“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light” George Washington
“If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed” Thomas Jefferson
Why Doesn’t Lochbuie & Keenesburg Have Physical Local Libraries?
by Bob GrandMost elected and appointed officials at the county & local levels have not made this a focus of interest. Another reason is that the local citizens of the RE3J School District, which represent about 10,000 registered voters, have shown little interest in holding those elected and appointed officials, who represent them accountable. Maybe because the citizens are not well informed about the situation.
The 1985 founding agreement for the High Plain Library District included the Town of Hudson, with the only library in the RE3J school district at the time, as a founding member of the High Plains Library District. The mill levy language authorizing funding for the High Plains Library District is simple, it says, “funds to be used for library services,” period, no mention of accountability or in fact what the definition of library services was. The ladies at the Hudson Library worked extremely hard to keep the library open, serving the community, working long hours for little or no pay, with an occasional thank you. As oil & gas revenue grew, monies began accumulating. The Town of Hudson was able to build a new 12,000 square foot library and staff it. The consensus is that the Library is a valuable asset to the community. The Hudson Library currently services the towns of Lochbuie and Keenesburg with two mobile library van stops per week. A question arises when you look at the projected year end 2023 balance in the Town of Hudson proposed 2024 Budget for the Hudson Town Library account. It is $18,405,912! That represents the balance of the monies the Town of Hudson has received from the High Plains Library District over the years. This represents the accumulation of 66.6% of the allocated RE3J tax assessment for the High Plains Library District for the RE3J District which was called for in the original agreement. The High Plains Library District retains the 33.3% of the allocated tax revenue as their share for providing library services to the Town of Hudson. It is fair to say that the taxpayers of the RE3J school district, the funding base, as defined in the original agreement of the library district, has 100% funded the construction of the Hudson Library and its operation and provided over $8,000,000 to the High Plains Library District. After all of that, Hudson was still able to accumulate $18,400,912 in the Hudson Library account. With the increase in assessed property value, increased oil and gas production and increased oil and gas pricing what will the ongoing tax revenues look like? Who is watching out for our interests?
I am in no way implying any misuse of the town of Hudson Library fund. I am questioning the lack of application of those funds to construct and operate library facilities in both the towns of Lochbuie and Keenesburg. So where are we today? The Town of Hudson is/has been negotiating individually with the Town of Lochbuie and Keenesburg. With Lochbuie announcing the intent to file a lawsuit against the Town of Hudson for lack of library facilities. The Hudson Library has hired an independent law firm to represent it in the Lochbuie cause of action. Who knows what Keenesburg is doing? In either case, the tax paying citizens of the RE3J district are paying, in one way, or another, for all the legal fees. To have the towns of Lochbuie and Keenesburg negotiating independently does not make sense to me as the issues are fundamentally the same.
The citizens of Lochbuie and Keenesburg would be better served by treating this as a mutual problem and not taking independent courses of action or no action at all. I asked back in early 2020 what it would take to have a vote taken in the RE3J School District taxing area on this question and was informed by the County Clerk that only the High Plains Library District could authorize that. I wrote to the High Plains District and was informed the High Plains Library District Board was not interested in pursuing the issue. So how do we proceed?
To encourage information sharing with the residents of the RE3J School District the Lost Creek Guide will dedicate a portion of page two in every first issue of the month, to offer more information and provide a forum for interested parties, i.e., the High Plains Library District, the Towns of Hudson, Lochbuie or Keenesburg, or concerned citizens. I ask that comments be limited to about 500-750 words unless otherwise agreed to. That issue of the Lost Creek Guide is delivered to every house and business in the RE3J service area. After 38 years since the founding of the High Plains Library District it is time for all our communities to receive the library services they deserve and have been paying for. I invite any comments to be sent to publisher@ lostcreekguide.com
For More Event Pictures Go to: ourtowncolorado.com Free - No Paywall
Fort Lupton Tomato/Trapper Day Parade: Fort Lupton news/events
Hudson Harvest Festival: Hudson news/events
Lochbuie Fall Festival: Lochbuie news/events
Keenesburg Octoberfest : Keenesburg news/events
Loveland Archeological Society: Stone Age Air –Loveland or Greeley news/events
Hudson & Keenesburg Police Departments Sponsor a Faith & Blue Event at the First Baptist Church in Keenesburg
Faith & Blue was inaugurated in 2020 by MovementForward, Inc., working with the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) at the U.S. Department of Justice. The idea was a simple but powerful one — the ties that bind officers and residents must be reinforced if we are to build neighborhoods where everyone feels safe and included. Faith-based organizations are key to building these bonds because they are not only the largest community resource in the nation, with 65 million participants in weekly events, but because they are as diverse as our nation. Moreover, they speak to Americans’ shared conviction that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.
Sergeant Kurt Scheuermann, of the Keenesburg Police Department, filling in for Chief Jensen, discussed Keenesburg Police Department ongoing efforts to reach out to the community. Participating with the Faith & Blue effort is another piece to that program. The Keenesburg police are working on a Coffee with a Cop effort, developing an Explorer program to attract young people, the possibility of reinvigorating the Neighborhood Watch Program that Keenesburg had a few years ago is a possibility if there is sufficient community interest. The sergeant said there is a good working relationship between the Keenesburg, Hudson and Lochbuie Police Departments. Patrolman Mike Owens represented the Hudson Police Department and hopefully this program will evolve. Pastor Mac McCloskey hosted the event at the First Baptist Church. Pastor Mac was able to contact the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Prospect Community Church and the Church of Christ who were able to attend the kickoff effort, even though notice was short. Keenesburg Mayor Aron Lam and his wife Colleen were there as well as their newborn. There were about 30 people in attendance, with a bounce house for young people, which they always enjoy. Ben’s Brick Oven Pizza was available as well as Michelle McCloskey’s desserts, always a treat, were provided. Thanks to everyone in attendance as our communities are made better if we all work together.
WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE
Page 2: Way of the World
Page 3: Gabe Evans & Dan Woog Announce Candidacies
Page 4: South Platte Historical Society Pancake Breakfast
Page 5: RE3J School District Update
Page 6 & 7: Lochbuie Fall Festival
Page 9: Hudson Harvest Festival
Page 10: Loveland Stone Age Fair
Page 12 & 13: Fort Lupton Tomato/Trapper Day
Page 16: Proposition HH: The Taxpayer Dilemma
Way of the World
by Bob GrandWe get an opportunity to vote from the state coming up on proposition HH and II. I have to ask about Proposition HH. In Colorado you do not have to have a Proposition to the public to vote on a tax reduction. So why are we called to vote on Proposition HH? Maybe because it is not a tax decrease, but a net tax increase. I have a lot of respect for our State Treasurer, Dave Young, but on this one he must have been out of the office when it came through for review. Proposition HH is a not so well disguised effort to eliminate the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (Tabor). This last-minute proposition put forth by the majority of the legislature in the closing days of session does not indicate a well thought out assessment of the real estate tax question but an effort to effectively eliminate our taxpayer bill of rights TABOR.
