Rich Ball for State Senate
Colorado Senate District 15
Blog
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Vote for Rich! A letter from former State Senator Stan Matsunaka
Posted Aug 02 at 12 PM
This is a letter urging a vote for Rich Ball for State Senate District 15. I heartily support Rich as he has been a long-time small business owner and community leader in Loveland whose family roots have been here in Loveland for over 100 years. His family opened the local general store, the millinery, and the local paper.
Rich has served as president of the Loveland Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, the United Way, Pathways Hospice, and Rotary.
Rich Ball is a proven problem solver who I have had the pleasure to work with as an attorney for over 30 years.
Working side by side with Rich I know that he will fight for the quality of life we deserve here in Larimer County. Rich Ball understands that as a small business owner, businesses create jobs and he believes low cost loans for small businesses will create jobs we need here in Larimer County.
Rich also understands the value of creating jobs in the renewable energy industry as it protects our environment and protects the heritage that we have grown to love here in Larimer County. Rich also will cut government waste as he believes in performance based audits and will stop the cycle of “use it or lose it” spending gimmicks of state government.
I know Rich will continue to fight raids on our childrens’ education funding as he knows that good schools are the key to attracting new businesses and preparing our children to compete for jobs in the future.
Our families deserve progress, not politics, I urge you to support Rich Ball in the primary and general elections.
Sincerely,
Stanley T. Matsunaka
Clark Williams and Matsunaka, LLC
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Ball Offers Unique Regional Perspective (A generous note from State Sen. Bob Bacon)
Posted Jul 27 at 5 PM
I urge those who will be voting in the Senate District 15 Democratic Primary to choose Rich Ball.
Ball has a long history of community involvement in Loveland and Larimer County. He is a well-known and respected lifelong citizen of Loveland and has a long history of public service supporting numerous charitable organizations such as United Way and Hospice. His broad experience as an attorney and small businessman give Ball a unique Northern Colorado perspective that our state Legislature needs.
As state senator for District 15, Ball will advance a common sense agenda of protecting our public education system, increasing access to health care and keeping Colorado a safe, healthy and beautiful place to live.
Ball is an extremely able candidate in District 15, and that requires all of us to work to send this community leader to the state senate to work for Larimer County.
Bob Bacon,
Fort Collins
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ArtSpace is a WIN-WIN for our Community
Posted Jul 23 at 2 PM
This past week Loveland took further steps to create a live/work art space for our local artists. The organization ArtSpace, out of Minneapolis MN, is a non-profit real estate developer that has made its third trip to Loveland. This time it was to announce their hopes to choose Loveland as a site for its 26th project.
Through efforts by local foundations, art enthusiasts and Novo Restoration, ArtSpace was asked over a year ago to come visit Loveland. Although Loveland is an active art community, and was recognized by the Governor’s Outstanding Award, we still find ourselves with the need to lead further art efforts and utilize empty buildings downtown. ArtSpace has helped us with this process by conducting an extensive survey of our arts and art business community. The primary question asked was whether local artists would live in such spaces and use the gallery and work space. The responses came back tremendously positive not only from Loveland artists but also from those in surrounding communities.
ArtSpace renovates buildings, using energy efficient guidelines and creates livable apartments and work space for artists whose income does not exceed a certain level. They own the projects in perpetuity, ensuring that the Federal, State and local monies and grants are used as a catalyst to enable artists to follow their trade and become self sufficient.
A by-product of their efforts is the revitalization of downtown areas, some left dormant and neglected for years. On Monday the group held an art gallery reception at the Historic Feed and Grain building, followed by a formal presentation of the ArtSpace survey at the Rialto Theater. On Tuesday evening they presented their results to an over flowing City Council chambers with an enthusiastic response from the Council.
Loveland has come together to begin the implementation of a public/private effort to enhance our stature as an Art Community, while also serving to provide needed low income housing in buildings that are under used and in need of renovation.
I call this a WIN – WIN for our community and for our residents. Thank you to all of the dedicated people who saw this opportunity over two years ago and brought it to our city.-LuAnn and Rich Ball
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Jobs, education common goals in Dems' bid to face incumbent
Posted Jul 19 at 1 PM
BY KELLEY KING
Loveland ConnectionWith ballots for the Aug. 10 primary election hitting mailboxes Monday, Democratic voters will be choosing between two diverse candidates vying to be the party's candidate for Colorado Senate District 15 in the November general election.
