Colorado

Let our legislators do their jobs – dump TABOR (Letters)

Published

2 months ago

February 10, 2026

Let our legislators do their jobs – dump TABOR

Many have discussions pro and con about TABOR (the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights). Those who want it believe the state wastes money on silly things like food for children, health care for the poor, education for all children, highway maintenance, state patrol, prisons, voting infrastructure, state park maintenance, enforcing environmental, civil, and criminal laws, etc. Many live in rural areas and complain the state isn’t giving their schools enough money – they simply don’t want to pay taxes, just use the taxes others pay.

Those who feel TABOR limits legislators from meeting their state’s constitutional obligations due to a constant shortage of funds, want all state obligations to be adequately funded.

TABOR was created in the mind of a man who was a brutish criminal, convicted of tax evasion and filing a false tax return. He was also censured by the legislature for kicking a news photographer: I believe that’s called assault.

Any thinking person knows a flat tax is a regressive tax. Individuals with incomes below $100,000 are unlikely to benefit from a federal income deduction of state income taxes paid, while high-income people get their state income taxes subsidized by the federal government. A graduated tax evens it out a bit and effectively transfers federal dollars to the state’s treasury.

Mandell S. Winter Jr., Denver

Cooperation, checks and balances are the solutions to our cultural clash

The recent tragedies in Minneapolis have become a constitutional crisis. Extreme thinking and behavior have escalated a cultural clash. We need to work on intergovernmental cooperation and take a long step away from politics as usual.

Based on the video footage, many people believe there should be a murder charge in the death of Alex Pretti. But outrage does not change the supremacy clause of the Constitution or define peaceful protest. Local authorities have no more jurisdictional authority to remove federal agencies from states than the president has to pardon state offenders. This matters because the force of government power is not going away and needs to be restrained with checks and balances.

The constant blaming, labelling, discrediting, and maligning of government service is not going to solve anything. The left targets law enforcement and the right targets every other branch of government.

Government and law enforcement are turning against each other and looking for solutions to problems that can only be managed, not solved.

And why? Because people cannot agree on what the problem is. Both the public and government officials are making up their own definition of the word ‘illegal” and cannot even agree on who is law enforcement. This has increased disrespect for government and endangered law enforcement and the public.

Immigration reform will help everybody and help avoid economic disaster.

Consider the fact that misplaced rage and words and phrases like Gestapo, thug, defund the police, goon, criminal, scumbag, even small government, are powerful and pervasive. Their immediate impact is not as deadly as a bullet, but has certainly helped create the authoritarian leadership we have now.

Timothy D. Allport, Arvada

Living amongst the haves and working toward a better life

Re: “How to revive the American dream,” Feb. 1 commentary

I was a child of poverty, one of 10 children. We lived not far from Chicago in a small one-bedroom converted garage. All of my friends in school were middle- to upper-class. I was embarrassed to invite any of them home. They never knew where I lived. Regardless, I never resented their wealth or comforts. Even at a young age, I realized that with determination, perseverance, and faith, maybe I could rise above my station.

I graduated, got a job, married a solid, loving man, raised three law-abiding children, and rose to the middle class.

I often read where many middle-class neighborhoods do not want to accept those in poverty into their neighborhoods for whatever reason. I am grateful that while our neighborhood adult neighbors didn’t socialize with us, their children did.

Barb Zrubek, Windsor

Vaccines are the answer

Re: ” ‘Really stressful’ — With recommendations changing, parents navigate a fracturing vaccine landscape,” Feb. 1 news story

I didn’t make it past the first page in the Sunday paper. As the mother of four children, I have to ask: Why? Vaccinations are lifesaving! The measles vaccine eliminated (until people began to listen to conspiracy theories) a childhood disease that can kill. The polio vaccine was the most wonderful relief of my child-rearing life.

Nothing in this world is 100% safe. Consult your pediatrician, don’t listen to the nutty fringe, and, barring a rare condition that precludes them, get your children vaccinated. Please!

Theo Davis, Arvada

Yes, Clintons, and others mentioned in Epstein files, should testify

Re: “Democrats are holding the Clintons in contempt? Way to go!” Feb. 1 commentary

I found the column by Michelle Cottle of the New York Times interesting.

That being said, former President Bill Clinton has asked that all the files be released, including anything related to his behavior. That doesn’t sound like a man with something to hide.

We can debate Bill Clinton’s affairs, along with his disgraceful handling of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. We can also find fault with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton trying to vilify Lewinsky and the whole “Stand by your Man” charade.

What we can’t debate is that Donald Trump tried to keep those files from being released. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche actually claimed attorney-client privilege regarding the release of many of the files.

I applaud those Democrats who voted to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt for failing to honor the subpoena to appear before Congress. Let’s subpoena any people who appear in the Epstein files. This is the only way to handle this whole sordid situation.

