Taking Back Colorado Through Local Government Reform

On December 3, 2024, Rebecca Keltie, Brandon Wark, Jon Boesen, and Susan Kochevar joined the show. Keltie provided updates on her House District 16 recount, explaining the process of recounting over 380,000 ballots and the significance of potentially ending the Democratic supermajority Wark outlined strategies for citizen engagement at the local level, discussed the Colorado Springs mayor hate crime hoax, and endorsed the DOGE Colorado concept.

House District 16 Recount Update

Start listening at 14:42 – Hour 1

Rebecca Keltie finds herself in an extraordinarily close race for Colorado House District 16, leading by just six votes out of approximately 41,000 cast. The automatic recount, triggered when margins fall within half a percent, requires election officials to reprocess over 380,000 ballots through the entire El Paso County system because ballots cannot be separated by district.

Keltie explained that Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold mandated that recounts must use the same counting method as the original tally, meaning machine counting rather than hand counting. Election officials conducted a test hand count of several thousand ballots to verify accuracy. If results flip the election, Clerk Steve Schleicher indicated a full hand count would follow.

The race carries significant implications for Colorado’s political balance. Keltie’s potential victory, combined with two other Republican wins, would eliminate the Democratic supermajority in the state House. Her opponent holds distinction as one of the most progressive members of the current legislature.

“We are divided and we need to find those who are trying to divide our party, and we need to go around them.”

Rebecca Keltie, Colorado HD16 Candidate

Local Government Activism and DOGE Colorado

Start listening at 28:20 – Hour 1

Brandon Wark, founder of Free State Colorado, stressed that while federal changes under the incoming Trump administration offer hope, real change must happen at the local level. City councils, mayors, and county governments implement policies that directly affect residents, yet most citizens remain disengaged from these decision-making bodies.

Wark highlighted a troubling pattern where elected officials resign shortly after winning elections, allowing party insiders to appoint replacements who never faced voters. He cited Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade’s connection to a hate crime hoax, noting that according to a Daily Wire report, the FBI referred the mayor for prosecution for allegedly lying to federal investigators, but the Department of Justice declined to pursue charges.

Kim Monson proposed creating “DOGE Colorado,” local citizen groups modeled after the federal Department of Government Efficiency concept, to analyze municipal budgets and present specific cost-cutting recommendations to elected officials. Wark endorsed this approach, noting that informed citizens presenting concrete solutions could counterbalance the influence of city bureaucrats who typically push for expanded government.

“If we had an informed citizenry who can look at the budget, who can look at where the government waste is, where they can streamline things, and then present actual solutions to our local governments, we can be much more effective.”

Brandon Wark, Founder of Free State Colorado

Holiday Safety and Personal Injury Prevention

Start listening at 63:05 – Hour 2

Jon Boesen of Boesen Law reminded listeners that the holiday season brings increased risks from winter weather, social gatherings, and travel. Slip and fall accidents become more common as ice accumulates on sidewalks and parking lots, while holiday parties can lead to impaired driving incidents.

Boesen emphasized the importance of common sense precautions, though he acknowledged that good judgment often diminishes after a few drinks at festive gatherings. He advised awareness of surroundings, appropriate footwear for winter conditions, and designated driver arrangements for holiday celebrations.

“The problem with common sense is you have a little bit too much to drink, you get a little bit too much into the spirit.”

Jon Boesen, Boesen Law

Trump Administration Impact on Colorado

Start listening at 71:10 – Hour 2

Susan Kochevar, entrepreneur and owner of 88 Drive-In Theater, sees the incoming Trump administration as a source of hope against what she characterized as Marxist policies. With 48 days until inauguration, she noted the Biden administration continues disbursing funds for green energy projects through the Inflation Reduction Act, pushing solar installations and lithium battery storage facilities that she described as dangerous to communities.

Kochevar warned that as federal regulations decrease under Trump, state and local governments may attempt to fill the gap with increased SALT (state and local taxes). She pointed to Boulder’s proposed $25 minimum wage as an example of policies that would devastate small businesses. She argued that crushing small business represents a deliberate strategy to make citizens dependent on government employment.

The discussion turned to the proper role of tariffs in trade policy. While acknowledging free market principles, both Kochevar and Monson noted that tariffs can level playing fields when foreign governments subsidize their industries to undercut American manufacturers. Kochevar predicted a new coalition of limited-government leaders including Trump, Russia’s Putin, Argentina’s Javier Milei, and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele.

“When we look at people for city councils and even our state legislatures, we need to start looking for people who come to it with a philosophy of limited government and limited taxes.”

Susan Kochevar, Owner of 88 Drive-In Theater