From the Keeping Our World Beautiful Department.

On Thursday, March 12th, Governor Ritter and Senator Gail Schwartz spoke at the State Capital, with guest Robert Kennedy Jr. The expo promoted Colorado’s New Energy Economy. Though small, the event attracted a sizeable crowd. There were many booths at the expo, which were owned by small businesses and organizations. One of the two most popular booths featured chocolate chip cookies baked with solar power while the other displayed a breathtaking 1965 Mustang convertible.

Although the 1965 convertible looked a little out of place parked next to several electric cars, the beautifully restored Mustang had been fitted with two parallel, electric motors and had been given a whole new lease on life.

The Mustang was capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in nine seconds, with a top speed of 80 mph. While the audience marveled at the Mustang’s grandeur, Duke’s Garage in Westminster handed out packets explaining every detail of the car’s revamped mechanics.

The speeches at the expo were every bit as engaging as the electric Mustang. Really, I mean it. I left the expo feeling inspired and hopeful about the future. The governor’s website had a press release on the expo, which explained opportunities and priorities.  (Visit http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/GovRitter/GOVR/1236860353667 for more information).

Of all the ideas present at the expo, the one that gave me the most hope was the overall feeling of faith in people. I feel that each one of us as the capacity to be resourceful and creative and to do what is right. Governor Ritter highlighted the responsibility of Colorado to lead the country in these new technologies, and challenged us to benefit from this leadership, economically, and, dare I say, spiritually. -M.M.