1-Color
March 19, 2014
75 cents | Volume 49, Issue 9 Tri-Lakes Region, Monument, Gleneagle, Black Forest and Northern El Paso County A publication of
tri-lakestribune.net
Brofft selected as District 38 super
MAYORAL ELECTION
Bromfield
Dominguez
Fritz
McDonald
Woman the assistant superintendent of schools in Englewood
Russelavage
By Danny Summers • dsummers@coloradocommunitymedia.com
It is election time in the Tri-Lakes area. There are two candidates running for mayor of Monument, and three running for mayor of Palmer Lake. Here is a breakdown of the candidates and a little bit about why they are running for mayor. Mail-in ballots are due by April 1.
Monument, Palmer Lake candidates explain position TOWN OF MONUMENT RAFAEL DOMINGUEZ ABOUT RAFAEL: Dominguez is a native of the Commonwealth of Virginia. After graduating high school in 1984 he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and had three combat tours in his 22 years of service. He retired in November 2006. In 2007, Dominguez was appointed to the Town of Monument’s Planning Commission where he served until he was eligible to run for election to the Town of Monument’s Board of Trustees. In 2007, Dominguez was appointed to the Monument Board of Trustees. During Dominguez’s tenure as Trustee, he has served on the Tri-Lakes Economic Development Corporation (TLEDC) as the Treasurer/Secretary and currently serves as a liaison between the two organizations and on various Town sub-committees, including the Town’s Marketing sub-committee. Dominguez works full time for Sabre Systems, Inc., and provides government contract support services in Program Management, Logistics, Model Development and Program Analysis. WHY HE WANTS TO BE MAYOR: “As mayor, I want to continue to serve the Town of Monument, and its residents. I believe in government accountability and the best way I can hold our govern-
ment accountable is to serve in it. I believe that government, at all levels, and has a limited role in our society. Greater government intrusion erodes personal freedom and personal responsibility. I have worked hard to ensure the Town’s budget is responsible and equitable, and maximizes the use of our tax dollars in an efficient manner. As Mayor, I will continue these efforts and will continue to work hard, in coordination with the Tri-Lakes Economic Development Corporation, to attract employers to our region. We have a great community here in Monument, and the Tri-Lakes Region. We have a responsible government that seeks to maintain the quality of life which we all enjoy, while still seeking to further develop our community’s prosperity.” MARY RUSSELAVAGE ABOUT MARY: Russelavage moved to Monument from California in 1990. She was hired by the Town of Palmer Lake as the receptionist, and then became the deputy clerk/treasurer. She was also the planning assistant and court clerk. After seven years she was appointed as the treasurer. From there she went to the Town of Monument as the finance assistant, then deputy treasurer and then utility billing manager. She has spent the last 23 years as a member of
Tri-Lakes Networking, Palmer Lake Fireworks Committee and has been commissioner on the Monument Planning Commission. WHY SHE WANTS TO BE MAYOR: “I feel the previous Monument boards have done an excellent job making sure that the developers have abided by the State and Town statutes, and regional building codes. If elected I will continue to make sure the growth in Monument is positive growth. I would like to get more involved with the Town government. One of my biggest concerns is conservation and educating the public on conserving energy in this semi-arid drought prone state.” TOWN OF PALMER LAKE MEREDITH BROMFIELD ABOUT MEREDITH: Bromfield comes from Illinois where she was very involved with politics and community on a local level. She was a Fountaindale Library Board of Trustee member, while also serving as secretary (an elected position). She was president of the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce. She was a founding member of Heart Haven Outreach in Bolingbrook — a nonprofit that helped troubled teens. She was also Mayor continues on Page 8
By Danny Summers
dsummers@coloradocommunitymedia.com Karen Brofft has been chosen as the new Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Superintendent. The announcement was made March 12 by the district’s board of education during a special meeting. The selection is still dependent on the outcome of successful hiring negotiations. Final confirmation of the contract is expected on March 20. Brofft is currently the assistant superintendent of schools in Englewood. Bofft She has more than 23 years in education and has also served as an administrator in Douglas County. D-38 Board President Mark Pfoff said, “I think she’s the best fit for our very unique school district. We think we’re one of the best districts in the state. I look forward to her joining us.” Board vice president John Mann said the field of candidates was strong, but that Brofft’s experience forging new educational paths in her current district makes her the best fit for Lewis-Palmer. “She helped take her district to the next level, and it’s time for us to go to the next level here,” Mann said. “Not just in the Colorado paradigm, as one of the top districts in the state, but to become one of the best in the nation.” Brofft holds both an educational specialist degree in administrative leadership and policy studies, and a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She has also worked as a principal, instructional coach and elementary school teacher. In addition, she has co-authored a book on reflective leadership practices. She said she views the role of superintendent as that of “lead learner.” Brofft has two grown daughters who live and work in Colorado. Rebecca is a 27 year-old urban planner for the City of Fort Collins and Kelly is a 23 year-old business graduate who is beginning a career in management. Brofft replaces John Borman, who left
Brofft continues on Page 8 POSTAL ADDRESS
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