November 12, 2015
VO LU ME 52 | ISSU E 13 | 50 ¢
Northglenn-ThorntonSentienl.com A D A M S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
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Results support mall plan Voters elect three candidates who are pro-downtown
By Corrie Sahling csahling@coloradocommunitymedia.com The voters’ pick of three pro-downtown Westminster City Council candidates from a field of 10 on election night proved a referendum of sorts in favor of the direction the city has chosen for its
downtown development plans. “There really was a clear choice,” said Anita Seitz, newly re-elected councilmember. “There were three people running against our vision, and they lost.” Newcomer Shannon Bird, who along with incumbent Maria De Cambra received voters’ support, agreed with Seitz. “I think (the voters) were saying a lot of things, including that they support the city’s involvement in the develop-
ment of a new downtown area,” Bird said. “Voters didn’t think we need a new direction.” Bruce Baker, a current city councilman who was not up for re-election but openly supported the three, has been the voice against the downtown area before this year’s election. On Wednesday morning after election night, he had Results continues on Page 23
GATORS ROCK THE GYM
Standley Lake’s Rachel Cody flies onto the uneven parallel bars Nov. 7 at the state gymnastics meet at Thornton High School, where she captured the state all-around title. To read about the team’s fourth-place finish, turn to PAGE 24. Photo by Tom Munds
ADAMS COUNTY VOTER TURNOUT candidates. Mary Ellen 243,369 —Total registered voters Pollack is ahead of D.R. Dill. 71,469 — Number of ballots cast The Commerce City 29.37 — Percentage of voter turnout Ward 4 race is within eight votes — Michael 1,000 — Ballots left to count, in A. Scanlon is lagging just addition to a number of ballots sent from overseas or from military, which is not estimated. Deadline is Nov. 12.
INSIDE
3 — Number of close races
Area veterans tell the stories of their military service in a special four-page package of stories and photos. Turn to PAGES 17 - 20.
Races still in the running according to votes counted as of Nov. 9: Brighton Ward 2 has only 11 votes separating the
behind Paolo Diaz.
And Thornton Ward 1 is within nine votes. The battle is between Jacque Philips and Jenice “JJ” Dove, with Phillips holding the slim lead. The Commerce City and Thornton races do not require an automatic recount yet, but if additional votes bring the races closer after the Nov. 12 deadline, that could change.
Adams 12 board to face challenges Gaining community trust, and new funding among them Staff Report Adams 12 Five Star School Board welcomes a strengthened majority described as “pro public-education-minded,” according to the teachers’ union president. “Everything turned out the way we wanted so far,” said Lori Goldstein, president of District 12 Educators Association. “We backed candidates that aligned with our beliefs.” Those candidates were Jamey Lockley in District 2 and Laura Mitchell in District 5. In District 1, Seth Thomas, also supported by the teachers’ union, is leading by 1,200 votes over incumbent Norm Jennings. County votes will be certified Nov. 13. Unofficial results show newcomers Lockley and Mitchell have been elected to the board with strong majorities in their districts — Lockley won by more than 7,000 votes and Mitchell by more than 2,500 votes. Incumbent Brian Batz will be returning to District 4. “Our new school board will increase opportunity for all students, regardless of their zip code, because they deserve the support, tools and time,” Goldstein said. Lockley and Mitchell say they want to find new ways to help make sure Adams 12 students are receiving the best education the district can offer, starting with finding financial and community support. “There are big things facing the district,” Mitchell said. “Things have happened in the last six to eight years, and the community lost trust in the board.” Mitchell believes the loss of trust led to the defeat of the proposed mill levy and bond in 2014. “We need to reengage with the community and rebuild the trust,” Mitchell said. “We need to be accountable and transparent in what we’re doing with finances.” Lockley also believes funding is the district’s biggest issue. “We need to find non-traditional ways of funding,” Lockley said. “We need to look into creating community engagement with businesses and recreation centers by reaching out to them and inviting them to board meetings.” By bringing in outside experts to board meetings, Lockley’s hope is that members would be able to develop ideas for funding. “And being seen with organizations can increase trust that we are engaging and actively trying,” Lockley said. Lockley also mentioned the new graduation rate requirement and testing burdens are concerns to be addressed.
NORTHGLENN-THORNTON SENTINEL (ISSN 1044-4254) (USPS 854-980) OFFICE: 8753 Yates Dr., Ste. 200, Westminster, CO 80031 | PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Adams County, Colorado, the Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel is published weekly on Thursday by MetroNorth Newspapers, 8753 Yates Dr., Ste. 200 Westminster, CO 80031. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT WESTMINSTER, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display: Thurs. 12 p.m. | Classifieds: Mon. 2 p.m. | Obits: Mon. 2 p.m. | Legals: Thurs. 11 a.m.