March 1, 2007 7:21 AM
Unleashed: city attorney's office dogged again
Is there something in the water at the city attorney's office?
In the wake of the resignation of city attorney Larry Manzanares during an investigation into a stolen laptop computer, an animal control officer says an assistant city attorney flashed a badge after she was contacted about her two unleashed dogs at Congress Park, reports Daniel J. Chacon.
Dani Eliscu allegedly flashed her badge and told an animal control officer where she worked, after being caught with two unleashed dogs at Congress Park on Feb. 10."I can't believe you are going to go through with this," Eliscu is quoted as saying. "We are all on the same side. You're sure you can't give me a break?"
Doug Kelley, director of the city's Division of Animal Control, said "the implication was that the summons should not be served because she was a city attorney."
Vince DiCroce, the prosecution section director, said that Eliscu received a written reprimand for the incident.
March 1, 2007
9:12 AM
John iven writes:
Just another example of arrogance by a member of the legal community. It really doesn't matter if it is a lawyer or a judge or a politician. Members of the legal field feel they are above it all and should be able to do anything they want.
Truth is it would take a long ladder for most of them to climb up to the level of the average person.
March 1, 2007
9:16 AM
john sanders writes:
who knows what really happened? unless i spoke to both of them I would take the story wirth a grain of salt
March 1, 2007
9:18 AM
Mayor Hick writes:
Look, footsoldiers, you obviously have not seen the latest talking points...We need people like Manzanares and Eliscu to divert attention with the election coming up. After I further shift blame for snow removal, the election, the failed attempt for special gay rights and giveaways to illegals, I should be able to walk into re-election.
Besides, only the little people use a leash for their dogs.
March 1, 2007
9:25 AM
Aaron writes:
Unbelievable--are they giving students delusional drugs in law school these days? She's an asst. city attorney for gosh sakes---not some sort of high powered criminal lawyer with deep pockets and elite court rooom skills. These delusions of grandeur in our peon levels of law enforcement is comical.
March 1, 2007
9:32 AM
frank mitchell writes:
Arrogance + stupidity = the likes of Ms. Eliscu without fail.
March 1, 2007
9:35 AM
Ottis writes:
This is no surprise. You don't think police officers give each other a break like this every day? Same for many other professions. The fact that she asked is no surprise, nor a big deal unless we plan to make a similar stink over every other similar instance. What would matter is if she got a break.
March 1, 2007
9:35 AM
charlie writes:
she should be charged with trying to influence a public offical
March 1, 2007
9:47 AM
Ed writes:
If you aren't willing to abide by the law you shouldn't be in the position of enforcing it.
'Everyone does it', isn't an excuse.
Dani Eliscu deserves all the public scorn she gets, and probably some disciplinary action as well.
Good work to the officer who did the right thing.
March 1, 2007
9:54 AM
Jay writes:
This is Bush's fault. If a Democrat would have been elected this never would have happened. Can't you croutons see how our country is falling apart with out liberal leadership?
March 1, 2007
10:33 AM
jay writes:
Another copy cat...how flattering
March 1, 2007
10:40 AM
Little things writes:
It's $75. a ticket for having your dog off the leash.
I found a fenced in patch of land safe from pedestrians and other lawsuit heat seeking individuals to play fetch with Fido for her daily excercise. The white city van seeking $75. a pop day in day out found this piece of land. Remember, I wasn't in a park, wasn't in an area around humans. I was in the Denver city limits. Good enough. That van came around at 7am before work and 7pm during the summer just to write itself revenue tickets. Can't beat them, can't join them (getting a badge to go above the law) I moved out of the city limits. See ya Denver, you lost another tax payer.
March 1, 2007
10:40 AM
B.A.D. writes:
This is not just about legal personnel with a governmental agency. This is a reflection of the attittude of many public employess, espicially the higher paid ones.
March 1, 2007
10:48 AM
Patrick McGowan writes:
I'm with John S. Who knows what happened?
"Look, footsoldiers, you obviously have not seen the latest talking points...We need people like Manzanares and Eliscu to divert attention with the election coming up. After I further shift blame for snow removal, the election, the failed attempt for special gay rights and giveaways to illegals, I should be able to walk into re-election.
