Lively, inquisitive mid-schoolers filled the Eagleview cafeteria to get a civics lesson in city government -and they weren’t disappointed. On Wednesday, October 24th, Mayor Bach hosted his final Townhall meeting of 2012 at Eagleview Middle School in northwest Colorado Springs. Joining the Mayor in addressing the 200 community residents in attendance were Chief of Staff Laura Neumann, Parks Director Karen Palus, and Colorado Springs Together Director Bob Cutter.
The Mayor opened the gathering by addressing those from the Mountain Shadows neighborhood saying, that he and his wife Suzi “think about them every day.” The Mayor then welcomed Mr. Matthew Stewart’s 8th grade social studies class by encouraging them to stay in school and to “not let anyone tell them they couldn’t succeed.” The students were active participants, asking about everything from parks clean-up to volunteering to opportunities for physically disabled citizens.
Chief of Staff Laura Neumann presented the Key Community Benefits coming in the proposed 2013 Budget: restoring evening bus service, turning back on the remaining 3,500 streetlights, neighborhood health clinics, continued maintenance on neighborhood parks, hiring more police and fire, and contributing more to the funding of stormwater and streets projects.
Parks Director Karen Palus discussed several forthcoming initiatives including a planned Arbor Day tree planting event in Mountain Shadows and a new master plan for Mountain Shadows Park. Mayor Bach introduced Colorado Springs Together Director Bob Cutter calling him, “the greatest example of citizen leadership I can think of.” Colorado Springs Together serves as the primary community organization to bring the community spirit and substantial resources of the businesses and citizens of the Pikes Peak Region to restore the lives, homes and neighborhoods impacted by the Waldo Canyon Fire. Bob reported on the tremendous progress that has already been made in the four months since the fire. 30,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed, 23 news homes are under construction, and only 7 homes have yet to have a debris removal permit issued. Bob also reminded people to review and understand their homeowner’s insurance policy.
The evening wrapped up with Fire Marshal Brett Lacey presenting Bob Cutter with a yellow jersey signed by riders during this summer’s USA Pro Cycling Challenge. The jersey will be used to raise funds for Waldo Canyon Fire victims.
Thank you to Principal Jim Smith, Vice-Principal Troy Gedeck, Ms. Eileen Wilfong and Mr. Matthew Stewart for hosting the townhall.