Proposition II sounds good in that it would take money, in the terms of a refund the state would have to pay out from the over collected tobacco taxes to the tobacco industry and use it for education. I always get concerned when the use of funds is so ill defined. I am afraid it would go into an unnamed bottomless pit.
The Ukrainian War is in its 589th day, so much for Vladimir Putin’s ten-day special operation to seize Ukraine. Ukraine’s effort, powered by good leadership, a people’s intense desire to recover their unlawfully seized lands and a sizable availability of new Western weapons is turning out to be a much more formidable force than Putin ever imagined possible. The sad part is that the Russian people are paying and will continue to pay a terrible price for Putin’s ego. News coverage is not so great on the progress of the war but on YouTube there are about a dozen sites that update daily. I prefer Davys Davydov, a commercial aviation pilot, who is very pro Ukrainian but presents a good narrative. The updated military maps he uses, which are usually a day or so behind, are amazing in the level of detail shown. What is clear is that unmanned drones are a picture of what wars of the future will be like. Very different from what our thought process has been in the past. This should require a rethinking of how the military should be structured. I wonder how receptive our military and local governments that house military facilities will respond?
I attended a meeting of Women of Weld the other night at Ben’s Brick Oven Pizza, in Hudson, Colorado. The speaker was Steve Wells, founder of Colorado Deep Wells. His comments were very down to earth. There will be an article on the meeting with pictures in our next issue of the Lost Creek Guide. He made several observations in his comments: “The world we live in is the world we have allowed: If you do not participate you get what you get.” He stressed we should focus on what makes us the same, not focusing on what makes us different. He asked the audience to think about that and share ideas on how to make that happen. He honestly believes it is ok to ask people not to lie. What a novel thought! He reinforced that we should not feel guilty about doing the right thing and challenging those who try and intimidate us by making us feel guilty on some core beliefs. His presentation provided a lot of good sense ideas that we all should consider.
As the border illegal immigration continues unabated under the current administration, many of the sanctuary cities are figuring out they cannot afford the cost of being so generous. Hopefully, that will drive the folks in Washington, who are in control, to rethink what they are doing. We need to develop a consistent, humanitarian policy towards improving the situation. Ignoring it is not the answer. When people have ten-year court dates in the future for an asylum claim review, something is terribly wrong.
Our federal government has recently issued economic data reflecting downward adjustments in the gross domestic product (GDP) numbers. One wonders will this be a continuing trend to more accurately reflect what is happening to our economy?
I remind you of Steve Well’s statement: Do not lie to me. It makes you question this soft-landing theory the bureaucrats have been promulgating. We are a lot better off than China, but we are facing some pretty tough issues related to our economy. We need good leadership not sloganeering, back patting politicians that are long on talk and short on results. We need a plan with solid solutions. Think about your personal situation, are you better off now and will you be better off in the near term? If you are honest, you might not like the answer.
As usual your thoughts and comments always appreciated: publisher@ lostcreekguide.com
The LosT Creek Guide, LLC
Bob Grand – Publisher 303-732-4080 publisher@lostcreekguide.com lostcreekguide.com
Letter to the Citizens of the RE8 School District:
Hi there, I’m TaRissa Campbell and proud to announce that I’m running for Weld Re-8 School Board, District B. Born and raised in Colorado, I was fortunate to have a strong, close family that instilled solid values, morals and ethics into me. As a mother of three. (Two in Weld Re-8 schools and one future student) I know the importance of building a foundation for our children to be successful and productive in our communities. It’s a partnership between the parents and school. Teachers need to be EDUCATING, not indoctrinating our children. It’s ok to have family values and morals, it’s ok not to have the same beliefs as everyone else, and children need to know this! If elected, I will help enforce this. There are many social issues entering our schools and being shoved down our children’s throat. Discussions that need to be had at your kitchen table, with the parents, not at school. I believe if material doesn’t fit the guidelines of the FCC (Federal Communications Commissions) to be rated PG, it has NO place in our schools. I will be this voice on the board, for the sake of our children.
Weld Re-8 schools have “lower performing” ratings. We need to make sure the district delivers the highest caliber individualized education to all students. We need to set them up to reach their full potential.
I am also a strong advocate for getting as much money into the classrooms, with the kids and not being wasted in areas it shouldn’t. I’m fiscally responsible and believe the district needs to be also.
I respectfully ask for your vote on November 7th.
TaRissa Campbell
Candidate for Weld Re-8 School Board, District B
“TaRissa 4 Kids”
Armstrong: Libertarian Pledge for GOP an Exercise in Buffoonery
by Ari Armstrong , Complete Colorado Page 2
The main thing that the “alliance” between state Republicans and Libertarians proves is that both parties currently are run by a bunch of buffoons. The parties parading behind Dan Maes in a furry costume hardly could look more ridiculous. When last we visited this matter, I noted, “The standards by which Libertarians will judge a Republican candidate sufficiently pro-liberty remain murky.” Since then, the Libertarians released “pledges” for Republican state and federal candidates. If a Republican candidate signs one of these pledges, Libertarians will think about not running a candidate in that race. (What we really need is approval voting.)
The idea is that some votes that otherwise would go to the Libertarian instead would go to the Republican, and this might change the outcome in some races. What the party leaders endorsing this nonsense apparently failed to take into account is that Democrats will use the pledge to destroy any Republican candidate foolish enough to sign it.
The federal pledge
The pledges start in disaster. The first item for the federal pledge states, “I will immediately work to pull funding for Ukrainian aid and push aggressively for peace negotiations with Russia.”
What “peace negotiations” mean in this context, precisely, is rewarding one of the most prolific mass-murderers of our age with territory seized through bloody conquest, something that will only encourage subsequent Russian aggression. The only useful thing about this pledge is that any Republican candidates who sign it thereby clearly signal their moral and intellectual degeneracy.
The second item is little better: “I will oppose a military draft, should the UkraineRussia conflict escalate.” Hello? The actual libertarian position (as opposed to the faux “libertarian” position of the people currently leading the party) is to end the draft and draft registration, period. To restrict the position specifically to Putin’s war of conquest, which no serious person thinks will lead to an American draft, is grotesque.
