Denver council opposes ballot measure on impounding cars

By Carrie Porter, Rocky Mountain News

Published July 29, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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Photo by Javier Manzano / The Rocky

Religious and community leaders gathered at the City and County Building on Monday afternoon to oppose Initiative 100.

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Comments

July 29, 2008

2:35 a.m.

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gwats writes:

The Council is finally being required to stand and deliver and they don't want to! No pandering, please! Get these law-breaking, life -endangering scofflaws off the streets of Denver!
No license = No business behind the wheel of a car, period.
July 29, 2008

4:35 a.m.

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rlutzs writes:

If they don't have a licence then they don't have insurence. They shouldn't be on the streets anyway regardless of race.
July 29, 2008

5:28 a.m.

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youngman writes:

This could be a money maker for the city....impound the car..if after awhile no one comes to get it the city can sell it....

illegal is illegal....20,000 last year..what did they do to them....write a ticket....in the meantime I pay extra on my insurance for these people who think they do not have to follow the law. Hit and runs will drop. And hey it will save gas too.....driving is not a right.
July 29, 2008

5:50 a.m.

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Shadow writes:

More evidance of how Denver is a sanctuary city. Enforce the laws against citizens but not against ILLEGALS.

It is time we get rid of Trickenlooper and Critter. Time we get some leadership that will hold the citizens needs above that of ILLEGAL ALIENS and special interest groups.
July 29, 2008

6:01 a.m.

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Mike846 writes:

Denver voters, WAKE UP. This is your chance to send a strong message and at least begin to take back your city. The law discriminates against no one based on ethnicity. It adds teeth to current laws. This is your chance. Make it clear that you are tired of a two-tiered justice system that penalizes American citizens, while giving a pass to illegal aliens. It is also your chance to prevent dangerous drivers, repeat offenders on DUI and others from having an easy time getting back on the street, at least in the car they are caught in. Vote FOR the initiative. Mike
July 29, 2008

6:29 a.m.

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LOUIE writes:

Wow, same title, same author, same day, new thread, the Rocky finds ways to delete comments, they don't like, any way they can. Just start a new thread with the same story, call it an update. Here's an update, your losing revenue, hemmoraging everywhere, but that not an update, it's been going on for years. Scripps is a loser, why? You win Rocky, it's your webs cite to censor; but never say you represent all opinions, or are truly free ever again. You do some pretty underhanded things like this, this is a tactic you often use. I expect this out of a 3rd world newspaper, or a communist nation, but not in America. No wonder so many people have faith in your ability to present a balanced view, your heavily listing to one side. It's your newspaper to ruin John Temple, seems your doing a mighty fine job of it; whats next years circulation numbers going to look like Mr. Temple? Any wonder your losing readership every year? You win, I'll move on...
July 29, 2008

7:19 a.m.

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LingLingfor_prez writes:

There are some states that impound your car if you insurance is not up to date no matter who you are. Same if you don't have a license.
July 29, 2008

7:24 a.m.

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Buzzm1 writes:

