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SEE ELECTION
are John Anderson, Holly Kluth, Lora Thomas and Darren Weekly.
Spurlock has endorsed Weekly to serve as his successor.
In Arapahoe County, voters will make decisions on the final candidates to move to the general election in state races and for the District 2 county commissioner seat.
Meeting her three-term limit, current Commissioner Nancy Sharpe is not eligible for re-election.
Looking to replace her are two Republicans vying for a primary win, Mark Gotto and Jason Presley.
On the Democratic side, Jessica Campbell-Swanson is running unopposed.
In state Senate District 27, based in Centennial and also covering nearby Dove Valley, Tom Kim and JulieMarie A. Shepherd Macklin are running for senate on the Republican ticket.
Tom Sullivan is the lone candidate on the Democratic ticket.
The District 27 seat is currently held by Democratic Sen. Chris Kolker, who announced on his Twitter page that he will slide into serving Senate District 16 after redistricting. Kolker’s seat will not be up for reelection until 2024.
Some voters in Douglas County fall in District 27.
State races in Douglas County to be decided include state representative in District 43, which mostly covers Highlands Ranch.
In the Republican primary, voters will decide between Robin Webb and Kurt Huffman. Robert Marshall is running unopposed on the Democratic ticket.
In state House District 44, which covers parts of Aurora, Lone Tree, Parker and Highlands Ranch, Republicans Terry Dodd and Anthony Hartsook are running for the office of state representative.
Democrat Bob Henry is running unopposed in the race.
House District 45, which covers parts of Castle Pines and Castle Rock in Douglas County, has Republicans Bill Jack and Lisa Frizell facing off. Ruby Martinez is running unopposed for the Democratic Party.
In major state races, three Republicans are running for the chance to replace incumbent Democratic Secretary of State Jena Griswold. The candidates are Tina Peters, Mike O’Donnell and Pam Anderson.
Looking to unseat incumbent Gov. Jared Polis, the Republican ticket has the options of Greg Lopez and Heidi Ganahl.
With ballots already hitting mailboxes, election officials say residents have until June 28 at 7 p.m. to vote.
In teaming up this year, Arapahoe and Douglas counties have also increased options on where to drop off completed ballots.
Earlier this month, the two counties announced the installation of a 24-hour ballot drop box near the border between Arapahoe and Douglas counties to serve voters from both areas. The box is located outside the South Suburban Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch, and the cobranded ballot box represents the first such partnership between the counties.
For election information in Arapahoe County, visit the website at arapahoevotes.gov/upcoming-election.
In Douglas County, voters can learn more about upcoming elections at douglas.co.us/elections/election-information.
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I’m Commander John Anderson. I served over 40 years with the Castle Rock Police Department. On April 14, 1978, I was hired as the fourth offi cer in the agency serving as patrolman, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, commander and acting chief of police. I graduated from Northwest University’s School of Police Staff and Command.
Starting as a patrolwoman in 1989, my husband and I moved here and raised our family. Serving 32 years as a deputy, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, chief and undersheriff, I worked for four sheriffs. I hold a bachelor degree in criminal justice, a master’s in psychology and attended the FBI National Academy.
Lora Thomas is a Colorado native and 30-year resident of Douglas County. A 26-year veteran of the Colorado State Patrol, she was the fi rst woman captain and major in CSP. She served as coroner from 2011 to 2015 and has served as county commissioner since 2017. She holds an associate arts degree in criminal justice, a bachelors of science in fi nance and an MBA.
I’m a Colorado native. I have 28 years of exemplary service with DCSO. I have been entrusted by four different sheriffs to perform in key roles to make DCSO what it is today. I’ve lived in Douglas County for over 25 years.
I’m happily married and have one daughter.
BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
As the primary election for the next sheriff of Douglas County draws near, Colorado Community Media has asked each of the four Republican candidates to answer questions about how, if elected, they would run the offi ce.
What would be your top priority for changes within the sheri ’s o ce?
Weekly: My top priority is to put more uniformed deputies in marked cars on the street without raising the budget. I believe there are commissioned positions within the organization that do not require a commissioned deputy. Over the years, various positions have been pulled from patrol as well as the detention division and re-allocated to other assignments. As a former patrol and detention division captain, I thoroughly understand the workload our staff endures. With respect to the patrol division our staff needs to have more unobligated time to do more proactive patrolling and traffi c enforcement.