Another item calls on Republican candidates to “work towards . . . abolishing” U.S. intelligence agencies, such as the FBI and CIA. Conceding that both of those agencies have screwed up badly, obviously a modern nation needs robust and accountable intelligence agencies to thwart interstate crime rings and international terrorism.
Yet another item calls on candidates to abolish the 1934 National Firearms Act, which, among other things, heavily regulates fully automatic machine guns. I personally think that law should be amended, but I also think government properly regulates such guns. Regardless, any Republican who signs this pledge is begging to lose. Viable candidates have to be able at least to see some light through Overton’s Window.
Some of the items are okay; for example, foreign aid should be audited and reduced, as the pledge says. Libertarians want Republicans to “abolish the Department of Education,” a controversial position that some Republicans already endorse. But mostly education already is controlled at regional levels, and DOE does some popular things such as administer Pell Grants.
Letters to the Editor are encouraged. Letters may be edited for length, libelous, or inappropriate content. All letter submissions should include name, address, & phone number for verification purposes. Letters are published at the editor or publisher’s discretion. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Lost Creek Guide or staff.
As telling as what makes the list is what does not. What about ending “qualified immunity” that legally protects rights-violating public officers? What about restoring jury trials by curbing threats of overpunishment? What about protecting women’s right to get an abortion? What about ending the drug war? What about expanding legal immigration? A pledge that omits those last couple of items, at least, simply is not a libertarian document.
The state pledge
The pledge for state candidates is not obviously offensive from a libertarian point of view. Most of its provisions are merely ambiguous.
Take the first item: “I will vote against any new restrictions on our Right to Keep and Bear Arms and repeal existing restrictions.” Okay, does that mean someone should legally be able to sell a machine gun to a ten-year-old out of the trunk of a car with no background check? A sensible person recognizes that some restrictions are compatible with our right to bear arms. For example, I favor some version of the “red Armstrong: Libertarian Pledge for GOP an Exercise in Buffoonery continued on page 8...
Republican State Representative Announces Bid to Unseat Democrat Yadira Caraveo in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District
Gabe Evans, of Fort Lupton, is a former police officer and a military veteran
by Jesse Paul, The Colorado Sun
Dan Woog Announces Campaign for Colorado House District 19
FREDERICK, Colorado - Dan Woog has announced his candidacy for Colorado House District 19, which encompasses all of Erie, Dacono, Frederick, and Firestone, as well as portions of East Longmont and unincorporated areas of Weld and Boulder Counties.
Woog previously served as State Representative for House District 63, as well as Trustee for the Town of Erie for seven years. During his tenure in the State House, Woog authored a bill to allow renters to deduct rent payments on their income taxes (HB22-1127), worked across the aisle to expand the usage of green hydrogen fuel (HB22-1140) and allow Coloradans the right to utilize various fuel sources (HB21-1034).
Among the issues that Woog is most concerned about for House District 19 are:
● Reducing the Cost of Living
● Revitalizing Public Education
● Improving Public Safety
State Rep. Gabe Evans, in front at right, speaks to the media during the first day of the 2023 legislative session, Jan. 9, 2023, in the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. (Hugh Carey, The Colorado Sun) Republican state Rep. Gabe Evans will run next year to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo in Colorado’s highly competitive 8th Congressional District. “More and more Americans, particularly young Americans, say they are not proud to be an American,” Evans said in a statement Tuesday announcing his candidacy. “I believe in American greatness, and I want to help restore pride in this great nation for which I fought.”
Evans, who lives in Fort Lupton, is a former Arvada police officer and Army veteran. He is also the grandson of Mexican immigrants. This year was Evans’ first at the Colorado Capitol, where he focused on law and order issues.
The state lawmaker is the second Republican to announce a 2024 bid to dislodge Caraveo. Evans will face Weld County Commissioner Scott James in the GOP primary.
Caraveo, who lives in Thornton, beat Republican state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer by less than a percentage point, or roughly 1,600 votes, in 2022.
National Republicans say the 8th District, which was formed during Colorado’s 2021 redistricting process and spans the northeast Denver suburbs into Greeley, is one of their top 2024 targets. Democrats also plan to direct resources to the district to defend Caraveo.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, visited the 8th District last month to hold a town hall with Caraveo. Jeffries told The Colorado Sun Caraveo will get the “resources necessary to communicate her accomplishments, her vision and her message” in 2024.
Proposition HH Overview
Residential assessments are set to go up by 30% statewide. The total statewide increase in property tax revenue is projected to be almost $4 billion next year. The legislature can provide property tax relief without going to voters. The only reason Prop HH is going to voters is so the state can take away TABOR refunds. At any point this year, the Governor can call a special session to fix the property tax crisis.
TABOR Refunds
Under HH, the state will be able to retain and spend $10 billion over the next decade because of a huge change to the TABOR formula – adding 1% beyond inflation plus population growth each year.
Prop HH is thus projected to end TABOR refunds, as soon as 2027.
The measure would allow the legislature to continue the Prop HH changes beyond ten years without voter approval.
Prop. HH “Tax Relief”
The residential assessment rate drops from 6.76% to 6.7%.
The commercial assessment rate drops from 27.9% to 27.85%.
To put this in perspective, the residential rate (had the Gallagher Amendment not been repealed) would now be under 5% (29% less than under Prop HH).
These changes will save only $300M of the projected $4B increase.
The Common Sense Institute projects that almost 90% of the TABOR refund money will go to education. This amount is far beyond any backfill for “lost” revenue because of the small cut to property taxes. This bill is an education funding bill disguised as property tax relief. In 2019, Prop CC also asked if the state could keep our TABOR refunds, but it lost by a significant margin.
Either before or after the defeat of Prop HH, the Governor should call a special session to prevent the upcoming huge spike to property taxes. The long-term solution is to cap future increases in property taxes.
“I believe that House District 19 deserves a state government that protects the rights and freedoms of its constituency,” said Woog. “Over what feels like a few short years, we have seen drastic political changes in our district, state, and country. I am running because our children deserve a Colorado with great school opportunities and a safe Colorado where they can ultimately afford to buy a home and raise a family.”
Additional information about Dan Woog and his campaign can be found at www. woogforhd19.com.
Caldara: Plaintiffs in Trump Ballot Access Lawsuit Get It Wrong
by Jon Caldara, President of the Independence Institute, Complete Colorado Page 2
I would love it if Donald Trump were not the Republican nominee for president in 2024.
The main reason is simple. I don’t want Joe Biden to be elected again. And just about any of the other Republicans running would easily beat him.
