Announcement from Sen. Josh Penry

Dear Friends,

This morning in a small park in Grand Junction I endorsed Scott McInnis to be the next Governor of the State of Colorado.

Experience and new energy are now on the same team, and that's good news for our state, our party, and the cause of conservative reform and good government that Colorado desperately needs.

It's bad news for Bill Ritter and a Democratic legislature that has rubber stamped his big tax, big fee, no drill economic agenda. The Democratic monopoly in Denver has helped usher in the worst economy in 60 years. Soon, it will be their turn to take a number in the unemployment line.

My endorsement of Scott is an enthusiastic one - it comes on the heels of two weeks of talks between Scott and I as well as other leaders in local government, the state legislature, and leading Republican names like Tom Tancredo. Those talks resulted in a common-sense conservative reform agenda that will be unveiled in the coming days - it's a governing vision that will get Colorado's economy moving again, and at long last rally the Colorado Republican Party on the principles and priorities that make us strong. Look for more on that soon.

It also positions Colorado Republicans for a historic comeback in 2010.   

On the morning of election day in 2004, Colorado was Republican Country.

The Grand Old Party in the Centennial State claimed a Governor, two United States Senators, five Members of Congress, a state Treasurer, Secretary of State, and a majority in both the State House of Representatives and the Colorado Senate.

By that evening, everything changed. And over the next five plus years, Republicans witnessed a literal electoral collapse, with Democrats taking the Governor's office, both US Senate Seats, five Congressional Districts, the state House, Senate and the Treasurer's and the Secretary of State's office too.
The reasons for our Party's demise are by now well documented: a well-funded, well-organized and highly-motivated Democratic and liberal machine out-smarted and out-maneuvered a Republican Party that was, for its part, divided, undisciplined, and underfunded.

This week, the long march back begins for Colorado Republicans.  On the heels of runaway election sweeps in New Jersey and Virginia, Colorado Republicans have a once in a generation chance to return our governing philosophy to a leadership position in Colorado - to defeat an incumbent Governor, to re-establish conservative control of both chambers of the Colorado legislature and in other key seats as well.

And my endorsement of Scott McInnis is one part of that. This election is about something more than personalities and personal ambition - it's about reclaiming this State, and demanding common sense and leadership from government.

I left the Governor's race last week to focus our resources and our common purposes on taking back the electoral real estate we've lost - yes, beating Bill Ritter, but also rallying our resources to make sure we elect conservative reformers to Congress the statehouse and courthouses across Colorado.

It's a little different role then we envisioned five months ago, but it's a critical fight for Colorado.  And right after I finish a little turkey and a lot of mashed potatoes with the family, it's a fight that I will wage vigorously.

For his part, Scott is eager to earn your support and vote. Ask him questions and hear him out. My bet is he'll convince you he's the right man to be Governor - like he did me.

Thanks for your time. Best wishes for a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Most Sincerely,

Josh

GOV. RITTER APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS TO HIGHER ED, STATE FAIR BOARDS

 

Gov. Bill Ritter announced appointments today to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and the Colorado State Fair Board. The appointments are for terms expiring in 2013.

 

Gov. Ritter has appointed to the CCHE: Regina M. Rodriguez of Denver, a Democrat, to represent the 7^th Congressional District, and David L. Edwards of Fort Collins, unaffiliated, to represent the 4^th Congressional District. The 11-member CCHE sets policies for all state-supported colleges and universities.

 

The Governor also has named the following people to the Colorado State Fair Authority Board of Commissioners:

·         Loren R. Whittemore of Rush, re-appointed.

·         Vincent L. Vigil of Pueblo, re-appointed.

·         David J. Galli of Pueblo, appointed.

 

The 11-member Fair Board directs and supervises the annual Colorado State Fair and Industrial Exposition, which is held in Pueblo.

 

The appointments announced today require state Senate confirmation.

 

For more information about Colorado boards and commissions, or to obtain an application, visit the Boards and Commission website, e-mail boards@state.co.us, or call 303.866.6380.

 

GOV. RITTER HONORS 15 FORT CARSON SOLDIERS KILLED LAST MONTH

OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.

WWW.COLORADO.GOV/GOVERNOR

 

Gov. Bill Ritter issued the following statement today honoring the 15 Fort Carson soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan in October, the deadliest month of combat for the post since the Vietnam War:

 

"This tragic loss of life is the ultimate reminder of the sacrifice that members of the military make to defend our freedoms. As a community and a country, it's vital that we honor their lives, their bravery and their heroism. It is with a heavy heart that I ask all Coloradans to join with me to keep those who laid down their lives, as well as the loved ones they leave behind, in our thoughts and prayers."