Thomas: There must be thorough, systemic change in the culture of leadership. Cronyism, nepotism and authoritarianism permeate the structured leadership in DCSO. I will put an immediate end to that. Every position of rank and responsibility will be merit-based. I will empower decision making up and down all levels of the chain of command, but with increased responsibility will also come increased accountability. I will bring a new day of pride, professionalism and integrity to DCSO — it will become a place where people are enthusiastic to work and where dedicated law enforcement personnel throughout the state will want to join.
Anderson: Restructure: Ensure that there is no gun owner registry; zero tolerance for any wavering from our Constitution; explore feasibility of creating a 72-hour mental health hold facility where the inmate hospital is now; evaluate the feasibility of sworn positions and focus on redeployment of deputies into our communities for increased public safety and law enforcement safety; establish community policing in all of Douglas County by assigning take home sheriff vehicles for higher visibility and faster emergency responses and establishing a prisoner transport vehicle that responds to every community, to also include municipalities to take custody of prisoners
Kluth: While line level staff and mid-level management have excelled in keeping Douglas County the lowest crime rate in the front range, the past few years of extremely political leadership, recent hiring of ex-sheriffs who don’t live in the county having no connection to it and politicized personnel decisions by upper management has left the offi ce with a lack of leadership and placement of citizens and employees second. I want leaders in place that have a connection to Douglas County and are committed to fair and effective leadership, mentoring, motivating, supporting employees and being accountable, accessible and approachable to citizens.
What sets you apart from the other candidates in this election?
Kluth: My education is specifi c to law enforcement, leadership and many of the current issues we are facing today, such as mental health, the rise in crime, drug and youth issues, as well as recruitment, retention and professionalism of staff. I have served or supervised every area of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Offi ce, can step in on day one knowing the people, the budget, the operations and the challenges. I can give a new vision and mission the perspective of what I’ve spent the last 16 months hearing from the citizens and staff of Douglas County since I announced my candidacy.
Weekly: I have more in-depth operational sheriff’s offi ce experience at nearly every level in every division of the organization. Experience matters. Nobody knows DCSO like me, and I appreciate the work the amazing staff do there every day. As a former K9 handler, SWAT operator, detective, Douglas County regional SWAT commander, and division commander for professional standards, patrol, detentions and as the current investigations division commander, I have the most in-depth knowledge of the entire organization. I’m also a FEMA certifi ed Type III incident commander for the Douglas County Incident Management Team and have real life experience handling major incidents in Douglas County.
Anderson: I served 32 years of my 40 years as a commanding offi cer. I’m a private businessman. For over 40 years I’ve invested in Douglas County with a large cattle operation and other businesses.
I’ve given back to many programs, I’m an auctioneer and have raised money for: Wounded Warrior Project Children’s schools Toys for Tots, with the U.S. Marine Corp Raised $341,000.00 at the Broadmoor to disseminate Bibles worldwide Partnered with the cast of Duck Dynasty for charity National Western Stock Show Board for Children’s Catch-a-Calf fundraiser
I’ve served on many community business and nonprofi t boards.
Thomas: I have an unmatched legacy of effective leadership in law enforcement and elected public service. In this time of rising crime, we need cops. But the sheriff is not just another cop; she runs the largest law enforcement agency in the county — an $85 million budget and 600 employees. To run an agency that big we need a leader whose skills and experience go far beyond mere policing. I am that leader.
If elected, how will you enforce the Red Flag law?
Anderson: Red Flag is a violation of our United States Constitution. Red Flag also violates our First, Second, Fourth, Fifth and 14th Amendments. I vehemently oppose Red Flag, this unconstitutional law.
I’ve sworn to uphold the Constitution of our United States. We The People and I will never fail to do so.
There are Constitutional laws that currently exist that authorize law enforcement to take immediate custody of the suspected mentally disturbed person through due process and not our guns as red fl ag allows, based on a phone call and preponderance of the evidence.
I will not enforce Unconstitutional Red Flag.
Thomas: I do not believe any county resources should be used in confi scating the private property of our citizens without proper observation of their rights. As sheriff, it is my legal duty to effect service of process of court documents. However, I believe that is where my legal duty re: Red Flag ends.
