Go to the mobile version of this Web site.

Login | Contact Us | Site Map | Paid archives | Electronic edition | Subscription Questions | Extras

Home › News › Local News

Denver man, 71, cashes in on I-25 near Monument

By Andrea Brown, The Gazette

Published July 1, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

Text size  

More Local News

More stories »

Briefcase in hand, Leerie Tagney boards the morning FREX bus in downtown Denver with commuters heading to jobs along the Front Range.

He naps on the hourlong ride south on Interstate 25, gets off at the Monument exit and walks to the nearby Woodmoor onramp to start his day's toil.

Block letters on a rumpled cardboard sign tell motorists he is: OLD-TIRED SICK-HUNGRY CREATIVE BROKE.

He has until the red light turns green to take offerings from hands jutting from car windows. Two bucks is the typical handout, with fives, tens and candy bars not uncommon.

"I make a good $25 an hour," said Tagney, 71, known as "Mr. Wizard" and looking the part with turquoise eyes and a frizzy gray beard with blond streaks.

"I did fantastically well last Friday, which according to my biorhythm chart was my lucky day. I did $340."

Without the $6 ride on the Front Range Express bus, Tagney would be just another beggar on Denver's streets.

Tagney limits his trips to Monument to two times a week.

"These are beautiful, generous people," he said. "I don't want to wear it out."

For more from the Gazette, click here.

Comments

  • July 1, 2008

    12:56 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    piddyonu writes:

    Hey old dude... are declaring your income at 25.00 per hour?.... or are you still collecting Social Security and whatever goverment benefit you can.... remember Al Capone died in jail not because he was a criminal.... but he didn't pay his taxes.... LOLOLOLOLOL

  • July 1, 2008

    1:15 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    happymike44 writes:

    So this is how he repays these people and their kindness.
    These are good people and he sits there milking them like you would a cow.
    I see people like this everyday and know if I was to give everyone of them a dollar I would be broke.
    It doesn't matter if the neighborhood is upscale or not.
    You have no business pan handling there.
    I wonder does he even think some of those kids are giving him their birthday money.
    I lived in a upscale neighborhood and we had everyone coming to our doors.
    Selling candy and magazine subsciptions and newspapers all day long.
    We moved out because we could not get any peace and quiet.
    What should have been a dream home was under seige by every unwanted and unsavory person under the sun.
    So I am less then thrilled to see someone brag about how he is breaking the bank in a nice upscale place and taking these people to the cleaners in the process.
    Sorry that life is so hard for you but do what many older people are doing get a job.
    I am taking care of my own parents with no help from the rest of my family.
    So I find his happy go lucky attitude less then charming.

  • July 1, 2008

    5:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    roger44 writes:

    Hey Mike, it's not like he's forcing them to give. And Social security is not a benefit, it's an entitlement, we paid in. Get damned little back for 45 years of paying in, figure it at 2% interest and the Government is doing OK on the payments, but they chose to tap the funds. The IRS will be reading this and tap him too, but of course they give the oil companies tax breaks, let the officials in Blackhawk fix up their homes on gambling money, calling them historical sites. Do some research on how the Government wastes your money and maybe you won't be so critical of an old man out there with his hand out, it's still a free country..for awhile anyway.

  • July 1, 2008

    6:55 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Tiredofthem writes:

    Hey mike the man is 71 let him be nobody if forcing them to give him money. (I lived in an upscale neighborhood and we had everyone coming to our doors.
    Selling candy and magazine subscriptions and newspapers all day long we moved out because we could not get any peace and quiet.) Let me get this straight you don’t want people to panhandle but when they go to sell things you also complain make up your mind.
    (I am taking care of my own parents with no help from the rest of my family.) Once again it sounds like you’re complaining if you are having a hard time doing and not up to the task to do this may be you should but them to panhandle in CS to help U out.

  • July 1, 2008

    6:58 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    ColoNative writes:

    The conservatives say that I can choose to drive by this guy and pay him or not.

    Liberals demand through taxes that I not only support him, but they get to keep 70% of every dollar that they take from me to give to him.

    It sounds like this guy has found a way to eliminate the liberal middle man.

  • July 1, 2008

    7 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    TC writes:

    Whoa Mike. You don't seem that happy today.

