VOTER GUIDE
2018 Daily Camera
Longmont Times-Call
How and where to vote HOW TO VOTE Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. You must return your mail ballot or be in line at a Voter Service Center by 7 p.m. that day in order for your vote to count. Ballots will be mailed to eligible, registered voters beginning Oct. 15.
BOULDER COUNTY 24-hour ballot drop-off boxes
Oct. 15 through 7 p.m. Nov. 6., Election Day Locations:
While voters can register right up to and even on Election Day, the last day to register or change your registration and still receive a ballot in the mail is Oct. 30. If you register or change your registration after that date, you must vote in person. Track your mail ballot by signing up for Ballot Track
at boulder.ballottrax.net/voter For more election information, visit: Boulder County — bouldercounty.org/elections Broomfield County — broomfield.org/153/ Elections Weld County — bit.ly/2DVVcsI
Where does the Camera stand? To read the Daily Camera editorial board’s endorsements in select races and ballot issues this election, visit dailycamera.com/opinion/daily-cameraendorsements.
Boulder
Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 1750 33rd St. Boulder County Courthouse, East Wing Entrance, 2025 14th St. Boulder County Housing and Human Services, 3400 Broadway University of Colorado, University Memorial Center, 1669 Euclid Ave., closest to Euclid Avenue entrance of building. South Boulder Recreation Center, 1360 Gillaspie Drive
Vrain Community Hub, 534 Terry St. (west side of complex)
Lafayette
Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Road
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15-19 at the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 1750 33rd St..
Longmont
Phase 1 hours and locations:
Boulder County Clerk & Recorder/St. Vrain Community Hub (corner of Sixth Avenue and Coffman Street) Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road (on Fairground Lane near the south parking lot) Garden Acres Park (18th Avenue between Sunset and Juniper streets) YMCA, 950 Lashley St.
Louisville
Louisville Police Department, 992 W. Via Appia Way
Superior
Superior Town Hall, 124 E. Coal Creek Drive
Drive-by ballot drop-off
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 2 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 3 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 5 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 6, Election Day Locations:
Boulder
Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 1750 33rd St.
Longmont
Boulder County Clerk & Recorder/St.
VOTER SERVICE AND POLLING CENTERS
Services include: ballot-drop-off, inperson voting, request a replacement ballot, voter registration or update registration information, vote using equipment and facilities for people with disabilities.
Early option:
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 22-26 and Oct. 29 through Nov. 2 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 Boulder Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 1750 33rd St. University of Colorado, University Memorial Center, 1669 Euclid Ave. (limited parking) Boulder Meadows, 4500 19th St. Lafayette Boulder County Clerk & Recorder, 1376 Miners Drive Longmont St. Vrain Community Hub/Boulder County Clerk & Recorder, 515 Coffman St. Fire Station No. 5, 617 Barberry Drive Louisville Louisville Police Department, 992 W. Via Appia Way
Phase 2 hours and locations:
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 5 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 6, Election Day All of the above locations continue to operate plus: Boulder Golden West Assisted Living,
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1055 Adams Circle Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Brookdale Meridian Boulder, 801 Gillaspie Drive Gunbarrel Hampton Inn & Suites, 6333 Lookout Road Lafayette Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Road Longmont LifeBridge Christian Church, 10345 Ute Highway Nederland Community Center, 750 N. Colo. 72 Superior Town Hall, 124 E. Coal Creek Drive
BROOMFIELD 24-hour ballot drop-off boxes
Oct. 15 through 7 p.m. Nov. 6 George DiCiero City and County Building, 1 DesCombes Drive Paul Derda Recreation Center, 13201 Lowell Blvd. Redpoint Ridge Park (northwest corner), 11337 Central Court Flatirons Marketplace (next to Men’s Wearhouse), 170 E. Flatiron Crossing Drive Guard House @ Anthem, 16591 Lowell Blvd.
VOTER SERVICE AND POLLING CENTERS
Locations: George DiCiero City and County Building Paul Derda Recreation Center Hours: 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 3 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 6, Election Day Location: Flatirons Marketplace (next to Men’s Wearhouse)
WELD COUNTY 24-hour ballot drop-off boxes
Oct. 15 through 7 p.m. Nov. 6, Election Day Locations:
Longmont
Southwest Weld County Services Complex, 4209 Weld County Road 24½ (Del Camino)
Frederick
Carbon Valley Recreation Center, 701 Fifth St.
Erie
Erie Community Center, 450 Powers St.
VOTER SERVICE AND POLLING CENTERS
Services include ballot-drop-off, voter registration, in-person voting, requesting mail-ballot replacements. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays Oct. 22 through Nov. 5 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 (Del Camino only) 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 6 Locations:
Longmont
Southwest Weld County Services Services include ballot-drop-off, voter Complex, 4209 Weld County Road 24½ (Del Camino) registration, in-person voting, requesting mail-ballot replacements. Erie Hours: Erie Community Center, 450 Powers 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays Oct. 15 St. (only Nov. 6, Election Day) through Nov. 5 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 3 Mead 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 6 Town Hall, 441 Third St.
State Ballot Issues Constitutional Amendment A
Constitutional Amendment W
What it asks: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime and thereby prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances?”
as punishment for the conviction of a crime would be removed from the state Constitution. What supporters say: The measure eliminates slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances. What opponents say: The What it means: If approved, amendment would make a language that allows slavery and change to the Colorado constituinvoluntary servitude to be used tion that is redundant.
What it says: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning a change in the format of the election ballot for judicial retention elections?” What it means: If approved, ballots would no longer be required to include a retention question for each justice and judge. What it supporters say: The amendment will make ballots more concise and reader-friendly and a shorter ballot will allow voters to complete it more efficiently, which could encourage voter participation. A more concise ballot
Constitutional Amendment V
Constitutional Amendment X
What it asks: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning a reduction in the age qualification for a member of the general assembly from twenty-five years to twentyone years?” What it means: If approved, the minimum age for an individual to serve in the state Legislature would be lowered to 21. What supporters say: Excluding 21- to 24-year-olds from seeking election to the state Legislature is an unnecessary restriction. A 21-year-old is considered an adult under the law. Voters can judge whether a candi-
What it asks: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning changing the industrial hemp definition from a constitutional definition to a statutory definition?” What it means: The amendment would remove the definition of “industrial hemp” from the state Constitution and, instead, use the definition in federal law or state statute. What supporters say: Colorado is the leading producer of
date possesses the maturity, ability, and competence to hold political office. In addition, allowing younger candidates to run for office encourages the civic engagement of young people. What opponents say: The current age requirement strikes an appropriate balance between youth and experience. Younger candidates might lack the maturity and expertise to be effective legislators. The policy decisions and political pressures legislators face are best handled by people with more life experience. Lack of experience could hinder a young legislator’s ability to effectively represent constituents.
also could save counties printing and mailing costs, particularly in more populous counties that elect multiple justices or judges and counties that are required to print ballots in both English and Spanish. What opponents say: The amendment runs the risk of confusing voters who might not know if they are casting ballots in a multi-candidate election or for each individual justice or judge. The potential confusion could increase the likelihood that voters will skip judicial retention questions.
industrial hemp in the country and the only state with a definition of industrial hemp in its constitution. Striking the definition will allow the state’s hemp industry to remain competitive with other states as the regulatory landscape evolves for the crop. What opponents say: State voters added the definition of industrial hemp to the Constitution through the initiative process and the measure could deviate from the voters’ original intent.
INDEX
State Ballot Issues............................................3-7 2nd Congressional District...............................8-9 4th Congressional District.................................10 State House District 10 ...................................... 11 State House District 11 ...................................... 12 State House District 12.................................12-13 State House District 13 ...................................... 14 State House District 33.................................15-16 State House District 63.................................16-17 State Senate District 16 ..................................... 18 CU Board of Regents at-large seat ............. 19-20
State Board of Education: 2nd Congressional District................................21 State Board of Education: 4th Congressional District.................................22 Boulder County ............................................. 23-27 Berthoud........................................................28-29 Boulder...........................................................30-31 Dacono...........................................................32-35 Erie.......................................................................36 Frederick ............................................................. 36 Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District .............................................. 36
Town of Jamestown ........................................... 37 Lafayette..............................................................37 Longmont ...................................................... 38-39 Mead....................................................................40 Superior ......................................................... 41-45 Knollwood Metropolitan District.......................45 Lefthand Fire Protection District.......................46 Mountain View Fire Rescue District..................46 Rocky Mountain Fire Protection District..........46 RTD District O ....................................................47 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District ................................. 47
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 3
State Ballot Issues Constitutional Amendment Y What it asks: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning a change to the way that congressional districts are drawn, and, in connection therewith, taking the duty to draw congressional districts away from the state legislature and giving it to an independent commission, composed of twelve citizens who possess specified qualifications; prohibiting any one political party’s control of the commission by requiring that onethird of commissioners will not be affiliated with any political party, onethird of the commissioners will be affiliated with the state’s largest political party, and one-third of the commissioners will be affiliated with the state’s second largest political party; prohibiting certain persons, including professional lobbyists, federal campaign committee employees, and federal, state, and local elected officials, from serving on the commission; limiting judicial review of a map to a determination by the supreme court of whether the commission or its nonpartisan staff committed an abuse of discretion; requiring the commission to draw districts
with a focus on communities of interest and political subdivisions, such as cities and counties, and then to maximize the number of competitive congressional seats to the extent possible; and prohibiting maps from being drawn to dilute the electoral influence of any racial or ethnic group or to protect any incumbent, any political candidate, or any political party?” What it means: The amendment would create the Independent Congressional Redistricting Commission, which would be made up of an equal number of members from each of the state’s two largest political parties and unaffiliated voters, to amend and approve congressional district maps drawn by nonpartisan legislative staff. It also would establish a process for selecting commissioners, new requirements for transparency and ethics, and a procedure for judicial review of commission maps; as well as establish and prioritize the criteria the commission must use for adopting the state’s U.S. congressional district map. What supporters say: The measure limits the role of partisan politics in the redistricting process by
transferring the Legislature’s role to an independent commission and creates a system of checks and balances to ensure that no one political party controls the commission. It makes the redistricting process more transparent and provides greater opportunity for public participation since redistricting would be conducted by an independent commission in public meetings, with safeguards against undue influence in the preparation and adoption of maps. It also brings structure to the redistricting process by using clear, ordered, and fair criteria in the drawing of districts. and prioritizes factors such as communities of interest, city and county lines and political competitiveness. By doing so, it provides specific direction to the commission about how it should evaluate proposed maps and prevents the adoption of a map that protects incumbents, candidates or political parties, or a map that dilutes the electoral influence of racial or ethnic minorities. What opponents say: The amendment takes accountability out of the redistricting process. Unlike
state legislators who are subject to election and campaign finance requirements, unelected commissioners are not accountable to voters. The commissioner selection process outlined in the measure is complex, and half of the members are determined by random chance. The complicated and random selection process could prevent individuals with important experience and knowledge from becoming commissioners. While the goal of the random selection may be to remove politics from redistricting, unaffiliated commissioners with partisan views could still be selected, and the selection process might not result in a commission that can be impartial and promote consensus. The measure outlines criteria that could be difficult to apply in an objective manner and leaves the commission to determine what a competitive district is without specifying what factors to consider. Additionally, the four unaffiliated commissioners will have political leanings that could be difficult to discern, but that could sway how they apply the criteria and influence the final map.
portionment Commission with the Independent Legislative Redistricting Commission, consisting of an equal number of members from each of the state’s two largest political parties and unaffiliated voters, to amend and approve state legislative district maps drawn by nonpartisan legislative staff. It would establish a process for selecting commissioners, new requirements for transparency and ethics, and a procedure for judicial review of commission maps; and expand and prioritize the criteria the commission must use for adopting legislative district maps.
single political party controls the commission. Applicants must be qualified to serve on the commission and, unlike the current reapportionment commission, lobbyists and politicians are prohibited from serving. The selection process limits the appointment power of party leaders by relying on retired judges and random selection. Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated voters must be appointed to the commission in equal numbers. Additionally, nonpartisan legislative staff draw the district maps, and each map’s approval requires a supermajority vote of the commission, including at least two unaffiliated commissioners. They further contend the amendment makes the redistricting process more transparent and provides Continued on Page 5
Constitutional Amendment Z What it asks: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning a change to the manner in which state senate and state house of representatives districts are drawn, and, in connection therewith, reforming the existing legislative reapportionment commission by expanding the commission to twelve members and authorizing the appointment of members who possess specified qualifications; prohibiting any one political party’s control of the commission by requiring that one-third of commissioners will not be affiliated with any political party, one-third of the commissioners will be affiliated with the state’s largest political party, and one-third of the commissioners will be affiliated with the state’s second largest political party; prohibiting certain persons, including
professional lobbyists, federal campaign committee employees, and federal, state, and local elected officials, from serving on the commission; limiting judicial review of a map to a determination by the supreme court of whether the commission or its nonpartisan staff committed an abuse of discretion; requiring the commission to draw state legislative districts using communities of interest as well as political subdivisions, such as cities and counties, and then to maximize the number of competitive state legislative seats to the extent possible; and prohibiting maps from being drawn to dilute the electoral influence of any racial or ethnic group or to protect any incumbent, any political candidate, or any political party?” What it means: The amendment would replace the Colorado Reap-
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What supporters say: The measure limits the role of partisan politics in the legislative redistricting process. Through the commissioner selection process, checks and balances are in place to ensure no
State Ballot Issues Amendment 73 What it asks: Shall state taxes be increased $1,600,000,000 annually by an amendment to the Colorado constitution and a change to the Colorado revised statutes concerning funding relating to preschool through high school public education, and, in connection therewith, creating an exception to the single rate state income tax for revenue that is dedicated to the funding of public schools; increasing income tax rates incrementally for individuals, trusts, and estates using four tax brackets starting at .37% for income above $150,000 and increasing to 3.62% for income above $500,000; increasing the corporate income tax rate by 1.37%; for purposes of school district property taxes, reducing the current residential assessment rate of
7.2% to 7.0% and the current nonresidential assessment rate of 29%to 24%; requiring the revenue from the income tax increases to be deposited in a dedicated public education fund and allowing the revenue collected to be retained and spent as voter-approved revenue changes; requiring the legislature to annually appropriate money from the fund to school districts to support early childhood through high school public educational programs on an equitable basis throughout the state without decreasing general fund appropriations; directing the legislature to enact, regularly review, and revise when necessary, a new public school finance law that meets specified criteria; until the legislature has enacted a new public school
Constitutional Amendment Z Continued from Page 4
greater opportunity for public participation, and brings structure to the redistricting process by using clear, ordered, and fair criteria in the drawing of districts. What opponents say: The measure reduces accountability in redistricting because the selection process it proposes will result in a group of commissioners who are not elected and are not accountable to elected officials. This process relies on unelected retired judges to screen applicants and select half of the commissioners. Further, the commission is staffed by government employees who are not accountable to the voters who might end up drawing the final maps if the commission cannot agree. Legislative staff could have a vested interest in the outcome of elections that could bias
their work drawing district maps. They further argue the complicated and random selection process could prevent individuals with important experience and knowledge from becoming commissioners and that despite the goal of random selection removing politics from redistricting, unaffiliated commissioners with partisan views could still be selected, and the selection process might not result in a commission that can be impartial and promote consensus. The amendment’s criteria could be difficult to apply in an objective manner. For example, the broad definition of communities of interest is vague and open to interpretation. The measure also leaves the commission to determine what a competitive district is without specifying what factors to consider.
finance law, requiring the money in the fund to be annually appropriated for specified education programs and purposes; requiring the money in the fund to be used to support only public schools; requiring general fund appropriations for public education to increase by inflation, up to 5%, annually; and requiring the department of education to commission a study of the use of the money in the fund within five years? What it means: The Colorado Constitution would be amended to raise about $1.6 billion in taxes per year that would be used for pre-K through 12th-grade public education. It wouldn’t raise taxes on about 92 percent of Coloradans, but would raise corporate taxes and taxes on people making more
than $150,000 a year. It also would reduce property taxes, and won’t affect other locally approved taxes. What supporters say: Addresses chronic underfunding of schools at a time when the state economy is strong, and students and schools will benefit through increases to base funding, full-day kindergarten, at-risk children, English-language learner programs, special needs and gifted students. What opponents say: Will reduce amount of money households have to spend and places an additional tax burden on taxpayers with no guarantee of increased academic achievement. Will decrease productivity because the more a person earns, the more taxes he or she will have to pay. Will drive wealth out of the state.
Constitutional Amendment 74 What supporters say: The proposed amendment, which is backed by the oil and gas industry, will protect private property owners. What opponents say: The proposed amendment is opposed by the Colorado Municipal League, which says it could chill What it means: It would allow future regulatory efforts by local Coloradans to make a financial governments. The Boulder Counclaim on property that’s devalued ty Board of Commissioners also because of government action. has opposed the amendment. What it says: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution requiring the government to award just compensation to owners of private property when a government law or regulation reduces the fair market value of the property?”
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 5
State Ballot Issues Proposition 109
Constitutional Amendment 75 What it says: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution providing that if any candidate in a primary or general election for state office directs more than one million dollars in support of his or her own election, then every candidate for that office in the same election may accept five times the amount of campaign contributions normally allowed?” What it means: The amendment would allow political candidates seeking state office to accept up to $5,750 per person per election cycle, up from $1,500, if another candidate spends $1 million or more of his or her own money on a campaign. The idea is to even the playing field between wealthy candidates and those with less money. What supporters say: The amendment will prevent people from being able to buy their way into elected office. What opponents say: The amendment could possibly pump even more money into elections.
What it asks: “Shall state debt be increased $3,500,000,000, with a maximum repayment cost of $5,200,000,000, without raising taxes or fees, by a change to the Colorado revised statutes requiring the issuance of transportation revenue anticipation notes, and, in connection therewith, note proceeds shall be retained as a voterapproved revenue change and used exclusively to fund specified road and bridge expansion, construction, maintenance, and repair projects throughout the state?” What it means: Dubbed “Fix Our Damn Roads,” the proposition would require the state to borrow up to $3.5 billion in 2019 to fund up to 66 specific highway projects and direct the state to find a source of funds to repay the borrowed amount without
raising taxes or fees. It also would limit total repayment amount, including principal and interest, to $5.2 billion over 20 years. What supporters say: Jon Caldara, president of libertarian think tank the Independence Institute, drafted the ballot language, saying the measure is needed because the Legislature can’t prioritize highway maintenance. Proponents say it will accelerate construction of essential highway projects without raising taxes or fees. They argue that building and maintaining a highway system is a core function of state government and that Colorado has failed to invest sufficient funds to maintain and expand the highway system. The measure, they state, would improve quality of life in Colorado by forcing state govern-
ment to prioritize highway projects and in turn decrease traffic congestion, which creates higher costs of doing business in the state while decreasing driver and passenger safety on Colorado roads. What opponents say: The proposition commits up to $5.2 billion to repay the debt without creating a source to do so. They argue debt repayment would divert money from other programs, such as education, health care, and routine transportation maintenance. They further state that the measure would not address all of the state’s transportation needs, nor does it address necessary ongoing maintenance. Other concern stems from the expense of the debt, which opponents state would cost $1.7 billion for interest payments alone.
Proposition 110 What it asks: “Shall state taxes be increased $766,700,000 annually for a twenty-year period, and state debt shall be increased $6,000,000,000 with a maximum repayment cost of $9,400,000,000, to pay for state and local transportation projects, and, in connection therewith, changing the Colorado revised statutes to: 1) increase the state sales and use tax rate by 0.62% beginning January 1, 2019; requiring 45% of the new revenue to fund state transportation safety, maintenance, and congestion related projects, 40% to fund municipal and county transportation projects, and 15% to fund multimodal transportation projects, including bike, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure; 2) authorize the issuance of additional transportation revenue anticipation notes to fund priority state transportation maintenance and construction projects, includ-
ing multimodal capital projects; and 3) provide that all revenue resulting from the tax rate increase and proceeds from issuance of revenue anticipation notes are voter-approved revenue changes exempt from any state or local revenue, spending, or other limitations in law?” What it means: Proposition 110, dubbed “Let’s Go Colorado,” would increase the state sales and use tax rate from 2.9 percent to 3.52 percent for 20 years. The new tax revenue would go toward state (45 percent), local (40 percent) and multimodal (15 percent) transportation projects. The measure also would allow Colorado to borrow up to $6 billion for transportation projects, with total repayment, including principal and interest, to $9.4 billion over 20 years. What supporters say: The state’s highways are deteriorating
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while the cost of improvements continues to increase. Colorado has an immediate need for infrastructure investment but cannot afford to expand and modernize the transportation system, including road, bus, bike, pedestrian, and rail options to address a growing population. Prop 110, they argue creates a flexible statewide transportation solution, and it lets local communities identify their own transportation projects and prioritize their most urgent needs. Supporters further state the measure creates a sustainable source of funding for transportation needs in a time when highway costs outpace collections from the state gas tax, while not diverting money from funding for education, health programs and public safety. What opponents say: The proposition taxes for a fundamental government service that should
be fully funded through the state budget. Any shortfall in transportation funding, they argue, is a result of prioritizing state spending in other areas of government. Colorado, they state, can fund roads with the money it collects in taxes, rather than resorting to expensive borrowing. Opponents contend the measure devotes too much revenue to multimodal transportation, money that should be used exclusively for road repair and improvement. They further argue that state sales taxes are already high and provide a poor method of funding transportation. With sales tax rates exceeding 10 percent in some areas of Colorado, they contend that raising the state sales tax disproportionately affects low-income individuals, who would have to spend a larger share of their budget buying taxable necessities.
State Ballot Issues Proposition 111 What it asks: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning limitations on payday lenders, and, in connection therewith, reducing allowable charges on payday loans to an annual percentage rate of no more than thirty-six percent?” What it means: Proposition 111 would amend state statutes to reduce the total cost for a payday loan to a 36 percent annual percentage rate; and would expand
the definition for unfair or decep- cost of payday loans and allow bor- overdrafts or utility disconnect tive trade practices for payday rowers to be better able to repay fees. Their further concern is if access to payday loans is limited, them. lending. those in need of financial assisWhat opponents say: The tance could turn to unregulated What supporters say: State residents pay too much to borrow measure could eliminate the pay- lenders for higher-cost loans. from payday lenders, who can day lending business in Colorado. Opponents say the measure is charge an annual percentage rate They argue payday loans provide unnecessary, pointing to reforms of more than 180 percent. They options for consumers who may passed by the legislature in 2010 further argue payday loans lead to not qualify for other types of credit that led to reduced loan costs and a cycle of debt for some borrow- and that limited or no access to resulted in fewer defaults while ers, who borrow money to pay off such loans, consumers could pay ensuring a well-regulated source of other payday loans. The reduction higher costs to other creditors for short-term credit remained availin APR, they state, will reduce the late payments, bounced checks, able to state consumers.
Proposition 112 What it asks: “Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning a statewide minimum distance requirement for new oil and gas development, and, in connection therewith, changing existing distance requirements to require that any new oil and gas development be located at least 2,500 feet from any structure intended for human occupancy and any other area designated by the measure, the state, or a local government and authorizing the state or a local government to increase the minimum distance requirement?”
adversely impact public health, safety, and the environment. Some people living near oil and gas operations have reported negative health effects to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, such as sinus and respiratory conditions, headaches and nausea. They also argue oil and gas operations increase noise, traffic, dust, light, and odors.