Torsten Eckstein was born in East Berlin and moved to the U.S. in 1995 to continue his work researching infectious diseases, while Richard Ball is a Loveland native who, for the past four decades, has worked throughout Larimer County as an attorney, small-business owner and real estate broker.
Though the candidates come from different backgrounds, they share a similar approach in their bids to face incumbent Republican Sen. Kevin Lundberg in November: service.
"I want to serve the people of this country," said Eckstein, a Fort Collins resident and assistant professor at Colorado State University. "America gave me the chance to pursue my dreams and now I want to give back. I was born in East Germany in a dictatorship and I always dreamed of living in America. In 2008, I became a U.S. citizen. It was a historic year for me and this country with the election. After the election, I decided it was time for me to go forward and do something for the people."
For Ball, seeking public office comes after others have encouraged him to run and he has considered the district's current representation.
"For years, folks in the Democratic party have asked if I would run but I was always busy practicing law and raising two daughters," he
said. "Since I retired in 2007, I have the time, and I'm very frustrated with Lundberg's positions. He's all about posturing and his ideology. He has done very little to be proactive and work to solve problems. I don't think we have very much in Larimer County to show for that approach."
Creating jobs and enhancing the educational landscape in Larimer County are goals of Ball's and Eckstein's campaigns.
"The big issues for me are jobs, job creation and education," Ball said. "They all tie together. Also, I think the new energy economy is something that needs to be embraced and capitalized on. We have wonderful training opportunities at Front Range Community College, Aims and CSU."
For Eckstein, ensuring Larimer County's work force is well-prepared is important.
"My big issues are education and jobs," he said. "I think if you provide excellent educational opportunities, people will get good jobs, and that's important for the economy."
With both candidates focusing on jobs and education, they diverge in their approach to funding their campaigns.
Eckstein has received some outside campaign contributions but has chosen to self-fund the bulk of his bid for office, while Ball has received more than $30,000 in contributions.
"I think we are up to 250 individual contributions to the campaign," Ball said. "I'm not able to self-fund like Torsten has, but I also think it's important for people to step up and support the candidates they think will properly represent their interests."
In choosing to fund his own campaign, Eckstein said he appreciates people are making difficult financial decisions in their lives and he does not want to add to that.
"We are living in bad economic times," he said. I don't think it's fair to ask people to contribute a big chunk of their income to my campaign if I can fund it myself. I'm just not pushing people to donate."
As the lone Republican candidate for Senate District 15, incumbent Lundberg will not participate in the primary, but that hasn't stopped him from working on his campaign, he said.
Lundberg was named to the Senate District 15 seat in 2009, replacing Steve Johnson, who resigned the seat after winning election as a Larimer County commissioner.
"Just this morning, I was out talking to people about the issues," Lundberg said on Wednesday. "Overwhelmingly, what people are telling me is to stop out-of-control spending, and secondly, a lot of people like what they see with what Arizona has done about immigration."
When reflecting on his service, Lundberg said he is pleased with the work he has done to help Larimer County.
Citing a partnership with Rep. Randy Fischer to pass a Tax Increment Financing law and his opposition to recent legislation bringing back vehicle emissions testing to Larimer and Weld counties, Lundberg stood by his record.
"I have been a very good spokesman for the principles of good government and doing what the people of Larimer County sent me to do," Lundberg said.
Additional Facts
Senate District 15 raceColorado Senate District 15 covers Loveland, Estes Park, LaPorte, Wellington, parts of Fort Collins and much of rural Larimer County.
Following are the candidates seeking to represent the district:RIchard Ball
Background: Ball is a Loveland native. His family has lived in the area since 1889. His father, Judge Conrad L. Ball, served as Larimer County District Court judge for 20 years. Loveland's Conrad Ball Middle School is named in his honor.
Family: Married to LuAnn; four children; six grandchildren
Political party: Democrat
Campaign financing: To date, his campaign has received more than $30,000 in contributions.
Website: www.richball2010.comTorsten Eckstein
Background: Eckstein moved to the United States in 1995. He is a Fort Collins resident and assistant professor at Colorado State University.
