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Stratford: What does human trafficking look like in Colorado?
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Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Stratford: What does human trafficking look like in Colorado?

By Sabrina Stratford | Guest Columnist There are more than 49.6 million people in modern slavery today. What does that look like in Colorado? Human trafficking is the exploitation of another person involving force, fraud, or coercion for labor or sex. Human trafficking is a crime against a person, not a border. Anyone can become a victim, no matter a person’s background or identity, but the more vulnerable a person is the more likely they are to become a victim. At risk individuals include those living on the streets or homeless, individuals with addictions, sex workers, the LGBTQIA+ community, runaways and immigrants. At risk people are trafficked more frequently than safe and stable community members. Sex trafficking Involves the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provis...
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Primary Election ’24: In 5th District, both Democratic and Republican races are opposed
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Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Primary Election ’24: In 5th District, both Democratic and Republican races are opposed

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice In Colorado's 5th District, both Republican and Democratic registered voters will be asked to weigh in on contested races for their party's nomination to the general election ballot. U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn announced earlier this year his decision to retire at the conclusion of his term, setting up an open-seat election for the central and southern Colorado district. Ballots began hitting the mailstream Monday in the state's primary election and must be mailed to all registered voters by Friday. Election Day is June 25. In the 5th District Republican Party primary election, the decision is between Jeff Crank and Dave Williams. Crank twice previously opposed Lamborn for the seat and the vice president of Americans for Prosperity is back for ...
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Special district elections: RTD board will have elections to eight district seats
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Approved, Denver Metro, Rocky Mountain Voice

Special district elections: RTD board will have elections to eight district seats

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice Non-partisan elections of persons who sit on city councils, school districts, fire and water boards, and more, almost always are overshadowed in what is termed "down-ballot elections." One Rocky Mountain Voice reader, Chuck O’Reilly, has taken on the challenge to identify some of these elections in a multifaceted project in the area where he resides. Following is information on the project in Mr. O'Reilly's words: This project has multiple purposes.   First, to analyze the nomination process of each district and timely information for voters of the process, so that those who wish to do so may become a candidate for the respective board in their area.  Later, after the individuals qualify for the respectiv...
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Ballots to begin hitting mailstream for June 25 primary election
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Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Ballots to begin hitting mailstream for June 25 primary election

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice Ballots will begin hitting the mailstream today, June 3, in the state's primary election, Secretary of State Jena Griswold has announced. Election Day is Tuesday, June 25. “Ballots are arriving to your mailbox soon,” said Griswold, in a press release. “There is still time to register to vote if you have not already, and I encourage every eligible Coloradan to do so.” Active voters must be mailed a ballot by Friday, June 7. The ballot will include party-related ballot items and a special election to select what has been termed a "placeholder" in Colorado's 4th Congressional District, completing the unexpired term of U.S. Rep. Ken Buck. In that election, there will be a choice of a Democrat, Republican and two minor-party candidates for the une...
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Zorn: Colorado’s passenger rail romance vs. reality
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Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Zorn: Colorado’s passenger rail romance vs. reality

By Ryan Zorn | Guest Columnist Have you noticed that the expansion of passenger rail is beginning to permeate agendas of state and local governments?  The romance of big rail projects and access to other people’s money have always been hard for career politicians to resist.  Gov. Jared Polis is no different.  The Biden administration is dangling billions of federal taxpayer dollars out for grabs.  Here at home, the governor just secured a legislated $3 per-day rental car fee worth $58 million per year and a privately-negotiated political ransom worth $175 million per year from Colorado oil and gas producers in the form of new production fees that will be funneled toward new passenger rail initiatives.  His message to our local governments seems to be “all ...
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Devotional: What type of dog are you?
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Devotional: What type of dog are you?

By DRAKE HUNTER | Special Contributor Using your imagination and curiosity is one of life’s greatest joys when used in a healthy way. I invite you to think about something fun: "What type of dog are you most like?" It's interesting how our behavior and personality often reflect those of our furry friends. This exploration might help you learn something new about yourself and make you more faithful and trusting in life as we "Watch Them Dogs!" Over the nearly four decades I’ve been a believer and follower of Christ, I've heard and delivered countless impactful and meaningful sermons. But one stands out more than others, and I want to share it with you. In August 1988, when I became a Christian, I heard a message that made a lasting impression. It was called "Watch Them Dogs!" and w...
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In Boebert-less 4th District debate, Republican Rumble still centered on Boebert
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Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

In Boebert-less 4th District debate, Republican Rumble still centered on Boebert

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice DENVER -- A brief heated exchange between Deborah Flora and Richard Holtorf highlighted what otherwise was a 4th District congressional debate which seemed to center on everything but those appearing on stage Saturday during the Republican Rumble here at the Grizzly Rose. Lauren Boebert chose not to attend the Republican Rumble debate, and instead focus her final weekend prior to ballots being received on campaigning. Yet, she was the focus of the first question of the debate when candidates were asked to consider differences between them and the top-line candidate on the ballot. "We hear a whole bunch of rhetoric that doesn't actually discuss results," said Mike Lynch, adding criticism of Boebert's move from the 3rd to the 4th District, aski...
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Evans, Flora win Republican Rumble straw poll; LP chair second to Lopez in special election poll
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Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Evans, Flora win Republican Rumble straw poll; LP chair second to Lopez in special election poll

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice DENVER -- Deborah Flora captured another straw poll win Saturday on the eve of primary ballots beginning to populate mail boxes across the district and the state. Following an exchange with 4th Congressional District opponent Richard Holtorf over the financial status of her non-profit and the service of family and spouses to active duty military, Flora captured the Republican Rumble straw poll victory here at the Grizzly Rose. Flora, viewed by some to be a front-runner with Lauren Boebert, earned 24.8% of the straw votes. "I'm humbled again for this latest straw poll victory. From Douglas to Weld and Kit Carson to Prowers, I've worked tirelessly to hear your concerns and be your voice for Congress," Flora said. "We're building on that momentu...
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Evans positions as a ‘big tent’ option in 8th District during Rumble with opponent Janak Joshi
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Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Evans positions as a ‘big tent’ option in 8th District during Rumble with opponent Janak Joshi

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice DENVER -- Gabe Evans appeared Saturday to walk the walk. "I'm going to work as a big-tent Republican," Evans said. "That is how we win the 8th Congressional District." When his opponent, Janak Joshi, drifted hard right during the Republican Rumble here at the Grizzly Rose, Evans seemed to moderate on issues that will play to a general election audience against an incumbent Democrat. "I'm literally all in to go out, fight and win, to flip this seat," Evans said, closing a debate with Joshi where he drew a major difference in intelligence policy and the abortion issue. Joshi supports dissolving the nation's intelligence community, and then rebuilding. It was supported from a Libertarian Party contingent in attendance. "All of these dep...
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Republican Rumble ‘with a twist’ offers triple-header of debates today
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Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Republican Rumble ‘with a twist’ offers triple-header of debates today

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice The second Republican Rumble of the primary season will feature a triple-header of candidates debating the issues in two districts. Co-hosted by the Republican Women of Weld and the Lincoln Club of Colorado, the "Republican Rumble with a Twist" will be from 11 a.m. to about 5 p.m. today, June 1, at the Grizzly Rose, 5450 North S. Valley Hwy in Denver. Leading off the debates will be the 8th District Republican Primary at noon, featuring Gabe Evans and Janak Joshi. Evans currently serves in the Colorado House of Representatives, and Joshi served three terms in the Colorado House. The Republican nominee will meet Democrat Yadira Caraveo in the general election. The 8th District is a largely urban district from Commerce City and Westminster in t...
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