Requiring operations be farther away from homes, schools, businesses, and other occupied buildings, as well as from water sources and recreation areas, will reduce nuisance impacts and potential What it means: Proposition 112 exposure to air pollutants. would require that new oil and natWith the Front Range seeing an ural gas development be located at increase in development and natuleast 2,500 feet from occupied ral gas activity, the measure, supstructures, water sources, and porters state, will provide property areas designated as vulnerable. owners with greater certainty What supporters say: Oil and about the location of new oil and natural gas operations may natural gas development.
Placing oil and natural gas development farther away from occupied structures reduces resident exposure to industrial activity and the potential hazards related to such activity, and also could improve quality of life for nearby residents, they argue. What opponents say: Proposition 112 would eliminate new oil and natural gas activity on most nonfederal land in Colorado; according to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, and about 85 percent of Colorado’s nonfederal land would be excluded from development with the required 2,500-foot setback. They state that oil and natural gas development is important to the state economy, generating an estimated $10.9 billion in production value in 2017 and supporting many other industries and jobs. Passage of 112 would result in the
loss of jobs, lower payments to mineral owners, and reduced tax revenue that is used for local schools and other governmental services and programs, they argue. They further contend the measure is unnecessary because existing setback requirements provide a balanced approach to protecting public health, safety, and the environment, adding existing setback requirements were developed through a collaborative rule-making process and guided by technical expertise; and that when those setback rules were adopted, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission considered the concerns of mineral owners, residents, schools, businesses, and others. Opponents also point to current law granting the commission authority to modify setback requirements if necessary.
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 7
2nd Congressional District
tection of public health, safety, and the environment is prioritized, and believe we need decisive action at Party: Democratic the local, state and federal level to Campaign website: protect the public and the environjoeneguseforcongress.com ment, including the Keep It In The Age: 34 Ground Act (which would ban Family: Wife Andrea Neguse fracking on all federal public and daughter Natalie Neguse lands). (1 month old) Issue question 2: What is your How long have you lived in stance on whether stricter gun Colorado? 28 years controls are needed; if they are Professional background: needed, what is the best path Attorney forward? I will be a strong chamPolitical/commupion for sensible gun-control meanity experience: CU sures, including universal backRegent for 2nd Conground checks and closing the gressional District federal “gun show loophole,” sup(2009-2015); state porting an assault-weapons ban, cabinet member and encouraging states to pass “Red executive director of Flag” laws, which prevent people Colorado’s consumer at risk to themselves or others protection agency (Department of from having access to firearms, Regulatory Affairs) (2015-2017); and opposing concealed-carry Co-founder and former board “reciprocity” legislation. I’m proud chair of New Era Colorado; former to be the only candidate in this commissioner on Boulder Housrace endorsed by Gabby Gifford’s ing Authority. “Courage to End Gun Violence” Education: University of Colora- organization and to be a Moms do, B.A., economics and political Demand Action “gun sense candiscience (summa cum laude); Uni- date.” versity of Colorado School of Law, Issue question 3: Do you supJ.D. port President Donald Trump’s call to fund a wall on our southIssue question 1: Should oil and gas activity in the 2nd Con- ern border to slow immigragressional District be primarily tion? As the son of refugees, I do not support President Trump’s call subject to local control, state for a border wall, and am appalled control, or do you favor fewer restrictions on the industry? Oil by this administration’s treatment of immigrants. I support an immeand gas activity and development should be subject to local control, diate halt to the continued separation of families at the border and a so that communities can regulate reunion of all separated children or outright ban oil and gas develwith their families, as well as a opment in their communities. I clean DREAM Act, and comprealso believe the state must codify the Martinez decision so that pro- hensive immigration reform.
JOE NEGUSE
PETER YU Party: Republican Campaign website: peteryuforcongress.com Age: 46 Family: Single How long have you lived in Colorado? 46 years Professional background: Director/manager of sales and marketing for companies such as HSBC Bank, Wyndham Worldwide and Ecomark Solar Political/community experience: First time running for public office. Education: Bachelor of arts degree in business, Fort Lewis College. Issue question 1: Should oil and gas activity in the 2nd Congressional District be primarily subject to local control, state control, or do you favor fewer restrictions on the industry? I am comfortable with the regulations that the COGCC has put in place for oil and gas development, as they have the health and safety of our neighbors — making our state the most stringent in the nation. I am all for local control on almost everything that doesn’t violate our state or federal Constitution. Currently our Colorado oil and gas regulations fall in state statute, with oversight by the COGCC. This would have to be a change at the state Legislature to divert certain aspects of these regulation to the local levels. Issue question 2: What is your stance on whether stricter gun controls are needed; if
they are needed, what is the best path forward?: If a criminal wants to commit a crime, they don’t follow the law — thus the definition of a criminal. I am a strong supporter of our Second Amendment. I believe that lawabiding citizens have the God-given and Constitutional right to protect themselves, their family and their property. What we are not discussing is the consistent factor that is pervasive among all those who commit these gun crimes — mental health. Non-constitutional gun control is simply a Band-Aid to the true issue, which is the early detection of possible metal health issues, proper reporting and investigative techniques, and of course the availability of mental health services. Issue question 3: Do you support President Donald Trump’s call to fund a wall on our southern border to slow immigration?: As a son of a family that came to America in 1969, immigration is dear to my heart. I want all people around the world to have the same opportunities my family had when we applied and were approved to come this great nation. However, we are still a nation of laws and there is a legal process that needs to be followed for people who want to come to America. Your question should not be to “slow immigration,” it should be to “slow illegal immigration.” We need to ensure the health and safety of every American citizens (just like with our oil and gas laws), and this means stopping human trafficking, stopping the flow of dangerous illegal drugs and stopping violent criminals. Existing structures have proven to deter drugs and human trafficking, so I do support new structures along the border.
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 9
2nd Congressional District KEVIN ALUMBAUGH
Party: Green Campaign website: Greaterbouldergreenparty.org Age: 60 Family: Married, no children How long have you lived in Colorado? 28 years Professional background: A professional musician and music teacher since 1976. I opened a private music school in Evergreen in 2000, currently employing 12 teachers. Political/community experience: I have been active in the Green Party of Colorado since 2006. GPCO online state council facilitator from 2006 to 2013, and co-chair of the Greater Boulder Green Party local chapter for four years. Education: Two years of college. Longview Community College, Lee’s Summit, Mo., 1976-77, and UMKC Conservatory of Music, Kansas City, Mo., 1977-78. Issue question 1: Should oil and gas activity in the 2nd Congressional District be primarily subject to local control, state control, or do you favor fewer restrictions on the industry? Oil and gas activity in CD2 should be entirely under local control. I support Ballot Initiative 97. I support the Colorado Community Rights Amendment and the Colorado Community Rights Network. I propose to double the severance taxes on the oil and gas industry (Colorado currently has one of the lowest severance tax rates), eliminate “ad valorem” deductions and “stripper well” severance tax exemptions, and use the resulting revenues to subsidize private
investment in solar power and electric cars. The time is now to take bold steps to initiate the transition from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy and the transition of fossil fuel-related jobs to jobs in the emerging green energy industry. Oil and gas extraction on the Front Range is not only poisoning the air 3 million people breathe with average ozone levels higher than what is considered safe by federal health standards, it is contributing to the current climate catastrophe which is threatening life as we know it globally. Issue question 2: What is your stance on whether stricter gun controls are needed; if they are needed, what is the best path forward? I support the banning of assault weapons and a buyback program to reduce the number of assault weapons that currently exist, stricter background checks, and an end to gun show loopholes. I propose a tax on gun sales that would go to support a program to replace public mental health facilities eliminated by the Reagan administration. Issue question 3: Do you support President Donald Trump’s call to fund a wall on our southern border to slow immigration? No. The concept of a continuous wall along the southern U.S. border is ludicrous and impossible at any cost. The best way to curb immigration is to require that all trade agreements with Mexico and all countries be predicated on the stipulation that citizens in countries we do trade with are paid a fair wage. The current immigration hysteria is ridiculous and based on racism. Immigrants should be screened for criminal backgrounds and then offered work visas and a quick path to citizenship for them and their families.
ROGER BARRIS Party: Libertarian Campaign website: barris4congress.com Age: 59 Family: Legally separated with three adult children (Athena, Artus and Oscar). Long-term girlfriend. How long have you lived in Colorado? Since November 2017 Professional background: I was an investor and entrepreneur for over 25 years, including co-founding a $2 billion fund management business. I invested more than $20 billion without loss. Political/community experience: I am on the Board of the LP of Colorado. I am an active donor to libertarian causes and my high school. Education: I am a summa cum laude graduate (BA economics) from Bowdoin College. I am a highest distinction graduate (MBA finance) from the University of Michigan. Issue question 1: Should oil and gas activity in the 2nd Congressional District be primarily subject to local control, state control, or do you favor fewer restrictions on the industry? Your question is a false opposition. The decisions about this industry should be made at the state and local level. It would be wise for these decisions not to be restrictive, but this is not a fed-
eral matter to decide. In general, I believe that the fracking industry is safe, provides high-paying jobs and sizable tax revenues, keeps energy prices low, and enhances our national security by freeing us from foreign sources of energy. It has also allowed the U.S. to greatly reduce CO2 and other emissions as we transition to alternative energies, which are not yet economically feasible due to problems of intermittency and storage. Issue question 2: What is your stance on whether stricter gun controls are needed; if they are needed, what is the best path forward? Again, this is not a federal matter. I am a strong supporter of the right of self-defense and the federal government’s role here should be to intervene if states or localities interfere with 2nd Amendment rights. In the House, I will never vote to approve of federal gun control measures. Issue question 3: Do you support President Donald Trump’s call to fund a wall on our southern border to slow immigration? No. This is a dumb idea. The best way to avoid illegal immigration is to make legal immigration — for both skilled workers (H1B visas) and unskilled “guest workers” (in, for example, agriculture, construction and food processing — where we have labor shortages) — easier and broader. These immigrants are enormously beneficial to our communities and economy. A path to citizenship for the Dreamers should be created.
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8 • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE
4th Congressional District KAREN MCCORMICK Party: Democratic Karen McCormick Campaign website: McCormickforCongress.org How long have you lived in Longmont? 23 years Professional background: Veterinarian, small business owner Political/community experience: Board member for 10 years in Project V.E.T.S, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting animal health worldwide. Volunteer and board member for ViDAS, an educational outreach nonprofit in Mexico. For the past three years I have volunteered to teach English language to immigrants for Intercambio. I also coach students in communications skills at the veterinary teaching hospital at CSU. Education: Bachelor of Science, agriculture; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida. Issue question 1: Should oil and gas activity in the 4th Congressional District be primarily subject to local control, state control, or do you favor fewer restrictions on the industry? As a scientist, I believe any actions we take need to be based on facts and evidence, so I will work hard to ensure that any laws we enact at the federal level are based on sound science. More importantly, as we continue to transition to an advanced energy economy, I will
strive to keep energy jobs and income in the state through manufacturing and implementing renewable technology. The transition to advanced energy is inevitable, so let’s make sure Colorado benefits from that transition. Issue question 2: What is your stance on whether stricter gun controls are needed; if they are needed, what is the best path forward? As someone who grew up in a military family, I agree with the vast majority of gun owners who say we need to take commonsense steps to prevent gun violence. These steps include universal background checks for all gun sales and a ban on bump stocks. We also need to do much more to prevent suicide, which causes about 75 percent of all gun deaths in Colorado. Issue question 3: Do you support President Donald Trump’s call to fund a wall on our southern border to slow immigration? I agree that we need to improve our security at the border, but increasing government spending on a border wall is not the best approach. Congress needs to get back together to work on immigration reform. We were close to getting agreement on a historic immigration reform package, but our leaders just walked away from the table before they could get a deal done. I am ready to work with Democrats and Republicans on immigration reforms that will stand the test of time.
KEN BUCK
Incumbent Republican Ken Buck declined to complete the candidate questionnaire.
RICHARD LYONS WEIL Deomocratic write-in candidate Richard Lyons Weil did not respond to requests to complete the questionnaire.
10 • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE
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State House District 10 MURL HENDRICKSON Party: Republican Campaign website: murl4boulder.com Age: 44 Family: Three siblings, three nieces and two nephews. How long have you lived in Boulder? Have lived in or near Boulder most of my life. Also lived in Texas for about six years, 20092015. Professional background: Currently in sporting goods sales. Previously a golf coach and substitute teacher. Political/community experience: Activist with the Boulder County Republicans. Sunday school teacher at Flatirons Community Church. Volunteer with Flatirons Golf Course junior program. Education: BA in economics from CU Boulder With Colorado’s growing population, how should the state implement infrastructure improvements? I do not believe that selective political interests should have the primary say in this matter. Most importantly, a comprehensive infrastructure assessment must be completed. It should address critical infrastructure components (i.e. water, sewer, roads and power) in critical, highgrowth areas. This study should be done by business experts. Regarding the current ballot initiatives, I support the “Fix Our Damn Roads” initiative and oppose the initiative that would require a tax increase. How do you propose addressing the state’s belowaverage per-pupil funding for its schools? I disagree with your assertion that Colorado public schools are underfunded. The per-
pupil funding rate ($9.6K) is only slightly below the average private school tuition rate ($11.1K). When you combine this fact with the fact that administration of public schools is overstaffed and overpaid, there is plenty of money in the public schools for teacher pay and classroom resources. If elected, I will propose a bill to audit and investigate each school district. By doing so, we can identify excess administrative spending and waste. These cost savings could be redistributed to the schools, teachers and students that deserve it. Beyond improving infrastructure and school funding, what do you see as the most pressing issues the state Legislature should address? First, there is an incredible amount of waste in our state government. Besides education, Medicaid and the Department of Transportation are the areas of our government that have the most wasteful spending. If elected, I will work diligently to eliminate as much waste as I can. I am confident that we can significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the personal income tax. I also propose that we restructure the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The First Amendment rights of all Coloradans need to be protected, not just those on the left. We also need to move immediately to strip state funding from any sanctuary city in Colorado. Protecting criminal illegal immigrants from deportation makes our state much less safe, and this is unacceptable. I will also introduce a bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks. The killing of babies who can survive outside the womb with current medical technology is considered totally unacceptable by a whopping 70 percent of Americans.
alternatives to the gas tax, like mileage-based fees. I don’t believe we should fund transporParty: Democratic tation by raiding other state Campaign website: departments, because they have ediehooton.com funding challenges of their own. I Age: 61 also don’t prefer major bonding Family: Jim (husband), Ned without new revenue, because (son), Ginny (daughter) bonding costs interest and we How long have you lived in don’t know when the next recesBoulder? 21 years sion will hit. Professional background: How do you propose Legislative aide, U.S. Senate and addressing the state’s belowAlaska State Legislature; govaverage per-pupil funding for ernment affairs its schools? Voters passed offices, PhiladelAmendment 23 in 2000 to better phia Chamber of fund education, yet state funding Commerce and is currently far below the ConstiPhiladelphia Electutional amendment’s formula tric Company; small due in part to the Recession-era business owner decision to create what was once Political/comcalled the “negative factor.” As munity experience: Incumbent with infrastructure, we shouldn’t state representative, House Disdeny that quality education costs trict 10; Boulder-area precinct money. I believe that if we want to captain; president and vice presi- address per-pupil funding, as dent, Democratic Women of Boul- posed in the question, we need der County; involvement and sup- some type of revenue solution. port for many local nonprofits There is a tax measure on this Education: Master’s in Public year’s ballot, and if passed it Administration, University of would really help address per-puPennsylvania pil funding. If it fails, the state budget process might still result With Colorado’s growing in incremental increases for K-12 population, how should the state implement infrastructure if Colorado continues with strong economic performance, or if we improvements? We can’t deny have windfalls like we did this that infrastructure takes money year. However, these are not long— for materials, labor, engineering, equipment and maintenance. term solutions, and another recession could put us right back We have tax and bonding meawhere we were during the last sures for transportation on this recession. year’s ballot, and will have bondBeyond improving infraing on the ballot next year if both structure and school funding, fail. If any of these measures what do you see as the most pass, we can do billions in nearterm new construction. If they all pressing issues the state legislature should address? Envifail, we must make do with our current constrained budget until ronment, climate change, women’s reproductive rights, public we craft a solution, and I think it safety, oil and gas, health care, needs to address revenue. The water, housing, homelessness, state gas tax has lost purchasing power because it isn’t indexed to justice for all (regardless of race/ ethnicity, sex/sexual identity, or inflation and more people are class), an economy that works for buying less fuel because they’re everyone, access/affordability in driving fuel-efficient vehicles or higher education. electric cars. We could look at
EDIE HOOTON
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 11
State House District 11
and safety of our community and our future over corporate profits. What are your thoughts on Party: Democratic the Affordable Care Act and Campaign website: health care in Colorado, and singerforcolorado.com what would you like to see hapAge: 39 pen on that issue? I support the Family: Wife Allison, daughter ACA, which has increased health Gwendolyn and son William care coverage for hundreds of How long have you lived in thousands of Coloradans. We still House District 11? 14 years have a long way to go. Our counProfessional background: try is the only developed nation Social worker where people go bankrupt or die Political/community experibecause they can’t afford health ence: I’ve representcare, and I look forward to making ed HD 11 since 2012. progress on this issue in my last I chair four committwo years at the legislature. Health tees (public health care is a fundamental human right care and human serand we need to do more to guaranvices, local governtee affordable, accessible health ment, joint technolocare for all Coloradans. gy, and mental I support single-payer health illness in the criminal justice syscare. We should also try expandtem). Prior to serving, I was a ing Medicare, Medicaid and subsiplanning commissioner for Longdies so fewer people fall through mont, president of the Longmont the cracks. I have passed bipartiDems, and volunteered extensive- san legislation to increase access ly. and treatment options for addicEducation: Master’s in social tion and mental health services. work from CSU and degrees in Right now the criminal justice syspsychology and social work from tem is our state’s biggest mental CSU. health and addiction services proWhere do you stand on Prop- vider. I’m actively working with osition 112 (2,500-foot oil and Democrats and Republicans to gas setbacks) and why? I was change that. one of the first elected officials to Some municipalities are dealendorse Prop. 112. We have seen ing with gun control locally, and numerous examples of accidents, some schools are talking about fires, gas leaks and more at oil and arming teachers. Where do you gas facilities. This year I sponstand on gun control and who sored legislation to require accudo you think should have rate reporting of safety hazards. I authority on the issue? I have have also supported legislation to supported numerous gun violence increase local control of fracking, prevention laws. Our 2013 backincrease setbacks from schools ground check law has stopped and playgrounds and improve dozens of criminals from getting pipeline mapping. I supported the firearms. I also supported the high Longmont ban on oil and gas drill- capacity magazine ban, and legislaing, and we need to uphold the will tion requiring domestic violence of my constituents. offenders to turn over their fireI’m hopeful that the activism by arms. I oppose arming teachers, passionate, hard working citizens because we expect too much from will succeed where we have fallen teachers already. If local communishort at the Capitol. When it ties can find new ways to protect comes to oil and gas development, their citizens, the state shouldn’t we need to prioritize the health stand in the way.
JONATHAN SINGER
State House District 12 SONYA JAQUEZ LEWIS Party: Democrat Campaign website: SonyaforColorado.com Age: 61 Family: Bob Lewis and Georgia Jaquez Lewis How long have you lived in Boulder County? 21 years Professional background: Pharmacist Political/community experience: Licensed pharmacist, educator, former Pharmacy Director Colorado Access; Boulder County Board of Health, Resource Conservation Board. I have served on the board of directors of several nonprofits, past president of Boulder County’s Out Boulder LGBTQ Community Center. Small business owner and organic farmer. Education: BS in Biology , BS in Pharmacy, Masters in Business Administration What is your position on fracking and other oil and gas exploration in Boulder County? I support a timeout for any new oil and gas drilling in Boulder County and our state. Colorado has seen four deaths related to oil and gas production and a major CU study has demonstrated these facilities emit air pollutants that are a health risk for us all. In 2017, I became an oil and gas- impacted Coloradan. Crestone Peak decided to include my home in their proposed Comprehensive Drilling Plan for Boulder County. This issue is personal to me. I served on the Boulder County Board of Health for seven years and was very active in opposing fracking. I have given testimony at the General Assembly and the COGCC. I voted to
fund the first oil and gas specialist to audit wells in the county and numerous oil and gas spills have been documented. I support local control so cities can regulate this industry as we would any other business. We need to increase the severance tax on oil and gas production, so they will pay their fair share of costs. I, wholeheartedly, support Proposition 112, safer setbacks. I personally collected signatures. I also urge voters to vote no on Amendment 74, funded by oil and gas. What changes, if any, would you support with regard to Colorado’s gun laws? I have been endorsed by almost every gun sense organization including Moms Demand Action, EveryTown and Ceasefire Colorado. I support expanding universal background checks. I oppose a law allowing teachers to carry guns in the classroom. I would support banning bump stocks and military assault weapons for sale to the general public. I support a red flag warning bill similar to the Colorado House bill this year. What is your position on climate change and what role can Colorado take in the issue? Climate change can and will affect everyone, from wildlife, to businesses, schools and families, our Colorado way of life. Obviously one state can only do so much, but we must take action now. I support a sustainable energy plan, to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel and increase the use of solar and wind energy. I will work for better public transportation because emissions are the second largest contributor to climate change. We need more electric car incentives and the northwest commuter rail soon.
BRIAN O. DONAHUE
Republican candidate for HD12 Brian O. Donahue did not respond to requests to complete the questionnaire. 12 • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE
State House District 12
corporations superior rights to the people who are impacted by their operations. These laws protect corParty: Unaffiliated porate profits over people and make it legal for corporations to Campaign website: pollute and illegal for communities Stetsforhd12.com to say no. I will fight with and for Age: 45 communities who assert their funFamily: Married to Ted Stets, damental rights to a healthy envi3 children (7, 10, 13) ronment. How long have you lived in What changes, if any, would Boulder County? 11 years you support with regard to ColProfessional background: orado’s gun laws? While gun Lifelong educator. I have worked control laws have become stricter with learners of all in the past few years in Colorado, I ages from preschool would support going even further. to fellow teachers. I support some type of “Red Flag Earlier this year I Law” that allows courts to temporesigned a position rarily remove firearms from danwith the Resource gerous people. I also support an Area For Teaching to assault weapons ban. pursue political What is your position on cligoals. mate change and what role can Community/political backColorado take in the issue? We ground: In 2016 I joined the move- are in a climate emergency. Our ment to stop the return of fracking business-as-usual trajectory will to Boulder County by advancing have catastrophic results for the community rights. My run for planet within this century. Policy office is an extension of that. priorities built around moving ColEducation: BS in Biology, Birorado to renewables quickly will mingham-Southern College; MS in not take us off our current Marine Science, University of destructive trajectory because we South Alabama. are still drilling fossil fuels. We What is your position on must make a bold, thoughtful exit fracking and other oil and gas from fossil fuel extraction and conexploration in Boulder County? sumption starting today. I will call For the last several years, I have for Colorado to lead the way on worked to stop the return of danthis with a four-part approach: 1. gerous and toxic fracking operaCease permitting new oil and gas tions to Boulder County as an extraction wells; 2. phase out existorganizer with East Boulder Coun- ing wells located within 2,500 feet ty United. Communities have a of occupied structures and water right to safe, clean air and water. It sources; 3. develop a plan for is well documented that fracking phase-out of the fossil fuel sector; poisons both, with destructive and 4. develop a just plan to prohuman health and environmental tect fossil fuel workers and transiconsequences. Current laws give tion them to new industries.
