Colorado State Representative, Jim Riesberg, will be hosting his first forum of 2008 on Saturday, January 5.

The Community Forum will take place from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Jack Meakin’s Community Resource Center, 3700 Golden St., Evans.

Last week the Greeley City Council decided to enact a ban on free samples of chewing tobacco at the Greeley Stampede. The ban actually covers distribution of all free samples of tobacco products, but will have the largest impact on Greeley’s only major event of the year.

This action has brought a scathing response from Greeley Tribune columnist Mike Peters in which he accuses the Council of being political nannies.

The most unfortunate result of this ban is the impact it may have on the Stampede. In a city with minimal cultural events already, this action may cause a $200,000 sponsorhip loss to the Stampede.

The vote was 4-3, Mayor Ed Clark and council members Don Feldhaus and Maria Secrest voted against the ban.
Charles Archibeque, Ed Phillipsen, Carrol Martin and, everyone’s favorite, Pam Shaddock voted for the ban.