Romer endorses Ritter for governor
The last Democratic governor in Colorado endorsed party mate Bill Ritter’s gubernatorial candidacy Sunday.
Former Colorado Gov. Roy Romer said he has been impressed by Ritter since appointing him attorney general in the 1990s.
Standing with supporters in a snowstorm outside his south Denver home, Ritter thanked Romer – who will soon step down from his post as superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Ritter said access to quality education is what makes the country strong.
Ritter is the only Democrat running for governor. He is expected to face one of two Republicans – U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez or Marc Holtzman – in the November election.
Criminals could help fund youth programs
People convicted of felonies or misdemeanors may soon help fund after-school programs for middle schoolers if a bill that gets its first hearing in the state legislature this week passes.
House Bill 1363 would impose a $75 fee on all people convicted of a felony, misdemeanor or misdemeanor traffic offense. Most of that money would go to the state’s Tony Grampsas Youth Services board, which awards grants to after-school programs. Some of the money would go to fund juvenile diversion programs run through district attorneys’ offices.
“This is a unique way to get the funds without having to raise taxes,” Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said Sunday.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Debbie Benefield, D-Arvada, said after-school programs are key to getting kids off the streets at a time when youths most often commit crimes. Budget cuts in the past few years have sapped money from many after-school programs, Benefield said.
She expects the bill would generate as much as $12 million a year for after-school programs and double the number of kids who have access to such programs.
“This is truly the place you need to invest if you’re concerned with having healthy communities,” Benefield said.
The bill has its first hearing Wednesday, before the House Health and Human Services Committee.
Man critically hurt in shooting outside bar
Glendale police are investigating a shooting outside a bar shortly before 1:30 a.m. Saturday.
A 19-year-old man was taken to Denver Health Medical Center after suffering life-threatening injuries from a gunshot, Sgt. W.J. Haskins said.
The victim was shot outside the Cherry Street Bar and Grill near South Colorado Boulevard and East Virginia Avenue on Saturday, and the suspect fled the scene.
Haskins said the Glendale Police Department has a vague description of the male perpetrator, who was wearing a black hooded sweat shirt.
Wyo. Guard exceeds its recruiting goals
The Wyoming Army National Guard exceeded its recruiting goals over the past five months.
The Guard landed 1,670 new soldiers in a five-month recruiting period ending in February. Its goal, assigned by the National Guard Bureau, was 1,665.
“Our recruiting team and our units have done an outstanding job together recruiting in and around Wyoming,” said Col. Brian Harmsen, Wyoming Army Guard deputy chief of staff for personnel.
“We plan to continue to grow to help us meet the needs of our own state while still accomplishing military operations in other states and overseas.”