THERESA STETS
DAVID REID ROSS Candidate withdrew
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ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 13
State House District 13
What do you see as the biggest challenges for the state around transportation and what Party: Democratic solutions would you suggest? Campaign website: Our biggest transportation chalkcbecker.org lenges are traffic congestion and Age: 48 our aging infrastructure. Part of Family: Husband, Miles Kunkel, the solution is to secure long-term and two young sons, Ryder and funding to support our infrastrucLeo ture and address the needs of an How long have you lived in increasing population across the Boulder? Since 2002 state. In addition, continued disProfessional background: ruption in the energy and transMost of my career was as an attor- portation sectors by autonomous ney-adviser at the and electrical vehicles will help U.S. Department of address some of the problems that the Interior, working traffic congestion creates includon environmental ing long travel times, car acciand natural resourcdents, smog levels and decreased es law. Also worked air quality. briefly in real estate. If Amendment 73, the statePolitical/community experiwide K-12 funding initiative ence: Incumbent. Prior to legisla- passes, should the Legislature tive service, served on Boulder’s make changes to the school Planning Board and was elected to funding formula? If so, what a four-year term of the Boulder changes? If no, why not? City Council in 2009. Yes. A child’s ZIP code should Education: Bachelor’s degree never determine their opportunity in government from College of for a good education. This year’s William and Mary, law degree budget helped address the educafrom Lewis and Clark Law School, tion funding shortfall by increasM.S. in real estate development ing per pupil funding by $475, but and construction management we need to do more including from the University of Denver. changing the school funding forShould there be more local mula. The formula should be control of oil and gas operadesigned to equalize funding for tions? school districts based on dispariYes, local control over oil and ties in the capacity of local investgas operations is essential. Over ment, but what it actually does is the last 18 months, we have seen subsidize reduced levels of local the federal government rescind funding which further exacerbates various regulations to monitor these inequalities and leaves harmful pollutants like methane, while the oil and gas industry has increasingly less money for other failed to work with the state Legis- priorities likes transportation. My district includes one of the largest lature on relatively simple health and one of the smallest school disand safety issues like orphan tricts in the state. Our school wells. It, therefore, falls to local governments and municipalities to finance formula must accommoexercise more control over the oil date a range of school district sizes, students and income levels in and gas industry to ensure the order to ensure equal opportunisafety and health of residents is ties for our children. the top concern.
KC BECKER
14 • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE
what solutions would you suggest? The biggest challenge is to see that tax money be spent wiseParty: Republican ly. Every election there are Campaign website: requests from the government, KevinSipple.com city, county and state, for more Age: 62 taxation to spend on roads Family: Mother, father, three because “there just isn’t enough.” brothers, two sisters, one dog And every time the money is How long have you lived in spent on something other than Eldorado Springs? 35 years roads, like rail lines, fancy bus Professional background: stop enclosures, even proposed One of the founders of Eldorado cable cars. The taxes we pay Artesian Springs Inc. Chairman, should be spent wisely on roads VP operations, manand bridges, not half-million-dolaged operations, lar “studies” to fix $200,000 culregulatory compliverts. We should restore proper ance, quality conspending tax dollars to their trol, security, conintended purposes, not elected struction projects, officials’ pet projects designed to licensed water plant be their legacies. operator. If Amendment 73, the statePolitical/community experiwide K-12 funding initiative ence: From 2001 to present, vic- passes, should the Legislature tim advocate with Boulder Coun- make changes to the school ty Sheriff’s Office. Precinct funding formula? If so, what committee person, district captain changes? If no, why not? EduSW Boulder County, delegate to cation spending should be examcounty and state conventions, ined. Due to the ballot initiative of Boulder County Republican Exec- six years ago based on population utive Committee, ran for Boulder increase and inflation, there is $5 County Commissioner in 2016. million more in education funding Education: No response per year. Since then there are 5 Should there be more local percent more teachers, but there control of oil and gas operaare 52 percent more school printions? No, regulation of oil and cipals, and 58 percent more gas operations are a responsibili- school administrators, all paid ty of state government. Colorado much more than teachers. We has some of the strictest reguladon’t need more taxes, we need tions in the nation. Regulations to spend that money more wisely. should be enforced. Mineral We do however need to work on rights are property rights and school safety. There is no excuse should be protected by governfor not doing whatever we can to ment. If taken, the owners should make sure all students and teachbe compensated fairly as in any ers all come home alive every condemnation process. day. Whatever it takes, hardened What do you see as the big- entrances, more resource offigest challenges for the state cers, arming school staff, or whataround transportation and ever.
KEVIN M. SIPPLE
State House District 33
oil and gas development. The development would be allowed only if everyone consents. Party: Unaffiliated What changes, if any, would Campaign website: you support with regard to Coljaygeyerforcolorado.com. orado’s gun laws: We need to Age: 33 treat the epidemic of gun violence Family: I’m married with two as the public health problem that it daughters, ages 5 and 2. is, and Colorado should lead the How long have you lived in way in funding research to discovBroomfield? Since 2013. We lived er the most effective measures we in Westminster and Boulder can implement to make our before that. schools and communities safer. Professional background: I I’m a gun owner and an Army vetteach ethics and eran. The Army taught me how to political philosophy safely and responsibly use a fireat the University of arm, and I understand that the Colorado. vast majority of gun owners are Political/commuresponsible citizens like me. But nity experience: we must do better at keeping guns This is my first time out of the hands of those who running for office. would use them to harm others, Education: I recently completed and we have to let sound research, a Ph.D. in philosophy from CU. not rhetoric or partisan special What is your position on interest groups, guide our fracking and other oil and gas approach. exploration in Boulder County? What is your position on cliThe people whose homes and fam- mate change and what role can ilies are most at risk from oil and Colorado take in the issue? gas development must agree to Human-caused climate change is take on those risks. That has not the most daunting problem facing been the case in our community Colorado over the next 100 years. and that is why I oppose current We can and should lead the way oil and gas development in our on renewable energy and innovaneighborhoods. But if everyone at tions that reduce carbon emisrisk knowingly agrees to the hazsions, but we also need to begin ards of new development, perhaps implementing adaptation stratebecause they were offered fair gies to cope with the increasing compensation, then new developdrought and higher temperatures ment should be allowed to prothat our state will experience, putceed. That is why I also oppose ting stress on existing water supProposition 112 — it leaves no pro- plies and leading to more frequent vision for people, especially those forest fires. Especially as our state in rural Colorado, to make respon- continues to grow, we need to sible decisions for themselves. implement forward-thinking, susInstead of a ban on all developtainable policies that will benefit ment within 2,500 feet of occupied future generations of Coloradans. structures, I would favor an opt-in requirement for all homeowners within 2,500 feet of proposed new
JAY GEYER
MATT GRAY Party: Democratic Campaign website: matthewgray.us Age: 38 Family: Wife Katie, children Ellie, 5, and Theo, 2. How long have you lived in Broomfield? 12 years Professional background: Former deputy district attorney, currently public finance attorney helping cities and schools finance large projects. Political/community experience: State representative since 2017, former chair of the Broomfield Board of Equalization and Vice-Chair of the Youth Initiative of Adams County, which serves young people in Broomfield and Adams Counties. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Juris Doctorate. What is your position on fracking and other oil and gas exploration in Boulder County? The people of my district are very concerned about residential oil and gas development, and there is nothing I’ve worked harder on over the past two years. I sponsored the only bill to become law during that time to increase protections for homeowners by removing liability for residents near oil and gas development whose mineral rights are “pooled.” I also sponsored legislation that would have increased the setback of oil and gas development from school facilities, but that bill was killed in the Senate. Our state has failed to recognize that oil and gas development in suburban residential areas is fundamentally different than in rural
or uninhabited areas. The people of my district want a safe place to live, raise their children, or retire. We need laws and regulations that prioritize their health and safety as well, and I am dedicated to seeing it through. What changes, if any, would you support with regard to Colorado’s gun laws? I was proud to co-sponsor legislation last year that would have created extreme risk protection orders that would have allowed the temporary removal of firearms from individuals known to family members or law enforcement to pose a threat to themselves or others. The bill was named after Deputy Zackari Parrish, who was killed on duty by a man known to be a threat, and was supported by Republican District Attorney George Brauchler, and Republican Sheriff Tony Spurlock. Unfortunately, that bill was killed by the Colorado Senate. As a former deputy district attorney, I have worked with protection orders in hundreds of domestic violence cases. Protection orders save lives, and there is no reason that the rest of my Republican colleagues shouldn’t join us to protect our citizens and our law enforcement officers. What is your position on climate change and what role can Colorado take in the issue? Climate change is a scientific consensus, not a political statement. Climate change presents a public safety threat to our state through increased wildfires and extreme weather, and it presents an economic threat to our state through droughts impacting our agriculture and shortened winters impacting our outdoor recreation. We must transition to renewable energy sources and offset the impacts of nonrenewable sources for as long as they remain necessary.
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 15
State House District 33
Republican candidate/incumbent in the state of Colorado to support this proposition. The battle lines Party: Republican have been drawn on this issue, and Campaign website: I support the grass roots efforts to EricForColorado.com pass this proposition. Age: 55 What changes, if any, would Family: Brenda Rutherford, for- you support with regard to Colmerly of Mexico, children Paloma, orado’s gun laws? I am in the 15, Kai: 12, Camila: 8. unique situation in that I had a gun How long have you lived in put to my head, and as a law Boulder County? Superior for enforcement officer I had pointed five years. Boulder County for 17 my gun at the heads of criminals. I years have been on both sides of a gun Professional and I can speak to it. I support the background: Offi“red flag” proposal that was concer in U.S. Marine sidered in the state Legislature. Corps, federal agent The proposal would allow law for Drug Enforceenforcement officials and family ment Agency, curmembers the option of going rently a real estate before a judge to temporarily broker and property remove guns from individuals who owner. pose threats. This law is common Political/community experisense and has the endorsement of ence: Active Rotarian, president of the National Rifle Association my club in 2014; former board of because they agree that we need director of BOHO (Boulder Outto stop dangerous people before reach for the Homeless Overflow); they act. former board of director on the What is your position on cliDowntown Management Commis- mate change and what role can sion. Colorado take in the issue? We Education: U.S. Naval Acadeneed to use the year 2040 as a goal my, USMC Officer Training, FBI to transition to renewable energy. Academy, University of Colorado, We need to conserve our lands, MBA our wilderness, our environment What is your position on for all the future generations that fracking and other oil and gas will walk this Earth when we are exploration in Boulder County? gone. The role Colorado can play I firmly support Proposition 112, is to be a leader on this issue requiring all new Colorado oil and through awareness and education. gas development to be pushed The renewable energy sector had back 2,500 feet from occupied to step up in a big way. Each perstructures/water from the current son can do one thing per year that 1,000 feet. From a health and safe- helps. An example can be for one ty point of view this is the correct year take public transportation to course of action. I am the only can- work in Denver, stop using plastic didate in my district race to supbags, invest in solar panels. Just do port Proposition 112 and the only one more thing per year.
ERIC RUTHERFORD
KIM TAVENDALE Kim Tavendale, a Libertarian candidate for House District 33, did not respond to requests to complete the questionnaire.
16 • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE
State House District 63 BRANDON BOBIAN Party: Democratic Campaign website: bobianforcoloradohouse.com Age: 33 Family: Wife Samantha and two daughters ages 2 and 6 How long have you lived in Firestone? I have lived in south Weld County for three years. Professional background: Aerospace engineer Political/community experience: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Campaign volunteer for various candidates: Obama, Udall Education: B.S. Aerospace from the University of Colorado Do you believe that the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is providing the oil and gas industry with the right amount of oversight, too much oversight or too little oversight and why? I commend the COGCC for their valuable efforts and am glad that Colorado has stricter regulations than some states. I do think the COGCC going forward should emphasize public health and provide more information to the public regarding the long-term health impacts of benzene and other hydrocarbons in the air. Also, I believe it should be a regulation that all people near gas wells have access to an explosive gas detector for their basements at the expense of the oil and gas companies. What do you believe is the
way forward to fix Colorado’s transportation infrastructure? Do you believe either the Let’s Go Colorado or the Fix Our Damn Roads ballot initiatives are the solution or is there a third option through the state General Assembly? I strongly support the Let’s Go Colorado route. The Fix Our Damn Roads is a classic “let’s get something for nothing” proposition. If Coloradans truly want an increase in transportation funding to our roads than we must pay for them. A small sales tax increase will raise funds from not only Coloradans but from our tourists who share in the benefits of our roads. Road funding like this has not seen a boost since 1991. Since then, our population has doubled and it’s time we as Coloradans invest in our state. If elected, what is the most important thing you would do differently from the incumbent, Lori A. Saine? We differ on almost everything. She has voted no on almost every piece of meaningful legislation in her tenure and deserves no credit for Colorado’s recent economic growth. I will stand up to the oil and gas industry and ask tough questions and prioritize public safety over corporate profits. I will advocate for the disabled and support — not cut — Medicaid. I will be respectful of our current gun laws and I look to strengthen them, not disregard them. I will advocate for higher education funding at the state level. Colorado has one of the strongest economies in the country and there is no excuse that our schools rank near the bottom on funding per student.
State House District 63
are the solution or is there a third option through the state General Assembly? I do not supParty: Libertarian port the “Let’s Go Colorado” initiaAge: 54 tive, and more importantly, I Family: Parents still living, five believe that the group behind this sisters, and one brother; divorced initiative is presenting outright lies How long have you lived in to promote their plan. Their literaFrederick? since 2003 ture claims that the current tax Professional background: system is not tied to inflation. The National account supervisor with Colorado gas rate tax of 2.9 perBI Incorporated; working with cent is directly related to inflation government agencies to monitor by the very fact that it is a percentprobation, parole, and pretrial cliage. When prices go up, so too ents/offenders, and does the amount of tax that one reduce recidivism of pays. More importantly with more previously incarcerdrivers on the road, more gallons ated individuals of gas are sold, and more revenue Political/commuis collected. nity experience: I am a luke-warm proponent of Elected trustee to the “Fix our Damn Roads” initiaFrederick Town tive. While it will raise the money Board of trustees (2004-2008); and earmark it to fix the roads, chairman, Boulder County Liberand require the legislature to tarian Party (2002) come up with the funding — either Education: Eastern Regional through spending cuts elsewhere, High School, Voorhees, N.J. or through tax increases elseDo you believe that the Colo- where — we all know which route rado Oil and Gas Conservation the Legislature will take. Commission is providing the oil If elected, what is the most and gas industry with the right important thing you would do amount of oversight, too much differently from the incumbent, oversight or too little oversight Lori A. Saine? In 2013, Ms. Saine and why? This question is far too voted against the Civil Union law. I complex to be answered in a coubelieve in the rule of law and the ple of sentences here. In some rights of all under that law. Until respects, the commission has too we can remove the government much power that should be left to from interpersonal unions (martowns, and in other respects, the riage licenses), we must ensure codes and guidelines may be too that all persons have the same lax and not adequately protect the rights to such. Thus, I would have environment. Rest assured that if voted differently. elected, I would work hard to I believe what is happening with make sure that the rights of every- Colorado’s infrastructure is simply one are protected, and that negligent. The state raises ample includes the right to produce ener- funds for our infrastructure gy and the right to have a safe through existing taxes, but there clean environment. are not strong enough measures What do you believe is the to prevent funds from being spent way forward to fix Colorado’s outside of necessary infrastructransportation infrastructure? ture. I would work to make sure Do you believe either the Let’s that the money drivers spend on Go Colorado or the Fix Our their gas taxes is spent on the Damn Roads ballot initiatives roads.
JOE JOHNSON
current law and putting everyone at risk. I am proud to have worked with the town of FiresParty: Republican tone on this law to ensure the safety of their citizens around Campaign website: underground pipelines, and this lorisaine.net more robust 811 system will also Age: 43 benefit present and future generaFamily: Married with one tions of Coloradans. This change daughter in the 811 law may also prove to How long have you lived in be a model policy for other oil the district? I have lived in Weld and gas producing states. County nearly 18 years What do you believe is the Professional background: way forward to fix Colorado’s Small business transportation infrastructure? Political/comDo you believe either the Let’s munity experiGo Colorado or the Fix Our ence: I am running Damn Roads ballot initiatives for my last term in are the solution or is there a the Colorado House third option through the state of Representatives, General Assembly? There is and I am grateful to always an option every year the the people of Weld County for the General Assembly is in session. honor of serving The Legislature can budget like Education: Bachelor of Sciour families do at the kitchen ence table and make sure that needs Do you believe that the Colo- are taken care of before “nice-torado Oil and Gas Conservation haves.” And building infrastructure is a core function of governCommission is providing the ment. But the House has refused oil and gas industry with the right amount of oversight, too to do that year after year, even when we had an extra billion dolmuch oversight or too little oversight and why? There were lars at our disposal in the 2018 session. It’s 20 years past time a lot of moves in the right directhat we prioritize transportation tion this last summer with the new pipeline safety rules and reg- and commuters are paying through the cost of accidents and ulation promulgated by the time away from their families. If COGCC. In addition, I passed a bill that strengthens our 811 sys- the “Fix our Damn Roads” Proposition 109 passes, the Legislature tem, finally giving Colorado a will indeed have to prioritize true one-call 811 system for the transportation in the budget, and first time; just one call to receive the location of underground pipe- you will see a lot of projects get underway. And the money is lines. And all new underground pipelines and facilities installed in there for transportation; let’s get 2020 must be electronically locat- it done! able, and engineering plans must If re-elected, would you meet certain standards estabchange anything about the lished by the American Society of way you vote? If so, what? Engineers for defining the accuI vote according to the will of racy of an underground facility the people who elected me. It location. And the law also creates would be a better Colorado if an underground safety commiseveryone in office respected their sion to address those operators boss: the people. that haven’t been obeying the
LORI A. SAINE
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 17
State Senate District 16
third option through the state general assembly? I support Proposition 109 to “Fix Our Damn Party: Republican Roads” without a tax increase. Campaign website: Those pushing another massive NevilleforColorado.com tax rate increase — particularly Age: 62 increasing the most regressive tax Family: married 40 years to wife (the state sales tax)— may fail to Barb; sons Joe and Patrick; daugh- mention the state budget has ters-in-law Jennifer and Kristi; six grown on average by $1 billion beautiful grandchildren annually while road and bridge How long have you lived in spending has remained flat. With Littleton?: 30 years next year’s budget estimates showProfessional background: 25 ing another $1 billion in new years in sales and income to state coffers, it’s time management in the we make building roads and bridgfood service distribues a budget priority once again. tion industry; small Our adoption of SB18-001 last year family business ownwas a small step in the right direcer of Neville Insurtion, and the adoption of Prop 109 ance Agency helps complete the picture while Political/commumaintaining fiscal stewardship and nity experience: Colorado State restoring the trust of our taxpaySenate District 16 2015-current, ers. District 22 2011-2012; active memIf re-elected, is there anything ber of Light of the World Parish you would change about the Education: Regis University way you vote and if so, what? bachelor of science in business It’s about delivering solutions. administration, minor in economics With bipartisan cooperation last Do you believe that the Colo- year, we made positive movement rado Oil and Gas Conservation on key issues: Reform PERA and Commission is providing the oil provide fiscal sustainability, and gas industry with the right improve K-12 school funding and amount of oversight, too much begin funding road and bridge oversight or too little oversight construction. Due to the return of and why? With the recent adopa thriving economy, we have the tion of stringent flowline regulanecessary resources to solve tions, passage of SB18-167 to issues without increasing the tax increase enforcement of locating burden on working men and womunderground facilities, along with en who already struggle with the strong current state regulatory and monitoring protocol, I believe increasing cost of living in Colorathe state of Colorado provides the do. With unemployment at all-time lows and family income levels only right amount of oversight to protect its citizens and workers in the beginning to show marginal gains, I’ll continue to vote for policies industry. which provide more freedom, indiWhat do you believe is the vidual liberty and opportunity and way forward to fix Colorado’s oppose failed policy ideas which transportation infrastructure? over-tax, over-regulate and destroy Do you believe either the Let’s the freedom, individual liberty, Go Colorado or the Fix Our and opportunity every Coloradan Damn Roads ballot initiatives expects and deserves. are the solution or is there a
TIM NEVILLE
JAMES GILMAN
James Gilman, a Libertarian candidate for state Senate District 16, did not respond to requests to complete the questionnaire.
18 • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE
TAMMY STORY Party: Democratic Campaign website: story4co.com Age: 59 Family: My husband and I raised two wonderful children who attended Jeffco schools. How long have you lived in Conifer? In 1987, we moved to Colorado and settled in the foothills near Denver. Professional background: Speech pathologist; as a passionate advocate for public education, I worked for 20 years as an adviser to school administrators and school boards Political/community experience: I was a leader for a successful mill/bond election and the Jeffco School Board recall. Education: I have a degree in communicative disorders Do you believe that the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is providing the oil and gas industry with the right amount of oversight, too much oversight or too little oversight and why? When faced with decisions for oil and gas development, COGCC’s oversight and guidance should be driven by public health and safety as the top priority. Decisions must be based on scientific research and verifiable data. Corporate profits should be a final consideration, subsequent to other priorities. What do you believe is the way forward to fix Colorado’s transportation infrastructure? Do you believe either the Let’s Go Colorado or the Fix Our Damn Roads ballot initiatives are the solution or is there a third option through the state general assembly? Colorado has not invested in transportation infrastructure in decades, resulting in a $9 billion backlog of infrastructure needs. Coloradans deserve better than crumbling
roads and endless traffic. Traffic jams result in economic loss and increased air pollution. We must utilize a sustainable funding source to address our infrastructure needs and expand transit options to better meet the needs of Coloradans. If elected, what is the most important thing you would do differently from the incumbent, Tim Neville? I believe we need to invest in Colorado and our people. I will work to ensure we have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and clean land to walk upon. Our public lands are a legacy to leave for future generations. Outdoor recreation is an economic engine that drives our economy. We must preserve and protect our public lands and our Colorado way of life. I oppose the incumbent voting to block public access for recreation, to allow for development on public lands. Public education is the backbone of our society and improving and supporting schools is a top priority. We must ensure that Colorado’s schools are fully funded, reduce excessive testing and increase teacher pay to attract the best teachers. I oppose the incumbent’s support of vouchers and efforts to privatize public education. Colorado has the top ranked economy in America, yet too many hard working Coloradans are being left behind by a rigged system that is failing the middle class. Wages have been stagnant for decades. Colorado’s middle class is being squeezed out of existence. It’s vital that we add good-paying jobs to our economy so that all Coloradans can share in our state’s prosperity and have the opportunity to save and invest in their future. My opponent consistently votes to keep the system rigged in favor of big business and the well-connected. I’m running to build a Colorado that works for everyone, not just a privileged few.
