COMMISSIONER SALLIE CLARK'S - EYE ON COUNTY GOVERNMENT

District 3 County Update from Commissioner Sallie Clark

Looking back on 2011, this has been a busy year for the Board of County Commissioners and I’m pleased to provide an update for District 3.

Commissioner Dennis Hisey recieved
an award from the Chamber at the annual
State of the Region Address.

STRATEGIC MOVES, CONSOLIDATION OF BUILDINGS, RE-PURPOSING AND STATE OF THE REGION: As part of our consolidation plan, the Citizen Service Center on Garden of the Gods Rd., opened in 2011. This “one-stop shop” combined the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer, Assessor, Department of Human Services and Public Health Department. The Commissioners recently relocated to Centennial Hall at 200 S. Cascade, Suite 100.  Now, the former County Office Building will be remodeled to house the Sheriff’s Office and Training Facility. Following the relocation of the Sheriff’s Training Facility off of E. Las Vegas to downtown, that facility will be remodeled to house an expanded Coroner’s Office.  All this is being accomplished within existing County revenues and without ANY tax increase. County Commissioner meetings are still being held at Pikes Peak Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colorado Springs until the renovation of the old boardroom at Centennial is completed sometime this Spring.  Visit www.elpasoco.com for agendas and information. All Commissioner meetings are held each Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m.  More information can be obtained by viewing the State of Region report by our Board of County Commissioners' Chair, Amy Lathen.

The historic Rainbow Falls is getting
a face lift through its master plan and
clean-up efforts.

RAINBOW FALLS: Known for many years as “graffiti falls”, the area is now owned by El Paso County. This long-time neglected area has benefitted by regular clean-up efforts from Manitou Environmental Citizens Action (MECA), the Youth Corps and Boy Scout volunteers and a new trail and picnic area was built as part of an Eagle Scout project. The area’s master plan will come together this year to discourage graffiti and improve the trails, reduce erosion and restore this once beautiful historic area.

I25/CIMARRON INTERCHANGE: In 2011, the Colorado Department of Transportation allocated funds through Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments to purchase remaining right-of-way for Interchange improvements. Now considered one of the highest regional priority projects, the stage has been set to phase-in improvements when funding becomes available. The initial phase will focus on the north to south exit, heading west onto Highway 24. This is an important gateway to downtown and the Westside and will improve safety and congestion issues.

WESTSIDE GATEWAY/NO MAN’S LAND: This area on the far Westside has now taken the forefront with a $300,000 State planning grant, which will commence early this year and is scheduled to be considered by the Board of Commissioners on January 31st so the RFP can be released. El Paso County is the lead agency for a public master planning process to identify specific funding needs. Councilwoman Lisa Czelatdko and I will continue to champion needed improvements. This multi-jurisdictional project is also expected to be included on the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority’s list, likely to be referred to voters in November of 2012.

U.S. HONOR FLAG: During El Paso County's Sesquicentennial, we welcomed the U.S. Honor Flag. This flag has had the distinction of being flown at Ground Zero and the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan and was part of the last mission of the Space Shuttle Endeavor. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office combined with partnerships from Colorado Springs Police and Fire Departments and public safety workers from throughout the state participated. School District 11 supplied student artwork "What the Flag means to me" at the Colorado Springs Airport during its 2-day visit.

BEAR CREEK PARK: Potential conservation easements are being evaluated for long-term protection of designated areas in Bear Creek Park. An extensive public process and private fund-raising will be needed to secure future protection easements. In addition, ongoing improvements to the award-winning Dog Park necessary wildfire mitigation will continue.  Recognizing the importance of regional connectivity, this park’s sustainability is and should be a priority.

The groundbreaking of the new
Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Range Complex
will mark a partnership between Fort Carson,
El Paso County and the Sheriff's Office,
scheduled to open this Spring.

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN SHOOTING RANGE COMPLEX: The groundbreaking for the new Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Range Complex took place in December 2011 and is set to open sometime this Spring. The Complex will offer not only necessary training for our men and women in uniform as a collaboration between Fort Carson and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, but also allow use by the general public to hone their firearms' skills. This partnership is being funded through the Department of Defense and in-kind services on behalf of El Paso County as well as a non-profit 'The Soldiers' Friend" being established to help with the ongoing range expansion.