From: buzzm1
To: MileHighMayor@denvergov.org
Bcc: misty.bishop@denvergov.org; bernadette.salazar@denvergov.org; louann.romero@denvergov.org; kelly.velez@denvergov.org; gretchen.williams@denvergov.org; shelley.smith@denvergov.org; debra.bartleson@denvergov.org; lauri.dannemiller@denvergov.org; ursla.null@denvergov.org; felix.ortiz@denvergov.org; Linkhartatlarge@ci.denver.co.us; rachel.kurtz-phelan@denvergov.org; lisa.zoeller@denvergov.org; carol.boigon@denvergov.org; rosalind.alston@denvergov.org; julia.gayles@denvergov.org; michael.hancock@denvergov.org; caitlin.quander@ci.denver.co.us; kathi.anderson@ci.denver.co.us; nora.kimball@ci.denver.co.us; jeanne.robb@ci.denver.co.us; teresa.stpeter@denvergov.org; stephanie.syner@denvergov.org; judy.montero@denvergov.org; lynne.lombard-hunt@denvergov.org; stephanie.cross@denvergov.org; carla.madison@denvergov.org; Valerie.Kerns@DenverGov.org; Jennifer.Redies@DenverGov.org; Chris.Nevitt@DenverGov.org; meagan.mercer@denvergov.org; carol.singer@denvergov.org; charlie.brown@denvergov.org; Marcia.Johnson@denvergov.org; sunni.rodgers@denvergov.org; diane.young@denvergov.org; peggy.lehmann@denvergov.org; denise.perez@ci.denver.co.us; gia.irlando@denvergov.org; paul.lopez@denvergov.org; dana.montano@ci.denver.co.us; jeanne.faatz@ci.denver.co.us; pat.defa@denvergov.org; rita.contreras@denvergov.org; rick.garcia@denvergov.org; Heather.Barry@denvergov.org; suzan.moore@denvergov.org; Sue.Cobb@denvergov.org
Subject: Opposition to Police Authority to Impound Illegal Immigrant Vehicles
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2008 2:32 pm

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July 29, 2008

7:24 a.m.

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Buzzm1 writes:

Mayor John W. Hickenlooper
Communications Director: Sue Cobb
Scheduler: Suzan Moore
Mayor’s Office Neighborhood Liaison: Heather Barry
Dist 1 - Rick Garcia
Dist 2 - Jeanne Faatz
Dist 3 - Paul D. López
Dist 4 - Peggy Lehmann
Dist 5 - Marcia Johnson
Dist 6 - Charlie Brown
Dist 7 - Chris Nevitt
Dist 8 - Carla Madison
Dist 9 - Judy Montero
Dist 10 - Jeanne Robb
Dist 11 - Michael Hancock - President
At-Large - Carol Boigon
At-Large - Doug Linkhart
Lauri Dannemiller, Executive Staff Director
Debra Bartleson, Legislative Analyst
Shelley Smith, Legislative Analyst
Gretchen Williams, Legislative Analyst
Kelly Vélez, Secretary/Parliamentarian
LouAnn Romero. Staff Assistant
Bernadette Salazar, Administrative Assistant
Misty A. Bishop Paull, Administrative Assistant

Dear Mayor, Council Members, and Asssistants,

RE: Proclamation tonight that would express opposition to a ballot initiative that asks Denver voters to authorize police to impound cars driven by illegal immigrants.

As a longtime citizen, I request a "NO" vote to any opposition to the ballot initiative, that will, if passed, authorize police to impound, and dispose, of any vehicle driven by an illegal immigrant.

Need I remind the Mayor, and City Council. that illegal immigrants have absolutely no right to be in our country, let alone driving on our highways, unlicensed, and uninsured.

There are over 8.5 million unemployed Americans, and that number is growing every day. Illegal immigrants, again breaking our laws, by using forged, falsified, or stolen identities, to obtain jobs that rightfully belong to American citizens, need to be stopped..

The City Council needs to focus on additional legislation to rid Denver, Colorado, and our United States, of the 20 to 40 million illegal immigrants that have invaded our country.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
name removed (Buzzm1)
Expecting your support in this matter
July 29, 2008

7:26 a.m.

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Buzzm1 writes:

http://www.capsweb.org/phpBB3/viewfor...

http://www.capsweb.org/phpBB3/viewtop...
July 29, 2008

7:28 a.m.

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sheepherder writes:

Sancutuary City Denver! Makes me sick! Voters need to get every Denver City Councilperson out of office with the exception of Faatz.
July 29, 2008

7:36 a.m.

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HumanBeans writes:

The Denver City Council on Monday passed, on a 10-1 vote, a proclamation opposing the initiative.

What a waste of time! Looks like we need to recall 10 Denver City Council Members!
July 29, 2008

8:01 a.m.