CU Board of Regents at-large seat
Our search has to be broad in approach so as not to eliminate highly qualified candidates based Party: Republican on preconceived opinions or hisCampaign website: torical mindsets. MonteraForCURegent.com What specific strategies can Age: 61 the Board of Regents employ to Family: Partner, Theresa; six help make CU more affordable children and step-children and accessible? There are a How long have you lived in number of fundamental areas that Colorado Springs? Four years; we need to focus on in helping born and raised in Pueblo. make tuition more affordable. Professional background: Continue building relationships Worked in four Fortune 200 comwith the state Legislature to panies, including as ensure we are maximizing state executive vice presifunding. Clearly provide our funddent of retail operaraising communities and research tions for L Brands partners with the visible achievewith direct responsiments of the university to drive bility for 40,000 assoeven greater donation levels and ciates and multibilresearch opportunities. Less than lion-dollar operating 50 percent of our students gradubudget ate in four years — we have to Political/community experiunderstand and improve on this ence: Served on numerous nonnumber to significantly reduce the profit boards; part of Leeds MBA cost of a CU education. As with mentoring program; established any large organization, there is endowments for qualified Coloraalways budget creep. Creating a do students in need. consistent focus on cost-benefit Education: B.S. in business, analysis, reducing bureaucracy University of Colorado; graduateand driving a high degree of fiscal level programs through PepsiCo accountability across all areas will and L Brands enable us to reduce redundancy What qualities and/or experi- and waste and improve productiviences would you prioritize in ty, which in turn frees up funds for candidates vying to become student impact. the next president of the UniWhat are your top priorities versity of Colorado? This indiand how will you address vidual must have proven, demonthem? strated success leading large, • Ensure that the cost of a CU multifaceted, decentralized organi- education is affordable for Colorazations, including strategy, budget do families, as our state’s flagship oversight, capital expenditure, cul- institution. It is a fundamental ture and diversity leadership; a responsibility for the Board of demonstrated track record in fund- Regents. raising; and, most importantly, the • Foster and nurture an environability to partner with diverse ment of free speech where critical groups to establish strong, overthinking skills can be developed arching objectives that lead to the through vigorous debate. health and success of our stu• Create an inclusive environdents, faculty and staff. They must ment on the board where our overhave significant experience in arching objectives will be driven problem solving, creative solutions by the success of our students and and a high degree of curiosity. faculty, not individual objectives. This individual could come from • Provide degree programs that academia, government or the prienable our students to be competivate sector, as long as they clearly tive and successful in the open demonstrate these capabilities. market once they leave CU.
KEN MONTERA
CHRISTOPHER OTWELL Party: Unity Campaign website: facebook.com/ otwellc4CURegent/ Age: 45 Family: One daughter; fiancé How long have you lived in Aurora? Colorado Springs, 19912011, 2013-2015; Aurora, 20112013, 2015-present Professional background: Computer systems engineer and adjunct cybersecurity professor, Aurora; platform architect of GPS OCX (GPS III — third generation) Satellite Ground Control Station, Schriever Air Force Base Political/community experience: Volunteered in Cheyenne Mountain VFW Post 3917 activities; no prior political experience; full resume: scribd.com/document/371836914/OTWELL-Resume-v31-Long-Version Education: Bachelor’s and master’s in computer science, Colorado Technical University; adjunct professor of cybersecurity at CTU in Aurora since 2016 What qualities and/or experiences would you prioritize in candidates vying to become the next president of the University of Colorado? For too long, the only voices in politics are those of administrators and/ or lawyers. We need a voice of unity at the table that also provides a centrist set of opinions. Solving difficult problems is mandatory going forward. Engineers solve problems by finding common ground. Education is a major problem — cost and availability — for the people of Colorado. To improve our state’s future, we need the best educated and most diverse population working to solve problems, starting with college youth. What specific strategies can the Board of Regents employ
to help make CU more affordable and accessible? Stabilize costs: Require the university to inform new students up-front exactly how much each year will cost, and ensure that the cost does not change for the next six years. Student government-specific budget: Rebuild the student government with its own dedicated budget approved by the CU Regents, starting at the same level as in 2015. Availability: Ensure that everyone who wants an education has the means to obtain one. Increased income, reduced costs: Increase private sector ventures helping to off-set a CU school system modernization effort. Reduce yearly student costs by utilizing tools such as tablet-based electronic textbooks for all classes. With the technology needs of Colorado’s future, we must modernize the curriculum to include cyber security, space engineering and computer cloud concepts. Diversity: Work with the CU NEXT organization to increase enrollment and diversity by finding a way to bring in deserving students and improve ethnic diversity. All Colorado residents should have equal access to CU, as well as diversity training and acceptance training. All students must be allowed to express themselves freely and without discrimination, regardless of topic, political beliefs, racial spectrums, culture, background, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, and/or other ideologies. The stronger we are in diversification of thought and acceptance of others, the stronger as a state we can become. What are your top priorities and how will you address them? See above.
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 19
CU Board of Regents at-large seat
and accessible? With resident tuition and fees quadrupling since 2000, this must be the top priority Party: Democratic for the board. CU Boulder recently Campaign website: dropped class fees and implementlesleyforcu.org ed guaranteed tuition, in which Age: 61 tuition stays constant during a stuFamily: Husband, Michael, of 28 dent’s college career. I would like years; daughter, Jocelyn (23); and to see these changes implemented son, Anton (22) at the other three campuses. I also How long have you lived in think it’s a positive step for CU to Boulder? 29 years offer alternative models of deliverProfessional background: 29- ing an education, such as online year CU aquatic scientist and edu- learning. cator However, the board’s ability to Political/commudrive down tuition is limited by nity experience: state funding for the CU system, Eight years on the which has declined significantly Boulder Valley since 2000 on a per-student basis. I School Board (2005would advocate for the Legislature 2013); current chair to reverse this trend and to restore of Boulder’s Water higher education funding to pre-reResources Advisory Board; Footcession levels. hills United Way Community Regarding accessibility, the Impact Committee board can help smooth the transEducation: Bachelor’s in aquat- fer process so that community colic biology, UC Santa Barbara; lege students can easily matricuPh.D. in marine environmental late to CU and get credit for and estuarine sciences, University completed coursework without of Maryland, College Park 2 jumping through unnecessary What qualities and/or experi- hoops. The board should also conences would you prioritize in tinue to establish partnerships candidates vying to become with non-CU institutions, like the 2 the next president of the Uni& 2 engineering program at Coloversity of Colorado? In the com- rado Mesa University, in which ing year, the board will have the engineering students stay in critical job of hiring a new presiGrand Junction but are taught in dent for the first time in a decade. part by resident CU professors. I want to see the board hire a What are your top priorities visionary leader who can collaboand how will you address rate with the university’s diverse them? First, hire a new president stakeholders and be an effective who can collaborate with the uniadvocate for public and private versity’s diverse stakeholders, funding for CU. including faculty, students and parIdeally this individual would ents, and be an effective advocate have significant leadership experi- for public and private funding for ence within systems of higher edu- the university. Second, in spite of cation and have spent at least sev- drastic cuts to CU’s funding by the eral years in Colorado in order to Legislature, we must improve understand the unique funding affordability for Colorado resichallenges CU faces. dents. I would start by investigatWhat specific strategies can ing what it would take to bring the Board of Regents employ to guaranteed tuition to all four CU help make CU more affordable campuses.
LESLEY SMITH
20 • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE
any costs for the university. Having a balanced budget is important. Party: Libertarian What specific strategies can Campaign website: the Board of Regents employ to help make CU more afford@TreibertJames on Twitter able and accessible? Age: 47 The Board of Regents must be Family: Married; no children able to be active in the communiHow long you lived in Coloty — having good student workrado? Since 1997 study and internship programs. Professional background: What are your top priorities Library and sales and how will you address Political/community experithem? ence: Did not My priorities include offering answer more summer classes and nonEducation: B.A. traditional classes to students. I in history, Minnesowould address this because it ta State University; would make tuition more affordmaster’s certificate able. Make learning more interin international manesting and possibly reduce stress agement, University on the students to take large of Maryland, University College amounts of loans out. I feel that What qualities and/or experi- CU should be more open to difences would you prioritize in ferent views and support student candidates vying to become academic freedom. I want the unithe next president of the University to offer more English and versity of Colorado? The next foreign language programs to stupresident of CU should be credents campus-wide. The costs of ative in dealing with the universi- tuition at CU increased because ty budget and priorities. These of the dependence on the federal priorities are the following: student loan program. I would be creative in how students can fund Reduce dependence on federal their school, and possibly have student loans. The president (should) encourage more private state or local governments offer more student aid programs. investments regarding lowering
JAMES TREIBERT
State Board of Education: 2nd Congressional District JOHNNY BARRETT
Party: Republican Campaign website: cd2johnny.org Age: 59 Family: Wife of 33 years, three kids How long have you lived in Niwot? 23 years, grew up in Boulder Professional background: High tech sales, marketing, business development Political/community experience: More than 30 years leadership in multiple youth organizations Education: Bachelor’s degree in technical management, master’s degree in business administration, various executive training programs Should the state board change how much weight is given to factors in rating schools and districts, putting more weight on achievement
versus growth? With the current Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) testing showing that over half of the students did not pass proficiency in English language arts and math, we need to be focused on student achievement. Results matter. What do you see as the state board’s role in working with school districts? The State Board of Education must direct the Colorado Department of Education to become a clearing house for best practices on student achievement and become more of a support versus compliance organization for school districts. What’s the biggest issue before the state board in the coming year and how would you address it? More than half the students that take the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) tests are not proficient, and it must be a priority for both the state board and Colorado Department of Education to address this issue that has been going on for more than 10 years. Results matter.
ANGELIKA SCHROEDER Party: Democratic Campaign website: schroederforstateboard.com Age: Over 60 Family: Husband of 50 years, Wayne Schroeder; two married daughters; three young grandchildren How long have you lived in Boulder? 51 years Professional background: Retired tax CPA and college professor of accounting Political/community experience: Nine-plus years on the State Board of Education, longtime BVSD schools volunteer, eight years on the BVSD school board; numerous district, state and national boards, councils and committees Education: Bachelor’s in math, MBA, Ph.D. in accounting, all from CU Should the state board change how much weight is given to factors in rating schools and districts, putting more weight on achievement versus growth? Yes, it is time to reconsider the weights. Our school and district accountability measures now are academic achievement, academic growth and postsecondary workforce readiness. The cut scores for these measures are reviewed by law annually, and we will do that again this fall. In addition, as part of rule setting for a new law just passed, a fourth measure, “growth to standard,” (roughly, how much growth is necessary for the student to become proficient) will be defined and added to the frameworks, requiring a recalibration of the weights of each of the factors.
What do you see as the state board’s role in working with school districts? It should be a partnership, but with districts driving the bus. Colorado is a local control state, so school districts have control of education. The State Board of Education has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that state and federal laws are implemented. But there are many opportunities for the Department of Education and the board to assist the districts, both in the implementation of rules and laws when a more centralized process is practical and is requested by districts. Resources are scarce in our state, so any opportunity to provide services, especially to our more than 100 very small districts, can provide needed student support. What’s the biggest issue before the state board in the coming year and how would you address it? The continuing achievement gap for students in Colorado. On national assessments, Colorado students perform reasonably well compared to other states, in the top 20 percent, but we have one of the highest gaps between subgroups such as poverty, race, English language learners and special education. Our challenging financial environment is a factor. Closing these gaps requires all of us, including the board and CDE, to focus on very specific efforts: Bringing all third-graders to read proficiently; working with districts that are on academic turnaround to make significant improvements in leadership, curriculum and school culture; and addressing the needs of our high school students by offering more options before graduation.
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 21
State Board of Education: 4th Congressional District
For-profit education industry lobbyists and those who wish to privatize public education exploit Party: Democratic this discrepancy by backing Campaign website: “reform” candidates in local eleckrugforcoloradoschools.org tions who will agree to close Age: 42 “underperforming” schools in Family: Wife, Yumiko; three poor neighborhoods and replace children, Joseph (9), Edward (7) them with “nonprofit” charter and Mia (baby) schools. The “nonprofit” charter How long have you lived in school chains subsequently hire Franktown? In unincorporated for-profit management companies Franktown for four years. to operate the school ... often with Professional background: I board members from the nonprofit am a retired entreorganization serving as high salapreneur. I spent ried administrators in the school. more than 10 years What do you see as the state as an English teachboard’s role in working with er in Japanese public school districts? The state board schools and am the should support districts by providformer owner and ing information on best practices CEO of Krug Kabuand coordinating shared resources shikigaisha. between school districts. The Political/community experiSBOE should never overrule localence: T-ball coach; Cubmaster ly elected boards of education with children’s Cub Scout pack; decisions and should stop imposvolunteer in neighborhood eleing one-size-fits-all solutions on mentary school assisting teachers; Colorado school districts. When a serve on School Accountability locally elected board of education Committee; volunteer for church’s decides a certain type of school Winter Shelter Network. will not benefit their community, Education: Champaign Central the state board members should High respect local control. Should the state board What’s the biggest issue change how much weight is before the state board in the given to factors in rating coming year and how would schools and districts, putting you address it? The 3,000-posimore weight on achievement tion teacher shortage and related versus growth? The state board rallies and strikes of increasingly should change how much weight frustrated pre-K-12 educators is given to factors, but not by putaround the state is the biggest ting more weight on achievement issue the SBOE should engage over growth. The factors that have this year. The SBOE should advothe most impact on achievement, cate for equitable funding, investiwealth and education of the stugate alternative licensure prodent’s family, are outside of a grams, and consider whether school’s ability to influence. The offering automatic waivers of state state board uses controversial statute allowing every corporate standardized tests, which mistakcharter school to hire unaccreditenly compare all schools as if they ed teachers and pay them less start on equal footing when every than licensed teachers in other study shows schools in wealthy public schools has negatively neighborhoods will invariably out- impacted the perceived value of perform comparable schools in education degrees for incoming impoverished neighborhoods. college students.
TIM KRUG
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state board will be analyzing the relative weight each of these measures receives in accrediting Party: Republican schools and districts to ensure all Campaign website: stakeholders receive the most dscheffelforcsboe.com meaningful information to inform Age: 64 progress. Family: No response What do you see as the state How long have you lived in board’s role in working with Parker? More than 10 years school districts? The state Professional background: board is the governing board of Colorado Christian University the Colorado Department of EduDean of Education cation (CDE); it makes rules and Political/community experiregulations that apply to school ence: Appointed to districts and accredits public Colorado State school districts. Board of Education The board has authority to in February. release school districts from Education: Massome state statutes and regulater’s in special edutions if districts pursue flexibility cation from Universiunder the waiver statute or Innoty of Denver, Ph.D. vation for Schools Act (C.R.S. § in communication sciences and 22-32.5-108). Importantly, the disorders from Northwestern state board’s role is to support University districts so they can best serve Should the state board their students, teachers and the change how much weight is community. given to factors in rating What’s the biggest issue schools and districts, putting before the state board in the more weight on achievement coming year and how would versus growth? Both achieveyou address it? Teacher shortment and growth measures are ages are a significant challenge, important for understanding how especially for rural districts and a child is progressing educationin specific content areas like ally. Achievement measures are math, science and special educaestimated at a static point in time tion. Federal grant funds have and reflect how a student perhelped to support recruitment forms against a standard. and retention in rural districts, Achievement measures alone but supply of teachers for rural ignore the varying achievement districts has not kept up with levels where a student begins; demand. Educating high school growth is a dynamic indicator and students as to the rewards of the a good reflection of teacher effec- profession of teaching, and suptiveness. When both achievement porting and expanding relationand progress are used together, ships between colleges and Colowe get good information about rado’s rural and small districts, is the impact schools and teachers promising. Inadequate compensahave on student learning. The tion must also be addressed.
DEBORA SCHEFFEL
Boulder County Treasurer
Ballot issue 1A Alternative Sentencing Facility and Jail Modernization Countywide Sales and Use Tax Extension What it asks: “With no increase in any county tax, shall the county extend an existing 0.185 % sales and use tax set to expire December 31, 2019, for five (5) years to and including December 31, 2024, for the purpose of funding construction of an alternative sentencing facility at the Boulder County Jail and providing expanded alternative sentencing and offender management programs to keep low-risk offenders out of expensive jail beds and enable better outcomes for the jail population; modernization of the current jail building, including but not limited to, needed infrastructure replacement, renovations and repurposing to provide a safer environment and additional services to meet the mental and physical health needs of inmates, and shall the proceeds and the earnings on the investment of the proceeds of such tax constitute a voter-approved revenue change; all in accordance with Board of County Commissioner’s Resolution No. 2018-76?” What it means: The tax, if approved, would generate a projected $10 million a year between Jan. 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2024. It would fund major capital improvements including building a modern alternative sentencing facility on the jail campus and remodeling the jail to better meet the increasing mental and physical health needs of the jail population. The tax would essentially continue collections of the 0.185 percent sales and use tax Boulder County voters approved in 2014 to
fund flood-recovery efforts, although revenues would no longer be spent on flood recovery and mitigation. The new facility would house alternative sentencing programs for people who are, for example, serving work release sentences where they work during the day and are housed in the jail at night. What supporters say: It would fund major capital improvements for the county’s treatment of jail inmates and help ease jail crowding by building a large and modern alternative sentencing facility and by providing programming on the jail campus. The jail is over 30 years old and in need of major remodeling and repairs. Sheriff Joe Pelle said this is not an attempt to build a bigger jail and that alternative sentencing programs, such as work release, are over capacity. The jail also is in need of remodeling and upgrades, particularly as deputies deal with chronic overcrowding and a larger number of mentally ill inmates. What opponents say: The five-year flood recovery tax approved by voters in 2014 was a must need for the county. An equivalent sales tax rate should not be extended for jail purposes since there is already a perpetual 0.05 % county sales tax in effect for jail improvements and operations. Voters can lower the burden of Boulder County sales tax by defeating this measure and eliminating the 0.185 % tax.
What is an unmet goal or a goal with a less-than-desirable outcome from your time in Party: Democratic office so far, and how do you Age: 54 plan to meet the goal and/or Family: Wife, Brenda. Married rectify the situation? When I 20 years. Two daughters: Marisa, first ran for office, I wanted to use age 17 and Gianna, age 14 this position to be a something of How long have you lived in a “conduit” between local governBoulder County? I’ve lived in ments who provide similar servicLouisville for 32 years. I was born es, to use this office to help govand raised in Denver. ernments better coordinate with Professional background each other to provide better, and political/community expe- more efficient services for taxrience: State senapayers. Because the day-to-day tor 1993-1996, State work in the office, and the learnrepresentative 2003ing curve to do that work was 2010 (Majority Leadmuch more than I anticipated, I er 2009-2010), have not yet been able to do that. House chief of staff I am hoping to be able to do that 2011-2012, Public in the future. Trustee 2012-2014, You stepped in and saved Treasurer 2014-present. Bartend- the Boulder County Trustee er/manager 1987-2014 Office from financial insolvenEducation: University of Colo- cy. Pending a fix from the state rado, Boulder. BA Political SciLegislature, that situation will ence, 1986. University of Coloracontinue to deteriorate. Do do, Denver. Masters Public you think the treasurer and/or Administration, 2006. clerk should take on that funcAs treasurer, you’ve moved tion? Why or why not? I think the county’s money from the Treasurer’s Office taking national banks into local ones. over the Public Trustee’s Office Why, and how does that bene- could work in Boulder County. fit Boulder County residents? I’m not sure it could work in the When I took office, the county 10 other large counties where the had about $24 million in CDs governor currently appoints. I spread throughout the country. have experience and knowledge In “Treasurer’s School,” they in foreclosures and foreclosure teach you safety, liquidity (and) laws; others likely do not. The yield when investing tax dollars. I question of whether an existing add “local” to that list. We moved elected office takes over the functhe $24 million into local banks tion of the public trustee must be where that money has a local ben- part of the discussion. efit. Local banks can use this Boulder County isn’t the only investment to provide local loans county in this position — we were and capital to residents and busi- just first. Regardless of whether nesses. Additionally, since taking the Trustee’s Office ultimately office, we have invested in local gets wound up within my office school district, city, university, or not, there still is a structural and county bonds. When we can, financial problem. The fees for we are moving our investments the services done in the Trustlocal. ee’s Office have to be raised.
PAUL WEISSMANN
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Boulder County Coroner
serve our community. Now that EMMA HALL those cornerstones of the office are in place, we are able to start Party: Democratic focusing more internally with projects that include mass fatality planCampaign website: None ning, a historical committee and Age: 41 accreditation for the office. Family: Four sisters, three What steps do you plan to brothers, mother and father take to get the office accreditHow long have you lived in Boulder County? I am a Boulder ed? Accreditation is a process that can typically take an office two County native. I have years to complete. Prior to even lived here my entire starting the process, it is critical life. that an office have a solid foundaProfessional tion with an adequate facility. With background: Boulall the accomplishments that we der County Coroner, have made in the last eight years, I 2011-present; Adams feel many of our large obstacles County Coroner’s have been eliminated. The next Office medicolegal death investisteps will be reviewing our policies gator and field training officer, and procedures and implementing 2006-2008 any needed additions to ensure Political/community experithe office is up to national stanence: Boulder County Coroner, dards for the audit process. 2011-present; Colorado Coroner’s Do you think this office Association Board of Directors, should have higher term limits? June 2017-present; Criminal JusWhy or why not? In my profestice/Forensics Advisory Board; sional career, I have found that Arapahoe Ridge High School experience and stability, together board member, 2012-present; with ethical leadership, best serve Elder Justice Death Review Team the community and help to ensure co-chair, 2011-present a smooth-running office. The role Education: B.S. in criminalisof the coroner is a unique position tics/chemistry, Metro State Uniin which experience and longevity versity of Denver of staff and leadership are invaluWhat are the biggest chalable. It takes time to develop a lenges facing your office right well-rounded team, as well as trust now and how do you plan to between the many agencies the address them? In the last eight coroner works with. Maintaining years, I have worked diligently to this makes certain the focus is on handle many challenges the office the needs of the community and was faced with, including modern- not the inner workings of the izing the office to bring it up to office. Any change in management current operating standards, condisrupts this; therefore, higher structing a new and adequate facil- term limits can allow for better ity and building a first-rate team to public service.
Clerk and Recorder MOLLY FITZPATRICK Democratic candidate Molly Fitzpatrick, who is running unopposed, did not respond to requests complete a questionnaire.
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Boulder County Commissioner District 3 Lafayette, and vice chair responsible for Erie, Louisville, and Superior; member of the Activist AlliParty: Republican ance. Campaign website: Education: Bachelor of SciGaryCooper4Boulder.com ence architectural engineering Age: 71 summa cum laude from UniversiFamily: Wife, six children, ty of Colorado. eight grandchildren What would your top county How long have you lived in policy priority be, if you’re Boulder County? Five years elected? My top priority is to Professional background: grant access to the county comEntrepreneur, Realmissioners’ office to the citizens tor, developer of Boulder County. Political/comWhat county services, promunity experigrams or projects need to be ence: Director, expanded, or added, if any: Broomfield ChamWhat county services, projects ber of Commerce; or programs need to be Broomfield Economreduced or eliminated, if any? I ic Development; North Metro believe a proper assessment of all Realtor Association; Metrolist; programs needs to be undertakLakewood Soccer Association; en. The budget for Boulder CounBroomfield Soccer Association; ty has in 20 years increased from member of Westminster 710 Rota- $157,000 to over $422,000,000 ry; leadership in Imagination while the population has only Library and High School Scholar- grown 20 percent. The extreme ship program; Boulder County expansion of spending needs a Republican Party precinct comcomplete re-evaluation, in my mittee person, district captain opinion.