David Shaw, Highlands Ranch

School voucher scheme overrides will of the voters

Re: “Polis all in on Trump’s tax-credit scholarship,” Dec. 10 news story

Gov. Jared Polis should not opt into the federal tax-credit scholarship program, a scheme that diverts public money to private institutions. The program drains resources, weakens accountability, and contradicts the will of the voters.

Public funds belong in public schools. After attending an A4PEP webinar, I learned that Colorado voters have rejected school vouchers three times, yet a new federal voucher-like program could override that decision without a public vote. This program offers a 100% federal tax credit to donors who fund private-school scholarships through “scholarship granting organizations.” There is no spending cap on this program, and it is federal tax revenue diverted from public purposes.

Also, by reducing federal tax income levels, this will reduce Coloradans’ taxable income. A resource we cannot continue to keep reducing. When a student leaves public schooling, the districts lose roughly $12,000 per child, even though fixed costs remain. That means larger classes, staff cuts, and school closures — outcomes already seen in states with a voucher scheme in place.

I am also concerned about a lack of oversight and accountability. These private programs are not held to the same transparency, academic achievement, or civil rights standards as public schools. Private schools can limit admissions (often times based on religious beliefs) and are not required to serve all students. Supporters call vouchers a “choice.” But nationally, most voucher users already attend private schools, meaning public dollars subsidize families who were never in public education.

Gov. Polis, do not override the people’s vote.

John Levene, Littleton

Don’t sacrifice truth in offering opposing views

Re: Sunday Drawn cartoons, Feb. 1

My initial reaction was anger regarding the Tribune Content Agency Perspective panel featuring the Democratic donkey. That changed to disappointment in The Denver Post.

If you missed it, the Democrat says, “I’m against ICE deporting votes, I mean, undocumented immigrants.” This panel perpetuates the falsehood that undocumented immigrants are a significant source of pro-Democrat votes.

I appreciate reading about different perspectives on an issue, and The Perspective is where I go first when I read the Sunday Post. But repeating a falsehood isn’t the same as presenting a different perspective. Denver Post and Megan Schrader, you need to do better.

Linda Brannan, Erie

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Colorado

Outgoing Colorado Buffaloes Sebastian Rancik, Bangot Dak Make Transfer Portal Moves

Published

4 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

Outgoing Colorado Buffaloes Sebastian Rancik, Bangot Dak Make Transfer Portal Moves

Former Colorado Buffaloes stars Sebastian Rancik and Bangot Dak announced their transfer portal decisions on Sunday with Rancik committing to Florida State and Dak committing to Vanderbilt, per On3’s Joe Tipton. They join former Buffs guard Isaiah Johnson (now at Texas) as the third former Colorado player to leave the Big 12 conference as Rancik opts for the ACC and Dak heads to the SEC.

The trio of Johnson, Rancik, and Dak make up three of Colorado’s four most productive players with rising senior guard Barrington Hargress, and the Buffs are now tasked with replacing such production with Hargress as the only returner.

Feb 11, 2026; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes forward Sebastian Rancik (7) during a time out in the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena. | Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Rancik’s season ended prematurely with an injury, but he averaged 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Buffs. Dak was Colorado’s leading rebounder with 6.5 boards per game, scoring 11.5 points per contest as well.

While each player has his respective reasons for transferring, the most expected ones are for seeking better NIL deals or more development on a better team in a better league. The Buffs finished 12th in the Big 12, and the allure of the SEC was too strong for the program to hold onto key talent like Johnson and Dak.

Still, Colorado coach Tad Boyle proved his ability to recruit and build up a solid core, one that saw its headliners of Johnson, Dak, and Rancik all depart in the portal. Can he do it again?

Colorado Buffaloes Roster Outlook

Boyle and the Buffaloes did retain Hargress as well as three freshmen guards: Jalin Holland, Ian Inman, and Josiah Sanders.

As a freshman, Holland averaged 4.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game as one of Colorado’s key pieces coming off of the bench. Meanwhile, Sanders appeared in 33 games as a constant presence in the Buffs backcourt, averaging 4.4 points and 1.7 assists per game.

Inman played the fewest minutes of the returning trio, but he flashed with a couple of double-digit scoring performances as a true freshman.

Mar 10, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Ian Inman (0) drives to the basket around Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Ryan Crotty (24) during the first half at T-Mobile Center. | William Purnell-Imagn Images

“When I think of those three together, I think of toughness. I think of the improvement they made over the course of the season and the togetherness they have. They’re great friends and have formed a bond during their freshman year. Their toughness, energy and work ethic, when you have those attributes to go along with talent, which they all have, you get a chance to have three really good sophomores next year that will take the next step,” Boyle said in a release announcing the return of the three freshmen.

With eight outgoing transfers to replace, the Buffaloes will certainly have a new look to them for the 2026-27 season.

Colorado has landed one transfer portal prospect so far in former North Dakota State foward Noah Feddersen. On the recruiting trail, Boyle and company are bringing in four-star forward Rider Portela as well as two prospects from the NBL in Australia: forward Goc Malual and guard Alex Dickeson.

