colettaformayor ([info]colettaformayor) wrote in [info]co_springs,
@ 2006-12-17 16:59:00
Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
What would you like to see change in Colorado Springs?
Hello... My name is Mike Coletta and I will be running for Mayor of Colorado Springs in the 3 April 2007 election. Prior to any televised debates I would like to get input from the citizens of Colorado Springs so I can prepare to talk the issues with Mr. Lionel Rivera, the current Mayor.
So... I hope some of you will put your ideas to word here in this forum. I will be checking it often and will be noting what the people of Colorado Springs think could help make our city better.
Hey... thanks for your time and thanks for your input.
If you'd like to read more about me please visit my profile and follow the link to my website.
And have a great day!

(Post a new comment)


[info]coflower
2006-12-18 01:08 am UTC (link)
Haha, I know you from http://www.newsblab.com/blabbingmikesblog/nfblog/

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]colettaformayor
2006-12-18 02:46 am UTC (link)
Hi... Yes I'm that same guy. Just thought I'd try to expand my community involvement, if that's possible. :-)

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]coflower
2006-12-18 02:47 am UTC (link)
I love to read your blog. I read it about once a week.

I am curious though, what is your political affiliation?

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]bluepickle
2006-12-18 01:09 am UTC (link)
Sorry to dissapoint you but the moderators here don't take too kindly to political posts.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]coflower
2006-12-18 01:55 am UTC (link)
I think Shig approves posts before they are posted. Last post I made took a good 9 hours before posting.

I could be wrong but I think that the case. If so, she allowed this to go through.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]bluepickle
2006-12-18 02:00 am UTC (link)
I know that.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]coflower
2006-12-18 02:05 am UTC (link)
Then why the comment?

< shrug >

She even said below...

No problem at all just wondering why you said that when Shig moderates the comments here before they are posted.

Okay, whatever.

Mike seems like a good enough guy, been watching his blog for some time. Not that I am to vote for him or anything.

;-)

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]bluepickle
2006-12-18 02:17 am UTC (link)
Why the comment? I don't like her moderating policies. I was trying to quietly indicate the bias and hypocracy. No need to instigate a fight about it, it's my opinion.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]coflower
2006-12-18 02:22 am UTC (link)
I wasn't in favor of instigating anything.

Just asking why is all.

I don't much like it either and I am part of the reason why she moderates the way she does.

If you want to blame anyone, blame me. I was an asshole and more than once she got fed up with it, naturally.

So there you go. I may not the only reason but I was part of it.

So if you want to get on anyone's butt about it, here I am. I know I was part of the reason she decided to go moderated posts only. I was an ass. She didn't like that and I understand it. I helped screw it up for other members here.

Oh and you weren't all that quiet about it. She allowed it and while probably wouldn't vote for Mike I do have a respect for him.

(I am Libertarian.)

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]bluepickle
2006-12-18 02:28 am UTC (link)
get over yourself

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]coflower
2006-12-18 02:30 am UTC (link)
Whatever you think, you can believe.

Touché.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]shiggity
2006-12-18 02:22 am UTC (link)
and i respect that.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]shiggity
2006-12-18 02:03 am UTC (link)
i figured people would be interested in hearing from canadates. any canadate. i'm not saying myself or the community are supporting him. but i would be interested hearing what he has to say and appreciate him actually trying to talk to citizens up close and personal.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]bluepickle
2006-12-18 02:19 am UTC (link)
I think letting him post was a good idea. In fact, I think it would be great if everyone had the opportunity, regardless of their current political power standings.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]shiggity
2006-12-18 02:22 am UTC (link)
i would too. i totally agree. i'm just having to deal with the whining and complaints from people.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]bluepickle
2006-12-18 02:30 am UTC (link)
I've made my suggestions in the past.

I didn't intend for this to turn into a "thing," it was just a cynical comment.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]shiggity
2006-12-18 02:34 am UTC (link)
nah it's all good.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]crystalyne
2006-12-20 07:28 am UTC (link)
I didn't realize you approved posts first... Is this a recent thing?

