The View From Here

NOREEN: Divorcing? Try a mediator

BARRY NOREEN

They say that breaking up is hard to do, but it’s not as hard, or as expensive, as it once was. In 2011, more than 70 percent of Colorado’s divorces occurred after a mediation process instead of the traditional, expensive method involvin... Full story

NOREEN: City and USOC -- not a gold medal performance

BARRY NOREEN

It appears that abyss-diving has become the latest Olympic sport and Colorado Springs is in contention for a medal. Oh yes, the troublesome deal City Hall made in 2008 to keep the United States Olympic Committee headquarters in the city has taken an... Full story

NOREEN: DUI stop sobering for GOP leaders

BARRY NOREEN

A blizzard shut down the Colorado General Assembly Friday, and one local lawmaker was happy to see it. “This was just what the doctor ordered,” said Rep. Mark Waller, the Colorado Springs Republican who serves as assistant majority leade... Full story

NOREEN: Christo ignites healthiest of art debates

BARRY NOREEN

Whether you think Christo’s “Over the River” project is good art or bad art, or whether you just think it might give Colorado tourism a boost, the fact is that the artist’s idea remains a part of the conversation. That is exa... Full story

NOREEN: Attack PERA? City has better ways to economize

BARRY NOREEN

Colorado Springs State Sen. Kent Lambert, who collects a retirement after 30 years as an Air Force officer, thinks city employees should take a 2.5 percent pay cut in the form of increased contributions to their retirement plan. Lambert, a Colorado ... Full story

NOREEN: Fracking, legal pot, city hall among January winners

BARRY NOREEN

Now that we’ve plunged almost an entire month into the new year, we can take stock by viewing the universal public events scoreboard. One apology before we begin: This is a bit like the scoreboard at the World Arena in that you won’t get... Full story

NOREEN: Urban renewal mess a communications failure

BARRY NOREEN

It’s hard to make good decisions when key pieces of information are not in front of you. Since September the Colorado Springs City Council and Mayor Steve Bach have been asked to make decisions on urban renewal projects — The Vineyards n... Full story

NOREEN: Lamborn is AWOL, but a heroic Boy Scout isn't

BARRY NOREEN

Doug Lamborn is no Boy Scout — that much we know. The three-term Republican congressman proudly proclaimed Monday that he would boycott President Barack Obama’s State of the Union speech, explaining that he does not agree with the presid... Full story

NOREEN: Ivywild deal appears done — finally

BARRY NOREEN

Some of us look forward to the day we can savor another local IPA — perhaps an Ivywild Pale Ale. It appears that local brewery owner Mike Bristol and his partners have a deal with the city’s Urban Renewal Authority, Colorado Springs Scho... Full story

NOREEN: Please, Tancredo, don't endorse me!

BARRY NOREEN

Colorado’s primary election season began a bit earlier this year because the election was moved up from its traditional August date to June 26. This means candidates must come out of the woodwork sooner so they can raise money, build an organi... Full story

NOREEN: Uncle Wilber knows best

BARRY NOREEN

When Uncle Wilber is playing music and gushing for the kids in summer, he’s far too busy for interviews. And most of the time he is rendered speechless by the parade of absurdities he witnesses from his vantage point at Acacia Park. But Wilber... Full story

NOREEN: Bach is right to question Springs Utilities

BARRY NOREEN

Colorado Springs Utilities, a giant steamroller of an organization that overcomes immovable objects with irresistible force, was stunned recently when someone uttered a word it never hears: “No.” Mayor Steve Bach refused to sign off on a... Full story

NOREEN: GOP, walk your talk, approve civil unions

BARRY NOREEN

Colorado Republicans, who regard themselves as the champions of limited government, have again been presented with an opportunity to display their unique blend of intellect and morality. Senate Bill 2, introduced by Denver Democrat Sen. Pat Steadman... Full story

NOREEN: Ballyhooed PERA bill is D.O.A.

BARRY NOREEN

There is an uncaring dark void where political show encounters political reality. It’s called the Colorado Senate State Affairs Committee. It’s not certain but somewhat likely that a bill enthusiastically backed by Colorado Springs Mayor... Full story

A view of Barry Noreen--on camera

Three times a week, Gazette columnist Barry Noreen writes "A View From Here," a close look at government and community issues in Colorado Springs and El Paso County. Join Barry for a different view--from his desk. Barry sat in front the camera on... Full story

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