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October 8, 2015 VO LUM E 1 1 | IS S UE 1 9
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‘There is a digital revolution’ Libraries to improve technology if mill levy passes
By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com Technology advances quickly, and Jeffco libraries will continue to fall behind unless voters approve a tax measure this November. There is a digital revolution happening, said Norma Anderson, co-chair of the Jefferson County Public Library’s mill levy campaign, and it’s important that all Jefferson County library patrons have access to computers and the Internet. “We need to keep up with the demand,” she said. The library’s mill levy will increase by one mill, up to a maximum of 4.5 mills if voters approve it. The increase means that Jeffco homeowners would pay about 67 cents more a month for every $100,000 of home value. Along with improving access to technology and restoring investments in books, resources and other materials, the mill levy increase would go toward restoring library hours and repairing and refurbishing existing facilities that need work.
Library officials say they plan to address all issues within five years of the increase being approved. All are important issues, said Library Trustee Charles Naumer, but technology “is transforming the way we learn, work and communicate.” Technology literacy is something people should be able to rely on their public library for, he said. However, Jeffco libraries offer fewer public access computers per capita than many of the state’s county libraries, Naumer said. Not only that, the technology Jeffco has is antiquated, he added. Computers are older, slower and falling behind on updates for operating systems and software. Along with that, Anderson said, the additional funding will help with training library staff to be able to help people with using the technology. “Librarians play a key role in technology literacy,” Naumer said. “Not only do patrons need access to it, sometimes they need help learning how to use it.” The tax increase will also go toward buying more traditional print media and other materials. Digital continues on Page 4
The Golden Library offers its patrons use of a 3D printer, iPad minis, Samsung Galaxy tablets, and desktop and laptop computers. However, not all Jefferson County Public Libraries have access to all this state-of-the-art technology. Photo by Christy Steadman
SCHOOL BOARD
Community and business people from all over the county gathered on at the Sheraton Denver West on Sept. 29 to celebrate the addition of five names to the West Chamber Jefferson County Hall of Fame. Photo by Clarke Reader
Second class of first-class citizens West Chamber welcomes new group to Hall of Fame By Clarke Reader creader@coloradocommunitymedia.com Whether helping to lead a city, run a county or, even, literally building a community brick by brick, the second class of Jefferson County Hall of Fame initiates were honored on Sept. 29 at the Sheraton Denver West. “We, at the chamber, wanted to find a way to honor the unsung heroes who work so hard to advance our county,” said Hall of Fame task force chairman Ernie Witucki. “We’re looking forward to continuing on next year and honoring more people.” Here are this year’s Hall of Fame inductees: 1. Bob Briggs: Briggs has invested in Westminster his whole life. He was elected as an Adams County Commissioner in 1978, served as the president of Adams County Economic Development for three years and on the RTD board. “When I look at this class, I wonder how a rinky-dink like me got involved. I’m indeed honored, and chambers like this are so important for the community.” 2. Gretchen Cerveny: Cerveny was elected as mayor of
Wheat Ridge in 1997 and worked closely with the Strategic Visioning Committee, Juvenile Justice Committee, Transportation Committee and Tax Policy Committee in Wheat Ridge. She also worked with the Seniors Resource Center and Older Americans Act. “My main goal has always been to take the talents I’ve been given and use them for the community.” 3. Faye Griffin: In her 40-year career with Jefferson County, Griffin is the only elected Jefferson County official to be elected to three separate county offices — Jefferson County commissioner, clerk & recorder and country treasurer. In her time as commissioner, the county received top financial Faye Griffin ratings from several national rating organizations. “I’m so honored and humbled. I’m just from Golden and just from the county. I thank the citizens of Jeffco for electing me to the offices I’ve had the honor of holding.” 4. Tom Murray: As president of Summit Lakewood Brick, Murray served more than 20 years on the Board of the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute. He also dedicated
Elections force imminent change in Jeffco All five seats up for grabs in pivotal election season By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com Two years of controversy come to a reckoning this November: as the Jefferson County School Board election could see anywhere from two to all five of the board seats change hands. The election, normally slated for only two of the seats — in which incumbents chose not to run again — has become all the more pivotal thanks to a recall targeting the current board majority, three conservatives elected in 2013. Ken Witt, Julie Williams and John Newkirk have championed charter school programs and tying teacher pay to performance. They have also gained attention and criticism for an alleged lack of transparency, the controversial hiring of Superintendent Dan McMinimee and board attorney Brad Miller, review of the district’s Advanced Placement U.S. History curriculum, increased teacher turnover, an unusually-short 10-month teacher contract and the alleged bullying of anyone opposing their agenda — including students, community members and fellow board members.
Citizens continues on Page 12 Elections continues on Page 5