Election 2026
VOTER GUIDE
JOEL SOLIS — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Your guide to Boulder County area candidates and ballot items Boulder Daily Camera and Longmont Times-Call • Sunday, October 11, 2026
Re-Elect
Tina Marquis for Boulder City Council
“Tina Marquis is an exceptional council member for the City of Boulder, and it’s an honor to enthusiastically endorse her for re-election.” - Congressman Joe Neguse Endorsed by Sierra Club, Open Boulder, Boulder Progressives, PLAN Boulder & Better Boulder
Priorities
Fiscal sustainability Wildfire and power resiliency Housing affordability Community trust Paid for by Tina for Boulder City Council
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ELECTION 2026
Here’s where and when to get your ballots in Welcome to our 2026 Voter Guide. This section will provide you a brief (and mostly alphabetical) look at local and regional candidates and ballot items that will appear on your Nov. 3 ballot. Watch for coverage of statewide races and ballot questions and congressional races in our daily paper. Ballots were mailed out by Friday, according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office.
How and where to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. You may register to vote right up to and on Election Day; however, it is recommended that vote-by-mail ballots are posted no later than Oct. 26. If you fill out a ballot after that date, please return ballots to a drop box or vote center. At Vote Centers, you may vote in person; drop off your ballot; vote in person in Spanish; request a replacement ballot; or register to vote or update your registration information; vote using equipment for persons with disabilities; or correct a signature problem. To vote in person or when registering, you must have a current form of identification with your picture on it — people most commonly use their Colorado driver’s licenses. At drop boxes, you can drop off your ballot at any time, until 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can track your mail ballot by signing up for Ballot Track at boulder.ballottrax.net/voter.
Boulder County vote centers
8 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 19-30 and Nov. 1-2; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 31; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 3, Election Day PHASE 1 (OCT. 19-ELECTION DAY):
• Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 1750 33rd St., Boulder. • Southeast County Community Hub, 1755 S. Public Road, Lafayette. • Boulder County Clerk & Recorder/St. Vrain Community Hub, 515 Coffman St., Longmont.
PHASE 2 (OCT. 26-ELECTION DAY) >>
ERIE >>
• University of Colorado, Uni• Meadowlark School, 2300 versity Memorial Center, 1669 Eu- Meadow Sweet Lane. clid Ave., Boulder.
Broomfield drop boxes
24-hour ballot drop-off boxes remain open through 7 p.m. Nov. 3. GUNBARREL >> • George Di Ciero City and County PHASE 3 (OCT. 30-ELECTION DAY) >> • Avery Brewing, 4910 Nautilus Building, 1 DesCombes Drive. • Boulder Public Library, 1001 Court N. • Paul Derda Recreation CenArapahoe Ave. ter, 13201 Lowell Blvd. LAFAYETTE >> • NoBo Library, 4500 13th St., • Redpoint Ridge Park at Arista Boulder • Lafayette Public Library, 775 (northwest corner), 11337 Central Ct. • Erie Community Center, 450 W. Baseline Road. • Flatirons Marketplace (by Powers St. • Southeast County CommuMen’s Wearhouse), 170 E. Flatiron • Gunbarrel Library, 6500 nity Hub,1755 S. Public Road. Crossing Drive. Lookout Road, Boulder. • Anthem Ranch Guard House, • Lafayette Public Library, 775 LONGMONT >> 16591 Lowell Blvd. Baseline Road. • St. Vrain Community Hub, • Vista Park (in parking lot • Lashley Street Station, 1200 529 Coffman St. roundabout), 17159 Osage St. Lashley St., Longmont. • Boulder County Fairgrounds, • Skyestone Lodge, 11057 N. • Longmont Fire Station #5, 9595 Nelson Road. Montane Drive. 617 Barberry Drive. • Front Range Community ColWeld County vote centers • Louisville Recreation Center, lege, 2121 Miller Drive. 900 W. Via Appia Way. • Garden Acres Park, 18th Av(Southwest Weld) enue between Juniper and Sun• Fort Lupton Aims Campus, PHASE 4 (MONDAY, NOV. 2, AND set streets. 260 College Ave. TUESDAY, NOV. 3, ELECTION DAY) >> • YMCA, 950 Lashley St. • Southwest Weld Complex, at • CU Campus — Williams Vil4209 Weld County Road 24½. LOUISVILLE >> lage, 500 30th St., Boulder • Erie Community Center, 450 • South Boulder Recreation • Louisville Recreation Center, Powers St. Center, 1360 Gillaspie Drive. 900 W. Via Appia Way • Johnstown Senior Center, 101 • Front Range Community ColCharlotte St. LYONS >> lege — Classroom Building, 2121 • Platteville Town Hall, 400 Miller Drive, Longmont • Lyons Town Hall, 432 Fifth Grand Ave. • Longmont Museum, 400 Ave. • Carbon Valley Recreation Quail Road. Center, 701 Fifth St., Frederick. • Moose Lodge, 2200 Pratt St., NEDERLAND >> • Dacono Council Chambers, Longmont. • Nederland Community Cen512 Cherry Ave. • Lyons Regional Library, 451 ter, 750 N. Highway 72. Weld County drop boxes Fourth Ave., Lyons. SUPERIOR >> • Nederland Community Cen(Southwest Weld) ter, 750 N. Highway 72. • Superior Town Hall,124 E. • Carbon Valley Recreation • Superior Town Hall, 124 E. Coal Creek Drive. Center, 701 Fifth St., Frederick. Coal Creek Drive. • Erie Community Center, 450 Broomfield vote centers Powers St. Boulder County drop boxes 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 19-Nov. 2; 8 • Fort Lupton Aims Campus, 24-hour ballot drop-off boxes a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 31; closed Sunday 260 College Ave. open Friday, Oct. 10, and remain Nov. 1; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 3, Elec• Mead Community Center, 242 open until 7 p.m. Nov. 4. tion Day Main St. • George Di Ciero City and • Milliken Town Hall, 1101 BOULDER >> County Building, 1 DesCombes Broad St. • Boulder County Clerk & ReDrive. • Platteville Town Hall, 400 corder, 1750 33rd St. • Flatiron Marketplace, 170 Grand Ave. • Boulder County Courthouse, E. Flatiron Crossing Drive, open • Southwest Weld Complex, 2025 14th St. starting Oct. 30. 4209 Weld County Road 24½. • Boulder County Housing & • Paul Derda Recreation CenMore election information Human Services, 3400 Broadway. ter, 13201 Lowell Blvd., open • CU Campus — UMC, 1669 Eu- starting Nov. 2. • Boulder County — boulderclid Ave. • Broomfield Municipal Shops, county.gov/elections • CU Campus — Williams Vil3951 W. 144th Ave., open starting • Broomfield — broomfield. lage Center, 500 30th St. Nov. 2. org/153/Elections • NoBo Library, 4500 13th St. • Weld County — weld.gov/Gov• South Boulder Recreation ernment/Departments/Clerk-andCenter, 1360 Gillaspie Drive. Recorder/Elections-Department
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Boulder County Ballot Items Ballot Issue 1A: Child care
generate about $30 million a year for child care. The increase would WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall Boulcost the owner of a home assessed der County taxes be increased at $750,000 around $120 a year. $30,000,000 annually (in tax colThe plan designates $12 million lection year 2027), and by such ad- to restore Boulder County’s Child ditional amounts raised annually Care Assistance Program and thereafter, by a mill levy imposed $10.5 million to provide tuition at a rate of 2.579 mills (equating assistance to families who don’t to approximately $115 per year on qualify but still need financial a $725,000 home based on curhelp to afford child care. About $5 rent rates of assessment) for the million would go to competitive purpose of addressing the shortgrants for providers to increase inage and high cost of child care and fant and toddler spots, while $2.5 preschool programs for Boulder million would go to a workforce County families with young chilinvestment fund to be distributed dren, including: lowering the high through competitive grants. cost of child care and preschool for WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> Early Boulder County families; increasing the compensation of child care childhood care and education is esand preschool teachers and staff to sential community infrastructure. retain and attract high-quality ed- Quality care is unaffordable for ucators; and addressing the short- many families, while there also arage of care by expanding capacen’t enough spots for infants and ity for more children and reducing toddlers. At the same time, costs waitlists; and shall the revenues are high and profit margins are and earnings on the investment thin for providers, making it hard of the proceeds of such tax conto pay their employees a living stitute a voter-approved revenue wage and leading to high turnover. change under Article X Section 20 WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> Increasof the Colorado Constitution and an exception to the limitations set ing property taxes will make forth in section 29-1-301 of the Col- Boulder County even more unorado revised statutes, all as more affordable for those who are alparticularly set forth in Board of ready struggling with the area’s County Commissioners’ resolution high costs, including single parNo. 2026-048?” ents and seniors. Child care costs should be the responsibility of the WHAT IT MEANS >> Voters are asked family, not the greater commuwhether to approve a permanent, nity. The tax increase should be 2.579 mill property tax increase to time limited, not permanent.
Questions 200, 201: 5 commissioners WHAT THEY SAY >> “Shall the
membership of the Boulder County Board of Commissioners be increased from a three member board to a five member board?” “If the membership of the Boulder County Board of Commissioners is increased from a three member board to a five member board, by what method shall the Boulder County Board of Commissioners be elected? (Vote for One) A. Five commissioners resident in districts to be elected only by voters resident in the district; or B. Three commissioners resident in districts to be elected only by voters resident in the district; plus two commissioners resident in any district to be elected by voters of the whole county.”
to elect that commissioner. Option B is to elect two of the five commissioners at large, by voters around the county, while the other three are elected by district. Today, each commissioner must live in a specific district, but each is elected by voters around the county. WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> A change is needed as the county has grown and become more complex. The county has used a three-commissioner, at-large election model since the county formed in 1861. A five-member board would provide better continuity during emergencies or absences, greater capacity to respond to constituent needs and stronger deliberation. More commissioners also would mean more diversity of opinions. WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> The reg-
ular meetings, where the commissioners vote on policy and asked to decide whether to exother issues from the dais, are a pand Boulder County’s Board relatively small part of the job. of County Commissioners from Instead, 90% of the job is makthree to five members. ing the administrative execuIn the event the expansion is tive decisions required to run the approved, voters are asked to county, something that would be decide how to elect them. Opmore difficult if another two peotion A is to redraw the districts ple were added. It also would inthe commissioners represent so crease administrative costs bethere are five, then have only vot- cause each commissioner is paid ers who live in each district vote $151,000 a year. WHAT IT MEANS >> Voters are
Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Molly Fitzpatrick
focused on delivering that, despite what the federal government or those who seek to undermine POLITICAL PARTY >> Democratic throw at us. We need to pursue legislative reforms that harden WEBSITE >> mollyfitzpatrick.org against attempts to interfere. An example of this was when we AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> changed state law in 2026 to mail ballots out earlier for this year’s I am the current Boulder County Fitzpatrick election, which I was involved clerk and recorder running for my with. We will need to continue to vices better. final term. be proactive in supporting votAs the clerk and recorder, I ers navigating an unprecedented oversee three divisions: motor ve- WHAT WOULD YOUR PRIORITY BE AS CLERK AND RECORDER, AND amount of mis- and disinformahicle, recording and elections. I HOW WOULD YOU ACCOMPLISH IT? tion. We need to prioritize suphave focused on making our op>> Clerk and recorders need to be porting and training all clerk and erations more efficient, inclusive recorders in Colorado, knowing laser-focused on delivering outand responsive to the residents that our success or failure is colstanding elections despite enorof Boulder County. I have prioritized leadership in multiple roles, mous political pressure. Our com- lective. Above all, leading a team of dedicated election workers to including as the Colorado County munity has come to expect exmaintain morale, focus and concellence, and we will need to be Clerks Association president in 2024 and serving as both an election and motor vehicle legislative co-chair for legislative initiatives. These roles have allowed me to have influence on statewide reforms that make our ser-
tinuity ensures a smooth election for voters. We have improved many aspects of vehicle registration and renewal, and we still have many ideas to pursue. Much of the success with making motor vehicle more efficient and modern relies on the partnership of the Department of Revenue (statewide agency). I am currently involved as a legislative co-chair on the Clerks Association Motor Vehicle team to push modernization within the Department of Revenue. Specifically, stronger data integration tools would allow for faster and more automated processing of license plates and would free up staff to serve the public on the counter.
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Boulder County Assessor Cynthia Braddock
plain-language information, improving accessibility POLITICAL PARTY >> Democratic and making sure residents receive WEBSITE >> CynthiaBraddock.org important deadlines, changes and AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT available programs >> Cynthia Braddock is a lifelong early enough to Braddock Colorado resident and a graduate take action. I would of Fairview High School and the also take the Assessor’s Office into University of Minnesota. Since the community — to senior cenjoining the Boulder County Asters, agricultural organizations, sessor’s Office in 1995, Cynthia professional groups and commuhas advanced through roles of in- nity organizations — so we are not creasing responsibility, becoming waiting for people to come to us. county assessor in 2017. Her exSecond, I believe a strong pubpertise in property assessment, lic office starts with a strong staff. technology and office manageI would invest in training, profesment has modernized the office sional development, certifications and ensured fair service for Boul- and the tools employees need to der County residents. Cynthia and do their jobs well. I would fosher husband Nathan live in Louter a workplace where people are isville, enjoying the area’s vibrant treated fairly, where new ideas community. With six grown chil- are welcomed, and where we condren and nine grandchildren, tinually examine our practices to Cynthia is committed to public identify and address bias in propservice and preserving Boulder erty valuation. County’s unique character. Finally, I would be a careful steward of taxpayer resources. WHAT WOULD YOUR PRIORITY BE AS I would use data and technolASSESSOR, AND HOW WOULD YOU ogy to improve efficiency, meaACCOMPLISH IT? >> My priority as sure results and make better deciassessor is simple: to make sure sions — but adopt new technology every Boulder County resident can thoughtfully, with appropriate trust their Assessor’s Office. Trust safeguards and staff involvement. is earned by being fair, accurate, After decades of public service, I transparent and accountable — know that being assessor is not and by treating every person who about politics. It is about people, comes through our doors, calls our responsibility and public trust. office or visits our website with re- My commitment is to lead an Asspect. I would build that trust by sessor’s Office that is fair in its focusing on three things: serving decisions, clear in its communipeople, supporting employees and cation, responsible with your tax managing responsibly. dollars and accessible to everyFirst, government should be un- one. Because at the end of the day, derstandable. Property assessment the most important thing we can can be complicated, but commuassess is whether the public can nicating about it doesn’t have to trust us — and I intend to earn be. I would continue expanding that trust every day.
Boulder County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann
ing type, and employing a combination of code POLITICAL PARTY >> Democratic and land use enforcement. Want WEBSITE >> None to get a jumpstart and help with the AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT progress? Go to >> Ashley served on the LouisStolzmann energysmartyes. ville City Council from 2013com to get started. 2023, first as a council member Nature-based solutions will also and then as mayor. She has been play a big part in taking clia board director or alternate to mate action. We have to correct the Denver Regional Council of the current practices on county Governments since 2014 and the managed land and move away Mile High Flood District since from synthetic chemicals and re2020. Other service includes source extraction. We can modNACo Immigration Reform Task ernize our land stewardship and Force Vice-Chair, Wildfire Resil- actually create carbon sinks. iency Code Board, and EPA’s Lo- Things like wildfire mitigation, cal Government Advisory Comhealthy regeneration of our agrimittee. Ashley received a chemi- cultural lands, and strategic tree cal engineering degree with the planting are all part of the soluhighest scholastic honors from tion. the Colorado School of Mines Stabilizing the safety net, and her professional background which is run primarily by Boulincludes product and process en- der County Human Services, is gineering. She is a resident of a major priority over the next Louisville, where she lives with four years. The federal govher husband. ernment has made significant changes that will decimate the WHAT WOULD YOUR PRIORITY BE safety net for many people in AS A COMMISSIONER, AND HOW our community; many of the WOULD YOU ACCOMPLISH IT? >> changes are coming in 2027. Strategies are needed for buildThe county administers many of ings, transportation and reinthese programs for the commuing in major polluters. To meet nity (healthcare, food, housing) the challenge as a community, and so implementing changes we will be updating air pollution and building alternatives for regulations, expanding incenour most vulnerable communitives for the big shift we need in ties will be critical work that we the existing building stock to re- focus on. Our Human Services duce building emissions, deploy- staff work tirelessly for the coming more vehicle charging infra- munity and, as they navigate all structure at multifamily housthese challenges and changes, ing so that residents have access we will need to rally to support to charging regardless of housthem and their critical work.
Boulder County Coroner Jeff Martin POLITICAL PARTY >> Democratic WEBSITE >>
jeffmartinforcoroner.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
I am the current elected coroner, bringing 35 years of dedicated
public service to the role. I lead the county’s medicolegal death investigations with professionalism, accuracy and compassion. In 2026, the Coroner’s Office achieved naMartin tional accreditation under my leadership, reflecting
my commitment to excellence, integrity and public trust. WHAT WOULD YOUR PRIORITY BE AS CORONER, AND HOW WOULD YOU
ACCOMPLISH IT? >> A key priority
of mine is to advance statewide professional development for Colorado coroners. I currently serve on the executive board of the Colorado Coro-
ner’s Association, and I have been working with the Colorado Coroner Standards and Training Board to build a comprehensive statewide training system. In addition, I am leading a committee to develop and publish standards and practice guidelines to ensure consistent, high-quality medicolegal investigations across Colorado.
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Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson
COMPLISH IT? >> In
my second term as sheriff, I will conPOLITICAL PARTY >> Democratic tinue to focus on improving pubAUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> lic safety in BoulI was elected in 2022 for my first der County. We term as the Boulder County sheriff have made signifand have spent my entire 33 year icant progress in Johnson career in public safety in Boulour ability to preder County. I have been married pare for and respond to disasters for 33 years to my wife, Janet. Our in our community, and I intend to two adult children were raised in continue these efforts. I will also Louisville. be focused on appropriately staffing the Boulder County Jail and WHAT WOULD YOUR PRIORITY BE AS continuing to upgrade the facility, SHERIFF, AND HOW WOULD YOU ACwhich is now 40 years old.
Boulder County Treasurer Rachel Friend
parency and efficiency as a way to build community POLITICAL PARTY >> Democratic trust and cohesiveness. My experience WEBSITE >> friendfortreasurer.com as an advocate and city councilor, and AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT through nonprofit >> I live in Lyons and have worked work, is that the Friend county has room as an attorney, Boulder city counfor improvement. Critically, the cilor/mayor pro tem and admincounty budget has been opaque istrative law judge — and at nonwhen I’ve sought information on profits and all levels of governcountywide issues, such as homement. I’ve overseen budgets over lessness. As treasurer, I can help! I $500 million, and a staff of over 400 people. Throughout my career, will offer to meet with every city/ I’ve been held to the highest levels town council annually, and brief of professional ethics scrutiny and them on the county’s money — what came in, where it went, how standards. I’m lucky to have famit’s invested; then field the quesily nearby — husband, three kids, tions I can, and relay others to two siblings, their spouses, mom, commissioners. I will also use the dad, eight nieces and nephews, property tax bill — which everyone three great-nephews, and fourlegged relatives — most in Boulder has to open — to share helpful, County. I’m working hard to create countywide information. Modernizing systems and creating better a thriving community for them, user experiences for staff and taxand for all of you. payers, including seniors and vetWHAT WOULD YOUR PRIORITY BE AS erans applying for exemptions, is TREASURER, AND HOW WOULD YOU also a priority. ACCOMPLISH IT? >> The treasurer’s The treasurer should be a fairly role is tightly constrained by state apolitical office, with a focus on law — it’s to send out property tax service. I liken it to the DMV — one with consistently outstandbills, receive and distribute moning service — where every person ies collected, invest the money carefully and wisely, and perform who comes into the office, of every stripe, should get respect and the duties of Public Trustee. All help, and there is very little discreof these things need to continue tion involved. From this vantage being done professionally and in point, the treasurer is in a good keeping with state law and best practices, along with the upstream position to help soften some edges and build trust in healthy and resources the office provides. transparent governance. It’s my My priority — in addition to carrying on what is already being goal and plan to strengthen our done so well — is increased trans- bridges and restore some faith.
