COMMISSIONER SALLIE CLARK EXPLORES PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES AT NACo's ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

Commissioner Clark joined Commissioners
from all over the U.S. for the annual
Justice and Public Safety Symposium
sponsored by National Association of Counties

WASHINGTON, D.C. – El Paso County, Colorado, Commissioner Sallie Clark, is taking the time to attend, participate, facilitate and learn about federal, state and local intergovernmental justice and public safety priorities at the 2012 National Association of Counties’ (NACo) Annual Justice and Public Safety Symposium held Jan. 25-28 in Fulton County, Ga.


Hosted by Fulton County and the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, the symposium discussed these critical priorities with some of the nation’s foremost justice and public safety experts and considered how county officials can best shape federal policies and funding to ensure that services for residents in their communities are enhanced.

El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa
pictured here with Sallie,
NACo JPS Chair, Judge David Hudson
 and NACo President Lenny Eliaison

The theme of the symposium was “A National County Policy Symposium to Safely Lower Jail and Juvenile Detention Populations by Doing It Smarter.” The keynote speaker was former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, who shared insights about his lifelong work as a politician, human rights activist and businessman and how they relate to justice issues facing counties. El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa presented information and data on how El Paso County, Colorado, is utilizing re-entry and reintegration programs that are reducing the revolving door of recidivism. "We appreciate NACo allowing the participation of El Paso County's innovative approaches at this conference and our ability to share how we are working to reduce taxpayer costs and also keep the public safe", Commissioner Sallie Clark said about her county's participation.

Another special guest speaker was Dr. James Austin, director, JFA Institute, and former director of the Institute on Crime, Justice and Corrections at George Washington University. Dr. Austin discussed innovative ways local governments are addressing these challenging issues.  

Each year members of NACo’s JPS Steering Committee meet with local, state and national experts to discuss important justice and public safety priorities on behalf of the nation’s 3,068 counties. The committee is responsible for developing NACo’s Justice and Public Safety policies, and advocates for local government priorities before the U.S. Congress.

Other issues discussed during this year’s four-day symposium included: cost-effective pretrial justice programs, reentry programs, creating criminal justice coordinating councils, cybersecurity, and diverting the mentally ill from the criminal justice system.  

Commissioner Sallie Clark said that the NACo justice and public safety symposium was a great opportunity to hear directly from experts on many of the critical justice and public safety issues affecting counties across the country and said the critical matters explored at the meeting will improve and enhance public safety in states and local communities. As Chair of the Justice and Public Safety Committee's Court Subcommittee Chair, Clark also moderated a panel on Cybersecurity services for counties and why Commissioners should care. "As technology becomes more and more widely used and considering the amount of data and records county governments retain, we must keep up with the concerns that are associated with safe storage of information to protect the public's interest", Clark added.

For more information on the symposium or NACo justice and public safety policies, visit the Legislative and Policy section of the NACo website at www.naco.org or contact Jim Philipps at 202.942.4220 or jphilipps@naco.org.  

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The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States.  Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,068 counties.  NACo advances issues with a unified voice before the federal government, improves the public's understanding of county government, assists counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research, and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money.  For more information about NACo, visit www.naco.org.

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”.