ProgressNow Colorado | Jen G's Blog: Longmont Petition Validated!

Post from Jen G's Blog:

Longmont Petition Validated!

By Jen G. - Oct 10th, 2007 at 4:08 pm EDT

Also listed in: Boulder County Progress | Longmont LifeBridge

Comments | Mail to a Friend

Bad? Brilliant?

You can rate this post.
Register or login now and
tell us what you think.

Today we made history! I just received word from Longmont City Clerk Valeria Skitt that she has validated our citizens' referendum petition on the 4C/LifeBridge annexation.

You can download the City Clerk's letter of sufficiency and validity at:

http://media.progressnowaction.org/docs/longmontpetitionok.pdf

Cheers,
Jen

Reader Comments	Comments RSS
Comments are closed for this post.

Campaign of Ignorance

By Jaime R. Oct 11th 2007 at 12:53 pm EDT

Congratulations on getting 6000 people to sign without educating them. I don't know how many emails I have sent Jen with statements that seem to dispute her own statements asking to learn more and hear her side. Not a single reply. I think Doug Wrays post on whatsinitforlongmont.com on how to deal with interference pretty much sums up their strategy. Don't take any time to talk about things, just ask for a mindless yes for the signature and go on if you don't get it. His entry is pretty silly and ridiculous really - what - you have a camera to film people who interfere - oh my God - oops - I said God. Forget looking at things from both sides, forget being open minded, right Doug. Lifebridge church has served Longmont, not welched from it for something like 125 years. Painting schools, fixing up senior citizen trailer parks, changing oil in single mothers cars. Jens been a proud citizen for 4 years. I have been for 24 years and some of my fondest memories include events related to First Christian Church (now Lifebridge). Stop hating and acting likle your some type of moral, righteous heroes.

Re: Campaign of Ignorance

By Marilyn Oct 14th 2007 at 7:28 pm EDT

I am one of those rare people in Longmont, but I was actually born here, so was my father and my grandparent's and great-grandparents are buried in Mountain View. My parents moved to Boulder in 1956. I went to college and have worked in the Metro area throughout my adult life. My husband and I moved to the Elms, with a distortion by the builder that a "church" was building behind us. That was in 2004. If Weld County had already approved LifeBridge in 2003 why were they trying to get our approval or acceptance in 2004 and 2005? I wish you could have been at those meetings. The "church" was clearing working the room, just as they did at the City Council. The same people were presenting. When only modestly confronted about their plans...the answer was "you could have bought the land."
I don't have all of the papers the City Council supposedly reviewed but attending their meetings LifeBridge was not representing the facts. The tax issue needs to be addressed. Those house's are being built for a profit to build the church,etc. are those taxed? There is a strong monetary motivation for LifeBridge to apply for annexation. There is LOTS of money involved in this development. I think a clearly written history of when the land was purchased 2001 with DOUBLE the offer from Longmont for the land. From the beginning there was no interest from LifeBridge about Longmont. Now, I don't get to say, since I'm not a Longmont resident about whether they should annex or not. Most likely, Longmont will monitor the project better than Weld County. But I find 4C's comment interesting following the certification of the votes. Basically, so what, we'll be building next Spring. There is really no interest on their part about the impact on Longmont or how the citizens in Longmont or surrounding their community feel. There is so much money involved in this project, it needs to be evaluated carefully by everybody and the City Council did not do a complete job. I find it very impressive to see a community come together and say no, no matter the final outcome. That took effort and was impressive. So often, people say oh well, no one cares what I think. Good for the citizens of Longmont! Marilyn

Bigger Picture

By Doug Wray Oct 14th 2007 at 11:50 pm EDT

Marilyn, the builder most likely had 'the inside scoop' and knew the fix was in for LifeBridge.

The guys that take home the BIG paychecks often get a whole different set of news than us 'little people' do.

The fun part is when they brag or just stupidly admit things they shouldn't. That's when the 'plausible deniability' goes POOF and lawyers start getting interested.

There's more than one loose thread to this sweater, count on it, they'll start unravelling soon.

Dickey's being a smidge too smug. If the Annexation to Longmont is turned down, Weld County's like to be MUCH more careful about how they deal with him. Read: no special deals/higher costs.

Maybe they'll have to lower the price of the houses to make SURE they get sold. Golly. The little guy wins. There's a freakin miracle.

Re: Campaign of Ignorance

By Jen G. Oct 18th 2007 at 5:48 pm EDT

Sorry, I've been busy at my day job and haven't even checked in on these posts.

I apologize if I missed an email. I've been doing my best to reply to every email I receive, especially the ones that ask for additional information or express disagreement with my stance. Now, if the emails have been angry and impolite, I don't bother to respond. Calm, rational emails...those always get a response. During the petition campaign, I was tracking over 100 emails per day. Because I have both a full-time job and a part-time job, it's a challenge to respond to all of those emails. I have, however, been doing my best.

