UAW Strike Threatens Auto Industry as Colorado Politics Heat Up

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, Kim Monson welcomed automotive expert Lauren Fix for a deep analysis of the historic United Auto Workers strike against all three major automakers. Later, Littleton School Board candidate Dr. Brian McCauley outlined his education priorities, while entrepreneur Susan Kochevar joined Kim in studio to dissect Colorado political developments including Ken Buck’s controversial stance on January 6th detainees.

Colorado Political Landscape and the Uniparty

Start listening at 60:00 – Hour 2

Susan Kochevar, entrepreneur and owner of the 88 Drive-In Theater, joins Kim in studio to examine the state of Colorado politics. She highlights Congressman Ken Buck’s controversial response to Todd Watkins regarding January 6th political prisoners, noting Buck cited left-leaning sources like Politico and the New York Times in his rebuttal.

The discussion turns to the uniparty phenomenon where Republican consultants and operatives work alongside radical Democrats. Kochevar points to the open primary ballot measure that passed with over $5 million in outside funding, including money from DaVita’s former CEO Kent Thiry, against only $70,000 in opposition. She also addresses the Lauren Boebert situation, noting the suspicious surveillance footage quality and release, while acknowledging poor choices were made.

Callers Bill from North Glen and Action Ann weigh in on holding Republican candidates to higher standards and questioning the ubiquitous surveillance cameras capturing private moments.

“And we have people who are political prisoners who are being mistreated in these jails. And we know this because we have representatives like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Louie Gohmert, who went in to the jail facilities to see how things were going. They’re being treated terribly.”

Susan Kochevar, 88 Drive-In Theater

UAW Strike Economics and Vehicle Mileage Tax

Start listening at 41:15 – Hour 1

Lauren Fix, known as the Car Coach, breaks down the unprecedented United Auto Workers strike hitting Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis simultaneously. The strike threatens to cost the American economy $5.6 billion in just ten days of lost productivity. Fix explains that UAW workers currently cost manufacturers $134,000 per year including benefits, compared to Tesla’s $45 per hour total cost as a non-union manufacturer.

The union’s demands include a 44% pay increase over four years, 40 hours pay for 32 hours work, and expanded retiree healthcare. Fix notes that Sean Fain, the UAW president, has aligned with Bernie Sanders rather than endorsing Biden, while Trump plans to speak directly to UAW workers. She warns that electric vehicle mandates will ultimately eliminate 40% of UAW jobs as EVs require fewer workers to manufacture.

Fix also sounds the alarm on vehicle mileage taxes spreading across 17 states. Michigan’s new program threatens driver privacy and freedom of mobility. She warns the tax could reach $1,100 annually for someone driving 14,000 miles per year, and the data collection capabilities of modern vehicles make tracking unavoidable.

“If you’re pumping gas, you’re going to get charged by the mile and for the gas, and it’s going to continue that way and then eventually they’re just going to keep increasing that by the mile tax.”

Lauren Fix, Car Coach Reports

Education Excellence and Parental Rights in Littleton Schools

Start listening at 20:00 – Hour 1

Dr. Brian McCauley explains his candidacy for Littleton School Board, emphasizing a relentless focus on the core mission of education. Currently, only 48% of Littleton students perform at grade level in math, with English at 62%. McCauley argues these metrics demand attention rather than distractions from sensitive political topics.

On parental rights, McCauley states that parents are the people who love their children most and should guide conversations about identity and mature topics. When schools insert themselves into these discussions with potentially conflicting messages, it confuses children and detracts from academic achievement. He emphasizes that education should build critical and independent thinkers.

“A child’s parents are the people who love that child the most, care about that child the most, have the best interests for that child in mind. Parents are mentors and guides for their children, and nobody else really can replace that role.”

Dr. Brian McCauley, Littleton School Board Candidate