From a press release:
The Aurora Residents for Recreation (ARR), a grassroots, resident-driven group of citizens continues to gain support in their efforts to bring much needed recreation opportunities to the community. Aurora residents have not benefited from a new indoor recreation center since 1980, when the population (158,000) was less than one half of what it is today (325,078). Aurora residents must travel to other municipalities and recreation districts to meet many of their recreational needs, resulting in increased costs to the Aurora family and missed opportunities to bring in visitors, competitors, customers, and revenue to Aurora
The ARR obtained more than 14,000 signatures from residents, far in excess of the 8,438 valid signatures required to place a construction bond and operational mill levy charter amendment referendum on the ballot for November of 2011.
The ARR is recommending the construction of three new regional community recreation centers and the renovation and expansion of the Moorhead Recreation Center to add 340,000 square feet of indoor facility space to meet community needs. Aurora’s current inventory of indoor recreation space compares very unfavorably (in both type and quantity) to surrounding municipalities and recreation districts.
This project will significantly improve the quality of life opportunities available to Aurora businesses and residents. At a cost of $2.75 in property taxes per month for each $100,000 in residential property value, this proposal has received tremendous support from the Aurora community. The ARR is creating a healthy Aurora.
Approval of the ballot question has been called for by Aurora City Council Members Bob Broom, Molly Markert, and Brad Pierce; State Senators representing Aurora Morgan Carroll, Mary Hodge, and Suzanne Williams; State Representatives from Aurora Cindy Acree, Rhonda Fields, Su Ryden, and Nancy Todd; Arapahoe County Commissioners Nancy Jackson and Frank Weddig; RTD Board Member from Aurora Tom Tobiassen; and the entire Aurora Public Schools Board of Education.
Former Aurora City Council Members Nadine Caldwell, Peggy Kerns, John McCracken, Sue Sandstrom, and Deborah Wallace; Former State Senator from Aurora Steve Ruddick; former State Representative from Aurora Gerard Frank; and also former Aurora City Manager Ron Miller are among those endorsing this ballot initiative
Monday, August 15, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Parents to Work program
From Arapahoe County:
The Parents to Work Program helps parents become employed, self-sufficient and meet their child support obligations. Parents to Work is offered by the Arapahoe County Child Support Enforcement Division, in partnership with the Arapahoe/Douglas Works!Workforce Center and the 18th Judicial District.
"Many non-custodial parents face a host of economic and employment barriers that make it difficult to comply with child support," said Arapahoe County Commissioner Nancy Jackson. "The Parents to Work Program has demonstrated a way to break down those barriers using workforce development services to help parents become more confident and self-sufficient, and improve the future for their children."
Through the pilot project, more than 600 unemployed and underemployed parents were randomly selected to receive employment-focused and supportive services. Participation was voluntary; 69 percent in the experimental group chose to actively engage in workforce development activities. Workforce center personnel were conveniently co-located at the Child Support Enforcement Office (14980 E. Alameda Drive, Aurora) to offer case management, assessments, skills training, connections to hiring employers, assistance with submitting job applications and an intensive job club.
Parents who received workforce services were 23 percent more likely to have earnings than a control group of 349 parents who did not receive services. Sixty-five percent of the participants found full-time jobs at an average hourly wage of $10.95, while 22 percent became employed part-time and 12 percent obtained subsidized jobs at an average hourly wage of $10. More than two-thirds stayed employed after 12 months.
Participating parents paid 5.7 child support payments in a 12-month period, compared to only 4 payments for non-participants. Participants also increased the amount of child support they paid by from 36.6 to 41.1 percent of support owed, while non-participants decreased payments from 28.2 to 27.5 percent. As a result of being able to buy goods and services with their earnings, it is estimated that the Parents to Work participants contributed an additional $6.5 million in earnings and $11.5 million in regional sales/revenue growth to the local economy.