What's Wrong with Letting People Vote?

By David Steiner Oct 11th 2007 at 6:18 pm EDT

Those not in favor of voting continue to make the mistake of thinking this is about God. It isn't. It's about the body politic wanting a voice in a situation where a non-profit wants treatment that may cost the taxpayers too much money. There's no doubt that this annexation will cost Longmont and the voters just want their say. Before the election there will be plenty of time to air both sides. The voters felt that the city administration did not adequately air all sides of the question. When that happens people sign petitions and they get to have their say in the voting booth. That's called democracy and it's a very good thing.

Great job!

By Susan the Neon Nurse Oct 12th 2007 at 12:19 am EDT

Ignore the whiny naysayers and take pride in what you all accomplished!

Waaa

By Jaime R Oct 12th 2007 at 9:59 am EDT

Not trying to be whiny and not trying to take away from Jen what she has accomplished. She's exercising her rights, made history, and who can argue against democracy. I can't say putting things to vote is a bad thing. I'm just saying I've been approached by petitioners and they had no replies for some of my questions or what I believed to be facts against what they were saying. I've emailed Jen and never heard anything back. Doug Wray seems against debating things and looking at things from all angles. I realize there are two sides to everything, but what I'm saying is that I don't know if the petitioners do. I really don't think Union will do anything but help Longmont and lets face it, Longmont will end up out there anyway and have to pay for fire stations and what not. From what I understand (and again, I'm no expert), only the church itself will be tax-exempt like any other church and businesses and residences will be held to regular taxation. I just feel everything I've heard and seen about this has been very one sided and wanted to put another perspective out there. If that's being whiny - waaa.

Re: Waaa

By Nita L. Oct 12th 2007 at 3:15 pm EDT

Jaime,
You are incorrect on only the church being tax exempt. Just go on line and see what is happening around the country. Religious organizations are finding huge loopholes to avoid taxes. That is my biggest concern....that we the taxpayers will be having to make up for taxes that are not collected for this development because there are many gray areas on what will be taxed and what will not be taxed. The law is often vague on what constitutes religious activities (go check out Zion's Hope in Orlando Florida). There is a legal, tax exempt group called Liberty Counsel that is taking these cases and are arguing in favor of broad tax exemption for religious groups. If Longmont were to end up in this predicament, going to court would cost the taxpayers dearly. Just remember that the money to put the infrastructure in has to come from somewhere. Since the figures for the financial study are based on full build out and assume 100% occupancy and an inflated figure for retail income, the financial study (done by a company that LifeBridge 4-C contracted with) is flawed. Annexation of Union Reservoir will end up coming out of yours and my pockets. Please become informed before this comes to a vote. Also remember that developers do developments in order to make a profit....not good nor bad, but just is.

Interference is a crime

By M. Douglas Wray Oct 12th 2007 at 11:14 pm EDT

Jamie, was that you? LOL.

Glad you enjoyed my post and happy to hear that you're reading the site. (Actually, I'm thrilled that you *can* read - even without the numbers next to the paragraphs. Good to see that the Freepers are improving SOMETHING.)

FYI, I *did* have a long discussion with the folks in question (perhaps you had trouble with the big words in that paragraph) - SO long in fact that it became laughably obvious that they were just tying up my time. I gave them the website address and they weren't interested (guess they CAIN'T RED). THAT'S when I realized it was just 'blocking' tactics.

We DO want people to be educated about this - once someone KNOWS what the deal really IS, they're agin at. (Sorry, trying to write so's not to lose ya.)

Also, aside from being childishly stupid, it's illegal. The statutes are quite clear. Of course, religious folks are very, very (VERRY!) good about testing the letter of the law. Comes from all that 'interpretin' tha Wurd.

I wanted video to prove it because that's what it TAKES in civil court. Proof. No 'miracles' allowed.

As for who's lived here longest... wow, the classic macho game: "MINE'S BIGGER"

Thanks for commenting, you make our case even more clearly.

Doug, Doug, Doug

By Jaime R. Oct 14th 2007 at 12:18 am EDT

Now Doug, why would you want to come out and insult my intelligence? The fact that I have my own opinions and do not share your views does not mean that I am of inferior intellect. Your post clearly states not to engage in discussion and just look for the quick yes (a mindless yes in my mind without there being discussion or inquiry).