 

Those remembered at today's services:

 

4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division:

Staff Sgt. Justin T. Gallegos, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team

Staff Sgt. Vernon W. Martin, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team

Sgt. Joshua M. Hardt, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team

Sgt. Joshua J. Kirk, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team

Sgt. Michael P. Scusa, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team

Spc. Christopher T. Griffin, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team

Spc. Stephan L. Mace, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team

Pfc. Kevin C. Thomson, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team

 

4th Engineer Battalion:

Staff Sgt. Glen H. Stivison Jr., 576th Mobility Augmentation Company

Spc. Kevin O. Hill, 569th  Mobility Augmentation Company

Spc. Jesus O. Flores, 569th Mobility Augmentation Company

Spc. Daniel C. Lawson, 569th Mobility Augmentation Company

Spc. Eric N. Lembke, 569th Mobility Augmentation Company

Spc. Kimble A. Han, 569th Mobility Augmentation Company

Pfc. Brandon M. Styer, 569th Mobility Augmentation Company

 

GOV. RITTER STATEMENT ON SEN. GIBBS' DECISION

OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.

WWW.COLORADO.GOV/GOVERNOR

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009

 

CONTACT

Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us

 

GOV. RITTER STATEMENT ON SEN. GIBBS' DECISION

 

Gov. Ritter issued the following statement today regarding state Sen. Dan Gibbs' decision to forego re-election to the Senate after the 2010 legislative session and instead pursue a seat on the Summit County Board of Commissioners:

 

"As an effective advocate for the Western Slope and one of my strongest partners in the legislature, Sen. Gibbs will be sorely missed at the Capitol. I look forward to working closely with Sen. Gibbs during the 2010 session, but after that the General Assembly's loss will certainly be Summit County's gain. As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Sen. Gibbs has been a key ally in my administration's efforts to repair and keep Colorado's roads and bridges safe. Dan has also worked tirelessly with my administration and the federal government to address the bark beetle infestation in Colorado's forests. He is a talented legislator with a bright future as a county commissioner, and I wish him the best."

 

# # #

 

     

GOV. RITTER LAUDS OPENING OF BUSINESS ASSISTANCE CENTER IN COLO. SPGS.

 

Gov. Bill Ritter today applauded the opening of a new Colorado Procurement Technical Assistance Center in Colorado Springs, which will help connect small businesses with government contracts.

 

"This is another important step forward for Colorado's small-business community, which is the backbone of our economy and the engine that drives this state forward," Gov. Ritter said. "Congratulations to the many partners who worked long and hard to make this a reality. Bringing a PTAC to Colorado will be critical to our future economic growth."

 

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is located at 190 S. Cascade Ave. Don Marostica, head of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, attended today's grand opening.

 

"During these difficult economic times, we're pleased to offer additional resources to Colorado businesses," said Tom Elam, director of the Colorado PTAC.  "Contracting and procurement on the federal, state, and local level will bring additional dollars to our businesses and help retain jobs."

 

Colorado was awarded the new PTAC this summer after a competitive application process led by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Institute for Civic Achievement Inc. and many other businesses, organizations and volunteers across the state.

 

The PTAC program is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, the State Economic Development Commission and others. It will assist Colorado's small and middle market businesses to obtain contracts with federal, state, county and local governments. The assistance center will be based out of Colorado Springs with satellite workers providing additional coverage throughout the state.

 

GOV. RITTER NAMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS FOR THREE STATE COLLEGES

 

Gov. Bill Ritter today announced appointments to the governing boards for Mesa State College, the University of Northern Colorado and the Colorado School of Mines. All of the appointments are effective Jan. 1, 2010, through Dec. 31, 2013.

 

Gov. Ritter appointed Jerome Gonzales of Grand Junction, Cecil M. Hernandez of Aspen and Dan R. Robinson of Grand Junction to the Mesa State College Board of Trustees.

 

The Governor re-appointed Richard L. Monfort of Greeley and appointed Denise L. St. Cyr of Parker to the UNC Board of Trustees.

 

Gov. Ritter appointed Stewart A. Bliss of Denver and Mohan S. Misra of Golden to the Board of Trustees of the Colorado School of Mines.

 

"Colorado's colleges and universities hold the key to unlocking opportunities and possibilities for students throughout Colorado," Gov. Ritter said. "The people appointed and re-appointed today share my vision for a higher-education system that prepares students to not just compete -- but to succeed -- in today's 21^st century economy. Students and families will be well-served by each of these board members."   

 

For more information about Colorado boards and commissions, or to obtain an application, visit the Boards and Commission website, e-mail boards@state.co.us, or call 303.866.6380.

  

 

GOV. RITTER NAMES NEW APPOINTEES TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Gov. Bill Ritter today named new appointees to the Executive Clemency Advisory Board and the Fire and Police Pension Association Board of Directors.

 

The Governor appointed James Richard Koncilja of Pueblo and Allison R. Ailer of Lakewood to the clemency board for terms expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. The board makes advisory recommendations for clemency, commutation of sentence or pardons.

 

Gov. Ritter also appointed Jack E. Blumenthal of Denver to the pension board for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2010, and Todd A. Bower of Denver and Lyle D. Hesalroad of Golden for terms expiring Sept. 1, 2013. The Fire and Police Pension Association is a local government agency that administers a statewide pension plan for full-time police officers and firefighters.

 

For more information about Colorado boards and commissions, or to obtain an application, visit the Boards and Commission website, e-mail boards@state.co.us, or call 303.866.6380.