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Boulder County Surveyor Kayce D.W. Keane
as a trusted reTo accomplish this, I would source for our com- draw on my technical backmunity. ground, having spent more than POLITICAL PARTY >> Democratic 20 years in the surveying profesWHAT WOULD YOUR sion, including hands-on fieldWEBSITE >> votekayce.com PRIORITY BE AS SUR- work, boundary determinations VEYOR, AND HOW and control network developAUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT WOULD YOU ACment, much of it here in Boulder >> My career in land surveying COMPLISH IT? >> As County. Keane spans more than 20 years, rooted county surveyor, This experience gives me a in a commitment to quality work my top priority would be protect- practical understanding of where in Boulder County and throughing critical survey monuments monuments are most vulneraout the state. Over the years, I from destruction or obliteration ble during construction and how have built strong working reladuring construction and develop- to prevent that loss before it haptionships with fellow surveyors ment. pens. I would also work with and clients across the community. These monuments are the phys- Boulder County and local jurisI have taken on leadership roles ical evidence defining property dictions to review some existwithin the profession at both the boundaries and public land suring guidance and requirements, state and national levels, includvey corners, and their loss creates since certain provisions coning service with DORA, PLSC and uncertainty for property owners, flict with state statutes and byas Colorado’s delegate to NCEES, increases public costs, and makes laws. Through open communiwhere I also write licensing exam it far more difficult to accurately cation, I believe we can establish questions for aspiring surveyrestore those positions in the fuclearer, more consistent guidance ors nationwide. I am running for ture. Protecting this framework that better protects monuments Boulder County surveyor to prois central to the stewardship reduring development and permittect survey monuments, safesponsibility of the county surting review. guard our land records and serve veyor. In addition, I would serve as a
technical resource for the public, Boulder County staff, and elected officials, helping interpret survey records, clarify boundary and monumentation issues, and answer questions during land use, permitting and infrastructure decisions. By staying accessible and building strong relationships across departments, I can help staff and officials make informed decisions grounded in sound surveying principles, while giving property owners a trusted point of contact for boundary-related concerns. Finally, I would use my experience on the Colorado State Board of Licensure, including two terms as board chair, to educate developers, contractors and engineers on the importance of monument preservation. Together, these efforts would meaningfully reduce monument loss and strengthen the integrity of Boulder County’s land records.
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Boulder Ballot Items Ballot Issue 2J: Vacancy tax
accordance with the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood consumer price index up to, but never exceedWHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall the City ing $7,000, with the revenue from of Boulder taxes be increased such tax to be used for the pur$6,000,000 annually (which pose of supporting City services, amount represents estimated rev- including: police and fire protecenues in 2028, the first full fiscal tion; parks and recreation; transyear of collection), and by such portation and maintenance; and amounts raised annually thereaf- other general services important ter, by imposing a $4,000 tax on to the quality of life in the City; vacant homes that are occupied and shall the revenues from such for 183 days or less per year, with taxes and any related earnings be such amount never falling below collected, retained, and spent as $4,000 but increasing annually in a voter-approved revenue change
Ballot Issue 2L: Firefighters’ bargaining rights WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall the city amend its charter by the addition of a new Sec. 73, ‘Collective Bargaining for Firefighters,’ as described in Ordinance 8761 which provides a charter guaranteed right for full-time fire department employees to bargain collectively over matters related to safety, wages, benefits, and all other terms and conditions employment, except those certain terms that are reserved to rights of management as defined in the proposed charter amendment, with impasse to be resolved through non-binding fact-finding followed, if necessary, by a vote of the qualified electors of the City?” WHAT IT MEANS >> The city of
firefighters. Similar to the existing collective bargaining agreement, which is valid through 2027, the measure would prohibit firefighters from striking or embarking on any work stoppages to protect public safety. The measure requires that the city and firefighters negotiate new contracts in good faith. If the parties reach an impasse during contract negotiations, then an independent third party will review the offers and present a solution. If that isn’t agreed upon, then a decision on the contract goes to voters in a special election. WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> The
measure drew unanimous support from the Boulder City Council in August and from firefighters, who say that it ensures it gives the first responders a seat at the table during contract negotiations.
Boulder is asking voters to codWHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> There ify firefighters’ rights to collecis no formal opposition to this tively bargain in the city charter. This would apply to full-time measure.
without limitation and an exception to the revenue and spending limits of Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution?” WHAT IT MEANS >> The city of
WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> Proponents of the measure, which polled exceptionally well over the summer, say this could encourage the wealthy to sell or rent out their extra properties and provide some relief to Boulder’s housing situation.
Boulder is asking voters to approve a tax that would be imposed on homes that sit vacant WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> There is for more than six months in the year. A property owner would pay no organized opposition to the roughly $4,000 annually for each measure. vacant property. The cost would rise with the local consumer price index and be capped at $7,000.
Ballot Issue 2K: Infrastructure bond
$400 million in debt and repay up to $650 million. Those are the maximum numbers and could be lower if the city finds less expenWHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall City of sive options for new buildings and/or repairs. Boulder debt be increased up Some of the target buildto $400,000,000, with a maxings need to be totally replaced, imum repayment cost up to $650,000,000, and shall city taxes such as the Public Safety Center and 911 Dispatch center, and the be increased up to $32,500,000 South Boulder Recreation Cenannually for the purpose of fiter. Others just need repairs, such nancing the construction, renovation, or replacement of commu- as the Penfield Tate II Municipal nity recreation, safety infrastruc- Building. The city figures a new Pubture, and other capital projects, lic Safety Center and 911 Dissuch as: patch center would need $170 mil(I) the South Boulder Recreation Center, including a lap pool; lion; the municipal services building, which has the city’s vehicle (II) the North Boulder Recrefleet, needs $100 million for reation Center, including aquatpairs; the Penfield Tate II Municiics amenities and improvements needed to co-locate West Age Well pal Building needs about $30 million in repairs; Fire Station 1 and Senior Center; Fire Station 5 need $5 million (III) fire stations (to sustain emergency and wildfire response and $2 million in repairs, respectively; a new South Boulder Reccapabilities); (IV) a new Public Safety Build- reation Center needs $65 million; and repairs at North Boulder, and ing for police and 911 services; moving the West Age Well Center (V) Penfield Tate II Municipal there, need $72 million. Building; and (VI) the Municipal Service Center (to support infrastructure ser- WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> Propovices, such as snow removal, util- nents argue that repairs at or replacements of these buildings are ity maintenance, and city street long overdue, and waiting any operations).” longer will only drive up costs. WHAT IT MEANS >> The city of Boulder is asking voters to give the OK WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> While for it to take on more debt, which they don’t disagree that the buildings are in need of investment will be repaid through a 20-year or replacement, opponents feel increase in property taxes, to the measure as presented is halffund public buildings in various baked, doesn’t have enough comstages of disrepair. munity input or is too expensive. The city would take out up to
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Boulder Mayor Taishya Adams
our community faces — housing, business, transWEBSITE >> adamsforboulder.com portation — will be exacerbated if AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT we do not collec>> As a policymaker, environtively confront and mentalist, entrepreneur, educaadapt to this realtor and artist, Taishya brings ity. We must cenAdams an insider/outsider perspecter the needs of tive to the role of mayor of Boul- our entire ecosystem in all polder. A 13-year Boulder resident, icy decisions. We must ensure all Taishya leads an environmenthose who contribute to our comtal consulting firm working with munity are not only engaged but federal, state and local governare activating their gifts to mitiments, businesses and nonprofgate in the short term and adapt its. Taishya served on the Colin the long term. We are beyond orado Parks and Wildlife Comincremental change and piecemission, worked with Tribal/ meal policymaking. We must Indigenous leaders, and is a Na- plan, implement and evaluate hotional League of Cities Energy, listically restoring trust along the Environment and Natural Reway. sources Committee member. DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400 MILWhile on Boulder City Council, Taishya has served on Visit Boul- LION BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY der, the Financial Audit ComSAYS ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY mittee, and the Consortium of NOT? >> I acknowledge that past Cities. Taishya was an inaugural member of the Boulder Police councils and city staff did not Oversight Panel. Taishya believes allocate sufficient funds for dethe next two years will be critiferred maintenance. For these cal in determining whether our reasons, I initially supported the city is both affordable and inbond. However, after more comhabitable for present and future munity outreach and a closer generations. look at the “such as” being proposed, I can no longer supWHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP port this bond package at this ISSUE FACING BOULDER? >> Our time. We need more community climate isn’t changing … it has buy-in, direction and approval changed. Our ability to meet for a 2027 bond ballot measure the polycrisis honestly is essenthat builds public trust and pritial. We must fortify our ability to oritizes needs over wants. We bounce back and pivot. Climate are in a polycrisis of epic meachange will forever change our sures. The time is now to root water supply, energy reliability all our decisions in the realities and food access. Every challenge of today and tomorrow.
Jameson Goldstein
focused on affordability, individual rights, and open, accountable decisions about public money.
WEBSITE >>
www.jamoformayor.org
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> Jameson “Jamo” Goldstein is a Colorado native and CU Boulder student studying finance. He has coached swimming at Boulder Meadows Club, founded a tutoring business, and worked with a Boulder education startup. At 21, he is running for mayor to bring a fresh voice to city government and make Boulder work for the people who live here. He is
WHAT DO YOU VIEW
Goldstein
AS THE TOP ISSUE FACING BOULDER?
>> Boulder’s biggest challenge is
affordability. Housing costs put pressure on students, workers, and longtime residents, while people often feel decisions are made before they have a meaningful say. I want the city to make it eas-
Aaron Brockett WEBSITE >> brockett4mayor.org AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
Aaron and his wife Cherry moved to Boulder in 2003. They raised their two children here and ran a small software development firm together for 20 years. After serving for five years on the city’s Planning Board, Aaron was first elected to the City Council in 2015, became mayor in November of 2021 and won re-election in 2023 to become the first directly elected mayor in Boulder in the modern era. Aaron has focused on climate change, housing, transportation, economic vitality, social justice, and how to make Boulder a more just, equitable, thriving and inclusive city.
need to build on the new Wildland Urban Interface building code by mandating some wildfire hardening in the WUI zones, with a priority on Zone 1, followed by Zone Brockett 2. Those requirements should be phased in carefully, though, to ensure they’re doable, including minimizing the loss of mature vegetation (other than junipers, those probably just need to go). We also need to ensure there are grant funds available to lower-income households and those on fixed incomes. DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400M BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS ARE FAIL-
ING? WHY OR WHY NOT? >> I do sup-
port the bond because our police and firefighters are working in with two top issues: housing afford- buildings that make it difficult to ability and availability, and wildfire do their jobs effectively. Our aging preparedness. For housing, we need rec centers — South Boulder Rec to continue our affordable housing in particular — need renovations program that has created thousands or replacement to continue providof permanently affordable homes. ing the services the community exOver the last 10 years, roughly 35% pects. The bond amount is large, of all new housing that’s been built but given that construction cost inhas been permanently affordable, flation is rising much faster than which is the highest percentage in CPI, if we kick the can down the the entire country! We need to make road on these facility investments, housing easier to build by reducing we’ll only get further behind and it onerous permitting requirements will be that much harder to catch and improving approval timelines up. I’ll also note that the bond meafor affordable housing. We also need sure authorized up to $400 million, to allow for more housing along but we wouldn’t need to issue all transit corridors and near services, of the bonds if we are able to find while also allowing for more houscheaper approaches, such as reusing types like duplexes, triplexes ing an existing building to replace and cottage courts. For wildfire, we the existing Public Safety building. WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP ISSUE FACING BOULDER? >> I’m going
ier to add homes, including accessory dwelling units, and to examine how large rental portfolios affect our housing market. We also need to scrutinize spending so residents can see what they get for their money. Boulder can grow and improve without losing the people and character that make it special. DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400 MILLION BOND MEASURE? WHY OR WHY
NOT? >> I do not support the $400
million bond as currently presented. Some city facilities need attention, and delaying necessary repairs can make them more
expensive. But voters are being asked to authorize a major debt commitment before the city has published a complete, independent, project-by-project audit of its capital backlog. Residents deserve to know what each project costs, why it is urgent, what has already been deferred, whether repair is possible instead of replacement, and how the debt would affect their taxes. I would support a transparent process that brings residents into setting priorities and puts a clearly justified package before voters. First, show us exactly what we are buying.
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Boulder Mayor Lisa Ann Jacobs WEBSITE >> lisaannjacobs.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
Lisa Ann Jacobs M.D., M.P.H. and real estate broker graduated from Bowdoin College Magna Cum Laude. She attended Boston University School of Medicine and University of Liege School of Medicine. She holds an M.D. degree with honors. Her areas are internal medicine and preventive medicine. She attended Southern University Law Center and Brandeis University Business School. She is a real estate broker. She is president of Colorado Event Associa-
Jacobs
tion LLC and Colorado Tenant Association LLC. She is a genius where our residents, doctors and state police asked her to help solve our problems as mayor and then governor.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP ISSUE FACING BOULDER? >> The pri-
ority is navigating a multi-million dollar budget deficit that will force our next administration to make tough financial tradeoffs. This shortfall affects public infrastructure planning and has drawn critical attention to city
spending. I need to let people know how money is spent as they have been anxious not knowing. I need a supportive relationship where I communicate back for certain and quickly to take away worrying. I need a new city manager, a new city attorney and expert opinions. I intend to have a balanced role model budget. I intend to make people healthier. DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400M BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS ARE FAIL-
ING? WHY OR WHY NOT? >> Boul-
der should not pursue a property tax increase of this scale without first exhausting less costly alter-
natives. Borrowing would create a long-term financial obligation for residents and businesses, increase pressure on homeowners’ already facing high housing costs and commit future taxpayers to debt before the full scope, timing and cost of the projects are clearly established. I oppose this property tax increase as currently proposed. Boulder needs responsible sustainable maintenance funding — not an open-ended commitment that could burden taxpayers for decades. Boulder should actively sustain and grow its economy and employment base, and prioritize job growth that provides good opportunities.
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Boulder Mayor Aquiles La Grave WEBSITE >> boulder.vote AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
Aquiles La Grave is a local entrepreneur, business owner, family man and a long-time civic leader in Boulder. He is running for mayor with a single premise: Our city should work as well as our values deserve. As he describes himself, he is a “delivery-oriented liberal” supporting safety, government discipline and oversight and economic vitality. Beyond organizing the community to save Iris Fields, Aquiles grew up in Boulder and believes it’s time for change. As a first-generation immigrant, Aquiles believes that the values of the community are only meaningful if they can lead to tangible outcomes.
produce results, not rest on values. With six years behind us, Boulder needs change to begin producing measurable progress. As mayor, I will provide support to La Grave all members of the City Council and to all city employees so they can be successful. DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400 MILLION BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT?
>> No! The city must show that it has the capacity to complete large-scale capital projects in a timely and fiscally responsible manner before asking taxpayers for an additional $650 million or that this is the best place to invest it. This bond would allow the city to borrow up to $400 million at a maximum cost to repay the loan WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP IS(including interest) of $650 milSUE FACING BOULDER? >> Six years lion. The city has recently identiof inaction and no delivery. Boul- fied approximately $366 million der has some of the best resources as the total anticipated financial and a long history of liberal valcommitment for Alpine-Balsam, a ues. However, we’ve been experishocking amount for which there encing a decline in many areas. is neither excuse nor, apparently, For the last six years, downtown accountability. This is the lesBoulder has seen an actual deson that the city should take away cline in its economy. Vacant com- from this experience prior to takmercial space is still high. Cliing on new loans. It is not about mate risks continue to increase. reducing the scope of the city’s In spite of building more homes, aspirations. It is about providour population has decreased. ing a higher level of service. I’d The role of the mayor is to aslike to see the city take on ambisist the City Council in worktious projects; however, I believe ing together, establishing comthat there need to be clear budget mon goals, creating alliances for plans, oversight from people who achieving those goals and holdare not tied to the project, meaing city government responsible surable milestones and accountfor meeting those goals. We must ability.
Fred Smith WEBSITE >>
gratefulfredinstead.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> Grew up in rural Illinois on a
hog farm. Went to the University of Illinois, where I became severely mentally ill. Was hospitalized many times and realized I must medicate daily to function, and believe me, I learned this the hard way. Now I enjoy beer, pot, bars in the afternoon and my cat. And by the way, the Boulder mental health center saved my ass.
in handy. I also think Amazon should be taxed or charged fees because they pay no property tax, and everybody else does in Boulder. No workforce lives in Boulder. Clogs our streets and parking lots. They use monopolistic business practices to unfairly compete. DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400M BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT? >>
Maybe $200 million; remember the whole budget is $580 million, and I don’t hear any creative ways to increase revenues, but the few I suggest are of course Sundance, which might not be as WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP ISlucrative as people might think. SUE FACING BOULDER? >> Lack of I think people putting all their funds. Our budget is the same marbles in sales tax collection is as Longmont, and we have the a big mistake. Find other ways same amount of people; budget to make revenue creatively. Who $580 million population 108,000. knows what this economy is goI believe if 78 passes (progresing to do if the bottom falls out. sive state income tax) it opens It is not a good time to issue the door for a progressive city in- $400 million in bonds because come tax to balance out the repeople quit going out and buying gressivity of sales tax, which things, which would cause auskills the poor and lower midterity not seen in quite a while, dle class. Considering the rich especially with the bonds. Just don’t pay Social Security tax on getting the unpaid Social Secuincomes over $185,000, which rity back from the richest 20% of would be 10%, they pay none. Boulder residents would double Nada. This is where a progresthe city of Boulder General Fund sive city income tax would come $180 million.
