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The Publication for N Colorado State Employees TIO U TIT UNION AND S N O C July/August 2004 Published by the Department of Personnel & Administration • www.colorado.gov /dpa/stateline Email: [email protected] CAPITOL LIFE SAFETY PROJECT UNDERWAY BY PHIL DROZDA, DPA INTERN If you’ve been by the Capitol recently, you may work in the third floor offices and chambers due for have noticed the scaffolding next to the building’s completion in December 2004. Future floors will be outside walls. Upon entering the Capitol, you completed during the off sessions over the next would have found more scaffolding, hard hat-only several years. zones, and a closed off third floor: all evidence of the Capitol Life Safety Project. An initiative On the cutting-edge of construction design and ODERNIZING managed by the Department of Personnel & technology when it was built in the 1890s, the M Administration and Capitol was widely COLORADO’S funded through grants thought to be fireproof. provided by the The building followed CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM Colorado Historical the convention that all of BY GOVERNOR OWENS Society, the project is a its stone, brick, plaster, complex and concrete and wrought In June, I signed a bill that opens the door for sophisticated plan iron (all materials that do voters to modernize Colorado government. designed to upgrade the not burn) would protect Although Colorado has moved strongly into the building’s fire alarm and it from any serious fire 21st century in so many ways – from education to protection systems and damage. The designers technology to transportation – our civilservice improve building-wide also believed that system has been stuck in 1918. When Colorado pedestrian travel applying a plaster ceiling citizens go to the ballot box in November, they will between floors. “(The to the bottom of the floor be able to help enact civil service reform, making project) is about two above it would act as a this strong and innovative plan to bring Colorado things: life safety and fire resistant base to the government into the 21st century a reality. property protection,” floor system. These says State Architect techniques came into This new system is good for state workers, and it’s Larry Friedberg, the fashion after the Great good for the people of Colorado. That’s why it project supervisor. “We Chicago Fire in 1871, In the Senate Chambers great efforts have been made to received the support of important employee intend to preserve the which effectively burned protect the ornate woodwork and plaster that adorn the unions. The Colorado Association of Public building, and ultimately that city to the ground. walls and ceiling. Employees (CAPE), Local 821 of the American make it safer for Federation of State, County, and Municipal occupants.” Most of the building upgrades involve In reality, this “fireproof construction” is not Employees (AFSCME), and the Association of fire safety and include the addition of fire actually fireproof, but “non-combustible.” Even Colorado State Patrol Professionals all support this sprinklers, smoke detectors, a public address though they do not burn, non-combustible landmark reform of our personnel system. system, exit stairways, emergency lighting, and a materials like wrought iron, masonry and plaster smoke control system, bringing the Capitol into are easily damaged by fire. The iron columns, The central principle on which our personnel relative compliance with current fire safety codes. beams, and trusses represent the most dangerous of system is based – that employees should be hired these materials in the Capitol; iron loses its strength and promoted on merit – remains unchanged. The Not only does the Capitol lack a modern fire alarm at relatively low temperatures, making the building reforms will make it easier and more equitable and sprinkler system, it has lacked any integrated especially vulnerable to fire. One only has to look to when state employees file grievances. Those fire alarm/sprinkler system period, according to the 1984 Masonic Building fire in Denver to see the seeking employment will not have to undergo a Friedberg. “This is the first time this building has potential consequences of this vulnerability. The lengthy, months-long hiring process with many had an integrated fire alarm and sprinkler system in Masonic Building also lacked modern fire safety levels of exams. its 100-plus-year history.” Currently, the attic and systems: the outer walls of the building, similar to These reforms will give government new tools to sub-basement work is complete with the ongoing expand the pool of the best and brightest Please see CAPITOL, p. 3 candidates for state jobs. Managers will be able to pick from the six best candidates, as opposed to IN MEMORIUM just three today. They will have more flexibility in Inside hiring temporary workers. And, future governors will have expanded authority to bring top-flight senior managers on board. Stateline The new rules represent a strong, detailed, and positive set