Week of November 17, 2022
FREE
DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ParkerChronicle.net
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 20
VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 51
Rivero excited for new term, Parker’s future Barrington keeps council seat, Wilks defeats incumbent Poage BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
As the senior member of the Parker Town Council, Joshua Rivero said he is honored that citizens elected
him to another term and he is glad he stayed the course. Joining Rivero on the council will be incumbent Anne Barrington and newcomer Brandi Wilks. With three seats open, Rivero and Barrington led the vote tallies with Wilks sliding into the third seat, defeating incumbent councilmember Cheryl Poage. Rivero, elected to his third fouryear term, said he was hurt after losing the mayoral race several
years ago, but opted to continue serving on the council. “I am glad the community is giving me another term,” he said. “People are tired of anger and just really want to get things done here.” While Poage did not return calls for comment, Mayor Jeff Toborg said he has valued his time with the departing councilmember. Toborg said Poage has served the community for decades, calling her one of Parker’s founding members.
“Cheryl has served the Town of Parker for 50 years,” he said. “She has been a force. I will miss her advice, although I am sure I will continue to receive it. I am proud to have worked with one of Parker’s founders.” Toborg said he is excited to continue serving with Rivero and Barrington and believes Wilks will bring fresh ideas and serve as a good SEE COUNCIL, P6
As school measure fails, Kane vows to return next year Teacher compensation remains an issue BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
values have been going up dramatically,” said Scot Kersgaard, the Jefferson County assessor. “Day after day, week after week, it’s been in the newspaper constantly.” The news is also on websites, like Zillow, Redfin and Trulia, which track the value of homes. But the last word on the value of
Douglas County School District’s $60 million mill levy override and $450 million bond questions failed in the 2022 election. The mill levy override would have gone toward making staff compensation more competitive, with the average teacher to see a 9% salary increase. The bond money would have been used to build three new elementary schools, on top of maintaining and improving other district buildings. At the Invest in DCSD watch party on Nov. 8 in Highlands Ranch, Superintendent Erin Kane said the results were not what she was hoping for, but was optimistic about the support shown by voters. “I’m actually feeling good because we were at 39% (approval rating with voters) in May and in this economy, we moved all the way to 48%,” Kane said of the mill levy override that would have increased teacher pay. Kane said the failing funding questions don’t put the district in dire financial straights, but it does keep the district from being competitive on pay and meeting growth demands for at least the next year.
SEE ASSESSMENTS, P10
SEE SCHOOLS, P9
Home values have been a source of contention between assessors and citizens for years but decreased recently. However, marSHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE ket fluctuations could increase tensions again.
Fewer metro area property owners are challenging assessments More could come as market fluctuates BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
As home prices in the counties around Denver shot up over the last decade, tens of thousands of
residents argued officials incorrectly estimated the values of homes and other properties. They demanded their taxes be reduced. But that trend, practically a rite in some regions, reversed in recent years. Challenges filed with county assessors declined as homeowners apparently acknowledged the rising cost of real estate. “People today understand that