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Boulder City Council Benita Duran WEBSITE >> benitaduran.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATE-
MENT >> Colorado native, born in
Pueblo. B.A. degree in economics and public affairs, University of Denver. Master’s in public management and administration, University of Colorado. Mother of a CU Law School student. Boulder resident for 35 years. Trustee, Boulder Library District (2024-present). Member and vice chair, Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Finance Authority (2024-present). WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP
ISSUE FACING BOULDER? >> Af-
fordability is Boulder’s top issue. Too many people who work here are working more than one job to be here and yet have raised families and contribute to the community. They are struggling to remain here. Housing is central, but affordability also means good-paying jobs, access to essential services and a healthy environment for local businesses. I believe the city can help address the range of affordability issues and live within a budget. We cannot afford to absorb cutbacks in city services due to deficits, or shortfalls due to declining sales tax revenue. Boulder can be a place where people of different ages, backgrounds and incomes can not only afford to work but also a place we can afford to live. DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400 MILLION BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT? >> No. My opposition is not opposition to investing
in Boulder’s recreation, fire, police and municipal facilities. My concern is asking voters to authorize up to a maximum repayment cost of $650 milDuran lion without what I believe should be a more extensive public process for establishing priorities, examining project alternatives and understanding project-by-project costs. I am the only candidate who has real-time complex bond financing experience of public assets and experience in what it takes to finance infrastructure, whether publicly or privately funded. As the vice chair of the Colorado Cultural Finance Authority, I participate in the development of significant state investments, over $800 million in private financing in the past two years. I have hands-on experience in understanding the complicated bonding processes. Two recent examples of this work, Sundance and Chautauqua. I’m participating in approving bonding for facility improvements in Boulder. Earlier this year, I supported an $18 million loan to finance improvements to the major facilities that will house Sundance Festival programming. In that same timeframe, I supported a $4 million loan to Chautauqua for their winterization project. Our local taxpayers deserve this same rigorous scrub of numbers and conditions that are standard for private financing, and the opportunity to assess the overall health of the institution before making an investment to carry the loan.
Lee Gilbert WEBSITE >> lee4boulder.com
partner with our housing authority — Boulder Housing WEBSITE >> fuquaforcouncil.com Partners — as well as Habitat for HuAUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT manity and other >> In the late 1990s, my wife and nonprofits to provide housing for resI income-qualified for an affordidents earning up able mortgage in a community land Fuqua to 80% of AMI (Avtrust in North Boulder. That’s the most important reason we stayed in erage Median Income), especially Boulder, raised our kids and built a folks at or below 50% AMI. • Prioritizing gentle in-fill degood life here. I want to do everyvelopment for families, especially thing I can to ensure that young along transit corridors. families today and tomorrow have • Protecting and supporting our the same chance my family did. A manufacturing housing (“mobile 35-year resident of Boulder. Nonhome”) communities, including commercial radio journalist and podcaster. 20-plus years on the staff the current effort by the city and of KGNU, Boulder’s community ra- county to purchase the San Lazaro neighborhood and move toward dio station. Also managed a chilconverting it to a resident-owned dren’s arts and literacy nonprofit community. 2014-2020. BVSD Board of Educa• Supporting the city’s Eviction tion 2011-2019. Boulder Public Library Board of Trustees 2023-2025. Prevention and Rental Assistance Services (EPRAS). WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP IS• Continuing to study the possiSUE FACING BOULDER? >> Housing bility of development in the small portion of the Area III Planning affordability. Our high housing costs have widespread impacts, in- Reserve that adjoins the city (the “urban edge”) for middle income cluding but not limited to: • Family and individual budgets housing. • Expanding and improving afand quality of life (financial stress, fordable mortgage and ownerlong commutes). ship opportunities, including land • Declining enrollment and trusts and down payment assisschool closures because too many tance programs. families can’t afford to live in our town. • Employee recruitment and re- DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400M BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDtention, including public sector workers (teachers, nurses, first re- INGS THAT THE CITY SAYS ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT? >> Although sponders). I’m not happy about how we got • More people commuting in and out of town, impacting carbon here, I will vote for 8758 because the cost of waiting will only inemissions and traffic congestion. crease. We will need strong com• Social, cultural and economic munity oversight and attention to diversity. • Longtime residents priced out opportunities to value engineer savings on specific aspects of each of our town. building. If voters reject 8758, the • Increased homelessness. problems remain, we go back with We have many ways to help ada smaller ask next year, and end up dress the problem, including: paying higher costs for less work. • Continuing to be a strong
lived there for decades. I own a car, but I primarily get around town by bicycle or by walking.
tation. My platform is simple, “A vote for me is a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in how Boulder plans and builds major road projects.”
WHAT DO YOU VIEW
LION BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUB-
DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400 MIL-
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
My name is Lee Gilbert. I’ve been a resident of Boulder since attending CU where I received degrees in electrical engineering. I live close to Baseline and have
Sam Fuqua
Gilbert
AS THE TOP ISSUE
LIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS
FACING BOULDER? >>
ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I am a single-issue candidate focusing on transpor-
>> I do not support the $400 million bond measure. The measure
needs to have more supporting details of how it will be allocated. I would support a triage approach to this funding, listing and evaluating all the maintenance issues and ranking them based on immediacy, cost, risk of delay. This should be done by the people needing that funding and then separately evaluated by a trusted third party such as an auditor or building inspector.
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Boulder City Council Jill Grano WEBSITE >> jillforcouncil.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
I’m a mom, former City Council member, and Boulder resident of more than 20 years. I served as director of community affairs for Congressman Joe Neguse, have worked in housing for nearly two decades, and served on the boards of Boulder Housing Partners, Thistle Communities, and more. I hold a bachelor’s in government from William & Mary and a master’s in geography from CU Boulder, where my research traced 150 years of Boulder’s land use and housing policy. Outside of work, I enjoy live music, making microelectronic art, and mountain biking.
Grano
families. We also need to spend public dollars responsibly and rebuild trust that city government is listening to the community and can deliver on its promises.
DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400 MILLION BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY
NOT? >> No. This is arguably the
largest tax increase we have ever asked voters to approve, and it falls hardest on small businesses who are already struggling. I support investing in our recreation centers, public safety facilities, etc., but I do not support this package as presented. Before asking voters to authoWHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP ISrize up to $400+ million in borSUE FACING BOULDER? >> Boulder’s rowing, we owe them a detailed, biggest challenge is that our exprioritized plan explaining why traordinary wealth isn’t translat- these projects come first. For exing into a thriving, rooted comample, why prioritize an estimunity. Beloved businesses are mated $30 million renovation of closing, homes and commercial the Penfield Tate building while spaces sit vacant, and schools city offices are relocating to Alare closing. These are connected pine Balsam? problems. My research traces I would support a phased aphow decades of land use deciproach that tackles rebuildsions helped drive up prices, ining South Boulder Rec Center creasingly favoring wealthy sec- and other urgent needs first. If ond homeowners and instituthe bond passes, we need indetional investors over the people pendent oversight, and projects who live and work here. should return to Council for reMy priorities are to bring vaview when costs or plans change. cant spaces back into use, make We need to be far more responit easier for local businesses to sible with taxpayer dollars than open and operate here, and build we have been in the past. housing for our workforce and
Paid for by Sam Fuqua for Boulder City Council
Rachel Rose Isaacson WEBSITE >>
RachelRose4Boulder.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
My name is Rachel Rose Isaacson. I’m a political economist with a master’s in public administration and leadership, and I’ve spent over a decade working in politics and the public sector. I have trained expertise in public budgeting, fiscal and policy analysis, and strategic resource management — skills essential for making responsible, transparent and equitable decisions on City Council. I’m an environmental educator, a soil advocate with Kiss the Ground, a pollinator ambassador with Cool Boulder, and serve as an Executive Board member of our local Sierra Club Indian Peaks Chapter working at the intersection of climate and social justice.
Isaacson
come. Please visit my website to learn more about my policies and priorities. I would be honored to earn your vote by Nov. 3. DO YOU SUPPORT
THE $400 MILLION BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS ARE FAILING?
WHY OR WHY NOT? >> Yes. Boulder
must address deteriorating public buildings and deferred maintenance. Recreation centers, fire stations and police facilities provide essential services. Delaying necessary work can increase costs and risk service disruptions. My support includes improving transparency and oversight before the council authorizes debt issuance or approves projects. Residents deserve clear project scopes, reliable cost estimates, comparisons of renovation and reWHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP ISplacement options, and realistic SUE FACING BOULDER? >> Our comschedules. munity is facing rising cost of livI would prioritize investments ing, job instability, a structural based on safety, building condibudget deficit, and increasing tion and community benefit. Fiwildfire risk. These are complex nancial planning must account challenges that require leadership for debt service, operating exto move beyond division to bring penses, maintenance and anticpeople together to make thought- ipated proceeds from surplus ful, grounded, and transparent property sales. We must consider decisions. impacts on businesses and houseI’m running for City Council to holds, including costs passed advance practical win-win-win through to renters. I would supsolutions to our many challenges: port phasing debt issuance to strengthening climate and wildmanage taxpayer impacts. fire resilience, expanding housing I also strongly support indeaffordability, and supporting the pendent performance auditing, local businesses and culture that public reporting on spending and make Boulder vibrant. results, and sustainably funded I’m committed to helping build maintenance plans. a Boulder where working people We should address urgent and their families can continue needs while correcting the proto stay in the place where we live, cess before committing public work, and love for generations to dollars.
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Boulder City Council Ryan Jamieson WEBSITE >> rjforboulder.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> I grew up outside Atlanta and enlisted in the Army at 19, serving in Korea, Germany, Kuwait and the 2003 invasion of Iraq, where I was awarded the Bronze Star. After a degree from Arizona State, I started my career as an internal auditor at American Express, then spent about 20 years in cybersecurity; three years ago I founded my own firm serving small and midsized businesses. My work is taking complicated systems apart and rebuilding them so they work. My family and I have called Boulder home for nearly six years.
WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP ISSUE FACING BOULDER?
>> The municipal code has made it excruciating to do anything in Boulder, even things we want. We say Jamieson we want affordable housing, then make it uneconomical to build. We worry about empty storefronts on Pearl while someone opening a restaurant is 14 months into permitting. North Boulder neighbors spent years trying to replace a playground. The root is Title 9, our land use code, which has grown so byzantine that outcomes depend on which reviewer you draw. City projects follow the same pattern: we bought the Alpine-Balsam site
in 2015 and, 11 years later, still don’t have it complete.
now puts the site’s floor at $304 million, before the housing. That’s a governance failure, not a conDO YOU SUPPORT THE $400 MILtracting one. LION BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBOrdinance 8758 fixes none of it. LIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS Its project list is illustrative rather ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT? >> than binding, and it carries no No, though not because the build- quarterly variance reporting, no ings are fine. Fire Stations 1 and trigger that returns a drifting 5 are past due, the police and 911 project to council, and no indefacility is inadequate, and South pendent audit. We’d be borrowBoulder Rec has been limping for ing the largest sum in city history years. into the same system and just But this is a loan, and our hoping it goes better this time. track record on big projects is AlMy answer isn’t never. pine-Balsam. In February 2019, It’s not yet. Scope South Boulcouncil saw a pavilion renovader Rec and the public safety tion preliminarily estimated at buildings separately, publish es$48 million to $58 million; within timates and quarterly variances, months, the all-in picture reached stand up an independent city au$90 million to $120 million once ditor, and deliver. Then come deconstruction, site work, and back in 2028 for the rest. I’ll be debt were counted. Terri Brncic an easy yes.
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Boulder City Council Tina Marquis WEBSITE >> tinaforboulder.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> I have been a grassroots volunteer in the Boulder community since I moved here over 23 years ago. My husband and I raised two daughters here, and are both proud graduates from Boulder High, #stillthefirst. My professional background is in marketing and sales, having worked for both large corporations and small start-ups. I have an MBA from the University of Michigan and a politics degree from Princeton. I became involved in my children’s elementary school’s Accountability Committee, and ended up being elected to the BVSD school board
in 2013. I served for eight years, including four as president, then ran for City Council to continue my work in local government. I am committed to listening to difMarquis ferent community perspectives and working to shape policy and budgets that reflect our whole community. WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP ISSUE FACING BOULDER? >> At a re-
cent forum, I asked the attendees to raise their hand if they had concerns or trust issues with the Boulder City Council. Most people raised their hand. During my next term, I am committed to rebuilding trust in our local gov-
ernment. First, I will make it easier to understand how our operating and capital budgets align with our priorities. This work includes a new Capital Infrastructure Advisory Panel that tracks each project through completion, including changes in budget and scope. Second, I will work to show how our community engagement shapes our policy and budget. While I don’t expect every vote we make and penny we spend to please everyone, the community deserves to understand how the council got there. Trust is the foundation to all of our strategic priorities, including preparing for climate change, creating middle-housing opportunities, supporting economic development, investing in critical infrastructure and caring for our neighbors who are struggling.
DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400 MILLION BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT? >>
The needs identified in the bond, including two renovated recreation centers with pools, a modern police and emergency dispatch building, and two new fire stations, are critical needs in our community. While the ask is big — a $1 million home would pay an additional $400 in property taxes for the next 20 years — delaying this work will only make it more expensive. Based on our polling, I don’t expect it to pass, but these needs won’t go away. I will look forward to engaging more with the community about how to address these needs with clear oversight moving forward.
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Boulder City Council David Martus WEBSITE>> daveforboulder.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
I’ve lived in Boulder for 41 years; I fell in love with Boulder when I got off the bus in 1985 and love it just as much today. I am a double alum of CU Boulder, including an MBA in finance; CFA charter holder; father of two Eagle Scouts; community volunteer; hockey goalie; hiker; and cyclist. I am proud to live in the only house in Boulder with a lifesize replica hippo head above the front door. WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP IS-
SUE FACING BOULDER? >> The bond
issue, hands down. While I am a no vote on the bond, my priorities include maintaining safe, functional public safety and recreation facilities and addressing legitimate deferred maintenance. Currently, Boulder’s total debt on its 39 outstanding debt issues is $553.2 million (principal and interest). Ballot measure 2K ($400 million bond, $650 million maximum inclusive of interest) would, in a single stroke, more than double that. Over the last 20 years, Boulder voters have only rejected one tax increase/extension at the ballot box out of 41 measures. This near-perfect track record of engagement between city councils and citizens reflects the consistent employment of a thoughtful process underpinned by accumulated community goodwill for a variety of programs and services.
Sadly, that trust and goodwill no longer exist. A survey conducted in June by Probosky Research for the city revealed that only 45% of respondents surMartus veyed would vote in support of the proposed $400 million bond issue, yet here it is on the ballot. Before asking residents to assume this level of long-term debt, Council and staff should provide a transparent list of projects that distinguishes critical community-safety needs from simple improvements, identifies the full cost of each project, and specifies what, if any, lower-cost alternatives were considered, such as utilizing existing commercial properties where the vacancy rate in Boulder is 25%. The ballot measure states that a new public safety building is estimated to cost $170 million. Broomfield has a new police headquarters under construction for a police force almost identical in size to Boulder’s, estimated to cost $81 million to $85 million. Our community deserves better. With a career in institutional finance, I would bring the financial acumen the council needs, dedicate myself to rebuilding community trust, and steward the community’s tax revenues and long-term capital the way we deserve. DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400 MILLION BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT? >> No.
Scott Rendleman
dependent performance auditing to assess whether proWEBSITE>> rendleman4boulder.com grams are accomplishing what we AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT expect and where >> We moved here in 2011 because improvements can Boulder was the best place to be made. raise our children and pursue our Rendleman Residents decareers. Last fall, after 30 years serve to know what as a civil trial lawyer representwe can afford, what must come ing hundreds of people and busi- first and what can wait. Following nesses, I retired from the practice through on those decisions matof law. My career sharpened my ters to everything else we want to ability to listen carefully, question accomplish, including preparing assumptions and build consenfor wildfire, supporting our losus. One reason for retiring was cal economy and making housing to dedicate myself to public sermore affordable. vice in Boulder. This spring, I was selected as an alternate to the Po- DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400M BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDlice Oversight Panel, with a goal INGS THAT THE CITY SAYS ARE to serve as a bridge between our FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT? >> No. officers and our historically excluded communities. These facilities have real needs, but the city has not demonstrated WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP ISit would spend this money wisely. SUE FACING BOULDER? >> My top Our recreation centers are priority is strengthening pubcommunity centers, and police lic confidence in our city governand 911 dispatch need reliable fament. cilities. These require thoughtCity Council needs to prioriful funding. Residents and busitize listening to residents, making nesses, however, have reached thoughtful decisions within limtheir limit on additional taxes for ited revenue and clearly explainnow. ing its spending choices. ResiBefore proposing another bond, dents deserve those explanations the city should develop a plan to as they consider the proposed sell or repurpose properties al$400 million bond and seek anready identified as unnecessary, swers about Alpine-Balsam’s preferably for permanently affordcosts. Without public confidence, able housing where feasible. Diseven programs and departments placed offices should be consolithat serve Boulder well can come dated. Buildings serving residents under question. should be prioritized, with necesI would pursue a prioritized, sary repairs distinguished from phased plan for our infrastrucexpansions and new facilities. ture, selling or repurposing propI would pursue a five-year plan erties no longer needed. Let’s to address urgent repairs, fund have reasonable and attainable routine maintenance and reduce budgets for the recreation centers the number of buildings we mainand public safety building, with tain. That work should help esfunding to maintain them. I sup- tablish which needs require more port a multiyear pilot of an infunding and how much.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
Boulder City Council Jamillah Richmond
sumers spending money here, many of whom do not live WEBSITE >> jamillahanewvoice.com in Boulder. As a result, we have less AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT money to address >> I moved to Boulder seven years the community’s ago as a single parent and unexpanding needs. housed Safehouse Progressive Al- Richmond Boulder needs liance for Non-Violence particito think creatively pant with a 4-year-old. I live in about how to fund its needs. Beaffordable housing in South Boul- ing a tourist attraction isn’t der. I have a master’s degree in enough to pay for the resources education, am currently pursuand needs of residents who live ing my doctorate in Leadership here year-round, many of whom for Change, and run a non-profit are not wealthy and are strugalongside my business partner. I gling to make ends meet. have years of experience serving on BVSD’s District Accountability DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400 MILLION BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBCommittee and executive team, LIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS and serve on several non-profit boards, as well as Boulder’s BVCP ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT? >> Community Assembly. I do not support the measure as I care about affordable housit is currently written. I acknowling that is accessible to all, inedge that the city’s deferred maincluding single-parent households, tenance costs are urgent and need disabled, unhoused, median and to be addressed, but this mealow-income earners alike; an acsure is not the way to do that. I’m countable and community-driven skeptical of funding a facility for city government; wages and lothe Boulder Police Department cally owned businesses; as well that lacks an officially identias environmental justice and refied location and that may end up silience. costing more than the projected $170 million. While I support upWHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP ISdating the other buildings inSUE FACING BOULDER? >> Boulder cluded in the bond measure, I am challenges include housing afnot enthusiastic about providing fordability and availability, clifunding for a Public Safety Cenmate stressors, homelessness, ter at a time when the Boulder Poan ever-increasing cost of livlice Department is under scrutiny ing, among many others. These for the way it reviews complaints do not exist in a vacuum, and if against officers. they could be distilled into one isI would support a revised versue, it would be that Boulder is sion of the measure that excludes an incredibly wealthy commuthe proposed Public Safety Cennity with limited public resources ter and is written with broadened to devote to its needs. The city re- community input after a period lies on sales tax for a majority of public engagement around the of its revenue, meaning that city measure. services are contingent on con-
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Boulder City Council Ryan Schuchard
many more.
WEBSITE >> ryanwithboulder.com
AS THE TOP ISSUE
WHAT DO YOU VIEW FACING BOULDER?
