On the stump

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Mar 3, 2007 by THE GAZETTE

CHAMBER ENDORSES MAYOR

This just in: The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Lionel Rivera for mayor.

One might wonder why the chamber bothers, considering Rivera, a 10-year City Council veteran, is a proven backer of business interests and is running against three political novices who lack wide support and name recognition.

More interesting is the fact the chamber passed over incumbent Councilman Tom Gallagher in the at-large council race, and instead endorsed challenger Tom Harold, a businessman active on city boards and committees. Other chamber endorsees are incumbents Larry Small, Randy Purvis and Bernie Herpin.

MORE ENDORSEMENTS

The Pikes Peak Association of Realtors also passed over Gallagher, endorsing Rivera for mayor and incumbents Herpin, Purvis and Small for council.

Following suit, the Downtown Partnership is snubbing Gallagher, endorsing Rivera for mayor, and for council, Herpin, Purvis, Small, Harold, businesswoman Jan Martin and attorney/developer Greg Timm.

GUN GROUP FOR HERPIN

Bernie Herpin has won backing from the Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition -- the group's only endorsement so far. Herpin was appointed last year to serve the unexpired term of Richard Skorman and is seeking his first term in office.

Individuals backing him are listed on his Web site at www.herpins.com.

MANY IN LINE FOR MARTIN

Speaking of individual endorsements, check out the list supporting Jan Martin. They include former Mayor Mary Lou Makepeace, Buck Blessing, Jan Doran, Ann Oatman Gardner, Les Gruen, Councilmen Jerry Heimlicher and Scott Hente and former council members Mary Ellen Mc-Nally, Judy Noyes and Richard Skorman. A complete list is at http://www.electjanmartin.com/endorsements.htm.

DETAILS ON THE FORUMS

City Council candidate forums:

7 p.m. Monday: Trails and Open Space will sponsor a forum at the Senior Center, 1418 N. Hancock St.

7:30 a.m. Tuesday: The Rising Professionals Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a debate for all candidates at the Antlers Hilton hotel. For information, Sandy Wenger at 575-4317.

6 p.m. Tuesday: The Democratic Women's Club and the El Paso County Democrats Club host a forum in the Carnegie Room at Penrose Public Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave.

5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday: El Pomar Foundation's Forum for Civic Advancement at the Penrose House, 1661 Mesa Ave. A reception will follow. Those planning to attend are urged to RSVP by Monday by calling 577-7088 or e-mailing afrosh@elpomar.org. Business attire is suggested. Sponsors: Citizens Project, Colorado Springs Business Journal, Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation, Colorado Springs Independent, Colorado Springs Leadership Institute, El Paso County Clerk and Recorder's Office, Leadership Pikes Peak, Native American Leadership Forum and Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition.

7 p.m. Thursday: The Organization of Westside Neighbors will host a meet-andgreet for all candidates at the West Intergenerational Center at West Middle School, 20th and W. Kiowa streets.

7 p.m. March 12: The Old North End Neighborhood Forum will host a forum at Penrose Hospital, 2222 N. Nevada Ave.

6 p.m. March 13: Citizens Project, the Colorado Springs Independent and Black/Latino Leadership Coalition will sponsor a forum in the Penrose Library Carnegie Room.

6:30 p.m. March 14: Citizens-Powered Media, Save The Springs and the Pikes Peak Group of the Sierra Club will sponsor a forum at Rockrimmon Branch Public Library, 832 Village Center Drive.