2023 City Council Candidate Guide

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023 WESTMINSTER MUNICIPAL ELECTION

MEET THE CANDIDATES

City of Westminster City Council Election

A TOTAL OF THREE (3) CITY COUNCIL SEATS

• Three (3) City Councillor seats for regular, four-year terms

All three (3) City Council seats will be determined by one (1) question where all candidate names are listed and voters choose three candidates.

The top three (3) highest vote recipients will serve the three open four-year terms pursuant to Westminster Municipal Code and Colorado Revised Statutes. The statements featured in

Occupation:

Past Elected Offices:

HOA Board of Directors

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

What does “qualified” mean? If it means having served previously on City Council or other government office, or being politically connected or having political aspirations, then I guess I’m not qualified. However, if what matters most is having a love for the city in which you’ve lived for 37 years, and a desire to serve others, then I’m qualified. If you can manage a budget without needing to ask for more money, as I have as a small business owner and HOA board director; if you have a passion for making the city more beautiful and affordable for residents by lowering excessive water rates, as I did as a leader of the Water Warriors; if your sole motivation in running for City Council is to make things better and to do what the majority of residents want, rather than to cater to the establishment, then I think I’m very qualified.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster

and how will you address it?

Westminster is no longer a rapidly growing suburb with ever increasing revenues. However, as population growth has slowed,

city government spending has not. The size of our city’s government has ballooned by 22% in less than a decade, while population has only increased by 5% in the same time. Instead of making do and getting the most out of what we have, city leaders and staff seem to be constantly pursuing the next new shiny thing – whether that be an unnecessary new water treatment facility costing $200M (for just the first phase), $43M for a new courthouse, or spending $100M on the New Downtown. Instead of being thoughtful in the development of the city’s limited remaining land, we’ve catered to developers and have become the 20th ranked suburb in the entire USA for the number of new apartment buildings built. How will I address those things? I’ll just say “No”.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

Our Fire and Police personnel continue to perform well through adverse conditions. When my husband and I moved to Colorado 37 years ago, we chose Westminster. It’s location, open, spaces and paths, and overall affordability and quality of life made it an ideal place to raise our family. It still has the same advantageous location, paths, and open spaces (although not as many), but it’s not nearly as affordable. And part of the reason that it’s not is the financial burden placed on its residents by our city government to pay for things we don’t really need. In spite of the progress made by the Water Warriors in lowering water rates, our water bills are still double that of Broomfield and other cities (and Council recently voted to increase rates by another 55% in coming years). I want Westminster to continue to be an attractive place for families;

but it won’t be if city spending and taxing makes it simply too unaffordable.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

The people. Westminster is my home, and it’s the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made that makes it home. I want it to stay my home. But it won’t be if our city’s tax and spend mentality makes it no longer desirable to live here. My promise to the people of Westminster is that I will strive to rein in unnecessary spending, fight for lower water rates, curb growth of high-density housing, uncompromisingly support safety in our neighborhoods, push to incorporate wards for the election of City Councilors so every area is represented in city government, and listen to residents and make decisions based on their concerns – not a personal or establishment agenda. But I can only help make those changes if I’m joined by other like-minded individuals on City Council. Go to KristineIreland.com to learn more about me and two other like-minded candidates who deserve your vote. 

Occupation: Information Technology Project Manager

Past Elected Offices: N/A

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

My day job as a project manager provides experience with stakeholder collaboration, bringing parties together for a common purpose and achieving goals within budget, scope, and timeline. It provides experience as well for working in government, to better understand its complexity and constraints. My background in environmental studies ensures an understanding of air and water quality, pointsource pollution, land and resource management, and their combined effects on public health and safety, all of which I will directly apply to issues and projects for the city. I have abundant not-for-profit experience, as I enjoy spending time out in the community, helping and serving others wherever I can. Furthermore, being a former foster-adopt child means my community raised me. Today, I am here to repay this. My experience combined has taught me responsible planning and management of resources, and I believe I will be an ethical steward of the City.