>> Boulder faces headwinds from the dad of two BVSD elementary an affordable housschool kids, currently serving on Schuchard ing shortage, high Boulder City Council, and runprices, a weak naning for re-election. His mission tional economy, shrinking state is to make Boulder work for evbudgets, declining school enrolleryone, now and in the future, by ment, wildfire, and power outcutting the costs of living, adapt- ages. That’s on top of an advering our community to a world it sarial federal government and atwasn’t built for, and making local tacks on the rights of LGBTQ+ government more predictable and people, women, immigrants and effective. He’s been a leader in minorities. making Boulder climate resilient The top issue is being finanand financially strong. Ryan is en- cially strong enough to weather dorsed by Congressman Joe Neall this. That means the city havguse, Sen. Michael Bennet, State ing enough to go around for evSen. Judy Amabile, State Reps. Ju- eryone, the flexibility to adapt, nie Joseph and Lesley Smith, and and the self-reliance to protect
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> Ryan Schuchard (shoe-hard) is
Paid For By Tara Winer For Council
what’s most important. From my seat on council’s Financial Strategy Committee, I’ve worked to build on past councils’ progress, and I want to accelerate it: Build a bigger cushion, with healthy reserves, less dependence on sales tax, and a public dashboard of long-term financial health. Make city services amazing with a central place for help. Grow local partners to secure wildfire hardening cost-effectively. Hold big decisions to a high bar, so Boulder can absorb a bad year without breaking promises. Read more in my essay, “How to Make Boulder Financially Strong,” at ryanwithboulder.com/newsletter. DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400 MILLION BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS
ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT?
>> Yes. First, it avoids hurtful ser-
vice cuts. No savings fund is big enough to fix these buildings, so without the measure, conditions keep worsening and show up as cuts that hit hardest for people who can least absorb them. Second, it fixes the problem at the lowest cost, taking care of 15 failing buildings citywide, including rec centers, fire stations, and the police station, before repairs get more expensive. Third, it sets up a public process for each building, with council approval required project by project. The $400 million is a cap, and the city isn’t obligated to spend all of it. Boulder residents deserve cost discipline and clear reporting on every dollar, and that’s what they’ll get. Read my newsletter essay on this topic, too.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
Boulder City Council Lynn Segal AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> I’m an ultrasound technolo-
gist, specializing in high-risk OBGYN/genetics. I am Jewish. I oppose densification and especially CU taking over the local economy and its impact on housing. We need fundamental criminal justice reform in Boulder and the removal of Stephen Redfearn as police chief. I follow six city boards — Planning Board, Landmarks, WRAB, OSBT and Transportation, council, Rocky Flats and Israel/Palestine. I am opposed to CU South. I support municipalization. I am passionate about Geothermal for space and water heating and cooling. I am shamelessly frugal, as our local government needs to be.
ement gets their huge project, increases the costs of their market-rate units, consequently raising land value, increasing the demand for affordability, while erasSegal ing the middle income, causing school closures. DO YOU SUPPORT THE $400 MILLION BOND MEASURE TO FUND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THAT THE CITY SAYS ARE FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT?
>> No on taxpayer funding the
$400 million and the $250 million debt limit, which both must pass to activate. This, with the library district, TMF and BCC child care ballot measure, amounts to $1,250/year to property taxes and in perpetuity. It bleeds the taxpayers further than Trump’s WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP spending on debt from war-drivISSUE FACING BOULDER? >> The ing inflation, only increases their money spent on war needs to be already existing and perpetual spent on housing. I support Melat property and other taxes and Xcel Kiros, Zorhan Mamdani and bills, effectively raising rents, and Mohsen Mahdawi and their inter- eviscerates the local economy. It’s nal locality spending philosophy also a reward for poor local planvs. war. We’ve lost the missing ning. What is needed is a quanmiddle because the federal govtification of each person’s enernment pushes growth with Low ergy use, rec center, open space Income Housing Tax Credits (LI- M&O and CIP, fire mitigation, waHTC), developers seek these proj- ter, police, library and so on, over ects that require affordable hous- time including full lifecycle analying, In the case of the bungalows sis. Then this needs to be applied by the library, Element was reto every project, limiting the dequired to develop too many units veloper from creating more units to save the bungalows from dem- than the carrying capacity can olition. Landmarks had the power provide. This applies to deferred to devalue the land by landmark- maintenance and the use of city ing them but chose to landmark government-owned properties only one, with a clause allowand their use including the debt ing its relocation. As a result, Elservice to them. Free Palestine.
Tara Winer WEBSITE >>
taraforboulder.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATE-
MENT >> I was born and raised in
Brooklyn, N.Y., and got my BA in economics from the University of Wisconsin. After college, I moved to Philadelphia, where I started a business I still run today. That’s also where I met my husband and where we raised our family. In 2011, my husband, our three daughters and I moved to Boulder. Since then, we’ve added three sons-in-law and five grandchildren to the mix. My city work started in 2016 on the Chautauqua Access Management plan. I later served on the CCRS tax working group, BURA, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. In 2021, I won a seat on Boulder City Council. I’m now running for my third term. I love this job. WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS THE TOP ISSUE FACING BOULDER? >> The top
issue facing Boulder is wildfire resiliency, which won the #1 spot in our community survey, and I agree. We’re in a constant state of wildfire threat, which is why the council made it a priority for 2026. Many residents now want mandatory, retroactive home hardening on the WUI, like removing flammable bushes and trees from properties. I want to continue this work into my next term. Going hand in hand with wildfire is power resiliency. We
can’t have another winter with multiple, long-lasting power shutoffs. I’m pushing Xcel to improve system reliability, strengthen the grid, replace aged Winer infrastructure, and expand capacity. Xcel’s wildfire mitigation should include undergrounding of power lines and the rebuilding of transmission lines. FAILING? WHY OR WHY NOT? >> My original position on the $400 million bond measure was “no”; it was too high. First, property tax hikes are hard on seniors on fixed incomes. Second, property owners pay four times as much, and triple-net leases mean small businesses bear that burden. I asked the council to reduce it to $200 million but got no takers. My second reason was that it polled poorly in the community survey. But then this happened: South Boulder Rec Center advocates had been asking for a lap pool to be included in the ballot language, as it only mentioned generic aquatics. I got the language changed to specifically say “lap pools.” After that, I couldn’t very well vote no. So I changed my stance to yes. If this measure doesn’t pass, I’d like to bring forward a new ballot measure that includes more details, so people know exactly what they’d be paying for, and that reduces the cost from $400 million to whatever is absolutely necessary.
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Broomfield Ballot Items Ballot Question 1A: Lodging tax
City and County of Broomfield, commencing on January 1, 2027, with the revenues of such lodging tax to be dedicated for use by WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall the City the housing authority of the City and County of Broomfield lodgand County of Broomfield to preing taxes be increased up to serve and expand housing oppor$3,300,000.00 annually in 2027, tunities in Broomfield, the housthe first full fiscal year of collecing authority being governed by tion, and by whatever amount is a board appointed by the City raised annually thereafter, by in- Council and required to provide creasing the lodging tax rate by annual expenditures reports to four point four percent (4.4%) for the City Council, and shall all reva total rate of six percent (6%) on enues from such taxes and any the rental fee, price, or other con- earnings thereon be collected, resideration paid or charged for the tained, and spent as a voter-apshort-term rental (less than 30 proved revenue change without consecutive days) of any room, ac- limitation or condition, and notcommodation, or space in any ho- withstanding any revenue or extel, inn, bed and breakfast respenditure limitations contained idence, or any other place that in Article X Section 20 of the Colprovides sleeping rooms, sleeping orado Constitution or any other facilities, or accommodations for law?” consideration located within the
Ballot Question 1B: Xcel franchise agreement
general fund. No franchise fee is charged for utility services provided directly to Broomfield for its own use, such as streetWHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall the City and lights, according to a City Council memo. The new contract mainCounty of Broomfield approve tains the 3% franchise fee, acthe terms of a twenty-year francording to the memo. Also under chise contract, starting January 1, 2028, with Public Service Com- the current contract, Xcel budgets pany of Colorado (Xcel Energy) to an amount equal to 1% of the preceding year’s electric gross revcontinue Xcel’s program for unenues for an “underground prodergrounding overhead electrical lines, maintaining infrastruc- gram” that is dedicated to relocating existing overhead electric ture safety and partnering with lines underground. The average the City for emergency management coordination, and to require yearly contribution is $679,000, that Xcel Energy continue to pay the memo says. The 1% contribution is maintained in the new to the City for reasonable use of contract, according to the memo. public rights-of-way and other If this ballot item does not pass, City property necessary to proXcel will still provide utility servide safe and reliable utility services for the benefit of the City, its vices, but Broomfield would not residents and its businesses as set receive the benefits of the franchise agreement, according to forth in Ordinance No. 2307?” city staff. WHAT IT MEANS >> Approval of this WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> In a ballot item would enter BroomSept. 22 City Council meeting, a field into another franchise contract with Xcel Energy to provide member of the Broomfield Chamgas and electrical services within ber of Commerce expressed support for this ballot question. the city. Under the current contract, Xcel collects a 3% fee on each consumer bill and then pays WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> The Broomfield a “franchise fee” equal Broomfield Enterprise is unaware of public statements opposed to to 3% of its gross revenues from this item. gas and electricity sales within the city, which goes into the city’s
WHAT IT MEANS >> A vote in favor
of this ballot question supports the increase of lodging taxes within Broomfield by 4.4%, to a total of 6%. Lodging taxes apply to hotels and short term rentals, which are those less than 30 consecutive days. City staff has said that the increase would bring Broomfield’s lodging tax closer to that of surrounding municipalities. Nearby areas including Thornton, Westminster, Boulder, Aurora and Wheat Ridge all have lodging taxes ranging from 7% to 10%, according to staff. If approved, revenue from the lodging tax would go to Broomfield’s housing authority, which works to maintain and expand housing access in the city including work to support income-restricted or affordable housing. The housing authority is governed by a board
Ballot Question 1C: Mayoral terms WHAT IT SAYS >> “Currently, the mayor serves a 2-year term and is limited to three consecutive terms. Shall section 4.3 of the Broomfield Home Rule Charter be amended so future mayors will serve a 4-year term and be limited to two consecutive terms starting at the general municipal election to be held in 2027?” WHAT IT MEANS >> A vote in favor
of this ballot question supports changing Broomfield’s mayoral term length and allowed number of consecutive terms. Broomfield mayors currently serve for two-year terms and are limited to serving three of those terms in a row for a total of six years. This change to Broomfield’s governing document would allow mayors to serve four-year terms, limited to
that is appointed by Broomfield City Council elected officials and is required to provide annual expenditure reports to the council. WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> Supporters approve of more funding going towards affordable housing and because the current lodging tax rate was approved in 1997, believe it is due for an update that aligns with surrounding areas. A lodging tax would not affect most Broomfield residents but would be paid by visitors. WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> Putting
additional taxpayer funds toward affordable housing is not productive and would make trips to Broomfield more expensive for some visitors.
two of those terms in a row for a total of eight years. If approved, this change would not take effect until after the 2027 election. WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> Supporters believe that the current, shorter length of mayoral terms when compared to Broomfield City Council members means that mayoral candidates spend a disproportionate amount of time campaigning, and that it makes sense to have the mayor serve the same term lengths as council members. City Council members are currently allowed to serve three terms in a row, according to the city’s website. WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> Oppo-
sition is against the total time served as mayor changing from six years to eight years, as it could mean one person in the mayoral seat for longer.
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Broomfield City Council Katie Peterson
the BHA about $3 million annually, so hotel and shortterm rental guests will help fund affordable housing for residents.
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE >>
KatiePetersonFacts.com
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
I moved to Ward 1 in Broomfield in 2005 with my husband when we were first starting our family. I have loved raising my two kids here and taking advantage of the many resources available, like the rec centers, library and trails. I have spent two decades volunteering my time with the kids’ schools, the city, 100 Women Who Care, and The Refuge. Through this work I have been able to help and connect with people face to face. This year I filled a vacancy on City Council so that I can serve our community on a larger scale.
Peterson
THE BROOMFIELD TOWN SQUARE DE-
VELOPMENT SLATED FOR WARD 1 HAS THRUST DEVELOPMENT AND THE CITY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH DEVELOPERS INTO THE SPOTLIGHT. HOW DO YOU THINK THE CITY SHOULD BALANCE LARGE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITH FISCAL
RESPONSIBILITY? >> Broomfield is
firmly committed to fiscal responsibility. The city must balance its budget annually, and while the state requires a 10% general fund reserve, Broomfield maintains 20%. Spending centers on manWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT dates (often-unfunded state reOF BROOMFIELD RIGHT NOW, AND quirements like police body camHOW SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? eras and water testing), obliga>> My top priority is housing. tions (debt on projects like the Broomfield’s average rent exrenovated Broomfield Community ceeds $2,000/month and the aver- Center) and critical needs (waage single-family home costs over ter, sewer, roads and police). With $750,000. Our teachers, retail aging infrastructure, the Capiworkers and even city staff have tal Improvement Plan now puts to commute in. Our college grad- 75% toward maintenance and uates must move home or move 25% toward new projects. Reveaway. Seniors on fixed incomes nue comes mainly from sales tax, have few downsizing options. Two property tax and utility charges. elementary schools will likely Voter-approved school mill levies close next year due to low enroll- have raised tax bills, but Broomment, partly because young fami- field’s own rate hasn’t increased lies are priced out. Four years ago, since 2001. Falling assessed home the Broomfield Housing Authorvalues and reduced oil and gas acity (BHA) was created to serve tivity have cut revenue, contributresidents earning up to 60% of ing to last year’s shortfall, closed Area Median Income. It has levby significantly reducing staff eraged Inclusive Housing Ordiwage increases. These choices ilnance funds seven-fold, creating lustrate responsible stewardship. hundreds of units. Council supHaving learned from past develports a November ballot measure opments, I’m confident Broomraising the lodging tax from 1.6% field will structure future conto 6%, comparable to neighbortracts to benefit developers and ing communities and under half taxpayers. of Boulder’s rate. It would give
Erie Ballot Items Ballot Issue 3E: New lodging tax
short-term rental activity which is not currently licensed or regulated in the town. The Planning & Development Department is WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall the town slated to bring potential shortof Erie taxes be increased by up term rental licensing and reguto $150,000 commencing on Jan- lation recommendations to the uary 1, 2027, and by whatever Town Council later in 2026. This amounts are generated annuestimate also does not include ally thereafter through the imrevenue from future hotel develposition of a Lodging Tax at the opment. rate of three and one half perErie does not currently have a cent on the total rental fee, price, hotel, but a plan for new develor other consideration paid or opment in the Town Center area charged for the leasing or rental off Erie Parkway and County of any hotel room, motel room, Line Road has included space inbed and breakfast, short term tended for one. rental or other accommodation The ballot language is “fairly with a stay of thirty days or less, flexible” for how the tax funds and shall all revenues derived could be used, town staff has from such Lodging Tax be used said, to account for a variety of for general governmental puruses which could include fundposes, including, but not limited ing expanded shuttle services to park and recreational facililike the Erie Bee, funding inties, capital infrastructure, and creased cultural or public art law enforcement/safety and secu- programs through the Parks & rity purposes, and shall the rev- Recreation Department, or fundenues from such taxes and any ing increased patrol capability earnings from the investment of during special events. such revenues be collected and WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> Lodgspent as a voter-approved revenue change pursuant to Artiing Taxes are commonly used cle X, Section 20 of the Colorado across the state so that visitors Constitution and any other law?” contribute toward local services and infrastructure they might WHAT IT MEANS >> Voters are use while visiting a community. asked to approve a lodging tax The tax won’t affect most Erie that would impact visitors at any residents. future hotels and at short-term WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> There rentals — stays of less than 30 days at a time — in the town. is no hotel yet built in Erie, and Town staff have estimated a even with one planned, hotels al3.5% lodging tax would generate ready charge state sales tax. It approximately $150,000 annuwould make it more expensive ally under existing market confor families and friends of Erie ditions. residents to visit town. This estimate reflects current
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Erie Ballot Items Ballot Issue 3F: Community Center expansion
and conditions, including provisions for redemption prior to maturity with or without payment of premium of not to exceed 3%, all as the Town may determine; WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall the town of and shall the revenues raised by Erie’s debt be increased by up to such sales and use tax rate in$32.5 million, with a maximum crease and proceeds of such debt, repayment cost not to exceed any other revenue used to pay $52.6 million (principal and inter- such debt, and investment income est) for the purpose of updating thereon, be collected and spent the aging Erie Community Center by the town as a voter-approved building and facilities by acquirrevenue change pursuant to Artiing, designing, constructing, excle X, Section 20 of the Colorado panding, renovating, improving, Constitution?” and equipping the same and for WHAT IT MEANS >> Erie voters continued operations and maintenance, with such improvements are asked whether to approve a to include but are not limited to: 0.501% sales and use tax increase • Constructing and equipping to fund costs associated with the new fitness studios and expandexpansion, renovation, equipping, ing existing studios; operation, and maintenance of • Constructing and equipping a the Erie Community Center. The new gymnasium and racquet ball tax would pay off an estimated courts; debt issuance of about $32.5 mil• Expanding multipurpose lion to fund the center’s expancommunity and recreation space; sion and renovation project, and • Equipping new strength would remain in effect after the training and circuit training ardebt is retired. Revenue from the eas; tax would then support ongoAnd shall town taxes be ining operations, maintenance and creased by up to $4,866,857 in recreation facility projects at the the first full fiscal year and by community center. such additional amounts as are WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> The Erie generated annually thereafter by an increase in the rate of Community Center, which opened sales and use tax imposed by the in 2008, is not meeting the needs town by .501%, commencing Jan- of Erie’s population. There are uary 1, 2027, which tax revenues currently program waitlists and will be used for the payment of limited space. Continuing the the debt authorized by this ques- tax even after the debt is repaid tion and for the construction, op- would help keep the center in eration and maintenance of the good shape. Erie Community Center and other WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> Quespark and recreation related expenses of the town; and may the tions have arisen about the imdebt issued pursuant to this ques- pact of an additional sales and tion be paid from such legally use tax, the total cost of the projavailable revenues, bear interect, long-term operating costs, est, and be sold in one series or and whether other town inframore at a price above, below or structure projects should be priequal to the principal amount of oritized. such debt and with such terms
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Erie Town Council District 1 Bob Braudes
housing needs to be supported by infrastructure WEBSITE >> such as water and https://bobforerie.com/ roads, so this must be incorporated AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT into the planning. >> I moved to Erie in 2011 and am We also need to currently retired from a career increase the numBraudes in technology. I am very active ber of local busiin the Erie community, being a nesses. While this often includes member and former Vice-Chair anchor stores, we also need facilof the Erie Planning Commission ities for small businesses. Having and previously serving on the walkable, mixed-use areas gives Open Space and Trails Advisory us the best options, where people Board and the Home Rule Char- can walk or bicycle to work. ter Commission. I also serve on WITH ERIE’S SALES TAX REVENUE several local and regional nonGROWTH SLOWING, WHAT IS ONE profit Boards. I brought the No Kings rallies to Erie in 2025 and TOWN EXPENSE OR PLANNED PROJECT YOU WOULD REDUCE, DELAY have coordinated most of the OR ELIMINATE? WHERE SHOULD Erie festivals over the past several years. On the philanthropic THE TOWN BE SPENDING MORE? >> Many of our largest capital side, I support many local charities and sponsor their local programs are related to bringevents. ing water to the town, and when elected I will work with staff to WHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT ensure we have alternative paths OF ERIE RIGHT NOW, AND HOW before considering cuts here. The SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> The next several projects have to do largest issue impacting Erie with maintenance on our infrais managing growth. We need structure — sewer lines, streets, housing options to support peo- etc. — and while there may be ple who work in Erie and cannot some savings, I will need staff afford to live here. input to determine if any can be By diversifying our houssafely delayed with minimal iming stock, we also address our pact to our residents. tax base, as smaller houses and While I am in favor of alternamulti-family dwellings (paired tive transportation, there seems homes, townhouses, etc.) are to be some uncertainty related more tax efficient than larger to the construction of new shoulsingle-family homes. It also alders on County Line Road from lows faster response times for Colorado 52 to Cheesman, and off-duty first responders in case per the FY 26 Budget report, of emergency, more time for “This project should be re-evaluteachers to work with our stuated based on the recent County dents, and more options for our Line Road Strategic Plan that service sector to hire staff with- Boulder County is completing, out requiring higher pay to com- and the need for a new bridge for pensate for travel time. Any new Coal Creek.”
