City Testimonials: "I hope that you have received 500 calls saying THANK YOU for the new playground at Bonforte Park! It is a terrific neighborhood park and we so appreciate the improvements. I walk by every day and see so many children and parents enjoying themselves." -Citizen Comment "The crew from Engine 15A were professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful, not only did this group of professionals represent the Fire Department in a positive light, they also speak to a city government that is responsive and courteous to the public."- Citizen Comment "We've found with projects we're doing, the City seems to be as proactive as they possibly can be." -Real Estate CEO "Grateful for the progress made by CSPD to curb shoplifting." -Business Loss Prevention Manager "Not only was my concern addressed in a professional and timely manner, but Finance Planning & Analysis Manager Leslie Hickey took the time to let me know that changes were on the way. This is the direct opposite of some folks' perception of local government." -Citizen Comment "Thank you very much for fixing the potholes on the round about for Squirrel Tail and Brainard as well as the divot by the water outlet on Squirrel Tail towards Musgrave. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" -Citizen Comment "Accounts Payable Supervisor Patti McFarland was true to her word, she called me back within days to give a status report. Then she called again to update me. Then, she called today to let me know she had been able to contact the unreachable tow company, received an invoice, and would be reimbursing the portion the business manager agreed to pay! I know that it was a sustained effort because I tried for several months and got nowhere. I can't express my overwhelming gratitude to Patti and your office for their work in this matter. We run a service-based business and try to learn from other organizations whenever we can. I will bring up this instance at our weekly meeting as an example of good service to be commended and followed.Thanks to you and Patti for the surprisingly positive experience I had with your office." -Local Small Business Owner "Thanks to Traffic Technician Pete Doyle, his community attitude to work with the residents is commendable. Thank you once again." -Citizen Comment "Streets Operations Manager Bard Lower has provided me superb customer service, above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. I know that this has been a priority for your administration, and I felt it important to let you know that it is working. Mr. Lower and his associates deserve kudos for their proactive, thorough handling of this five-year-old snow plowing issue and I am grateful to you as well for making the City more responsive to citizen requests." -Citizen Comment "As a new resident of Colorado Springs, it’s apparent that the City really does excel in taking care of its residents and treats its citizens more like neighbors and friends than just customers on a long “to-do” list. Thank you for all your exceptional service." -Citizen Comment

Mayor Steve Bach Paid Tribute to Garrison Commander McLaughlin

May 10, 2012 By

Mayor Steve Bach paid tribute to Garrison Commander Colonel Robert F. McLaughlin at Fort Carson’s Irish Pub. The Mayor presented the Colonel with a Key to the City of Colorado Springs.

(L-R: Mayor Steve Bach, Terrance McWilliams, Colonel McLaughlin)

 The Garrison Commander Change of Command Ceremony took place earlier at Founders Field on Fort Carson.

 
(Above L-R are Colonel McLaughlin, Mayor Steve Bach, Suzi Bach and Cindy McLaughlin)
 
Colonel McLaughlin is being assigned as U.S. Forces Chief of Staff, Afghanistan.
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Filed Under: Leadership, U.S. Military Tagged With: ,

Mayor Bach at Community Covenant Signing Ceremony

May 4, 2012 By

Mayor Bach and other dignitaries including the Secretary of the Army attended the U.S. Army’s Community Covenant Signing Ceremony, a public display of support by community leaders for military (Active, Guard and Reserve Army) and family members to raise awareness of their sacrifices.  It is designed to foster and sustain effective state and community partnerships and improve the quality of life for soldiers and families, both at their current duty stations and as they transfer to other states.

 Other special guests included the Secretary of the Army, The Honorable John M. McHugh; Major General Joseph Anderson, Commanding General, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson; Fort Carson Garrison Commander Colonel Robert F. McLaughlin, Mr. William J. Hybl, Civilian Aide Emeritus to the Secretary of the Army; City Council President Scott Hente and Terrence McWilliams, Director of Military Support, El Pomar Foundation among many others.

Terrence McWilliams stressed that the program is an Army program but also extends to other military services. He then introduced Mr. Hybl who said, “How proud we are to be here today to recognize so many including Annie Oatman Gardner, Dennis Hisey, the Colorado Springs Police and Fire Departments, former Mayor Lionel Rivera and others.” 

The Secretary of the Army, Honorable John M. McHugh started in public service in a small town in Upstate NY and said there is always a chance to start partnerships and engender new friendships. “Our partnership with Fort Carson goes back 70 years. It is the hard work of freedom and they’re not just wanted – they’re loved. Thank you for all you’ve done!”