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]shiggity
2006-12-20 07:35 am UTC (link)
yeah like in the past month.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]amyelisabeth
2006-12-18 02:56 am UTC (link)
Geez, I must be out of the loop as I thought this was an entry about local politics, i.e. City of Colorado Springs, and not trite live journal politics. Though, I could be wrong.

Thanks for your entry, Mike. I thoroughly enjoy news blab and look forward to your campaign for mayor.

What are your ideas on neighborhood revamping? Personally, I'm torn. I see Chuck Murphy's gang remodeling homes around South Nevada and Rio Grande and wonder what impact this will have on the area. Certainly, the exteriors look far better than their former Doug Bruce landlord-esque conditions, but at the expense of the renters who may no longer be able to afford them.

In light of this weekend's shooting at The Chief Motel on South Nevada, how do you plan to combat crime in this stretch of town? Status quo isn't working thus far.

Thanks again!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]bluepickle
2006-12-18 04:24 am UTC (link)
Good point; I second the question about recent shootings. Two dead cops in a year is a lot, after all.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]colettaformayor
2006-12-18 04:50 am UTC (link)
Hi Amy...
Thanks for the nice words about News Blab. I just finished updating it with a couple of things that will appear in the morning.
About your neighborhood input... One of my main issues is the fact that we are expanding outward without taking care of the original planned city areas first. These areas are getting more run-down while the outer limits are being planned and expanded. I would like to see a focus on what I call the inner city with all its needed fixing. A city should not expand just to expand and allow what was once a show piece area become so run down that it invites the type of activity we now see. We need to grow for the good, even if that growth is slower than some want.
For starters it would be nice to have developers look back at our inner circle and try to plan for improvements where needed. Restructuring of capitol improvement priorities would be a step in the right direction. And you're right... these upgrade prices could not be so large as to knock out the people who need to continue to live in their chosen areas.
The city strategic action plan along with the comprehensive plan and capitol improvement plan need a good scrubbing.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]jhohanna
2006-12-18 05:37 pm UTC (link)
Freakin' YAY!!!!!!!!

Mike, I've been saying these things for oh, nigh on 18 years, since my aunt & uncle lived behind the Chief Motel. *yikes* And it's not just the core of downtown that gets forgotten. There are entire swaths of Colorado Springs that have been run down for years, just because sprawl moves on and forgets her.

Sometimes I wonder if my followthrough-ability was affected by growing up in the Springs that seemingly has no ability to finish whatever it is they start. The damned Woodmen Exchange is a perfect example. I haven't even been home in 8 years, but when I saw the kid in Gunnar's Palace talking about how he read in the GT that it was just being started, I literally broke down and cried. It's been ongoing since *I* was in Jr. High, some 20 years ago now.

Something about your name rings a bell.... But I haven't been home in 8 years, sadly enough, due to the lack of IT jobs in the community. Or rather, the lack of wanting to hire real people to do a real job, not just contractors to fill a hole. IT is not construction or landscaping. :P With all the SpaceComm and incoming military that is being moved back to the Springs, I can only hope that will change. I've been searching the area for nearly 8 months now, and not a single bite. That's what drove me out of the Springs, and the only thing that can bring me home. I really wish it could, so my search is never ending.

Good luck on your drive. I nearly turned my back on my home town because of Lionel Rivera's hypocrisy and narrow-mindedness, not to mention the Indian-giving of the equal partners benefits. After spending years fighting Amendment 2 back in the day, it made me sick. But the only way we can change anything is to be active, and participate, even if you're 1600 miles away. Colorado Springs will always be my home, no matter how far my career takes me.


(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]colettaformayor
2006-12-19 01:01 am UTC (link)
Thank you for that nice reply... When your career finally does bring you back home make sure to let me know so I can welcome you back with a handshake and a smile!

