1-Color
June 26, 2014
50 cents Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado Volume 69, Issue 33 A publication of
westminsterwindow.com
Beauprez grabs GOP nod in governor’s race Former congressman also emerged from primary in 2006 By Vic Vela
vvela@colorado communitymedia.com Former Congressman Bob Beauprez emerged from a crowded field of Republican hopefuls to capture the GOP nomination for governor on June 24. The native Coloradan hopes to erase memories of an unsuccessful 2006 bid for the governor’s mansion by defeating Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper in the fall. Speaking to an enthusiastic group of supporters at the down-
town Denver Athletic Club, Beauprez invoked themes of freedom and liberty and a direction toward fewer government regulations. “There is a difference between living and just kind of getting along and living free,” Beauprez said during his victory speech. Beauprez defeated fellow candidates Tom Tancredo, also a former congressman, Secretary of State Scott Gessler and former state Senate Minority Leader Mike Kopp to capture the Republican nomination. Beauprez garnered just over 30 percent of the more than 380,000 votes that were cast. Tancredo finished second with 26.6 percent. Gessler took third with 23.2 percent of the tally. Kopp trailed the pack with 19.8 percent. Beauprez tried to set aside any
doubts about party unity when he told supporters that he had spoken with the other three candidates, who had called to congratulate him on his win. Beauprez said the contest has always been “about who the real opponent in this race was. It’s John Hickenlooper.” “Ladies and gentlemen, we are a team,” he said to hoots and applause from his supporters. Beauprez took aim at Hickenlooper several times in his remarks to supporters. He called out the governor for signing laws that increase renewable energy mandates for rural electric cooperatives and for his support of gun legislation, such as universal Beauprez continues on Page 15
Three boys explore the Family Fun Festival in Westminster during opening night on June 19. Photos by Ashley Reimers
Family fun for all The Family Fun Festival runs until June 29 at the Orchard Town Center in Westminster. The event includes a variety of carnival rides, games and food. Hours of operation are as follows: 4-11 p.m. June 26-27 and 11 am. to 11 p.m. June 28-29. Tickets are $1 per ticket or $30 for unlimited rides. Cash only. For more information, visit www. theorchardtowncenter. com/go/mallevents.cfm.
Bob Beauprez celebrates his victory in the Republican gubernatorial primary at the Denver Athletic Club on June 24. Photo by Vic Vela
A man stops take snap a photo during a stroll at the Metzger Farm open space in Westminster. Results from the recent city survey revealed open space and parks are ranked high on importance for residents. Photo by Ashley Reimers
Survey reveals high numbers in quality of life, desire for commuter rail By Ashley Reimers
areimers@colorado communitymedia.com Survey says … life is good in Westminster, according to the 2014 citizen survey. Mailed to 3,000 randomly selected residents, people were asked a variety of questions regarding the city giving city staff a glimpse into residents’ feelings and thoughts on their community. With a 29 percent response rate, onequarter of survey respondents rated the overall quality of life in Westminster as very good and another six in 10 rated it as good which is similar to previous years, according to Ben Goldstein, city management analyst. He said over the past few years the results have been pretty consistent in cerTwo carnival workers prep the Ferris Wheel before the start of the Family tain areas, but there was one question this Fun Festival at the Orchard Town Center in Westminster. year that stood out in the survey. “We asked is residents about their support on the development of the site of the former Westminster Mall and 91 percent POSTAL ADDRESS of respondents voiced support,” he said. “This was a new question we asked, something unique to this survey.” Residents also weighed in on commuter rail, and according the survey results, 62 Printed on recycled newsprint. percent felt it was important to complete Please recycle this copy. the Northwest Commuter Rail line. Mirroring the same number, 62 percent would also be support a tax initiative that would provide additional public funding to the Regional Transportation District (to be paid back in the future) to accelerate com-
pletion. “When we look at the data we know based on the feedback from the residents and the surveys, there is a lot of support for the commuter rail in the community,” Goldstein said. “Not only are residents supportive in the concept, but are also willing to tax themselves. I think RTD needs to be paying attention and take note of that.” Some other survey highlights include nine out of 10 residents rated recreation facilities and the appearance of recreation facilities as good or very good and nearly all respondents rated the importance of drinking water quality and fire protection as essential or very important. At least nine in 10 respondents agreed that beautiful parks/open space, financially sound and healthy reflected their image of Westminster. “Parks and open space are two the top identifying factors that residents use to describe the city,” Goldstein said. “Both are very important to the city and as the city gains more and more open space, the focus will shift to maintaining and improving the areas so more people can use them and enjoy them.” Westminster Mayor Herb Atchison said council and staff is diligent about looking at the survey and gaining feedback from the community. When it comes to parks and recreation, Atchison said the city Survey continues on Page 15