Gov. Bill Ritter has sent President Barack Obama a letter recommending KBNO radio owner Zee Ferrufino as U.S. ambassador to Bolivia.
Ritter’s office confirmed the recommendation Wednesday afternoon and e-mailed a copy of the letter.
In it, the governor says, “I am certain Zee would honorably serve both the mission of our embassy, and your administration.
“Zee is the consummate ambassador, possessing the business acumen and personality desired for an individual to act as an effective representative of the United States.”
If nominated, Ferrufino, a Bolivian native, would be the first person in roughly 100 years to receive the appointment who hasn’t spent his career in the State Department.
Ferrufino, who sits on several boards and is tireless in his philanthropic pursuits, declined to comment.
Bolivia has been absent a U.S. ambassador since the South American country’s president, Evo Morales, ousted Ambassador Philip Goldberg in September after Morales accused Goldberg of inciting civil unrest.
One of the United States’ primary interests in renewing relations with Bolivia is its huge deposit of lithium salt, a critical ingredient in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries used in cellphones, laptops and future cars. U.S. and Japanese automobile companies are currently testing lithium- ion batteries.
Sweet stories.
Denver Stories, Curious Theatre Co.’s peek into the pasts of some iconic Coloradans, lampooned the lives of former Broncos player, author and broadcaster Reggie Rivers; songstress and nightclub owner Lannie Garrett; catering queen Sandy Tenenbaum; and Ritter and first lady Jeannie Ritter on Wednesday as a benefit for the independent theater.
Each “real person” took the stage at the end of their vignette.
Rivers: “Breaking up with the NFL is like breaking up with Halle Berry.”
Garrett: Big finish was the lovely Lannie herself taking the stage and singing a rousing “Let the Good Times Roll.”
Tenenbaum: Spoofy song lyrics included “There’s no business like food business,” and “She’s just a girl who can’t say no. She’s in a philanthropic fix. She can’t say nix.”
Gov. Ritter’s scene was “Oklahoma” meets Ben Cartwright. The theme from “Bonanza” played throughout.
The good guv paid homage to his mother, Ethel, who attended the event. “As a child, she lived at Ninth and Acoma,” making reference to the proximity to the Curious building at 1080 Acoma. “This is a tribute to her as much as anything.”
Eavesdropping.
Two women at Denver Stories: “Who’s leaving before the governor’s scene?”
“Republicans.”
Penny Parker’s column appears Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Listen to her on the Caplis and Silverman radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-630 AM. Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail pparker@denverpost.com.
