(Multiple National Recognitions in 2005)

For the second year in a row, the City of Golden was named one of the Top 10 Places to Work, by the Denver Business Journal.  Golden was the only government employer to receive this honor.  As we move into 2006, I would like to share with readers some of the other honors that Golden has proudly received in 2005.

The City and County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) bestowed a national 1st Place Savvy award for our newsletter, The Golden Informer.  Also, Smoke Signals, our Volunteer Fire Department’s newsletter, received a national 3rd Place award.  Sabrina Henderson and Tom Young are the editors of these two publications.  In another area of communication, 3rd Place award was given to our Economic Development Commissions’ community web site, www.InGolden.com.  As a Golden City Councilor, I am proud that Council’s goals to improve communication with residents has been accomplished and nationally recognized.

Other awards that make me proud to be part of Golden’s City Council include:

• Golden Dispatch Center (9-1-1) was recognized as the Colorado Communication Center of the Year by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APSCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA);
   
• Golden was honored as one of only 30 nationwide 2005 All-America City Finalists by the National Civic League;
   
• The City’s Guanella Reservoir was selected as a 2005 Public Works Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association; 
   
• Golden Fire Chief John Bales completed International Professional Designation; and
   
• The Certificate for Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of Golden by the Government Finance Officers Association for its Comprehensive Annual  Financial Report (CAFR).

Golden is very fortunate to have had Mike Bestor as our City Manager for the past 12 years.  Mike is a valued speaker internationally on matters of city government.  He has a great sense of humor and a good understanding of all facets of City Government.  Golden’s Management Team is a finely-tuned group of high-quality individuals, working for the betterment of our community.  As aCity Councilor for the past two years, I have found the Team to be knowledgeable and helpful in every instance and issue.  We remain in great financial shape, thanks to our Finance Department and Mike’s guidance.  As I begin my 3rd year as an elected official, I am increasingly proud of my commitment to public service in a community such as Golden

Please feel free to send comments or questions to me any time at karenoxman@aol.com

Karen Oxman
District 2 Golden City Councilor