  • July 1, 2008

    7:52 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    happymike44 writes:

    If you people were true chrstian you would offer him a place to live.
    I mean he seems like the nicest guy to me.
    I have a theory put your money where your mouth is.
    Otherwise why is it acceptable for him to pan handle and annoy people at the freeway offramps.
    I have lived with the pan handling coming to my front door.
    It was a intrusion in my life.
    I love my father and taking care of him is repayment for taking care of me as a child.
    I come from people who would never let our family sleep in the street or pan handle for a living.
    This means all my family and wonder why this man does not have the same support in his life.
    I would die of embarassment if I heard my father was hungry or sleeping in the street.
    So I wonder why is his family standing back and letting him suffer the indignity of pan handling for his keep.
    I do however realize this world is cruel and insufferable for some people.
    I just wonder where all you when it becomes night and he is sleeping in a box.
    This should not be happening in the richest country of the world.
    Explain when did it become okay to sleep in the streets and pan handle to eat.
    Because no one and I mean no one should ever sleep in the streets or have to pan handle to survive.
    Now do I make myself clear I find it unacceptable for anyone to be homeless or sleep in the streets.
    This is not what Jesus would ever want us to accept as a everyday acceptable thing in our world.

  • July 1, 2008

    8:05 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    medina88 writes:

    Gee Happymike...you should take this guy in and take care of him too.

  • July 1, 2008

    8:11 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    bilco writes:

    Most of the comments I've read are waaaaay off base! I ADMIRE this guy...$340 in a day! Get outta here! How cool is that? The guy is 71 and THIS IS HIS JOB. As you read, like you and me, he commutes to work, puts in his time and takes home a tidy sum to get him by. I respect that. Even though I'm only 60, it might be time to start growing a long flowing white beard, find myself a decent hat, create an interesting sign and join him on the streets!

    GOD BLESS YOU SIR!!!

  • July 1, 2008

    8:25 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cowboy63 writes:

    happymike44 - You do have one good point though. Where are this guy's kids? (and if he doesn't have any, why didn't the RMN say so?)

    I've done plenty of work with the homeless and I can tell you from much experience that handing out cash is NOT the answer. If you really want to help; then offer anything else - food, a job, clothing, etc., but keep your money in your pocket.

    That may sound hard (and I'm sure I'll hear as much), but that is experience talking.

  • July 1, 2008

    8:38 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cowboy63 writes:

    PajamaPulitzer writes: "This guy is a bum. A smart bum, but a bum nonetheless."

    You'll catch hell for that one (but not from me). Actually, they would be the first to agree with you. The homeless guys I've dealt with have no misconceptions about their circumstances. 95% of them would tell you they are there as a direct result of their own CHOICES. That doesn't mean we don't give them a hand, but they aren't looking for sympathy. Again, the majority would tell you that society didn't do this to them - they did it to themselves.

    (...and before you start in on me being a harda$$ - there are some truly tragic homeless cases and they are the ones that really need the help.)

  • July 1, 2008

    9:08 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    momof5 writes:

    I always wonder what happened in a person's life that they ended up this way. Sometimes, especially in this economy, I think, there but for the grace of God go I. Many working class are just a paycheck away from being homeless.

    If I saw this guy and I had a couple extra dollars in my pocket, I would probably give it to him. What I dislike intensely is the young guys on the street in downtown Denver panhandling. I refuse to give them money. Get cleaned up. Get a job. Pay your own way. For crying out loud, I work two jobs to provide for my kids. I'm sure as heck going to give you what might be my kids' lunch money when you're young and able to work.

    And it doesn't help when they get ticked off and start cussing when you don't give them money.

  • July 1, 2008

    9:46 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    p_myers661 writes:

    With what this guy's taking home he can afford a nice apartment and I'll bet he has one. He must not know about access-a-ride. If he can get medical referral and passes their examinations and tests, he gets a door to door ride for twice the normal bus fare. He also gets a bus pass good for all buses. Next time he might not have to walk down that ramp.