There’s a chance, well under 50%, Trump will be able to vanquish Biden in a rematch. For Democrats who believe their best strategy is to make sure Trump is on the ticket, be careful what you wish for.
For Republicans who believe Trump can topple a dazed and confused Biden with dementia, most polls say he won’t. And there’s still a good chance Biden won’t be the nominee, either by pressure from within the Democratic Party or due to his health reasons.
And just as any other Republican would easily beat Biden, any other Democrat would easily beat Trump.
One way to keep Trump off the ballot is by court order. Thus, a group of Coloradans is suing to kick him off the Colorado GOP primary ballot, saying it’s a violation of the 14th Amendment, of which Section 3, a remnant of the Civil War, says no one can serve in public office who has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.”
I know many of the plaintiffs to this Colorado suit, and I respect them. They’re taking this action because they truly believe Donald Trump is guilty of insurrection and a danger to the nation.
Among the plaintiffs are Norma Anderson, former centrist Republican Colorado powerhouse legislator. Few people earn the status of one-name like “Cher” or “Bono.” “Norma” does, and for good reason. It would be a mistake to underestimate her intellect or love of Colorado.
But in this case, I think Norma and her pals are wrong. Not evil. Just wrong.
Saying Trump violated the 14th Amendment, no matter how often the news media repeats it, simply doesn’t make it true. You see, we have this nasty “presumption of innocence” thing, and that equally annoying “day in court” crap.
And, no matter how dishonorable Trump’s behavior was on Jan. 6, 2021, and it was, he didn’t lead a civil war, nor a rebellion, nor an insurrection.
Let’s remember in 2011 when members of the teachers union and their supporters took over the Wisconsin state capitol for days, not hours. No one demanded those rioters, and their leaders, could never run for office. In fact, no one in the media called it an insurrection, even though it prevented the “people’s work.” Funny, huh?
Donald Trump has never been charged, no less than convicted, with insurrection under the U.S. code. You’d think special prosecutor Jack Smith would have gleefully tried if he thought he had a shot at it in court. Conspiracy to overthrow an election, what he is charged with, is not insurrection.
Likely the plaintiffs don’t even have legal standing in this instance. But even if they did, and even if they won, their effort would be moot. Trump lost in Colorado by 16 percentage points last time. And that was before the Jan. 6 debacle. Since then, the state has turned more blue. He will lose Colorado by an even larger number in 2024 Colorado’s electoral votes will never go to Trump (or likely any Republican) in 2024. Maybe he is a danger to the nation. He might be guilty of stoking the fires of a riot on Jan. 6.
But there is no conceivable way he will be found guilty of the crime of insurrection in a court of law, especially without being charged with that crime.
It is much more possible he’ll be found guilty of mishandling classified documents in Mar-a-Lago, but I find it doubtful that will keep him off a nationwide ballot.
The only court where he can be found guilty of “insurrection” is in the court of public opinion. And that takes a public vote.
The founders of our nation designed a robust system to protect from tyranny. So far it has worked. Let the people vote, and it will continue to work.
I see Trump as a crazed narcissist. Others see him as a power-mad tyrant in the making. If it’s the latter, the Founders’ system is strong enough to handle it.
Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute, a free market think tank in Denver.
United Power Issues Social Responsibility Report
Informational report highlights cooperative transparency
Brighton, CO – United Power announces the publication of its first Social Responsibility report. The report recaps the cooperative’s accomplishments, performance, and progress in four defined areas –social, governance, safety and risk, and environmental. The inaugural report was approved by the United Power Board of Directors during the September board meeting, marking a significant milestone in the member-owned cooperative’s ongoing commitment to transparency, sustainability, and responsible management.
Each area of concentration is important to the overall operational and financial health of the cooperative, and utilities that measure performance in these areas consistently rank among the best in the country. The comprehensive report showcases United Power’s values of responsibility, integrity, and reliability, while outlining specific actions taken to support these tenets.
“We are excited to feature the many initiatives and accomplishments of the cooperative in this report,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO. “While annual reports highlight the prior year’s performance and the cooperative’s financial position, the Social Responsibility report provides our members a deeper understanding of the actions we are taking to further our mission to provide the best possible service.”
Key highlights from United Power’s inaugural Social Responsibility report include:
• Social Impact. The report highlights the cooperative’s efforts to create a positive impact within the communities it serves. This includes both cooperative and employee supported initiatives; the promotion of tolerance, acceptance, and inclusion in the workforce; and the careful attention to the integrity of data and information.
• Governance Excellence. The co-op’s governance structure and practices are outlined, highlighting the cooperative regulatory model, member engagement in director elections, and the cooperative’s corporate behavior and codes of conduct around financial transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct.
• Safety and Risk Management. The report outlines the many ways the cooperative is building and maintaining a resilient and safe infrastructure to protect the communities it serves. Through a comprehensive wildfire mitigation and vegetation management strategy, a strong safety culture, and broad-based approach to addressing risk, the cooperative is actively working to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity.
• Environmental Responsibility. The cooperative’s innovative energy programs are highlighted, showing the depth of the co-op’s commitment to providing sustainable, flexible, and affordable power for members. Through efficiency measures and programs to make emerging technologies more readily accessible, United Power is paving the way for the evolving energy landscape.
Electric cooperatives have a long history of measuring success in these operational areas and are guided by a set of principles that emphasize social responsibility and transparency. United Power’s Our Cooperative Roadmap is the long-range action plan addressing how the co-op will tackle the challenges of the evolving utility landscape. The Social Responsibility report, which will be updated annually, will allow members to gain a greater understanding of the cooperative’s goals and accomplishments.
United Power’s Social Responsibility report can be found on the cooperative’s website at www.unitedpower.com/reports.”
Elk Seen in Wiggins Area
An observant Wiggins resident who got up very early sent this in.
Awe, Those South Valley Historical Society Fluffy Pancakes
The pancake breakfast is always a draw and a terrific way to start the day off with those fluffy, buttery, syrupy pancakes. The families really need those carbs with all the fun activities of Trappers Day. I am not sure when the pancake breakfast started. So, I picked up the phone and chatted with long time board member Marlene Stieber to actually find out how long the society has been hosting the breakfast. She said it has been at least 20 years. She remembers when they actually served scrambled eggs alongside of the pancakes. It would start with a little bit of hen power at the old Branding Iron Restaurant with volunteers on Friday afternoon sitting, chatting, and cracking buckets of eggs.