Contact information: sallieclark@elpasoco.com 520-6413  www.elpasoco.com

The El Paso County GOP Central
Committee Meeting at Sand Creek High School.

and...from the political perspective, my husband, Welling Clark, and I attended the Republican Central Committee at Sand Creek High School on Saturday, January 21st.  Commissioner District 3 leadership includes Westsider and local small business owner (Paradise Sales) Paul Paradis (Chair), Rockrimmon resident and neighborhood guru Jan Doran (Vice Chair) and longtime GOP supporter Jamie Thomas (Secretary). The Colorado caucuses take place on Tuesday, February 7th at 7 p.m.  Due to reapportionment and precinct changes, you can locate your caucus location by visiting the State GOP website at: http://www.caucus.cologop.org with an easy locator by putting in your address and information.  Enjoy some photos from the event!

Sallie Clark's official announcement
for Commissioner District 3 run
January 9, 2012.

A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Following my re-election to serve as Vice Chair of the El Paso County Board of Commissioners, I also officially announced my candidacy to seek the District 3 in 2012 on January 9th at the Pikes Peak Center, downtown. Approximately 150 people attended the event and the outpouring of support was very much appreciated.  Official endorsements were made by El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa, 4th Judicial District Attorney Dan May, State Representative Bob Gardner, former Commissioner Jim Bensberg, former County Treasurer Sandra Damron and a host of elected officials and individuals.


If you missed attending my official announcement and would like to see the complete video of the entire event, click on the video below. For additional information on the campaign, to donate or volunteer, visit www.ElectClark.com 

DAYS ON THE HILL FOR CHAMBER'S BUSINESS ADVOCACY IMPACTS DC DECISIONS

As the day winds down from a busy schedule of nonstop meetings this last week, it’s important to reflect on what we’ve learned, heard and asked during the visit to our nation’s capital city with the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce.  Okay, I’m probably just as guilty as the next guy, back in Colorado Springs criticizing the folks back here, while somewhat disconnected and protected from the pressures of DC politics. And it’s evident that as it’s been said, politics are not a spectator sport, especially noticeable here along the Beltway, as another election year approaches.  But the take-aways from the bipartisan relationships we continue to build upon in partnership with the business community and our Congressional leaders, is vital for our regional future; whether it’s having influence over military support, budget, tax and deficit issues, health care policy, small-business concerns, employment, over-regulation, economic development or transportation funding, among others. 

Commissioner Amy Lathen and Sallie Clark
with Congressman Doug Lamborn

The Chamber deserves kudos for a well-organized trip, with multiple tracks which allowed the group of about 70 individuals, representing a diverse group of both small and large businesses, community leaders and elected officials, including Mayor Bach, to ask hard questions and connect with those who cast the votes on the U.S. House and Senate floors and ultimately impact Colorado Springs and El Paso County.   The Chamber should also be credited for making a concerted effort to represent our region by inviting others from Southern Colorado to join the collaborative mission. 



Chamber DC participants heard from elected officials and
government representatives  including U.S. Representatives
Paul Ryan, Eric Cantor and Cathy McMorris Rodgers
and Colorado delegation members of House and Senate.

As someone assigned to the Health and Wellness track, my first day was spent visiting with both military and U.S. Olympic Committee representatives to discuss the importance of the Wounded Warrior Games and its potential economic impact on our community as well as issues that are important to hosting more athletic events in Colorado Springs.  We also made a visit to the Department of Health and Human Services and spent part of the day at a think tank called the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), discussing national health care and its future impact on our nation and small business. Not, in this organization’s opinion, a positive one for the future of business in America.