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| 2026 VOTER GUIDE | DAILYCAMERA.COM Erie Town Council District 1
Andrew Sawusch WEBSITE >>
AndrewSawusch.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> I am married to my amaz-
ing wife, Gabrielle, and am the proud father of our son, Maxwell, and husky fur-baby, Koda. Originally from the Chicagoland area and a graduate of CU Boulder, I have been a resident of Erie for 10 years. I have served the town for the past six years in multiple capacities — currently as the Planning Commission chair, formerly a council member, and a planning commissioner before that — in order to give back to the community I love. I am running for Town Council because I care deeply about the community my family calls home.
objective must be generating steady, reliable sales tax revenue by activating new commercial and retail development. Furthermore, we must establish accurate, Sawusch data-driven growth forecasts mapped directly against our actual infrastructure limits. This proactive approach ensures we plan, prioritize, and budget for necessary capacity expansions before reaching critical breaking points, rather than reacting after the fact. WITH ERIE’S SALES TAX REVENUE GROWTH SLOWING, WHAT IS ONE TOWN EXPENSE OR PLANNED PROJECT YOU WOULD REDUCE, DELAY OR ELIMINATE? WHERE SHOULD THE
TOWN BE SPENDING MORE? >> This fiscal issue ties directly into our WHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT growth challenges. Facing a budOF ERIE RIGHT NOW, AND HOW get that doesn’t even cover our SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> The street maintenance needs beginsingle most pressing issue facing ning in 2028, we must act immeErie is managing the transition diately to curb municipal spendfrom a decade of rapid expansion ing while stabilizing town revto a sudden, dramatic drop in de- enues. Stabilizing our capital velopment activity. improvement fund must be our Over the past 12 months, the top priority to ensure we can aftown added just 227 new dwelling ford vital services. Rather than units — a steep decline from our singling out an isolated project five-year average of 691 units per for cuts, we must audit the enyear. While past growth pushed tire municipal budget in its enour roads, water resources and tirety. Unless a planned expendimunicipal utility capacities to ture meets an immediate, essentheir limits, this abrupt slowdown tial public safety or infrastructure has choked off critical developneed, it should be deferred until ment revenues. Consequently, our financial footing stabilizes. Erie faces an immediate financial Simultaneously, Erie must issue relating to how we will pay move aggressively on targeted for essential capital needs moving economic development. Broadforward. ening our commercial tax base The solution cannot be shifting is the single best strategy to genfinancial burdens onto residents erate sustainable revenue, prothrough new utility charges, such tect taxpayer wallets, maintain as staff’s proposed street mainte- high-quality town services, and nance fee. Instead, our primary keep our community thriving.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
Erie Town Council District 2 Dipak Basnet
nonstop growth and hoping to catch up to the WEBSITE >> needs of the peotinyurl.com/DipakBasnetpage ple later. Additionally, I believe there AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> has been a lack of I’m a retired, first-generation imtransparency from migrant and proud family man the town’s incumBasnet who has called Colorado home bent council on for more than 28 years. In Nepal, their plans and what their acI built a career in business and tual commitments are and how law, but came to the U.S. to pro- it benefits its residents. vide greater opportunity for my WITH ERIE’S SALES TAX REVENUE children. GROWTH SLOWING, WHAT IS ONE I spent my career as a retail manager, where I had an oppor- TOWN EXPENSE OR PLANNED PROJtunity to interact with people of ECT YOU WOULD REDUCE, DELAY OR ELIMINATE? WHERE SHOULD every demographic and station THE TOWN BE SPENDING MORE? in life. I learned how local busi>> As the town is asking the votnesses and communities function day to day. Throughout my ers to approve an increase in time here, I’ve remained deeply sales tax rate this November, it engaged with the Nepali commu- is more important than ever that nity. That commitment to service Erie needs to focus its spending is what draws me to the Town on essential amenities and needs Council. of the community instead of spending money on nonessential WHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE FACprojects and consultant studies. ING ERIE RIGHT NOW, AND HOW Prioritizing the basics residents SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> rely on every day builds trust beErie’s No. 1 issue is that growth fore the town takes on new disis outpacing infrastructure. As cretionary projects. Given all the a resident, I feel this daily from negative in the news recently rewater supply concerns to a lack garding the initiatives of the curof retail and community amerent governing personnel, it is innities. I believe the town’s focus cumbent on the incoming counshould be on ensuring the grow- cil to reestablish the trust of ing population has adequate re- the community and serve their sources instead of just approving needs.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
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Erie Town Council District 2 Delaney Dreckman WEBSITE >>
delaneyforerie.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> Delaney Dreckman is a Colo-
rado Certified General Appraiser specializing in farms, ranches and water rights. A CSU graduate in agricultural business, she has spent nearly a decade working with landowners throughout Colorado. Delaney has served on the Erie Planning Commission since 2023, currently serving as vice chair. She and her husband, a Marine Corps veteran and corporate finance professional, are raising their two young children in Erie. Spending summers on her family’s multi-generational ranch while growing up shaped her appreciation for land, water and responsible stewardship. She is running for Town Council to protect what makes Erie feel like home. WHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT OF ERIE RIGHT NOW, AND HOW
SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> Wa-
ter. Nearly every conversation about Erie’s future ultimately comes back to it. I work with land and water rights every day as a rural appraiser, so I understand both their value and their limitations. Erie has built a strong longterm water portfolio, but we have a near-term timing problem while we wait for major regional water projects to come online. We need to protect and diversify our water portfolio, invest in storage and treatment capacity, and carefully manage the resources we have available. We also need to make
sure new development pays its fair share of the infrastructure required to serve it. I’m not anti-growth. I’m a young mom raising two kids here, and I want Erie to reDreckman main a place where families want to live. Growth must follow available resources and infrastructure, not the other way around. WITH ERIE’S SALES TAX REVENUE GROWTH SLOWING, WHAT IS ONE TOWN EXPENSE OR PLANNED PROJECT YOU WOULD REDUCE, DELAY OR ELIMINATE? WHERE SHOULD THE TOWN BE SPENDING MORE? >>
I would delay the $170,625 Public Art and Placemaking Program before cutting core services, drawing down reserves or deferring maintenance. Public art adds character to Erie, and I support it, but when more immediate needs require our attention, this is a project that can wait. My priorities are water and wastewater infrastructure, roads, public safety and taking care of the assets taxpayers already own. My job as an appraiser is to look at value, analyze the data and support my conclusions. I approach public spending the same way. The question is not simply whether a project would be nice to have. It’s whether it is the best use of limited taxpayer dollars right now. With revenue growth slowing, Erie needs to prioritize needs over wants, protect healthy reserves and be willing to say “not yet” to projects we cannot responsibly afford.
Ben Hemphill WEBSITE >> benforerieco.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
My wife and I have lived in Erie since 2018. I’m a licensed mechanical engineer with a master’s degree in engineering from CU Boulder; I’m currently working in the nuclear sector. In 2022, I chaired the Sustainability Advisory Board and was later elected to the Home Rule Charter Commission, where I helped draft our town’s charter. Since September 2023, I’ve served on the Planning Commission, chairing it for a year and gaining a thorough understanding of development across Erie. I’m running for Town Council in District 2 to keep Erie focused on the residents’ health and quality of life.
I would address this by working with town staff to publish explanations of major decisions with enough time for residents to review and weigh in Hemphill before they’re finalized. I’ll use the 2025 and future community surveys as a guiding star, and make sure the input we receive actually shapes what the town does next, not just collect the comments and set them aside. WITH ERIE’S SALES TAX REVENUE GROWTH SLOWING, WHAT IS ONE TOWN EXPENSE OR PLANNED PROJECT YOU WOULD REDUCE, DELAY OR ELIMINATE? WHERE SHOULD THE TOWN BE SPENDING MORE?
>> The 2026 budget increased
the amount of general fund dollars moved into capital projWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT ects by over 50%, to $10 million. OF ERIE RIGHT NOW, AND HOW I’d slow that increase back toSHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> The ward last year’s pace until revenumber one issue facing Erie nue trends are clearer. I’d start right now is trust in our lowith lower-priority items, like a cal government. Residents have roughly $1.3 million administrawatched our current Town Coun- tive office and shop project for cil rush through a sale of our Parks & Open Space staff. That’s mineral rights using an adviser a staff facility upgrade, not a reswith a significant financial inident-facing service, and it can terest in closing a deal, fire the wait a year. I’d rather see that town manager, settle a lawsuit money go toward quality of life regarding a housing developinstead: more trail and multiment near a contaminated site, modal transport access, and tarand approve a council-directed geted incentives to bring in recomprehensive plan update that tail residents actually want, like reduces diverse housing opa grocery store, local shops, and tions. Meanwhile, the mayor restaurants. This will keep more and mayor pro tem privately dis- spending, and the sales tax that cussed a land swap of town land comes with it, in Erie instead of for a church near Old Town. leaking to neighboring towns.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
Erie Town Council District 3 Amy Becker
actually shape decisions or just get used to jusWEBSITE >> tify what’s already https://amyforerie.com been decided. As an oncology PA, AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT I’ve spent 25 years >> I’m a Colorado native who has listening to peocalled Erie home for 11 years. I ple at the hardest Becker moved to town while training moments of their for triathlons, tired of the daily lives — that’s the kind of listendrive into Boulder, and stayed ing I’ll bring to this council. If because I fell in love with Erie’s elected, the town survey doesn’t small-town feel. For 25 years, I’ve sit on a shelf — it drives our priworked as an oncology physician orities, and every resident, not assistant, caring for patients just the ones who already have a through some of the hardest mo- seat at the table, gets to see how. ments of their lives. At home, WITH ERIE’S SALES TAX REVENUE my husband and I are raising GROWTH SLOWING, WHAT IS ONE two daughters and my 14-yearTOWN EXPENSE OR PLANNED PROJold nephew, who has been part of our family since he was 4. I’m ECT YOU WOULD REDUCE, DELAY running for town council to help OR ELIMINATE? WHERE SHOULD Erie grow while protecting what THE TOWN BE SPENDING MORE? >> makes it special. We’re well down the road on the police station and water treatWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE FACment plant expansion — those ING ERIE RIGHT NOW, AND HOW are underway and need to be finSHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> The ished. But I’d pause the performnumber one issue in Erie right ing arts center feasibility work. now is trust. We’ve seen major We’re looking at a facility that decisions — on housing, on decould cost up to $86 million, and velopment, on how the town while there’s some public interspends money — made by the est in the idea, that’s a want, not same four votes, with real ina need, in a year when sales tax put from residents treated as an growth is slowing. I’d rather see afterthought. The town spent that time and money redirected $70,000 expanding our comtoward things residents consismunity survey, and even sittently say they need most — road ting council members have ques- maintenance, parks, and core intioned whether the results will frastructure.
Brian O’Connor
comes from a different water basin, so it would help to WEBSITE >> brianforerie.com diversify Erie’s water portfolio. AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT Later this year, >> In 1996, my wife and I moved the NISP particito Colorado for work and play. I pants are expected raced mountain bikes all over the O’Connor to receive quotes state and worked in the design infrom Northern Water dustry focusing on trade shows based off of nearly completed conand displays. In 2000, I became a struction drawings. Once Erie has museum curator and the followthese quotes, our water and fiing year, my wife and I bought nance experts can develop financour first home in Erie. Several ing scenarios and model the imyears later, we started a family pacts on water related fees for and I became a stay-at-home dad. new construction and the water I currently own a one-man small bill of our current residents and business, working in homes all businesses. Once the council has around Erie. In 2015, I joined the those numbers, a decision can be Tree Board, then served on the made if Erie continues to stay in Home Rule Charter Commission, the project, reduces its shares, or and currently on Town Council. leaves the project altogether. WHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT
WITH ERIE’S SALES TAX REVENUE
OF ERIE RIGHT NOW, AND HOW
GROWTH SLOWING, WHAT IS ONE
jor decision, which needs to be made in 2027, is whether Erie should stay in the Northern Water project, the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP), or if it is too unaffordable for our current residents. This project is a massive, multi-decade project which would supply Erie with the water needed for residential, commercial, industrial and municipal growth. Erie does have enough water now for our current residents and businesses, but most of it is from the Colorado Big Thompson (CBT) project. That water comes from the Colorado River, which is a water source shared by a number of states and Mexico. NISP water
ECT YOU WOULD REDUCE, DELAY OR
SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> A ma-
TOWN EXPENSE OR PLANNED PROJELIMINATE? WHERE SHOULD THE
TOWN BE SPENDING MORE? >> Along
with the sales tax revenue growth slowing, the revenue from building permit fees is also down 60%. I would want to see the town not increase spending until the sales tax and permit fees are on the rebound and then be critical of any spending increases. As for planned projects, I believe that those discussions and decisions should be made by the council as a whole. If I had to pick projects, I would look at renovations to see if they could be delayed, and evaluate if vehicle leases and purchases could be reasonably extended or delayed.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
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Firestone Board of Trustees Troy Athmann
tone grows deliberately, sustainably and within the community’s ability to support it.
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> I am a retired U.S. Army mas-
ter sergeant with 25 years of service. My professional background includes information technology, business analysis, project management, process improvement, and consulting. Those experiences taught me to listen, define the real problem before choosing a solution, and build systems that continue working when circumstances change. Firestone is my home, and I am running for trustee to bring that practical, disciplined approach to sustainable growth, accountable government, fiscal stewardship and preserving the character that makes Firestone a community, not simply a collection of developments.
FIRESTONE’S BOARD OF TRUST-
Athmann
EES STRUGGLED FOR MONTHS TO MAIN-
TAIN A QUORUM AMID A RECALL ELECTION, A RESIGNATION AND AN EXTENDED ABSENCE. WHAT SPECIFIC STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO KEEP THE BOARD FUNCTIONING EFFECTIVELY AND REBUILD PUBLIC TRUST IN TOWN GOVERNMENT? >>
The quorum problems reinforced a principle I believe strongly: dissent is representation; paralysis is not. Trustees do not need to agree, but they do need to show up, prepare, listen, debate and vote. I would support reviewing attendance rules so repeated, avoidable absences can be adWHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 ISdressed before they prevent the SUE FACING FIRESTONE, AND HOW Board from functioning, while WOULD YOU ADDRESS IT AS A preserving due process and comTRUSTEE? >> The No. 1 issue facplying with state law. ing Firestone is water security, caI would also support clear vapacity and cost as our commucancy procedures, predictable nity grows. Water is not separate agendas, transparent decision refrom growth; it is the foundation cords and firm boundaries bebeneath it. As a trustee, I would tween the board’s policy role and tie growth decisions to demonthe town manager’s adminisstrated water capacity, infrastruc- trative role. Rebuilding trust reture requirements, lifecycle costs quires more than saying governand a clear understanding of who ment is transparent. Decisions pays. Growth should contribute should be traceable: what inforits fair share rather than shifting mation was considered, why a deavoidable costs to existing resicision was made, who supported dents. I also want water planning it and what happened afterintegrated with roads, drainage, ward. Residents should not have public safety, parks and other in- to guess how their government frastructure so we are not solvreached a conclusion. Give them ing one problem while creating the record, explain it plainly, folanother. My goal is not to stop low through and let them judge growth. It is to make sure Firesthe results.
Michael Ayres
if I were on the board sooner.
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
FIRESTONE’S
>> Michael Ayres is a Colorado
BOARD OF TRUST-
EES STRUGGLED native, raised west of Longmont FOR MONTHS TO on a horse farm called Blue MAINTAIN A QUOCloud Farm (Boulder County RUM AMID A RECALL stable). He has a wife named Ayres ELECTION, A RESPriscilla and three kids, all IGNATION AND AN EXTENDED ABgrown up. SENCE. WHAT SPECIFIC STEPS For the last 30 years, he has WOULD YOU TAKE TO KEEP THE worked in the pharmaceutical BOARD FUNCTIONING EFFECindustry in Boulder as director of facilities at Array BioPharma, TIVELY AND REBUILD PUBLIC Pfizer and Ambrosia Bioscience. TRUST IN TOWN GOVERNMENT? >> Every one of us running for He lived in Dacono before living in Firestone and served two trustee is fully aware of trustees years on the Dacono City Counnot showing up. So, if you’re on cil. the ballot to support the people of Firestone and the position you WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 were elected for, you have an obISSUE FACING FIRESTONE, AND ligation to show up to the meetHOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS IT AS ings. And if you don’t, you should A TRUSTEE? >> Weld County and resign. We need new rules and Firestone’s water infrastructure. different parameters for people That relationship needs to be who miss multiple meetings. I mended between CWCWD and also think trustees and the peoFirestone with a new contract in ple of Firestone should be able to place. This issue has gotten way join trustee meetings via Teams out of hand, and it wouldn’t have or Zoom.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
Firestone Board of Trustees Kevin Botka
an active leader at Redeemer Longmont Presbyterian Church.
WEBSITE >> kevinforfirestone.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
WHAT DO YOU SEE
>> My name is Kevin from Fires-
tone, and I’m for Firestone. I’m just a relatable husband and dad trying to love my neighbors well. My ideas are simple and common sense. Clean water, safe roads, easier access to the state park. And more local places to eat and shop so I don’t have to drive to Longmont for almost everything. A resident of Firestone since 2021, and a Coloradan since 2016, I live with my wife and daughter in the Barefoot Lakes neighborhood, I am a small business owner, and
John Damsma WEBSITE >> johndamsma.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> A resident of Firestone since
AS THE NO. 1 ISSUE FACING FIRESTONE,
Botka
AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS IT AS
A TRUSTEE? >> There’s a sign on
the intersection of Firestone Blvd (Colo. 119) and County Road 9½ that reads: “Firestone: A Community in Slow Motion.” Since living here for five years, I see a town with leaders in slow motion. I’m running because we are in need of new vision, fresh voices and an inspiring story. I represent the median age and the cohort of
ments. When reelected, I will continue that approach and encourage the trustees, along with staff, to do the same. Developing and finalizing a new agreement Damsma with CWCWD very early in 2027 is my goal. The residents affected by the notice from CWCWD to terminate service to Firestone should not be subject to that possibility any longer.