Heather Taylor is now the new coordinator of the pancake breakfast, and this being her first time I am sure she was a little nervous. She did do an astounding job recruiting help, ordering food, and prepping for the breakfast. She had a great crew along with special guest, Mayor Zo, who stopped by to flip pancakes. Other pancake flippers were Ed Kovtynovich, and brothers Alfredo and Roberto Valdez. and Pinky. They served 276 people, twenty-three firefighters, and forty-one kids. Kudos and gratitude to you all for your hard work.
A very special thank you to Chief Phil Tiffany and the rest of the Fort Lupton Fire Department for the use of the fire station; Debbie McCarthy (Grannies Diner) who donated creamer, some of the pancake mix and syrup; the City of Fort Lupton for some of the pancake mix, and Jennifer Norby for the gluten free pancakes.
This is a fundraiser for the society, and it benefits the operations and maintenance of the 100-acre park and buildings. We always appreciate your patronage and hope you continue to come and support the society in all its endeavors. We hope to see you again next year. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook South Platte Valley Historical Park or website spvhs.org
South Platte Valley Historical Society Pancake Breakfast for Tomato Day & Trapper Day
Faith & Blue Event Pictures continued from page 1...
Golden Gallery 50 + Art Show in Greeley at the HPLD LINC Library Innovation Center
Hosted by the Weld County Area Agency on Aging and the Greeley Active Adult Center the Golden Gallery 50 + Art show is being held at the High Plains Library District Lin Innovation Center in Greeley. It will be open to the public until October 18th during LINC library hours. There two categories: Professional/Armatures: photography and mixed media. All works are less than five years old. There were 39 participating artist’s presenting 51 pieces. Ribbons were presented in each of the above categories.
Kim Thompsen of Keenesburg received a Blue Ribbon for her work shown. Congratulations!
September 18 – 22 Recognized as Fall Prevention Awareness Week
WELD COUNTY, CO — In an effort to help older adults learn ways to avoid a dangerous and common occurrence, the Weld County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is recognizing September 18 – 22 as the annual Fall Prevention Awareness Week.”
“According to the National Council on Aging, Fall Prevention Awareness Week is a national health campaign centered around raising awareness about falls, injury prevention and developing an understanding that falls are preventable (NCOA. org). Falls are sometimes incorrectly seen as a normal part of aging, but by learning to do the right exercises, making their home environment safer, and getting regular health checkups older adults can take measures to stay safe and injury-free.
Each year, AAA provides a week of fall prevention tools, information, and activities. This year’s programming includes: “Walk With a Doc,” a brief presentation and Q&A session from Dr. Meara Melton followed by a casual walking session; “Caregiver: A Conversation on Fall Prevention,” a seminar for caregivers of older adults; “Tai Chi for Fall Prevention,” which teaches the art of gentle moving meditation to seniors; and “Chair Yoga,” a class for all fitness levels which is low impact, low intensity, and can improve focus, balance, and strength.
For more information on AAA’s Fall Prevention Awareness Week activities, including the full schedule and locations, residents are encouraged to contact Jacob Luna, Wellness Program Coordinator for the Weld County Department of Human Services, by calling (970) 400-6117, or by emailing at JLuna@weld.gov. To learn more about AAA’s programs and services, please visit https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Services/AreaAgency-on-Aging-AAA.
Lochbuie Fall Festival 2023
by Heather Bowen, Pictures by Lost Creek Guide, Pat Lentell, Photographer
On Saturday, September 16th, Lochbuie held its annual fall festival. The festival was filled with craft vendors, many of them local, food, live music, drinks, many kids’ activities, and an incredible drone light show! The festival is the Town’s largest event, and there was a great crowd there for the afternoon and evening. Thank you to all the volunteers, vendors, and sponsors who helped make the event possible. We especially like to recognize DR Horton, Dan’s Custom Construction, Safebuilt, United Power, Hudson Public Library, Widner Juran LLP, Ramey Environmental Compliance, Inc., Santiago’s, BBA Water Consultants, Inc, Aqua Engineering, Bromley Companies, Lochbuie Liquor, Walton Global, Blue Lake/Bella Vista Concord Partners and the Lost Creek Guide.
Lochbuie Fall Festival 2023 Pictures continued from page 6...
Armstrong: Libertarian Pledge for GOP an Exercise in Buffoonery continued from page 2...
flag” laws.
Again, we have to peer through Overton’s Window. Is any Republican going to win a competitive race by running on the repeal of background checks and “red flag” laws? No. Hence, Republicans who sign this pledge (if any do, which I doubt) will fall into one of two categories: idiots who will lose, and people running in safe districts who will win regardless.
Democrats could sign several of the items. For example, there’s this one: “I will support an audit of the State Government and its use of tax money.” That’s pretty easy to sign given such auditing already exists. And this one: “I will support increasing government transparency, including the expansion of the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA).” That too is a multipartisan issue.
I very much favor this one (with a few nuances): “I will support ending Civil Asset Forfeiture to ensure that only individuals convicted of a crime should have their property confiscated.” That is, again, a multipartisan issue. Years ago, I worked with the Independence Institute’s Dave Kopel; Democrats Terrance Carroll, Peter Groff, Bill Thiebaut, and Jerry Kopel; Republican Shawn Mitchell; the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition; and others to promote some safeguards. The legislature should pass much stronger protections.
The state pledge again misses some important issues. Notably absent is any comment on zoning reform, one of Jared Polis’s signature efforts. It figures that today’s “libertarian” party is nowhere to be found when it comes to promoting some of the most important libertarian reforms of our era, recognizing the rights of property owners to develop their land as they want.
But, hey, the Libertarian Party endorses raw milk, which almost no one wants and which people already can get by buying “cow shares.” Let’s see how far Republicans get on the “raw milk and machine guns” platform.
Welcome to the laughing stocks
I don’t imagine that any Colorado Democrat can read Ernest Luning’s article on the matter without breaking out into hysterical laughter.
Consider this line: “It’s unclear whether the Libertarian party leadership will be able to prevent candidates who want to run under their banner from winning the party’s nomination.”
Or consider what Jordan Marinovich, the Libertarians communications director, told Luning: “If a candidate does decline to initial by one point, but agrees to all other points, this is an opportunity for the candidate to explain their position. Ultimately, it is up to our delegation whether to step aside for said candidate, and we wanted to give the delegation more nuance vs a yes or no to the entire pledge.” In other words, not even the Libertarian Party takes its pledge seriously.
Luning begins a follow-up: “U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert doesn’t plan to sign a candidate pledge released by the Colorado Libertarian Party. . . . Neither does Boebert’s GOP primary challenger, Grand Junction attorney Jeff Hurd.”