The Parents to Work Program is now available to any non-custodial parent and is funded with state and federal dollars through the Colorado Works Program. For more information about Parents to Work Program, or to request assistance with establishing, modifying or enforcing a child support order, please call Arapahoe County's Child Support Enforcement Division at 303-752-8900 or visit www.co.arapahoe.co.us.
For more information about employment assistance services available at no-cost to any job-seeker or business, please call the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center at 303-636-1160 or visit www.adworks.org.
The Parents to Work Program helps parents become employed, self-sufficient and meet their child support obligations. Parents to Work is offered by the Arapahoe County Child Support Enforcement Division, in partnership with the Arapahoe/Douglas Works!Workforce Center and the 18th Judicial District.
"Many non-custodial parents face a host of economic and employment barriers that make it difficult to comply with child support," said Arapahoe County Commissioner Nancy Jackson. "The Parents to Work Program has demonstrated a way to break down those barriers using workforce development services to help parents become more confident and self-sufficient, and improve the future for their children."
Through the pilot project, more than 600 unemployed and underemployed parents were randomly selected to receive employment-focused and supportive services. Participation was voluntary; 69 percent in the experimental group chose to actively engage in workforce development activities. Workforce center personnel were conveniently co-located at the Child Support Enforcement Office (14980 E. Alameda Drive, Aurora) to offer case management, assessments, skills training, connections to hiring employers, assistance with submitting job applications and an intensive job club.
Parents who received workforce services were 23 percent more likely to have earnings than a control group of 349 parents who did not receive services. Sixty-five percent of the participants found full-time jobs at an average hourly wage of $10.95, while 22 percent became employed part-time and 12 percent obtained subsidized jobs at an average hourly wage of $10. More than two-thirds stayed employed after 12 months.
Participating parents paid 5.7 child support payments in a 12-month period, compared to only 4 payments for non-participants. Participants also increased the amount of child support they paid by from 36.6 to 41.1 percent of support owed, while non-participants decreased payments from 28.2 to 27.5 percent. As a result of being able to buy goods and services with their earnings, it is estimated that the Parents to Work participants contributed an additional $6.5 million in earnings and $11.5 million in regional sales/revenue growth to the local economy.
The Parents to Work Program is now available to any non-custodial parent and is funded with state and federal dollars through the Colorado Works Program. For more information about Parents to Work Program, or to request assistance with establishing, modifying or enforcing a child support order, please call Arapahoe County's Child Support Enforcement Division at 303-752-8900 or visit www.co.arapahoe.co.us.
For more information about employment assistance services available at no-cost to any job-seeker or business, please call the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center at 303-636-1160 or visit www.adworks.org.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Ryan Frazier running for mayor
People have been waiting with bated breath to see if the 2010 CD 7 candidate would run for mayor.
Now it's official: Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier will announce his candidacy for the Aurora mayoral race May 12.
Some info about Frazier's campaign:
The Starboard Group will be doing the campaign's fundraising.
Jake Zambrano of New West Public Affairs will be the General Consultant.
Michael Fields, who was Frazier's policy director for his Congressional campaign, will be the Manager and Spokesman.
Aaron Ellis, who was one of Frazier's field directors for his Congressional campaign, will be the Political Director.
Frazier is the 5th candidate to enter the race. The other candidates are former city councilman Steve Hogan, hypnotherapist Sheilah Davis, Realtor and mortgage broker Jude Sandvall and former state Rep. Debbie Stafford.
Frazier, a Republican, received a groundswell of support for his race in CD 7 last year but lost against the Democratic incumbent, Ed Perlmutter.
Now it's official: Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier will announce his candidacy for the Aurora mayoral race May 12.
Some info about Frazier's campaign:
The Starboard Group will be doing the campaign's fundraising.
Jake Zambrano of New West Public Affairs will be the General Consultant.
Michael Fields, who was Frazier's policy director for his Congressional campaign, will be the Manager and Spokesman.
Aaron Ellis, who was one of Frazier's field directors for his Congressional campaign, will be the Political Director.
Frazier is the 5th candidate to enter the race. The other candidates are former city councilman Steve Hogan, hypnotherapist Sheilah Davis, Realtor and mortgage broker Jude Sandvall and former state Rep. Debbie Stafford.
