Pikes Peak Politics

From Associated Press:  Three AP sources say Denver Mayor John
Hickenlooper plans to run for governor.

This comes almost a week after Governor Ritter announced he’s not seeking reelection.

Working on this story for Tuesday: Jeff Crank, state director for Americans for Prosperity, delivered a 71-page report to lawmakers about the state’s economic future.  According to the Associated Press, the report warns that big government programs are hurting the state.

Here’s an excerpt:  

…a deference toward the individual, the entrepreneur, the innovator and private citizens is increasingly being replaced by Governor Bill Ritter and the current Democrat legislature with a mindset of government control — the notion that for every problem there must be a government solution, and that government knows better how to spend our money and decide our future than do private citizens

It won’t be a tea party with fine china and cookies but it will be a regular event at high noon. The local TEA party is planning to protest in front of Bennett’s office  (409 N Tejon) weekdays from 11 am – noon starting Jan. 6 – 22.

Ed Jones, former county commissioner and State Senator, announced he’s not running for El Paso County Commissioner (District 5).  Jones said he wants to help Scott McGinnis with his run for governor.   Commissioner Jim Bensberg is term-limited.

Jeff Litchfield, Colorado Springs Auditor, accepted a job in Tacoma, WA.

City Auditor Resigns

Jeff Litchfield, City Auditor for the City of Colorado Springs, notified City Council members of his decision to resign his position effective Feb. 3, 2010.  Litchfield has accepted the position of assistant finance director with the City of Tacoma, WA.

Said Mayor Lionel Rivera, “During his tenure, Jeff has done a very good job of supporting City Council as we govern and oversee all functional areas of the City, Memorial Health System and Colorado Springs Utilities. He has grown the auditor’s office into a highly trained, top-notch group of professionals who are well prepared to continue outstanding work without missing a beat.”

Litchfield was named City Auditor in June 2004, after a nation-wide search by City Council, and served in that position for more than five years.  He led the effort to make all of the auditor’s reports public and established a Web site (cityauditor.org) to post documents since March 2006.  In addition, he created an anonymous phone line (385-ADTR) for employees and citizens to use to report suspected wrongdoing.

According to Mayor Rivera, City Council will name an interim City Auditor before Litchfield’s departure and will quickly determine a process to use to choose a replacement.

The City Auditor is appointed by, and reports directly to, the City Council of Colorado Springs. By reporting directly to the City Council, the City Auditor remains independent and can provide objective analysis of the various operations.  The City Auditor and his staff provide financial audits, attestation services, performance audits and limited special projects where independence and objectivity are required.

Border’s is expecting a big turnout for Palin’s ‘Going Rogue’ book-signing.  We’re planning to cover it early.  You need to have a wristband and a book to get in. Border’s opens at 10 a.m. The mall opens at 6:30 a.m. The signing starts at 7 p.m.

This is from Michael Merrifield’s Facebook page:

Michael invited you to “Michael Merrifield for County Commissioner” on Saturday, December 12 at 1:00pm.

Event: Michael Merrifield for County Commissioner
“Support Michael as he announces his candidacy!”
Start Time: Saturday, December 12 at 1:00pm
End Time: Saturday, December 12 at 2:00pm
Where: Hooked on Books

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below: http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=207091112592&mid=180ee32G29939563G4
8cabe5G7

Thanks,
The Facebook Team