Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Comment Archives: stories: Last 30 Days
Re: “Praise for pastry guy and the critic, and a pet-poop plea”
"Being shot at close range by an automatic weapon"
Semi-automatic. 1 trigger pull = 1 bang. Much the same as a revolver. Full-autos (1 trigger pull = bang, bang, bang, ...) are already highly restricted items and have not been used in any of the recent shootings.
"with a 30 round clip "
Magazine. The difference may seem insignificant to many, but to those who know about firearms it is like the difference between shoes and socks.
"Asking people, some of whom may not be mentally stabl,e to submit to a background check - - and limiting clip capacity to 15 rounds (or 10 or 7) seems prudent in an increasingly violent society. "
At first glance, universal background checks and arbitrary mag capacity limits might sound like a great idea, but even a little bit of closer scrutiny reveal them to be nothing more than snake oil and these ideas fall apart. BTW, firearm related violence has been going down for some time.
"Yes, the argument is often made there are already 250 million guns in private hands."
Over 300 million.
The truth is that for 75+ years we have passed increasing restrictions on what firearms and ammo can be owned, who can own them, and how to buy them and there is no evidence that these laws have reduced the violence problem. In fact, in the years since some of these laws expired and the number of firearms in circulation has dramatically increased, the rate of violence with firearms has dramatically decreased. So clearly focusing on the object used does not work.
We need to break this paradigm of obsessing over the object used and start addressing the behaviors and their root causes (examples: education, ethics, economics, glorification of violence). Until we do that, the problems will persist regardless of how many gun control laws we pass.
The recall effort is the appropriate action to take. When an elected official passes bad laws, stifles debate, ramrods legislation through, publicly flips the finger at the people of Colorado by refusing to even look at or listen to our voices on the issues, and is subservient to DC and NYC, then we need to send a clear message to him and others that this will not be tolerated. By making excuses about expense or that he is term limited and will be gone in a year anyway, you are giving people like him a pass to do what ever they want without fear of being held accountable.
Posted by
Dave H
on 05/16/2013 at 3:38 PM
Re: “Praise for pastry guy and the critic, and a pet-poop plea”
"Being shot at close range by an automatic weapon"
Semi-automatic. 1 trigger pull = 1 bang. Much the same as a revolver. Full-autos (1 trigger pull = bang, bang, bang, ...) are already highly restricted items and have not been used in any of the recent shootings.
"with a 30 round clip "
Magazine. The difference may seem insignificant to many, but to those who know about firearms it is like the difference between shoes and socks.
"Asking people, some of whom may not be mentally stabl,e to submit to a background check - - and limiting clip capacity to 15 rounds (or 10 or 7) seems prudent in an increasingly violent society. "
At first glance, universal background checks and arbitrary mag capacity limits might sound like a great idea, but even a little bit of closer scrutiny reveal them to be nothing more than snake oil and these ideas fall apart. BTW, firearm related violence has been going down for some time.
"Yes, the argument is often made there are already 250 million guns in private hands."
Over 300 million.
The truth is that for 75+ years we have passed increasing restrictions on what firearms and ammo can be owned, who can own them, and how to buy them and there is no evidence that these laws have reduced the violence problem. In fact, in the years since some of these laws expired and the number of firearms in circulation has dramatically increased, the rate of violence with firearms has dramatically increased. So clearly focusing on the object used does not work.
We need to break this paradigm of obsessing over the object used and start addressing the behaviors and their root causes (examples: education, ethics, economics, glorification of violence). Until we do that, the problems will persist regardless of how many gun control laws we pass.
The recall effort is the appropriate action to take. When an elected official passes bad laws, stifles debate, ramrods legislation through, publicly flips the finger at the people of Colorado by refusing to even look at or listen to our voices on the issues, and is subservient to DC and NYC, then we need to send a clear message to him and others that this will not be tolerated. By making excuses about expense or that he is term limited and will be gone in a year anyway, you are giving people like him a pass to do what ever they want without fear of being held accountable.
Posted by
Dave H
on 05/16/2013 at 3:34 PM
Re: “Want to support John Morse?”
“Attracts big money on both sides” my butt. Take the time to look at the facts and who is behind the $20,000 plus donated to help the misguided Morse and compare it to the hard working ordinary folk from Colorado who are donating to get him out. Democratic lawmakers “hard work”, well maybe, but “bravery” what horse poop. They are cowards for pushing through laws that serve no purpose other than to make them look good (only when looking in the mirror). They took the easy wrong instead of listening to Coloradoans and taking their time to do the hard right. This will be evident soon when they are looking for a job.
Posted by
Don Bennett
on 05/16/2013 at 1:54 PM
Re: “Parkside residents get handed the bill for repairs”
A bill of $1700 sounds like a lot but really is not exorbitant at all.
When the 2006 monsoon exposed the poor drainage aspects in our area of new homes, I paid twice that to remediate drainage issues to my property left behind by a cheap-ass developer.