Claire Carmelia

Kristine Ireland

Piano Teacher and Small Business Owner

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

One of the most important issues facing Westminster is its economy. Without finishing our new downtown development, or filling vacancies in historic Westminster, residents cannot enjoy the shops, restaurants, or entertainment they could provide, and so they spend their money elsewhere, often in nearby cities. To ensure strong economic growth and stability, we should prioritize completing projects in the City, incentivize small businesses to come to Westminster, as well as streamline business services to make it easier for businesses to open and renew their licensing.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

I think the City does well in providing entertainment and engagement for the community. The Summer Neighbor Nights for example I believe have been very successful; I have enjoyed spending my Friday nights with the community and the feedback I’ve heard from others who have attended has been highly positive. Where I see room for improvement is with the City’s accessibility to the community; for example I’ve heard often that while the Service Requests are working well on the City’s website, the website is not as easy as it could be to use. I would like to help ensure that it complies with HB 21-1110, and allows residents to find what they need.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

My favorite part of living in Westminster is residing in such a well-balanced city that has beautiful Parks and Open Spaces,

picturesque views of the front range, and yet is accessible to the amenities more urban life has to offer, being so close to Denver. We are fortunate to have the benefit of both worlds, and it is important to keep this balance. 

businesses, developers, and most importantly, our residents. I believe in open, honest, ethical public service that fosters cooperation, compromise, and consensus building, and I will stay focused on protecting and improving our community’s quality of life.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

attainable and affordable housing opportunities without a proliferation of high-density apartment housing, and how to improve the situation of people who are experiencing homelessness. Also, road improvements and maintenance have not kept up with need, and we should continue to improve on code enforcement actions.

Jeff

Jones

Occupation: Retired

Past Elected Offices: N/A

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

Westminster has been my home for more than 30 years and I care deeply about its future. I worked for the city for 40 years, 35 as a police officer, rising to the rank of Commander. I retired in 2022. I have watched our city grow. I’ve seen its successes and its struggles. From the street level up, I understand our local issues, economic conditions, infrastructures, community dynamics, and demographics. With my previous experience that includes both direct interaction with the community and administrative responsibilities, I can help bridge the gap between public concerns and government choices through effective communication and positive interaction with all stakeholders, including fellow city councilors, community groups, local

Supporting core services is our most important issue because through those services, Westminster will prosper and grow and have the resources to address other concerns. Core services include those things that directly impact quality of life: police, fire, safe and affordable water, well-maintained roads, sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure support, including recruiting and retaining quality staff and planning for replacement of aging equipment and facilities, maintaining our beautiful parks and open spaces, and keeping quality city facilities and libraries. With core services functioning as they should, we will be able to successfully meet any other issues and concerns that our city faces.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

In the last couple of years the city has shown fiscal improvement by reducing water rates, focusing on core services and infrastructure needs, significantly lowering the cost of the needed new water treatment plant, and reorganizing and reducing staffing. I believe the city is being proactive in trying to include the community in dialogue about the priorities and path for the city going forward.

I believe we could use some improvement with addressing the housing issues: more

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

My wife and I have made this city our home for more than 30 years and were both longterm city employees. We loved our careers. We’ve had the opportunity to interact with many citizens over the years, and while campaigning I have been walking door to door, introducing myself and talking about concerns. We are a Westminster proud community. Those who choose to live here, work here, shop here, own a business here, use our facilities, attend our schools, all make this community a very special place, and give it its identity. We are a diverse community that includes working-age adults, retirees, students, families, singles, and a mix of ethnic and racial backgrounds that all add their own special touch and charm to our city. So if I had to pick one favorite out of so many favorites, it would be the people of Westminster. 

Amber Hott

Occupation: Colorado Senate

Legislative Aide

Past Elected Offices: N/A

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I am running for city council because many people in our city are struggling, and I understand firsthand what that feels like. When I found out I was pregnant at 15 years old, my mom was feeding my sister and me with food stamps and food from the local food bank, and we couldn’t afford health insurance. I am where I am today because of my community and social safety nets. I want to provide opportunities to others who need them so that they can achieve their own version of success. My lived experience, my education from Regis University, my working-class background, and my policy work as a legislative aide will give me a needed perspective on the council that will focus on meeting the needs of our residents.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

The city has become unaffordable. I was lucky to raise my kids here, and people can no longer afford to stay to raise their children, causing our neighborhood schools to close. There are ten times the amount of seniors who qualify

for affordable senior units than are units available. Young people can’t afford to move out to start a life of their own. Some businesses won’t come to Westminster because we don’t have the people to patronize those businesses, and those businesses bring revenue to the city and jobs. Exclusivity will cause a continuation of businesses, jobs, and schools to disappear. We need to think thoughtfully about progress and how to create a bright future instead of deteriorating by being stuck in the past. This will allow families to raise their children in Westminster once again, as Westminster is a great place to raise a family.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

We have fantastic recreation centers and parks, making it easy to stay active and have community. There are gaps in the city without grocery stores, schools are closing, and we are down 40 officers on our police force.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

I absolutely love our trails and open space. I feel so fortunate that I can go hiking in my backyard and take family walks with our dog to Standley Lake.

