Westminster WindoW 3.21.13
March 21, 2013
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A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 22
More gun bills reach governor Background checks, magazine limits await signature By Vic Vela
vvela@ourcoloradonews.com Two more gun bills await Gov. John Hickenlooper’s signature, following another week of polarized debate on firearm-related legislation in the General Assembly. A bill that would put in place universal background checks on gun sales and transfers has now cleared the General Assembly, after getting one last round of debate in both the House and Senate on March 15. House Bill 1229 had previously passed
both chambers, but lawmakers had to take up the bill again to deal with some minor amendments. Earlier in the week, on March 13, the House also passed House Bill 1224, which limits high-capacity ammunition magazines to 15 rounds. That bill had already passed the House last month, but lawmakers in the lower chamber had to vote on the legislation again in order to deal with amendments from the Senate. As was the case with earlier votes on these bills, debate was lengthy and at times emotional. Democrats continued to make the argument that background checks and magazine limits must be put in place to
prevent more criminals from terrorizing a state that is no stranger to mass shootings. And Republicans argued at length that the bills would do nothing to further community safety and would only make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights. The same Democratic lawmakers who voted against the bills did so again last week. Reps. Ed Vigil of Fort Garland, Steve Lebsock of Thornton and Leroy Garcia of Pueblo all voted against putting in place magazine limits. Vigil also voted against the background checks bill, along with Sen. Lois Tochtrop of Thornton. All Republicans voted against both measures.
House Bills 1224 and 1229 join the previously passed House Bill 1228 — which requires that gun buyers pay for their own background checks — as three major pieces of Democratic-sponsored gun-control legislation that have now reached Hickenlooper’s desk. The governor is expected to sign all three bills into law. Two other gun-control bills continue to work their way through the legislature: Senate Bill 195, which bans exclusive online training for those seeking concealed handgun permits; and Senate Bill 197, which would prohibit domestic-violence offenders from having access to guns.
Mayor pro-tem recognized for leadership staff report
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North Metro Community Services client Wayne, works on taking apart a computer. He is an employee at DataSafe Colorado, which provides employment opportunities for developmentally disabled adults through North Metro Community Services.
Helping those with developmental disabilities By Ashley reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews. com The goal of North Metro Community Services is simple: Provide strong advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. This is done through a variety of programs and services for adults and children with disabilities. North Metro Community Services, 1001 W. 124th Ave. in Westminster, is a community center board location designated to Adams County serving people with developmental disabilities. North Metro provides client intake, case management, day program services, residential services, support services,
employment opportunities and a variety of support services for children. North Metro resource coordination staff members help clients determine the best services needed. For adults in the day program, the client has the opportunity to choose his or her yearly program. Executive Director Randy Brodersen said some clients might choose to head out into the community by participating in volunteer opportunities at nonprofit organizations or go the local recreation center for swimming. “Our clients get to do some great stuff. We have one group that formed a band and even headed to Red Rocks on afternoon for their own concert,”
Federal Heights Mayor pro-tem Michael Cieszlak was recognized by the National League of Cities (NLC) for reaching the bronze level in its Certificate of Achievement in Leadership program. Sponsored by the NLC Leadership Training Institute, the award was presented in March Washington, D.C., at the annual Congressional City Conference. To achieve the bronze level, a local official must earn 16 credits in five core areas of municipal leadership. Each training seminar addresses one or more of the core competency areas of the Leadership Training Institute curriculum: Cornerstone: Personal leadership growth and development Competent practitioner: Leading effective governance Communicator: Effective communications and media relations Collaborator: Building communities through inspiration and empowerment Catalyst: Leading innovation and managing change As part of the NLC mission to create stronger communities, the Leadership Training Institute provides local officials with professional development opportunities to assist them in promoting positive change and innovation within their communities.
Federal Heights Mayor Pro-tem Michael Cieszlak was recognized by the National League of Cities for reaching the bronze level in its Certificate of Achievement in Leadership program. Courtesy photo
Community continues on Page 21
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North Metro Community Services client Melody works on taking apart a computer. She is an employee at DataSafe Colorado, which provides employment opportunities for developmentally disabled adults through North Metro Community Services. Photos by Ashley Reimers