I also made sure that the developer fixed the community wide (Common Area) drain issues at no cost to me or our HOA and residents.
It's money well spent and I urge the residents to accept the reality of their circumstances and fix it. Our developer left us with lousy common area landscaping and sprinklers; we ended up with a special assessment of $200 per home, which the residents approved and paid. We've been doing fine since and have a growing reserve fund to cover the unexpected unknowns.
Our HOA gets by on dues of $435/year, and it's a struggle to keep our common areas looking great on such low dues.
Posted by
OldCrank
on 05/16/2013 at 10:38 AM
Re: “Homelessness solution: Welcome to Bachville”
I would never do that to you, siggie. Children can be so cruel.
Posted by
Mr. K--
on 05/16/2013 at 10:01 AM
Re: “Parkside residents get handed the bill for repairs”
In response to "Parkside Homeowner" on this page about insuring "valuable property". If there is valid "proof" that this writer has regarding curbs and drives (whatever "drives" means) being destroyed by the fire itself, please present it or the expert that has advised you of this. Also, it would be a good thing for you to provide the information from your mortgage company or a real estate company showing they "frown" on assessments and that it will reduce your resale. Once again, erroneous information. You can research other HOA's and you will be likely find they have ongoing assessments. It would be not prudent to charge for unlikely events on an ongoing basis, "just in case". Example; roofs in complexes get destroyed by hail and so on, not enough money to cover them by HOA and then a need for an special assessment.
I wonder if this person was awake at the informational meetings that he/she supposedly attended (I went to the first one). Not only was the information about who the board got quotes from, there were three quotes gotten for the sprinkler system and three for the drainage. There was a handout provided with all of the information, including the financial breakdown for all costs. Did you not take a handout as they were passed?
There have been three meetings where Andy Cobb, HOA insurance agent has explained, it is NOT common to insure the items this writer includes. Do some homework on your own to research HOA's in Colorado Springs to see who carries the kind of insurance you are talking about. Also, Andy Cobb advised that this board has requested a quote to cover these items. So get ready...another addition to increase the monthly dues if it is something you want, for something that may never happen. I am assuming you were diligent in making sure your personal insurance was as compete as you are expecting the HOA insurance to be. The board did say other agents will provide quotes as well.
The writer also speaks of a D&O on the current policy. No one is keeping anyone from filing a claim. As long as you can provide proof that there was negligence on the part of the HOA board (of whatever time frame you are speaking of) or the management company and that the type of insurance that was provided was NOT "normal and customary" for this HOA, maybe you would have a claim. But I personally don't want the board to WAIT to start putting back Parkside while this claim drags on for however long it takes. Also, if the claim finally is resolved and paid, look out for another increase in the monthly dues!
My home is in the build process and I would like to think that when I move in that I will be able to begin my life again. I would like to enjoy my neighbors, new and old, visiting in the cul de sac (my cul de sac has never gotten together to scheme on how we can find things the board is doing wrong) we visit about our lives, kids, recipes and enjoy one another. Take care of new plants and lawn. Watch trees grow again, enjoy the new park. Watch my community come back.
Another misinformed piece of information that continues to be fueled (in the writers information also) is about the deposit from the builder. If someone chooses a builder that does not have enough start up money for the $3000.00 for shared driveway, $1500.00 otherwise and needs the owner to front the money, I would be looking for another more established builder. Reputable builders should need NO funds to start the building process. The deposits will be fully REFUNDED to the builder once it is established that there is NO additional damage to surrounding areas. How simple is that?
My wishes for Parkside are just different than the complainers and my outlook is just different. I loved where I lived, I am so grateful that my family and I survived to see this happening and I look forward to moving in. I am happy for those who didn't loose their homes and that the new building, the rebuild of the Parkside will benefit all residents. I never expected there not to be bumps in the road. But I didn't expect to have a small group of complainers that are bound and determined to make "someone or some party" take blame for the fire. Rector has had an agenda in Parkside for many, many years, this is fueled by him and as long as he is living in Parkside, it will continue, he isn't a good neighbor, he is a schemer.
Posted by
shek
on 05/16/2013 at 9:26 AM
Re: “Parkside residents get handed the bill for repairs”
While it is essential to focus on the future rather than missteps of the past; without hindsight there is no progress or learning. This is an important article and subject. In order to rebuild and move forward, financial recovery is needed! There are many folks who lost homes and were under-insured due to no fault of their own - most insurance policy face values are designed for partial damage and do not take into account the increased cost to rebuild in a total loss/catastrophic event! Not everyone can afford additional assessments which are, again, due to no fault of their own. The HOA did have a liability insurance policy as I understand it. WHY NOT FILE A CLAIM??? This is EXACTLY the type of scenario which the policy would be purchased for. Filing an insurance claim is a business transaction based upon facts, IT IS NOT PUNISHMENT FOR THE BOARD, THE AGENT, OR ANYONE ELSE. If, in fact, there was a gap in property insurance for common areas due to the judgement or decisions of the HOA Board and there was a requirement in the bylaws to have it - it is reasonable to look to them through their liability policy for recovery. Rather than attacking the messenger, consider the message and it's value to the community as a whole! AT THE VERY LEAST, THE BOARD OWES ITS MEMBERS AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THEY DO NOT WANT TO FILE A CLAIM!
