January 16, 2014 Jefferson County, Colorado | Volume 90, Issue 23 A publication of
lakewoodsentinel.com
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. Photo by Hannah Garcia
Hickenlooper: State of state is strong Governor touts economic numbers during annual address. 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
State continues on Page 12
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Metro West Housing Solutions open apartment complex By Clarke Reader
creader@ coloradocommunitymedia.com The first transit-oriented developm ent along the W Rail is open and taking resid ents at the Lamar Station Crossing. The housing project by Metro Wes t Housing Solutions (MWHS), which is the first apartment community construc ted along the new line, celebrated its gran d opening on Jan. 10. “I can’t tell you how excited we are to be here,” Tami Fischer, executive direc tor and CEO of Metro West said. “Thi s is the culmination of a seven-year proc ess, and we’re pleased to be the groundbr eakers in this area.” MWHS staff, community leaders and city staff were all in attendance to celebrate the opening of the 110-apartmen t complex. Lamar Station Crossing, whic h is south of the rail line between Lam ar and Harlan streets, is 80 percent affor dable rentals and 20 percent market rent als. Rents start as low as $389 a month for
At top, staff from Metro West Housing, the city of Lakewood and community leaders at the opening of the Lamar Station Crossing Development on Jan. 10. At right, The Lamar Station Crossing development. Photos by Clarke Reader
a one-bedroom, $463 for a two-bedr oom and $530 for a three-bedroom. Prices will go up from there, based on income levels, to market price, which is around $800 for a onebedroom. “Just imagine the possibilities here and for future projects like this,” said Mayor Bob Murphy. “There were so many great part nerships and collaborations that came together to make Lamar continues on Page 12