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August 29, 2025

Sen. Bennet Takes On Buc-ees, Mayor Johnston vs. the Reddit Mob, and Cracker Barrel’s Mile High Flop

City Cast Denver

Sen. Bennet Takes On Buc-ees, Mayor Johnston vs. the Reddit Mob, and Cracker Barrel’s Mile High Flop

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Mayor Johnston logged on for his third Ask Me Anything on Reddit earlier this week, fielding questions from anonymous Denverites on everything from the recent city layoffs to his favorite cheeseburger. But did constituents think the conversation was worth it? Then, gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet is wading into the controversy over a new Buc-ee’s planned north of Colorado Springs, but why he’s so interested in a mega gas station is a mystery — and producer Paul Karolyi has a theory. He’s joined by host Bree Davies and returning fave, comedian Joshua Emerson, to dig into these stories plus the biggest wins and fails of the week. 

Bree mentioned the community coming out to support Petals and Pages after vandalism, the mayor’s new “outreach with enforcement” approach to public drug use, and the closing of Arapahoe House in 2018. Joshua talked about… Paul discussed Sardar Biglari and Cracker Barrel’s Colorado connection, the Denver Rock Drill redevelopment getting off the ground, and our most recent interview with Mayor Johnston. He also mentioned Colorado Politics’ reporting on John Malone and Ian Griffis.

After we recorded this episode, Phil Weiser’s campaign shared this statement on the Buc-ees:

Protecting our public lands and open spaces means we must be committed to the fight against President Trump and Interior Secretary Burgum selling them off to the highest bidder. Leaders committed to fighting this administration are what will stop their illegal actions—not political statements about where a Buc-ee's should be located. My focus as attorney general and as the next Governor is on doing everything I can to push back against Trump's and Burgum's illegal actions to sell off our open spaces and undermine our protections of our land, air, and water---not on where a Buc-ee's should or should not be built.

Our state is one of local control. Under our state constitution, we follow the principle that purely local matters are best left to local towns, cities, and their voters to decide.  If local voters do not agree with a local decision, our system allows them to voice their disapproval and hold their elected officials accountable at the ballot box.

What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

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