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

Richard Randall Interviews Mayor on KVOR 740

December 23, 2011 By

Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach is a monthly guest on the Richard Randall Show at 740KVOR. During this interview the Mayor answered questions from callers and discussed critical issues facing the City.

Richard’s first question was, “Mr. Mayor, what’s the number one thing on your mind right now?”

Public safety has always been top-of-mind for the Mayor, especially on a day with significant snowfall and frigid temperatures. So it wasn’t surprising when he responded, “Everyone’s safety – I hope you’ll drive safely today. We appreciate people being patient.”

Then the Mayor addressed another issue of utmost concern for many throughout the community and country – fiscal sustainability. His proposed 2012 Budget and subsequent line item vetoes addressed forecast predictions of City insolvency – bankruptcy in the next five to eight years if changes aren’t made quickly.

“The world has changed all around us and City Government must change too,” Bach believes.

Some say he should compromise, but he knows it’s time to stand on principle and address the way we do business before assuming the only solution is to raise taxes. He stressed his commitment to continue working with City Council and encouraged people in the community to collaborate and raise money for meritorious, but non-essential services.

With solvency of the City at risk, the Mayor has called for an outside consulting group to conduct a Classification and Compensation Study, something that hasn’t been done in a decade. He also recognizes that factors like work environment and recognition play a big part in retaining good people; he sincerely respects and appreciates the work City employees do.

Callers said they appreciate him sticking to his guns and his straight-forward, no-nonsense approach. One key message came through loud and clear: “We voted you for Strong Mayor and that’s what we want you to be!”

Standing on principle doesn’t negate the Mayor’s intention to leverage the talent and intelligence of Colorado Springs citizens and community leaders. Consistently, he asks for input and stresses the importance of working together with Council to solve problems and move forward.

“I’m not worried about re-election. I’m not a career politician; I’m just here to try to help. And now that we have the budget process behind us, we can focus on the future and make this great city even better together.”

Clearly, financial sustainability, commitment, collaboration and the leadership required to make hard choices without regard to political popularity is what motivates this Mayor!

 

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