2008-first in Stoneridge and now Barefoot Lakes, I’ve dedicated years to serving our community. My experience includes roles on an HOA board, the Firestone Parks & Trails Committee, the Planning & Zoning Commission, and currently as your town trustee following my election in FIRESTONE’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES November 2025. I’m running for STRUGGLED FOR MONTHS TO MAINre-election to continue driving TAIN A QUORUM AMID A RECALL the essential changes needed to ELECTION, A RESIGNATION AND AN restore trust, transparency, and EXTENDED ABSENCE. WHAT SPEaccountability to our local government. As your trustee, my pri- CIFIC STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO KEEP THE BOARD FUNCTIONING EForities remain clear: to represent your voice, listen to your con- FECTIVELY AND REBUILD PUBLIC cerns, and deliver decisive action TRUST IN TOWN GOVERNMENT? >> It for our community. appears that the current quorum situation will have to be resolved WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 ISby the results of the November SUE FACING FIRESTONE, AND HOW 2026 election. First, all trustee WOULD YOU ADDRESS IT AS A and mayoral candidates should TRUSTEE? >> While the citizens’ be thoroughly vetted by voters so lack of confidence and trust in the that quality and dedicated cantown’s government is a core isdidates are chosen. Next, immesue, it’s difficult to place any issue diately after the new Board is facing the town higher than the seated, training, updates on items supply of treated water via Cenawaiting Board discussion/ aptral Weld County Water District. proval, and goal setting should As a trustee, I have been influenc- take place in public view. Addiing the Board of trustees to adopt tionally, the Board should also a more collaborative and non-liti- decide if a forensic audit of the gious approach to settle disagree- town’s financials is warranted.
young families that dream of seeing an actual park built in Central Park. As a father of a young daughter, I know what families want to see and after over two decades of stalled out progress, I’m not confident it will get built before she graduates high school unless we see some major changes in leadership. FIRESTONE’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES STRUGGLED FOR MONTHS TO MAINTAIN A QUORUM AMID A RECALL ELECTION, A RESIGNATION AND AN EXTENDED ABSENCE. WHAT SPECIFIC STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO KEEP THE BOARD FUNCTIONING EFFECTIVELY AND REBUILD PUBLIC TRUST IN TOWN GOVERNMENT?
>> What we have seen in the last
Cale Gould AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> Cale Gould is a Colorado na-
few months is unacceptable. It’s what I would label a government shutdown and a failure of personal ethics and civic procedure. I would like to modernize the rules to allow remote participation and voting in meetings. And implement a process to appoint a new trustee if multiple consecutive absences prevent a quorum like we have seen. I may not be the most experienced candidate, but what I can do is show up to the meetings, listen, learn and ask questions to keep the town fully functioning. With my experience leading at my church, I’m used to working across generational differences to find common ground and beneficial solutions for everyone. believe the newly elected trustees must rebuild public trust through a forensic audit and a more extensive and holistic community survey to understand the Gould needs of the community; and how we may solve them.
tive who proudly bought his first home in Historic Firestone when he and his family fell in love with the community. The unique people and places that make up Firestone is what inspired Cale to run for Board of Trustees. FIRESTONE’S BOARD OF TRUSTHe believes people deserve better governmental administra- EES STRUGGLED FOR MONTHS TO MAINTAIN A QUORUM AMID A REtion from their elected officials. CALL ELECTION, A RESIGNATION His high visibility work for the AND AN EXTENDED ABSENCE. Colorado state government has WHAT SPECIFIC STEPS WOULD YOU led him to a passion for administration. His skill set of fiscal re- TAKE TO KEEP THE BOARD FUNCTIONING EFFECTIVELY AND REsponsibility, community collaboration, and his track record for BUILD PUBLIC TRUST IN TOWN administering high efficacy pro- GOVERNMENT? >> A forensic augrams within public safety dedit and a comprehensive commupartments is what he brings as a nity survey are key to rebuilding candidate. community trust and identifying the policy issues that are of the WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 most importance to all residents ISSUE FACING FIRESTONE, AND of Firestone. My background HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS IT AS in governmental administraA TRUSTEE? >> Firestone is faced tion is ideal for ensuring proby many pressing issues includcesses and activities that align ing the wind down of the Central with effective government. An Weld Water contract, balancing elected board that is absent or economic and housing growth unaccountable to its people has with available town resources, no place in Firestone. We need and a tumultuous recent hismembers of the community who tory of elected official turnover want to stand to accountability due to public distrust to the exfor the town, not those that hide tent of recall. While all of these behind bureaucracy and betray are pressing issues, the basis of the trust of the people for their rebuilding public trust is essenown interests — not in the intertial to solving all other issues. I ests of Firestone.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
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| 2026 VOTER GUIDE | 29
Firestone Board of Trustees Matt Holcomb
facing Firestone is resolving our water challenges, AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT both near-term >> I have been a resident of Firesand long-term. tone since 2004 and served as a Residents undertrustee for 12 of those years. standably feel unI currently live in the Sagecertainty as they brush neighborhood with my watch this issue Holcomb wife, Michele, and previously unfold in the news, lived in the Ridge Crest neighbor- on social media, and in the courthood. I have three adult children room. The challenge has several and four grandchildren. I work dimensions: rates, infrastructure, as a Territory Sales Manager for and sourcing. Water rates must O’Reilly Auto Parts and previreflect only necessary expenses ously owned a small business in while supporting long-term susFirestone for 15 years. tainability and stability. For infrastructure and sourcing, we should WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 ISpursue partnerships that are muSUE FACING FIRESTONE, AND HOW tually beneficial and lasting — reWOULD YOU ADDRESS IT AS A lationships with partners who TRUSTEE? >> The number one issue truly value Firestone’s participa-
Joel Marsh
tion. FIRESTONE’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES STRUGGLED FOR MONTHS TO MAINTAIN A QUORUM AMID A RECALL ELECTION, A RESIGNATION AND AN EXTENDED ABSENCE. WHAT SPECIFIC STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO KEEP THE BOARD FUNCTIONING EFFECTIVELY AND REBUILD PUBLIC TRUST IN TOWN GOVERNMENT? >>
Moving the board forward and rebuilding trust in town government can be accomplished in three ways: First, by making myself consistently available to the board and residents. Being an active and constructive participant — whether or not I agree with every decision — is something I can control, and I have demonstrated
this over the past four years even when I disagreed with many board actions. Second, by helping the board understand the full context of the decisions it faces. The next board will include several members with limited experience. If elected, I will share institutional knowledge so the board can learn from the past while building the future. Third, by fostering a board and staff culture that looks first to residents for guidance and keeps their interests at the center of every decision. Recently, the prior board pursued a direction that did not reflect how most residents view their community. Much of that work has since been corrected once people understood what was happening.
Joseph Jahan-Tigh Joseph Jahan-Tigh could not be reached for comment.
WEBSITE >> www.joelmarsh.org/
Joel Marsh could not be reached for comment.
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public reporting on spending and timelines, and a pubWEBSITE >> lished cost analynahmanforfirestonemayor.com sis so residents can trust every dollar AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> spent. I will make I’m a Colorado native and 11-year conservation core Firestone resident. infrastructure—exNahman I built my career on service panding partnerwith five years of active duty ships to improve water savings in the Navy following graduathrough landscaping, fixtures, tion from CU’s Naval ROTC promonitoring and leak-detection regram. Then 29 years of public ser- sources—because the cheapest vice with NOAA managing public water is the water we never have funds and public service conto buy. I will build upon our watracts. ter action plan, improve resident I’m a Colorado Leadership De- communication, and ensure new velopment Program graduate. I development pays its fair share so created a scholarship fund award- growth never outpaces our water ing over $80,000 to Front Range supply. STEM students, and I’ve run over 250 Eagle Scout boards of review FIRESTONE’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES with Scouting America. From the STRUGGLED FOR MONTHS TO MAINTAIN A QUORUM AMID A RECALL Navy to NOAA, service has been ELECTION, A RESIGNATION AND AN my throughline — and I’m ready EXTENDED ABSENCE. WHAT SPEto bring that same dedication to CIFIC STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO serving Firestone. KEEP THE BOARD FUNCTIONING EFWHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 IS-
FECTIVELY AND REBUILD PUBLIC
SUE FACING FIRESTONE, AND HOW
TRUST IN TOWN GOVERNMENT? >>
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TRUSTEE? >> The No. 1 priority fac-
ing Firestone is water. Water is the foundation everything else in Firestone is built on. As our town grows, regional demand intensifies and drought restrictions have made it clear that we need a responsible water future for Firestone. We have an excellent opportunity with 5 new Town Trustee’s and a new Mayor being elected; to restore our relationship with Central Weld County Water District and ensure our treated water delivery is stabilized for the future. As Mayor, I will protect and diversify our water supply by ensuring critical infrastructure is maintained and new infrastructure is properly funded and managed. I will demand fiscal discipline with transparent
Firestone is losing trust in town governance and restoring that trust must be earned over time. It begins by bringing experienced public service leadership to Town Hall. Common sense leadership that respects diverse opinions and deliberates collaboratively. As Mayor my plan is to restore and expand our external partnerships while fostering productive internal working relationships. I will follow through with our Master Plans so town staff can trust our policies are aligned with future efforts. I will also engage with residents to ensure transparent and accountable decisions are made. Trust is earned in the open — where you know what’s being decided, why, and who’s accountable. A town this good deserves leadership this honest.
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Frederick Ballot Items Ballot Issue 2D: Transportation infrastructure WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall the town of
Frederick sales and use tax rate be increased by one percent (1.0%) beginning January 1, 2027, which is estimated to increase taxes collected by about $3,800,000 in the first full fiscal year of collection, and by whatever amount is generated thereafter for the exclusive use for street, alley, and related transportation infrastructure, including among other things: • Increased maintenance for existing streets, crosswalks, and related infrastructure, • Existing and future intersection improvements, street paving, widening of major routes, sidewalk repair and replacement, • Expansion of existing and future transportation related networks, • Enhancements and widening of major routes including funding supporting regional collaboration projects such as State Highway 52 and frontage roads; And shall such tax revenues and any interest thereon be col-
lected and spent as a voter approved revenue change and notwithstanding any revenue expenditure limit contained within Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution or any other law?” WHAT IT MEANS >> Voters are asked
to approve a 1% sales and use tax increase dedicated specifically to transportation improvements in Frederick. A 1% sales and use tax equals about $1 for every $100 spent on taxable purchases. For the average Frederick household, the town estimates it will cost about $10 per month. The tax could collect about $3.8 million in 2027, if passed. Revenue would be dedicated “exclusively to transportation projects identified in the Transportation Master Plan and shaped by ongoing community input,” says the town’s website, where potential projects are listed. The town launched a survey April 29 for residents to identify transportation priorities. Results from the survey, which closed on May 28, are available on the town’s website.
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Ballot Issue 2E: Debt increase
containing such terms, not inconsistent herewith, as the town board may determine?”
WHAT IT SAYS >> “Subject to the approval of a one percent increase in sales and use tax, shall the town of Frederick debt be increased up to $26 million, with a maximum repayment cost of up to $57 million, for the purpose of providing financing of street and transportation capital projects by the issuance and payment of general obligation bonds, which shall mature, be subject to redemption, with or without premium, and be issued, dated and sold at such time or times, at such prices (at, above or below par) and in such manner and
WHAT IT MEANS >> Voters are
asked to approve a debt increase for the town, only under the condition that Frederick’s Ballot Issue 2D passes. Ballot Issue 2D asks voters to approve a 1% sales and use tax increase dedicated specifically to transportation improvements in Frederick. If Ballot Issue 2E passes, Frederick will issue general obligation bonds in order to finance transportation projects. The debt up to $26 million would have a maximum repayment cost of up to $57 million.
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| 2026 VOTER GUIDE | DAILYCAMERA.COM Lafayette Ballot Item
Ballot Issue 2A: Water park, pool
at the end of this year. Ballot Issue 2A could generate up to $713,000 annually until 2046. Because residential asWHAT IT SAYS >> “Without impossessment rates and home values ing a new tax, shall the city of change, the mill levy would be Lafayette be authorized to exrecalculated periodically to protend an expiring property tax duce that amount. in an amount not to exceed Using Lafayette’s 2025 as$713,000 annually (total annual sessed valuation of $864.9 milrevenue collection for the City), lion and an average home value which property tax increase was of $712,000, city staff have estiapproved by the voters in 2014 mated the tax would cost the avand is set to expire in December erage homeowner about $36.67 2026, such tax to be extended per year, or just over $3 per through December 31, 2046, month. with such revenue to be used for Residents currently pay about capital improvements to, and the $22 annually through the existcontinued operation and mainte- ing mill levy. nance of, Lamont Does Park and WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> Onrelated facilities, including the payment of any annually appro- going operating and maintepriated obligation for such purnance costs at the water park poses, and for other City purhave risen. The original LaMposes related thereto, and shall ont Does Park pool, now more such resulting revenue constithan 50 years old, also requires tute a voter approved revenue increasingly frequent and costly and/or spending change and be repairs. These facilities offer lowcollected and spent by the City cost recreation options for famiwithout regard to any spending, lies in the Lafayette community, revenue raising or other limitaand the water park brings people tion contained within Article X, into the city from neighboring Section 20 of the Colorado Concommunities. stitution, or any other law?” WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> The cuWHAT IT MEANS >> Voters are mulative tax burden on residents asked whether the city should has increased in the area, includextend a property tax to support ing a separate property tax inthe Great Outdoors Water Park crease approved by Lafayette and the LaMont Does Park pool. voters last year to fund improveThe Great Outdoors Water ments to the Bob L. Burger RecPark, completed in 2017, was reation Center. Questions have funded through a general obliarisen about whether this progation bond for $5.5 million, ap- posal should be considered as a proved by voters in 2014. The continuation of an existing tax debt has since been repaid or, effectively, a tax increase. through a property tax expiring
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
Longmont Ballot Items Ballot Issue 3A: Public safety tax WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall City of
Longmont taxes be increased $19.5 million annually in the first full year and by whatever additional amounts as are generated annually in each subsequent year from the imposition of an additional mill levy of not to exceed 2.44 mills (as adjusted) beginning with tax collection year 2027 and an additional city sales and use tax imposed at a rate of 0.33% beginning January 1, 2027, with the proceeds of such taxes being used exclusively to maintain and increase the level of service for public safety in the city of Longmont, including, but not limited to providing funds for: police officers and personnel for traffic enforcement and criminal investigations and prevention; police officers to ensure safety of officers and to improve emergency response; emergency dispatchers for 911 response; firefighters to ensure safe and sufficient response to emergencies; personnel to support emergency public safety responders; and public safety equipment, vehicles and facilities to ensure safety; and shall ordinance o-2026-53 authorizing such tax increases be approved, and shall the city be authorized to increase the mill levy authorized by this question beginning in tax collection year 2028 and annually thereafter to offset any revenue reductions caused by any constitutionally or statutorily required tax credits, property tax refunds, abatements, reductions in the percentage of actual valuation used to determine assessed valuation, or reductions in the actual value
against which the assessment rate is applied that are enacted after the date of approval of this ballot question or are otherwise set forth in c.r.s. §§ 29-1-1701, et seq., or c.r.s. §§ 39-1-101, et seq., and shall the proceeds of such taxes and investment income thereon be collected and spent without regard to any limitation contained within Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution or any other law?” WHAT IT MEANS >> A yes vote would raise Longmont’s city sales and use tax rate from 3.53% to 3.86% beginning Jan. 1, 2027. That is an additional 33 cents on a taxable $100 purchase. The property tax increase would begin with the 2027 tax collection year. Revenue from both increases would be restricted to public safety, including police officers, firefighters, 911 dispatchers, support personnel, equipment, vehicles and facilities. A no vote would leave these proposed increases unapproved. WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> The case
for the measure is that dedicated revenue would help Longmont maintain and expand emergency response, traffic enforcement and criminal investigations as demand for those services grows. The council’s ordinance identifies a critical need for additional public safety resources. WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> The principal objection is the cost to residents: the measure would increase two taxes, and the ballot language authorizes the specified property tax adjustments in later years. Voters may also question whether the proposed spending priorities justify those increases.
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Longmont Ballot Items Ballot Question 3B: Open space sales WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall the City of Longmont Home Rule Charter be amended by revising section 13.2 to add open space to lands that cannot be sold or conveyed without voter approval, with exceptions for public roads, utilities, life-essential infrastructure, open space operations, and the sale or
Ballot Question 3C: Ranked choice voting WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall the City of Longmont Home Rule Charter be amended by adopting a new section 2.10 of the Charter to provide for the use of Ranked Choice Voting (ranked voting methods) where possible to elect future mayors and councilmembers of the City of Longmont starting in November 2029?” WHAT IT MEANS >> Instead of
choosing only one candidate, voters in a ranked-choice election can list candidates in order of preference. Under the single-winner version proposed for mayoral and ward races, a candidate would need a majority to win. If no candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes would be eliminated. Ballots cast for that candidate would then transfer to each voter’s nextranked choice. The process would continue until one candidate receives a majority. Multi-winner ranked-choice voting would apply when more than one at-large council seat is elected at the same time. The winning threshold would depend on the number of available seats, and surplus votes and votes cast for eliminated candidates could transfer according to voters’ subsequent rankings.
conveyance of structures on such lands?”
of buildings on open space land, without an election. A no vote would leave the current charter language in place. The question does not propose a tax.
WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> One ob-
jection from opponents is that requiring an election could make WHAT IT MEANS >> Longmont’s it harder or slower for the city to charter already requires voter apdispose of open space property proval to sell or convey city land when circumstances change. The WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> Requirused for parks, as well as waamendment’s exceptions would ter rights. A yes vote would exing voter approval would give res- preserve some flexibility for infratend that requirement to land idents a direct say before the city structure and open space operaowned and used for open space. sells or conveys open space land. tions. The amendment would still allow The city council’s ordinance says certain rights-of-way and easethe change would increase protecments, and the sale or conveyance tions for that land. The proposed charter language makes implementation conditional: Colorado must have certified equipment and final, effective rules for the method. If either is unavailable for a contest, the city could continue using plurality voting, in which the candidate with the most votes wins. A no vote would leave Longmont’s current voting method in place. WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> Supporters argue that ranked choice voting lets voters express more than a single preference and can produce results that better reflect what voters want. They also say that ranked choice voting would put a stop to strategic voting and reduce concerns that candidates have about splitting the vote. The city council’s ordinance cites those goals, along with encouraging participation, as reasons to put the question on the ballot. WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> Critics
of the proposal prefer the current, simpler ballot and counting process and question whether a new method would improve city elections. The conditional wording also means a yes vote would not guarantee ranked-choice voting in every 2029 contest. Some critics worry that voter participation would decline due to confusion surrounding a new voting method.
Ballot Question 3D: Election cycles WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall the City
of Longmont Home Rule Charter be amended by amending section 3.6 of the Charter to realign the cycle on which members of the Longmont city council are elected so that the three councilmembers elected at-large are elected in one electoral cycle and the three councilmembers elected from wards are elected in another electoral cycle, with such electoral cycles alternating from then on, with such realignment contingent upon voter approval of the measure on the November 3, 2026 City of Longmont ballot requiring the use of ranked choice voting to elect city council members when possible?” WHAT IT MEANS >> Currently, one
city election includes two ward
seats and one at-large seat; the next includes one ward seat and two at-large seats. To change that pattern, the at-large councilmember elected in 2027 and the Ward 2 councilmember elected in 2029 would each serve a two-year term. Subsequent council terms would return to four years, while the mayor’s term would remain two years. Even if 3D passes, it will fail to take effect if voters reject 3C. WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> Grouping seats by type could make it easier for voters to know which council positions are up in a given year. That is the rationale stated in the city council’s ordinance. WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> Some op-
ponents point out that the transition would shorten two council terms and tie an election calendar change to the separate ranked-choice voting question.