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]lds
2006-12-18 03:33 am UTC (link)
Colorado Springs, according to Wikipedia, has the worst traffic congestion of any city its size. I believe it! Unfortunately, just building more lanes isn't going to solve it; six bad drivers can clog up six lanes as easily as two bad drivers can clog up two. And Colorado Springs has enough bad drivers to clog up any road or highway, no matter how many lanes you open them up.

The only way to improve congestion is for each citizen to think about how his or her actions affects traffic around them.

1. Do not use the far left lane unless you're overtaking the person on your right. Period. Gotta turn left a mile up the road? Fine. Use the left lane. But overtake the vehicle on your right while you're there. Want to cruise all day in the left lane at five under the speed limit? Fine. But make sure the vehicle on your right is going ten under the speed limit, so you're overtaking it. That's it. Left lane is for overtaking only. Period.

2. When the light turns green, start your roll immediately, not three seconds after the car in front of you starts its roll (which is three seconds after the car in front of it started its roll, etc.). There are a lot of very long red lights in town, and a lot of traffic builds up behind them, and not a single one of them wants to sit through three or four red lights because the people in front of them are so inconsiderate. If everybody moves at once and gets up to speed quicker, that's a lot less time wasted on a frustrating commute.

3. Don't rubberneck at cars beside the road. Are they changing a flat? Got their hood up? No need to slow down to 10MPH on the interstate—we all know you aren't going to stop to help anyway. Pay attention to the road in front of you, and how your actions are affecting those around you.

Yep, none of these has anything to do with a mayoral candidate, but if anyone's interested in how to improve the town, they're going to read this thread. So this is the place to post it. Your mayoral candidate can't fix this; only you, every individual reader, can fix this. There are probably a few things a mayor can do, like commission studies on traffic-light timing, but at the end of the day, it's in our hands to improve a lot of simple things about the town on our own.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]bigmog
2006-12-18 06:54 am UTC (link)
Driving habits of the general public cannot be altered. Everyone on the road is a terrible driver except for you right? Well, the best way to solve traffic issues is to get an actually loop going around the city instead of the north south limits of I-25 / Powers / Academy. Take a look at Phoenix as an example. Although I doubt any potential mayor is going to make a campaign on another decade of construction.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]focofox37
2006-12-18 04:16 am UTC (link)
First of all just keep Colorado Springs open and friendly to mountain bikers.

Add new trails, keep parks and rec well funded, I'm easy to please.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]colettaformayor
2006-12-18 05:03 am UTC (link)
Gen Palmer's vision for his city was to have many open parks for the people. I think many city government officials have forgotten about that vision. A focus on parks is a must if we are to remain a healthy city. Not only people parks, but the number of animal friendly parks need to increase.
I spend a bunch of time in Monument Valley Park and a number of others in the area. People love the parks around here. If the citizens want their parks open, they should be open. Palmer Park is one example of a bikers park that I've seen used a lot.
I think the city officials need to get out more to these parks and see what a huge part they play in keeping citizens happy. Funding for these outdoor treasures is a must!

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]focofox37
2006-12-18 07:59 pm UTC (link)
Sweet,

Now that I've had time to think about it, Stop Light Scynchonization and a commuter rail between here and denver would be nice too.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]colettaformayor
2006-12-19 02:47 am UTC (link)
Now that I've had time to think about it, Stop Light Scynchonization and a commuter rail between here and denver would be nice too.

I covered the commuter rail issue already.
Amen to the "Stop Light Synchronization" issue. I seem to recall they put those low level cameras in all over the city. They are supposed to take the place of the pressure sensors in the ground and switch the lights based on the amount of traffic in each direction.
Well... I've been stuck at lights for way over a reasonable time-frame with no other traffic present. Those low level cameras must be sleeping each time I'm at the intersections.
I would definitely like to get some answers... and not the party line answers... about what gives with the light synchronization timing. How it's done, why it's done the way it's done now, how can it be changed if change is needed, and who decided how it's done now. And for gosh sakes... we don't need another study... just answers!

