Fresh off decent Ag appointments, Polis spends political capital against hunters and anglers. Denver's judge's don't play by the same rules. Lastly, life finds a way.
And following on the heels of a couple decent appointments to Colorado's beef boards (see the "related" content on yesterday's second post), we now have Polis once again stuffing boards with activists who have no business being on them.
Following what is more the rule with him than the exception, Polis once again ignored the intent (and likely the wording in the law) to make a questionable appointment to the state parks and wildlife commission.
The appointee was supposed to be a representative of hunters and anglers, but according to the article, he is neither a well-known hunter nor a well-known angler and he was one of the backers (the author) of the plan to reintroduce wolves into this state.
I can't read Polis' mind, but the pattern both here and earlier with his choice for the state veterinary board seem to fit a pattern. That pattern is putting people with questionable experience and qualifications, but seeming "right thinking" about animal rights and welfare, onto state boards. See my little collage if you want an overview.
Again, I won't speculate as to intent, but I will speculate as to the end goal: rewriting the way things have been in this state for a long time, remaking this state on a fundamental level.
One last note. I'm not sure what to make of it (a feeling of safety given the last election or not caring due to being term limited), but the non-response here by Polis compared to the responses prior to the election when called out for this feels telling to me. Something else to add to the pile of speculation above at any rate.
If you are wondering about what you can do if things like this frustrate you, my advice hasn't changed from before.
Speak up, and do it regularly.
Attend meetings of these boards and remind them what middle of the road thinking is on the issue at hand.
If given a chance, attend (if one should ever happen) an event with Polis and ask public questions about his appointments.
https://www.coloradopolitics.com/governor/jared-polis-appointees-wildlife-parks-commission-draw-criticism/article_7776943e-2cbe-11ee-b913-57f69c53cc26.html
A political, judicial, and electoral curiosity.
I've written pretty extensively about judicial discipline in this state and efforts to reform that process. Curiously (and yes, this is an older article it's taken me a bit to get around to), Denver's judiciary is a thing unto itself. I was not at all aware.**
That is, Denver's judiciary is wholly separate from the current judicial discipline process and also the efforts to reform it. This includes the upcoming amendment we will weigh on our 2024 ballot.
Weirdly enough, Denver voters will get a chance to vote on that amendment even though it will not affect any of the city or county judges in Denver!
According to the article below, Denver has promised to note the results of the election and follow suit with similar changes to their process, but so far have not volunteered any changes of their own.
More details in the article if you're interested in more.
**Apparently, I'm not the only one not in the know on this. The article quotes a few Denver state-level politicians who were also not aware.
https://www.coloradopolitics.com/courts/new-state-judicial-discipline-system-wont-include-denver-county-judges/article_932b1998-d02d-5708-b73d-cc17bbfa6538.html
Life ... uh ... finds a way
I was walking from the auto shop to my office yesterday and saw again something I've noticed before.
Outside of an empty store sits a sunken loading dock (instead of raising the floor of the store to meet the height of a van trailer, they sunk the ground outside so the truck/trailer tilts in and is unloaded at grade.
Apparently the drains don't work or they're plugged and every year a little impromptu swamp springs up, cattails and all. Right in the middle of a (usually) dry Plains town. Right in the middle of summer.
Life ... uh ... finds a way.