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LOUIE writes:

John Temple has reduced a fine newspaper to a 3rd world rag, MarineGrunt; for 10 years it has done nothing but alienate readership. Used to be back in the day a great paper, sad. I'm with the majority opinion that has chosen to walk away, they are absolutely correct in thier opinion of this paper. Maybe Scripps will one day smell the coffee and find some new talent, wonder how much money they have to lose before doing so. I advertise several of my family's businesses in several different formats. I always ask my new clients how the found out about me. Number one is the yellow pages, two, the Westword, three the Denver Daily news where we take 3/4 a page, and talk radio has been a great hit for us also, thanks Mr. Boyles, Rich Wyatt, and others for the plugs. Nobody ever says the Rocky or the Post, which is why we don't increase our presence there. I need the best bang for the buck, Rocky and the Post just doesn't deliver to small businesses. Big businesses, corporations, have more sucess with these two papers. If you own several small businesses, as we do, that generate high revenue, you might want to try other more sucessful venues than these two papers and thier "Joint Operating Agreement". To destroy such great potential, not only with the Rocky, but the Post as well, is a real shame. The Scripps made it a one horse town in the newspaper industry, sadly that horse doesn't have the strenth to pull a milk wagon. This horse belongs rendered in a glue, or soap factory, the way both papers have been run to the dirt by one company. Wonder if Scripps is this way nationwide? Sad, but it's Scripps call, keep losing money, or find better talent. From now on, I won't bother with an honest opinion, I'd rather wisecrack and have fun in a polite way. Never will I waste a serious opinion on this 3rd world rag again. Fun is the new game for these clowns at RMN. Try not to hurt anyones feelings when I do have fun, that's mean spirited. Convicts know how to slay, convicts know how to play; John Temple, I'm your newest Huckleberry, I should blend in quite well, with the multitude you have all ready aquired, and add to each day...pal!
July 29, 2008

8:12 a.m.

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LOUIE writes:

Froward69, never take the ball and go home, hit it harder, empower your fears; I'm gonna' have fun with the cowtown muleskinners at the RMN. As a matter of fact Froward69, your hemmoroids will be be nothing but speedbumps on the road to fun.
July 29, 2008

8:18 a.m.

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theguyoverthere writes:

This is crap. The iniative should have passed. For all those jerks out there that think it shouldn't, how would you feel if an illegal imigrant hit your car and then took off (had stolen license plates) leaving you to fit the bill and having your wife shaken up for days. That happened to me when I was visiting Denver 2 years ago. I was driving on the Highway and an illegal imigrant hit my car and took off, I chased him, but the cops told me to back off and the guy was gone for good. The guy smiled at me when he hit me too.
July 29, 2008

8:18 a.m.

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Domino writes:

Take back our City, Mike? No, you see it as a chance for racist suburbanites to take over Denver.
July 29, 2008

8:24 a.m.

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Darwin writes:

Froward69 writes:The impound lot is already full. targeting a specific group is wrong. taking the keys, arresting the unlicensed driver and leaving the car sit is far a better solution.

Targeting a specific group is wrong? There is a group that speeds, there is a group that drives drunk, there is a group that... I guess no one should be targeted. The impound lot may be full, but so are the jails. It would be chaos with cars sitting all over the city, effectively abandoned. Eventually, they would have to be towed out of the way of traffic and would end up in an impound lot anyway.

Shadow writes: More evidance of how Denver is a sanctuary city. Enforce the laws against citizens but not against ILLEGALS.

You are right Shadow. Look at just one example, San Francisco, where an illegal with 3 felonies shot and killed a father and his two sons. Too bad it wasn't the SF mayor or one of the Board of Supervisors who was murdered since their response was, "oh well".
July 29, 2008

8:25 a.m.

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vudumom writes:

How about impounding the car of EVERY unlicensed driver and not giving the car back until the driver is licensed and has insurance and pays a very steep fine for not having those two basic requirements for driving?
If they cannot show proof of a legal license , insurance and pay the steep fine within 2 months the city keeps the car and sells it.
The fine for driving without a license and insurance should be at least $2,500.
What is the city doing now? Allowing unlicensed and uninsured driver's to DRIVE away with just a ticket? That's insane!
July 29, 2008

8:30 a.m.

