I initially created Colorado Loses for the purpose of offering an informed voice against ColoradoWINS. It started out as nothing more than a discussion with a few friends, but it has grown into a statewide bureau of information for all state employees.
I believe that according to the Governor’s Executive Order that allowed them, they have no ability to make anything happen. They are not allowed to strike or force any pay increases. If the governor wants to hear the concerns of employees, all he has to do is ask them. He could bring in a representative of state employees as part of his advisory staff or in as a cabinet position. I, however, would prefer his or her peers elect that person.
Yes, I am against this “Partnership” known as ColoradoWINS. I see it as a front for SEIU, a state employee union that represents state employees in several states. I do not believe that the dues members pay will bring to them an equal or better return over time. It’s very probable that a portion of it will go out of state to the national organization. It will also be use for political purposes, that is, to support particular candidates running for office instead of helping members.
JOINING US
When it comes to Colorado Loses, you don’t have to join anything! You don’t have to pay dues! We don’t have secret handshakes or words that identify us (though we often refer to ourselves as Losers). We don’t hold secret meetings. No one will show up at your door. I offer information. Anyone may request my newsletters, or just read them here at the website. I will respond to any questions (that’s more than WINS will do). When I answer questions at the website, I will protect the name of who asked it. I will not give out any information about you – your name, email address, where you work or live.
ACCURACY
I strive to assure accuracy in everything I write or say. I will always include links to back up what I say, where applicable. I always want to use information that comes from those who actually witness an event (no third party reports, please). When I report what others say, I have to trust their experience and let their own words speak for them without editing. However, I reserve the right to comment.
SUPPORT
You may support me thus:
In your heart
With your vote against WINS (or a resignation letter to them – go to the WINS tab to learn how)
By blogging your opinions
By sending money (not required)
By placing a poster of support at your cubicle or office space (as permitted).
By talking it up with your friends.
BLOGGING
I ask all participants, regardless of your stand, to make your point clearly and without calling each other names or using foul language. I will remove any comments that treat either side with disrespect or are threatening to anyone! But I will allow both sides to comment – more than WINS will do.
INITIAL EMAILS
I requested the business email addresses of all state employees from DPA (Department of Personnel and Administration) through CORA (the Colorado Open Records Act). Permission to contact state employees comes from an SPP that grants an organization the right to send one email to state employees each month as a blast so long as it arrives after 6 PM and contains no attachments. I have honored that directive. It also requires that I remove email addresses when asked; I have done that as well. However, there have been addresses in the list twice, so some people have received more than one email. For that, I have that no control. I eliminate them when discovered.
David Ohmart
The Biggest Loser