What about the important CD8 race, where Democrat Yadira Caraveo narrowly beat Barb Kirkmeyer? Scott James, the only Republican now running for that seat, told Luning, “We received the pledge from Chairman Dave Williams and very much look forward to the dialogue as the campaign moves forward.” That sounds like a diplomatic way of telling the “Libertarians” to pound sand. Meanwhile, Dan Ward, who earned more votes as a Libertarian in CD8 than the difference between the major candidates, has since left the party. 9News reports that Ward is “leaving the Libertarian party” and will “run again in the same House district as a Unity party candidate.”
Here is why Ward, the “most successful Libertarian candidate of 2022” (in 9News’ words), said he left the Libertarians: “A couple of us Libertarians spoke out on the welcoming nature of the LP towards white supremacy. The hateful nature towards the LGBTQ+ community. The day I left the party was the day that the national chair announced that she was starting a make-up line for CIS women only.”
To emphasize the point: Today’s Libertarian Party is too crazy for Dan Ward, the sound guy for the heavy metal band Driven By Turmoil, but a good fit for today’s Republican leadership. I’d rather party with Ward. “Driven by turmoil” is a great name for a band, but Colorado Republicans have adopted it as a strategy of self-defeat. Ari Armstrong writes regularly for Complete Colorado and is the author of books about Ayn Rand, Harry Potter, and classical liberalism. He can be reached at ari@ ariarmstrong.com.
October Happenings at Aims Community College
GREELEY, CO – September 28, 2023 – Community members are invited to join Aims Community College at public events. Join us for these upcoming events on Aims Community College campuses.
Lunch And Learn: Creating Diverse, Equitable And Inclusive Marketing Content For Your Company | October 5 | 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Cornerstone Building | Greeley Campus
Attend this informative session to learn three actionable takeaways to ensure your marketing content makes everyone feel visible, welcome and included. There is no cost to attend and it includes a complimentary lunch. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
Lunch And Learn: Lean Into Lean Principles For Your CompanyInteractive Manufacturing Simulation | October 12| 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Cornerstone Building | Greeley Campus
Through a hands-on, interactive manufacturing simulation, learn how implementing lean principles and tools may help you make significant process improvements. Lean principles help businesses produce more effectively by reducing waste and unnecessary steps. There is no cost to attend and it includes a complimentary lunch. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
Loveland Night On The Town Fall Art Show: Becoming By Leah Faye |
October 13 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Loveland Campus
Join the Aims Loveland Campus for “Becoming by Leah Faye,” an Art Show during Loveland’s Night On The Town. The show will feature a series of photos and poetry
dedicated to the grief and celebration that comes with growing up.
CDL Career Fair | October 14 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Platte Building | Fort Lupton Campus
Everyone is invited to attend the Commercial Driver License (CDL) Career Fair. Get more information about the Aims CDL program and meet with employers about careers in the CDL world.
Associate Of Engineering Sciences And Industrial Technology Open House | October 18 | 5-7 p.m. | Applied Technology and Trades Center | Greeley Campus
Learn about the associate degree programs, and meet with the Colorado School of Mines to find out about transfer pathway options for engineering. Giveaways and snacks provided.
Aims Board of Trustees Candidate Forum | October 25 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Student Commons | Greeley Campus
The Aims Board of Trustees Candidate Forum is an opportunity to learn more about the people running to represent Aims Community College. The Board of Trustees sets policy direction, monitors fiscal health, approves tuition rates, and more.
Lunch And Learn: Unleashing Your Supervisory Potential - Keys To Success | October 26 | 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Cornerstone Building | Greeley Campus
Transitioning from a highly skilled and trained employee to a supervisory role may be an unexpected and challenging journey. Attend this engaging session to explore key concepts essential for new supervisors as well as those with a few years of experience. You will gain insight into creating and maintaining a motivated work environment, understanding the three main reasons employees fail to meet expectations and applying effective techniques for defusing difficult situations. There is no cost to attend and it includes a complimentary lunch. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
Une Fois: Artist Reception For Andrew Moline | October 26 | 4-6 p.m. | Ed Beaty Hall | Greeley Campus
Join the Visual & Performing Arts Department for an Artist Reception celebrating the photographic work of instructor Andrew Moline. Refreshments will be provided, and the artist will be present to answer any questions you might have about his artwork.
Nursing Application Information Sessions | October 26 | 5-6 p.m. | Allied Health and Sciences Building | Greeley Campus
The Aims Community College Nursing Program provides opportunities to learn skills to care for patients of all ages in various healthcare settings. Attend this session to learn more about what is required, how to apply and more.
OSHA Safety Training | October 27 | 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Platte Building | Fort Lupton Campus
Join the Aims Agricultural Sciences program and OSHA for free safety training. This training will focus on agriculture in cooperative programs, and include topics such as grain handling, mental health and personal protective equipment. Lunch will be provided. The training begins in the Platte Building on the Fort Lupton Campus and then moves to a Coors factory tour in the afternoon.
For more information about events at Aims Community College, visit events. aims.edu. To request accommodations for these events, call 970-339-6388 or email disabilities@aims.edu.
End of Trail Celebrates 20th Anniversary in Hudson Colorado
By Bob Grand
Lisa Marie Buesgens celebrated the 20th anniversary of the End of the Trail in Hudson, Colorado. This summer’s music program was enjoyed by many of her patrons from all over the area. The anniversary celebration brought an end to the summer season. She wanted to thank all her patrons who have supported her over the years with the look for many more to come. Thank you.
Hudson Harvest Festival
by Stephen Snow, Pictures by Lost Creek Guide
[HUDSON, COLORADO, September 25, 2023] The Town of Hudson, Colorado held its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 23rd and it was a great success! Indeed, it put Hudson on the map as a place to come to for attending fantastic family events! In fact, just around the corner on Saturday, October 28th we have Hudson’s famed Trunk or Treat event. And more events follow soon after that. In the meantime, though, we have many people to thank for making the Harvest Festival a success this year.
First, we thank the Communities throughout Weld County that came out to support us! Of course, many people came from Hudson. But we also saw friends from Fort Lupton, Keenesburg, and even Brighton, and beyond! All told, we estimate we had 600 to 700 people at the event, and we are grateful to all of you who joined us!
We also want to thank all the Vendors who brought their wonderful crafts and goods, and we thank the Food Trucks, “The Hangry Elf,” “El Savor De Puebla,” and “Cousin’s Maine Lobster”. Also, we are wishing our friends at “The Rolling Stoves” a speedy recovery!