of innovations that the people of Colorado need and deserve. These reforms will GET READY give future governors a structure that will help them better meet Colorado’s challenges. FOR THE Paul Forster Eladio Lopez Early in the morning of June 4, two Department of STATE FAIR, Transportation workers were killed when a car traveling the wrong way on Interstate 25 hit them PAGE 2 as they were fixing potholes. Paul Forster and Eladio Lopez were both pronounced dead at the scene. A third worker was narrowly missed by the oncoming car and was unharmed. OLORADO S “State employees work every day to help their C ’ fellow citizens. Many of these jobs involve risk. INTERNET The work being done by state employees and the services they provide are invaluable,” Said PORTAL Governor Owens. “Our state, and our society, simply could not function without their efforts. PROGRESSES, All of us in state government express our sorrow over this awful tragedy, and I personally offer my PAGE 3 Governor Owens signs civil service reform legislation, as deepest and sincerest sympathy to the families and supporters look on. friends of the victims.” Page 2 Stateline July/August 2004 THE COLORADO STATE FAIR: AN ANNUAL TRADITION OF ROCKIN’, ROLLIN’, RIDIN’ AND ROPIN’ BY AMY ROBINSON COLORADO STATE FAIR PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER, CDA Those who and other competitions into a first-class display of American Idol Clay Aiken, country music favorites are regular the fine work that Colorado’s kids are producing Brad Paisley, Chris Cagle, Chris LeDoux, Trick Pony visitors to the statewide. The State Fair is where youth from every and Dierks Bentley, new rock sensations Puddle of annual county in every corner of the state converge to Mudd and Nickelback, classic favorites REO Colorado showcase their projects, whether it be raising a Speedwagon and Olivia Newton-John, teen pop star State Fair market steer, decorating a cake or demonstrating Stacie Orrico and Latin favorites Los Tigres del know that, one’s finesse in the equine arena. Nortre and Ab Quintanilla and the Kumbia Kings. each August, the State One of the most anticipated events each year at the Action is never lacking with eight nights of Fairgrounds State Fair is the prestigious 4-H Junior Livestock professional rodeo, a demolition derby, a Mexican in Pueblo Sale. Prominent community and business leaders Rodeo, a tough-truck competition and an all-truck become a hub of culture, fun and activity. But, for from around Colorado attend the sale, which demo derby are all slated to keep fans on the edge of those who have yet to experience the Colorado State features the top 107 market animals being auctioned their seats at the 2004 Colorado State Fair. Fair, what exactly is it and what does it provide off in a fun and fast-paced auction. Last year’s sale Colorado residents and visitors? raised $295,550, all of which went back to the Another favorite feature of State Fair visitors is the youngsters who raised, showed and ultimately sold annual Fiesta Weekend, a colorful two-day The Colorado State Fair, which is celebrating its their prize-winning animals. The State Fair’s 4-H celebration of Colorado’s strong ties to Latin 132nd year in 2004, is the state’s largest celebration Junior Livestock Sale has been instrumental over the culture. Latin food, dance, art, costumes, music of the agriculture, art, food, music, dance and years in providing Colorado youth with the and a mercado or culture – everything that defines what it means to financial means to attend college and pursue other Hispanic market live and work in Colorado. This year’s State Fair agri-business opportunities. highlight Fiesta runs August 16 through September 5. Admission is Weekend, which $5 per person Monday through Thursday and $7 While promoting youth in agriculture is the driving this year takes place Friday through Sunday. Kids 6 and younger are force behind the State Fair, it’s certainly not the only September 4-5. free. thing the Fair takes pride in promoting. An annual concert series featuring internationally recognized With the proven The State Fair’s mission is and always has been to artists gets hands clapping and feet stomping in the success of the Fiesta promote agriculture and support youth in Colorado. State Fair Events Center and in the Fairgrounds’ Weekend theme as In doing so, the State Fair packages youth livestock, Grandstand. This year music lovers can take in a a model, the horse, arts and crafts, food, agriculture mechanics variety of musical talents including ZZ Top, former Please see FAIR , p. 4 COLORADO’S MIGRANTS: A PICTURE FROM LIFE’S OTHER SIDE BY BILL THOENNES PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, CDLE We are ramblers so they say After I arrive in Rocky Ford, Pat takes me to lunch Outreach Workers will also try to assist farm We are only here today and while we eat, she tells me about her work and workers who want to leave the hand-picked crop Then we travel with the seasons …— Woody Guthrie why it is so important to her.

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