At first, I thought it very well may have been me you were referring to in your entry. That is until I followed the link to your personal site and saw the picture of you with a holy orb hovering behind your head virgin Mary like. The couple I was approached by consisted of an older gentleman and a very nice lady. The older gentleman immediately killed me with looks and turned away as soon as I inquired as to what some of the arguments against Union were. The lady, however, was willing to share her point of view with me, which I very much appreciated. It was very pleasant really. However, she could not give me one solid fact against things and based her case on speculation and what she thought might end up happening. Very nice, well spoken, and educated though.

I only mention how long I have lived here and how much I love it here because Jen has in a few newsletters to me. If a valid point for her, why not me.

As one may have guessed, I do actually attend Lifebridge, albeit once or twice a month. Although I do not know the church elders on an intimate or personal level, I do not see them as having a hidden agenda or being capable of doing anything that would hurt the community - quite the opposite. And although I can't pretend to be an expert on either side of the Union annexation, from everything I have heard from both sides, I truly see it as a plus for Longmont. I honestly think it would end up benefiting Longmont economically.

I didn't see the below two links on your whatsinitforlongmont site. Maybe they're there, but if not, verbal as you all have been, they should be if you are truly interested in educating voters so they can see things from both sides.

Link

http://www.lbcc.org/templates/ System/details.asp?id=22545&am p;PID=487563

Also, seeing that you are interested in doing good for the community, visit the below link and sign up to do something meaningful, like painting schools to save taxpayers some money or helping fix up senior citizens trailer parks.

Link

Re: Doug, Doug, Doug

By Jaime R. Oct 14th 2007 at 12:26 am EDT

Guess there was a break in that second link. Here it is again.

Link

Shadows

By M. Douglas Wray Oct 14th 2007 at 1:14 pm EDT

LOL. Jamie, you're just so cute. I love the 'I'm restraining my anger cause that's what a good Christian does.' Bravo. Well done. 9 out of 10 for effort.

But! Same old ploy 'come work with us, you just don't understand us' - what I definitely DO understand is that your 'Elders' don't have the intestinal fortitude to show their faces so that we can know WHO WE'RE DEALING WITH.

When they come forward and identify themselves, make themselves available to be talked to in public (like the 'little people') then maybe I'll have a better opinion of you folks. Till then I guess I'm stuck dealing with Mr. Sockpuppet (aka You)... and like all sockpuppets, it's hard to tell who's really speaking. Snif Snif but it's clear there's something that smells wrong.

Re: Shadows

By Jaime R Oct 14th 2007 at 2:10 pm EDT

Not the type of person who has to restrain his anger. If you knew me, you'd know I'm very laid back and open. Not to say there aren't Christians like that. You've got your good and bad, true and fake in every group. I feel Lifebridge elders fall in the good and true category.

As far as coming to work with us, I don't see the harm in that. Even if you decide you still don't like us, you'd have the satisfaction of doing another good deed for the community and who can argue that doing things to benefit others is wrong. (Although I have to admit, as many opportunities as Lifebridge does offer to do good things for the community, with two jobs, school and a family, I never take advantage of any of it myself.)

Sockpuppet - not quite - just a fellow citizen Doug with a different view than yours. I truly hope you post those links to whatsinitforlongmont or at least open it up to comments so voters can see more than one side as I haven't seen Lifebridge be anywhere as vocal as your group and feel the public is only getting one side of the story. Btw, if something smells wrong, I'd suggest showering (just kidding, being a little bit of a smart arse). Don't think I can keep this up as I've got responsibilities calling, so have a good one and it's been fun.

May your history be . . .

By You Failed Oct 16th 2007 at 12:31 am EDT

May your history be that you made enough commotion to put something on a ballot (whoo-hoo) that should not have wasted our voters time or money. Shame on you.

And that the VOICE OF LONGMONT truly prevailed - voting YES for Lifebridge to annex into Longmont.

May there be more forward thinking developers and council members like the 6 who said "Yes" (Not the one who said "NO") that can plan for the future of taking care of it's people and city by approving and opening that gate rather than, trying to shut the gate (limiting) and refuse the potential of future income (i.e. taxes).

They say they're doing this (putting it on the ballot) for our good - sorry, it's not what I want. Shame on your for wasting CITY Money!

Re: May your history be . . .

By Jen G. Oct 18th 2007 at 5:55 pm EDT

I don't believe we're wasting City money. So far as I'm aware, the City will be having a special election for the open council seat. The referendum can be coordinated with this special election.

Furthermore, I think it's best to spend a bit of money now than lose millions later. Similarly-situated cities across the nation are now tied up in costly litigation because their city councils did not hammer out all the details in advance. If there's money being lost, it's because of the Longmont City Council. On August 14th, numerous Longmont residents asked City Council to postpone their vote. Not to deny the annexation...simply to take more time and clearly explain the benefits and drawbacks to the community. Instead, Council approved the annexation. Had they simply listened to their constituents, we might not be having this conversation.