Mayor Steve Bach’s second Town Hall Meeting was held at the Southeast Family Center/Armed Services YMCA on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.
Southeast area residents, business owners and people from all over Colorado Springs attended. The room filled quickly and following emcee Richard Randall’s welcome, all stood to recite the Pledge of Alliegance.
Mayor Steve Bach opened by saying, ” I’m so glad you’re all here. This is an evening to share information with one another and listen to the good news about southeast Colorado Springs.”
Then he presented a Spirit of the Springs Award to Alicia Johnson who received 35 out of 36 on her ACT’s. The national average is 21.
Mayor Bach said, “This is a great example of perseverance and we’re so proud of your excellence in academics. God Bless You!”
The Mayor is also working to help Colorado Springs achieve excellence through sound fiscal policies which requires an innovative approach. He said, “We need to move to priorities based budgeting and I need your input. I need to know what’s on your minds.”
Next up was Chief of Innovation and Economic Vitality, Steve Cox. He gave an update on transit and the “Rapid Response” initiative to cut red tape and create an environment to stimulate jobs. He listed businesses that will build in the southeast area and said, “Mayor Bach knows everyone and he wants people to get involved. He wants to make it easier for people to do business.”
The Mayor added, “Donna Nelson and I have met with the Black and Latino Coalition. We must have jobs in southeast Colorado Springs. We’re going to become the most business and citizen friendly city in the country. If we can succeed at that, we can do better. Landowners can give land to the City in exchange for a gift letter. Then we can offer the land to companies for free.” The Mayor referenced successes including giving land to Peterson AFB so they could expand and Frontier Airlines providing direct flights from Colorado Springs to Washington D.C.
Periodically, Richard Randall read questions from audience members in the room and questions that came in via the Mayor’s Twitter feed and Facebook page.
Donna Nelson, Economic Vitality Specialist, described the “Ticket to Success” Program as part of the Spirit of the Springs initiative where middle school students sit with the Mayor, City Counsel and other city leaders.
Students will have four visits to the City and work on projects. This program and student scholarships will be funded by the Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament and art part of the long term plan to “grow our own” future City government leaders.
Fire Chief, Rich Brown, announced an innovative program where fire stations will now provide blood pressure checks and clinics to the public. Since diabetes and high blood pressure are big health risks, he said, “Your fire station will serve you 100 mph towards that end.”
He was very enthused about Fort Carsons “Adopt a School” program where soldiers volunteer at 20 Colorado Springs schools. He asked himself, “Why can’t we be part of that?” He’d like to see every student be CPR certified before graduation. When it comes to public safety, Chief Brown believes, “W’re in it to win!”
Volunteers are a huge help when it comes to expanding public safety resources. Jean Krause of the Community Advancing Public Safety (CAPS) said, “I’m amazed at the lengths citizens of this town will go to in order to help.”
CAPS has seen an increase of 25% in their volunteer force up to 450 volunteers. They provide administrative help, assist with fire station programs and have even solved cold cases. Jean said, “If you’re involved in neighborhood watch, then you’re a part of this program! We have 800 block captains. Dennis Moore, Volunteer of the Year, Dennis Moore, is in the room. Our Advocates for Victims Rights program has 30 volunteers enrolled in a 10 week program.”
Dave Munger and Valorie Jordan talked about StreetsScapes and Deerfield Hills Revitalization and made recommendations to the Mayor on gems within the community like UCCS, the Broadmoor and the entrance and exit to the City.
Valorie Jordan said there are five areas in the city that are strategy areas where we need to find partners and get the entire community involved. The Deerfield Hills Revitalization is set for May 12th where we’ll get the entire community involved. Booze Allen Hamilton, Sears, the City, etc. will each have one house to renovate. We have approximately $128,000 as the value of donations. Volunteers for May 12th can go to SpringsGov.com. We hope to replicate this effort in other areas.
“Everyone wants Colorad Springs to be successful. We need good people to run all across the City. We need to support City Council and everyone must vote. We’ve brought back 275 acres of parks, but need to look at how we run our parks. Those down here (in southeast Colorado Springs) deserve to be just as well maintained as any other,” said Mayor Bach
Mayor Bach closed the meeting with these inspirational words, “Thank you all for being here tonight. I hope you’ll find ways to get involved. We’re on the threshold of an amazing future!”
QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE TOWN HALL MEETING:
“We want to create an environment which is business friendly and where retail can flourish.” –Steve Cox
“This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Diplomacy is not my long suit and I apprecate your patience.” –Mayor Bach
“The military is essential our community. Did you know William Jackson Palmer who founded our City was a Medal of Honor winner? God bless the military for all they mean to us!”
“I tried to stay at home but after one day of retirement, Suzi said it wouldn’t work!”