GARY COOPER
Boulder County Commissioner District 3
and gas, and not one another. What county services, programs or projects need to be Party: Democratic expanded or added, if any? We Campaign website: need to get to 100 percent renewMatt-Jones.org able energy as fast as we can. Not only are wind, solar and efficiency Age: 63 Family: Wife Shari and daughter cheaper and cleaner, but with climate change we owe it to our chilJessica dren to act. We need NW Rail How long have you lived in before we all die and get our fair Boulder County? 19 years share of state transportation dolProfessional background: Was an open space and trails plan- lars. I want to address not just affordable housing, but attainable ner and part-time housing. How can the county help wildland us get there? And we need to firefighter. acquire more open space to mainPolitical/commutain our unique quality of life. nity experience: I’ve always tried to build bridges State senator 2013where I could with my Republican 2018, state represencolleagues in the Legislature. But tative 1987 to 1993 and 2011 to 2013. Served as assis- as a community, we need to send Donald Trump a message from tant minority leader in the House the Boulder County Courthouse to and deputy minority leader for Conservation, Clean Energy and the White House by voting for Climate Change in the Senate. Democrats up and down the ticket. Louisville open space board. He needs to hear our voices! Education: BA in political sciWhat county services, projence, MA in political science natu- ects or programs need to be ral resource policy program, both reduced or eliminated, if any? at Colorado State University. It’s not about bigger government What would your top county or smaller government, it’s about policy priority be, if you’re better government. We need to finelected? Fight fracking. Having ish flood recovery. We still have led the fight at the state Legislaroads to fix and flood victims to ture from day one, I know the law help. For instance, this year was and have made it more protective. the county’s biggest road conI will fight fracking at every level struction year and there is more to — enforce and defend strong do. As a senator, I pushed through county rules, challenge the state bills to make it easier for the counoil and gas commission rules, ty to fix roads and cities and homechange state law to make protecowners to fix wastewater and tion the priority and campaign to drinking water treatment plants. It pass Proposition 112, the 2,500is critical that we get the federal foot oil and gas setback. People money reimbursements through fighting fracking need to fight oil the state that we are owed.
MATT JONES
tions led directly by the community and workers. I will address this crisis by building state of the Party: Green art public housing, the developCampaign website: Willmeng ment of 21st century rail transForGrassrootsPower.com portation and assisting unionizaAge: 48 tion efforts for the county Family: Wife: Mary; Kids, workforce to improve wages and Sasha, 10, Charlie, 8 benefits. How long have you lived in What county services, proBoulder County? Nine years grams or projects need to be Professional background: expanded or added, if any? Registered nurse Because of our resources and Political/community experipolitical power Boulder County ence: Thirty years can become a national leader in of volunteer communearly every effort necessary to nity organizing and protect our environment, build political activism community infrastructure and ranging from enviresources, overcome inequality, ronmental efforts to and to address the very real battles against corissues of community-directed porate power. Union decision-making. With a budget vice president of UFCW Local 7, of over $425 million Boulder co-founder of successful grassCounty can create a publicly run roots environmental organization bank to divest our tax money East Boulder County United and from for-profit financial instituthe Colorado Community Rights tions that cost us tens of millions Network that ended drilling in of tax dollars annually for loan Boulder County in 2012. maintenance. This money can be Education: Associates of used for everything from educaApplied Science, Nursing Certifi- tion to transportation, regeneracation, Truman College, Chicago, tive agriculture, renewable enerIll. gy and transition programs for oil What would your top county and gas workers. policy priority be, if you’re What county services, projelected? There are a lot of issues ects or programs need to be facing Boulder County that are reduced or eliminated, if any? interrelated but housing fuses The county needs to end its curthese issues together like no oth- rent form of statutory governer. Even by current commission- ment with rule by three people er’s descriptions we are now facand to create a home rule charter ing a crisis of quality, affordable that will open decision-making up housing for working families in to the people most affected by Boulder County, a state of affairs county policy. With this shift to that is getting worse by the year. democratic decision-making we Because 60,000 people have to can lead the effort to protect our commute into Boulder County environment from oil and gas every day as a result of housing drilling, enact the nation’s first prices and the stagnation of local county-level nurse to patient ratio wages we are forced into a seclaws, and codify paid maternity/ ondary crisis of congestion and paternity leave for county worktraffic while teachers and nurses ers. With the right leadership are forced to live outside the com- Boulder County can become a munity they serve. Because the national model for 21st century current political leadership is communities. unable to overcome these challenges we will build bigger solu-
CLIFF WILLMENG
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Boulder County Sheriff
what we can eat, drink, smoke or do in the privacy of our own bedrooms. Party: Republican Being a Constitutionalist, I am Campaign website: bit.ly/ also opposed to the proposed “Red JB4Sheriff Flag” legislation that would violate Age: 61 our rights to due process guaranFamily:Wife Amber; Son Alexteed to us by the 5th and 14th ander; Grandson Jackson Amendments of our U.S. ConstituHow long have you lived in tion. Longmont: 12 years I’m also against anything that Professional background: would restrict, infringe or elimiCEO/Founder P3 PROTECT; 38+ nate any of our God-given rights as years in high-tech industries, outlined in our “Bill of Rights” — working with, and especially the rights contained in training, law enforcethe first and second amendments. ment and governWhat is the biggest challenge ment agencies, as facing the sheriff’s office? To well as members of keep up with the rapid pace of Congress in matters technological advances and the of cybersecurity, data threats emanating not just from privacy, counter terwithin Boulder County; but, from rorism, homeland security. outside as well — possibly thouPolitical/community experisands of miles away. ence: Community experience priAside from the above, which is marily with my church. I also offer significant in and of itself, making a free seminar to schools and com- sure the sheriff’s office is provided munity groups on: “Protecting the tools and the training to effecChildren in Today’s World.” tively deal with these technologiEducation: Bachelor in Ecocal threats and to also make use of nomics and Business — Wagner new technology to increase effiCollege; Leadership curriculum – ciency, reduce risk to law enforceHarvard Business School; Doctor- ment personnel and civilians. ate in Metaphysics — ULC Our county jail which is serious Why are you the best candineed of an upgraded facility or at date for this office? We live in a the very least, expansion, repairgreatly different world then we did ing and updating the aging loca50, 30, or even 10 years ago. I feel tion. that my highly specialized and Lastly, protecting and hardening unique combined background in soft target locations like our security, privacy (especially in the schools, so that students, teachers, cyber realm), as well as homeland staff and parents are kept safe. security and counter-terrorism How is being the sheriff of along with decades of experience Boulder County unique comin high-tech industries would pared to other counties? High greatly benefit Boulder County student populations due not only and its residents now and into the because of the lower grades; but, future. also because of our higher educaI am also am a Constitutionalist tion facilities. A mixture of highand Libertarian. This means I tech and agriculture/ranching believe in a small government with industries. The large number of limited control over our lives. Fed- square miles that our county is eral, state or local government comprised of. should not be our nanny, telling us
JOHN BEDRICK
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POST-certified peace officer, which is required by state law for sheriffs. Party: Democrat What is the biggest chalCampaign website: None lenge facing the sheriff’s Age: 59 office? Jail crowding issues, outFamily: Married to Stephanie dated facilities, and an expanding Pelle for 39 years. Two grown, population of inmates with mental married children. Two grandand behavioral health issues are sons. at the top of the list. I am working How long have you lived in with the commissioners to find Boulder County: Born in Colora- and fund solutions as we speak. do, grew up in Boulder. There is also an increasing Professional background: I demand on patrol and investigahave been a peace tions that just comes with an office in Boulder increasing population on the County since 1980. Front Range. The recreational Political/comuse of our mountains has explodmunity experied, bringing increased call load ence: Elected sherfor things like search and rescue, iff for 16 years. I fire issues, and conflict between serve on a number residents, recreationalists and of boards and commissions at transients. local and state level. I have How is being the sheriff of helped lead Boulder County Boulder County unique comthrough some difficult times, pared to other counties? Boulincluding fires and floods. der County has a highly educatEducation: Master’s Degree in ed, engaged population who are Criminal Justice from the Univer- confident about their opinions sity of Colorado; bachelor’s in and eager to share their ideas. Criminal Justice and Public Being a good sheriff here means Administration from Metropolitan listening and understanding their State College. concerns and priorities. Boulder What makes you the best County is made up of a bunch of candidate for this position? I very unique communities, from have a lot of experience in this the small mountain towns along position, yet I still feel young and the Peak to Peak Highway, to the engaged and I’m not ready to suburban areas like Gunbarrel retire. I stand on a strong history and Niwot. They have different of good leadership, great charac- concerns and priorities when it ter, good performance, and a ton comes to public safety, and the of community support. I undersheriff’s office has to be flexible stand the issues involved in this and engaged in problem-solving complex job and I am actively skills to keep these communities engaged in finding answers. I am safe. the only candidate who is a
JOE PELLE
Boulder County Surveyor
What did you learn in office that you intend to use going forward in this role? I have Party: Democratic learned to delegate and to make Campaign website: time to build community. FlagstaffSurveying.com Do you think the profile of the Age: 60 office needs to be raised? The Family: Widower. Three daugh- surveyor office profile can be ters and one grandchild. raised only if the position becomes How long have you lived in full time, staffed and better fundBoulder County? 36 years ed. Surveyor yearly salary = Professional $5,500. The total budget for the background and survey office = $23,000/year. political/communiWhat needs to be done to ty experience: Promitigate the housing crisis?? fessional Land SurThe survey office county flood veyor License benchmark program has helped Number 26300. those people who have had to Elected Boulder rebuild near our flood corridors. County Surveyor since January We have saved and upgraded sur2015. Two-time speaker at the Pro- vey infrastructure. Historic docufessional Land Surveyors of Colo- ments have also been secured in rado Rocky Mountain Surveyors the dedicated records room. Summit. President-elect of the Streamlining the ADU process and CACS — Colorado Association of allowing garage-top apartments County surveyors. Certificates of may help mitigate some of the criappreciation from PLSC — 2013 sis. Raising the height limit for and 2018. Certificate of appreciagarages (currently a 20-foot limit tion from the Town of Nederland in city of Boulder) may allow for in 2000. more ADU possibilities. DecreasEducation: Bachelor of Arts ing the size of minimum lot areas Geologic Sciences from Albion may also help to create more College, 1980. building possibilities.
LEE STADELE
Assessor CYNTHIA BRADDOCK Party: Democrat Campaign website: cynthiabraddock.org Age: 60 Family: Married to Nathan Braddock. We have a blended family of six adult children and six grandchildren. How long have you lived in Louisville? 33 years Professional background: I am currently serving as county assessor. I have worked in the assessment field for more than 23 years in progressively more responsible roles in management, administrative, technical and appraisal. Political/community experience: Democrat Education: B.A. in geography from the University of Minnesota in 1981 and licensed appraiser. Are there any changes you would like to make to the office, regarding how it operates or otherwise? I will keep the office on the path of change that I started when I was sworn in as acting assessor in 2017. I will continue to streamline procedures and processes, and provide excellent public service to the property owners of Boulder County
through innovation, strong collaborative leadership and partnerships. I will maintain an open-door policy and I will engage in public outreach to ensure transparency and the best in public service. What are the largest challenges the assessor’s office is facing? With increasing property values in Boulder County, it is important for the public to have confidence in the assessor’s office. Our challenge is to assist property owners in understanding what is going on in their communities and to work closely with them to ensure that their property value is fair and equitable and to deliver timely response to their concerns. In what ways do you hope to improve the office’s interactions with the public? The Boulder County Assessor’s Office collects and maintains the most comprehensive property data in the county. This information is an important public asset which has many uses including understanding and establishing property values. I will continue to improve access to this data with innovative tools on our website. I will also work to increase transparency by reaching out into the community to increase public understanding of the role of the assessor’s office.
District Attorney
sity School of Law. What is the biggest challenge facing the Boulder County DA’s is to do justice. Party: Democrat Office? There has been a signifiPolitical/community experiCampaign website: cant increase in the number of felence: I have worked michaelforboulderda.com ony cases filed since 2013. I will on numerous projAge: 47 work tirelessly to ensure public ects leading to signifFamily: Married with 10-yearsafety and achieve progressive icant criminal justice old-twins criminal justice reform for Boulder reform. I received How long have you lived in County. The District Attorney’s Boulder County? Since late ’09 to the Innocence ProjOffice will fight for public safety ect’s Award for Advoearly ’10 through the vigorous prosecution cate for Innocence Professional background: I of serious cases and offenders, as have been a prosecutor and leader and Justice. well as reduced recidivism Education: I am a Graduate of throughout my career. From prosthrough diversion and problemecuting violent felonies to leading Nassau Community College, Cor- solving courts. The increase in the members of staff, my commitment nell University, and Boston Univer- caseload makes it difficult to do so.
MICHAEL DOUGHERTY
What makes you the best candidate for the job? I possess the experience and vision to lead the office into the future. From large to small offices, I know what it takes to be a leader, to fight for public safety and pursue meaningful reform. What sorts of changes would you like to implement if elected? We are already working on the priorities that we announced when we started. Conviction Integrity Unit, Cold Case Unit, Mental Health Pre-file Diversion Program, Problem-Solving Courts, and I am excited to partner with folks along the way.
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Berthoud Annexation Ballot Issue 3L What it asks: “Shall the Town of Berthoud be authorized to annex a parcel of property consisting of approximately 6.259 acres, more particularly described as: Case Annexation: That portion of the Northeast Quarter of Section 4, Township 4 North, Range 69 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, County of Larimer, State of Colorado, more particularly described as follows: Parcel 2A, Amended Duffy Exemption, recorded at Reception No. 97052403, Larimer County Clerk and Recorder, more particularly described as follows: Considering the North line of the Northeast corner of Section 4 as bearing South 89 degrees 59’ 58’’ West and with all bearings contained herein relative thereto: Commencing at the North Quarter corner of Section 4;
thence South 00 degrees 13’ 44’’ West, 50.15 feet to a point on the North line of Heron Lakes Lake Club Annexation To The Town of Berthoud; thence along the West and South lines of Heron Lakes Lake Club Annexation the following 2 courses and distances: South 00 degrees 25’ 45’’ West, 1337.29 feet; thence, North 77 degrees 18’ 05’’ East, 447.46 feet to the Southwest corner of Parcel 2A, Amended Duffy Exemption, said point being the Point of Beginning; thence along said Parcel 2A the following 10 courses and distances: North 07 degrees 03’49’’ West, 396.85 feet; thence, North 04 degrees 08’54’’ West, 128.40 feet; thence, North 02 degrees 15’ 08’’ West, 205.22 feet; thence, North 79 degrees 55’50’’ East, 337.02 feet; thence, South 28 degrees 00’27’’ East, 280.84 feet; thence, South 41 degrees 52’38’’ East, 164.83 feet; thence,
South 51 degrees 31’52’’ West, 107.08 feet; thence, South 54 degrees 47’05’’ West, 61.59 feet; thence South 65 degrees 29’05’’ West, 71.05 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 272,633 square feet or 6.259 acres more or less. Provided that the board of trustees, after considering the annexation application and holding a public hearing, as required by law, determines that such annexation is in the best interests of the town?” What it means: Do you support the town of Berthoud annexing an approximately 6.259-acre property known as Parcel 2A, outside the 2012 growth management area of the town at the Heron Lakes Marina Club annexation site? What proponents say: This property, owned by Heron Lakes Investments, is connected to the
Heron Lakes Marina Club Annexation, which has already been approved by voters in April and by the Town Board. The Case annexation will allow the town to incorporate that entire property. Per Berthoud Ordinance No. 1180, all new annexation west of County Road 19 must go before the Town Board, so this is merely an administrative matter. Business and development brought to town by the Heron Lakes golf course will be good for Berthoud. What opponents say: Berthoud is growing too fast already, and adding the TPC Colorado at Heron Lakes PGA Tour golf course will only exacerbate that. The course is expected to inspire the building of more than 1,000 homes in the next 10 years, not to mention the many tourists and golfers it will bring to town. The new building could impact the town’s charm.
Fire Protection District Ballot Issue 7B: Tax revenue What it asks: In order to sustain adequate fire, rescue, and emergency medical services, and only if the residential assessment rate is reduced below the current rate established pursuant to Section 3 of Article X of the Colorado Constitution, shall the Berthoud Fire Protection District (district) be permitted to adjust its property tax mill levy to offset any decrease in revenue caused by the reduction of the residential assessment rate, and shall such tax proceeds be collected and
spent by the district as voter approved revenue and spending changes in each year, without regard to any constitutional or statutory spending or revenue limitations contained in Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution and Section 29-1-301 of the Colorado Revised Statutes? What it means: Ballot Issue 7B would allow the fire district to collect property taxes at the current rate for the foreseeable future, unaffected by the Gallagher Amendment, which has consis-
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tently lowered the taxable rate on homes since 1983. What proponents say: The fire district collects 89 percent of its budget from local property taxes, but the taxable value of Berthoud homes — and revenue — has dropped in recent years as the housing market has grown. Issue 7B would give Berthoud Fire the ability to collect property taxes at the assessment rate of 7.2 percent. This number would not change in years to come, though the projected 2020 assess-
ment rates for homes is 6.11 percent. This would allow the department a guaranteed and steady revenue stream to fund the department, which is necessary since the volume of calls continues to grow as the number of homes continues to increase. Berthoud Fire has experienced a 94 percent increase in call volume since 2012. What opponents say: There is no organized opposition to this ballot issue.
Berthoud Ballot Issues 3I, 3J, 3K: Recreation Improvements What they ask:
Ballot Issue 3I: Town of Berthoud Issue regarding authorization of new 1% sales tax to finance recreation improvements Shall the town of Berthoud taxes be increased $1,400,000 (first full fiscal year dollar increase) annually for the purpose of funding parks and recreation needs within the town; such tax to consist of a rate increase in the town sales and use tax of 1.0% (which represents a one cent increase on each dollar) commending January 1, 2019; shall all revenues generated from the tax, net of the costs of collection, be deposited into a separate park and recreation fund and restricted as to use solely for parks and recreation purposes, including but not limited to: • Expanding and improving the existing town trail system; • Renovating or replacing existing aquatic facilities; • Developing, constructing and equipping a recreation center and related facilities; and • Developing, constructing and equipping athletic fields; And, to the extent funds are available, for the purpose of constructing, acquiring, equipping and operating park and recreation improvements; and shall the tax revenues deposited in the town park and recreation fund and all earnings thereon (regardless of
amount) constitute a voter approved revenue change and an exception to the revenue and spending limits of Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution? Ballot Issue 3J: Town of Berthoud issue regarding authorization for bond issuance to finance recreation improvements Shall the Town of Berthoud debt be increased $30,000,000, with a maximum repayment cost of up to $59,000,000, such debt to consist of sales and use tax revenue bonds to be payable from all or a portion of the town’s sales and use tax and issued solely for parks and recreation purposes, including but not limited to: • Expanding and improving the existing town trail system; • Renovating or replacing existing aquatic facilities; • Developing, constructing and equipping a recreation center and related facilities; and • Developing, constructing and equipping athletic fields; Such bonds to be dated and sold at such time, and at such prices (at, above or below par) and containing such terms, not inconsistent herewith, as the board of trustees may determine; and shall the earnings on the investment of the proceeds of such bonds (regardless of amount) and the funds used for the payment of the bonds constitute a voter-approved revenue change and
an exception to the revenue and spending limits of Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution? Ballot Issue 3K: Town of Berthoud Question Regarding Reallocation of Existing Sales Tax Shall Town of Berthoud ordinances be amended without any increase in taxes to be assessed or tax revenues to be generated such that revenues from the tax increase approved on November 4, 1997, by the qualified electors of the Town of Berthoud may be utilized exclusively for uses presently allowed and for the construction, operation, and maintenance of capital improvements to parks, open spaces, recreation facilities and trails?
and recreation improvements along with funds from the new sales tax increase?
office will no longer have to hand deliver notices of a special meeting to council members at their home or place of business. Instead the notice will be sent electronically. Public posting of meetings will stay the same. What supporters say: Female
council members are being misgendered under the current charter, which refers to them in masculine terms. What opponents say: There is no discernible opposition to the ballot initiative.
What proponents say:
Funding a new Berthoud recreation center would improve Berthoud residents’ quality of life by giving them local access to a high-quality aquatics center, a gymnasium, a climbing wall and studio space. The new spaces could be used by local students in a partnership with Thompson School District. The current Berthoud pool facility does not raise enough revenue to offset the costs of running it and therefore costs the city a net $100,000 per year to have, but a new facility with more varied offerings would better pull its weight by What they means: being more attractive for memberDo you support a permanent 1 ships. percent sales and use tax increase within the town of Berthoud to fund What opponents say: Parks and recreation improveparks and recreation needs within the town, including expanding and ments are “wants,” not “needs,” in improving the town’s trail system, the town of Berthoud, and do not improving the aquatic facilities, merit the risk the town will take on building a new recreation center in by issuing bonds for this project. If one of the town parks, and building the town defaults on its bonds, it will new athletic fields? And, do you sup- quite negatively and seriously port the town issuing $30,000,000 in impact the town’s finances and bonds, to be repaid with sales and credit ratings, and potentially put use tax revenue, for those parks and residents on the hook to repay the recreation improvements? And, do debt. Furthermore, a tax increase you support the town changing the impacts everyone, including those allowable uses for funds from a tax who may wish never to use the facilincrease approved by voters in 1997 ity, and it will impact the poorest to allow those funds to be put consumers most significantly as toward the town’s planned parks they struggle to make ends meet.
Broomfield Ballot Question 2B What it asks: “Shall the Charter for the City and County of Broomfield be amended in order to modernize its terms by making the language of the Charter gender neutral, allowing for electronic notice of special meetings to city council members, providing for
the posting of written notice of special meetings in a designated public location?” What it means: Replacing masculine pronouns with titles or gender-neutral pronouns when referencing mayor and council members. It also means the clerk’s
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Boulder Ballot Issue 2C
Oil and Gas Pollution Tax What it asks: “Shall City of Boulder taxes be increased $0 in 2019 and by whatever amounts are generated annually thereafter through the imposition of an oil and gas pollution tax at the rate of up to $6.90 per barrel of oil and up to $0.88 cents per thousand cubic feet of natural gas for oil or gas extracted within the Boulder city limits commencing January 1, 2019, and shall revenue from the tax be used to fund costs associated with oil and gas extraction in the city of Boulder and with the remainder used by the general fund and shall all earnings thereon (regardless of amount) constitute a voter-approved revenue change, and an exception to the revenue and spending limits of Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution?” What it means: If passed, the measure would impose a tax on oil and gas companies extracting resources in Boulder city limits of up to $6.90 per barrel of oil and 88 cents per thousands cubic feet of natural gas. It further allows the
Question 2E
city to keep any money raised by the tax and use it for general purposes as well as offsetting the costs of oil and gas development. What supporters say: Although there is no planned drilling in Boulder, supporters — including city council members and staff — say the tax will help offset the environmental, social and public health impacts of oil and gas development, which they allege are far greater than the amount of money the actual tax will raise. Supporters also hope it will discourage drilling in the unlikely event that companies express an interest in the future. What opponents say: The statewide oil and gas industry group COGA has come out in opposition of the tax, alleging that Boulder does not have the authority to institute such a tax. COGA also said that the measure could draw a legal challenge, and fails to take into account the positive contributions of oil and gas to residents and to government budgets by way of property taxes.
