The city manager who Commerce City wooed from Arizona in 2007 must be some sort of municipal management genius. Gerald Flannery was such a catch that city council members gave him a virtually interest-free, four-year, $450,000 loan to buy one of the most expensive homes in Reunion since he couldn’t sell his Arizona house. But that’s not all. The council gave him a $10,000 annual car allowance and $19,250 in moving expenses — on top of his $160,000 annual salary.
And when Flannery lost money in the real estate market due to decreasing values, they discounted that sweet $450,000 loan by $72,000 and called it a relocation fee. And they did it in a closed-door meeting, away from public view. Even though Flannery has sold his Arizona house, he still hasn’t paid back the loan, funded by taxpayers. That’s because his deal with the city says it’s not due until late 2011. In the best of times, the council’s actions would be an over-the-top example of government spending. In these times, as homeowners struggle to make mortgage payments on their own underwater mortgages, it’s indefensible. The details of the unbelievably generous deal were disclosed by Gateway News, a local news organization, and 9News, which both deserve credit for reporting the issue. We hope Commerce City residents take a few moments to let their public officials know what they think about this example of government largesse.
Zip your mouth. This idea may work. The Interstate 70 zipper lane idea seems to be gaining speed in the state legislature, and we’re glad to see it. Last week, the Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 184, which nudges the state Department of Transportation to look at the issue. The zipper lane is created when a moveable barrier is positioned to allow an extra lane in a certain direction during heavy traffic — for instance, going west in the morning in ski season. The biggest problem with the idea is that you get only one lane in the opposite direction, which can be a serious issue if someone breaks down or there is a wreck. We’re glad the legislature is looking for an innovative way of solving the annoying problem of I-70 traffic jams, but there are some things that need to be worked out before a zipper lane becomes a reality.
And a tip of our cap to … the seven Senate Democrats who helped pass the teacher reform bill out of their chamber Friday.
Short Takes is compiled by Denver Post editorial writers and expresses the view of the newspaper’s editorial board.
