John DiGirolamo finishes his six-part series writing about how the modern culture shapes our society. The current culture’s influence is stronger than ever and is constantly evolving.
Mountain corridor counties confronted budget reality while state and federal governments produced victories from defeats.
Chaffee County raised landfill fees but still faces deficit—the increase covered only half the gap while absorbing an 85% state-mandated fee increase with zero state funding. Chaffee denied a concert permit because emergency services cannot staff three major events simultaneously: “we’re barely able to tread water just on basic needs.” Grand County condemned Colorado Parks and Wildlife for violating the state’s own wolf plan by releasing a chronic livestock-killing wolf back into Grand County after confirmed depredations in three counties.
Attorney General Phil Weiser counted California’s $179.8 million recovery as Colorado’s “over $1 billion secured.” Colorado received $25 million while $787 million in federal grants disappeared. The legislature appropriated $4 million to fund Weiser’s lawsuits while cutting school bus electrification entirely.
Southeastern Colorado ratepayers will spend 100 years repaying the Arkansas Valley Conduit with final payment due in 2135—at least 25 years after pipes need replacement. Three counties pay property taxes for water they never receive.
Trump weaponized federal infrastructure against Colorado, dismantling NCAR and cutting $847 million after Polis refused to release Tina Peters. Congressional oversight collapsed when Chairman Comer rescheduled Clinton depositions after threatening contempt.
County governments manage actual budgets under constitutional limits while doing the work everyone else creates.
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