Littleton 6-20-13
June 20, 2013
Arapahoe County, Colorado • Volume 124, Issue 21
75 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourlittletonnews.com
School district considers bond election Money would be used for maintenance, infrastructure By Jennifer Smith
jsmith@ourcoloradonews.com If you live within the borders of Littleton Public Schools, you should have recently found in your mail a survey asking if you think the district should take an $80 million bond issue to the voters in November. “We’re not looking at doing anything particularly fancy other than trying to
maintain a safe learning environment,” said Superintendent Scott Murphy. He said the time is right to take advantage of low interest rates for what amounts to refinancing a mortgage — not a tax increase, he stresses. LPS Murphy has historically put a bond issue on the ballot every seven to 10 years; it’s been 11 since the last one. With the average age of the buildings around 50 years, there’s a lot of work to be
done. Murphy said the school board will likely decide later this summer whether to go forward. If so, and if the bond issue passes, the money would strictly be used for building maintenance and basic infrastructure such as roofs, sewer lines, gym floors, furnaces and electrical systems. “These are the public’s assets,” he said. “It’s our job to take care of them the best we can.” If it doesn’t pass, Murphy said the district will just keep reacting to emergencies, as it has done throughout the economic down-
turn. “We can’t close another school,” he said. “It just wouldn’t be fair.” Murphy stresses that a proposed statewide $1.1 billion tax increase for education — planned to be on the ballot this fall — has absolutely nothing to do with this local question, and that it does nothing to address capital improvements. “Whether people say yes or no to the state issue has nothing to do with the buildings,” he said. “This is totally a community issue.” Election continues on Page 12
Two more enter race for council Newcomer John Watson, incumbent Bruce Beckman throw their hats in the ring By Jennifer Smith
jsmith@ourcoloradonews.com
Timmy Patrick began to bounce up and down on his dad’s shoulders June 15 when he heard the sirens announcing a line of emergency vehicles of different colors, sizes and shapes. The vehicles were on their way into downtown Littleton, launching the 2013 edition of Fire Truck Parade and Muster. The Centennial boy and his family were among those who lined the route to watch the parade. Attendees then moved to the Arapahoe Community College parking lot for the muster’s annual displays, demonstrations and activities. “Timmy loves fire trucks,” said John Patrick, the 5-year-old boy’s dad. “He had fire trucks on his wallpaper, fire trucks on his bedroom shelves and even sleeps in pajamas covered with fire trucks. We came last
Incumbent Bruce Beckman and newcomer John Watson announced this week they’ll join Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Stahlman in the quest for the two at-large city council seats up for grabs in the November election. Beckman and his wife, Susan, a former Arapahoe County commissioner and former Littleton City Council member, have lived in Littleton for more than 20 years. He retired from the Littleton Police Department as a division chief in 2011, and soon after announced he was running for city council. Watson Beckman says if reelected, he’ll continue to focus on safety, fiscal responsibility, accountability, protection of neighborhood property values and creating a healthy business environment. “As the economy improves, there will be treBeckman mendous pressure from the development and business community,” he said in a press release. “We cannot take development concepts and urban growth patterns from cities back on the eastern coast and automatically think that they are going to be a good fit in Littleton. One size does not fit all. As we change, we cannot forget those who have invested in the community through purchasing homes, sending children to our schools, and owning local businesses. We need a vision that protects what we have, builds on our success and plans for the future of our community.” He says highlights of his time on council include pushing for a balanced budget, working with the group trying to save the High Line Canal, improving fire service to
Parade continues on Page 12
Council continues on Page 12
A volunteer helps Remy Escala, 2, use a fire hose at the June 15 Fire Muster and Parade in Littleton. The annual event featured firefighting displays, demonstrations and activities. Photos by Tom Munds
Parade is a red-and-blue-light special Fire trucks turn out for muster in Littleton By Tom Munds
tmunds@ourcoloradonews.com
Visitors move down the rows of firefighting equipment on display during the June 15 Fire Muster and Parade. This is the 28th year the event has been held in Littleton. POSTAL ADDRESS
LITTLETON INDEPENDENT (ISSN 1058-7837) (USPS 315-780) OFFICE: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Englewood, Colorado, the Littleton Independent is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display advertising: Thurs. 11 a.m. Legal advertising: Thurs. 11 a.m. Classified advertising: Mon. 12 p.m.
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