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]jaigh_taylor
2006-12-18 04:50 am UTC (link)
Please god, push the commuter rail initiative.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]colettaformayor
2006-12-18 05:08 am UTC (link)
If you've seen many pictures of Colorado Springs in the old days you will notice how many rail tracks went in and around the city. Commuter rail was in our past and should be in our future. I'm a big train nut... so I'd love to see this initiative succeed!

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]bigmog
2006-12-18 06:57 am UTC (link)
Denver just opened it's expanded RTD light rail lines and we haven't seen any immediate improvement in traffic conditions. Granted it may take several years before any benefit is gained but it's still hard to imagine that a rail system in Colorado Springs would fair any better.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]jaigh_taylor
2006-12-18 03:32 pm UTC (link)
http://www.rangerxpress.com/img/FR_rail_ts.jpg

(Reply to this) (Parent)
Where do you stand on...
[info]kittiethedragon
2006-12-18 05:51 am UTC (link)
As a prosepective return to Co. Springs (I moved to NYC for college nad have recently been looking at moving back to my home town), I'm still interested in the goings on there. I was wondering about your take on the following:

Gun Control.

Concealed and Open Carry.

Welfare.

Public Works.

Tax Reform.

Privatization Vrs Nationalization.

Squatter's Rights.

Federal Influence.

State Influence.

Dangerous Pets.

Community Ethos Censorship.

Gay Rights.

It's a lot of stuff, but it's what will determine where I take myself and my fiancee to raise a family. That's a few years down the road, but changes start long before you arrive.

(Reply to this) (Thread)
Re: Where do you stand on...
[info]colettaformayor
2006-12-19 12:19 am UTC (link)
Hi there...
Wow... you'd think I was running for President with this many issue requests. Can I ask a favor? I'd love to respond to you but could you focus the issues with concerns as they relate to this city. I sure would enjoy answering with regards to a Colorado Springs related issue. These open ended items could be answered a number of ways, all depending on how I try to interrupt your direction.
I sure would appreciate it... Thanks!

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]thelastaurora
2006-12-18 02:54 pm UTC (link)
Hey Mike,

Big issues in my head:

Public transportation. We're growing to be part of the next metropolis in this country and we can't even get a decent bus system going? What's up with that. It's getting to the point where we need trains and we're going to need them soon. Not only that run around the city but that connect us from city to city. That also ties into environmentalist stuff that I wont rant about.

Alternative fuel sources available in Colorado. Aside from just hybrids. We are one of the only states in the union even able to carry a gas as crappy as 85. Even taking that away is a step in the right direction.

Gay rights is a big concern for me as well. It's human rights. But how do you sway the opinion of mega-church voters? You don't. I'd just ask for a government body who does not associate with the mega-churches. I feel that if you do, or if you associate with any organization that feels as though you should vote and make laws according to them rather than the people, you should step down.


There's more but it's early and I haven't had coffee.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]colettaformayor
2006-12-19 12:50 am UTC (link)
Hey...

Public transportation is a biggie! I fully support a commuter rail system. As I said earlier, if you've seen pictures of early Colorado Springs you saw how many rail tracks went in and around the city. Commuter rail was in our past and should be in our future.
I'd love to see a trolley system run around the city again. I've never even taken a bus in the city, so I think I need to take a ride on one real soon to see how it goes. I did get the tour and talk when they were introducing the new system. But that's not the same as riding.
Maybe someone can tell me a route that I might or should check-out and detail some of the problems.

Alternative fuel sources... I'd have to look into that one. I'm not up on the way things work yet with regards to this regulation. Does the city have much say, or is it a state of federal thing? Something for me to research I think...