Other folks we need to thank include our sponsors. The Harvest Festival would not have been as successful this year without them! We must start our close friends at Motherlode CoPacking (a major sponsor of the fireworks show!), also Brian Blehm and the good folks at United Power, Maria Tejeda Bocanegra with Allo Fiber, Tami Crossen from The Hudson Public Library, Brad Curtis at Northern Engineering, Maggie Muñoz at The Platte Valley Medical Foundation, and Mariann Johnston with the Bank of Colorado. We value our relationships with these people and their organizations, and we are grateful to have had their support this year! And speaking of which, we also want to thank Bob Grand and the Lost Creek Guide for covering our events, and for being a good friend!
We would be utterly neglectful if we did not also thank our Public Works Director, Greg Maggard and his team. Chris Graham and Michele Marlin worked like mad for us, as did many other folks who serve in our Public Works Department. These folks give their all every day, and rarely do they get the credit they truly deserve for keeping our lives comfortable, day in and day out. So, we thank them not just for their help with the Festival, but for all they do, all four Seasons.
The Police Department also works four seasons – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We want to deeply thank Chief Scott Sedgwick, and his entire team for all their hard work at the Harvest Festival, for keeping us safe, and helping us to maintain and orderly ingress and egress to the event. Without the support of our Police Chief and his team we could not do the major events we do. Thank you HPD!
Finally, no Festival is a success without the help of Volunteers, and we are ever grateful to those who showed up and spent their day with us working for the benefit of the Community. In the Rec & Events Department at the Town of Hudson our sole aim is to serve the Town and surrounding communities by offering wonderful fun-filled Family and Community events.
Sincerely, Stephen Snow Culture and Relations Manager Town of Hudson, Colorado
Loveland Stone Age Fair 2023
by Bob Grand/Andy Coca, Pictures by Lost Creek Guide, Photographer Jackie Smith
On Saturday, September 23rd the Loveland Archaeological Society of Colorado held its 89th Stone Age Fair. The event was held at the McKee 4-H, Youth & Community Building at the Larimar County Fair Grounds at the Ranch. The original Stone Age Fair was held at the Cornish School in Cornish, Colorado in 1934. When it outgrew its facilities in Cornish, the Stone Age Fair was moved to Loveland in 1940. This started the long tradition we now recognize as the Loveland Stone Age Fair. There is no other venue that has run longer or brings together the best in speakers and exhibits, as well as live demonstrations such as flintknapping. Visit the website to learn more about this rich Northern Colorado tradition.
https://stoneagefair.com
Stone Age Fair Sponsors this year are:
The Loveland Archeological Society, Inc
ARC Air Compressors
Dr. Grayson Westfall
Dr. Laura Brunner
Anna and Jack Westfall
Mr. Joseph Mosier
Rick Miller, Miller & Law, P.C.
Bob Grand, Publisher of the lost Creek Guide and ourtowncolorado.com
There were many fine exhibits. As custom, the program commenced In Remembrance with recognizing the loss of Ted Meridith. The 2023 scholarships were announced and presented:
Loveland Archeological Society/Harry Walts Memorial Scholarship to:
Erika Brooks, Colorado State University
Eugene Eisenbarth Memorial Scholarship to:
Casey Black, University of Wyoming
Dorothy Mountain Memorial Scholarship to:
Robert Madden, Colorado State University
The Distinguished Lecture Series this year was presented by Dr. Rany Hass, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, University of Wyoming. On: “Warawara and Phaxsi: The First Hunters of the Andean High Plains”
Introduction to MJ Relics & Collectibles
By Michael & Jacqueline ColeNear Jackson Lake State Park, just past the turn to the lake, there is an old homestead house, built in 1908. A new business has opened there--MJ Relics and Collectables. From the porch of this quaint little house, you will likely find Michael and Jacqueline Cole waving hello, welcoming travelers to the lake.
Transplants to the area of Weldona, Colorado, the Coles have quickly established themselves in the small community as friendly, helpful, and kind folks who have earned the reputation as “the wavers out near Jackson Lake.”
MJ Relics and Collectables is a lifelong passion and dream of the Coles, who are collectors themselves. Years of finding things like Disney-themed items, cookie jars, coin banks, oil cans, furniture, tools, and much more has resulted in the Coles with more stuff than they can manage. Which is why they decided to open their shop. The wide variety of rare and unique artifacts they have amassed over time bridges the gap between eras, connecting people to the rich tapestry of human history.
After sharing with friends their efforts to sell some of the many antiques and collectibles they own, an opportunity presented itself, one they could not pass up—The Homestead House. “We spent many weeks getting everything ready, it really takes a lot to open a store. We are so blessed to have such good friends,” says Jacqueline about the events leading up to opening day.
Soon after opening the store, the Coles discovered other ways they could help travelers and many of the locals in the area. “When you are camping, the last thing you want to do is drive back to town for firewood or ice,” says Jacqueline. “We can help. And while you are here, look around for a souvenir or special gift to take home.”
The site where the store is located has a nice area for parking. “There is enough room for several full RVs to park without the need to turn around,” says Michael. “Pickups with fifth wheels, fifth wheels and boats, Motor homes, pull trailers, whatever your setup is there is plenty of room.” There are wide gates on both sides of the store making it very easy to pull in and park.
The Coles are working with the landowner to have RV and boat storage. “It is another need for many of those traveling to the lake.” They hope to soon be able to offer boat and RV storage over the winter months. Contact them for further information.
“If you see us out on the porch in our rocking chairs,” Michael says, “stop in and say hi before heading on your way in or out of the lake.”
Their store hours are Friday and Saturday Noon – 7:00, Sunday 10:00 to 3:00. You can find them on Facebook at MJ Relics & Collectables. The number to the store is 720-352-9522 with an email of mjrelics2653@gmail.com. Located at 4427 C R Y 5, Weldona. If you are in the area on the days, they are not normally open and would like to make an appointment please feel free to contact them.
Caldara: Denver should look to Colorado Springs on Homelessness
by Jon Caldara, Complete Colorado Page 2I’ve been searching for the right word to describe Mike Johnston’s very earnest approach to Denver’s homeless problem.
The word I found is, “adorable.”
Michael is one of the most likable, affable, cuddly mayors Denver has ever had. He is the kid for whom you drive out of your way to buy a cup from his lemonade stand. You just want to pat him on the head.
To solve poverty, he’ll organize a nationwide bake sale. And gosh darn it all, you’ll almost bake a cake to the effort. Almost.
It reminds me of a friend whose daughter once asked about all the poor people in the world. Her solution was, “Well why don’t we just print up more money and give just it to them, and then they won’t be poor anymore?”
You can’t help but get on your knees and hug a kid like that for her simple beauty and idealistic naïveté.
Someday, she too might grow up to be mayor.