Congressman Scott Tipton with
Commissioner Sallie Clark and
Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach

We were appreciative that Congressman Doug Lamborn hosted the legislative day and were honored to be joined not only by our Colorado delegation members in Congress: U.S. Representatives Mike Coffman, Cory Gardner and Scott Tipton and U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet, but also guest speakers including U.S. Representatives Paul Ryan, Eric Cantor and Cathy McMorris Rodgers.  And, staff members from U.S. Representatives Ed Perlmutter and Jared Polis also represented their bosses to provide updates from their offices. During the full week of meetings, information on the budget and the Super Committee was shared, this committee being tasked with reducing the debt by approximately $1.2 trillion. In addition, the nation’s military defense outlook, renewable energy, free trade agreements through the Trade Assistance Act and the future of transportation funding were only part of the scheduled Q&A discussions. White House representatives made presentations to our group with topics such as tourism, health care, national export efforts and small business development.  A trip to the Pentagon offered members of our legislative advocacy team to interface with military leaders, an important opportunity to meet face to face and re-enforce local support for our military installations, vital to El Paso County's economic future.  And, breakfast with Major General Joseph Anderson offered an opportunity to meet the man who later this year, will replace Major General David Perkins, Commanding General at Fort Carson.



Meeting at the U.S. Olympic Committee
office in Washington D.C.





Stained glass window
in the House Chapel



Meeting with our Senators and Representatives on their legislative turf gives us the opportunity to discuss our local issues with those who represent us and Colorado as a whole. The importance of this trip is underscored by the fact that county government and El Paso County’s citizens are directly impacted by the decisions made in Washington D.C., specifically as it relates to unfunded mandates, regulations and infrastructure support.  Building relationships among business and government leaders and heading to our nation’s Capitol with one voice, makes a difference regarding eventual legislative decisions on issues that impact our local economy.  And, for our members of Congress, hearing straight talk from folks who live and face financial challenges in the business world every day, can easily be summed up in one word, “priceless”.

BOY SCOUT AND VOLUNTEERS BLAZE NEW TRAIL FOR PICNICS-RECREATION AT SCENIC RAINBOW FALLS IN EL PASO COUNTY, COLORADO

Over 35 people gathered on Saturday, October 1, 2011, to build a trail and picnic pad at Rainbow Falls, just west of Manitou Springs. This project is part of many improvements underway at this new El Paso County, Colorado, park and the trail.

Martin Rendleman, 15, led the effort this day as part of his requirement to earn the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts of America. Rendleman worked closely with the El Paso County Parks Department, the Manitou Environmental Citizens Action (MECA) Board, the Rainbow Falls Coordinating Committee and Commissioner Sallie Clark to develop the plan for the trail and picnic pad. He then raised over $1,000 in cash and $2,000 of in-kind donations and borrowed equipment to use for the project. C & C Sand, Bestway Disposal and TurfMasters provided discounts or donated items to assist with the Eagle Scout project. The County Parks Department staff is also credited with a tremendous effort in rough cutting the trail and preparing the site for the small army of volunteers who arrived to help on a sunny afternoon.

Members of Boy Scout Troops 268 and 366, the Air Force Academy Jr. ROTC, Colorado Springs Downtown Rotary and many friends came together on Saturday to dig, move rocks, and pound in rebar to build the approximately 80 ft. trail and level the area for the picnic pad. They also assembled and installed a picnic table that was provided by a grant to the County Parks Department.

The Rainbow Falls recreation area has been well known since before the turn of the century when visitors would gather and picnic at the base of the falls on their way up the original Ute Pass road to the west. The area was privately held until recently when it was donated to El Paso County, thanks to many years of persistence from El Paso County Commissioner Sallie Clark, the MECA board and its founder L'aura Montgomery. Since then, there have been many improvements to the park, including new trails, picnic tables and an expanded parking lot. While Rainbow Falls used to be known as Graffiti Falls, there has been a major effort to restore not only its original name, but to clean up the falls by discouraging graffiti tagging on the rock outcroppings and natural features. The ongoing efforts to restore the falls to their original beauty includes a comprehensive master plan involving community policing and enforcement as well as additional trails, stormwater and erosion improvements.

Many of those who came to help on Saturday had never seen the Falls before and were struck by the beauty and potential of the park. They also enjoyed getting their feet wet by wading in the stream. Most said they planned to come back and enjoy the park, now that they know it's here to enjoy. To see more about the project, there is a short YouTube video at http://youtu.be/DrICccsw5xk . For more information about Rainbow Falls or how you can help improve and preserve this special park, go to the MECA website at www.mecacolorado.org To reach Rainbow Falls, take Highway 24 west to the stoplight at the Cave of Winds exit, turning south onto Serpentine. At the curve, you will see the parking area.