Obama rural campaign hits G’wood

by David Frey, Aspen Daily News Correspondent

GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Calling Garfield County the “epicenter of the battleground of Colorado,” Sen. Ken Salazar appeared before Barack Obama supporters to rally them to get out the vote on Friday.

Salazar joined former Gov. Roy Romer and state Agriculture Commissioner John Stulp as part of a three-day RV tour aimed at rural voters in small towns across the state. In a vehicle marked with the words “Colorado for Obama,” the Democratic presidential candidate’s representatives traveled from Sterling to Salida, from Gunnison to Grand Junction and to Glenwood Springs, rallying support among rural voters.

Looking for, and spending, big bucks

by Brent Gardner-Smith, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer

Elk hunters from across the land are expected to head into the mountains today for the opening day of rifle season in Colorado.

And with a crumbling international economy, local business owners might really mean it this fall when they hang signs saying “Welcome Hunters.”

PitCo issuing $10M in open space bonds

by Brent Gardner-Smith, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer

Despite current economic turmoil, Pitkin County is moving forward with the issuance of $10 million in bonds to cover the cost of buying local open space.

The county’s open space program was given authority in 2006 by local voters to issue up to $20 million in bonds backed by property taxes. The county’s financial advisory board has recommended that land purchases be made before local real estate values climb even higher.

Down to three for hospital board vacancy

by Troy Hooper, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer

The number of applicants vying for an open seat on the Aspen Valley Hospital board has been cut in half.

Chuck Frias, a real estate broker; Peter Laurus, a retiree; and Taylor Liebmann, a hospital volunteer, are the finalists, according to hospital election official Nell Strijbos-Arthur.

Skiers held to 157 yards offense in 36-7 loss

by Kai Beech, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer

The Aspen High School football team was held to 157 yards total offense as it dropped its second game of the season in as many weeks, as it lost to Olathe on the road 36-7.

The Skiers found the end zone first as running back Beau Seguin scored on a 2-yard run with 1:28 remaining in the first quarter to give his team a 7-0 lead.

Denver shopping trips are good for the soul

by Beth Brandon
“I have nothing to wear.”

“I hate everything in my closet!”

Thoughts on Chairman Obama

by Neal Pollack
Editor:

For all you Chairman Obama supporters just hoping for change you can believe in, go down to the local video store and rent “Doctor Zhivago.”

Think twice about Obama

by Stan Rachesky
Editor:

To begin with, Obama will raise the long-term capital gains tax rate from 15 percent to 28 percent. His objective is to distribute hard-earned wealth (your house equity) to a large client base, the welfare-dependent poor. Its been called “tax fairness for the middle class,” but what it really should be called is ways in which the government can collect more taxes to pay for entitlement programs (health care, education, etc.). Sounds good, but it never has worked.

Here’s what we need

by Richard C. Goodwin
Editor:

The U.S. and the world needs cleansing and help no matter who becomes the new president. Here’s what is needed.

Where is the transparency?

by Emzy Veazy III
Editor:
 

Frustrated with Source Gas

by Jeff Cloninger
Editor:

I’m frustrated beyond belief and want to know if there’s anyone else out there who’s had a similar experience with Source Gas (formerly Kinder Morgan).

Democrats are part of the mess

by Mark Kwiecienski
Editor:

The sub prime mess might have been the catalyst for the domino effect seen in the financial markets. The Democrats have found an opportunity to cast the blame for the current financial situation, unjustly, on the Republicans. The Democrats are as much a part of the mess as anyone.

McCain rallies are out of control

by Richard Spencer
Editor:

I do not know if any of you have been watching the latest campaign rallies being hosted by one Sarah Palin (by the way, Mr. McCain, where’s your honor now?), but I hope you are.