Mar 7, 2026; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Tad Boyle talks to his players in the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at the CU Events Center | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The transfer portal for men’s college basketball closes on Tuesday, April 21, meaning players have to enter their names by then. Transfer athletes do not have to commit before the portal closes, though, so Colorado is expected to continue hosting prospects on visits while building out the roster.

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Colorado

Landeskog – April 18 | Colorado Avalanche

Published

16 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

Landeskog – April 18 | Colorado Avalanche

ColoradoAvalanche.com is the official Web site of the Colorado Avalanche. Colorado Avalanche and ColoradoAvalanche.com are trademarks of Colorado Avalanche, LLC. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and NHL Conference logos are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. Copyright © 1999-2025 Colorado Avalanche Hockey Team, Inc. and the National Hockey League. All Rights Reserved. NHL Stadium Series name and logo are trademarks of the National Hockey League.

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Colorado faces LA in first round as Kings captain Anze Kopitar embarks on final Stanley Cup chase

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Colorado faces LA in first round as Kings captain Anze Kopitar embarks on final Stanley Cup chase

DENVER — Anze Kopitar wrapped up the last regular season of his storied career. The Los Angeles Kings captain wants to prolong his final playoff run for as long as possible.

Kopitar, who announced in September his plans to retire, instantly becomes a postseason rallying point for the Kings. They have a tall task ahead of them against the Colorado Avalanche, the top team in the league, with the top goal scorer in Nathan MacKinnon and one of the best defensemen in the game in Cale Makar. Game 1 is Sunday at Ball Arena, where the Avalanche are 26-9-6.

“Playoffs,” said the 38-year-old Kopitar, a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Kings. “I’m not going to say anything can happen, but we’ll go in and we’ll play hard and we’ll see where that takes us.”

This will be the third postseason series between the two teams and the first in 24 years. Colorado won in seven games during both the 2002 conference quarterfinals and the 2001 conference semifinals.

It’s been a record season for the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche as they amassed the most points (121) in franchise history. That broke the mark set by the 2022 team, which went on to win the Stanley Cup title. MacKinnon had a career-best 53 goals.

Goaltenders Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood shared the net this season and surrendered a league low in goals. They earned the William M. Jennings Trophy, which is presented to the goalies who have played a minimum of 25 games — Wedgewood suited up in 45 and Blackwood 39 — for the team with the fewest goals allowed. The other goaltender to win that honor for Colorado was Hall of Famer Patrick Roy (2001-02).

“We’re in a good spot,” Colorado forward Brock Nelson said. “The mentality of this group throughout the year, right from the start of training camp, (was) set on a mission to be the best team.”

Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates the goal against Edmonton Oilers goalie Connor Ingram (39) during shoot-out NHL action, in Edmonton on Monday, April 13, 2026. Credit: AP/JASON FRANSON

Record against each other

The Kings went 0-3 against Colorado this season and were outscored by a 13-5 margin.

“You hear the hype. They have good players,” Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke said. “We’re a scrappy team. We keep it close with everybody. That can really frustrate them.”

Leading after two

The Avalanche were 41-0-0 when leading after two periods. They’re the first squad to have a lead after two periods on 40 or more instances and capture each one, according to team research.

“Even though we’ve been smart, we’ve been committed, we’ve been relentless at times, it’s going to have to go to a whole new level now,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “I have faith in our guys.”

Los Angeles Kings' Anze Kopitar, who is retiring after this... — Los Angeles Kings’ Anze Kopitar, who is retiring after this season, acknowledges the crowd after being recognized after losing to the Vancouver Canucks during overtime NHL hockey action in Vancouver, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Credit: AP/DARRYL DYCK

Remember the season opener?

Six grueling months ago, the Avalanche and Kings opened the season against each other. The Avalanche won 4-1 in Los Angeles behind a pair of goals from Martin Necas, who would go on to register his first 100-point season (38 goals, 62 assists).

The two teams join an exclusive club by becoming the fifth pair since 2015-16 to open the regular season and the playoffs against each other, according to NHL Stats. The other pairs to do so were Montreal and Toronto (2020-21); Colorado and St. Louis (2020-21); St. Louis and Winnipeg (2018-19); and Los Angeles and San Jose (2015-16).

Of those teams that won the season opener only San Jose went on to win the series. It’s a trend Kopitar and the Kings wouldn’t mind joining.

Kopitar and the playoffs

Kopitar helped the Kings to the Stanley Cup title in 2011-12 and 2013-14 along with goaltender Jonathan Quick, who now is with the New York Rangers and recently said he’s retiring. Kopitar has played in 103 postseason games with 27 goals and 62 assists.

“The intensity ramps up, everything ramps up,” Kopitar said of the postseason. “Every mistake, every little play, magnifies now.”

Familiar faces

Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper was in net for the Avalanche when they won the Stanley Cup in 2022. In addition, Kuemper and Drew Doughty were teammates with MacKinnon, Makar and Devon Toews when Canada won silver at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

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