Karen F. Kalavity

Occupation: Professional Landscape and Site Plan Designer/Architect

Past Elected Offices: N/A

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

My professional & life’s experiences give me a strong edge up in dealing with our city’s 4 toughest issues:

1. Housing & “Development”By focusing on net zero energy-use construction standards (including solar roofs & geothermal) and by re-using existing structures & infrastructure for future development, we can offset the destruction of open lands.  These lands should be set aside for protection in a 30 x 30 scenario.

2. Water Treatment Plant - By upgrading the existing Semper Water Treatment Plant and holistically augmenting its treatment capacity with satellite facilities throughout the city, we can offset the acquisition of land that is better left open. Also, the re-use of water for irrigation to promote cooling and carbonsequestering landscaping, is a big consideration.

3. Preserving and enhancing Westminster’s Old Town & Arts District ... I’d love to discuss this further...

4. Enhancing programs & opportunities for seniors AND young people...

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

I believe the loss of open lands and the focus on construction for the sake of construction, rather than for providing truly affordable homes and true services, is the most important issue facing Westminster. We need to hold the city accountable for allocating land and projects that benefit our residents & the environment, directly. This is instead of depending on private developers, consultants and bond investors etc. to build out projects which are prioritized to make them money first, while making true solutions to our community’s problems, a far and distant second. The city owns land, outright, that can be used for housing and small businesses. Also, we must be more diligent in promoting land uses that benefit food production, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat and sustainability, rather than exploitive & unsustainable development. This means: Not letting the developers and bond investors “get away with murder...”.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

I think that Westminster’s Parks and Recreation Centers are great (although, I believe that Westminster’s libraries are NOT quite up to par). The main improvement I see here, is to allow for MORE parks and, especially, MORE Open & Natural Spaces. Right now, the 2040 Comprehensive Land Use Plan allows for a total of 15% Open Space throughout Westminster. I believe this is way too low. We need to plan for at least 30% Open Space within the city to maintain its livability, wildlife habitat and its beauty. To that end, I am proposing that

private property owners with properties of 5 acres or more of “undeveloped” land be given the option to enter into city-wide or county-wide conservation easement agreements, or to trade their land for development opportunities within the “New Downtown” bounded from 88th Avenue to 92nd and from Sheridan Boulevard to Westminster Boulevard.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

My favorite thing about living in Westminster is the beautiful view of the mountains, to the West, that I come home to every evening. My second favorite thing about living in Westminster is taking walks along the Big Dry Creek Trail and viewing the prairie dogs and other wildlife ... and my third favorite thing is going to my Ceramics session on Thursdays at the City Park Recreation Center in Westminster, where I can express my creativity and mingle with other people. 

Occupation: Retail Pharmacist and US Army

Past Elected Offices: Westminster City Council 20132017 and 2021-2023

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I bring good ideas to council. Eliminating City Dog licenses was liked by everyone. I stand up for honesty. I opposed allowing the developer of the Uplands to make an extra $60 million dollars profit by shifting development costs onto future taxpayers. Metropolitan Districts have been against city policy since 2004, yet council let this happen and future owners will pay about 40% higher property taxes for the next 30 years. I said it was wrong when council ignored my interpretation of the intent of the Colorado Constitution by using Certificates of Participation to finance building a new court house and depriving voters of their say on long term debt. I stand up for fairness. I opposed allowing a developer at Bradburn to ignore the agreed upon rules and irreversibly hurt Bradburn neighbors by building too tall, too crowded with little parking.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

The elected city Council does not lead and guide Westminster. The professional staff runs the

city. The obvious example is the new water plant. In 2021 the voters threw out the old Council and gambled on the promises of a new Council. Two years later we have essentially the same unnecessary, costly water plant that was endorsed by the Council we voted out. Instead of protecting and celebrating our uncrowded, safe, beautiful neighborhoods, staff embraces high density housing, no place to park cars, makes private yards expensive and allows bigcity-style problems to grow in Westminster. Frustratingly there is excess and silliness in many other areas of Westminster Government besides in water rates. Council needs to lead Westminster to be an excellent place to live. Electing myself and the two candidates I have joined with will send a message to Council to lead Westminster towards being an excellent suburb.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

Westminster has a great location and that can’t be improved. Westminster is a safe city but it requires our residents to practice safe habits, be situationally aware and actively report need for police intervention. Police are responsive but changing the response priority list is necessary to reduce the intimidation posed to our residents from trespassers. Our Open Space is excellent but risks posed to neighborhoods must be properly managed. Our water quality is excellent and a common-sense approach to capital needs will bring the price back down to earth. Our City is beautiful and that beauty must be achievable to all our neighborhoods, not just affluent ones.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

Westminster is a beautiful, safe, convenient place to live. It is as close to the Hollywood/ American ideal as any place, in the real world, can be. The best part is that Westminster is small enough to let the voters control City government and elect people to City Council who will determine Westminster’s destiny: an enduring, beautiful, safe, convenient suburb …. or something else. 

