January 16, 2014 Jefferson County, Colorado | Volume 9, Issue 34 A publication of
arvadapress.com
Governor touts economic numbers durinG annual address Gov. John Hickenlooper motions to his cabinet, seated in the House chambers in the Colorado State Capitol, during the State of the State speech in Denver on Jan. 8. Photos by Hannah Garcia
Hickenlooper: State of state is strong By Vic Vela
vvela@coloradocommunitymedia.com Gov. John Hickenlooper sounded like a man running for re-election during his annual State of the State address inside the Capitol on Jan. 9, as he touted Colorado’s economic rebound and called on lawmakers to “ignore divisive politics.” The governor sounded themes of unity throughout his speech, but particularly when he lauded Coloradans’ resilience during times of tragedy last year — which led to one of the most enthusiastically-received lines of the day. “Colorado does not shutdown. Colorado does not quit. Colorado does not break,” he said, to a standing ovation inside the House chamber, where all 100 state lawmakers were gathered. Hickenlooper hyped Colorado as a magnet for businesses and a state where job numbers continue to grow. And, for the most part, he stayed away from contentious issues that dominated the Legislature last year.
While Democrats walked away glowingly from the governor’s speech, many Republicans voiced a “wait and see” response. “Well it felt good, but let’s see if those feelings continue for the rest of the year,” said Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock. “When he talked about not wanting parties to lock down, I hope he holds to that with his own party.” Much of the governor’s speech focused on the state’s improving economic numbers. Hickenlooper said that the state has experienced a significant rebound in job numbers since 2010, when the state was ranked 40th in the nation in job growth. Now, the state ranks fourth in that category, has added 170,000 jobs over the last few years, and has seen its unemployment rate drop from 9 percent in 2010, to its current rate of 6.5 percent. “But let’s be clear,” the governor cautioned, “the unemployment rate is not low
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State Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, gives a thumbs-up to fellow lawmaker Mary Hodge, D-Brighton, a few seats over during Gov. John Hickenlooper’s State of the State speech at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Jan. 9.
City Council appoints new council member for District 1 By Crystal Anderson
canderson@ coloradocommunitymedia.com Arvada City Council voted to appoint Arvada Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Gerald ‘Jerry’ Marks, to the District 1 seat, Jan. 10. “I’m a tad overwhelmed,” Marks said after being appointed to council, “You never know until you’re in something; I feel I’m up to the task and will give it my best.” The candidate forum was 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, in the Arvada City Council Chambers, 8101 Ralston Road. The five chosen candidates, Rebecca Anderson, John Crouse, Kathleen Drulard, Jerry Marks, and Nancy Murray were asked to present an opening statement, and respond to a list of questions presented by Mayor Marc Williams. “We do the people’s business in this room,” said Mayor Marc Williams. “I take great pride in our ability to make decisions,
Arvada Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Jerry Marks, was appointed to the Arvada City Council District 1 seat, Friday, Jan. 10. Photo by Crystal Anderson but it comes down to how do we add a seventh person who will work well with the citizens, the city of Arvada, and the six of us?” The forum asked candidates a variety of key questions to ensure the person chosen
was familiar with the community and the key issues in Arvada. The questions were regarding their commitment, being a face for the city of Arvada, their experience and a variety of key city issues, such as the Gold Line, Olde Town revitalization, governance of the Arvada Center, and recreational and medical marijuana. “We are making a decision for our community that is sound, and it may be liked or not liked, but we have to do what is best for the community and the constituents of this city,” Councilman-At-Large Bob Fifer said. Following the forum, the council reported their thoughts on the candidates, and then took a vote by ballot. After four rounds of voting, Jerry Marks gained the majority of the vote, and was appointed to council. Marks was congratulated by his fellow candidates and the councils following the appointment. Marks said he was looking forward to taking on the responsibilities of his new post, and learning more about his district.
As part of his plan to know District 1, Marks said he wishes to meet with each council member, the city manager, the city’s department heads, and hear their perception of the district and where they believe his focus should be. “I hope to have that done in the first 30-60 days,” Marks said. “Then, at the King Soopers at 80th Ave. and Wadsworth Blvd, I want to have an event with the community, to hear their concerns.” He will be sworn in at the next City Council meeting, at 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 13, in the Arvada City Council Chambers, 8101 Ralston Road, prior to that evening’s workshop.
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