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Alive writes:

Freethought,

That did it! I have had enough! I am gonna hunt you down and fart near you. You won't even know who did it. I will blame it on some poor old lady or something. I am even willing to risk a pair of good underwear.
July 29, 2008

8:35 a.m.

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LOUIE writes:

If the democratic mayor's restaurants employ illegals who kill our police officers and run to Mexico, what makes you think the local democrats in power, would care if you or your child was severly injured by one, leaving you to hold the bag finacially? People like our mayor, a fine example of a pro union democrat, won't be able to enjoy thier cheap labor, if you run them off? Packing houses, construction industry, cement yards, mayor's restaurants, they need the illegal labor force to increase thier profits. Money talks, the American worker walks; new matra for both parties that have ruined our nations economy. Republicans bring you NAFTA, Democrats santuary cities. Pro labor party, not in this town, jokes on the Democratic party for picking a sanctuary city for illegals, and paying the republican owners to use thier facilities like Mr. Kronke's Pepsi center. Sure some of that dough will find it's way to the republican party coffers. Welcome DNC, to the santuary city of the illegals. Western democrats are a disgrace to thier own party. Union labor they insisted...LOL!
July 29, 2008

8:37 a.m.

Suggest removal

alanbl writes:

"The inclusion of the words "illegal alien" in the initiative struck many as unfair targeting of one specific group."

Yes, we sure don't want to unfairly target any specific groups! Let's review all of the laws on the books and remove such inflammatory words like "thief, murderer, rapist and embezzler."
July 29, 2008

8:38 a.m.

Suggest removal

Darwin writes:

BTW, wheres is all the clamoring demanding the separation of church and state?

"We are here to announce that together we are family," said the Rev. Janet Forbes of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church. "People don't want to go left or right but deeper, and so we're here to shift the thinking and to say 'no' to Initiative 100."

This a clear example of a religious group trying to influence the political process. Why is the United Methodist Church tax exempt?
July 29, 2008

8:57 a.m.

Suggest removal

toocool writes:

ALL unlicensed/uninsured drivers regardlless whether they are legal or illegal, Amercian, Greek, German, South African, or from Central or South America, should have their vehicles immediately imbounded, and fined heavily. You can tell by the 10-1 City Council vote, you have a fair amount of stinkers running the town, where are their hands in who's pockets..Hmmmmm
July 29, 2008

9:09 a.m.

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tracer123 writes:

we have a lot of laws to protect us.
on the road. stop crying about unlicensed illegal aliens.
when gas cost 10.00 a gal . you won't have to worry about
who is on the road. stop your hater way.
July 29, 2008

9:15 a.m.

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LOUIE writes:

The bill tergeted everyone across the board who gets caught. Illegal were cited because once the do severe damage impacting someone financially, they run to Mexico, just like the mayor's dishwasher did. In this I agree, if anyone is caught the vehicle should be taken. The illegal is a bigger problem on this issue because unlike the American, he doesn't stick around, he goes back to his country, leaving a severly damaged citizen to fend for themselves. We may have been lucky that Mexico extridited the mayor's dishwasher, but they won't do so with auto accidents. Many people are being harmed by this direct action of the illegal, who doesn't take on the same responsibilities, that a citizen would have to endure if they did the same thing. You and I have to face the music and maybe jail for the same offense. That's why the illegal was cited in the piece, his impact on the law abiding citizen is well documented in this area. Don't worry, the illegal's not going anywhere, the city is a democrat stonghold in a republican state, where the illegal can safely live. Even if he runs over your kid, drunk as hell, uninsured, unlicensed, and leaves your child crippled, he just goes back to Mexico, and you pay it all. Mexico will not extridite him for traffic accidents regardless of the damages you suffered as a citizen. Just like the mayor's illegal employee did after he murdered officer Donny Young; they run to Mexico, further compounding the problem. This is why they were cited, but the law applies equally across the board to all. Democrats love illegal labor in this city, just like the republicans and NAFTA. Don't worry folks, the illegal non-citizen is quite protected here in Denver, it's the citizen who is at risk financially with this problem. Buy additional insurance, you can afford it people, leave the illegal alone. He's only trying to make it in a strange land. We need more choices than this two step dance.
July 29, 2008

9:32 a.m.