Besides, only the little people use a leash for their dogs.
Posted by Mayor Hick on March 1, 2007 09:18 AM "
This person, for example, is a gutless turd who's post should have been edited.
I also saw something about how this is Bush's fault. We are all just a bunch of victims, aren't we?
One less tax payer. Hmmm. Your story is compelling, but another VICTIM! You all need an ALANOT MEETING!
Get a life, you dorks.
March 1, 2007
10:52 AM
Anonymous writes:
Nothing new BAD-
I would love to pull DMV records on all the police officers in town. I bet there aren't any records. Like they don't go 5-10 over with everyone else, everyday. The police force has quitely gone from public service to it's own self breathing guv't entity for profit and tax payer funded pensions. I
March 1, 2007
11:00 AM
Anonymous writes:
Ok Patrick, we'll get a life. How about we start with yours. Let's crawl up yours and find what a loser you are.
March 1, 2007
11:10 AM
Anonymous writes:
11:00 AM
I don`t think you would like what you would find.
Probably another whacked out luney liberal that will deny everything
March 1, 2007
11:16 AM
Anonymous writes:
Patrick - Nice how in a post where you complain about name calling, you revert to the same. You're an example to us all.
And btw, I think you might mean ALANON? If so, you may wish to learn to spell. Thanks in advance.
March 1, 2007
11:35 AM
Gutless anonymous poster-like yourself writes:
"Ok Patrick, we'll get a life. How about we start with yours. Let's crawl up yours and find what a loser you are.
Posted by on March 1, 2007 11:00 AM "
posted by " ". You have no voice, blank. At least make up a screen name.
Go ahead and look at my "life". I didn't know I was that important, until now. I ought to run for office.
What I really want to know is how did this story even make its way onto this rag, what with a big city like Denver?
"Patrick - Nice how in a post where you complain about name calling, you revert to the same. You're an example to us all.
And btw, I think you might mean ALANON? If so, you may wish to learn to spell. Thanks in advance.
Posted by on March 1, 2007 11:16 AM "
No, I spelled it right. You go there to learn how to NOT be a victim.
March 1, 2007
12:15 PM
Anonymous writes:
I believe "flash and dash" is prohibited by public indecency laws. Nice lead-in to this blog, though. :-)
Prosecute the woman, and jail her until she identifies the attorney who gave her "permission" to let the dog run free. Then nail them both with obstruction of justice and revoke their licenses to practice law.
Put the dogs up for adoption on Craigslist.
March 1, 2007
12:29 PM
citizen kane writes:
just another example of someone who is suppose to be working for the public just using it to their advantage. Fire her, maybe some of the other abusers will think twice and really serve the people who pay their salaries instead of using them.
March 1, 2007
12:34 PM
AW writes:
Give me a break. There are probably few perks assoicated with being a city attorney. If it gets you out of a dog catcher's ticket, great.
None of this is to condone more meaningful corruption, but this is so "penny ante" I think we can all let it slide without getting too sanctamonious.
March 1, 2007
12:37 PM
jay writes:
Mountain out of a mole hill. Is this the best the Denver News Agency has to offer?
March 1, 2007
12:53 PM
history buff writes:
She should be pilloried in the public square. He arms and legs bound and a sign hung from her neck that says, "I abused the public trust to keep my dog out of the pound." And her dog should be pilloried at her side with a sign that says, "Born in captivity."
March 1, 2007
1:48 PM
David Hakala writes:
"Is this the best the Denver News Agency has to offer?"
Better question: Is this the best the City Attorney's Office has to offer?
March 1, 2007
2:14 PM
Praise the Animal Control Officers writes:
I am thanking the Animal Control Officers for doing their duty and the right thing. Unfortunately, the soft on enforcement city attorneys facilitate and the lenient city judges grant reduced fines for Animal Control Code violations. It’s in the Public Record. Ask any friend that has walked a leash violation ticket into court. They walk out with a reduced $25-$50 fine. More fines (yes, city revenue from Code violators) may provide for more Animal Control Officers that will provide more city revenue for even more Animal Control Officers. This provides for the health of animals and safety of citizens - fewer dog bites and dog maulings. Dogs are great! In the city, dogs belong on leashes.