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Louisville Charter Amendments The Louisville Home Rule Charter allows the City Council to initiate an amendment to the charter by ordinance. A proposed ordinance to make an amendment to the charter must be approved by at least two-thirds of the council before going to voters. Here is information on six ballot issues in Louisville, each proposing an amendment to the city’s charter:
City of Louisville Ballot Issue 16,203 active registered voters in Louisville. That would mean sig2D — Charter Amendment natures required for initiative peto Change Timing titions would rise from 810 (5%) for Taking Office to 1,215 (7.5%), a difference of 405
signatures. The signatures required for referendum petitions “Shall the City of Louisville Home would increase from 405 (2.5%) to Rule Charter be amended to pro- 810 (5%), a difference of 405 sigvide that the Mayor and each natures. Councilmember shall take office at the first regular Council meet- SUPPORTERS OF BALLOT ISSUE 2E SAY >> Resident-led petitions ing following certification of the City of Louisville Ballot Issue election results, as opposed to the should have a reasonable thresh2C — Charter Amendment first meeting following the elecold for use. Louisville’s current tion?” thresholds for petitions are lower Expanding Executive than in many neighboring comSession Topics WHAT BALLOT ISSUE 2D MEANS >> munities. What Ballot Issue 2C says: Voters are asked to approve an OPPONENTS OF BALLOT ISSUE 2E “Shall the City of Louisville Home ordinance amending the city’s Rule Charter be amended to auHome Rule Charter to change the SAY >> It will be harder for resithorize the City Council to contiming for elected officials to take dents to mobilize with a higher vene executive sessions for the office. Currently, the city’s charnumber of signatures to collect. purpose of considering any matter says elected officials take ofPetitions are an important check ter authorized by the Colorado fice at the first regular meeting of on elected officials’ power Open Meetings Law, C.R.S. § 24the council following their elec6-401, et seq., as amended, and tion, which might be prior to elec- City of Louisville Ballot Issue 2F — Charter Amendment for boards, commissions, task tion results being certified. The forces, and committees to conamended language would wait Regarding Meeting vene executive sessions pursuuntil after election certification to Locations ant to the Colorado Open Meetseat an elected official. ings Law in accordance with proWHAT BALLOT ISSUE 2F SAYS >> cedures and subject to limitations City of Louisville Ballot established by ordinance, thereby Issue 2E — Charter “Shall the City of Louisville Home expanding the topics for executive Amendment for Initiative Rule Charter be amended to allow sessions currently permitted unand Referendum Signatures the City’s public bodies to hold der the Charter?” public meetings in locations other What Ballot Issue 2E says: than public buildings and public WHAT BALLOT ISSUE 2C MEANS >> “Shall the City of Louisville Home facilities, provided all meeting loVoters are asked to approve an Rule Charter be amended to incations shall be accessible to all ordinance amending the city’s crease the number of signatures members of the public?” Home Rule Charter to expand au- required for initiative petitions WHAT BALLOT ISSUE 2F MEANS >> thorized topics for executive sesfrom 5 percent to 7.5 percent of sions, a type of meeting for city registered electors and to inVoters are asked to approve an officials that is closed to the pub- crease the number of signatures ordinance amending the city’s lic. The amendments would required for referendum petitions Home Rule Charter to allow the align authorized topics for exfrom 2.5 percent to 5 percent of city’s public bodies to approve adecutive sessions with the state’s registered electors?” ditional locations for meetings. Open Meetings Law. The meaCurrently, the city’s charter only WHAT BALLOT ISSUE 2E MEANS >> sure would also authorize city allows meetings in “public buildboards, commissions, task forces Voters are asked to approve an ings and public facilities.” The and committees to hold executive ordinance amending the city’s amendment would expand authosessions under the Colorado Open Home Rule Charter to increase rized meeting locations to “other Meetings law. Currently, the char- the number of signatures needed accessible venues.” The amendter authorizes executive sessions for resident-led referendum pement will allow the City Council for these appointed bodies only titions and initiative petitions. to have joint meetings in neighfor pending litigation. Those numbers are calculated as boring municipalities, city staff a percentage of active voters in have said. the city. As of July 6, there were WHAT BALLOT ISSUE 2D SAYS >>
City of Louisville Ballot Issue 2G — Charter Amendment to Allow for Review and Comment
What Ballot Issue 2G says: “Shall the City of Louisville Home Rule Charter be amended to require proponents of an initiated ordinance or Charter amendment to first submit the text of the initiated measure to the City Manager for review and comment at a public meeting, subject to the limitation that City staff shall not have the authority to require any amendment, modification, or other alteration to the text of the proposed measure, or to impose additional procedural requirements on the proponent?” WHAT BALLOT ISSUE 2G MEANS >>
Voters are asked to approve an ordinance amending the city’s Home Rule Charter to require resident petitioners to attend a session with the city manager and staff. A public meeting concerning the proposed initiative or referendum would happen prior to submission to the city clerk. Petitioners may revise petition language in response to the questions and comments posed by the city, but would not be required to.
Ballot Issue 2H — Charter Amendment to Update Language WHAT BALLOT ISSUE 2H SAYS >>
“Shall the City of Louisville Home Rule Charter be amended to remove gendered pronouns, to replace references to ‘citizen’ with ‘members of the public,’ to replace references to ‘City offices’ with ‘City Clerk’s office and City website,’ and to replace references to ‘television’ with ‘virtually’?” WHAT BALLOT ISSUE 2H MEANS >>
Voters are asked to approve an ordinance amending the city’s Home Rule Charter to change references to the terms listed in the ballot title.
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Louisville Ballot Item Ballot Issue 2B: Historic preservation tax
proved by the voters in 2008 and 2017, and, commencing on January 1, 2027, shall the City also be authorized to: (1) Expend any WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall City of Lou- funds from such historic preserisville taxes be increased $1.5 vation tax on City programs and million in 2029 and then ancapital projects that promote nually thereafter by whatever and preserve the City’s history amounts are generated from the and cultural heritage, and (2) Incontinuation of the City’s Historic crease the portion of such tax alPreservation Sales Tax of 0.125% located to operating and mainbeginning January 1, 2029, and taining the Louisville Museum expiring December 31, 2038; with campus from 20% to 30% per the net proceeds of such sales year; and shall the City be pertax, along with the City’s existmitted to collect, retain and exing 0.125% Historic Preservation pend all revenues derived from Use Tax, to be utilized for hissuch tax as a voter-approved revtoric preservation purposes as enue change and an exception to established by ballot issues aplimits which would otherwise ap-
ply under Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution or any other law?” WHAT IT MEANS >> Louisville vot-
ers are asked for a third time to approve a 0.125% historic preservation sales and use tax. Revenue from the tax goes into the Historic Preservation Fund. Voters first approved the tax in 2008. In 2017, they extended the tax and expanded its uses to dedicate 20% of its revenue to the Louisville Historical Museum campus. The current tax expires Dec. 31, 2028. Louisville has over 70 landmarked properties, the major-
ity of which are privately owned homes. Property owners can pursue landmark designation and receive grants from the Historic Preservation Fund. City staff have estimated that the tax currently generates about $1 million annually, with roughly $800,000 going toward the Historic Preservation Fund and about $200,000 supporting the museum. Ballot Issue 2B also asks whether the museum’s allocation should increase from 20% to 30%. If passed, roughly $700,000 would continue flowing to the Historic Preservation Fund while about $300,000 would go to the museum.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
Mead Mayor Stephan Hucal AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
My name is Stephan Hucal. I am a 30-year resident of the Mead area, family man, and small business owner. I hold a B.S. in computer science from Colorado State University and an MBA in finance from University of Phoenix. I spent 38 years at Lockheed Martin as an Aerospace Engineering Manager, overseeing budgets and personnel. I also served 28 years in the Colorado Army National Guard, including as Colorado State Deputy Director Aviation Commander, directing flight training across Colorado, Iowa and Nebraska. I’m running for mayor to bring transparent, independent leadership to Mead’s families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses.
Hucal
and limit largescale commercial development in favor of policies that help small, local businesses grow. Growth isn’t the enemy — growth without a plan is.
MEAD HAS IDENTIFIED RESPONSIBLE GROWTH AND RELIABLE INFRASTRUCTURE AS MAJOR PRIORITIES. WHAT WOULD YOU DO AS MAYOR TO ENSURE NEW DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT OUTPACE THE TOWN’S WATER, TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC SAFETY AND OTHER MUNICIPAL SERVICES? >> Keep-
ing development in line with services starts with confirming capacity before construction, not after. As mayor, I will require verified water, sewer, transportation and safety capacity as a standing condition of developWHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 ment review, backed by agreeISSUE FACING MEAD, AND HOW ments with regional water and WOULD YOU ADDRESS IT AS utility providers. I will build a MAYOR? >> The No. 1 issue facing Capital Improvement Plan that Mead is managing growth so it sequences road, trail and utility strengthens our families, farmupgrades to match growth, and ers, seniors and small businesses set developer impact fees high instead of straining them. As enough to cover the added burthe Front Range expands, new den on police, roads and parks, development is arriving faster so families, farmers and seniors than our roads, water systems don’t bear costs they didn’t creand public safety can support. ate. For small businesses, I will My approach: Stop, look, and lis- streamline permitting and inten. That means stopping waste- spection processes that curful spending, hidden fees and rently delay openings and exrushed approvals that saddle res- pansions, so entrepreneurs can idents with avoidable debt; look- bring jobs and services to Mead ing at whether new developwithout unnecessary red tape. ments pay their fair share of im- Public safety funding, including pact fees for roads, parks and law enforcement and school resafety instead of shifting costs source officers, will scale with onto homeowners and seniors; population growth. And maand listening to residents, injor infrastructure decisions will cluding our farmers, before debe debated in the open — never cisions are made. I will update passed quietly on a consent our land-use plans so approvagenda — with rules and timeals match verified service capac- lines published before a vote. ity, protect agricultural buffers,
Colleen Whitlow
change who we are. MEAD HAS IDENTI-
WEBSITE >>
FIED RESPONSIBLE
colleenwhitlowformayor.com
GROWTH AND RELIABLE INFRASTRUC-
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> I have called Mead home for 26
years, raising my family, building businesses, and investing in the community I love. I served as a trustee from 2014 to 2018 and have served as mayor since 2018. I am a U.S. Air Force veteran, small-business owner, Mountain View Fire Rescue board member and regional transportation leader. For over a decade, I have listened to residents, brought people together, protected taxpayer dollars and worked to get things done. Mead is more than where I live. It is home. I am committed to protecting what makes Mead special and building a stronger future. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 ISSUE FACING MEAD, AND HOW WOULD
YOU ADDRESS IT AS MAYOR? >> Responsible growth is the No. 1 issue facing Mead. Growth is not the problem. The challenge is ensuring it does not outpace infrastructure, services and planning needed to support it while preserving community character. I will continue to collaborate with residents, the Board of Trustees, staff, developers and regional partners to plan for roads, water, drainage, wastewater, public safety, parks and essential infrastructure. We must continue to pursue grants, strengthen regional partnerships, and make smart, responsible investments with taxpayer dollars. After eight years as mayor, I understand that responsible growth requires more than promises. It requires careful planning, fiscal responsibility, accountability and follow- through. Mead can grow without losing values, character, and community that make it special. Growth should enhance quality of life, not
TURE AS MAJOR PRIORITIES. WHAT
Whitlow
WOULD YOU DO AS MAYOR TO ENSURE
NEW DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT OUTPACE THE TOWN’S WATER, TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC SAFETY AND OTHER MUNICIPAL SERVICES? >>
Growth cannot be allowed to outpace the infrastructure and services that support it. My approach is straightforward: plan first, identify the need and funding, then move forward. That means preparing for roads, water, drainage, wastewater, public safety, parks, and essential services before development creates a burden on existing residents. I will continue to: • Require infrastructure needs to be identified and addressed as development moves forward. • Use impact fees appropriately so new development contributes to the infrastructure it requires. • Pursue state and federal grants and outside funding to reduce the burden on local taxpayers. • Maintain strong partnerships with Weld County, neighboring communities, transportation agencies and regional partners. • Hold developers accountable for the impacts their projects create. • Plan for the infrastructure Mead will need tomorrow, not simply react to the growth we see today. We have a responsibility to welcome responsible investment while protecting the residents who already call Mead home. Growth should pay its fair share. Planning should come first. Mead residents should never be left paying the bill for someone else’s growth.
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Mead Board of Trustees David Broshous
AS MEAD CONTINUES TO GROW, HOW SHOULD THE
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> My name is David Broshous, and I am running for trustee of Mead, Colorado. I am a 57-yearold husband and father of three men, a steamfitter by trade, a master plumber in the state of Colorado, and the owner of a mechanical contracting business for over 20 years. I have worked in the mechanical industry for 40 years. I have lived in Mead for 10 years. I enjoy the outdoors and spending time with my family and friends. As my sons grew up, they always said, “Dad is the fixer of things.” I hope to help make the town of Mead a thriving community.
TOWN BALANCE
Chris Cartwright Chris Cartwright could not be reached for comment.
NEW HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH THE NEED
Broshous
Cartwright
FOR RELIABLE WATER, ROADS, PUB-
LIC SAFETY AND OTHER MUNICIPAL SERVICES WHILE PRESERVING RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE? >> As a trustee, my goals are to
help streamline the current processes that seem to hamper business operation and business growth in the town of Mead. Manageable growth will take input from the residents of Mead, not a small group. All growing communities across the Front Range have faced similar disWHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 comforts in growth and having ISSUE FACING MEAD, AND HOW strong leadership at the trustee WOULD YOU ADDRESS IT AS A level is key. The town of Mead TRUSTEE? >> I believe a major needs to regain its identity with portion of the residents of Mead input from the residents and and the businesses in Mead do current business owners; this is not feel they are being reprehow a reasonable balance of new sented by the current town adhousing and commercial develministration. Transparency, opment is accomplished. Reliable gaining knowledge, understand- water, roads, public safety and ing and listening to the residents other municipal services are aland business owners in Mead, ways at the forefront of growth along with increased communiand can only be manageable and cation, may help solve this issue. successful with support from the community.
Ryan Hathorn
velopment agreements should assign costs fairly and inWEBSITE >> ryanformead.com clude enforceable deadlines. The town AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT should track agree>> I have lived in Mead since 2010 ments from approval through conand am raising my two daughstruction, inspect ters here. I began building busi- Hathorn work in the field and nesses at 22 and now own Conaddress problems before they betract Equipment Operators, a Mead construction company that come expensive. Growth should has completed public projects for improve life for current residents, not leave them paying to correct municipalities, counties and the avoidable problems. Colorado Department of Transportation. That work has taught me how budgets, contracts, sched- AS MEAD CONTINUES TO GROW, HOW SHOULD THE TOWN BALANCE ules and inspections determine NEW HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL whether taxpayers receive what DEVELOPMENT WITH THE NEED was promised. I am running for FOR RELIABLE WATER, ROADS, PUBtrustee to bring practical business experience and independent LIC SAFETY AND OTHER MUNICIPAL judgment to Town Hall. I am not SERVICES WHILE PRESERVING RESa career politician but a neighbor IDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE? >> New who wants clear communication, housing and commercial development should move forward only careful spending and decisions after the town evaluates existing that serve Mead for decades. capacity, the demands of approved WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 ISprojects and the cost of needed inSUE FACING MEAD, AND HOW WOULD frastructure. That review should YOU ADDRESS IT AS A TRUSTEE? include long-term maintenance >> The No. 1 issue is managing and service costs. I would support phasing housing with infrastrucgrowth at a pace Mead’s infrature improvements that connect structure and finances can supwith the rest of town and require port. Much development is alregular coordination with water ready approved, and those projects will bring additional de- and public safety providers. Quality of life includes open views, mands on roads, water, pubsafe streets and routes connecting lic safety and town services. As neighborhoods, parks and comtrustee, I would prioritize community gathering places. Completing and evaluating approved development, so the town has real mercial projects should meet a information about its impacts be- real community need and provide lasting value, not simply projected fore making additional commitments. I would require a review of revenue. The goal is not to stop change. It is to shape change so available capacity, long-term opMead remains a community peoerating costs and obligations before supporting new projects. De- ple are proud to call home.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
Mead Board of Trustees Kim Heard AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
For 29 years, I have called Mead home. My husband and I raised our family here. I have worked hard to strengthen our community. I served on Mead’s Volunteer Parks and Recreation Committee, chairing it for 12 years. In 2010, I was elected to the Town of Mead Board, where I served for four years as mayor pro tem. I earned a bachelor of science in business from Cal Poly Humboldt. For 17 years, I worked with all branches of the military and became a project manager at a large simulation facility, managing contractors and military personnel. For the past 18 years, I have worked for Longmont Public Safety.
ness owners, I have heard serious concerns about their interactions with town staff and a lack of support from the current board. I have also heard concerns Heard from seniors who feel their needs have been overlooked and from local farmers who are frustrated with the direction of the town. Their voices deserve to be heard. AS MEAD CONTINUES TO GROW, HOW SHOULD THE TOWN BALANCE NEW HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH THE NEED FOR RELIABLE WATER, ROADS, PUBLIC SAFETY AND OTHER MUNICIPAL SERVICES WHILE PRESERVING RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE?
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 IS-
>> Mead is growing rapidly, with
several new developments already underway. As we grow, we must >> I believe the number one issue make sure adequate infrastrucfacing Mead today is an ineffiture is planned for and in place to cient town government. This insupport that growth. Metro discludes wasteful spending of taxtricts are also an important conpayer dollars, a lack of transparcern for many Mead residents, ency in decisions that affect our particularly regarding developers entire community and a growing cutting corners. Residents have disconnect between residents and also raised concerns about prothe people elected to represent posed changes to approved develthem. If elected, one of my first opments, including requests for priorities will be to work with the higher-density housing and the new board to focus spending on removal of planned commercial the needs of our community. I be- areas. When residents take the lieve important decisions should time to attend public meetings be discussed openly and transpar- and voice their concerns about ently, not buried in consent agen- these changes, they deserve to das and already decided before a be heard and taken seriously. My public board meeting. I will lisgoal is to bring greater transparten to residents, small-business ency, accountability and fiscal reowners and local farmers and sponsibility to town government work to hold town staff, consulwhile making sure Mead’s growth tants and developers accountable. is carefully planned and impleIn speaking with local small-busi- mented. SUE FACING MEAD, AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS IT AS A TRUSTEE?