Frazier, a Republican, received a groundswell of support for his race in CD 7 last year but lost against the Democratic incumbent, Ed Perlmutter.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Cherry Creek State Park offers boating safety classes
AURORA | Cherry Creek State Park will offer boating safely review and exam sessions this summer. These classes are designed for 14 and 15 year olds, and interested adults, who want to operate motorized vessels in Colorado. Classes will be held on: May 24, June 7, July 12, and August 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pre-registration is required for each course.
To register, call (303) 791-1954 or send an email to boating.safety@state.co.us. Students will also need to request the Boating Safely in Colorado home study manual. Please include your name, address, date of birth, phone number, and the number of manuals you need. Each individual participating will need a manual.
Students must first review the Boating Safely in Colorado home study manual and then participate in the two-hour classroom review. Boat operator cards will be issued to students who attend the review session and pass the exam with a score of 70% or better. A certification fee of $15 per student will be required at the time of testing. Students must also bring a 1” x 1” photo of themselves that will be laminated to their operator card. Please contact the park office at (303) 766-6561 for additional information and directions.
Anyone operating a motorized vessel in Colorado must be at least 16 years old. However, 14 and 15 year olds who successfully complete the state-approved boating safety course can also operate a motorized vessel in Colorado.
Colorado State Parks get everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
To register, call (303) 791-1954 or send an email to boating.safety@state.co.us. Students will also need to request the Boating Safely in Colorado home study manual. Please include your name, address, date of birth, phone number, and the number of manuals you need. Each individual participating will need a manual.
Students must first review the Boating Safely in Colorado home study manual and then participate in the two-hour classroom review. Boat operator cards will be issued to students who attend the review session and pass the exam with a score of 70% or better. A certification fee of $15 per student will be required at the time of testing. Students must also bring a 1” x 1” photo of themselves that will be laminated to their operator card. Please contact the park office at (303) 766-6561 for additional information and directions.
Anyone operating a motorized vessel in Colorado must be at least 16 years old. However, 14 and 15 year olds who successfully complete the state-approved boating safety course can also operate a motorized vessel in Colorado.
Colorado State Parks get everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
RTD wins award
RTD FasTracks Program Earns Honor for Quality Management
RARE RECOGNITION FOR TRANSIT INDUSTRY
The RTD FasTracks program has been recognized for its excellence in quality management oversight. Orion Registrar, Inc., USA has issued the FasTracks program a Certificate of Registration for the quality management oversight program’s systematic approach to verifying that all contractors are producing a quality project.
Having the FasTracks oversight program registered to the ISO 9001 standard underscores the program management team’s commitment to quality.
“I’m very proud of this unique recognition,” said Rick Clarke, RTD FasTracks Assistant General Manager, Capital Programs. “This validates the hard work and tireless efforts of our staff and of the quality management team that developed the extensive oversight program we use to verify project quality,” Clarke said.
RTD is one of only a few transit agencies in the country to be honored with this registration. About 30,000 organizations in the United States are registered to the ISO 9001 standard, but the majority of these firms are in the manufacturing or service industry with dealings within the global marketplace. Achieving ISO 9001 registration indicates that the FasTracks program has a documented quality management system in place that is being adhered to consistently.
“There are few local, state or national government agencies that are ISO registered,” said Kevin Diviness, RTD FasTracks Director of Quality Assurance. “The fact that FasTracks has earned this registration speaks volumes about the project’s commitment to quality and RTD’s continuing leadership in the transit industry,” Diviness said.
FasTracks is RTD’s voter-approved transit program to expand rail and bus service throughout the RTD service area. FasTracks will build 122 miles of commuter rail and light rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service, add 21,000 new parking spaces, redevelop Denver Union Station and redirect bus service to better connect the eight-county District. The FasTracks investment initiative is projected to create thousands of construction-related jobs during the height of construction, and will pump billions of dollars into the regional economy over the next 20 years.