Ballot Issue 2D
Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Revenues What it asks: “Without raising taxes may the city keep all revenues from the 2016 voter-approved sugar-sweetened beverage produce distribution excise tax, and continue to collect the tax at the previously approved rate, and spend all revenues collected for the health-equity related purpose previously approved by the votes, without refunding to distributors the amount that exceeded revenue estimates approved by voters in 2016?” What it means: Can Boulder keep all the money raised by the sugar-sweetened beverage tax of 2 cents per liquid ounce, or should it have to return the amount that exceeded its estimates and lower the tax, as required by Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights? It isn’t yet known how much the tax would be lowered if the measure is defeated,
since it will be based on 2018 revenue. What supporters say: The tax has sent $3.2 million to various health-equity efforts, paying for things such as fresh vegetables and fruits and rec center passes for low-income residents and children. Supporters also say the tax has had the desired effect of reducing consumption. What opponents say: Critics of the tax are many, from restaurant and store owners who must raise prices or bear the cost passed on by distributors, to lowincome residents who argue it is a financial burden. Arguments against the measure are that the tax disproportionately affects the poor, that it is an example of government overreach, and that the higher-than-expected revenue demonstrates that the tax fails in its stated aim of discouraging consumption of sugary drinks.
Initiative, Referendum and Recall Process
What it asks: “Shall Sections 29, 38A, 38B, 39, 40, 44, 48, 54, 56 and 177 of the City Charter be amended pursuant to Ordinance 8272 to clarify the actions required to be taken if a candidate withdraws from a city council election; establish the number of signatures required and referendum to be at least 10 percent of the average number of registered electors of the city who voted in the previous two municipal candidate elections so as to return this number closer to the range that was in place prior to changes in federal law and registration procedures; establish the number of signatures required for a recall to be at least 20 percent of
the average number of registered electors of the city who voted in the previous two municipal candidate elections; amend the process and establish a fixed schedule for filing, review and consideration of initiative, referendum, and recall petitions so that both petitioners and city staff will have clarity and certainty; set standards for the city clerk’s examination of petitions so that this examination is completed in a timely fashion and that the possibility of fraud is minimized; provide for input from the petition committee to the city council prior to setting the ballot title to help ensure accuracy of the title; and require that an ordinance passed
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by vote of the people may only be amended by two-thirds of the council members present, and only if amendments are consistent with the basic intent of the ordinance or are necessary to come into compliance with state or federal law?” What it means: This measure covers a number of changes to the petition and election process. It changes the threshold required for a initiative to make it on the ballot, currently set at 5 percent of registered voters, and the requirement for a recall, which today stands at 25 percent of local votes cast in the previous gubernatorial election. It also changes the metrics for measuring, basing it on participation in
the past two local elections where candidates for public office were voted in, which tend to have higher turnout. What supporters say: Supporters allege the proposed new thresholds for citizen initiatives, referendums and recalls are more reasonable because they are based on actual turnout rather than registered voters. They also argue that allowing petition sponsors to have a say will increase accuracy of ballot language. Those changes, combined with limiting council’s ability to amend voter-approved laws, increases voters’ power in their government. What opponents say: There is no formal opposition to this item.
Boulder Question 2F
Initiative Petition Signature Verification What it asks: “Shall Sections 39, 46 and 57 of the City Charter be amended pursuant to Ordinace 8273 to require the city clerk, to the extent reasonably possible and so as to ensure authenticity, compare the signatures on a petition to signatures with the electronic records of the Boulder County Clerk or Secretary of State?” What it means: If passed, this will require that petition signa-
tures be verified against other records of signatures from the individuals who signed the petitions. Currently, only the name, address and date of petition signatures are required to be verified. What supporters say: Supporters claim this will ensure accuracy and reduce the possibility of fraud in the petition process. What opponents say: There is no formalized opposition to this item.
Question 2G
Electronic and Online Petitions What it asks: “Shall Sections 38, 45 and 56 be amended pursuant to Ordinance 8274 to allow the Boulder City Council to adopt ordinances that permit the use of electronic petitions and to permit online electronic signing or endorsement of initiative, referendum and recall petitions?” What it means: If passed, petitions would be allowed to be circulated and signed online or electronically, on a device such as an iPad. Paper petitions are currently required under the city charter. What supporters say: Sup-
porters say online petitions could engage more members of the public and also reduce the harassment that has been reported by petition-takers throughout the state. Denver has begun allowing What opponents say: Concerns have been expressed about security and fraud. City Council has proposed a working group to figure out implementation and address these concerns, but critics contend that questions should be settled before the ballot measure is voted on.
Question 2H
Advisory Commissions What it asks: “Shall Section 130 of the Charter be amended pursuant to Ordinance 8271 to allow council to set the number of any new advisory commission as five or seven when forming the commission; allow council to increase the size of the Housing Advisory Board from five to seven members; change the criteria to what constitutes a majority to accommodate boards of different sizes; and change the reference of “sex” to “gender identity?” What it means: If passed, council will determine how many members a board or commission will have when it is formed. Council also will add two members to the Housing Advisory Board.
Language for board participation in the city charter will refer to gender identity rather than sex. What supporters say: Supporters say determining the size of a board at its inception will create more uniformity across the city’s 21 boards and commissions, which range from five to nine members. They also say the addition of Housing Advisory Board members is needed so that more residents of diverse living situations can be represented. The change from “sex” to “gender identity” is to make the city’s language more inclusive. What opponents say: There is no formal opposition to this item.
Question 2I
Planning Department Budget Recommendations What it asks: “Shall Section 78 of the Charter be amended pursuant to Ordinance 8270 to change the time for the Planning Department to submit its recommendations for public improvements from sixty days to thirty days before the submission of the budget to be consistent with the city’s budgeting process?” What it means: Should the Planning Department have more time to prepare its recommenda-
tions for capital improvements? The current requirements mean the work has to start before all the financial information from the previous year is available. What supporters say: Allowing the Planning Department more time will increase accuracy. Boulder’s Planning Board did not oppose the change. What opponents say: There is no formal opposition to this item.
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Dacono Ballot Question 2D What is asks: “Shall the City of Dacono Home Rule Charter be amended to allow notices of public meetings and budget hearings, emergency ordinances and ordinances adopted on first reading be posted at City Hall and on the City’s website instead of in at least five public places.” What it means: Are notices posted at City Hall and on the
Public Notices
City’s website sufficient for informing the community about public meetings? What supporters say: Posting notices online and at City Hall is more efficient and reduces waste. What opponents say: Posting notices in five public places ensures more of the community will know about public meetings, hearings and ordinance readings.
Ballot Issue 2C
Dacono Ballot Issue 2E Eliminating Personnel Board What it asks: “Shall the City of Dacono Home Rule Charter be amended to eliminate the Personnel Board and to remove all references thereto?” What it means: This ballot initiative proposes to get rid of the city’s Personnel Board that advised city council on staffing matters and heard grievances from city employees. If it is eliminated, such employee grievances would be handled by other city
Dacono Ballot Question 2F
High Plains Library District inclusion
Compensation
What it asks: “Shall the City of Dacono, Colorado be included in the High Plains Library District, for which the current rate of property tax levied is 3.249 mills?” What it means: Ballot issue proposes to raise property taxes in Dacono by $70.18 per year at the current assessment rate for every $300,000 of value and the city would be included in the High Plains Library District, which would give residents access to the full catalog of items and services offered by the district’s 14 libraries across northeast Colorado. What supporters say: Dacono residents need more access to a library since the city-funded Dacono Library permanently shut its doors in January last year. Right now, Dacono residents can get High Plains Library cards, but they are limited from using some of the district’s services. If this is passed, the district has agreed
What it asks: “Shall the City of Dacono Home Rule Charter concerning compensation for elected officials be amended to also provide compensation be paid for appointed members of the boards and commissions established by the Home Rule Charter?”
with the city to build a new library facility in Dacono at some point in the future, and residents won’t have to travel as far to Carbon Valley Regional Library in Firestone. The online resources that would be offered by High Plains Library District would outnumber and be more useful than those that were available at the Dacono Library before it closed. What opponents say: Voters turned down inclusion in the library district in 2005, and this proposal would raise taxes when part of the reason the Dacono Library closed down was low participation. There also is no set date in the agreement for when the district would open a new library facility if the vote passes. Some residents might feel the High Plains Library District already provides adequate service to Dacono residents, and that additional library services are not needed.
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departments, such as Human Resources. What supporters say: This board rarely meets, few other municipalities have a board and the city has other avenues that employees can use to submit a grievance. What opponents say: There is little opposition to this initiative, and eliminating the Personnel Board has been called a housekeeping matter.
What it means: This ballot initiative proposes to start paying members of Dacono’s advisory boards and commissions, such as the Planning and Zoning Commission, Liquor License Board, Board of Adjustment and Police Advisory Board, but it does not set a rate of pay for them. Members of these bodies currently serve on a volunteer basis, and
meet when needed, as frequently as once per month. What supporters say: Being able to pay members of advisory boards and commissions would incentivize more residents to serve on them. There has been a lack of applicants to serve on some of the boards in recent years, and city council has had a hard time finding people to appoint to them. What opponents say: Serving on the city’s advisory boards and commissions is volunteer public service, and should remain so. Some residents feel members of these public bodies should continue lending their time to attend meetings.
Dacono Mayor
nesses that will prosper in Dacono and endure over time so that minimum turnover occurs. I’ve worked Campaign website: with developers to complete their facebook.com/JoeBakerDacono/ commitments with the city along Age: 49 with securing water, which is very Family: Wife, Cathy; son, important to our area as a whole. I Michael. want to stay ahead of the curve on How long have you lived in this matter and will work diligently Dacono? 12 years to ensure that Dacono is growing Professional background: forward. Automobile industry for my entire Has the temporary oil and gas career, currently at Stevinson Lex- moratorium in Dacono been us of Frederick successful, and should it be Political/commucontinued? Why or why not? nity experience: Our moratorium has proven sucAppointed to Dacono cessful; mainly in helping the city City Council in 2008, and the energy developers here in elected in 2010 and the area work closely together and Dacono mayor pro enhance our safety and allow them tem for 2009 to 2013; to complete energy development elected mayor in in Colorado while respecting the 2015; past board member of Colo- city’s integrity. I feel that the city rado Municipal League and Denand the energy companies are hapver Regional Council of Governpy with the outcome so far and ments; past President of Mountain there’s no heartburn, nor will View Fire Protection District. there be if it’s extended. Education: I attended public Do you support either the schools and have a general educastatewide Proposition 112 baltion. What advantages can Dacono lot question that would require a 2,500-foot setback from offer to businesses to make it more attractive than other Car- homes for oil and gas production, or the Amendment 74 that bon Valley municipalities? As would amend government mayor, I have focused my council and administration on positioning compensation for owners of property whose values diminDacono for smart, sustainable ish? I am not a big fan of constantgrowth with an emphasis on wellbalanced growth; we’ve rebranded ly trying to add additional propositions and initiatives to Colorado’s Dacono and have successfully already crowded book of laws. As beautified our city with many major additions including a perma- mayor, I want to focus on Dacono. Being a small municipality, nent public school for the first Dacono needs to worry about our time in Dacono’s history. I can growth and not allow these types proudly say we have a public of laws to stop progress. Too much school to offer up as an incentive, government is exactly that; too we added parks and enhanced safety zones for pedestrian traffic, much. My main focus as mayor is to promote Dacono as a whole and built a splash-park and have worked closely with the economic it’s survival in this area. development authority to better I am asking for your vote as position the city for businesses to mayor because I am committed to strive here. There’s good growth our great city and have a genuine on the horizon for Dacono. My interest in Dacono’s future. focus has been on attracting busi-
JOE BAKER
KATHRYN WITTMAN Age: 65 Family: Husband, son, daughter, granddaughters, grandson, great-granddaughters, and spouses. How long have you lived in Dacono: 21 years Professional background: Thirty-two years of professional management with a law firm and private-held corporation; including marketing, accounting, research, taxation, corporate legal and HR matters. Political/community experience: Dacono city council, Planning, Commission, Liquor board, Board of Adjustments, Habitat for Humanity, St. Vrain Valley senior board, Weld Food Bank. Education: A.S. Marketing and Management, Magna cum Laude What advantages can Dacono offer to businesses to make it more attractive than other Carbon Valley municipalities? Being on the southern tip of Weld County, Dacono is in a location butting against the I-25 corridor going east which is heavily traveled daily. Dacono is easily accessible, with access for varied businesses and residential development “in the heart” of the state. The area is a diversified region with a myriad of possibilities. All owners of privately-held business and homeowners have the luxury of more than half of the taxes assessed than all surrounding counties. The leadership of our government is friendly, knowledgeable and assists all in obtaining and growing in an expeditious manner without the excessive “hoops” of large metro areas, while still maintaining the beauti-
fication and integrity of the city. Has the temporary oil and gas moratorium in Dacono been successful, and should it be continued? Why or why not? Yes. The moratorium has allowed the city rules and regulations with regard to oil and gas to be brought to current standards, while still being able to negotiate and obtain an operator agreement with oil and gas companies. A continuance in such moratorium will enable the city to protect its citizens. Do you support either the statewide Proposition 112 ballot question that would require a 2,500-foot setback from homes for oil and gas production, or the Amendment 74 that would amend government compensation for owners of property whose values diminish? No on 112. I understand the worries of the public so that disaster does not strike as in the Firestone home. I also know that with state and federal regulations and the restrictions placed on oil and gas companies that they are even now more conscience of all safety of individuals including the environment to assure that the utmost safety standards will be upheld. Oil and gas has been a long-standing resource for all of Colorado with the income and savings to its towns and residents have been accomplished. If this measure passes it will halt all further work pulling a lot of jobs from the state of Colorado. Yes on 74. Private homes owners and business owners should not be taken advantage of or bickered with for the purchase of their property no matter who the entity. Time and hard work have made each individual property worth its fair market value and the same should be afforded to each.
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Dacono City Council
to devote more funding to acquiring more raw water resources? Yes. At our most Age: 53 recent Council Planning Session, Family: Three children one of our High Level Objectives How long have you lived in was to continue to pursue additionDacono? 5 years al base water supplies to ensure Professional background: continued development in the city. Service account manager Do you support either the Political/community experistatewide Proposition 112 balence: Dacono Councilperson for lot question that would require the last three years a 2,500-foot setback from Education: A.S. in electrical homes for oil and gas producengineering tion, or the Amendment 74 that What can would amend government Dacono specificalcompensation for owners of ly do to bring more property whose values diminbusinesses into ish? I believe in local control. the city, and what These measures would drastically kind of businesses diminish the ability of the city to do you think the adopt, let alone attempt to enforce city should reasonable regulations, limitaattract? Continue implementing tions, and restrictions upon private smart, pro-growth policies, and property. A statewide cookie-cutter ensuring developers and site selec- approach is not needed in those tors know about our performance- situations. Governments would be based incentives. Dacono is in the vulnerable to lawsuits for almost path of progress, and ensuring our every decision to regulate, or not valuable commercial corridors to regulate, making regular govalong I-25 and Colo. 52 remain ernment function prohibitively available for desirable businesses expensive for the taxpayer. has been a priority of mine while on council. Do you believe the city needs
ROBIN A DUNLAP
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SHELLYENE KETTERING Age: 47 Family: Parents, Kay and Gary Sandquist, who farm near Brentford, S.D., Brothers, Scott and Shannon Kettering. How long have you lived in Dacono? 10 years Professional background: 22 years for the same Fortune 500 company in learning and development, management, marketing and finance Political/community experience: The Dacono Planning and Zoning Commission, Liquor Licensing Board, Sharpe Farms HOA board, Weld County Achievement Days volunteer Education: B.S. in Marketing, South Dakota State University What can Dacono specifically do to bring more businesses into the city, and what kind of businesses do you think the city should attract? I am promoting “smart growth” for Dacono and would be interested in businesses that reflect the town’s diverse culture while also providing jobs. Growing too big too fast is not smart growth. Taking our time to find the right business opportunities that will embrace the town’s heritage and people will be of importance. Preserving farm land around us is both an environmental and economic issue, but we do not need more oil and gas wells. Finding the right balance of businesses that will support both safety and economic growth is critical for Dacono’s future. Do you believe the city needs to devote more funding to acquiring additional raw water resources? Yes. Water is becoming more and more of a limited resource. Water costs continue to raise and Dacono had to imple-
ment water restrictions this summer as did all of Weld County. There is huge anticipated growth for Dacono, and with growth will come more restrictions. Our sole supplier of water is the Big Thompson River, so more research and potential resources for water are needed. Do you support either the statewide Proposition 112 ballot question that would require a 2,500-foot setback from homes for oil and gas production, or the Amendment 74 that would amend government compensation for owners of property whose values diminish? I support Proposition 112 requiring the 2,500-foot set back from homes. Safety for our community is my number one priority. Andarko has plans to drill 73 oil and gas wells, all originally were within Dacono city limits, half very close to the Glens. Our townspeople spoke and Andarko agreed to move further outside the city limits. Dacono will not receive the tax revenue for those wells but the cost of health and safety risks for our citizens is higher. I oppose Amendment 74. This initiative is risky and would allow private property owners to sue the government if they believe a law or regulation has decreased the “fair market value” of their property. This proposal locks new policy in our constitution that is vague. Clarification of this constitutional amendment would have to be settled through costly litigation in our courts rather than through the legislature and, as seen in other states, passage could result in hundreds of lawsuits filed against local and state government. Virtually any law could be challenged in court. In the end, it would cost all of us.
Dacono City Council JACKIE L. THOMAS
Age: 60 Family: Husband, Rob Thomas, three grown daughters, four grandchildren How long have you lived in Dacono? Four years, have served in Dacono food bank, local church since 2001. Professional background: Project manager for a company deploying emergency response software to police and fire agencies. Political/community experience: Assisted in bringing the Weld Food Bank into the city of Dacono, and last year alone we served an estimated 28,000 meals to needful families. Education: Graduated from Longmont High School in 1976, Front Range Community College, Liberty Bible College, Bachelor of Theology What can Dacono specifically do to bring more businesses into the city, and what kind of businesses do you think the city should attract? Careful planning and research is needed, along with input from residents on needs, desires for certain types of businesses. These are questions that I am working to find answers to: What would benefit the most people? What types of businesses would attract more business to Dacono, specifically along the Colo. 52 corridor that runs directly through Dacono? Low tax options in the Dacono area need to be marketed to businesses searching for a home along the Front Range. I believe that my project management skill sets will bring valued input to the Dacono City Council. It has long been my desire to help bring new businesses to our section of the tri-town area, and also to make sure that all
of our citizens feel safe and secure while they live their lives here in Dacono. Dacono is a wonderful place to live, and an equally wonderful place to build a business. Do you believe the city needs to devote more funding to acquiring more raw water resources? Acquisition of additional water sources is always of interest when the goal is to provide the best services to our community. Do you support either the statewide Proposition 112 ballot question that would require a 2,500-foot setback from homes for oil and gas production, or the Amendment 74 that would amend government compensation for owners of property whose values diminish? I have to voice my opposition to Prop 112 . Even the candidates for governor this year, Jared Polis and Walker Stapleton, agree that Prop 112 must be defeated, despite having very different views about energy. Prop 112 threatens over 140,000 jobs in Colorado, and would eliminate over $26 billion annually in the state gross domestic product. Prop 112 would be devastating to our economy in the tri-town area and Colorado at large. I am against Amendment 74. It’s unnecessary because the Colorado Constitution already protects private property owners; it doesn’t allow private property to be taken for public use without compensation. The scariest part of Amendment 74 is how broad it is. It is totally burning the forest down on a very large scale. It could allow industrial activities to be located right beside nursing homes, day cares, and hospitals; undo noise regulations that ensure we all get a good night’s sleep; undermine local decisions on landfills and hazardous waste storage, allowing them to be located virtually anywhere.
Ballot Question 2G
Pay raise for mayor, council members and advisory board members What it asks: “Shall compensation paid to the Mayor be increased from $75.00 per month to $300.00 per meeting, and shall compensation paid to each City Councilmember be increased from $50.00 per month to $150.00 per meeting, and shall compensation be paid to appointed members of the boards and commissions established by the Home Rule Charter at a rate of $50.00 per meeting, with such compensation changes to take effect for all such elected and appointed officials on January 1, 2019?” What it means: This ballot initiative proposes to raise the pay for the mayor and city council members, as well as the currently unpaid members of the city’s advisory board and commission members. The mayor and council members are currently paid $75 and $50 per month, respectively, and the initiative’s passage would mean they would be paid $300 and $150 per meeting, respectively. If it is passed by voters, it is estimated the city would spend $28,800 on paying the mayor and
council members if they were all present and met twice per month. Paying the Planning and Zoning Commission members $50 per meeting would cost about $7,200 if all six of its members meet twice monthly, and it’s unclear what it would cost for the other advisory boards because they generally only meet when there is an issue to discuss. What supporters say: There are too many elections in Dacono that go unopposed, and paying elected officials more for their time would motivate more people to run for office. The current rate of pay for Dacono’s elected officials was last updated in 1981 and the city hasn’t kept up with other municipalities when it comes to compensation for elected officials. What opponents say: Some residents might believe that elected officials are currently paid at sufficient rates, and voters already turned down a nearly identical proposal to raise pay for the mayor and council members last year.
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Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District
Erie Question 3D
Municipal broadband authorization What it asks: “Shall the Town of Erie, without increasing taxes, be authorized to deploy broadband infrastructure used to provide advanced services (highspeed broadband internet), telecommunications services, and/or cable television services as defined by § 29-27-102 and § 29-27402 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, including without limitation any new and improved high bandwidth services based on future technologies, to residents, businesses, schools, libraries, nonprofit entities and other users of such services, either directly, or indirectly with public and/or private sector partners.” What it means: If approved, the measure would give leaders the power to explore how an alternative broadband network, such as one provided and operated solely by the town or through a publicprivate partnership, could function
in Erie. Approving the measure does not guarantee or even suggest leaders will move forward with a municipal broadband network, but rather authorizes leaders to examine the process. What supporters say: The measure itself comes at no cost to the voters, and even if an alternative broadband network is never realized, allowing the town to examine the issue and negotiate with the private sector could drive competition and spur companies to lower prices and expand services to Erie residents. What opponents say: The measure itself is an overreach of governmental powers into the realm of private business, and with no immediate plans to implement either a municipal or private partnership, the measure might have the opposite effect on negotiations and make firms less willing to operate in Erie.
Frederick Ballot Issue 2A What it asks: “Shall the town of Frederick taxes be increased by $1,950,000 annually commencing 2019 and then annually by such additional amounts as are raised thereafter from the levy of an additional sales and use tax of 1 (one) percent, beginning Jan. 1, 2019, with proceeds used exclusively for the purpose of financing law enforcement services (police services), including but not limited to law enforcement operational expenses, supplies, equipment, and capital expenditures relating to police services and shall such tax revenues be collected upon the town’s existing sales and use tax base, retained, and spent as a voter approved revenue change
and notwithstanding any revenue expenditure limit contained within Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution or any other law?” What it means: The measure would raise the town’s sales tax rate from 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent. While it is expected to generate $1.3 million in revenue, the ballot language suggests the amount is $1.95 million to protect the town from having to refund excess taxes. What supporters say: The revenue generated by the sales tax would help to fund the Frederick Police Department and pay for more officers and resources. What opponents say: Higher tax rates cost residents money.