In nearly all cases where DCSO has invoked Red Flag, the same result
These answers have been edited for clarity by Colorado Community Media.
could have been obtained by merely bringing the matter into the criminal justice system, where proper process can be afforded. There also exist civil avenues under the law in removing guns from dangerous or incompetent persons that afford proper constitutional due process.
Kluth: I will do everything in my power to keep citizens safe but will not use a process that violates someone’s constitutional rights of due process and probable cause before denying a right guaranteed by the Constitution. As a sheriff I swear to uphold constitutional rights for all citizens. The entire foundation of our criminal justice system is based on those rights. The current Red Flag law violates rights and denies basic constitutional guarantees, denies the accused a defense, has nothing to do with mental health and does nothing to help someone alleged to have a mental health issue.
Weekly: I’m a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment. I don’t agree with the Red Flag law. As sheriff, I will work with the legislature to reform it and protect the Constitution. DCSO has executed these orders on four individuals. One was delusional, firing shots inside his home. In another case, the person posted he actively wanted to kill people. It’s my duty to protect life. I will exercise every means to protect our community from individuals who are a threat without using the Red Flag Law, unless they are suffering from severe mental health issues and are an imminent threat.
In light of recent mass shootings, what can the sheri ’s o ce do to prevent another one from happening here?
Thomas: I have always supported the carrying of firearms by licensed adults in our schools. Our school board has been steadfastly resistant to permitting anyone other than law enforcement or uniformed security carry in our public schools. I have always supported school resource officers and have approved millions for additional SRO’s. But one or two officers per school is not going to provide the necessary armed security necessary to deal with armed attacks.
As sheriff I would continue to offer as much assistance as possible in training and encouraging responsible carry of firearms in schools by all qualified adults.
Weekly: DCSO has Community Response Teams where we pair a mental health clinician with a patrol deputy. It has connected people who have mental illness with services who may do harm to themselves or others. DCSO also does a tremendous job of thoroughly investigating all threats to the community to include inside of our schools. DCSO does not stop until all leads on the threat have been exhausted. Additionally, I support well-trained armed staff and School Resource Officers. I will advocate for school security and sheriff’s office personnel to train together annually on critical incident response and unified critical incident management.
Anderson: Internal protection is paramount. Gun free zones are an open invitation for armed individuals to enter our schools.
I would make recommendations to the people of Douglas County and our school board: Authorize teachers and staff to be voluntarily armed Focus training on reduction of liability and familiarity of firearms Training would include professional courses to assist school staff to recognize disturbed individuals and how to report the situation
I will create a team of deputies who will have direct communications with teachers and teachers with them so that no information is lost or delayed.
Kluth: I sat on the Physical School Safety Funding committee after the STEM shootings. I know what best practices are, like physical school characteristics and a close relationship with our school district and with the private and charter schools. Sharing of information and resources, collaborative efforts, training together, following nationally recognized best practices and ensuring armed staff, security or School Resource Officers at all schools can protect our children and make our schools safer. Continued education of students and staff, employing cutting edge technology and working together with schools will make sure our most vulnerable citizens and staff are protected.
What are your plans to address the rise in local crime rates?
Weekly: From 2017 to 2021 crime in our service area has increased 9%. Respectively, our citizen service population has also increased 8% over the same period. When you normalize the data to account for the increase in population, crime only increased 1% from 2017 to 2021. From the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2022 overall crime in our service area is down 37% compared to the same time frame as last year. DCSO does an outstanding job analyzing crime trend data to target hot spot crime areas efficiently and effectively. DCSO works smarter to catch criminals preying on our community.
Anderson: Crime has several prevention levels: We The People protect our Constitution Law enforcement should be involved in planning and development of our communities for improved safety More boots on the ground. For over 16 years, “patrol deputies” have totaled 11 call responders, less supervisors. This is ludicrous. (Editor’s note: The Sheriff’s Office disputes this claim, stating there is a higher number of responders and multiple teams that respond to calls) My administration will monitor judges who are weak on crime, release felons on personal recognizance bonds or very little bonds. When you get your voting ballot, my website will assist you with information, so you know who not to vote for I will fight for stronger laws and constitutional rights at the state legislation
Thomas: For more than five years as county commissioner, I have worked to tackle the root causes of crime — homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse. I will use that knowledge and experience to help find practical, proactive solutions to crime. I also want to expand partnerships with programs like the Douglas County Mental Health Initiative, which emphasize treatment rather than incarceration.
