Latest news with #DarrellWatson
CBS News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Denver's RiNo neighborhood holding contest to name new climbable sculpture
A new climbable rhino sculpture has been constructed in Denver's RiNo neighborhood, and they're asking the public to help name it. The new 30-foot-tall, 22,000-pound statue is located at the corner of 29th Street and Arkins Court. It's one of the largest climbable structures of its kind in the U.S. and is designed to be explored and enjoyed by everyone. Denargo Market The rhino statue is the first major public art installation at Denargo Market. It was designed by Sasaki, Golub & Company and FORMATIV and built by JunoWorks, Elsorado Walls and Craft Engineering Studio. A campaign is underway to "Name the Rhino" and is open until June 5. The five finalists' names will be selected on June 6, and then the public will have a chance to vote for their favorites. The winner will be announced during an unveiling with Councilman Darrell Watson on June 12.
Axios
29-01-2025
- Business
- Axios
Denver may revamp its public financing laws
Major changes could be on the horizon for Denver's taxpayer-funded campaign finance system. Why it matters: A retool of the Fair Elections Fund could impact who runs for office and how millions in public money will be used by future mayoral, city council, city auditor and clerk and recorder candidates. Context: Denver City Council's proposed changes to the program include: Banning anonymous donations; Listing ways donations can't be spent, including on alcohol or marijuana; Simplifying and clarifying the election code to make it easier for potential candidates to understand how they can run for office. The changes also call for clarifying rules about mandatory debates to ensure fairness, and strengthening and clarifying the investigatory duties for staff responsible for overseeing campaign finance complaints. Driving the news: Denver City Councilmembers Amanda Sawyer and Darrell Watson introduced the bill with the proposed tweaks during a committee meeting Tuesday. Sawyer said the changes would "strengthen" the city's campaign finance program. Context: The Fair Elections Fund, which provides qualifying candidates with a 9-to-1 public match for donations of up to $50, was crafted to level the playing field for people seeking municipal office. The program provided $7.7 million during the 2023 election cycle, according to a report from the Clerk and Recorder's office, which oversees the fund. Not all candidates used it during that cycle. Between the lines: Denver City Clerk and Recorder Paul López supports the bill, per a letter sent to the city council. The intrigue: While a candidate survey in last year's clerks and recorder report suggested the program influenced their decision to run for office, at least $1.7 million was given to people who had no chance of winning their respective races, an Axios Denver analysis found. What's next: The full Denver City Council is scheduled to host a required public hearing on the proposal on Feb. 18.