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BJG writes:

How about taking away cars from all people who don't have current insurance, or taking away cars from people who have their license currently suspended, or people who who have too many unpaid tickets, or who have bench warrents against them because they are a flight risk, or who owe back child support?
July 29, 2008

10:32 a.m.

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LOUIE writes:

No, not all offenses should require a vehicle be impounded, just those who regardless of where they hail from, are finacial liable to all who share the road. If you don't have a licence, nor insurance, regardless of your citizenship status, the vehicle is not being operated in a responsible way; and it is believe it will remain doing so if not impounded. Covers drunks, uninsurred, non licensed, auto thieft, felony use as a conveyance, not just the illegal. The uninsured, for which almost all illegals, along with a large group of our own citizens, are affected if caught for anyone of the above offenses. I don't believe illegals can be licensed and insured, thus people have assigned an illegal entity a class status for which there is no foundation in law for. So, local politicians create santuaries, and point to this as a federal problem. We the citizen, yes we'll pay more insurance to cover our families, for the event of an illegal colliding with us. If you can't obey the law in a host nation, how can the people of that nation, protect it's citizen from this inherent liability, without the creation of a law? Can that law express the total impact on not only illegals, but all citizens and non citizens, who get hit by this individual as well? It can wipe you out folks, should an uninsured motorist hit you; if it's an illegal hits you, he has no license much less insurance. If a citizen does the same act, you at least have the law if he has no insurance. The illegal flees, and escapes without punishment, or accountability, to the nation of his origin. Is this fair to all, much less those who escape any responsibility? I don't think so, but I will carry extra insurance as a responsible driver, to pay for all who drive without responsibility. This is why I had to favor a Democrat, Bill Ritter, on the agriculture bill he signed recently concerning migrant farm workers. Unlike the illegal, he comes upon the season to assist with America's harvest. He is just, he is legal, he will have a license and insurance if he's smart, because he is here legally, with honor. It's not just democrat or republican, it's our nation, and how we protect those who responsibly obey her laws. LingOL's
July 29, 2008

10:36 a.m.

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rip_vw32 writes:

So.... it seems to me that there really aren't that many intelligent people who post on here... First: You don't need a license to have insurance, you don't need a license to register a vehicle. You DO need insurance to register a vehicle. Second: Just because you were the victim of a hit and run, doesn't mean that the person(s) that hit you are illegal immigrants (they could have been DUI/DWI for the 3rd or 4th time for example, which would explain the smile). Third: regardless of whether this initiative should have passed or not is not going to change the amount of illegal immigrants. What it will do is cost a substantial amount to not only tow these vehicles (tow truck drivers should get paid too), but store them, process them, etc... Just for the record, I am Republican, own several guns (used and stored wisely), vote conservative most of the time, but still see this as a senseless law. Having had my wallet stolen, and running through the bureaucratic process of trying to get everything back, I can tell you there is no way I would have survived if I couldn't drive (and, no it is not as simple as going and getting a new license, which I'd have to drive to the DMV without to get anyways). From my viewpoint, those people that are illegal immigrants tend to drive to the letter of the law anyways to avoid detection, so the majority of people it would affect would be citizenry anyways. So at that, what is the point.... And before anyone jumps all over me, the illegals that actually make it over here aren't without common sense (they did make it here), so to avoid detection you obey all traffic laws, so you don't get pulled over...DUH! Some of you (Liberal and Conservative alike) really have no grasp of reality outside of your very small world. Both sides preach about doing onto other as you would have them do onto you, but neither side practices it. You have 100s of solutions that don't ever come close to solving problems. I am dumbfounded by the amount of angst and outright hatred that some of you have for your fellow man. Do I think that illegals have a right to be, to be coddled by our country? NO. Do I think that amnesty is the answer? NO. But there has to be a better way than a poorly thought out law that only exists in the first place because of the ability to easily instill fear, and intolerance into the masses, and a desire to appear to be doing something when in essence they are only wasting time sticking thier thumb into a hole in a dam... Give me a break....
July 29, 2008