Mayor Johnston is making good on his pledge to build micro-communities in which to stick the first 1,000 of Denver’s finest into their own Tuff Shed or perma-tent with common toilet facilities, showers, and kitchens.
And the adorable part is he believes this is going to clean up our streets, not make the situation worse.
Step one — throw another $52 million dollars of subsidizes to the homeless industrial complex.
At the risk of breaking the heart of anyone with child-like wonder, let’s revisit the first rule of economics. What you subsidize you get more of, and what you tax you get less.
This a lesson we all should have learned, especially mayors, from the adorable naïveté of John Hickenlooper who kicked the homeless problem into high gear by doing the same thing.
Hick’s “Road Home” project to end homelessness in Denver forever in ten years, which started in 2005 and thus it ended in 2015, threw tens of millions worth of goodies to people to make living on the street more welcoming. And welcome them we did.
This failed system of rewards first, known as “housing first,” is the super electromagnet that pulls the drugged up, mentally ill, criminal elements, to infest our streets. It helps ensure they have a safer place to lay down their heads at the end of a responsibility-free day of criminal activity. After that, the plan goes, they’ll be more likely to get serious about changing their lives.
Child-like curiosity might lead one to ask an obvious question. Why is the “streetpeople” problem so much less just a bit south in Colorado Springs?
It doesn’t take too long to find out the Springs doesn’t employ the “housing-first” policy, but something closer to “enforce the law-first.”
In other words, they enforce an urban camping ban. They enforce the laws against theft, drugs, trespassing, defecating on the sidewalk, assault, you know, all the things that make Denver the charming destination spot it has become.
The perpetrator is often given a choice, jail or the homeless shelter which works with the city. Please note I used the word “perp” because words matter. He is not an “individual currently experiencing homelessness.” He is a guy who perpetrated a crime and who is, at taxpayer expense, being giving a shot to pull it together.
The Springs Rescue Mission is run by a friend of mine, Jack Briggs, who operates it like the late, great Bob Cote who created Step 13, now Step Denver — giving a hand up, not a hand out. Those who choose to stay at the mission see others who are building back their lives.
They witness folks just like themselves living in better spaces, better apartments, that others earned with money earned not stolen. Responsibility first, then housing. The Mission and Step Denver save lives.
Of course, some choose not to go to the Rescue Mission with that expectation of responsibility and choose jail instead. You can call that housing first, three hots and a cot.
And those with severe mental and drug issues can/will get the help they need.
Or the final choice for the street person is to leave Colorado Springs for someplace more welcoming, someplace where he is less likely to get arrested and stay arrested in the first place.
But where, oh where I ask, could such a person go?
I just don’t know. Let’s ask Michael Johnston.
Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute, a free market think tank in Denver.
Faith
page
Sharf: Keeping Taxpayers In The Dark About Public Pensions
by Joshua Sharf, Complete Colorado Page 2
What happens when the government decides you aren’t smart enough to handle more than a simple, direct, but incomplete story? What happens when that story is about an enterprise big enough to sink the state’s finances?
In 2018, Colorado’s legislature passed Senate Bill 200, a comprehensive reform of the state’s Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). The legislature acted because credit rating agencies had informed the markets that Colorado’s chronically troubled pensions had the potential to affect the state’s credit worthiness.
The stated goal was to have the pensions fully funded by 2048. To monitor progress toward that goal, the law established a joint legislative subcommittee composed of four legislators and nine appointed citizen experts. The panel is charged with asking critical questions of PERA and with making recommendations to the board and the legislature’s Pension Review Committee. I serve as the Republican House Minority appointee on that committee.
The subcommittee also writes an annual letter to the citizens of the state detailing progress toward that all-important funding goal. The letter includes, among other things, PERA’s funded ratio and whether the amortization period – based on a constant rate of return – indicates full funding by the 2048 target date.
But PERA also reports the year-end market value of its assets in the actuarial section of its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This year, that number happens to be lower than the smoothed assets, so its funded ratio using the market value would be lower. Since actuarial smoothing recognizes pension returns over a four-year period rather than all at once, it is less vulnerable to sharp annual changes. But it also means that the funded ratio can actually increase in years following poor returns.
In addition, PERA’s actuary runs a statistical Monte Carlo simulation (the “Signal Light Report”) to estimate the likelihood of reaching full funding on time. This year, the report differs significantly from PERA’s confident assertion. It gives the two largest divisions, for school and sate government retirees, a little better than 40% chance of reaching full finding by 2048, estimating a more likely date as 2068, a generation later. Clearly, the Signal Light Report tells you the most in years when it differs from PERA’s standard model.
In the Monday, August 28 meeting, I proposed adding three elements to the letter to Colorado’s citizens. First, the previous year’s rate of return, and the average return over the last 30 years. Second, the market value of assets at the end of the fiscal year and the funded ratio based on that number. Finally, a one-line summary of the Signal Light report stating the expected date of full-funding and the simulation’s estimate of how likely a 2048 target date was.
Nowhere did I propose removing existing information, only to provide additional, relevant information to taxpayers who are on the hook for PERA commitments.
The Republicans on the committee differed in their assessments of each motion; the Democrats voted lock-step against all of them, arguing that the data was irrelevant and it would simply confuse citizens.
Particularly hostile to the idea was a former president of the Boulder Valley Education Association and elected member of PERA’s Board of Trustees from 2017-2022, Tina Mueh. Her opposition was ironic, because in her time on the Board, she voted to “confuse” people in exactly the same way as she opposed in committee.
The ‘year in review’ page the Board started to include in the CAFR during her tenure is shown in figure 1.
The Assets Under Management are the end-of-year market value, while the Funded Status is calculated with the smoothed asset value. Note that neither is labeled.
PERA’s CAFR deservedly receives awards for organization, clarity, and completeness. The Board’s decision to include that “confusing” information stand outs by contrast.
Mrs. Mueh is also now a candidate for partisan office, something that was officially announced after she joined the subcommittee, and never mentioned in meetings. This is not a legal issue – subcommittee member Lang Sias ran for state treasurer last year. But her time on the Board is a significant presence on her campaign website.
Possessed of the teachers unions’ traditional hostility to transparency and attachment to the unsustainable defined benefit pension model, Mueh also made noises about removing the per-person unfunded liability. That number has been one of the most effective tools nationally in alerting people to the state of public pensions. It is included in the letter by law. The content of one of Mrs. Mueh’s bills, should she be elected, is left as an exercise to the reader.
A committee dedicated to impartial pension financial analysis cannot survive political agendas designed to shield a pension from scrutiny.
Pictures
by Lost Creek Guide, Photographer Pat Lentell
