Questions About Hickenlooper's Performance Growing?

I'm looking for evidence of Karen Crummy's glee.....

Is it actually in the story or does she have a history of mirthful reporting?

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by: Lauren Bacall @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 08:56:09 AM CST

It's a long standing history

Want my vote? Put in some time with your party first!

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by: Dan Willis @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 10:25:48 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Both correct

Although this particular article is plainly swimming in glee.

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by: Colorado Pols @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 10:37:20 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Gleefully?

Ah, Pols... Cheap shot. Of course, I am the master of cheap shots (when it comes to the Hick) and was surely, ecstatically gleeful with Ms. Crummy's piece, this morning. Of course--dare I note?--I've detailed my perceptions of this sideshow hukster's (Hick's)failings throughout his incumbency and, knowing without any doubt he'll be elected again, I smile hugely as I sip my cocoa, settle my boney you-know-what onto my Flexible Flyer (red runners and chrome steering bar) and yell, "Heigh and Away," to Sarah--my Alaskan Malamute--who will pull me down our little street in West Highlands that, by the way, HAS YET TO SEE ANY ATTENTION FROM HICK'S MINIONS!

GO HICK!

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by: George @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 09:03:19 AM CST

He can't lose if no one challenges him

Is any body talking about running against him?  People can grumble and bitch all they want about Hickie, I know I do, but if no one is going to run against him then what's the point?

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by: mountain man @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 09:52:20 AM CST

I have not heard of anyone willing to run

Want my vote? Put in some time with your party first!

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by: Dan Willis @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 10:27:16 AM CST

[ Parent ]

what's going on with the Pompous Old Wind Bag?

I thought Dennis Gallagher was looking at running.....

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by: One Queer Dude @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 12:10:00 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Reliable sources report

that Dennis is sitting upon the ground and telling sad stories of the death of kings (his eyes twinkling, his smile sly).

 

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by: George @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 14:36:06 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Dennis could win

Dennis Gallagher is the Rodney Dangerfield of Denver politics. No respect but always wins. (except when he ran for Mayor) Gallagher would have the support of hundreds of neighborhood activists and probably one of the papers. 
It would be one helluva last hurrah. Run Dennis Run. Dennis got outspent five to one and still got elected Auditor. Hickenlooper will outspend him but Dennis can win.
Dennis has one of Denver's best political brain trusts headed by Gary Sulley and Dennis Birkfeldt.

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by: Something Is Brewing @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 14:56:04 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Everyone knows that berkfelt

is actually the auditor.  i don't know about sully, but every council member knows that every audit and every proposal is from burkfelt.  gallagher would be nothing more than the pompous windbag that oqd says if not for his mouthpiece.

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by: Rod @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 17:17:19 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Three year Honey Moon is Over

The honeymoon sure ended quickly considering how long it lasted. 

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by: Dino West Slope @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 10:46:44 AM CST

Ahhhh, FEMA..those were the days...

I heard that Vidal is doing "a heck of a job"..

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by: Ed Meese @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 12:47:24 PM CST

Crummy was generous not gleeful

She gave the Mayor credit for new job creation.
Can anyone name even one new job that has come to Denver as a result of efforts by the Mayor.
Sales tax revenues did not rise to cover the lost income from making the parking meters free one day. The trip to Silicon Valley with the Governor yielded no new jobs. The peace treaty with Aurora yielded jobs but for Aurora not for Denver. Karen was not gleeful she was more than generous in giving praise where none was due.
Mike Boyd who criticized DIA is no political hack but perhaps the nation's leading expert on airport operations. No one can now dispute that DIA is mismanaged.  Denver will be paying the price for the DIA fiasco for a long time to come.

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by: Something Is Brewing @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 13:20:33 PM CST

Mike Boyd is an armchair airport manager

Read this from poster Emma Anne yesterday:

"With airliners landing at 130 to 150 mph, any imperfection in the surface of the runway can cause the pilot to lose control, explained John Kinney, DIA's operations manager. "You can't afford to have a snow pothole on your runway."

Any variation more than 3 inches high is forbidden, he said. Also forbidden are large chunks of snow or ice that could be sucked into a jet engine."

His mouth frothing in the papers about how DIA should have been opened sooner, etc. are just an oversimplification of the problem so he can get his name in the paper.  He's responsible for nothing.  Maybe he didn't get a cushy consulting job at DIA or something, but he has nothing to add.

" Is there a way to delete your own comments? " bjwilson83

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by: Fidel's dirt nap @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 17:56:56 PM CST

[ Parent ]

those damned facts

Airports open when the storm stops if they are well run.
Centennial Airport opened 18 hours before DIA, The Springs opened 36 hours before DIA. Why did it take so long AFTER the storm ended to get one runway up and running?
The answer is clear. Hickenlooper replaced a highly qualified pro because as pros are wont to do did not kiss the Mayor's or anyone else's ass. Boyd is as highly regarded as any airport expert in the country. Instead of attacking Fidel name one, just one expert or even quasi-expert who is defending DIA's handling of this debacle?
Come on Fidel just one.

