Romer honored by CSG with Fahrenkamp award

Former Gov. Roy Romer was awarded the Bettye Fahrenkamp Award for Distinguished Legislative Leadership on behalf of Western States at the Council of State Governments West annual meeting in Vail this week.

Romer served in the Colorado General Assembly from 1958 to 1966, was named state commissioner of agriculture in 1975, and appointed state treasurer in 1977. He won election as governor in 1986 and went on to serve three terms. Romer grew up in Holly and served in the Air Force and was a military prosecutor in Germany. Romer was named superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District in 2000.

The award was presented by state Sen. Nancy Todd, D-Aurora, who chairs CSG West. The award is named for a former Alaska state senator.

Cordero tabbed as VP for public affairs at Denver Metro Chamber

Mizraim Cordero was named vice president of public affairs for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce this week.

He was director of the Colorado Competitive Council, known as C3, a Chamber affiliate that focuses on statewide business policy. Before that, he managed intergovernmental relations for Commerce City.

“As an integral part of the Denver Metro Chamber team, Miz couldn’t be a better candidate to lead our public affairs team,” said Kelly Brough, president and CEO of the Chamber.

“I’m excited to focus on leading political influence on behalf of the Denver Metro Chamber and the business community in the metro Denver region,” Cordero said.

Lehmann, Black named to SCFD board

Gov. John Hickenlooper this week named former Denver City Councilwoman Peggy Lehmann to serve a three-year term as his appointee to the board of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. At the same time, the Denver City Council selected newly sworn-in Councilwoman Kendra Black as Denver’s appointee to the SCFD board, also for a three-year term.

The SCFD collects and distributes a voter-approved 1/10 of a cent sales tax to support institutions and activities in the metro area.

White House honors two DPS teachers as ‘Champions of change’

Two of the nine educators from around the country honored this week by the White House as “Champions of Change” work within Denver Public Schools, the White House announced this week.

The two DPS honorees are Marissa Molina, who teaches Spanish at Denver School of Science and Technology, and Liendo Uriona, who teaches at High Tech Early College.

Both Molina and Uriona have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status, which allows immigrants who entered the country as children temporary relief from threat of deportation and the chance to apply for work authorization.

“Both Marissa and David have made huge differences in the lives of our students as they lead in the classroom and inspire students right here in Denver Public Schools,” said DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg.

The program recognizes people who “doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their community,” the White House said.