Comments on: Springs faces big hurdles in renewables

By: peter

peter — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:32:10 +0000

rick,

it does not always need money. what is needed is support of private initiatives not road blocks. I am running a few businesses and a lot could be accomplished just with the city or the county instead of blocking initiatives supporting them. I have highlighted just two above these cost the city or county not a dime but would help the economy.

I share your view that most politicians are not the best business people, but what we might want to ellect are people who are at least able to listen and learn…

By: Rick Wehner

Rick Wehner — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:08:27 +0000

Peter,

This sort of vision seems to work well in cities where there IS vision and leadership that combines a collaborative effort between the local governments and the business sector who see the wisdom in working together and fully funding their regional economic development organization.

There is an excellent regional EDC for the Pikes Peak Region – but one that is operating with one hand behind their back due to several factors:

1. No serious funding from either the city of the county,
2. An under-performing Chamber of Commerce,
3. Lack of candidates running for office with significant business, accounting or municipal administrative backgrounds – something that appears to be continuing into the next election cycle.

It would be my opinion that much stronger review, planning and control over the city-county, by the business community would be of great advantage to the region in that there is no one agency coordinating all the talent is available.

To date, the local politicians tell us what great strides they are making but it is from people who are all hat and no cattle. Hopefully, what appears to be serious concern by the private sector/business community over the state of local government and the formation of teams to implement Project 6035 and consideration by the developing “City Commission” to consider a comprehensive review of not only the city, but the county — will begin to reverse the dismal performance of the past and bring young, new, non-politically aligned thinkers to the campaign trail.

The central issue is money. The failed policy of local milqtoast, weak-kneed Republicans whose policy of “just lower taxes and business will flourish” — how well is that really working?

I think it is to the advantage of everyone to pay closer attention to the positive developments that are in the embryonic stages and encourage and support those who are behind these efforts.

fortworthrick

By: peter

peter — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 03:00:22 +0000

a few more issues if adressed by our city could bring progress and a greener image:
1. There is a city policy in place which prohibits solar electricity leasing or PPA programs. This policy could be altered (the original foccus of this was to give CSU a monopoly within the city and bar companies like excel to compete with CSU for electricity customers). My suggestion would be that ppa (power purchasing agreements) or leases would not violate the non compete clause as long as the CSU customer or even CSU itsself would have the right to buy the equipment after a time period of 6 years. This would in effect help all non profit organisations in our city to at least indirect benefit from federal grants or tax credits. It does cost the city or CSU not a dime but would help existing companies and organisations in our beloved city to become greener..
2. financing is a big issue for most alternative energy investments, but payback can be in most cases achived weill below 10 years. What is needed is program in tandem with banks or via a bond issue by the city (city would lend to home or property owners and payback would come from a special assesment on teh property taxes). what would that achieve:
a) contractors which are craving for work would get jobs to insulate houses (payback in some cases below 2 years)
b) Heating and plumbing companies would be busy installing energy effcient furnaces or solar hot water systems
c) electricty companies and solar companies would be busy installing systems for home and commercial property owners
d) we would be a green city (green equals to massive energy savings in our wallets and we would be helping to lower our impact on the environment) this should be a win win for both sides of the political spectrum…

these are only 2 soloutions (the biggest) which i can envision which would improve our city, create jobs and do not cost us local taxpayers a dime.. In most cases we would be able to improve our financial situation..

chance that this happens?

maybe after the elections for mayor and city councill, before that can’t see this so another 10 month of doing nothing and wasting money..

By: brian

brian — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:13:19 +0000

Why not give HUGE discounts to landowners who want the solar and wind generation and let the land owners become self sufficient without the politics and red tape of government charging the people?