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Urbanowski: Quasi-Judicial
Contributed by: michael obeirne on 11/22/2007

I've expressed concerns over behaviors of City of Lakewood Planning Commissioner Rich Urbanowski. It is important any elected, or appointed individual, representing citizens of Lakewood understand clearly their behaviors both as citizens and administrators of our codes and laws under which we are governed. They should read the following definition of Quasi-Judicial below:

Quasi-Judicial:

Definition - adj
: of, relating to, or being an administrative act, body, or procedure that is concerned with the adjudication of specific rights and obligations rather than the promulgation of rules, that requires discretion and decision, and that may be subject to notice and hearing requirements and judicial review

Based on Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©2001.
Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
http://www.m-w.com

I have taken time to enter the above information here as some misunderstandings exist as to First Amendment Rights and the ability of citizens who serve other citizens and latitude those citizens might have in their ability to write or say whatever comes into mind.

Let me first say, our ability as citizens of these United States to write whatever we want is not so. One cannot slander another. One cannot knowingly inflict destruction or loose of life using unfettered words to insight. As an example, I cannot yell into a crowded theater "FIRE!" where death from stampede results. I cannot write that someone is a "deadbeat" falsely while intending to defame another. The above are clear limitations on free speech as embodied in the First Amendment to our Constitution.

Also, as an official acting under quasi-judicial, letters and words with clear bias hovering over proceedings where those letters and words might have preceded those proceedings suggesting lack of neutrality calls into question decisions made effecting certain outcomes stemming from those proceedings or writings. As an example, if Rita Bertolli and Michael O'Beirne decided to act as land developers, and, having gone through official channels, submitted a plan to Lakewood ending up on the desk of Rich Urbanowski only to be denied, I would bring into question Mr. Urbanowski's letters here written proving Mr. Urbanowski had a predisposition to deny whatever we might propose since he has taken a position against myself and Rita in the past as proven in his writings. Consequences of our unfettered actions can have equal or opposite reactions.

If it could ever be proven that Rich Urbanowski, or anyone with which he associates, caused harm to me based upon bias when officially entrusted to decisions impacting my endeavors, I can assure readers -- and, Mr. Urbanowski --hell has no wrath greater than this American of Irish descent!

Mr. Urbanowski clearly dose not understand the difference between what he writes as a citizen and the office he holds. His actions as an active writer seems to place a chilling effect on development in Lakewood as developers may not trust Mr. Urbanowski to hold his tongue or pen if developers disagree with Mr. Urbanowski's decisions since he has a history of attacking those disagreeing with him. Mr. Urbanowski's profile here in YourHub.com is testament to a man who does not understand the hats he wears while in rolls he plays in our community.

Planning Commissioners make decisions lasting generations. Writing anything and everything that comes to mind should be limited by the roll one plays in a community particularly if one holds high office.


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Showing 1-4 of 4 comments
Submitted By: michael obeirne
posted on 11/30/2007 @ 8:42:53 PM
(Not Rated)
Dear J. Spicola -- This item has been viewed over 270 times. I wrote it demanding the resignation of Rich Urbanowski. The change needed is a demand for decorum from those above self-control like Mr. Urbanowski. Dogs barking in Lakewood are an actionable offense. Planning Commissioners who rant and rave should be seen as barking dogs. Pointless this exercise is not. Decorum and style inspire children to pursue seats on Planning Commissions. Mr. Urbanowski is a poor example to follow. He is as shrill as a barking dog. I will not yield.
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Submitted By: J Bradburn
posted on 11/30/2007 @ 1:49:19 PM
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Mr. Obeirne, instead of attacking individuals why don't you work for a change, if that is what you believe. All this is pointless.
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Submitted By: michael obeirne
posted on 11/25/2007 @ 9:34:31 PM
(Not Rated)
Mr. Urbanowski -- I appreciate your comments. When you say you are done, I assume you will resign? I have indeed done research and found that you have a strong political affiliation (past Chair of Dem's 26). Your position and decisions smack of an agenda that I find offensive. You cannot be unbiased since you do not control your own message. It is clear that facts are yours for the making. Nonetheless, the die has been cast and you will leave your position. I did not write your cyber discourse. It was you. And, you will have to answer, not me. That indeed is a fact, Mr. Urbanowski. One from which you cannot hide no matter the level of your rancor.
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Submitted By: Rich Urbanowski
posted on 11/25/2007 @ 6:20:48 PM
Rated Story
Mr. Obeirne, you have done research but apparently do not yet understand the issue well. Planning Commissioners do act in a quasi-judicial manner under certain circumstances, but not at all times. Some of our actions are legislative. Should you or Bertolli ever appear before the Planning Commission as developers with a "discretionary" application, THEN I would have to consider whether I have bias towards your proposal. That also occurs EVERY time there is a "discretionary" case - is there personal bias? And I repeat - I have attacked inaccurate "facts," not people, in my postings. And I find your claim of "a chilling effect on development in Lakewood" to be amusing speculation. Gosh, haven't you heard the drumbeat of candidate claims that developers are steamrolling our City with the support of City officials? But, neither statement seems to have much, if any, accuracy. (Thanks for the discussion - I'm done now.)
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Showing 1-4 of 4 comments
CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

michael obeirne

lakewood , CO

michael obeirne has posted 11 stories and 14 comments since joining on 11/26/2006. michael obeirne 's average story rating is 3.67.
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