RARE RECOGNITION FOR TRANSIT INDUSTRY
The RTD FasTracks program has been recognized for its excellence in quality management oversight. Orion Registrar, Inc., USA has issued the FasTracks program a Certificate of Registration for the quality management oversight program’s systematic approach to verifying that all contractors are producing a quality project.
Having the FasTracks oversight program registered to the ISO 9001 standard underscores the program management team’s commitment to quality.
“I’m very proud of this unique recognition,” said Rick Clarke, RTD FasTracks Assistant General Manager, Capital Programs. “This validates the hard work and tireless efforts of our staff and of the quality management team that developed the extensive oversight program we use to verify project quality,” Clarke said.
RTD is one of only a few transit agencies in the country to be honored with this registration. About 30,000 organizations in the United States are registered to the ISO 9001 standard, but the majority of these firms are in the manufacturing or service industry with dealings within the global marketplace. Achieving ISO 9001 registration indicates that the FasTracks program has a documented quality management system in place that is being adhered to consistently.
“There are few local, state or national government agencies that are ISO registered,” said Kevin Diviness, RTD FasTracks Director of Quality Assurance. “The fact that FasTracks has earned this registration speaks volumes about the project’s commitment to quality and RTD’s continuing leadership in the transit industry,” Diviness said.
FasTracks is RTD’s voter-approved transit program to expand rail and bus service throughout the RTD service area. FasTracks will build 122 miles of commuter rail and light rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service, add 21,000 new parking spaces, redevelop Denver Union Station and redirect bus service to better connect the eight-county District. The FasTracks investment initiative is projected to create thousands of construction-related jobs during the height of construction, and will pump billions of dollars into the regional economy over the next 20 years.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Choppers!
Here are some photos of Heather Smith (our photographer) and I in a helicopter. We went to the VA disaster simulation this morning at Centennial Airport. Look for the story in tomorrow's paper!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sheilah Davis running for mayor
Aurora resident Sheilah Davis, a psychotherapist specializing in hypnotherapy, has filed paperwork for the Aurora mayoral race.
The city clerk and recorder's office released the information Monday.
She is the fourth candidate to jump in the mayoral race.
An Aurora resident of 10 years, Davis said she received her Master's degree in psychology from Regis University in 2005.
Davis said she is running for mayor because she "wanted to bring everyday citizens into the conversation".
"A lot of times I get to talking to people and they tell me they feel forgotten," Davis said. "They see changes they don't like."
Davis is also an active member of Citizens for Responsible Aurora Government — a group of disgruntled taxpayers perhaps most well-known for posting the results of an open records request detailing government workers' salaries on their website.
As a member of CRAG, Davis said she's noticed that the city has "some issues with transparency".
Davis, who lives in south Aurora, hopes to officially announce her candidacy at a fundraiser event for charity but still has yet to announce a date.
Davis, who is a native of Colorado, said she moved to Aurora in 2001 after she was involved in a car accident in the city. She said so many people came to help her at the scene of the crash that she figured Aurora must be the best place to live.
The city clerk and recorder's office released the information Monday.
She is the fourth candidate to jump in the mayoral race.
An Aurora resident of 10 years, Davis said she received her Master's degree in psychology from Regis University in 2005.
Davis said she is running for mayor because she "wanted to bring everyday citizens into the conversation".
"A lot of times I get to talking to people and they tell me they feel forgotten," Davis said. "They see changes they don't like."
Davis is also an active member of Citizens for Responsible Aurora Government — a group of disgruntled taxpayers perhaps most well-known for posting the results of an open records request detailing government workers' salaries on their website.
As a member of CRAG, Davis said she's noticed that the city has "some issues with transparency".
Davis, who lives in south Aurora, hopes to officially announce her candidacy at a fundraiser event for charity but still has yet to announce a date.
Davis, who is a native of Colorado, said she moved to Aurora in 2001 after she was involved in a car accident in the city. She said so many people came to help her at the scene of the crash that she figured Aurora must be the best place to live.
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