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by: Something Is Brewing @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 18:09:53 PM CST

pretty personal

Are you the one that was replaced? Lighten up, Francis. It was a storm, not the Mayor that closed the airport. Sheesh!

I'm sorry, but as someone who has piloted aircraft in and out of both airports, they are not in the same universe size-wise.  It might be a waste to sit on 30 extra snowplows at DIA in case we have a five-year storm.

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by: laughingboy @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 19:13:00 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Fidel did name one...

I thought Emma Ann's post was more infomative than what Boyd said regarding DIA. I'll call her an expert unless Boyd, or another can refute what she wrote.

Feel free to continue, for me though, your credibility is suffering.

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by: Car 31 @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 21:53:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Quoting Rocky article

I was quoting a Rocky Mountain News article yesterday - I am certainly not an expert.

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by: Emma Anne @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 00:51:04 AM CST

[ Parent ]

SIB:

You are hereby forbidden from comparing apples to oranges on this post again. Two tiny airports (one of which got a hell of a lot less snow than DIA, the other of which got a little less) can not be compared to DIA.

If you want to be taken seriously you will have to keep your criticism within the realm of logic and fact. So far you have given us no reason to believe you're anyone other than a committed foe of Hickenlooper.

If you have a legitimate criticism then post it. You haven't done so yet IMHO.

What are you talking about?...I don't get it." - bjwilson83

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by: Aristotle @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 10:54:46 AM CST

[ Parent ]

anyone to rebut Boyd?

Yes it is DIA's call and the Mayor hires the leadership at DIA. The Mayor could have left a pro in charge at DIA when he took office. He chose not to do so. We paid the price for that decision last week.
Do we have an expert to rebut Boyd yet?

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by: Something Is Brewing @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 09:37:08 AM CST

The main point

This last snowstorm came so fast that by the time the plows had finished with one part of the runway, another part they had already plowed already had another fresh layer of snow on it, making it virtually impossible to clear any one runway in time.  This is coupled with the safety factors Emma Anne mentioned in her posting of the story in the Rocky.

You hate Hickenlooper - we get it.  But try blaming him for something that is his fault.

" Is there a way to delete your own comments? " bjwilson83

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by: Fidel's dirt nap @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 10:24:35 AM CST

[ Parent ]

But They Told Us

From the RMN:

  Denver International Airport spokesman Chuck Cannon has had a tough week. Not only did the "all-weather" airport he represents succumb to a blizzard and close for a record 45 hours, Cannon cursed the person who made the "all-weather" claim in the first place. But a look back shows that Cannon might have to chew on that a bit.

• In discussing the all-weather claim, Cannon told a reporter Tuesday:

"I would like to choke the person who came up with that term."

• But in 1992, according to The Associated Press, Cannon had this to say about the DIA to-be:

It's "the world's first all-weather airport. We will be able to operate as well in a blizzard as Stapleton can on a sunny day."

• And he went on:

"Out here, all of our runways are at least 4,300 feet apart. We can still land 90 planes per hour in a blizzard."

• Quipped Mike Boyd, an aviation consultant:

"Maybe we should put Mr. Cannon on a suicide watch."

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by: George @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 11:11:50 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Poetic justice

It's not often someone who spouts a marketing slogan as fact gets to eat his words in public.

What are you talking about?...I don't get it." - bjwilson83

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by: Aristotle @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 11:25:05 AM CST

[ Parent ]

If You're Talking About Bruce Baumgartner

as the prior "pro" in charge of the airport, let me just suggest a few adjectives here: supercilious, arrogant, inharmonious.

Turner West, the current Manager of Aviation and Deputy Manager of Maintenance under Baumgartner, is the epitome of a professional. West is a nuts and bolts, no-nonsense, "get 'er done," airport management pro who made Baumgartner look good. West's public personae is that of a well-reasoned, softly spoken, articulate and extremely experienced and knowledgable--here's that word again--professional. Behind closed doors, West is a practiced motivator; a tough administrator who is both practical in his demands of subordinates and unceasingly demanding of his subordinates to get the job done in the best interests of the traveling public and the City and County of Denver. And, having been across the table from West (once again, behind those closed doors), the soft southern tinge to his voice can harden with the baser idiomatic adjectives that do tend to motivate.

The Hick's spin on the closing of the airport was clearly being communicated by so-called DIA spokespersons. (Don't even try to tell me that every word out of those spokesperson's mouths wasn't first cleared with the Hickies!) But, WALLAH!, this morning's News reports--in West's words--what the truth of the matter is/was with the closing of DIA:

A comprehensive debriefing late Wednesday pinpointed the main problem at the airport as a lack of coordination with clearing ramps between concourses. The ramps are the large areas of the airfield between concourses where planes are pushed out from boarding gates and moved to the taxiways.

Keeping the ramps clear is the responsibility of the airlines, West said.

Among the problems cited was that at times, airline crews were clearing the ramps and pushing the snow into areas that had already been cleared by the airport.