Posted by
Kerri Olivier
on 05/16/2013 at 9:25 AM
Re: “Parkside residents get handed the bill for repairs”
Shek-
Your example of neighbor-like behavior is heart warming. After reading your post, it is obvious that Parksiders cant wait to return to their homes, to live next to such a kind spirit.
Have a wonderful day.
Posted by
Parkside Homeowner
on 05/16/2013 at 8:39 AM
Re: “Homelessness solution: Welcome to Bachville”
K and progeny: What I think is that you turned over your responses to your 8 year old grandchild.
Posted by
siggie
on 05/16/2013 at 6:39 AM
Re: “Pot-shop limit is an option in Manitou Springs”
Hey Otto, maybe you should refrain from sniffing his breath.
Posted by
siggie
on 05/16/2013 at 6:36 AM
Re: “Have a say in oil and gas leasing of Pike forest”
But in Monument people actually live IN Pikes Nat'l Forest, not merely abutting it. And the Monument area will be a focus of drilling leases.
Posted by
Lalahartma
on 05/16/2013 at 6:10 AM
Re: “Pot-shop limit is an option in Manitou Springs”
please keep it local, we've got some rally good growers!
Posted by
laithe
on 05/15/2013 at 11:36 PM
Re: “Parkside residents get handed the bill for repairs”
It defies logic to leave such valuable property uninsured. If you own a home, you know that appropriate insurance is a necessity...in the event of a rare catastrophe. Why should property that an HOA owns be any different? The board of this HOA should have used prudent judgement and insured the common areas, in the best interests of the homeowners that it represents. Now, the D and O policy should be claimed to cover the mistakes of the board. An insurance agent that represents the HOA cannot be objectively heard, because his/her interests lie in protecting the policy against claims. The comments by the board stating the curbs and drives were "fine" after the fire carries no weight. Residents' private driveways and foundations were exposed to 1600 degrees, and so were the drives and curbs, so how can they be "fine". Also, there lacks data from an engineering crew to certify the damage. Thats alot of heat...meaning at the very least the drives were significantly stressed, and therefore more likely to crumble easier, enter damages from construction equipment.
The board provides no basis for their numbers at the two meetings to justify the assessment amount, only numbers that may work. Thus, there is likely more assessments to come. This is frowned upon by mortgage lenders, and will make resale difficult. Also, lets not forget about the 1500 refundable fee that builders (passed down to owners) need to pay, and the driveways that are shared...pay another special fee.
Parkside owners should hold board members accountable for their actions. We all want to return to the beautiful neighborhood we had, that is for sure. This scenario needs to be intelligently handled, therefore HOA board decisions should be critically examined, by the community as a whole.
Posted by
Parkside Homeowner
on 05/15/2013 at 9:54 PM
Re: “Homelessness solution: Welcome to Bachville”
This is a project for Mrs. Mayor to look like she is actually doing something for the community her husband is destroying. What a joke this Mayor is.
Posted by
pirate brands
on 05/15/2013 at 9:48 PM
Re: “Pitching City Council! to HBO”
At least the old group didnt lay down for Bach or his dirty attorney. Watching this Council is like watching paint dry.
Posted by
pirate brands
on 05/15/2013 at 9:45 PM
Re: “Sanders vs. Anschutz ... really”
bad and boring article, who cares?
Posted by
pirate brands
on 05/15/2013 at 9:42 PM
Re: “City Council looks to lawyer up”
Didnt the old Council actually vote at one time to get their own attorney? Chris Melcher put the old Council in terrible positions from almost the beginning of his employment. He has lied, gone directly to press to mislead, attends events he has no business attending, reported as ignoring Council requests for timely information, undermined Utilities and has paid out more taxpayer money to outside law firms then any previous attorney all while losing and settling millions of dollars of lawsuits. He was practically fired from Colorado College for dirty dealings and brought his unethical and scheming ways to the City. He needs to be fired.
Posted by
pirate brands
on 05/15/2013 at 9:39 PM
Re: “Pot-shop limit is an option in Manitou Springs”
Mayor Snyder is a known pot-head. One whiff of his breath is a giveaway. Just sayin...
Posted by
Otto Matic
on 05/15/2013 at 9:07 PM
Re: “Colorado Springs joins the Waldorf-charter wave”
We are so proud to be part of this new school and are grateful our family has a different choice for our children's education. We are also extremely grateful that we have found a community of like minded individuals. Well done Neah!
Posted by
Kristi Nowakowski Hayes
on 05/15/2013 at 8:49 PM
Re: “Praise for pastry guy and the critic, and a pet-poop plea”
The 05/16/2013 at 3:34 PM post is in error