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Ballot Issue 6A: Property Tax What it asks: “Shall FrederickFirestone Fire Protection District taxes be increased $2,982,041 (first full fiscal year dollar increase) annually, beginning in levy year 2018 (for collection in calendar year 2019) by increasing the districts existing property tax by 5.23 mills, to enable the district to continue providing critical fire, ambulance, rescue and other emergency and non-emergency support services to its fast-growing communities, and shall all revenue and any earnings on this tax constitute a permanent voter-approved revenue change within the meaning of Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution and an exception to the limita-
tions set forth in Section 29-1-301 of the Colorado revised statutes, and any other law?” What it means: Should property tax be increased by a half of a percent to raise $2.98 million for fire, ambulance, rescue and other non-emergency support services within the district. What supporters say: A slight increase in property taxes will ensure the best services for public health and safety. What opponents say: Services are adequate as they are. Should additional money be needed in the future, other means of funding can and should be pursued to keep taxes as low as possible.
Ballot Issue 6B: Property Tax What it asks: “Shall FrederickFirestone Protection District be authorized to increase or decrease its current and all future mill levies (including the additional 5.23 mills if the voters approve ballot issue 6A) only if, on or after November 6, 2018, there are changes in the method of calculating assessed valuation, including but not limited to a change in the percentage of actual valuation used to determine residential assessed valuation due to Article X Section 3 of the Colorado Constitution (commonly known as the Gallagher Amendment) so that, to the extent possible, the actual tax revenues generated by such
mill levies are the same as the actual tax revenues that would have been generated had such changes not occurred.” What it means: This measure would authorize the district to increase or decrease property taxes to ensure revenues remain stable if the method of calculating property values ever changes. What supporters say: The flexibility will ensure funding for these critical services is stable and predictable for years to come. What opponents say: Changing taxes should only be done by elected officials on direct voter approval.
Lafayette
Jamestown Ballot Question 2B
Ballot Issue 2A
What it asks: “Shall the Town of Jamestown, Colorado, no longer be required to publish in a newspaper of general circulation all proceedings related to the payment of bills, contracts awarded and rebates allowed pursuant to §31-20-202, C.R.S., but instead make such information available upon request during business hours at the town hall?” What it means: Jamestown Ballot question 2B is an ordinance concerning the publishing of the city’s bill payments, contracts, reductions and returns in a newspaper of general circulation. Indi-
Oil and Gas Pollution Tax
viduals will solely be able to attain this information at Jamestown Town Hall during business hours if this ordinance passes. The information referenced by the ballot question includes what city payments are for, the names of those who receive payments and the names of those who permitted the transactions. What supporters say: It’s an outdated ordinance, and the city is giving its residents the opportunity to opt out of it. What opponents say: There is no known opposition to this measure.
What it asks: “Shall city of Lafayette taxes be increased $0 in 2019 and by whatever amounts are generated annually thereafter through the levy of an oil and gas pollution tax at the rate of up to $6.90 per barrel of oil and up to $0.88 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas for oil and gas extracted within the Lafayette city limits from new oil wells and gas wells, and from existing oil wells and gas wells whose extraction capacity is significantly expanded, commencing January 1, 2019, and shall revenue from the tax be used to fund costs associated with oil and gas extraction in the city of Lafayette and with the remainder used by the general fund, and shall the city be permitted to collect, retain and expend all revenues derived from such tax, including any earnings from the investment thereof, as a voter approved revenue change, and an exception to the revenue and spending limits of Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado constitution?”
asking residents whether to levy an oil and gas pollution tax on extraction firms operating within city limits. If passed, the tax would be a rate of up to $6.90 per barrel of oil and up to 88 cents per thousand cubic feet of natural gas for oil or gas extracted within the city. Revenue from the tax would go toward mitigating burdens placed on the community, including potential water supply contamination, repair of the city’s transportation system and the impact on real estate impact. What supporters say: Cities proposing taxes on oil and gas drilling say they are necessary to pay for its negative impacts. The potential costs are much higher than the city could collect through regular taxes. What opponents say: The Colorado Oil and Gas Association has said it opposes such taxes on oil drillers, which are also being proposed in Boulder, because they don’t account for the benefits fossil fuels provide. Advocates who oppose drilling altogether are pushing cities to ban fracking What it means: Lafayette is full-stop.
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 37
Longmont Ballot Issue 3A
Ballot Issue 3B
Revenue bonds for funding the rehabilitation and improvement of city buildings
Revenue bonds for funding fire station renovation or replacement
What it asks: “Without increasing tax rates or imposing any new tax, shall the City of Longmont debt be increased in an amount not to exceed $16,430,000, with a total repayment cost of not to exceed $26,623,611 for the purpose of financing the rehabilitation and improvement of city buildings, including the Civic Center, Library, Safety and Justice Center, and other facilities; and shall the debt be paid from such legally available revenues, bear interest, and be sold in one series or more at a price above, below or equal to the principal amount of such bonds and with such terms and conditions, including provisions for redemption prior to maturity with or without payment of premium, all as the City Council may determine?” What it means: The ballot issue proposes selling up to $16.43 million in bonds, backed by revenues from a 2 percentage-
point portion of the city’s overall 3.35 percent sales and use tax, to finance: rehabilitation and repair work at the Civic Center Complex, rehabilitation and repair work at the Longmont Public Library, rehabilitation work at the Safety and Justice Center, and assessments and repair and renovation needs at various other city facilities. What supporters say: The various repairs and improvements to those municipal buildings will replace and upgrade mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems and improve currently exterior, building-envelope and interior areas that now are in poor condition. What opponents say: The measure would obligate Longmont taxpayers to pay $26.6 million principal and interest. This is not the time to increase the city’s indebtedness, to be paid from uncertain and variable sales tax revenues.
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What it asks: “Without increasing tax rates or imposing any new tax, shall the City of Longmont debt be increased in an amount not to exceed $9,580,00, with a total repayment cost of not to exceed $15,523,688 for the purpose of renovating or replacing Fire Stations #2 and #6; and shall the debt be paid from such legally available revenues, bear interest, and be sold in one series or more at a price above, below or equal to the principal amount of such bonds and with such terms and conditions, including provisions for redemption prior to maturity with or without payment of premium, all as the City Council may determine?” What it means: The ballot issue proposes selling up to $9.58 million in bonds, backed by revenues from a 2 percentage-point portion of the city’s overall 3.35 percent sales and use tax, to finance relocation and replacement of Fire Station No. 2, now located at 2300 Mountain View Ave., and the replacement of the current Fire Station No. 6 building at its current 501 S. Pratt Parkway location.
was built for all-male crews, the day room and kitchen are too small for the three to four firefighters assigned there 24/7, and the apparatus bays are too small to conduct maintenance and training on apparatus. Most of the fire fleet will not fit into two of the three bays, and the site itself is too small for expansion without encroaching on neighbors or street right-of-way. Fire Station No. 6, built in 1971, is too small for modern apparatus. Office, fitness and workout facilities are inadequate and there is no clean and dry storage space for equipment and supplies. There is inadequate clearance between vehicles and station heaters.
What opponents say: The measure would obligate Longmont taxpayers to pay $15.5 million principal and interest. The fire station next to the cemetery was previously converted to a fire station through a lease-back arrangement that did not require a bond. There are other ways to renovate these stations without increasing taxes or debt. This is not the time to increase the city’s indebtedness, to be paid from What supporters say: Fire uncertain and variable sales tax Station No. 2’s existing building revenues.
Longmont Ballot Issue 3C Revenue bonds for funding recreation improvements What it asks: “Without increasing tax rates or imposing any new tax, shall the City of Longmont debt be increased in an amount not to exceed $6,815,000, with a total repayment cost not to exceed $11,043,208 for the purpose of financing recreation improvements, including Centennial Pool, golf course irrigation systems, and the Ute Creek Golf Course maintenance facility; and shall the debt be paid from such legally available revenues, bear interest, and be sold in one series or more at a price above, below or equal to the principal amount of such bonds and with such terms and conditions, including provisions for redemption prior to maturity with or without payment of premium, all as the City Council may determine?” What it means: The ballot issue proposes selling up to $11.04 million in bonds, backed by revenues from a 2 percentage-point portion of the city’s overall 3.35 percent sales and use tax, to finance: renovation of the lobby, women’s and men’s locker rooms and public restrooms at Centennial Swimming Pool, replacement of the Twin Peaks Golf Course irrigation system, replacement of the Sunset Golf Course irrigation system, development of a new maintenance facility for the Ute Creek Golf Course, and other irrigation rehabilitation work at city golf courses. What supporters say: The
average useful life of a golf course irrigation system is 25 to 30 years. The Twin Peaks irrigation system is more than 40 years old, and the Sunset system is more than 50 years old. The new systems will reduce water use by 10 to 15 percent. The Ute Creek maintenance facility would replace an existing house, farm building and office trailer that have served as a temporary interim maintenance facility since Ute Creek opened in 1997, to provide adequate space for all maintenance operations, including equipment repair and secure storage for vehicles and equipment. Centennial Pool, built in 1974, has had only limited upgrades to its lobby and locker rooms, and the locker rooms and showers do not meet standards of those at other city facilities and do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. What opponents say: The measure would obligate Longmont taxpayers to pay $11 million principal and interest. The golf courses are supposed to be self-funding operations, not burdening the majority of residents to subsidize the minority of residents who can afford to play golf. The open-ended wording would allow funding to go toward the all-year ice rink that only a tiny portion of Longmont’s population would use. This is not the time to increase the city’s indebtedness to be paid from uncertain and variable sales tax revenues.
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Call 303.473.1400 or e-mail jfritz@dailycamera.com to advertise. ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 39
Mead Mayor JOYCE E. PALASZEWSKI
Campaign website: facebook.com/JEPformayor/?nr Age: 59 Family: Husband, Jerry, and we are proud parents. How long have you lived in Mead? 10 years Professional background: Project coordinator for Kenny Electric, a Denver-based electric company. Political/community experience: Mead mayor pro tem, trustee, chair pro tem of Mead Urban Renewal Authority, director Denver Regional Council of Governments. Education: BBA from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Mich. Post-Bachelor EE and Master of Education from University of Northern Colorado, Greeley Do you support either the statewide Proposition 112 ballot question that would require a 2,500-foot setback from homes for oil and gas production, or the Amendment 74 that would change government compensation for owners of property whose values diminish? Voting is a very personal choice. I would encourage all to register and vote on all ballot issues, please. Like every resident of Colorado oil and gas is in my daily life and I appreciate its importance to our local and state economic health. In Mead, we have built positive relations with oil and gas to mitigate the impacts. I would strongly urge all citizens in Colorado to get educated on Amendment 74, as it will have long range impacts in Colorado. How can the town’s funding for repairing its roads be bolstered to handle the $32 million need over the next 10 years?
Actively building positive relationships with Denver Regional Council of Governments, developers and grants are some of the ways. Mead is an active member of DRCOG and with the subcommittees that meet monthly. Through its membership the town has received a number of grants and will continue to do so. Mead Place development will build the extension of the trail to Colo. 66 at no cost to the town. They will also complete significant roadway improvements to Third Street. Furthermore, with a grant from DRCOG and money from the Mead Place development a total reconstruction of the intersection of Third and Colo. 66 will be accomplished. Currently, we are working with DRCOG to secure a significant grant to complete a pedestrian underpass that would allow pedestrians, cyclists and students to safely cross Colo. 66. The Transportation Master Plan for the town that will be approved later this year will provide a solid blueprint for moving forward. It will allow the town to successfully compete for state and federal transportation funds. Do you support opening the door to recreational marijuana sales in Mead in the future? The town of Mead has a moratorium in place to disallow marijuana dispensaries. The only way a business could locate such an establishment in Mead is to seek to have the moratorium over turned. This could be accomplished by the Mead voters. On a personal and professional level I am not in favor of a business of that nature in our community. As an advocate for local business growth I don’t feel this is a successful solution for growing and enhancing the town of Mead business community.
40 • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE
COLLEEN G. WHITLOW Campaign website: colleenwhitlowformayor.com Age: 55 Family: Husband, Jim; Children, Joshua, Tiffani; grandchildren, Norah, Bella and Harper How long have you lived in Mead? 19 years Professional background: U.S. Air Force; IBM, project manager; Janus Consulting, COO; National Guard Association of Colorado public relations director Political/community experience: Trustee, Town of Mead; president, Mead Area Chamber of Commerce; president VFW Post 9741 Auxiliary; past president, Rotary Club of Mead; Board member, Mountain View Fire Rescue. Education: Bachelor of Arts in business administration and management from Saint Leo University Do you support either the statewide Proposition 112 ballot question that would require a 2,500-foot setback from homes for oil and gas production, or the Amendment 74 that would change government compensation for owners of property whose values diminish? As a Constitutional Republican I do not approve of government impacting or infringing on the property rights of United States citizens. I am also a firm believer in oil independence, our economy, jobs, schools and the safety of our residents and children. I do understand the issues and concerns being voiced, but I do not believe that Proposition 112 is the best solution and I will be voting no on 112. I also support and will vote yes on Amendment 74 because we cannot affect the farmers and landowners who
own these mineral and water rights in Colorado. To a farmer, the mineral rights offset the operating costs and if that is taken away, many small farms will be forced to shut down. The oil and gas industry supports 232,900 jobs in Colorado which accounts for 6.5 percent of Colorado’s employment. Those workers received $23 billion in wages and added $31.4 billion back into Colorado’s economy. How can the town’s funding for repairing its roads be bolstered to handle the $32 million need over the next 10 years? As mayor, I will work with the Board of Trustees and staff to prioritize public safety projects starting with project conditions, resulting factors, scope of work, beneficiary consideration and financial consequences. We will work closely with businesses and land owners along I-25 to bring new commercial revenue to our town. The $32 million referenced above not only includes roads, but trails, bridges and drainage in Mead. Do you support opening the door to recreational marijuana sales in Mead in the future? I want to be clear and state that I do not partake in its use and do not support its use for recreational purposes. I am willing at any point to take a drug test along with my opponent. Although Colorado law states it is legal, it is still a federal offense and not allowed in most major companies. If this question is about my personal opinion, I don’t believe it would be a positive for Mead. However, as an elected official I am there to serve the people. If the voters of Mead would like to overturn the moratorium (Ordinance 277, February 2013), then as an elected official that is what I am obligated and committed to do.
Superior Mayor JACK CHANG
Campaign website: JackChangforMayorofSuperior.org Age: 45 Family: Wife and two children How long have you lived in Superior? 12 years Professional background: Executive Director of LIVEWELL Foundation; Private Equity Fund Manager Political/community experience: Independent voter, 17 years of youth basketball coach; former director and head coach of Fairview High School girls basketball feeder program; 17 years of startup mentor; Host/ MC of First Lego League/ First Tech Challenge/ First Robotics Competition; Southern Hills Middle School PTO co-president School Accountability Committee Member at SHMS What is your philosophy regarding development versus preservation in the coming years? How can Superior maintain its “small town feel” while balancing its growth, and, how should the town preserve its open space goals amid the influx of housing plans? Through a broader public engagement process, we as a town must redefine our goals and objectives for open space. We need to pre-
serve natural open space, not some vacant land that can be used to build our Superior community center on. We also need to place wildlife conservation as a priority when considering any types of development. Plans for Tesla to open shop in Superior — and the process behind its approval — were the cause of much debate when they were unveiled earlier this year. If elected, how will you encourage and foster new business opportunities in Superior? Furthermore, what do you think is the public’s role in the process for approving new businesses? If elected as mayor, I will get rid of executive sessions, and encourage new businesses to go through a broader public engagement process to earn our town residents’ approval and earn our town residents’ business. Plans for a recreation center available to the community have stalled multiple times in the past couple years. What do you think is the best approach for ushering in such a facility? Clint Folsom is the reason why we still do not have our own Superior Community Center. Through a broader public engagement process that has our residents’ best interest and input in mind, not like Clint who only had the two private entities’ best interest in mind.
in Superior — and the process behind its approval — were the cause of much debate Campaign website: when they were unveiled earliFolsomForMayor.com er this year. If elected, how will Age: 48 you encourage and foster new Family: Wife: Leslie, two sons: business opportunities in Nick, 12 and Colin, 13 Superior? Furthermore, what How long have you lived in do you think is the public’s role Superior? 20 years in the process for approving Professional background: new businesses? Every new Owner/Broker at Folsom and business that makes an investCompany Real Estate, a residenment in our town represents tial real estate brokerage firm important momentum and it’s that represents critical that we keep this momenhome buyers and tum going if we want to maintain sellers. a strong sales tax base for our Political/comtown. As mayor, my economic munity experidevelopment activities will continence: Planning ue to be a combination of workcommissioner, town ing with our existing businesses of Superior (2008to help support business reten2014); mayor, town of Superior tion and working with our resi(2014 to present) dents, business leaders and our Education: BA, Business, Uni- town advisory committees to versity of Colorado at Boulder, identify new business opportuni1993 ties that will help support the What is your philosophy needs of the community. regarding development versus Plans for a recreation center preservation in the coming available to the community years? How can Superior have stalled multiple times in maintain its “small town feel” the past couple years. What while balancing its growth, do you think is the best and, how should the town pre- approach for ushering in such serve its open space goals a facility? Solving Superior’s recamid the influx of housing reation needs will need creative plans? Superior’s remaining thinking and most likely a combigrowth will occur within our nation of strategies instead of existing 4-square-mile boundary building a single new facility. The and most of the larger remaining Downtown Superior development parcels available for development master plan includes space for a have projects already occurring community center. Within the or in the planning stages. Our pri- next year, the town board should ority is to ensure that developbe seeing concept plans for the ments meet design guidelines development of the downtown and the desires of the community core area which should include so we can preserve Superior’s this community space. This will small town appeal. As mayor, I be one of the most important will support community involvetasks of the next Board of Trustment to update our town’s Comees to design and finalize this prehensive Plan. This document, space with help from residents last updated in 2012, should repand our advisory committees. I resent the current desires and would also like to revisit our values of residents to make sure existing and underutilized spaces the remaining undeveloped sites such as our two outdoor pools in town have anticipated uses that which are both closed for nine are consistent with the communi- months out of the year. These ty’s desires including the acquisi- sites are already ideally located tion of select parcels as open and should be expanded and space when appropriate. upgraded to provide benefits for Plans for Tesla to open shop our residents year-round.
CLINT FOLSOM
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 41
Superior Mayor
Superior Board of Trustees
open space tax several years ago. That money should be spent to preserve the limited amount of property available into Open Age: 76 Space! Now! Those dollars are Family: Widow with two dogs sitting, waiting to SAVE property How long have you lived in for Open Space! Not houses — Superior? 1970 to 1982/rented houses aren’t helping our Town property/as widow moved back atmosphere. in 1993 Plans for Tesla to open shop Professional background: in Superior — and the process Insurance agent/local/county/ behind its approval — were federal government the cause of much debate Political/community experiwhen they were unveiled earlience: Town clerk 1970 to 1973/ er this year. If elected, how will created Superior you encourage and foster new Volunteer Fire business opportunities in Department, fireSuperior? Furthermore, what fighter for nine do you think is the public’s role years/Colorado in the process for approving State Grange comnew businesses? 1. Without munity service knowing present town board director for nine direction to staff regarding sceyears/County -2 Historic/crenario I would hire a professional ation of recycling program/ — as was done years ago to National Archives research review issue. assistant Superior Marketplace owner Education: Insurance/medihas told town board “Superior is cal/publishing/victim advocate not a high draw.” Needs massive and citizens academy courses attention — now! What is your philosophy 2. Tesla scenario is absolutely regarding development versus disgusting! Public role will cerpreservation in the coming tainly be “in open” discussions years? How can Superior and not behind closed doors! The maintain its “small town feel” Planning Commission process is while balancing its growth, and, how should the town pre- what is designed to include public at any level. Few residents get serve its open space goals involved in/with Planning Comamid the influx of housing mission — which then goes to plans? 1. Cease any further development — right now — the town board. Plans for a recreation center average resident needs to know available to the community town manager/town board relationship/direction – i.e. executive have stalled multiple times in meeting with instructions to town the past couple years. What manager by town board re: devel- do you think is the best approach for ushering in such opment and town manager proposals to town board before I can a facility? Superior is a “condesign a plan for future growth — tract” town — i.e. contract for there is to much secrecy and not municipal tasks/repair/replacement/authority protection/etc. — enough open door policy. as long as there is a “contract” 2. We no longer have a “small available at a neighboring recretown feel” — we lost it with STC ation center — i.e. Louisville/othand Tesla deal by town manager ers a recreation center won’t get — opening doors re: new busiapproved by town voters and will ness manipulations — besides certainly save the monumental staff/town board hasn’t created the type of housing needed — i.e. amount of dollars to build/maintain/not joining buildings for senior/low cost. activities. 3. Town voters approved the
in Superior — and the process behind its approval — were the cause of much debate when they were unveiled earlier this Campaign website: year. If elected, how will you theresaclarkforsuperior.com encourage and foster new busiAge: 55 ness opportunities in Superior? Family: Married, four children Furthermore, what do you think How long have you lived in is the public’s role in the proSuperior? Five years cess for approving new busiProfessional background: Twenty years-management/prod- nesses? I will ensure we create a resident-focused economic develuct innovation/implementation in opment plan and integrate that technology/telecommunications. plan into our town’s management Three U.S. patents. structure with clearly defined and Political/commumeasurable objectives. In addition nity experience: Coto actively seeking new business leader - Superior opportunities, collecting ecomBrownie Troop merce sales tax revenue and 76907, president/ requiring developers to preserve Waterford HOA, commercial space for our town, instructor/patroller this plan must include collaboratNational Ski Patrol, ing with our town’s existing comwilderness first responder, volunmercial property and business teer/Bixby School, Vice Chair owners to ensure that our town is BoD/Boulder Community Monprepared for the new age of retail tessori, Pet Therapy Team/BCH, and restaurant industry growth. It member/St. John’s Episcopal is essential to prioritize residents’ Church public comments over my personal Education: EMBA, University of Colorado; BBA, Economics and opinion in making decisions for Marketing - Georgia State Univer- our town. Our town is highly educated, our amazing residents sity remain the best source of informaWhat is your philosophy regarding development versus tion about future needs. Plans for a recreation center preservation in the coming years? How can Superior main- available to the community have stalled multiple times in tain its “small town feel” while balancing its growth, and, how the past couple years. What do you think is the best approach should the town preserve its for ushering in such a facility? open space goals amid the Our town’s plans for a recreation/ influx of housing plans? I will community center have stalled continue to advocate that the few because, beyond the concept that remaining developments within Superior preserve our “small town our town’s residents want a recreation/community center, we have feel” by adhering to our town’s yet to come to a general agreeguidelines and plans. Developer’s ment on the uses, location and palconcept plans for the remaining atable financing for the center. Our undeveloped lands are for hightown’s Parks Recreation Open density residential developments. The plans adversely affect the very Space Trails Advisory Committee’s 2014 survey identified resireasons we choose to live here in dents’ initial aspirations for the terms of open space, our environcenter, and our town’s newly comment and traffic, and artificially missioned Cultural Arts and Public determine the value of land to a cost exceedingly expensive for our Spaces Advisory Committee is excellently suited to facilitate the town’s open space. I will seek appropriate uses for our town’s 0.3 public engagement process to determine the public space design percent open space sales/use tax and evaluate opportunities for pur- criteria for the center. I commit to chasing lands adjacent to our town a comprehensive public engagement process to determine the ensuring we maintain the quality of life our existing and future resi- best uses, location and financing for this exciting opportunity for dents expect. our town. Plans for Tesla to open shop
GLADYS FORSHEE
42 • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE
THERESA CLARK
Superior Board of Trustees
else, we don’t compromise what makes Superior special. As a CPA, I will apply my skillset to identify the right amount of Campaign website: growth to support a diverse tax lishforsuperior.com base and ensure a safe and susAge: 32 tainable financial future for the Family: Wife Vicki, son Finn, town. daughter name TBD later this Plans for Tesla to open shop year in Superior — and the process How long have you lived in behind its approval — were Superior? Six years the cause of much debate Professional background: CPA specializing in auditing gov- when they were unveiled earlier this year. If elected, how will ernment programs for economy, you encourage and foster new efficiency, and effecbusiness opportunities in tiveness. Superior? Furthermore, what Political/comdo you think is the public’s role munity experiin the process for approving ence: Town leader new businesses? Superior has as the chair of the an underfunded economic develSuperior Open opment program, spending an Space Advisory average of $60,000 on the proCommittee (chair for three years, member for five). gram annually over the past five Seasoned community advocate on years. I would increase our investment in the program to topics including public safety, ensure Superior’s long-term development, traffic, fiscal financial viability, and leverage responsibility, and recreation. the program to attract a diverse Education: MBA and BBA from St. Bonaventure University, mix of service, technology, and retail businesses to our communicertified public accountant, and ty. As for the public’s role in the certified fraud examiner process, I believe in open and What is your philosophy regarding development versus inclusive leadership. Decisions should be transparent, the public preservation in the coming should be engaged, and the comyears? How can Superior munity should have a voice in the maintain its “small town feel” process. while balancing its growth, Plans for a recreation center and, how should the town preavailable to the community serve its open space goals have stalled multiple times in amid the influx of housing plans? Superior’s family friendly the past couple years. What values, close-knit community, and do you think is the best approach for ushering in such open space experiences are why a facility? Since the last formal my family and so many others live here. Furthering these values recreation/community survey in 2014 we’ve seen the emergence and keeping Superior the best place to raise a family is why I’ve of private recreation facilities in volunteered hundreds of hours to Superior, and upgrades to recreation facilities in neighboring citour town as the chair of Superiies. We need new data and comor’s open space committee. We munity engagement to ensure need leaders who won’t compromise on these values, but can bal- we’re not making decisions based on obsolete information. A recreance enough growth to support ation center is a big investment our businesses and a thriving for a town the size of Superior. downtown and Marketplace. Once the community has been Without additional growth, we’ll fully engaged, needs have been continue to see high vacancy rates in the Marketplace, an over- identified, and partnerships with reliance on big-box stores for tax existing facilities have been fully explored, we must ensure that a revenue, and a downtown that will be destined to struggle. As a new facility can be built and operated in a fiscally responsible manfather and current town leader, I will use my perspective and expe- ner. rience to ensure that, above all
KEN LISH
NEAL SHAH Campaign website: voteforneal.com Age: 44 Family: Wife Laxmi; kids Rohan and Ashna. Oh, and Ginger, our rescue mutt How long have you lived in Superior? Since 2009, although my parents have lived here since 2000 Professional background: Chief financial officer of NioCorp Developments, a public company. Prior experience includes finance positions at Intel, Molycorp, and IBM. And airplane building at Boeing. Political/community experience: Actively involved in neighborhood organizing efforts and also volunteer my time with a Denver-based startup. Education: M.B.A. Purdue University; B.S. in Mechanical Engineering CU Boulder What is your philosophy regarding development versus preservation in the coming years? How can Superior maintain its “small town feel” while balancing its growth, and, how should the town preserve its open space goals amid the influx of housing plans? Preservation and expansion of open space should be a core goal of our community. Those values are foundational to our city. They are what drew my family to come and live in Superior in the first place. Balancing development and preservation is a challenge, but there are common sense ways to accomplish this. For example, why not work with developers to increase the density of new housing projects, so we can minimize project footprint, but do that in a way that maximizes open space by not simply cramming more houses into less space? Many communities across the country have been able to achieve this balance. We can do the same here in Superior. Plans for Tesla to open shop in Superior — and the process
behind its approval — were the cause of much debate when they were unveiled earlier this year. If elected, how will you encourage and foster new business opportunities in Superior? Furthermore, what do you think is the public’s role in the process for approving new businesses? As the commercial footprint of our city grows, we diversify our sales tax base and improve the financial footing of the city. And as that financial footing improves, the city can implement infrastructure investments. Therefore, we residents have a vested interest in helping drive the success of new and existing businesses. But growing that footprint must be done in a balanced manner. Incentives offered to businesses can play an important role, but the public must have a say in this process. Do citizens have a right to be somewhat picky about how we use our tax dollars to incentivize businesses? Absolutely. If these processes are done with full transparency and an open dialogue among our community, they will be a winwin for all involved. Plans for a recreation center available to the community have stalled multiple times in the past couple years. What do you think is the best approach for ushering in such a facility? As I observed, the recreation center began as a community center but then morphed into a fullfledged recreation center without full community buy-in along the way. True community engagement requires early engagement of a true cross-section of our community. That takes a lot of pro-active work by city officials. I’m a big believer in open “town-hall” type meetings and round-table brainstorming sessions to give citizens a chance to speak up and speak out. So, my recommendation would be to start at the grassroots level and continue ongoing dialogue as we work our way through that process. That way, the final outcome will have strong community buy-in, regardless of the end result settled upon.