West said the airport was working to correct that and had hired a snowremoval consultant to help out.

"We are ready," West said. "Let's rephrase that remark. We're making a maximum effort. We also made a maximum effort on this last storm. I would never, ever say that Mother Nature can't rule supreme on any situation, as we've all learned through the years."

 

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by: George @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 11:47:31 AM CST

[ Parent ]

So is this still Hick's fault?

Because it sounds like it isn't (unless, as a "strong mayor" he was supposed to cal up the airlines and tell them to fall into line).

What are you talking about?...I don't get it." - bjwilson83

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by: Aristotle @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 12:39:00 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Your Assignment, Aristotle

is to reread my comments. I don't know where this "strong mayor" stuff comes from, but "strong mayor" or not, the Hickies are spinning this thing to their detriment. That's what I said about the Hick. Does God hate the Hick? Does Mama Nature make it snow just to put the Hickies in a tight spot. Don't think so. Does the Hick open mouth, insert foot. Yup, certainly: cocoa and sleds!

GO HICK!

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by: George @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 14:06:25 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Let me sum up your comments

"Hick is spinning this for all his worth but the guy in charge is someone I respect enormously and he says that the airlines are at least as much at fault as the city."

If that's an incorrect reading then you'll need to demonstrate how.

As far as where you brought up the idea of "strong mayor," TA-DA!

If a "strong mayor" is supposed to push around a commission who doesn't anwer to him, then he certainly can get those pesky airlines to coordinate with DIA management in clearing the snow...correct?

What are you talking about?...I don't get it." - bjwilson83

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by: Aristotle @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 14:23:30 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Really Don't Know

what the hell you're talking about, Aris... I guess I need to just say, "It's the spin, stupid!"

If Hick is "...spinning this for all his worth..." then he's doing somethin' wrong, buddy, 'cause--as I've noted over and over again--the spin is the problem. The reality, the truth, the unabashed NO SPIN explanation for what happened at DIA came from Turner West. Period.

Now, TA-DA! Y'all better go back and reread that particular "strong mayor" rant with regard to the Election Commission. (I am getting tired of giving you assignments, Aris..) Two and two doesn't equal six. Nor do false premises lead to valid conclusions. (Sorry, the "strong mayor" rant with regard to the Commission stuck in your craw. Wonder why? Hmmm... You wouldn't really be a pontificator extraordinaire named Dan, would you?) 

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by: George @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 15:01:46 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Sorry to disappoint you

but I'm just a voter - no political experience at all. And you are reading into my comments if you think the "strong mayor" rant "stuck in my craw" - it was just memorable, and out of step with your current criticism of the mayor.

To be honest I can't figure out where you're coming from - you clearly don't like Hick, like SIB, but do you agree with SIB that the airport closure is Hick's fault? Because if all you have to say is that he's spinning this, well duh, that's what elected officials do.

Your second paragraph is straight from Mars. I can't figure out heads or tails of what you're trying to say. Maybe you need to take a rest, or else just spend more time writing your comments so they're sensible.

If you have legitimate criticisms to make, make them.

What are you talking about?...I don't get it." - bjwilson83

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by: Aristotle @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 15:08:17 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Sorry You Can't

keep up, Aris. Hang in there. Maybe a simpler string will come along that you'll be able to follow.

GO HICK!

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by: George @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 15:44:52 PM CST

[ Parent ]

That's okay

I trust you'll learn to communicate clearly one of these days. Hint: Keep it short and simple.

What are you talking about?...I don't get it." - bjwilson83

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by: Aristotle @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 16:38:02 PM CST

[ Parent ]

duh the storm ended and it took 36 hours

Good points Fidel.
Sorry you could not find anyone to rebut Mike Boyd. You are right maybe they had to close DIA DURING THE STORM.
But, why did it than take 36 hours with no wind and no snow to get the place opened. And than to only get one runway open? I see the spin team is out blaming the airlines talking about safety etc. Fact is that no airport in the world that is well managed takes 36 hours AFTER a storm has ended to open. Wellington Webb got the airport opened after a worse storm much faster in 2003. Why he had a pro in charge. The same pro that Hickenlooper chose to fire because he refused to kiss his Mayoral ass. We have a Mayor who surrounds himself with ass kissers not dedicated public employees who can actually do the job they are well paid to do.

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by: Something Is Brewing @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 11:44:48 AM CST

And Webb surrounded himself by what?

Come on, what does any politician do?  Would Bush appoint Harry Reid even if he was the best for an appointed job?

Sad to say, Webb tended to appoint folks who looked like himself, regardless of qualifications (often only their race.)  I know that this may not fly with some folks, but it was pretty obvious; it just couldn't be discussed in the media.

Webb "needed" an armored Lincoln with a tax payer provided driver PLUS a Chevy Suburban "communications center" to feed his ego.  Hick drives himself around in a Saturn. 

I'm off topic.  Stop. 

"Collective fear stimulates herd instinct and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd." -Bertrand Russell

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by: parsingreality @ Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 19:51:22 PM CST

[ Parent ]