Scott Shilling

Occupation: CEO of a Technology Company

Past Elected Offices: N/A

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

After reviewing the historical decisions made by the city it seems to me that new blood needs to be injected. What I bring is a new perspective, a perspective that includes a solid foundation in financials and creative thinking. Creative thinking is what is needed at the top for Westminster. As I see it the city has plenty of money, so much so that being frugal,

Bruce Baker

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES

Scott Shilling Continued

and pragmatic has become the last concept considered when making decisions. Where has creative thinking gone? Where are the clever and thoughtful solutions for Westminster initiatives and projects. My objective is to force the council and the cities employees to consider alternatives other than the most expensive solution. The original concept of Westminster was to be a Suburb, I want to make sure we stay a Suburb. We must be careful with rapid expansion of highdensity housing.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

In my opinion the most important issue facing the city is overspending. Overspending on projects and initiatives, overspending on FTEs, and lack of thrift. The situation with the proposed water plant is dire. This must be reviewed, and alternatives presented and approved. As I review the financials, the future impact on citizens, and frankly, the lower production capacity I cannot see a way forward. I want to see alternatives and I want to see them from outside sources. Another issue that has me concerned is the rapid increase of high-density housing. Did you know that Westminster is the 20th ranked suburb in the entire USA for the number of apartments built in the last 5 years!!! We are a suburb folks not a city. We do not want to inject city type problems. It is paramount that everyone get out and vote.

have an appropriate level of law enforcement and a reasonable control of crime. Open spaces are also well cared for and the degree of bicycle paths etc. seem fine as well. The beautiful nature of our suburb attracts plenty of people looking for such an environment. I’d like to keep this up. Things we can do better. We must enforce our current laws around vagrants, we cannot continue to ignore our laws and allow vagrants to start clogging up our open spaces. We must must must convict shoplifters, lets protect our businesses from this scourge. So indeed, my opinion is that the city is run well, but we need to avoid over spending and we need to make sure we enforce our laws that are already on the books.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

My wife and I researched Denver area suburbs before selecting Westminster. We wanted a suburb that was reasonably mature, sizeable enough to offer several shopping centers and, slower paced. Driving around the city we saw wonderful open spaces, golf courses, trees, wellrun schools, and plenty of singlefamily homes. We purchased our home and settled in. I remember the era of the Water Warriors, neighbors coming together for a common cause. It was amazing and made me realize that Westminster citizens were concerned about their city. Such a comfortable feeling knowing that, we the citizens of this city, also loved their environment and were ready to fight for it. So, with that, I will fight to ensure that Westminster remains the city we all love and are part of. 

Occupation: Business Owner

Past Elected Offices: N/A

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I bring relevant, real-life experience to the job. I have been living in Westminster for 22 years and have owned a business in the city during that time. Owning and operating a business in the city that I want to represent gives me a valuable outside perspective that can be overlooked by political insiders. I have a desire to represent the citizens of Westminster and I have no conflicts of interest in doing so.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

Lack of affordable housing. I will collaborate with other city officials to persuade builders to build affordable houses in the city rather than high-density apartments.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

been made on the roads in Westminster over the last couple of years, there is still a lot of work ahead to get the street scores up to a good level.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

The quality of life and the people I get to be around while living in this beautiful city! I haven’t met anyone in this town that doesn’t love being here. We are close to the mountains and close to the “big city”. We get the best of everything living here, in Westminster.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

Overall, the management of the city seems on track. We seem to

I don’t think enough credit is given to public safety, especially the fire department. Every firefighter and paramedic should be given a round thanks for the great job(s) they all do. Though some progress has

Occupation: Engineer

Past Elected Offices: Board of directors at Solid State Depot, a creative maker space, Jan. 2017 to Jan. 2019

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I am the most qualified person for this office because I will bring focused problem-solving to Westminster City Council. I have experience making decisions which balance shortterm needs, long-term needs, practical constraints, and costs.