Gay (human) rights is a big concern for me too. I am not of the same mind-frame as some of the city council when it comes to this issue I'm guessing. Especially the Mayor. I was upset when he did not support the Pride Parade as he had in past years. I'm guessing this refusal to support was because of his "bigger political plans" which back-fired on him. He turned his back on these citizens of Colorado Springs, in my opinion. I would be willing to listen to any citizen of this community and weigh issues based on the issues. Not based on someone's lifestyle. By-the-way, I attend this parade each year and enjoy taking pictures and talk with the people. It's a fun community event with fun citizens... just as all the other community events are. The groups that participate in the parade are big community supporters, and always have been!
Any event that supports our community should be welcomed by our citizens. Some many don't get out and support the community as they should. Bless and support those who do!

As for the opinion of mega-church voters... anyone who has read my blog over the years knows this government body (me), if elected, would have no problem with not associating with the mega-churches when it comes to an attempted pressure to vote their way, if it goes against what the majority of citizens want.
And I agree with you when you say, "if you associate with any organization that feels as though you should vote and make laws according to them rather than the people, you should step down."
Unfortunately... stepping down would probably take a recall.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]indorphin
2006-12-18 05:55 pm UTC (link)
Sweet.

Using LiveJournal for politics is brilliant way to connect with the voters.

After reading your blog for the past year or so I believe you love this town and want to do great things. I'm looking forward to see how the campaign shapes up.

I'll put your sign in my yard and your bumper-sticker on my car.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]colettaformayor
2006-12-19 12:53 am UTC (link)
Thank you for those kind words... I do love this town.
Thanks for your great support!!!

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]timmee
2006-12-19 01:41 am UTC (link)
How about having some developers pay impact fees so everyone who's been here awhile doesn't have to pay for new developments infrastructure.

Having non profits pay property tax would be a good idea too.

(Reply to this)


[info]thelastaurora
2006-12-19 06:58 am UTC (link)
Alternative fuel sources... I'd have to look into that one. I'm not up on the way things work yet with regards to this regulation. Does the city have much say, or is it a state of federal thing? Something for me to research I think...

Well this may just be left over thought pattern from being raised in a small town in the south, but I still have faith that local action and opinion can hold some sway for state and federal decision making.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]colettaformayor
2007-01-02 11:28 pm UTC (link)
Tomorrow (3 Jan 07) I kick off my signature gathering campaign. I picked up the petitions today and I start my walking around the city tomorrow. Without the required amount of signatures a person can not get on the ballot. This is my next goal. If you are asked to sign for me by someone, I would greatly appreciate your signature. Thanks!

(Reply to this) (Parent)
Growth
[info]votecity07
2007-01-22 04:26 am UTC (link)
Mayor Mike, I'd like to see us build less buildings and homes and more aesthetics (spelling?). I like seeing the mountains, walking on sidewalks w/handicap ramps, visiting affordable theatre, downtown events, GOOD restaurants and etcetera. I enjoy meeting Colorado Springs friendly people (except when driving!) and being able to steer those in need to our many helping agencies like Silver Key and Resource Exchange.

I don't like some of the road intersections that seem designed to cause accidents, feeling like city council is somehow hoodwinking me (like a mushroom -keeping me in the dark and feeding me fertlizer), reading/listening to the embarassing public behavior of D-11...

Mayor Mike, if you care about our town like I do and respect us voters AKA keep us informed w/out playing games, I'll vote for you!

(Reply to this) (Thread)
Re: Growth
[info]colettaformayor
2007-01-23 12:56 am UTC (link)
Thank you for sharing!
You have touched on my most important issue. Making sure I do keep the citizens, who I would work for, informed... w/out the games. And since I am not a politician, just a very concerned citizen who cares, keeping you informed will be very easy.
- Mike

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]lilyice
2007-03-02 09:40 pm UTC (link)
to be blunt: the roads in this city suck.

Have you driven down Boulder in front of the hospital? They had it torn up for months doing god-knows-what, and I'm still afraid i'm going to have to have my cars tires realigned after hitting potholes I don't see in the dark on that road.

Seriously, next to the curb going towards downtown in front of the hospital. it is RIDICULOUS.

(Reply to this)

Create an Account
Forgot your login or password?
Login w/ OpenID
English • Español • Deutsch • Русский…