March 1, 2007
2:21 PM
Wayne writes:
I think this whole issue comes down to some twenty-something year old kid who has watched too many episodes of "The Practice" and who thinks she's Helen Gamble. Fire her and move on.
March 1, 2007
2:55 PM
David Hakala writes:
Wayne, I'm also interested in the attorney who refused to ID himself and gave her "permission" to break the law. He needs an attitude adjustment on the top of his income statement, too.
March 1, 2007
2:57 PM
David Hakala writes:
"a sign hung from her neck that says, 'I abused the public trust to keep my dog out of the pound.'"
The dog was not going anywhere, Hysterical Buff. She was getting a summons and a chance to get her dog shots and tags. She blew it.
March 1, 2007
3:02 PM
Wayne writes:
David Hakala - Could not agree more! I rather thought that went without saying. I would also suggest a commendation for the animal control officer who didn't allow himself to be bought.
March 1, 2007
3:10 PM
Comeout of hiding toughguy writes:
I think the all powerful municipal attorney may have learned a lesson. Keep a leash on her dog? No, not that lesson. She’ll get caught again for that violation. Leash law violators are repeat offenders. They feel some sort of sense of loyalty by empowering their dog to run free. She has received a written reprimand, endured on camera embarrassment, endured a little online ridicule, and some humorous jabs. She’s learned a lesson not to flash her badge and city position. She made a mistake and is forgiven. Let’s talk about the unnamed and alleged attorney, perhaps her big bad boyfriend. You had a big role in this. One of these dogs might be yours. You might be the uncooperative instigator that required the police presence. Alone, she might have been cooperative and avoided the incident. Step up tough guy, support Dani, identify yourself to the public, and apologize to the Animal Control. As it is, you’re leaving Dani to hang all on her own. Nice. Maybe an unintended lesson learned? He’s no keeper. : )
March 1, 2007
3:11 PM
Peace Through Superior Firepower writes:
Everyone here needs to get life (I guess I should include myself in that since I'm writing here too). I can't believe the venom being spewed here.
Yes what she did was stupid, but that doesn't mean that every lawyer or every public official is corrupt and selfish. One does not enter public life for for the power or the perks. If any of you who are complaining here ever did work in the public section, you'd know you actually have more people watching over you and very little power (not to mention the lower pay - you could go out into the private sector and nearly double your take home pay).
Further, why does this make the news? Because it's out of the ordinary. The News doesn't report every safe landing of an airplane because it is so commonplace. Just like it is commonplace for nearly every government lawyer to do their job and do it well. It's only when something goes wrong that it makes the news.
Let's all get a grip and focus on some more important matters, shall we?
March 1, 2007
4:31 PM
Jaime writes:
Does anyone even know how overworked government employees are and might I add under paid? Has anyone ever had contact with a animal patrol officer? They abuse their power and think they are the almighty god. I would not doubt that this storey was leaked by this pathetic animal control officer for a few minutes of fame. Do you people not realize that there are two sides to every storey? Some of you ruthless people believe Dani should be fired, do you have any idea what a stupid thing that is... I think a written reprimand is enough as well as public humiliation. Those of you who think she should be fired should try working one day as a city attorney and see how much stress and work they really do. Cut her a break, it was a lapse in judgment!
March 1, 2007
4:40 PM
Jennifer writes:
Why can't she get a break? She is a Denver citizen like everyone else and every one of you know you would ask for a break. Why should she be treated different from any other citizen? She was treated different because the "pathetic animal patrol officer" felt like she was probably pulling rank.
I agree with Jaime, good point!
March 1, 2007
8:25 PM
David Hakala writes:
"Has anyone ever had contact with a animal patrol officer? They abuse their power and think they are the almighty god. "
OK, Jaime, tell us how an animal control officer abuses his power. :-)
March 1, 2007
8:28 PM
David Hakala writes:
Hmmm... here we have Jaime and Jennifer rooting for Dani, in remarkably similar styles.
Anyone got a sample of Dani's informal writing?