Tim Pegg

Paul Page

I will apply my engineering background to serve our community with solutions based on facts and evidence. I will work to make the city welcoming and full of opportunity for residents at all stages of life.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

The high cost of housing in Westminster affects too many people. Young families have a hard time moving here, driving down school enrollment, resulting in several elementary school closures. A lot of parents are asking themselves, “Where will my kids live when they grow up?” Older folks who want to downsize have few options, and many will lose their community connections if they have to move away. We can solve these simultaneous crises by giving people more choices in where and how they live in Westminster. We can do this responsibly and sustainably. In particular I’d like to enable permitting of accessory dwelling units (“backyard cottages”) by home owners. One of many benefits of ADUs is that they can give seniors the option to downsize while staying close to family, connected to community, and independent.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

I think the city does a good job of providing recreational programming for young kids and retirees. The city could provide more insight into staff decision making on the website. Some open spaces could be improved to provide a better wildlife experience. Our 150-mile trail system could have better wayfinding and some of the trail connections can be improved to make them an even better asset for all of us.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

I’ve really enjoyed meeting people with so many unique perspectives. Talking with our neighbors in Westminster is a great way to learn something new about the city and its history. 

organizations that I’ve been or continue to be a member of, Westminster Chamber of Commerce, Westminster Historical Society, Westminster Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association, and The Rotary Club of Westminster. I lend time and financial support to CASA of the 17th Judicial, Growing Home, Standley Lake HS Boosters. I was recognized as the 2022-23 Rotarian of the Year by Westminster Rotary Club and Voted Top Public Elected Official by readers of Westminster Window.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

Rich Seymour Occupation: Owner Rich Seymour Agency Farmers Insurance, Westminster Past Elected Offices: First term City Councillor

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I’m accountable to residents and businesses. Results of my leadership include hiring new city leadership and increased business hours at City Hall. I collaborated to reduce residential water rates up to 50% and saved $100 million with the re-set of the Water Treatment Plant. I support a balanced Development Plan and was instrumental in sending the Land Use plan back to staff to lower the housing density to match our water supply. I continue to support

Extreme partisan politicians are using our city to push their agendas. I’ve proven I listen to the voice of residents and focus on Westminster, not on national trends or single agenda issues. Voters in Westminster have consistently rejected the group thinking of these slates and want honest debate with diverse opinions from all seven members of Council. Residents want a safe city to live in and raise a family. I have been part of a Council that’s moved public safety to the forefront of our budget. In the last several months Council has passed laws to deal locally with car thefts, street racing and speed enforcement and homeless. Sworn police officers have more time to deal with crime because Council supported moving nonpolice activities to specialists like mental health co-responders, report writers and a separate parking enforcement group.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

Westminster is considered a “full-service city” that provides Police and Fire protection,

Parks Recreation, Open Space & Library amenities. We have a robust Public Works department with street repair and maintenance along with a Water/Wastewater Utility that monitors our precious water resource from the headwaters of Clear Creek through Standley Lake on to our treatment plants to your homes. Our Economic and Community Development teams work closely with existing and potential businesses to foster a diverse and vibrant community. We need to strive daily to be better communicators of what’s happening in our city, then create opportunities to listen to residents and businesses. There are so many options to communicate in this digital world, but the number of tools has not created clarity. I pushed for a robust council outreach strategy that centered around town halls with no preset agenda, just listening and responding to residents.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

My favorite thing about Westminster is what our residents also enjoy the most as stated in our bi-annual survey; the quality of life with our open spaces, trails and parks. I’m an avid bike rider and spend time on the Big & Little Dry Creek trails, the Highway 36th path and many more. As a grandpa of four we love the parks and playgrounds and learning opportunities at our libraries, rec centers and the Standley Lake Regional Park. We have an amazing city that the council needs to continue to preserve, protect and manage for all residents for generations to come. Communication of this commitment is vital and I will add and protect our Open Space inventory where available. 

City of Westminster

4800 West 92nd Ave.

Westminster CO, 80031

Postal Patron

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOV. 7, 2023

Municipal elections in the City of Westminster are non-partisan, which means candidates for office do not declare a party affiliation on the ballot. All offices on the ballot are elected at-large; that is, the City consists of one ward. All elected officials begin their respective terms on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 8 p.m.

#1 REGISTER TO VOTE

Registering to vote is easy!

You can register to vote and learn about registration requirements online at www.govotecolorado.com You must have a valid Colorado driver’s license or ID.. You can also download and print a paper voter registration form to submit by mail.

#2 CHECK YOUR STATUS

Visit www.govotecolorado.com to check your registration and verify your current address. If you’ve recently moved, update your registration with your new address to ensure that you receive all future mail ballots for which you are eligible.

You can also contact your county clerk’s office. For Jefferson County Elections, call 303-271-8111. For Adams County Elections, call 720-523-6500.

#3 COMMIT TO VOTE!

Thank you for being an engaged member of our community.

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