Yes On S?

Is it time to update the Colorado labor rules for new state hires? Give advantages to veterans? Instead of judging new hires with an impartial test they would also be allowed to use work experience and other factors to make it easier to practice patronage.

I would be opposed to any rules changes that provide a "preference" to anyone when hiring for a job.

If the system involves anything other than hiring the most qualified person for the job- I'm against it.

I'll vote no.

I read a letter today in the Post against it, calling it a return to patronage. Then I hear an ad with former Gov. Owens supporting it. Right now I don't think I would support it.

And I think the addition of preferences for vets is just a selling point. The state wants to be able to hire who they want over the best test taker.

I remember interviewing three candidates for an electronic tech job, one was a military guy, and I remember feeling like I wanted to give preference to him. In the interviews, he didn't really have the knowledge we were after, so I chose one of the others. It turned out the best qualified one we hired had a poor attitude and work ethic and quit after a couple months. LOL You can't win! I don't think I support these rules, leave it up to the hiring manager.

I was just reading about job interview myths. And one of the myths is that you have to be the best qualified for the job. Not true, sometimes the applicant who appears to be more likeable will win the job. If you have to work with someone, why not hire a good person over a well qualified a-hole?

Vets already get a preference...they get extra points added to a passing grade on the test. But they can only use that preference once. If this passes, each vet would be allowed to use that preference for any job they apply for within the state government.

There are other small things being changed, as well...if I understand correctly, there is an objective comparative analysis done of each candidate. The terms allowed for each board member changes from 5 years to 3. And then there are minor changes to residency requirements.

To me, it sounds as if this is just tweaking the system a little.

When I was going through my mandatory class in preparation for my retirement from the AF, we were told that job "fit" is a key component in most companies when they hire. If the person doesn't fit with the company, regardless of their experience or knowledge, then they may not get hired.

And how about when the company or county, like Park County for example, tailor makes the job description to fit their own in house applicant rather than the one with the most experience.