Colorado has come a long way

In 1992, Colorado was dubbed “The Hate State” when voters — in a move that shocked many at the time — passed Amendment 2, which excluded gay Coloradans from protection from discrimination. Since that time, however, Colorado has come a long way, and now finds itself on the forefront of the legal and political battles that are reflecting the quickly-evolving national attitudes around civil equality in the 21st century.

On Monday, Denver County Clerk and Recorder Debra Johnson — along with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock — released a video in support of marriage equality for all Denver residents. Both the Mayor and the Clerk have been long-time vocal advocates, and have been in the spotlight in recent weeks as Colorado’s gay marriage debate moves through the courts.

The video, produced by the team at OnSight, was released along with a statement from the Clerk Johnson’s office, which reads in part:

Clerk and Recorder Debra Johnson recognizes the State’s obligation to uphold current law, but also believes in its obligation to enshrine fairness and equity for every Colorado couple.

Check out the video on Facebook, and like the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s page in support of her strong stance for equality.

Be a Plain Pedaler

Pedal the Plains looking for three or four enthusiastic riders who share our excitement for bike culture in Colorado’s Eastern Plains to join forces with the ride and become “Plain Pedalers”. Plain Pedalers will help capture the spirit of Pedal The Plains and tell the story of this fall’s ride and the culture of cycling.

What does it mean to be a Plain Pedaler?

As a Plain Pedaler, you will get one free entry into Pedal The Plains 2014.  You will have the opportunity to tell your story by sharing photos of training, riding and exploring the state during the event, as well as during the weeks leading up to the ride. All of your content will be featured on the Pedal The Plains website and shared by Pedal The Plains social media.

Who is the ideal Plain Pedaler?

The ideal Plain Pedaler is someone with an interesting perspective and a knack for storytelling or photo-taking. They are willing to write a blog post every couple of weeks in the months leading up to the ride, and to post stories or photos every day during the event itself. They are savvy on social media, and willing to participate in conversations and sharing their work online.

You entries are due by Sunday, July 25th.

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They kept us safe — now it’s our turn

Congressman Ed Perlmutter support for veterans has been unwavering in his time in office. Along with those who spent time in the military, Congressman Perlmutter also stands up for those who served in other ways, as well.

Starting in the 1950s, thousands of government workers served our country through their work at the Rocky Flats plant. Today the Rocky Flats region is a 3,953-acre wildlife refuge, providing a habitat for many plant and animal species on the Front Range, yet the hardworking staff of the former Rocky Flats plant are paying an unfair price.

Sign On

Rocky Flats workers suffer a much higher rate of illnesses than the average Coloradan and – until recently – thousands of Rocky Flats workers were forced to painstakingly assemble proof that their illness was caused directly from exposure to radiation from their work at the plant—a burdensome process that could take years, with no guarantee of success.

Many of these people spent their entire careers working for the government on our behalf; now it’s time for us to make sure they are taken care of.

Ed is asking his supporters to sign on to a petition thanking Rocky Flats workers for their efforts, and pledging to keep fighting for them until we make these injustices right.

Late last year, a federal advisory board approved a special process for Rocky Flats workers who worked before 1983, which breaks through some of the barriers that kept them from receiving hard-earned and life-saving health care.

Colorado Senator Mark Udall, Congressman Jared Polis, and Congressman Perlmutter have been working for more than a decade to get the federal government to recognize the hardships former Rocky Flats employees face. Finally, federal agencies are starting to pay attention and are removing roadblocks, one at a time. But they will not stop working until every Rocky Flats worker gets the health care and benefits they deserve.

Please sign on to the petition and pledge to work with our leaders to remember this service to our county, and to make sure we’re looking out for these workers the way they looked out for us.

Wipe off that mud

John Hickenlooper’s opponents and their allies are going to try to track mud all over Colorado by slinging misinformation and false claims at John and his campaign.

That’s why Hickenlooper for Colorado created a place where people can find accurate information about John’s record and Colorado’s accomplishments over the past four years.

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Step into The Mudroom and wipe off that negativity. Then be sure to sign up to be a member of Hick’s “Mudroom rapid response team.” The campaign send you updates whenever there is an attack so you can help them get the truth out.

It’s called The Mudroom, and it’s a great place to wipe off the mud and negativity you see on TV. It’s also a whole lot easier than taking a shower every time you see an attack ad.

This mudroom doesn’t have a sink or a rug. What it does have are the facts and a great team of people like you to help Hickenlooper for Colorado spread the word. And that’s especially important when you don’t run negative ads, like Hick’s campaign.

Colorful Colorado

Congratulations to all who participated in the recently-wrapped Ride The Rockies! This seven-day, 471-mile cycling tour took riders to through blizzards, rainstorms, but most of all, a stunning cross-section of colorful Colorado.

For the second year running (or, riding) OnSight Public Affairs was on hand to handle social media, take photos and work with participating bloggers.

Here are a few highlights from the week:

For more photos and updates, be sure to check out the Peak Pedaler blog, RTR Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Stay tuned for updates on next year, the 30th anniversary tour!