GV Newsletter 8-16 web

GOVERNMENT
MAYOR RON reports
PERSONAL
SENTIMENTS
ABOUT THE GVPD
Undoubtedly, July 2016 marked one
of the most tragic months in the
history of our country
with some heartbreaking
events involving law
enforcement. In times
like these one’s focus
becomes inward to those
immediately around us
— all members of our
very own Greenwood
Village Police
Department (GVPD).
While some other
communities may view
their law enforcement
members as adversaries
— that sentiment could
not be more diametrically opposed to
the viewpoint of the citizens of
Greenwood Village.
Ron Rakowsky
rrakowsky@
greenwoodvillage.com
303-486-5741
When I speak with our citizens about
members of GVPD the words they use
are: appreciate, respect, and even love.
To our police officers I say: Have you
had disrespect from people you
interact with — yes, but how many
actually live and work here and of
those few — what percentage of those
you serve do they represent?
The citizens of Greenwood Village and
their elected representatives, stand
shoulder to shoulder with our Police
Department as they have in the past
and will in the future. They are our
protective servants who vow every day
to make a difference in a person’s life,
yet putting their own lives on the line
every day, not knowing when they
may get dispatched to that one call for
service that could change their lives
forever.
We often hear about horrible
experiences with police officers. It’s
very disheartening and sad for what
others have experienced. However, our
Police Officers are focused on helping
people and are trained to conduct
themselves with decency and kindness
to everyone. Please don’t lose faith in
our law enforcement organization in
Greenwood Village. They are truly on
our side.
PROTECT THE BEES
Some of us may think they are
bothersome insects at times when they
buzz around taking aim at the first
opportunity to instill a sting, but you
may not appreciate the full benefits
honey bees bring to us and our
environment.
Did you know, there are about 25,000
types of bees in the world and that
most species are actually solitary, that
males cannot sting, and that
collectively they help to pollinate an
estimated one-third of all the food we
eat? Bees are not only important to
humans, they play a crucial role in our
environment. Of course, we can’t
forget that they treat us with delicious
sweet honey we use for those sweet
treats we enjoy.
Bees are proven to be a
valuable resource for
our environment,
however, their existence
is in trouble and I ask
for your help. There are
several pesticides on the
market that are killing
bees and their colonies.
It is estimated that last
year, U.S. beekeepers
lost 44 percent of their
colonies due to the use
of harmful pesticides.
Here is what you can
do:
• Use Neem Oil Weed
Control as it is the best
alternative to killing
weeds without
bothering the bees.
• Do not cut wild flowers, such as
dandelions as they are a fantastic
source of food (pollen) for bees.
• Buy plants that have not been
sprayed with neonicotinoids.
Oftentimes, plants are sprayed with
neonicotinoids in order to keep the
bugs from eating the roots which
slows the growth of the plant.
However, these neonicotinoids do
not just sit on top of the plant but
seep into the tissues of the plant
making the plant twice as deadly
for pollinators. The tag that
informs you if the plant has been
sprayed with neonicotinoids is not
always visible and sometimes
hidden in the pot, so make sure to
look for it!
PG. 2 GV NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2016