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October 15, 2015 VOLUM E 127 | IS S U E 1 2 | 75¢
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A R A P A H O E C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
SALUTE OUR VETERANS Colorado Community Media wants to share with readers the stories of local residents’ service in the U.S. military in a special section that will publish in the papers of Nov. 12 and 13 saluting and honoring veterans. Servicemen and women — or members of their families — interested in submitting the history of their service to America may send information by email to newsdesk@ coloradocommunitymedia.com Submissions must include the veteran’s full name, city or town of residence, dates of service in the U.S. military, branch of service, military rank, medals and commendations, and a quote about why the individual served or the most meaningful aspect of his or her service. Contact information of the person submitting the information must also be included in case there are questions. For more information, email newsdesk@ coloradocommunitymedia.com or call Pat Smith at 303-566-4100. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Oct. 30.
LittletonIndependent.net
Challengers take aim at status quo City council incumbents defend records at pair of forums By Jennifer Smith jsmith@coloradocommunitymedia.com The eight candidates for five Littleton City Council seats tried to differentiate themselves from each other during two recent forums, with incumbents defending the path the city is on and challengers arguing the current council is unresponsive to concerns of the public. The first forum, sponsored by the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, was Oct. 8 at Arapahoe Community College. The second,
sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties and the Littleton Independent, was Oct. 12 at Arapahoe Community College. At-large race All voters in the city can choose two candidates from the pool of three. Incumbent Peggy Cole is trying to defend her seat, while Doug Clark, former Littleton mayor, and newcomer Andrea Brown hope to win the voters’ favor. Brown did not attend the second forum, citing illness. Cole, first elected in 2007, stressed her priority on collaboration and transparency throughout Forum continues on Page 12
INSIDE: Candidate Q&As With Election Day, Nov. 3, approaching, ballots were mailed to voters early this week. To help you make informed decisions on your ballot, Colorado Community Media brings you Q&As with the candidates. Turn to pages 6-8 for a look at the Littleton City Council and Littleton Public Schools Board of Education candidates.
IT’S THE GREATEST PUMPKIN, DOWNTOWN
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Francesco French, 7, checks out the “Nightmare Before Christmas”-themed pumpkin pole on Main Street on Oct. 11. Photo by Jennifer Smith Staff report Francesco French, 7, was amazed by the “Nightmare Before Christmas”-themed pumpkin pole on Main Street Oct. 11 — not just because he loves the movie, but because, being new
LITTLETON INDEPENDENT
(ISSN 1058-7837) (USPS 315-780) OFFICE: 7315 S. Revere Pkwy., Ste. 603 Centennial, CO 80112 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Littleton, Colorado, the Littleton Independent is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT LITTLETON, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 7315 S. Revere Pkwy., Ste. 603 Centennial, CO 80112 DEADLINES: Display: Fri. 11 a.m. Legals: Fri. 11 a.m. Classifieds: Mon. 5 p.m.
PL E ASE RECYCLE
to Littleton, he’d never seen a pumpkin pole before. That particular pole won first place in the Historic Downtown Littleton Merchants annual pumpkin-pole contest, in which members team up to create the most unique piles of pumpkins
in all the land. The “Nightmare Before Christmas” was dreamed up by folks from Grandpa’s Attic, Littleton Elks Lodge. No. 1650 and Western Welcome Week. Second place went to the “Star Wars” pole built by Colorado Home Realty, The Chocolate
Therapist and Velvet Wolf. Two poles tied for third: The “Harvest” pole created by Think Tank South and Colorado Frame Company & Savvy Stuff, and “Minions” created by La Vaca Meat Company, Inc., Kate’s Wine Bar, and Olde Towne Tavern.
Columbine Country Club set for new era Cheaper to rebuild than renovate, says staff By Jennifer Smith jsmith@colorado communitymedia.com Columbine Country Club is celebrating 60 years in 2015, but the building won’t live to see its next birthday. The centerpiece of the town of Columbine Valley will tumble to the ground next spring, but from the rubble will emerge, about 14 months later, a $20 million, 45,000-square-foot replacement. “As time goes on, it becomes increasingly expensive to upkeep an outdated facility,” said Robert Cuillard, the club’s director of membership. It will include three indoor dining areas with several outdoor options, a 4,000-square-foot wellness center, water features, fire pits and much more. With more
Columbine Country Club will be torn down and replaced with a new 45,000-square-foot version starting next spring. Courtesy rendering young families moving into the area of late, Cuillard said there will even be a child-care center. “There certainly is a family component we want to bring
more of,” said Cuillard. “We don’t want to step away from tradition, but add to it.” The average age of the club’s 515 members is 54, so there will
be plenty draws for them, as well, including an adult-only dining area and bar. Club continues on Page 4