Family: Married to Julie Eckstein
Political party: Democrat
Campaign financing: Eckstein is self-financing his bid for office. To date, his campaign has received $3,500 in contributions and a $26,000 loan.
Website: www.ecksteinforstatesenate.comKevin Lundberg
Background:
Lundberg is a Berthoud resident. He has served in the Colorado Senate and House for the past six years. He owns and operates Lundberg Productions, a media and video production service.
Family: Married to Sandy Lundberg; three children, Scott, Laura and Christy
Political party: Republican
Campaign financing: To date, his campaign has received more than $27,000 in contributions.
Website: www.kevinlundberg.com
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Supporting Rich Ball for State Senate
Posted Jul 16 at 12 PM
To the Citizens:
Currently, all of Larimer County except Fort Collins is “represented” by three individuals appointed to their positions by a few conservative Republicans. They support the views of only the most conservative voters. We need broader representation.
This year Rich Ball, a lifelong Loveland resident, has stepped up to offer that broad representation. He is running for Senate District 15, which covers all of Larimer County except Fort Collins.
Rich was born into a Loveland family with a long tradition of public service. While practicing law and raising four children, Rich served on the boards of many local charities, was president of the Larimer County Bar Association, Rotary, United Way, and more. Over the years he has volunteered with Lovelanders of all political persuasions and now has friends and supporters across the political spectrum.
Rich is a problem solver. He knows that educational opportunities, multi-modal transportation, and a creative, innovative environment are essential to attracting jobs to Colorado. He supports health care for all, a clean, healthy environment, and sensible, future oriented, state budgeting.
Rich Ball understands Loveland and Larimer County. He will work hard to represent all of our people. He needs your vote on August 10 and November 2.
Ann Harroun
Loveland, CO 80538 -
Loveland Peace Makers Vigil
Posted Jun 09 at 5 PM
The Loveland group “Peace Makers” held a vigil in downtown Loveland at Thompson pocket park Tuesday night to reflect on 50 days since the BP oil spill. A very thoughtful crowd of nearly 40 people from Ft. Collins, Greeley and Loveland. We lit candles and each in our own way reflected on why this happened and how we could prevent it in the future. I quoted my 6 yr. old Grand daughter, who told me recently that “we have to clean up our old mess before we can start a new one” what an accurate observation by the next generation.
I pointed out that we all need to take responsibility for being addicted to oil. We need a national energy policy and we in Colorado have the natural environment to get off oil. Colorado ranks very high among states that have immense potential in: Solar, Wind, bio-mass and Geo-thermal, plus our enormous natural gas reserves. We could reduce our dependence by mandating that our State vehicles use compressed gas (trucks). It is 1/3rd cleaner, and with new emerging technology out of a Boulder firm the wells are producing 10 times their original potential.
Economic activities that impose adverse effects and costs on other people, like off shore drilling and carbon emissions need to be discouraged. The way you curb an activity is you follow the money, you put a price on it – you discourage it. Tradable emissions permits, and in the case of gasoline, a tax to discourage its use and encourage alternative uses, like electric cars and engines is what some economists have been advocating since the 1920s.
We all need to not waste this crisis. A crisis is a horrible thing to waste. Write your elected officials, get involved, and make your desire for lower dependency on oil known. Front Range on Track and other passenger rail alternatives seem all the more logical with this disaster.
As General Powell, speaking at CSU recently said, “I do not know if Al Gore is correct”; but spewing all this junk into our atmosphere cannot be good for any one.- Rich Ball
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New Office Hours!
Posted May 27 at 9 PM
The Rich Ball Campaign office is open!
We invite you to stop by and share your thoughts with us.
Address: 505 North Cleveland Avenue
Loveland, Colorado 80537
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am to 4pm
Feel free to contact Jeff White for other times.
Jeff White
(319) 431 - 5799
jeff@richball2010.com
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Support Cary Kennedy and Bernie Buescher
Posted May 11 at 9 PM
Hello!
Senator Bob Bacon and his wife Bev opened their lovely home on Spring Creek on a recent Friday afternoon to welcome two State wide candidates, our Current State Treasurer Cary Kennedy and Secretary of State Bernie Buescher. Each faces well funded challenges this November.
