Local Taxes, Venezuelan Gangs, and Honoring Those Who Served

On August 19, 2024, Paula Sarlls, Dave Bray, and Brandon Wark joined the show. Shares her Vietnam-era service background and promotes the upcoming Marine Memorial anniversary event in Golden featuring Iwo Jima veterans and Medal of Honor recipient Drew Dix Explains how he founded Music on a Mission to continue his military service through patriotic performances honoring veterans and law enforcement Advocates for ending.

Marine Memorial Celebrates 47 Years of Service

Start listening at 18:54 – Hour 1

Paula Sarlls, president of the USMC Memorial Foundation, shares her personal connection to the United States Marine Corps Memorial in Golden, Colorado. Having served during Vietnam alongside her husband Tony, Sarlls recalls the profound experience of first visiting the memorial in 2002. That Veterans Day ceremony marked the first time she and her husband felt welcomed home after years of keeping their service hidden due to the era’s anti-military sentiment.

The foundation is preparing for the 47th anniversary celebration on August 24th at 6th and Colfax in Golden. Special guests include Iwo Jima veterans Jim Blaine and Al Jennings, along with Medal of Honor recipient Drew Dix, co-founder of the Center for American Values in Pueblo. Funds raised support the memorial’s ongoing remodel.

“It was the first time that Tony and I felt welcomed home because we both served during Vietnam. And when we got out, we had to put our uniforms away and not talk about it because it just was so unpopular.”

Paula Sarlls, President, USMC Memorial Foundation

Music on a Mission: A Veteran’s Continued Service

Start listening at 20:11 – Hour 1

Dave Bray USA, a former Navy hospital corpsman who served as an FMF corpsman for the Marine Corps, founded Music on a Mission in 2018 to continue serving his fellow veterans through patriotic music. His performances include stirring renditions of the National Anthem and a unique version of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” with additional lyrics honoring the next generation.

Bray emphasizes that freedom and civility depend on both military service members and law enforcement. He views police officers as cousins to the military, fighting daily battles on the home front. His upcoming performance at the USMC Memorial anniversary will feature tributes to fallen service members and first responders.

“So, again, I’m a believer that our law enforcement are cousins to or akin to our military service men and women.”

Dave Bray USA, Founder, Music on a Mission

Greeley’s Food Tax Battle and TABOR’s Protective Power

Start listening at 69:35 – Hour 2

Brandon Wark, founder of Free State Colorado, breaks down the opportunity for Greeley voters to eliminate their 3% food tax this November. The tax, which has existed for over 30 years, generated $10.9 million in 2023. Thanks to the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, city council must ask voters before permanently extending it.

Wark points to Loveland as proof that cities can survive without food taxes. In 2023, Loveland voters repealed their identical 3% food tax by a 65-35 margin through a citizen initiative. Similarly, Lakewood ended its food tax in 2009, led by Natalie Menton, now running for Jefferson County Commissioner. Greeley’s property tax revenue already increased 27% year-over-year, giving the city flexibility to absorb the change.

“Thank goodness for the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, which requires these politicians to ask the voters for this tax increase and this tax extension. This is a 3% tax on food that families need to live, seniors have to pay.”

Brandon Wark, Founder, Free State Colorado

Venezuelan Gangs and Aurora’s Public Safety Crisis

Start listening at 85:12 – Hour 2

Wark details his interview with Aurora City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky regarding Venezuelan gang activity in the city. A Nome Street apartment building was shut down after maintenance crews refused to enter due to safety fears. Despite the city blaming code violations, the property owner revealed that gang intimidation made building upkeep impossible.

Police required a full SWAT team response to handle a double shooting at the complex in late July. Jurinsky reports that certain areas of Aurora have become no-go zones for law enforcement. The media and city officials, Wark argues, are downplaying the crisis because acknowledging it would require action during an election year.

“And she says, yes, there’s a serious gang issue of Venezuelan gangs tied to illegal immigration that basically took over an apartment building that the city had to shut down.”

Brandon Wark, Founder, Free State Colorado