Who Is the Elections Breach Whistleblower? Plus, Northside Bikers Unite and Shy Trump Voters
Nov 5, 2024
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Patty Calhoun, the editor of Westword and a veteran of Denver politics, joins the discussion on this pivotal Election Day. She addresses the fallout from a significant election security breach and the lingering concerns over integrity in the voting process. The conversation shifts to the struggles of Five Points business owners with the light rail, which they feel has harmed their community. Finally, they delve into local political dynamics, exploring the challenges faced by Trump voters in a predominantly blue city.
The Colorado election security breach has raised serious questions about voter confidence and the management of electoral integrity by officials.
Community protests over diminished bike lane plans highlight the ongoing conflict between urban transit initiatives and the needs of local business owners in Denver.
Deep dives
Election Security Breach Fallout
Recent events surrounding Colorado's election security have raised significant concerns among voters. A spreadsheet containing partial passwords to election systems was inadvertently made public, leading to accusations against Secretary of State Jenna Griswold for not managing the situation adequately. Although Griswold's team clarified that the passwords were not a full breach and that additional security measures were in place, the incident fueled doubts about election integrity just before election day. This controversy illustrates the ongoing challenges in maintaining public confidence in electoral processes amid rising partisan tensions.
Transit Challenges in Five Points
In the Five Points neighborhood, there is growing frustration among business owners regarding the light rail's impact on local traffic and commerce. Critics argue that the light rail line, which was initially intended to stimulate development, has instead hindered businesses by limiting parking and discouraging foot traffic. Recent requests from the community aim to remove the light rail line from Welton Street to restore accessibility and vibrancy to the area. This situation underscores the tension between urban transit initiatives and the needs of local communities, as residents seek solutions that truly support their neighborhoods.
Protests Over Bike Lane Adjustments
The bike community in Denver has expressed outrage over the city's changes to the planned bike lane on West 29th Avenue. After city officials rolled back their proposals for a protected bike lane due to parking concerns raised by local businesses, cyclists held a large protest demonstrating their desire for safer riding conditions. Participants created a visual barrier in a show of solidarity to underscore the importance of dedicated bike lanes in a city pushing for more sustainable transit options. This protest highlights the ongoing struggle for improved bike infrastructure amid competing interests from different community sectors.
Political Polarization and Voter Perspectives
A listener's email brought attention to feelings of political polarization prevalent in Denver, as some residents report being hesitant to express their views. This sentiment reflects a broader national trend where differing opinions often lead to social anxiety and divisive interactions among neighbors. The conversation underscores the significance of fostering open dialogues in a polarized landscape, after guests highlighted Denver's voting trends that indicate one in five voters supports Trump. These insights reveal the complexity of political identities in the city and the need for more constructive communication across differing viewpoints.
It’s Election Day! We’re talking about the biggest stories of the week — Governor Jared Polis says everything has been fixed after the secretary of state’s election security breach, but we still have questions as Coloradans steel themselves to watch the results roll in tonight. Then, Five Points business owners say the light rail on Welton Street has been a business killer for decades, and they want it gone. Meanwhile on the Northside, cyclists took to the streets over a drastically diminished plan for a new bike lane. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by Westword editor Patty Calhoun to talk elections security and unpopular transit decisions, plus hear from listeners about voting for Trump in deep blue Denver.
For more on the Libertarian Party's legal case against the secretary of state's office over the elections security breach, CPR is covering the proceedings.
What do you think about the light rail line on Welton St.? Should it be removed? Or fixed? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
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