10:55 a.m.

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Mike1969 writes:

I would like to add that Denver Police already can and do impound the cars of unlicensed drivers. Unfortunately they have to make judgment calls on who’s car to impound. So for example Carmelo Anthony’s car will not be impounded when he is repeatedly pulled over for DUI, Speeding, Aggressive Driving, Driving without a license while meanwhile yours and mine would be impounded.

As much as the Pro-ILLEGAL alien crowd likes to play the RACE CARD. There is nothing at all racist about the law. It applies to everyone regardless of race.

This law just makes sense. Don’t drive without a license and/or insurance. If you choose to break this law you will have your car impounded regardless of your race or NBA status.

Let me repeat that just so all unlicensed drivers are clear: DON’T DRIVE WITHOUT A LISCENSE. IF YOU CHOOSE TO BREAK THIS LAW YOUR CAR WILL BE IMPOUNDED!!
July 29, 2008

10:56 a.m.

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Citizen21 writes:

The only reason any group is upset about this unlicensed driver law is they claim it targest illegals. TRUTH: it targets unlicensed drivers.

"I think that the initiative is designed to attack undocumented immigrants," Hagedorn said.

If you are illegal and caught, you are not just committing a crime by being here, you are causing a public safety hazard. You are a criminal. You should be arrested. And, if an illegal is caught with frauduenlent papers, that's identity theft - a federal crime with serious jail time.

The Denver City Council should be ashamed of themselves. They are helping to harbor criminals!
July 29, 2008

11:03 a.m.

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rip_vw32 writes:

Mike1969: I agree with the first half of your post, but God help you if your license is ever stolen......
July 29, 2008

11:04 a.m.

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18Zwife writes:

Mexican illegal aliens in Denver traffic court. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEjODU...
July 29, 2008

11:20 a.m.

Suggest removal

Citizen21 writes:

rip_vw32: the system is computerized, with a description of the driver. If you license is ever stolen or lost, all you need is some form of ID till you get a replacement license.

If this law makes my insurance premiums go down - I'm all for it! Why should I pay for others to break the law?
July 29, 2008

11:24 a.m.

Suggest removal

Rallyracer7 writes:

Please look at that YouTube video 18Zwife posted at 11:04 am. That is just crazy that they are getting away with that. I don't care if you are of any race or origin, if you don't have a license or insurance, DON'T DRIVE!!!!!!!!!!!! Get those Pieces of Sh*# off the road.
July 29, 2008

12:28 p.m.

Suggest removal

alwaysright writes:

Get out there and vote Aug 12th

Take the slime baggs off the road. Don't matter who they are. That is not targeting one group.

Impound lots full ? Scrap yards are paying good prices. so lets do the GREEN thing. Recycle the cars.
July 29, 2008

12:41 p.m.

Suggest removal

bajarat writes:

What's the matter with these council cretins? In California and many other states driving without a license will get your car impounded for 30 days at the very least whether you're a miserable illegal alien or not. It's clear that the council has little interest in the citizenry and a lot more interest in the border-hopping parasites. It's crazy!
July 29, 2008

1:42 p.m.

Suggest removal

jay writes:

has a plan of this magnitude been successfully implemented anywhere else in america?

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Home › Politics › Elections

Denver council opposes ballot measure on impounding cars

By Carrie Porter, Rocky Mountain News

Published July 29, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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