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April 3, 2014 Douglas County, Colorado | Volume 13, Issue 11 A publication of
lonetreevoice.net
Voters could change charter Would require mayor to be elected by a true majority By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com
A banner DAy
Workers hang a banner announcing open enrollment for the University of Colorado’s new campus at The Wildlife Experience March 28. The school will offer classes in business, addiction counseling, computer forensics, nursing and engineering. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
Board member drafting policy in wake of vote Questions, concerns revolve around school board vacancy process
Charter continues on Page 12
Spurlock GOP pick for sheriff
By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com Concern about the process used to appoint the newest Douglas County School Board member has prompted board member Judi Reynolds to draft guidelines for future appointments. Reynolds was one of two board members who voted against Rich Robbins, who was picked to fill an empty board seat. Reynolds said her concern is with the process — not the person — and extends beyond the swift, silent March 25 vote for Robbins’ appointment. She hopes to introduce her proposed policy during the next general board meeting on April 15. “The whole process in my mind wasn’t as laid out as I thought it should be,” she said. “I’m working on what I hope will end up being board policy to standardize the entire process, not just that final part of the process, to make it more transparent.” Robbins, a UPS Freight supervisor who supports the board’s education reform policies, was among six finalists interviewed during a special March 25 meeting. He was the only candidate nominated and was chosen on a 4-2 vote, with Reynolds and Meghann Silverthorn in opposition. Board president Kevin Larsen did not open the motion to discussion, and the other board members offered no comment. Some of other board members, finalists and audience members were surprised, believing the nomination would be discussed and that other candidates might also be proposed before a final vote was taken. “It was abrupt,” Silverthorn said. “I thought we should have had more con-
Lone Tree residents will vote on a charter amendment May 6 designed to ensure the fairness of the city’s future mayoral elections. The proposed change would prevent a mayor from being elected by a small percentage of the voters, instead ensuring a majority vote. “We’ve never had this occur,” city spokeswoman Kristen Knoll said, but added: “Currently, the mayor can be elected by a plurality of the votes versus a majority.” That would occur if more than two people ever sought the top council spot. “If we have four or five people interested in running for mayor, you could potentially have one of those candidates elected without a majority of the votes because there are so many to choose from,”
Other hopefuls unhappy with system at General Assembly By Ryan Boldrey
rboldrey@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Newly sworn-in Douglas County School Board Member Rich Robbins takes his seat next to board member Meghann Silverthorn at the March 25 board of education meeting. Photo by Jane Reuter versation around things like qualifications, just a discussion of any kind. I don’t know what other people’s opinions were on any of the nominees because we didn’t talk about it. I wasn’t ready to make a determination.” Silverthorn said the two-part interview process leading up to Robbins’ appointment was “great.” “I wish we would have followed that through to a more logical conclusion,” she said. When board member Carrie Mendoza was appointed in March 2013, then-president John Carson asked for discussion about her nomination three times. Five of the sitting board members commented before the unanimous vote for Mendoza was taken. Mendoza also was the second candidate considered; a nomination for Reynolds did not receive enough “aye” votes to move forward. Board member Jim Geddes agreed the recent vote was quick, but said he saw no need for discussion.
“I voted for the guy I thought would be most in line with my philosophy on things,” he said. “If somebody was not in favor it, it would have been their responsibility to begin the discussion. “Some folks have suggested there might be some collusion going on. That’s just not the case. It’s unfortunate it made it look like we were maybe treating it lightly. But I think all of us were very serious about evaluating each candidate and making our choice very carefully.” Robbins’ appointment was particularly sensitive for some, given the close nature of the 2013 school board race. Several community members had lobbied the board to select someone with different viewpoints. Finalist David Ray, a former Douglas County School District principal, said he could have filled that role. “I think that’s what’s desperately needed,” he said. “I’ve never seen our district, Board continues on Page 12
Douglas County Undersheriff Tony Spurlock doubled the number of votes garnered by both of his opponents at the Republican General Assembly and will now run uncontested for the office of sheriff on the party’s primary ballot come June. After that, Spurlock will face off against Libertarian Brock McCoy in November for the right to take over for term-limited Sheriff David Weaver. No Democrat has announced a candidacy for sheriff at Spurlock this time. Receiving 233 votes from delegates, the undersheriff picked up 50.4 percent of the vote at the March 22 assembly, while Coroner Lora Thomas earned 24.8 percent and Castle Rock Police Cmdr. John Anderson wound up with Spurlock continues on Page 10
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