  • July 1, 2008

    10:01 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    YourNeilness writes:

    Its stories like this, where a panhandler reveals that he makes more money than I do, that cause me to decide not to give to any panhandlers at all. I prefer to help the needy by supporting the organizations that help them by providing food and/or shelter. At least that way I know I'm actually helping the needy folks get what they need instead of helping one individual make $25/hr tax free!

  • July 1, 2008

    10:38 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    NJgirlinCO writes:

    The people that give these pan handlers money, should instead send that money to organizations such as the Denver Rescue Mission, if they really want to help those less fortunate. If they are seriously down on their luck, organizations like this help them to get back on their feet, including finding suitable work. I'm sure a good portion of the pan handlers that are out on the streets could find a decent job if they weren't so lazy.

  • July 1, 2008

    10:38 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    primafacie writes:

    So he's more con man than bum. Lovely.

  • July 1, 2008

    10:48 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cowboy63 writes:

    Gene writes: "Where did it say this guy was homeless?"

    Good point, Gene. What other intersection is he working the other days of the week?

  • July 1, 2008

    11:28 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    cogramma writes:

    do the math - $25/hr x 6(hrs a day, maybe) x 2 = $300 wk x 52 (IF he does this every week of the yr) = $15,600 a year. Not exactly making him a millionaire is it? Plus, at 'over 70' the goveernment says he can earn as much as he wants and not have to deduct from his social security. Does he declare it on his income tax? Not unless he's really stupid!

  • July 1, 2008

    11:40 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    YourNeilness writes:

    cogramma,

    That's just from this one location. Where does he panhandle the other 5 days of the week and how much does he make there? Since I pay taxes on my income and he doesn't, I think it's a safe bet that he makes more money than me off the backs of the generous.

  • July 1, 2008

    11:42 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    ashlandbus writes:

    "He read tarot cards in Manitou Springs before moving to a subsidized senior housing studio apartment in Denver in 2006 in hopes of expanding his business."-Gazette

    Nope, not homeless.

  • July 1, 2008

    12:08 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    PeanutGallery writes:

    "Where did it say this guy was homeless?" Exactly.

    I hardly doubt he is homeless. If so, why would he need to take a bus to "work"? Obviously he has somewhere to go at the end of the day.

  • July 1, 2008

    12:11 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jws3 writes:

    Ahhhh... yes. "The law, in its majestic equality forbids all men to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets and to steal bread -- the rich and the poor alike." Anatole France.

  • July 1, 2008

    12:23 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Brain writes:

    Gene, exactly nothing in the article says this guy is homeless, this is his job more power to him. I see these people everyday and DO NOT GIVE THEM A DIME; I work hard for my money, the people that do give probably work hard for their money and in my opinion are idiots.

  • July 1, 2008

    1:52 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cowboy63 writes:

    Brain writes: "I work hard for my money, the people that do give probably work hard for their money and in my opinion are idiots."

    You got a point there.

    Here's a class project for you: Every time you see a guy with a "will work for food" sign, tell him to jump in and that you got some work for him.

    If he hem's and haw's about how busy he is and that he can't really go right now - walk away. If he says, "OK", give him $10 for being a good man. Don't worry; you won't be giving out much (if any) money.

  • July 1, 2008

    10:22 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Chadley25 writes:

    I can't tell from this article if we're supposed to respect this guy or just envy him. I do neither. Begging like this if offensive to me. Clearly he has made enough to pick himself up and start working to better himself and society, but he choose to keep pandhandling, from the sound of it. $300+ a day, tax-free, is a pretty damn good income -- it only costs him a cheap bus ride and every scrap of self-respect he has.

    And for all you "school of Karl Rove name-calling" graduates, please refrain from turning this into some liberal vs. conservative crusade. I'm pretty liberal, a registered Democrat, and things like this disgust me.

  • July 1, 2008

    11:44 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Mtnmike293 writes:

    Just another job. An real live made in America entrepanuer. Self-employed and resorceful. He is good at what he does. Give him an outstanding on his annual performance rating.

  • July 3, 2008

    8:01 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    piddyonu writes:

    Hey where is this intersection?? I'm comimg so move over ole dude.... Hey cogranny??? are u nuts... the goverment deducts benefits if you make 10.00 on your pension (cost of living adjustment) there is a cap on reportable income.... but quit giving bad financial advise... it aint so pretty to see the old cry...