LITTLETON 3.21.13
March 21, 2013
Arapahoe County, Colorado • Volume 124, Issue 9
75 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourlittletonnews.com
County chooses new clerk
A JOB FOR THE DOGS
Cleared in ethics probe, Crane to fill Doty’s term By Deborah Grigsby
dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com
Thor, an Arapahoe County Sheriff ’s Office K-9 patrol dog, leaps over a tall obstacle to take down trainer Jimmy Vanhove. The indoor three-day training exercise at Warriors Field House in Highlands Ranch honed the skills of police dogs, their trainers and training decoys. Read more on Page 6. Photo by Courtney Kuhlen
The Arapahoe County commissioners have appointed Matt Crane as the county’s new clerk and recorder, replacing Nancy Doty, who has held the position while simultaneously serving as county commissioner. In a 4-to-1 vote, Crane emerged as the candidate of choice during the March 19 public hearing, with supporters citing his experience and technical skills. Board members cast Crane their votes aloud, each justifying their selection. “I know, personally, how difficult this job is,” said Doty. “Experience is key, and being able to take over on day one is critical, therefore I cast my ballot for Matt Crane.” Commissioners Rod Bockenfeld, Nancy Jackson and Bill Holen echoed Doty’s remarks, also casting their vote for Crane, who held the position of Arapahoe County deputy of elections under Doty. Holen, who represents District 5, read a statement scolding those responsible for a mysterious letter sent to the board earlier this year calling Crane’s integrity into question, calling the attempt vicious and an “attempt to usurp the democratic process.” District 2 Commissioner Nancy Sharpe, the only holdout, cast her vote for Susan Beckman, a former county commissioner. Sharpe said she based her decision to support Beckman on the office’s need for solid executive leadership. “The technology is already there,” she said. “The person that fills this position should be a strong manager, a respected leader and have the integrity and honesty to ensure fair elections.” After votes were tallied, realizing she was Clerk continues on Page 13
Rare meeting of the minds over marijuana DeGette, Coffman join forces to protect Amendment 64 from feds By Jennifer Smith
jsmith@ourcoloradonews.com Normally polar opposites, U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (D-Denver) and Mike Coffman (R-Aurora) re-introduced the “Respect States’ and Citizens’ Rights Act,” which POSTAL ADDRESS
would ensure state laws regarding marijuana will not be pre-empted by the federal government. “I strongly oppose marijuana legalization, and I did not support Amendment 64, but I also have an obligation to respect the will of Colorado voters. They passed this initiaCoffman tive, and I will support their voice and this legislation,” Coffman said in a news release.
Amendment 64 passed by a wide margin in Colorado, making it legal for those older than 21 to possess small amounts of pot for recreational use. Several lawmakers quickly expressed concern about the federal government’s ability to override the voter-approved initia- DeGette tive and the state’s right to exercise the will of the citizens. The “Respect States’ and Citizens’ Rights Act” is an
LITTLETON INDEPENDENT (ISSN 1058-7837) (USPS 315-780) OFFICE: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Englewood, Colorado, the Littleton Independent is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display advertising: Thurs. 11 a.m. Legal advertising: Thurs. 11 a.m. Classified advertising: Mon. 12 p.m.
effort to address that concern, clarify Congressional intent and provide guidance for the courts. Home-rule cities around Colorado are making their own pre-emptive strikes to varying degrees, trying to protect their interests from both the state and federal governments. For example, Littleton passed a temporary moratorium on sales and pot clubs, Lone Tree banned clubs and Columbine Valley banned all sales and clubs outright.
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Marijuana continues on Page 13
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