I also want to embrace technology and innovation to combat crime. I will increase access to very valuable resources — our military veterans of all generations and most importantly our deputies who patrol our streets daily and know the problems and can identify effective solutions.
Kluth: The rise in crime is due to lessening of penalties for violations, policies that fail to hold criminals accountable, lack of secure borders keeping drugs and drug cartels out of our nation, an attitude of condoning those that are using drugs and committing crimes to obtain them, lack of robust abstinence and deterrence education and legalization of prior criminal conduct. I will ensure tough on crime policies, concentrated enforcement, I’ll promote partnership with communities and citizens, work with surrounding communities and legislators, and enlist advanced and visionary technology to detect and solve crime to keep this county safe.
What will you do to maintain employees at DCSO?
Thomas: The most important thing that must be done is the systemic change in the culture of leadership at DCSO. The law enforcement community is close-knit, and it is well-known which agencies have the best leadership and work environments. I will ensure that DCSO becomes one of those agencies where people will want to come and work. As commissioner, I have worked to improve the compensation of DCSO personnel, including pay increases, tier realignment and increased retirement benefits. As sheriff, I will continue to work at maintaining excellent compensation while bringing a new day of pride, professionalism and integrity to the working environment.
Weekly: We need to elect a sheriff who never forgot what it was like to do their jobs and will fight to ensure they have the resources they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively. I am the only candidate who has worked and led in nearly every position within the sheriff’s office. We also need to maintain proper staffing levels as well as ensure we have schedules that are conducive to the personal lives of our staff. If we fail to do that, employees will go to an agency that will be more accommodating to their personal lives.
Anderson: Ask the people of Douglas County to transfer funding from the Justice Center tax fund from brick and mortar to more boots on the ground. Millions and millions of dollars are being wasted every year on pet capital projects.
In turn, increasing jail and patrol personnel will offer more advancement opportunities and stronger morale through safety and confidence to better protect our schools, communities and businesses.
I will evaluate salaries, benefits, and retirement for improvements and increase training from the current 50 annual hours up to the targeted goal of 135 annual hours. Public safety and officer safety are first.
Kluth: Employees need to feel safe in their position, be motivated in their jobs, be assured of their status and be appreciated, recognized and involved in solutions. I will make sure assignments and promotions are fair and without political influences. I’ve always fought for pay and benefits and as the sheriff, will make sure their voices are heard. I initiated our employee wellness program and supervised it for the first few years. Making sure staff has the resources and benefits to keep them mentally and physically healthy is a priority in our work where emotional and physical stress takes a toll.
How will you attract new talent to the o ce and be competitive with other law enforcement agencies?
Weekly: DCSO has always been a great place to work. It offers competitive salaries and benefits compared with other agencies in our area. We have never had trouble recruiting. In fact, veteran cops from both Denver PD and Aurora PD are now coming to DCSO because they know they are respected and appreciated by the administration as well as the community we serve. I also would offer that those with prior law enforcement experience, prior military, academy graduates at or near the top of their class, or who have a college degree may start directly in the patrol division.
Anderson: A good leader must know their audience, or in this case, Douglas County culture.
Great leadership attracts great personnel. Leadership will constantly focus on honesty, integrity, transparency, common core values, customer service and advanced top of the line training.
When possible, assign deputies take home cars, ensure their worth and value, fair promotional process and assignments that employees desire at every opportunity.
Salaries, retirement and benefits are key to help with supporting their families.
When we create community policing, those assigned deputies will feel at home with their community, while harmonizing these cultures.
Kluth: First pay and benefits must be comparable to other local agencies to attract the best staff. The internal morale and reputation of the office and its leadership is second. A bad leader within the chain of command can create stress, roadblocks and inefficiency. I want to ensure all staff work as a team, are collaborative and support the goals of the office and that we never lose a staff member due to bad supervision or frustration with leadership. Exceptional and fair leadership is imperative, opportunities for growth and promotion and satisfied and healthy employees serve the citizens with professionalism.
Thomas: See my response to the previous question.