March 2, 2007
9:45 AM
Tree writes:
David-
I believe this might justify as an abuse of power animal control nazi story. 2002 I'm playing fetch with my dog and my friends dog (I was dog sitting) in the empty school stone/dirt lot for the former Byers HS at 200 S. Pearl Street. I was living on Pearl st at the time. Animal control rolls up, gets out of the van with his clip board and starts writing me a ticket. Checks my dog's tags and they are all there. It's Summer and I have my running gear on and I'm not carrying an ID. This guy really hated his job or hated people with dogs. He threatened to impound both dogs If I didn't produce an ID. I went round and round with him about where is the law I need to carry an ID to walk dogs? I caved under the Nazi pressure, I didn't want this fat ass heavy breathing asshole in control of my dogs out of my sight puting cigs out on her nose at the pound. I actually pleaded to have fat ass walk behind me to my home so I could get him a license so he could write me a $150. ticket for having 2 dogs off the leash. He wouldn't verbally take my name and address and started to open up the van doors to impound the dogs.
I moved to Englewood in 2003 and play fetch at a friendly dog park on S. Jason street twice a day, once before work, and again after work.
F#$k you Denver, and buy a snow plow with all your animal ticket revenue for the love of Hogar.
March 2, 2007
10:47 AM
jay writes:
I was in Wash Park several years ago on a 100 degree day and let my dog walk in the lake ON THE LEASH and got a ticket for having my dog out of my control.
March 2, 2007
2:05 PM
history buff writes:
The dog was not going anywhere, Hysterical Buff. She was getting a summons and a chance to get her dog shots and tags. She blew it.
Posted by David Hakala on March 1, 2007 02:57 PM
* * *
Dude, when was the last time anyone was pilloried in this country, much less a dog. You take yourself way too seriously.
Hey, Tree --
Rented Truckin' Up to Buffalo last weekend at your recommendation. Vintage!
March 4, 2007
3:45 PM
Bill Zardus writes:
This seems like a premeditated act to me. It's not like when someone makes an unexpected mistake and then panics when they are caught.
She probably did not have the dog licensed because this was her "plan B" all along and if I knew in advance that Vince DiCroce would make excuses for me if all else failed, I probably would not have had my dog licensed either.
I would not want this person working in code enforcement.
Bill Zardus
WRZ
ccdogpark@hotmail.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dogpark-National-News/
March 6, 2007
12:27 PM
Yeah! writes:
Dude, smoke the sticky green...4th, 5th, 6th free for life! You'll get past this one, bra!
March 6, 2007
12:33 PM
Ron Hale writes:
If anyone knows Dani, it's me. You people need to back off her and find something else to do with your time.
I'd be willing to cut off my left hand to help anyone with one dog, much less two, so back the F off!
See you guys at the beach for 8th free.
March 6, 2007
12:38 PM
Ruben Rivas writes:
Does anyone know if Pieces is still open? Also, is gas still 99 cents at the Clark uptown? Let me know...thanks. Go Huskies!
March 6, 2007
12:44 PM
Dan Nash writes:
Ruben,
I think Pieces closed a few years back, but there's this great record store in its place you may have heard of called Voodoo Jive.
The owner has two chihuaha puppies running around the store named Swanson and Lawerence, who they have to keep on leashes at all time because of their nasty tempers.
I'm sure Eliscu's dogs were nothing like those two spazes, and people should be more concerned with the upcoming election than this nonsense.
Free Eliscu!!!!!
March 6, 2007
12:51 PM
Ruben Rivas writes:
Ron, I know a guy, Santino, who can print you shirts at a really reasonable price. We'll need to order at least a lot of 100 of these "Free Eliscu" tees. Let's work on a design together and get the word out "fashionably" (LOL) about helping our pal Dani E out of this jam of the canine kind! Are you on myspace????
March 6, 2007
3:04 PM
Cherner writes:
www.savedani.com
March 7, 2007
1:26 PM
Heidi Unger writes:
Two words....Walner's Beach.
All dogs welcome, no leashes neccessary, that is if they can make it over the bridge of death!
March 7, 2007
1:27 PM
Heidi Unger writes:
Two words....Walner's Beach.
All dogs welcome, no leashes neccessary, that is if they can make it over the bridge of death!
March 7, 2007
1:29 PM
Heidi Unger writes:
Two words....Walner's Beach.
All dogs welcome, no leashes neccessary, that is if they can make it over the bridge of death!