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 43
Superior Board of Trustees LAURA SKLADZINSKI Campaign website: lauraforsuperior.com Age: 33 Family: Single How long have you lived in Superior? Four years Professional background: Director, Management Consulting at Pricewaterhouse Coopers. I evaluate new business opportunities for clients in retail and consumer markets, and develop / manage plans for successful implementation. As trustee, I’ll bring these problemsolving skills to the many opportunities that come to our town. Political/community experience: Author of Colorado Innovation Network’s “Talent in Colorado” report. Former consultant to the city and county of Denver. Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations, Cornell University What is your philosophy regarding development versus preservation in the coming years? How can Superior maintain its “small town feel” while balancing its growth, and, how should the town preserve its open space goals amid the influx of housing plans? With the limited supply of undeveloped land, we must prioritize using our open space fund to buy/designate new open space. Our board should direct town staff to proactively investigate OSAC’s list of recommended properties and take action. Otherwise, we’ll have open space funds earmarked but nowhere left to spend them. As for development, we must update our 2012 Comprehensive Plan and create a more balanced residential/business mix. Our residents leave town for work and play, and we have relatively low sales tax revenue; the board should proactively welcome service businesses that won’t be shuttered by ecommerce, and develop unique experiences (e.g., farmers markets, Food Truck Fridays) that build community and attract visitors. Plans for Tesla to open shop in Superior — and the process
behind its approval — were the cause of much debate when they were unveiled earlier this year. If elected, how will you encourage and foster new business opportunities in Superior? Furthermore, what do you think is the public’s role in the process for approving new businesses? The Tesla negotiations were marred by lack of transparency; let’s use technology to improve communications. For several months, I’ve recapped town meetings at lauraforsuperior.com; I want to establish student internships to continue this work. Our town website should add transcripts and searchable videos, and allow residents to provide public comment from home. We offer many one-way communications, but need more two-way dialogue. If elected, I’ll work hard to change Superior’s reputation as being difficult to do business with. As a management consultant, I understand businesses’ needs and am well-positioned to negotiate with developers / business owners. Our board needs to more strictly adhere to our design guidelines, and create a simplified checklist for compliance. If requirements are clear, with deviations identified/explained, the application process can be significantly streamlined. Plans for a recreation center available to the community have stalled multiple times in the past couple years. What do you think is the best approach for ushering in such a facility? From previous proposals, it’s clear that private enterprise can do a far more efficient job of providing recreational facilities than our town. We shouldn’t spend more taxpayer resources investigating fitness amenities that are already available nearby (e.g., at Lifetime Fitness). However, there’s strong desire for community space, which isn’t being filled by the private sector. We need to engage residents to define needs layered with willingness-to-pay, then partner/build to provide those price-conscious amenities — rather than designing a state-of-the-art facility residents won’t fund.
44 • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE
ANTHONY STEWART Age: 54 Family: A husband and proud father of three How long have you lived in Superior: 22 years Professional background: Business owner/operator in health care Political/community experience: Sitting planning commissioner; a youth sports coach, mentor and member of the Superior Chamber of Commerce Education: Metropolitan State University of Denver, Webster University and Master Health Care Administration What is your philosophy regarding development versus preservation in the coming years? How can Superior maintain its “small town feel” while balancing its growth, and how should the town preserve its open space goals amid the influx of housing plans? Superior doesn’t have a lot of room to grow, so we want to make sure that we balance existing development projects with the need to protect our open spaces for future generations. For instance, I support expanding the Superior Downtown Center, but as a trustee, I’d want to make sure that it would be done in a way that preserves our quality of life. That said, all development projects should meet the requirements of the Superior Comprehensive Plan. Plans for Tesla to open shop
in Superior — and the process behind its approval — were the cause of much debate when they were unveiled earlier this year. If elected, how will you encourage and foster new business opportunities in superior? Furthermore, what do you think is the public’s role in the process for approving new businesses? I was thrilled to hear that Tesla would be coming to Superior. I believe their mission of advancing sustainable transport by bringing electric cars to the mass market aligns with the ethos of our region. However, I understand that there are concerns about the approval process related to this project. As a trustee, I would support transparency and openness in all government decisions that affect our community. Plans for a recreation center available to the community have stalled multiple times in the past couple years. What do you think is the best approach for pushing in such a facility? I believe one approach would be to partner with the city of Louisville to create an agreement that would allow residents of Superior to use the recreation center there. As it stands, the cost is prohibitive for us to build our own recreation center. Therefore, moving forward, I believe it is important that we make sure that every resident is involved, and understands the costs associated with building and maintaining such a facility.
Superior Board of Trustees DALTON VALETTE
Campaign website: daltonvalette.com Age: 22
Family: Dad, Mom, three sisters, and two dogs
And for residential development, Superior should look toward catering to groups of individuals (firsttime homeowners, downsizes, senior citizens) who don’t have as many options for housing in Superior as others.
Plans for Tesla to open shop in Superior — and the process How long have you lived in behind its approval — were the Superior? My entire life cause of much debate when they were unveiled earlier this Professional background: Congressman Jared Polis’ Boulder year. If elected, how will you encourage and foster new Office, Boulder business opportunities in SupeCounty Youth Corps, rior? Furthermore, what do you C-SPAN, and Drew think is the public’s role in the University process for approving new Political/commubusinesses? We want to encournity experience: age diverse businesses to open up Lifelong resident of and I believe Tesla, Ethan Allen, Superior, communiCostco, and Whole Foods to name cation director for Phil Murphy gubernatorial race, campaign advi- a few indicate that businesses want to be in Superior. However, I agree sor for Tay Anderson for Denver the process around Tesla could Public School Board. have been improved. But this isn’t Education: Pursuing a master solely Tesla related. Plenty of proof studies in law at University of posals and developments appear to Colorado School of Law, Bachelor come out of the blue for residents. of Arts in Political Science from This is why I am proposing a “legDrew University islative tracker” online. This would operate similar to what can be What is your philosophy regarding development versus found on the Colorado Legislature’s website and even on the preservation in the coming years? How can Superior main- Dominos pizza app which shows the process until completion. This tain its “small town feel” while balancing its growth, and, how “legislative tracker” would offer a easy to access visual guide to proshould the town preserve its posals and developments, offer open space goals amid the facts of the matter, and detail past influx of housing plans? I was and upcoming meetings about said born and raised in Superior and legislative item while updating its have seen development expand progress so residents can know and open space diminish. That very open space was land I used to when they can still be engaged explore as a kid, searching for coy- with trustees on the issue. otes, great horned owls and bald Plans for a recreation center eagles. Development is inevitable available to the community in some areas, but trustees need have stalled multiple times in to be sure there isn’t development the past couple years. What do simply for development’s sake. you think is the best approach There are a number of parcels of for ushering in such a facility? I land in Superior which would believe the residents have spoken make for prime designated open time and time again that a recrespace. For commercial developation center in Superior is not a ment there is great potential to priority. There are countless other encourage unique development. I options for residents around Supewant to make Superior a destinarior, outdoors, and at our pools. A tion and that can be done by partnership with the newly renoensuring a successful downtown vated Louisville recreational cenand Superior Marketplace which ter would be a more cost effective offers needs and wants which can’t alternative. be found in neighboring towns.
Knollwood Metropolitan District Ballot Issue 6C What it says: “Shall Knollwood Metropolitan District debt be increased up to $2,750,000, with a repayment cost of up to $6,825,000 and shall district taxes be increased up to $285,000 annually to pay such debt, such debt to be used for capital improvements of the district, which may include but are not limited to: Upgrades and replacements of water system, including mains and laterals; General upgrades to the water treatment and delivery system; Payment of plant investment fees and/or annexation fees; Acquisition and adjudication of water rights; Street infrastructure improvements related to water system improvements; Payments related to water system improvements And shall the mill levy be increased in any year, without limitation of rate, but only in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such debt and the debt or any refunding debt (or to create a reserve for such payment); such debt to be evidenced by the issuance of general obligation bonds or any other multiple year financial obligation of the district; such bonds to be sold in one series or more, for a price above or below the principal amount of such series, on terms and conditions, and with such maturities as permitted by law and as the district may deter-
mine, including provisions for redemption of the bonds prior to maturity with or without payment of the premium of not to exceed three percent; and shall such tax revenues and the earnings from the investment of such bond proceeds and tax revenues be collected, retained and spent as a voter approved revenue change under Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado constitution or any other law?” What it means: In order to be annexed into the city of Boulder, improvements have to be made and various other expenses have to be addressed. This ballot issue will ensure funds will be available to do so. If the measure passes, as early as February 2019, Knollwood Metropolitan District will be voting on whether or not to be annexed into the city of Boulder. This ballot issue will only increase debt to the amount required to complete the annexation process. The mill levy increase will be used to pay for the principle and interest on the loan. What proponents say: Currently, water within the Knollwood Metropolitan District is hard, and some residents would like to be able to buy and use Boulder water. Taking on the debt will allow for annexation to be completed, and residents of the Knollwood Metro District to buy Boulder water. What opponents say: There is no organized opposition to this ballot issue.
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 45
Lefthand Fire Protection District Ballot Issue 6B
Gallagher Revenue Stabilization What it asks: “Shall Lefthand Fire Protection district be authorized to increase or decrease its current and all future mill levies only if, on or after November 6, 2018, there are changes in the method of calculating assessed valuation, including but not limited to a change in the percentage of actual valuation used to determine residential assessed valuation due to article X section 3 of the Colorado constitution (commonly known as the Gallagher Amendment), so that, to the extent possible, the actual tax revenues that would have been generated had such changes not occurred?” What it means: If the ballot measure is approved, it would allow Lefthand Fire Protection District’s board raise its mill levy when the residential assessment rate is lowered, and fall back if the rate were to rise, making the revenue generated for the fire district less unstable. The ballot would potentially decrease future tax relief for homeowners that is provided by
the Gallagher Amendment. What supporters say: The measure addresses the economic issues facing the Lefthand Fire Protection District with an 18 percent call volume increase since 2013, coupled with the loss of revenue caused by the Gallagher Amendment. The fire district is not seeking a tax increase, but is seeking the authorization to adjust its mill levy to keep the property tax revenue it will otherwise lose as a result of the reduction in the residential assessment rate. What opponents say: The measure will potentially reduce the tax relief of the Gallagher Amendment by increasing the amount of property taxes paid on residential properties. Homeowners in the district will lose the potential financial benefit of any further reductions in the residential assessment rate that may occur. Non-residential property owners could see a net increase in property taxes, as they will not see a corresponding decrease in the assessment rate for their property.
Mountain View Fire Rescue District Ballot Issues 7J What it asks: “Shall Mountain View Fire Rescue District’s taxes be increased $6,516,579 (first full fiscal year dollar increase) annually, beginning in levy year 2018 (for collection in calendar year 2019) by increasing the district’s existing property tax by 4,500 mills to be used by the district for the purpose of providing proper fire protection, emergency response and safety for the residents, property owners, and businesses served by the district, including but not limited to: repairing and replacing aging emergency vehicles, apparatus and equipment; replacing outdated communications equipment to improve communications among first responders and dispatchers in Boulder and Weld counties; constructing up to three additional fire stations and strategically adding firefighters/EMTs districtwide to maintain emergency services and protect response times and; repairing and improving existing fire stations to extend their useful life; with all revenue spending disclosed in an annual
independent audit available o the district's website; and all revenue and any earnings on this tax constituting a permanent voter approved revenue change within the meaning of Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution and an exception to the limitations set forth in Section 29-1-301 of the Colorado revised statutes, and any other law?” What it means: The tax increase would be an additional $32 of annual property tax per $100,000 of actual home value for residents. The money would go toward three new fire stations, in addition to more personnel and vehicle and communication system upgrades. What supporters say: The increased revenue is needed to fund Mountain View Fire District, which has seen the population within its service area double over the past 15 years. What opponents say: The growth of the district and increased population should result in enough additional revenue without raising property taxes.
Rocky Mountain Fire Protection District Ballot Issue 6A What it asks: “Shall Rocky Mountain Fire Protection district be authorized to increase or decrease its current and all future mill levies only if, on or after November 6, 2018, there are changes in the method of calculating assessed valuation, including but not limited to a change in the percentage of actual valuation used to determine residential assessed valuation due to article X section 3 of the Colorado constitution (commonly known as the Gallagher
Gallagher Revenue Stabilization future tax relief for homeowners Amendment), so that, to the extent that is provided by the Gallagher possible, the actual tax revenues Amendment. that would have been generated What supporters say: The had such changes not occurred?” measure addresses the economic What it means: If the ballot issues facing the Rocky Mountain issue is approved, it would allow Fire Protection District with the the Rocky Mountain Fire Protec- current reduction of its residential tion District’s board to raise its mill assessment ratio. The fire district levy when the residential assess- is not seeking a tax increase, but is ment rate is lowered, and fall back seeking the authorization to adjust if the rate were to rise, making the its mill levy to keep the property revenue generated for the fire dis- tax revenue it will otherwise lose trict less unstable. The ballot mea- as a result of the further reducsure would potentially decrease tions in the residential assessment
46 • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE
rate. What opponents say: The measure will potentially reduce the tax relief of the Gallagher Amendment by increasing the amount of property taxes paid on residential properties. Homeowners will lose the potential benefit of any further reductions in the residential assessment rate that might occur. Non-residential property owners might see a net increase in property taxes, as they will not see a corresponding decrease in the assessment rate for their property.
RTD District O
youth pass. I believe that these passes, as well as the EcoPass, the College Pass, the Neighborhood Party: Democratic EcoPass and others benefit RTD Campaign website: in terms of revenue and ridership, Lynn4RTD.com take cars off the road, and should Age: 61 be supported. Family: Two sons, Griffin and What are the largest transCooper Bohm portation issues that District O How long have you lived in faces? Traffic and congestion are Boulder? 38 years major issues for the region. In Professional background: terms of transit service, RTD’s Owner of Catalyst Communicafinancial problems and difficulties tion, a small business that partners hiring bus drivers are leading to with cities to proservice reductions. Transportation mote alternative is now the single-largest source of transportation greenhouse gas emissions, and options. alternative transportation needs to Political/commube part of the solution. nity experience: What are your plans to tackle Past chair of the those challenges? RTD is a Boulder Transportahuge district with lots of moving tion Advisory Board, and member parts. The RTD Board consists of of the Commuting Solutions 15 directors, each representing a Board, Community Cycles Capital different Denver-area district. Campaign Committee, Boulder After running a business and Housing Partners Foundation and working on transportation issues Colorado Fourteeners Initiative. I in the community for years, I have also taught land use planning and the experience, drive and commitlocal government at CU Law ment needed to work well with School. other board members to achieve Education: Juris Doctor, CU our goals. I look forward to getting Law School to know these directors and seeing What do you hope to accom- where we have common ground. I plish as a member of the RTD also will be working to understand board of directors? I will lead and creatively help address the the efforts for frequent, reliable, significant financial and other chalaffordable transit service in Dislenges facing RTD. I will encourtrict O and the northwest corridor. age RTD’s ongoing efforts at longI will push to update analysis of range planning. This means RTD possibilities for Northwest Rail, should expand planning for its role which was promised in FasTracks. and function if revenues continue I will also strive to move forward to be limited, and for the role of with frequent, efficient bus rapid the transit agency in a future with transit (BRT) on highways 119, 7 changing transportation options. and 287, among other improveThis should include planning to ments. I support passes and other move to an electric bus fleet, and efforts to help those with low to create pilot programs that incomes and the transit-depenexplore relationships with transdent. I was glad to see the RTD portation network companies and board recently approve a low-inautonomous vehicles. come discount and expand the
LYNN GUISSINGER
Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Ballot Issue 7G What it asks: “Shall urban drainage and flood control district taxes be increased $14.9 million in 2019 (resulting in an annual tax increase not to exceed $1.97 in 2019 for each $100,000 of actual residential valuation) and by such amount as may be raised annually thereafter from a levy not to exceed 1.0 mills to pay for district work in coordination with local governments, including: 1. Maintaining early flood warning gauges to provide potential evacuation warnings, 2. Providing trails, wildlife habitat, and recreational access to residents by preserving thousands of acres of parks and open space in floodplain areas which protect the environment and private property, and 3. Removing debris, garbage and obstructions from streams, creeks and rivers resulting in reduced risk to the health and safety of residents, protecting property, and restoring natural beauty; with the district’s entire mill levy rate subject to statutory caps and to adjustment to offset refunds, abatements and changes to the percentage of actual valuation used to determine assessed valuation; and shall all district revenues be collected, retained and spent notwithstanding any limits provided by law?” What it means: This ballot issue proposes restoring district funding to the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District. If this measure is passed, the district would cooperate with local gov-
ernments to institute preventive and precautionary measures concerned with flooding. Additionally, the special taxing district would help to open floodplain trails and parks for recreational access, and ensure the areas remain clean and sanitary. Annual property taxes would be raised $1.97 in 2019 for each $100,000 of residential valuation for residents in the Denver metropolitan area. What supporters say: The Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Ballot Issue 7G would help to protect residents in the Denver metropolitan area by providing funding to flood prevention measures, and ensuring that waterways remain sanitary. In addition to protection, funding also would be allocated to the preservation of trails and parks located in areas prone to flooding. The property tax increase is insignificant in comparison to the safety benefits millions will receive if this measure is passed, supporters say on the website, yeson7g.com. What opponents say: The passing of this measure could possibly result in a property tax increase of 5.5 percent each year after 2019. It would represent an attack on voter rights, as the Flood Control District’s property tax increase asks voters for an exemption from the Colorado Taxpayer Bill of Rights, according to a Freedomfy Crowdfunding Project created by ballot issue opponent Carl Honegger at f r e e d o m f y. c o m / p r o j e c t s / dont-drown-tabor/.
ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • 47
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The Boulder County Democratic Party proudly presents the 2018 Voter Guide, dropped at your door by neighborhood volunteers! Packed with vital information about what the 2018 offices DO, voting logistics, ballot drop-off locations, BCDP recommendations on ballot issues, and a roster of bold, inspiring, Democratic candidates Your precinct Leader NEEDS YOU.
HELp DROp VOTER GUIDES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD (IT’S FUN!). FIND YOUR pRECINCT LEADER HERE:
go to bocodems.org >Vote> Precinct Leader Lookup
ready to serve YOU. H BCDp voter guide also at bocodems.org
BALLOTS DUE TUES., NOV 6., 7pm! THIS AD PAID FOR BY THE BOULDER COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
48 • OCTOBER 14, 2018 • ELECTION 2018 VOTER GUIDE