Cary Kennedy spent nearly 15 years in the State Capitol involved in State finances before becoming our Treasurer. She explained when she took office in 2007 the State had nearly one-third of the States 6 Billion invested in Wall Street derivatives. She chose a different course with her advisors and thereby averted the loss of those monies in the eventual crash of '08 and '09. San Mateo County in California and several States did not make the change and are facing serious challenges, visit http://www.kennedyfortreasurer.com/about.html.
Despite the tough economic times our State recently had its credit rating upheld. Cary warned us to be pro-active in defeating the Douglas Bruce ballot issues this fall including Amends 101; 60 and 61. If approved we would be the only State in the union unable to us public financing for Public structures.
She cautioned that we can work with the opposite party to use common sense and stand up for our causes, visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Protect-Colorados-Communities.At the height of the Wall Street gamble involving the derivatives market, Wall Street had bet 10 times the GNP of the World’s economies on derivatives.We are so lucky to have a women of Cary’s experience and abilities serving us as State Treasurer. She has implemented the first computer system in the nation that puts the State’s check book on line, for viewing by all. The system is called “tax tracks” take a look at http://www.colorado.gov/taxtracks/.
Cary and Governor Ritter have worked together to put together a pool of one billion dollars, which rural School Districts can use to finance maintenance and construction projects. These poor Districts are often unable to get Bond issues passed to support such projects.Bernie Buesher, a former tax attorney from Grand Junction is serving as Secretary of State and is looking for re-election. Prior to this office he served two terms in the State House. He brings experience over hauling the State Fair as well as his legislative background to the job. As Secretary of State he will be faced with the implementation of the rules for campaign financing involving the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing corporations to directly contribute to candidates. The reapportionment after this year’s census will also be on his plate in 2011, if re elected. Visit http://www.berniebuescher.com/.
I urge all of you to review these two fine office holder’s records and credentials and support them this November.
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Sen. Bob Bacon supports Rich Ball
Posted Nov 12 at 10 AM
Friends,
I am writing today in support of Rich Ball, lifelong Lovelander and Democratic state senate candidate for District 15. I hope that you will join me in supporting Rich's campaign to work on getting Colorado's economy back on track.As state senator for District 14, it is very important to me that Larimer County's legislative delegation be joined by an individual as experienced and talented as Rich Ball. His deep roots in Loveland and Larimer County, his public service with numerous local charitable organizations such as United Way and Hospice, and his broad experience as an attorney and small businessman give Rich a unique Northern Colorado perspective that our state legislature needs.
As state senator for District 15, Rich will advance a common sense agenda of protecting our public education system, increasing access to health care, and keeping Colorado a safe, healthy, and beautiful place to live. Rich understands that Colorado's economic future hinges on protecting schools, fixing health care, and taking care of our environment.
Please join me in helping Rich start strong with a $10, $15, or $35 donation.
Rich is an extremely competitive candidate in District 15, and that requires all of us to pull together to send this community leader to the state senate to fight for us. He already earned the support of colleagues such as Sen. Brandon Shaffer, Sen. John Morse, former Sen. Stan Matsunaka and former Sen. Peggy Reeves. If we act decisively now, we will make sure that District 15 and Larimer County receive the targeted attention required to win competitive elections.
Please join in me in supporting Rich Ball for Senate with your donation. This race is critical to Larimer County's and Colorado's future.
Sincerely,
Bob Bacon
State Senator, District 14p.s. - Help me make Larimer County an early target for the state party. Donate $10, $15, or $35 today!
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Ball announces bid for state Senate seat
Posted Oct 27 at 12 AM
By Jennifer Lehman
Loveland Reporter-HeraldLoveland attorney Rich Ball, in announcing his candidacy Friday for the state Senate, said he received encouragement to run from members of both parties.
Between 50 and 75 people gathered Friday afternoon outside Loveland’s Municipal Building for the Democrat’s announcement.
He plans to oppose incumbent Sen. Kevin Lundberg, a Berthoud-area Republican, next year in the District 15 race.
“It was a hard decision,” said Ball after his prepared speech. “It’s hard on family, and it’s a tremendous commitment and it’s a change of lifestyle.
“I’ve been mulling this over for several months,” he said. “I got a little bit of arm-twisting from folks that I respect, from people of all levels including down at the Capitol.”
