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Tag: Heidi Ganahl

Ganahl: Understanding the opt-out confusion in the Republican Party
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Ganahl: Understanding the opt-out confusion in the Republican Party

By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice There is an election in under 30 days, on Saturday, March 29, to decide the leadership of the Republican Party in Colorado for the next two years, including the critical 2026 midterms. Voters include about 500 Republican Party activists that hold the position of county chair, vice chair, secretary or bonus member, along with various elected officials across the state.  There are four confirmed candidates — Brita Horn, Kevin McCarney, Lori Saine and Darcy Schoening — and two that are rumored to run, Danielle Neuschwanger and Dave Williams (Williams has announced a decision not to run).  There is always a chance that someone else could be nominated from the floor as well, or announce prior to the printing of ballots. Th...
Ganahl: Parents speak up about rash of alleged sex crimes by staff in Jefferson County schools
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Ganahl: Parents speak up about rash of alleged sex crimes by staff in Jefferson County schools

By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice A letter sent by parent-led organization Jeffco Kids First (JKF) to the superintendent of Jefferson County schools and its board of education on Feb. 7, urges them to acknowledge shocking and dangerous issues in the district. Lindsday Datko, leader of JKF, asks that the district publicly implement immediate triage operations to address risks, and ensure accountability and adherence to sound processes, policies and laws. It ends with a call for a public update on these matters.  There is a board meeting Thursday, Feb. 13, at 5 p.m. at the Ed Center in Golden. Here is the link to participate virtually or live: https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/about/board-of-education/board-meetings.  Some examples referenced in the c...
Ganahl: What is the significance of Republican organizational meetings?
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Ganahl: What is the significance of Republican organizational meetings?

By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice It is essential for every Republican to recognize the importance of the upcoming organizational meetings. These gatherings, held in odd-numbered years, play a pivotal role in shaping the party's direction at both county and state levels. The election of new leadership during these meetings will significantly influence the party's effectiveness, adherence to conservative principles and overall success in future elections. Key dates and objectives County-level organizational meetings are scheduled between Feb. 1-15, followed by the state party meeting, which occurs between Feb. 15 to April 1 and has been set for March 29. The primary objective of these meetings is to elect new party leaders — including the chair, vice-chair an...
Ganahl: The actions of Gov. Polis and Democrats speak louder than words — Colorado is a sanctuary state
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Ganahl: The actions of Gov. Polis and Democrats speak louder than words — Colorado is a sanctuary state

By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Despite Colorado Gov. Jared Polis' assertions to the contrary, the state has increasingly been adopting policies and laws that align with the characteristics of a sanctuary state, significantly limiting the enforcement capabilities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within its borders.  Discussions have been vibrant on the topic of whether Colorado should be considered a sanctuary state, given the state's legislative actions over the past few years. One of the most significant pieces of legislation is HB23-1100, which fundamentally restricts local governments' ability to contract with ICE for the detention of immigrants in local jails. This bill also bans the establishment of private immigration detention centers in...
Ganahl: A response to Gov. Polis’ State of the State address
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Ganahl: A response to Gov. Polis’ State of the State address

By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Note: The following is a loose translation of Heidi Ganahl's response to Gov. Jared Polis' State of the State address Thursday to members of the 75th legislature. Hi there it’s  Heidi Ganahl, and today I’m here to set the record straight on Governor Polis’ rosy vision for Colorado. While his speech may sound polished, it paints a very different picture than the reality Coloradans are facing every day. Let’s talk about the challenges that weren’t mentioned — or were glossed over. 1. Economic and infrastructure failures: Governor Polis likes to tout Colorado as a land of opportunity, but for many, it’s become a land of unaffordability. Seniors on fixed incomes are being driven out, families can barely afford groceries, and vehi...
Ganahl: Kroger-Albertsons merger preserves competition, protects jobs and retains price points
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Ganahl: Kroger-Albertsons merger preserves competition, protects jobs and retains price points

By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice The proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger has become a critical issue in Colorado, where both companies maintain a significant presence. Kroger operates 148 King Soopers and City Market stores, while Albertsons operates 105 Safeway and Albertsons locations.  To address concerns about reduced competition, Kroger and Albertsons have proposed selling 91 stores, including Safeway and Albertsons locations, to C&S Wholesale Grocers. C&S is a national distributor and operator of grocery chains such as Piggly Wiggly. The companies have committed to ensuring no store closures or layoffs of frontline workers as part of this divestiture plan, and C&S has committed to honoring collective bargaining agreements in the acquired stor...
Ganahl: Is the Pueblo mayor on a Republican revenge tour?
Commentary, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice

Ganahl: Is the Pueblo mayor on a Republican revenge tour?

By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Pueblo, Colorado, has become the backdrop for a politically charged controversy involving Republican Mayor Heather Graham and Pueblo conservatives.  Graham’s election to mayor over incumbent Democrat Nick Gradisar was a shock in 2023.  After decades of Democratic rule, conservatives celebrated a new direction in their beloved city.  The celebration didn’t last long.  Mayor Graham’s relationship with the Republican Party has soured significantly since her primary election. Feeling betrayed by Republican leaders who supported other candidates in her primary election, Graham has taken several steps that suggest a personal vendetta against the party, and conservatives in her city. Her most striking move came yester...
Ganahl: Dear Jena, let’s get real about remote access
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Ganahl: Dear Jena, let’s get real about remote access

By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Colorado’s elections are far from secure. Rather than being a "gold standard" of integrity, they are a gilded mess of lies and half-measures. Ten years ago, I handed off my “baby,” a $100 million pet care franchise built from scratch, so I could fight for the American dream I have been so blessed to live. I had seen how our politicians and government were tearing opportunities away from our children. Government was making it harder and harder to start and grow a business, raise our families, and live freely. So, I went to work. First, I launched a non-profit to fight for justice in our court system: Moms Fight Back. Then, I was the last Republican to win a statewide race in Colorado as regent at the University of Colorado. For six...
Ganahl: Retail rescue outed by a rabies outbreak
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Ganahl: Retail rescue outed by a rabies outbreak

By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Colorado’s animal rescue system has long been regarded as a national leader, rescuing tens of thousands of pets from outside the state each year to meet the growing demand for furry companions. However, a disturbing trend is emerging in the rescue world, where non-profit organizations posing as shelters are flipping animals in a scheme that values profits over the welfare of pets. This "retail rescue" phenomenon, coupled with lax quarantine and vaccination enforcement, has come to light in the wake of the Moms and Mutts (MAMCO) rabies outbreak, which has cost public health agencies over $600,000 to clean up. In August, MAMCO, a Colorado rescue organization, found itself at the center of a rabies exposure crisis after importing ani...
Ganahl: Remembering our friend, inspiration and Rocky Mountain Voice champion Buz Koelbel
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Ganahl: Remembering our friend, inspiration and Rocky Mountain Voice champion Buz Koelbel

By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Buz Koelbel was a force of nature — a builder of legacies, a man of unwavering principles and a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing him. As one of the founders of Rocky Mountain Voice, Buz's vision extended beyond brick-and-mortar buildings. He understood that the heart of any community is not just in its physical structures, but in the stories it tells, the voices it elevates and the principles it upholds. To many of us at Rocky Mountain Voice, Buz wasn’t just one of our founders — he was a mentor, a cheerleader and a friend. Buz, along with his amazing wife Sherri, and I met when I joined the University of Colorado-Boulder business school board more than a decade ago. He LOVED his Buffs!  His involve...