million acres. That's a lot of room to ramble.
They've got to have the 400,000 acres they don't use so much now or wouldn't be able to use anyway, too?
The majority of forest users who prefer foot travel can't have part of the forest free of the noise and such that comes with these vehicles? Truly wild country, where the wildlife and forest come first and human incursion second, really must bow to users who already have a million acres in the White River National Forest alone at their disposal?
Really?
These folks just have to have all the forest below the peaks to play in, apparently. Anything less is "locking" them out, worthy of temper tantrums at public gatherings, mocking "tree huggers&
They'd still have a million acres of where they actually go available. A million acres. That's a lot of room to ramble.
They've got to have the 400,000 acres they don't use so much now or wouldn't be able to use anyway, too?
The majority of forest users who prefer foot travel can't have part of the forest free of the noise and such that comes with these vehicles? Truly wild country, where the wildlife and forest come first and human incursion second, really must bow to users who already have a million acres in the White River National Forest alone at their disposal?
Really?
These folks just have to have all the forest below the peaks to play in, apparently. Anything less is "locking" them out, worthy of temper tantrums at public gatherings, mocking "tree huggers&
Witness writes about West Vail shooting
VAIL, Colorado - As details emerge about the Nov. 7 shooting at the Sandbar in West Vail, so do details of the terror witnesses felt as they scrambled to save themselves and others.
From Gary Bruce Kitching, the Carbondale man who was killed while just trying to watch a football game, to Jim Lindley, the Vail man who remains in a Denver hospital - it seemed everyone was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Ian Sage, a 22-year-old who was in the Sandbar with his parents and sister, has been having a tough time since the incident, said his mother, Cindy Hamborsky. Sage's father, Buck Hamborsky, was one of two witnesses who got Lindley out of the bar after he was shot. The family was in Vail, visiting from Pittsburgh, and was having dinner at the Sandbar. In an instant, havoc broke loose, Sage said in an e-mail describing the night.
Sage saw a lot that night, and his mother said it's been hard on him ever since. Here's Sage's account in his own words:
Two consecutiv
From Gary Bruce Kitching, the Carbondale man who was killed while just trying to watch a football game, to Jim Lindley, the Vail man who remains in a Denver hospital - it seemed everyone was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Ian Sage, a 22-year-old who was in the Sandbar with his parents and sister, has been having a tough time since the incident, said his mother, Cindy Hamborsky. Sage's father, Buck Hamborsky, was one of two witnesses who got Lindley out of the bar after he was shot. The family was in Vail, visiting from Pittsburgh, and was having dinner at the Sandbar. In an instant, havoc broke loose, Sage said in an e-mail describing the night.
Sage saw a lot that night, and his mother said it's been hard on him ever since. Here's Sage's account in his own words:
Two consecutiv
Debate continues over off-road vehicle use
FRISCO - Depending on who's talking, off-road vehicle use in Colorado is either part of a multi-use utopia on public lands, or a looming disaster for wildlife and other natural resources.
The Colorado State Parks board will try to sort through divergent testimony offered Friday at a hearing in Frisco as it tries to decide whether to revamp the way it allocates funds from off-highway vehicle registrations.
A coalition of conservation and outdoor user groups wants to earmark specific portions of the $3.2 million pot for restoration and law enforcement, but some regional public land administrators, along with representatives of motorized groups, advocated the status quo.
According to Glen Graham, president of the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle coalition, the entire discussion is framed by "a subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle bias" against motorized users.
"There are problems and issues that need to be addressed. But the reality is not as bad as the perce
The Colorado State Parks board will try to sort through divergent testimony offered Friday at a hearing in Frisco as it tries to decide whether to revamp the way it allocates funds from off-highway vehicle registrations.
A coalition of conservation and outdoor user groups wants to earmark specific portions of the $3.2 million pot for restoration and law enforcement, but some regional public land administrators, along with representatives of motorized groups, advocated the status quo.
According to Glen Graham, president of the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle coalition, the entire discussion is framed by "a subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle bias" against motorized users.
"There are problems and issues that need to be addressed. But the reality is not as bad as the perce