Ball said former state Rep. Bill Kaufman, a Republican, and former state Sen. Stan Matsunaka, a Democrat, both encouraged him to run.
“He didn’t say ‘no’ outright the first time (I asked him to run), so I was encouraged,” said Matsunaka, who was the most recent Democrat to hold the seat.
“(Getting a Democrat elected in this district has) been done, and it can be done. We need the right candidate, obviously, which I think I am,” Ball said.
“I will sit down at the table with all the stakeholders,” Ball said during his speech, “with a cooperative attitude, not in isolation.
“I will outline a vision, a statement of our potential in Larimer County,” he said.
Ball talked about his and his family’s extensive background in the Loveland community — from the 1800s to his young grandchildren who will be attending Loveland public schools.
Ball said there needs to be a focus on the “hard problems” in education, transportation and the budget.
“We need what works today, now, in 2010, in 2011, in these tough economic times when jobs are needed and creative solutions are required,” Ball said.
“The state of Colorado has some real issues,” said state Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, who spoke at the event. “We need someone in the Legislature who’s a problem-solver. ... I look forward to working with you and knocking on doors with you.”
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Loveland attorney to run in SD 15
Posted Oct 27 at 12 AM
Longmont Times-Call
10/16/2009LOVELAND — A local attorney with deep roots in Loveland is challenging Sen. Kevin Lundberg for the Senate District 15 seat.
Richard Ball, a Democrat, will try to unseat Lundberg, who was appointed to the position by a vacancy committee after Steve Johnson resigned this year.
Johnson was elected to the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners.
“In good conscience, I could just not sit on the sidelines and watch any longer,” Ball said. “Our county needs inclusive, problem-solving, collaborative representation at the Capitol.”
Ball is the senior vice president of First Western Trust Bank, doing business development and estate planning while also serving as a community liaison.
Before that, he was a partner in the Loveland law firm Ball, Easley, Wabeke and Brummet.
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Ball declares for state seat
Posted Oct 27 at 12 AM
By Jamie Folsom
Berthoud Recorder[Fourth]-generation Coloradan and retired attorney Richard Ball of Loveland declared his candidacy for State Senate Dist. 15, currently held by Sen. Kevin Lundberg. Ball says he couldn’t wait on the sidelines any longer and wants to bring more “collaborative representation [to] the state capitol.” He currently serves on the boards of Pathways Hospice and the Fort Collins Symphony, and was previously president of Loveland Habitat for Humanity. He will formally announce his candidacy 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 at the Old Washington School Building, 500 E. Third St. in Loveland. The public is invited.
[Ball stated his] support for the Aims Community College ballot issue before Berthoud voters. In a phone interview Tuesday, Ball said, “I support what Aims is trying to do out there. It’s a wonderful venue … that creates equality and is the right thing to do.”
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Ball to roll into Senate race
Posted Oct 27 at 12 AM
By Jeff Stahla
Loveland Reporter-HeraldA local attorney with deep roots in Loveland apparently will challenge Sen. Kevin Lundberg for the Senate District 15 seat.
Richard Ball, a Democrat, will announce Friday that he will try to unseat Lundberg, who was appointed to the position by a vacancy committee after the resignation of Steve Johnson earlier this year.
Johnson was elected to the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners.
“In good conscience I could just not sit on the sidelines and watch any longer,” Ball said. “Our county needs inclusive, problem-solving, collaborative representation at the Capitol.”
Ball is the senior vice president of First Western Trust Bank, doing business development and estate planning while also serving as a community liaison.
Before that, he was a partner in the Loveland law firm Ball, Easley, Wabeke and Brummet.
He is a Loveland native. His father, Conrad Ball, was a longtime district court judge. Conrad Ball’s tenure on the Thompson School District Board of Education and service as the district’s lawyer earned him the honor of having a middle school named after him.
“My family always taught us to give back to the community that has blessed us so much,” Richard Ball said.
Lundberg announced on Aug. 17 he would seek election to the seat.
Ball filed his campaign finance committee with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office on Sept. 28. Evan Patterson of Loveland is registered as his agent.
Ball’s announcement will be 1 p.m. Friday near the Foote Lagoon in the courtyard of City Hall.
