Statetap: Inside voices and outside spending

 
An ethics boss at the Pentagon applauded Air Force Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson’s efforts to clean up the culture of the school’s athletic programs. The probe, called “Operation Gridiron,” was launched in response to allegations of alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct among football players that were published in the Colorado Springs Gazette in August.

statetap The principal and vice principal of Aspen Elementary School took up cafeteria duty this fall to give teachers more time to do teacher things. They have adopted disciplinary practices that irk kids and parents. When lunchtime chatter get too loud, they blow whistles and hold up signs that say “Shhh” and “Stop.” It’s overbearing and unhealthy, some say, but the admin says they’re doing what they must to maintain the peace. Via Aspen Times.

The race for state House district 59 is the most expensive in the state, with at least $718,000 already having been spent on attack ads. Both candidates have expressed discomfort with all the money coming into the district from ambiguously disclosed outside groups. Republicans are intent on unseating incumbent Mike McLachlan over his support of last year’s gun control measures, pitting him as the next Dem in a purple district to pay for not properly revering the Second Amendment.” Via the Durango Herald.

Pueblo City Council picked a successor to fill the seat recently vacated by Chris Kaufman in the wake of the private email debacle that unfolded in August. After confirming the appointment of former school board member Dennis Flores, the council turned its attention to a new ordinance drawn up by city staff that bans growing marijuana on private property, despite Pueblo voters’ overwhelming support for Amendment 64. Some council members are wary of over-regulating; some citizens call the ban unconstitutional. Via the Pueblo Chieftain.

High Country News Senior Editor Jonathan Thompson chats with CPR’s Ryan Warner about why the “green bubble” in the Mile High City isn’t going to burst anytime soon. Via Colorado Public Radio