Check your radon levels, for the sake of your health

Seventy percent of Fort Collins homes have radon levels above EPA acceptable limits and radon is responsible for 1,400 cancer deaths per year in Colorado.

The City of Fort Collins offers radon test kits at the discounted rate of $4.00, or a long-term kit for $15.00. Stop by the Fort Collins Senior Center (1200 Raintree Drive) or the Fort Collins Development Review Center (281 North College Ave.) to pick one up. If you find radon in your home at levels of 4 pCi/L or higher, it's time to fix the problem and the city offers zero-interest loans to help you out.

For more details, including how to apply for a radon mitigation loan, please visit http://www.fcgov.com/airquality/radon.php.

Larimer County Republican Party defies concerns for health and the environment

Image of email sent to the Larimer County Republican Party's email list in October 31, 2012.

The Larimer County Republican Party (LCRP) sent out this urgent plea on October 31, 2012. The intent is to organize opposition to local protections from the hazards of the Oil & Gas industry. The letter states, "Environmental Activist groups are rounding up their supporters to attend the meeting and it is important to show the board that they are the vocal minority" [emphasis added] -- a statement that neglects to acknowledge rising opposition to the practice within their own ranks.

We encourage Independents and Republicans who disagree with this clear, pro-industry stance to share your views with the LCRP.

Colorado ranks in top 10 for employment growth

According to a report released yesterday, Colorado ranks in the top 10 for employment growth, citing innovation, the health and wellness of the workforce and a workforce that ranks as the third most highly-educated in the nation. However, our positioning for employment growth is at a critical juncture due to a defunding of higher education. State and local funding per capita for higher education in Colorado has fallen to the second lowest in the nation.

Perhaps not coincidentally, Christie Donner of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition (CCJRC) spoke to Fort Collins residents at the Coloradoan last night. During the presentation she mentioned the explosive growth of incarceration in our state, with costs climbing from $57 million in 1985 to over $700 million for each of the last three years. Donner noted that our balanced budget amendment dictates that the increasing costs of incarceration have been funded almost in full by a defunding of higher education.

The good news: due to evidence-based reforms within the Colorado's criminal justice system, the explosive growth of incarceration has peaked and is beginning to decline. Donner feels further savings can be realized and hopes that reduced costs for the Department of Justice will result in more funding for higher education.

For more information you can view the full report, Toward a More Competitive Colorado, online. Find out more about the CCJRC at http://www.ccjrc.org.