General Anderson said, “We continue to foster programs and there are so many. I’m truly humbled by this support. After 31 years of service, the support here is unparalleled. We’re extremely grateful for everything you do. Steadfast and Loyal, Army Strong! Hooah!”

Mayor Bach said his service in the U.S. Army at Fort Carson was a personal experience that mentored and prepared him for the rest of his career and community service. “I want to express how much we respect the Army. Your fellow citizens love you very much,” he said.

The Mayor then described Fort Carson’s “Adopt a School” Program, launched by Colonel McLaughlin. He joked, “General Anderson is in my foursome, so we’d better warn those who follow us that we’ll be heavily armed!”

 

 

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Filed Under: Community Relations, Leadership, U.S. Military Tagged With: , ,

Mayor Bach’s Call to Action for Adopt a School Program

March 30, 2012 By

Since 1997, Colorado Springs Schools have welcomed Fort Carson soldiers into the classroom to volunteer their time in support of students and teachers. Fort Carson’s “Adopt-a-School” Program has given soldiers the opportunity to provide a valuable service for students, teachers, parents and the community as a whole.

Soldiers have helped out in every Colorado Springs school district and the program has been so popular eight schools are now on the waiting list. With that much demand, Mayor Bach launched a “Call to Action” to get the word out and encourage volunteers to participate.

Volunteers can participate as much as their time allows and have the flexibility to create their own schedule. Some schools do require back ground checks and those who are interested are asked to contact Donna Nelson, the City’s Economic Vitality and Innovation Specialist at dznelson@springsgov.com.

Wendy Godwin, Principal of Wildflower Elementary, attributes soldier support through the Adopt-a-School Program as one of the major reasons why Wildflower Elementary received the 2011 National Blue Ribbon School Award – the only school in Colorado Springs to receive the 2011 Award.

 

 

 

 Donna Nelson, Economic Vitality and Innovation Specialist and CSM Kilpatrick present some of the features of the Adopt-a-School Program. Mayor and wife, Suzi Bach, along with CSPD Chief Carey, CSFD Chief Brown and other City sworn officers were among the enthusiastic supporters.

Others who would like to see the program expanded include Donna Nelson, Chief Dubay and Carmelita Holien, a School Liason Officer.

Mayor Bach said, “The Adopt-a-School Program helps students prepare to become our next generation of leaders. I want to thank all those who have dedicated their time to this program and I encourage more citizens to step forward.”

 

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Filed Under: Education, Leadership, Mayor Bach News, U.S. Military Tagged With: , ,

Mayor and Suzi Bach Attend Fort Carson Deployment Ceremony

March 27, 2012 By

It’s a privilege to attend a Deployment Ceremony and honor soldiers on their way to serve abroad. On March 27, 2012, Mayor Steve Bach and his wife, Suzi, attended the 3rd BCT, 4th ID Deployment Ceremony on Fort Carson. 

Mayor and Suzi Bach attended with families, Miss Colorado, City Council member Bernie Herpin representing City Council and others to say farewell to more than 300 3rd Brigade Combat Team Soldiers. The 4th Infantry Division will deploy Security Force Assistance Teams for an Afghan mission.

Held at the Special Event Center on Post, the facility was full of well-wishers.

 

Colonel Michael C. Kasales recognized Officer Lieutenant Howard Black, acting commander of Sand Creek. The Colorado Springs Police Officer accepted an award on behalf of the Sand Creek Division in honor of their partnership with Spouses of Deployed Soldiers Program. Following the ceremony, Mayor Bach congratulated Lt. Black on his service.

 

During the next few weeks, 3rd BCT Soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan as Security Forces Assistance Teams in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The SFAT Soldiers will focus on training, mentoring and advising the Afghan National Security Forces in the southern region for the next nine months.

 

Above you see the Color Guard with Colonel Michael C. Kasales and Command Sergeant Major, Doug Maddi “Casing the Colors”. This is a tradition that signals the unit’s readiness for deployment. 

 

For the last three months, the Security Force Assistance Teams prepared for the mission with tactical and cultural training. Their training finished with a rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Mayor Bach said, “It is important to our military families and troops to know we support them during their service at home and on deployment. They deserve our sincere thanks and appreciation for the hard work they do.”

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Filed Under: Mayor Bach News, U.S. Military Tagged With: , , ,