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January 9, 2015 VOLU M E 1 3 | I SS UE 1 0
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Local GOP contingent optimistic Legislators from Douglas County talk about goals for session By Jane Reuter
jreuter @colorado communitymedia.com
The Douglas County School District’s five-plus years of education reform have made national headlines. But some community members say the district’s extensive communications effort accompanying the changes glosses over their deep concerns, drowning them under a tidal wave of multi-channel messages to parents, district employees, students and county residents. To try to make their voices heard, parent and teacher groups have launched
Republican lawmakers from Douglas County who gathered for the annual legislative kickoff at Sky Ridge Medical Center expressed optimism that much will be accomplished at the state level during the 2015 session. Republicans now are the majority in the state Senate, but not the House. They Report believe the political shift to the right paves the way for some change, several of the legislators said during the Jan. 6 event organized by the Douglas County Business Alliance. “I hope predictability and stability are qualities you can embrace in the state Legislature for the next 120 days,” said Chris Holbert, a former state representative who was elected in November to the Senate seat previously held by term-limited Ted Harvey. Holbert, Senate Majority Leader Mark Scheffel, House Minority Whip Polly Lawrence, Rep. Patrick Neville, Rep. Kevin Van Winkle and Douglas County’s three commissioners addressed about 65 people who attended the event. They shared their hopes for the session that began Jan. 7. Scheffel said he believes the newly elected legislators will provide moderation. “You chose wisely in your representation,” he said. “I think we’ll see consensus around things that are good for business.” Scheffel said he’ll be the co-sponsor of a bill aimed at mitigating the impacts of current state laws related to condominium construction defects. Developers wary of litigation resulting from current laws shy away from building condos, which leaves firsttime homebuyers and others seeking smaller homes with limited options.
Voices continues on Page 10
Capitol continues on Page 7
Capitol
Gary Colley, right, signals school board president Kevin Larsen, seated at left, his wish to speak during the April 1 Board Unplugged meeting at Castle Rock’s Mesa Middle School. File photo
Vying to have voices heard Some say school district not always on target with communication efforts By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Parker PD shows ‘solidarity’ in New York Three honor guard members attend funeral of slain officer By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz @coloradocommunitymedia.com A mere 1,800 miles is nothing between those who walk the thin blue line, especially in the wake of tragedy. The Parker Police Department was among a handful of Colorado law enforcement agencies to send an honor guard to New York City after two police officers were ambushed in their patrol car and killed by an armed man last month. The slayings have prompted an outpouring of support, particularly among those who wear the uniform. The New York City Police Department said it expected as many as 25,000 police officers from around the country to attend the Dec. 27 funeral for Rafael Ramos, a married father of two. Three members of the Parker police honor guard — Shannon Brukbacher, Tyler Herman, Eric Graham — were among the mourners. Although they typically present the stars and stripes during a formal drill, they served this
‘The events in New York were so extraordinary that it prompted an extraordinary response from us.’ Lt. Chris Peters, Parker police honor guard commander time as part of a cordon of officers. “They form a line and they salute the flag and the casket and the family as they go by,” said Lt. Chris Peters, commander of the honor guard. New York continues on Page 11
Parker police officers, from left, Tyler Herman, Shannon Brukbacher and Eric Graham served as part of a cordon during the funeral for one of two New York City police officers gunned down last month. Courtesy photo