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August 7, 2014 VOLU M E 1 0 | I S SUE 1 0

ArvadaPress.com J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O

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New additions to Family Tree By Clarke Reader

creader@colorado communitymedia.com The board at Family Tree is an everchanging group, tasked with providing the best possible services for victims of child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. That board looks a little different now with the addition of Ted Clifton and Misti Ruthven to the board. The board also has named new officers: Kristin Reed as chair, Billy Clayton as Chair-Elect, Ruthven as secretary and Lowell Miller as treasurer. “In our bylaws it states that our board can be from 12 to 25 people and it’s currently at 14,” Reed said. “Because of that size we’re almost always looking for new

board members.” The term limits for board members are two years, and so Reed said nearly every year new people are being added to the board. Family Tree has a variety of committees and she said that most board members start there. “We’re looking for people who are passionate and committed to the issues we’re working on,” she said. “Our members are from all Clifton different sectors and each bring their own skills.” According to Dana Juniel, director of public relations and marketing with Family Tree, Clifton is a manager and financial adviser for Rubin Brown, LLP. He has been a member of Family Tree’s Fi-

nance Committee since 2012. Clifton also sits on the board of directors for Community Enterprise and is an active member of the Rubin Brown Community Service Committee. Ruthven is the Director of Post Secondary Education for the Colorado Department of Education and is committed to making sure everyone has access to the education they need. Reed is the Orthopedic & Spine Service Line Administrator at Lutheran Medical Center. She has been a member of the board of directors since 2012 and has recently served as board secretary in addition to Development Committee liaison. Clayton is the owner of Baltija, LLC, a real estate investing and property management firm. As one of the original members of the Western Arapahoe County Home-

TRAIL BLAZERS

less Alliance (WACHA), the charity which founded Family Tree House of Hope, Clayton has been involved with the agency for more than 13 years. Clayton recently served as Board Treasurer, in addition to playing a key role as a member of the Communications Council. Miller is an entrepreneur and investor who joined the board of directors in 2009. Miller held the role of Board Chair during the 2012-13 fiscal year, and has consistently served on the Communications Council, most recently as committee liaison. Moving forward, Reed said the board is looking to spread the word about the new location of the Treasure Trunk community thrift store and spreading the Family Tree’s brand and work it does. For more information visit www.thefamilytree.org.

Dems challenge timing of Barnes certification for ballot Complaint filed with Secretary of State By Amy Woodward

awoodward@coloradocommunitymedia.com Placement of Republican House District 23 candidate Jane Barnes on the November ballot is invalid according to a complaint filed July 29 in Jefferson County District Court. Petitioners Joan Jacobson, chairperson for House District 23 under the Jefferson County Democrats and Jacob LaBure, resident in House District 23 and active Democratic Party member, filed the complaint. Secretary of State Scott Gessler and Jeffco Clerk and Recorder Pam Anderson were named in the complaint, which requests both clerks to not certify Barnes for the No- Barnes vember 2014 ballot. The complaint alleges Barnes’ candidate affidavit to fill the Republican vacancy was turned in to the Secretary of State’s office after the deadline allowed in the Colorado Uniform Election Code. A hearing date has not been set. Ballot continues on Page 6

VA overhaul garners overwhelming support Move comes on heels of series of revelations By Vic Vela

vvela@coloradocommunitymedia.com Congress last week passed a bill aimed at reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs, an agency that has been the subject of intense scrutiny over a number of departmental failures. The $16 billion legislation would provide money for new VA medical facilities and the hiring of more doctors and nurses. The bill would also allow veterans to see doctors outside the VA system if they are unsuccessful in obtaining an appointment. A congressional conference committee worked to merge efforts by the Senate and the House of Representatives and came up with a compromise bill that passed the Senate on July 31 with overwhelming bipartisan support. It passed the House the day before. “I think veterans are going to be better served now

Lisa Kempton of Westminster spreads dirt along the Leyden Creek Trail during an annual community work day. Photo by Crystal Anderson

Overhaul continues on Page 6


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