🇺🇸 Will Polis free Tina Peters?

Is Polis Planning to Free Tina Peters?

Gov. Jared Polis ignited speculation with a recent X post that some social media users think signals the governor’s intentions to grant clemency to the disgraced former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters. A 2020 “election denier,” Peters is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence after being convicted on seven charges related to election tampering. [X, Newsline]

• Drawing comparisons: In his post, Polis compared Peters’ charge of attempting to influence a public official to that of former state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis who was recently convicted of the same charge for forging documents while under an ethics investigation. While Peters got prison time, Jaquez Lewis only got probation and a fine. [CO sun]
• Other evidence: This isn’t the first time the governor has hinted at leniency for Peters. In January he told CBS Colorado reporters that Peters’ sentence “was harsh,” adding he’d be willing to consider clemency in the case. [CBS Colorado]

• What locals are saying: Online commenters have pointed out how different the Jaquez Lewis and Peters cases actually are — one person forged documents, one breached election security and tampered with voting machines. Both women faced multiple charges (with only the single common charge). [X]
• The governor’s response: A spokesperson for Polis’ office told Denver7: “Governor Polis is not considering a pardon for Tina Peters, and is reviewing her application like anyone else applying for clemency.” [Denver7]
• In related news: Why is Jared Polis so weird online, anyway? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🎧 Want more? We dig deeper into the governor’s possible motives on today’s podcast episode. Listen now ⬇️

🪲 Polis Takes On the Ponderosa Pine Beetle

In the span of just a few years, the grain-sized mountain pine beetle has managed to decimate more than 7,000 acres of ponderosa pine trees across the Front Range. (In the high country, the damage is far more extensive.) Now, Gov. Jared Polis hopes to put an end to the epidemic with a brand-new pine beetle task force dedicated exclusively to the pest’s eradication.

• But will it work? It’s too early to tell, and there is some debate among the experts about the best way to approach mitigation efforts. [CPR]

🤢 What Stinks in Lowry?

At least two businesses in the Lowry Town Center have vacated the complex recently due to a relentless sewage odor. According to Councilmember Amanda Sawyer, who represents the area, several other businesses have also complained about the smell, but the property’s landlord has neglected to do anything about it, she says. [Westword]

🌭 Still Expensive: Your Stadium Hot Dog

A Democrat-sponsored bill to crack down on the price of food and drinks at places like stadiums, hospitals, and airports (where competition is limited) died in a House Committee this week. Ultimately, voting lawmakers found too many pitfalls in the proposal's expansiveness. [Denver Post 🔒]

⛳ City Plans Swanky Upgrade for Kennedy Golf Course

The city-operated 27-hole course in southeast Denver is set to get some serious beautification. The $30 million renovation plans include a community clubhouse, course upgrades, and a driving range equipped with tech to trace the speed and direction of your swings (similar the offerings at the golf entertainment company Topgolf). It will be entirely funded by revenue generated by course operations. [Denverite]