Jeff Morgan
ited, that have decided that their vision for the town AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT is more important >> Having grown up in Boulthan that of the citder and Longmont, I have been izens they reprea Mead resident since 1995, sent. Some recent where, together with my wife of results include: A more than 30 years, we raised new 6% water fee, Morgan our two children. We originally without notice, chose Mead mainly for everywhile at the same time approvthing it was not. Not cluttered ing $500,000 for road roundor busy. Not too far from shopabout artwork. Committing ping or entertainment, but not the town to more than $16 milso close that they were an anlion in debt behind closed doors noyance. I am a Coast Guard vet- through a scheme specifically ineran. I completed my service as tended to circumvent voter apa sonar specialist in pursuit of a proval. In a rush to add rooftops, degree in electronics engineerout-of-control metro districts ing. My first employment return- now weigh heavily on many of ing to civilian life was with a de- our newest neighbors. fense contractor specializing AS MEAD CONTINUES TO GROW, in power distribution, but soon transitioned to what has become HOW SHOULD THE TOWN BALANCE NEW HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL a 35-year career in finance and DEVELOPMENT WITH THE NEED business development. . I previFOR RELIABLE WATER, ROADS, ously served on the town’s ExPUBLIC SAFETY AND OTHER MUpense and Revenue Committee. For a number of years, I coached NICIPAL SERVICES WHILE PRESERVING RESIDENTS’ QUALITY youth inline hockey. (This is a OF LIFE? >> In my view, it is not a qualifier for Town Board service.) trustee’s place to unilaterally determine a course of action. We’ve WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 had enough of that. A trustee’s ISSUE FACING MEAD, AND HOW role should be that of a leader/faWOULD YOU ADDRESS IT AS A cilitator. Gathering information TRUSTEE? >> The number one isand feedback, developing solusue facing Mead today is a lack tions, and engaging with citizens of transparency and citizen into build consensus and prioritize clusion on the part of town lead- implementing those solutions. ership. We have a mayor and We are so much better as a comfour trustees, all five seats either munity when we work openly up for re-election or term-limand together.
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Mead Board of Trustees Chris Parr
strong local economy while protecting the quality AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT of life that makes >> I’m Chris Parr, and I’ve called Mead a great Mead home for more than two place to live. As a decades. I’m a seasoned arts trustee, I will foand event manager with a pascus on thoughtsion for bringing people together Parr ful decisions today and strengthening our commuthat build a stronnity. I graduated from Skyline ger Mead for tomorrow. High School in 1997 and earned AS MEAD CONTINUES TO GROW, my bachelor of arts in digital HOW SHOULD THE TOWN BALANCE marketing in 2020. I previously NEW HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL served as a Mead Trustee from DEVELOPMENT WITH THE NEED 2022 to 2024 and have been inFOR RELIABLE WATER, ROADS, volved with nonprofit boards, PUBLIC SAFETY AND OTHER MUcommunity committees and NICIPAL SERVICES WHILE PREschool district committees. SERVING RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF Throughout my career, I’ve LIFE? >> Managing growth while supported local arts, youth programs, community events and maintaining Mead’s quality of local organizations. I’m commit- life is one of the most importted to serving Mead, supporting ant balancing acts facing our responsible growth and helping community. Mead faces unique build a stronger, more connected challenges, particularly when it community for everyone. comes to water, infrastructure and providing services as our WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 population grows. As a trustee, ISSUE FACING MEAD, AND HOW I will work with our water partWOULD YOU ADDRESS IT AS A ners to ensure we are planning TRUSTEE? >> Growth and infrafor both today’s needs and our structure are two of the most im- community’s long-term future. I portant issues facing Mead, and will support responsible developas a trustee, I will work to enment that requires developers to sure our community grows recontribute appropriately to the sponsibly and with a clear vision infrastructure and services their for the future. I will carefully projects require. review development proposOur planned police station als and ask the important quescan provide the space needed to tions: Does this development fit responsibly expand public safety the character of Mead? Does it services, staffing, and other provide a balanced mix of hous- community programs as Mead ing? What impact will it have on grows. I also support thoughtful our roads, parks, public safety, commercial development along public works and other services? established corridors such as Growth should strengthen our Highway 66, Road 9/High Plains community, not overwhelm it. Boulevard, and Highway 66 conI will advocate for developers nections. This approach can help to contribute their fair share to- keep neighborhood areas priward the infrastructure and im- marily residential while creating provements their projects reopportunities for businesses to quire. I will also work with felthrive. At the same time, Downlow trustees, staff, developers town Mead can develop into a and residents to plan ahead destination for unique shops, rather than reacting after prob- businesses and community expelems arise. My goal is responriences. sible growth that supports a
Lee Peterson
AS MEAD CONTIN-
WEBSITE >> lee4mead.com
BALANCE NEW
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
MERCIAL DEVEL-
UES TO GROW, HOW SHOULD THE TOWN HOUSING AND COM-
>> Mead has been my home for 28 years. My wife, Karen, and I raised three children here. I served 16 years in the Marine Corps Reserve, achieving the rank of CWO2 and serving during Desert Storm. At 21, I started an automotive repair business in Longmont that I operated for 25 years. Later, I worked in technology, helping churches across the country implement management systems. I’ve served our community through Cub Scouts, attending town meetings regularly, and more than 20 years in children’s ministry. Now retired, I’m ready to put my experience and problem-solving skills to work for Mead.
OPMENT WITH THE NEED FOR RELIABLE
Peterson
WATER, ROADS, PUBLIC SAFETY AND
OTHER MUNICIPAL SERVICES WHILE PRESERVING RESIDENTS’ QUAL-
ITY OF LIFE? >> Growth also needs to pay its own way. Mead has done a good job requiring developers to provide infrastructure and water associated with their projects, and I support continuing that approach. Roads, water, public safety, parks and other services need to keep pace with development. Some important arterial roads are controlled by Weld County or the state, making cooperation with those agencies essential. Commercial development is anWHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 ISother critical part of the equation. SUE FACING MEAD, AND HOW WOULD Mead’s unusual geography makes YOU ADDRESS IT AS A TRUSTEE? attracting businesses challeng>> I believe Mead’s No. 1 chaling. Residents can reach numerlenge is managing growth reous stores and services in neighsponsibly while preserving the boring communities within minsense of community that makes utes, while Mead still lacks basics a small town special. The realsuch as a grocery store. Expandity is that growth is coming. More ing our commercial base will prothan 4,000 homes are already in vide amenities residents want planned developments and could while helping diversify the town’s begin construction as market con- revenues. ditions change. We can’t simFinally, growth should not ply stop that growth, but we can mean losing our sense of commake thoughtful decisions about munity. Mead is geographically how and where it occurs. That spread out, and I don’t believe we includes providing a variety of can build community around a housing. Mead currently has virsingle downtown or focal point. tually no multifamily housing, We should instead look for ways and I believe apartments and du- to strengthen individual neighplexes have a place in our comborhoods while creating events, munity. Where we locate them, facilities and opportunities that however, matters. Land-use deci- bring those neighborhoods tosions should consider surroundgether. Growth is coming. Our ing neighborhoods, transportajob is to make sure Mead grows tion, infrastructure and access to thoughtfully, sustainably and as services. one community.
Christine Smith Christine Smith could not be reached for comment.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
Niwot Ballot Items Ballot Question 300: Niwot incorporation
is created and the process ends.
WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> Incorporating will give Niwot direct conWHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall Niwot be trol over its economic and land use incorporated as a municipality?” policies, as well as the ability to raise money for road repairs, apWHAT IT MEANS >> Niwot, a comply for municipal grants and promunity of roughly 4,100 residents tect its small-town character. Nioff Colorado 119 between Boulder wot can elect leaders who will repand Longmont, was platted — but resent the community’s interests. not incorporated — in 1875. As an WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> The town unincorporated community, Niwot is governed by the Boulder should look for simpler options County commissioners. Residents to solve the deteriorating road isare voting on whether to incorsue. The budget for the town is porate their community to create too optimistic. If the town can’t a new town or city government. raise enough money through sales If approved, the Boulder County and property taxes to run the new District Court enters an order of government, town officials may incorporation to start the process. turn to annexing and developing If not approved, no municipality land to generate revenue.
WHY SHOULD ® I USE A REALTOR ?
Ballot Question 301: Home rule charter WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall a Home
Rule Charter Commission be formed pursuant to C.R.S. Title 31, Article 2, Part 2 for the proposed municipality of Niwot?” WHAT IT MEANS >> Voters are asked if a nine-member home rule charter commission should be formed. If incorporation is also approved, that commission would draft the home rule charter that defines the town government structure, procedures and powers. The charter then would return to voters at a later election for approval — and if the charter failed twice to win enough votes, Niwot would re-
vert to a statutory town. If the current home rule charter ballot question isn’t approved, Niwot also would become a statutory town. The structure and powers of statutory towns are set by the state. WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> A home rule charter would give Niwot more control and flexibility over how the municipality would be governed and run instead of relying on one-size-fits-all state laws.
Drafting a charter and holding another election requires additional time and money. It’s simpler to become a statutory town, which would follow a clear state framework. WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >>
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
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Niwot Incorporation Tax Ballot Issues Ballot Issue 302: Sales and use tax WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall Niwot taxes be in-
creased by $2,800,000 annually in the first full fiscal year, and by whatever additional amounts are raised annually thereafter from a sales and use tax imposed at the rate of two and one-half percent (2.5%), commencing on January 1, 2028, for the purpose of funding capital improvements and related operational expenditures, including but not limited to debt repayment, and any lawful municipal purpose with (I) the sales tax to be imposed on the sale of tangible personal property and taxable services, except for food for domestic consumption and such other categories to be exempt as determined by the governing body of the municipality, and (II) the use tax to be imposed on the privilege of storing, using, or consuming tangible personal property in Niwot, including construction and building materials, with all such taxes to be established by ordinance of the governing body of the municipality prior to the imposition of the sales and use tax and consistent with this ballot measure; and shall Niwot be authorized to collect, retain, and spend all revenues from such taxes and all earnings thereon as a voter approved revenue change under Article X, Section 20 of the state Constitution?”
tenance costs. A 4 mill increase amounts to about $190 a year for a home valued at $700,000. The measure is expected to raise $900,000 in the first full fiscal year.
Ballot Issue 304: Marijuana special sales tax
This is commonly called a “de-Brucing” measure.
Ballot Issue 306: Road repairs debt authorization WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall Niwot debt be increased
up to $15 million, with a maximum repayment cost up to $28 million, for the purpose creased by $60,000 annually in the first full of funding the repair, reconstruction, imfiscal year, and by such amounts as are raised provement, and maintenance of streets, roads, annually thereafter, from a marijuana spebridges, drainage, sidewalks, and related cial sales tax imposed at the rate of three per- transportation infrastructure within the mucent (3.0%), commencing on January 1, 2028, nicipality; such debt to be evidenced by the ison the sale of retail marijuana and retail mar- suance of revenue bonds or other financial obijuana products to consumers, retail marligations payable from sales and use tax revijuana stores, or retail marijuana product enues if such taxes are approved by separate manufacturers, as authorized by state law, in ballot measure, to be issued at such times and addition to any other sales taxes levied by Ni- prices (at, above or below par) and in such wot, with all such taxes to be established by manner and containing such terms consistent ordinance of the governing body of the muherewith as the governing body of the municipality prior to the imposition of the marnicipality may determine; and shall the proijuana special sales tax and consistent with ceeds of such debt and any investment earnthis ballot measure; and shall Niwot be autho- ings thereon constitute a voter-approved reverized to collect, retain, and spend all revenues nue change under Article X, Section 20 of the from such taxes and all earnings thereon as a state Constitution?” voter approved revenue change under Article WHAT IT MEANS >> Authorizes debt of up to X, Section 20 of the state Constitution?” $15,000,000, with a maximum total repayWHAT IT MEANS >> Imposes a 3% special sales ment cost of up to $28,000,000, for the retax on retail marijuana and retail marijuana pair, reconstruction, improvement and mainWHAT IT MEANS >> Imposes a 2.5% sales and products beginning Jan. 1, 2028, in addition tenance of streets, roads, bridges and other use tax beginning Jan. 1, 2028. The sales tax to any other sales tax. It would apply only if transportation infrastructure. The debt would would apply to all retail purchases in Niwot, retail marijuana businesses operate in Nibe repaid using sales and use tax revenues, if except for groceries, or food that’s intended to wot. There’s currently one dispensary located those taxes are approved under Issue 302. be prepared at home. The use tax would apwithin the municipality of Niwot’s proposed ply to purchased vehicles, construction and boundaries. The measure is expected to raise WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY >> The 2.5% sales tax is building materials, and online orders. If ap$60,000 in the first full fiscal year. lower than Boulder, Longmont, Louisville and proved, Niwot’s total sales tax would increase most Front Range municipalities. When the Ballot Issue 305: TABOR override to 7.84%. The measure is expected to raise sales tax is combined with the property tax, $2.8 million in the first full fiscal year. the tax burden for those in a typical Niwot WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall Niwot be authorized to home would only increase by an estimated Ballot Issue 303: Property tax retain and spend the full amount of all reve$63 a month. These taxes allow Niwot to fund nue collected from all sources not otherwise a municipal government while also paying WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall Niwot taxes be inexcluded from fiscal year spending, including for road repairs. A town-wide structure is the creased by $900,000 annually in the first full but not limited to state and local grants, fees least expensive option to repair deteriorating fiscal year, and by such additional amounts and charges, sales and use taxes, and proproads in the community’s subdivisions. raised annually thereafter by an ad valorem erty taxes, commencing in 2027 and each subproperty tax mill levy imposed at the rate of sequent year, without regard to any state rev- WHAT OPPONENTS SAY >> Incorporation is too four (4) mills for the purpose of meeting openue or expenditure limitation including the expensive. The budget proposed is dramatierational and maintenance costs; and shall limitation contained in Article X, Section 20 cally short of sufficient funds for road repairs the revenue from such mill levy constitute a of the state Constitution?” and maintenance, especially with administravoter approved revenue change under Article tive costs the town will need to cover before X, Section 20 of the state Constitution and an WHAT IT MEANS >> Authorizes Niwot to reit can get to the roads. Repaying a $15 milexception to the limitation set forth in section tain and spend all revenue it collects from all lion bond feels too risky for such a small com29-1-301 of the Colorado revised statutes?” sources, including grants, fees and charges, munity. If the town can’t raise enough money and tax revenue, beginning in 2027, without through taxes to run the new government, WHAT IT MEANS >> Imposes a property tax regard to the revenue and spending limits un- town officials may turn to annexing and demill levy of 4 mills for operational and main- der the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR. veloping land to generate revenue. WHAT IT SAYS >> “Shall Niwot taxes be in-
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Niwot Charter Commission Candidates where neighbors know one another, care about what happens Niwot voters are asked to here and take pride in their town. choose nine candidates to serve Scott has served eight years on MICHAEL DELALLA >> on a home rule charter commisthe Niwot Local Improvement sion. If the incorporation is apI moved to Niwot in 2008, District Advisory Committee, inproved, those commissioners will during the Great Recession. I’ve cluding five years as chair. He draft the charter, which would witnessed both hard times and is running for the charter comthen go back to voters for apgood ones. Above all, I’ve seen the mission because he believes Niproval. A voter may vote for up to resilience of Niwotians. I strongly wot’s future deserves thoughtnine candidates. oppose incorporating Niwot. ful consideration. He supports inWe asked candidates to tell us But if it happens, I want a charcorporation as an opportunity to about themselves and why they ter commission that represents strengthen Niwot’s voice while want to serve on the charter com- all of Niwot’s diverse residents. preserving its character and commission. Pro-incorporation advocates ofmunity spirit. Those candidates are: ten say taxes will “only” rise a litORIN HARGRAVES >> tle or rents will “only” increase ARI ADLER >> by a few dollars. For some neighI am a native Coloradan: born Like many, I attended the inibors, those “only” amounts are in Denver, raised in Creede, livtial Niwot Incorporation Comstressful bill-paying realities. If ing in Niwot since 2012. I had a mittee meetings with openness. incorporation moves forward, I 20-year career as a lexicographer However, when they presented a want to speak for those for whom before working at CU Boulder, plan to negotiate a fire contract “only” feels exclusionary and dis- where I taught writing and sewith Mountain View Fire Rescue, missive. Every Niwotian deserves mantics. I am strongly for incorI started having doubts, as this to be heard. poration: I believe that the people was unrealistic and would have of Niwot have the right to self-deCOLLEEN DONOVAN >> jeopardized our homeowners intermination and we need to exsurance. Following that meeting I Colleen Donovan could not be ercise that right to steward our created the campaign committee reached for comment. community’s future. As a charter Neighbors for Niwot, to oppose commissioner I would aim to repincorporation, because incorpora- SEAN DONOVAN >> resent my constituency: seniors tion is permanent, expensive and A county resident since 1999, on a fixed income who want to will lead to a host of unintended and Niwot local since 2012, Sean preserve our great quality of life, consequences. Niwot should not has dedicated most of his adult for all of us today and for those incorporate, but if it does, I would life to public safety for local who follow us. work for a charter that promotes and metro-area municipalities. CHARLES (CHUCK) HODGES >> transparency and a high level of He holds an undergraduate deengagement from community gree in chemistry from the UniI’ve lived in Niwot for 26 years members. versity of Colorado Boulder and and owned a product design an advanced degree in organizacompany for the past seventeen. RODNEY ARCHER >> tional leadership from Colorado While I support the vision of inI am a retired engineering State University. Deeply invested corporation, I oppose the current manager. My wife and I live near in the local community, Sean vol- plan—the numbers just don’t add Niwot Elementary School, where unteers as the superintendent of up. However, if we do vote to inI am the president of The Cove the Utility Goat program for Boul- corporate, I’ll do everything posHOA. In addition, I was recently der County 4-H and serves as the sible to help make our new town selected to be a board member vice president of the Dry Creek viable, with a solid charter based at the Mountain View Fire ProHOA. Sean cares deeply for the on realistic numbers that works tection District. If elected to the Niwot community and has the ex- for all Niwotians, not just special charter commission, I will work perience to be sure our charter interests. I’ve managed 20-milto limit growth by restricting the is inclusive of all residents and lion-dollar operations and can city’s ability to annex land and to properly addresses our collective run P&Ls in my sleep; as a Stanchange zoning. I also favor limneeds. ford-educated engineer, I’m great iting the city’s ability to add new at problem-solving; and, as an inexpensive projects. I am opposed RICHARD ENGLAND >> dependent, I can facilitate comto the incorporation plan beRichard England declined to promise between the slates. cause it is underfunded and unanswer. CHERYL HODGES >> derstaffed. If passed, the new city will need to raise taxes right SCOTT FIRLE >> Cheryl Hodges could not be away. Scott has called Niwot home reached for comment. for more than 12 years, where he CODY BARELA >> and his wife are raising their two KATHY M. KOEHLER >> Cody Barela could not be children. He values the smallOn the charter commission, reached for comment. town character that makes NiI would like to support Niwot’s wot feel like home; a community Historic District and the history By Camera staff
DAVID COSTA >>
David Costa declined to answer.
of positive growth and development in the community the past 54 years I have volunteered in Niwot. Niwot has been my home since 1972. My daughters were raised here and are graduates of Niwot High. Appointments to five county boards has been educational, and I’ve been fortunate to work with over a dozen Niwot community organizations. As president of the Niwot Historical Society over a decade, we have grown in services, restoration work on the Fire House Museum, and authoring Niwot’s Sesquicentennial book in 2025. NICK LITTLE >>
As president of the Niwot Incorporation Committee, I’ve spent the last year in the details of incorporation, and a charter is a limit, not a license. Nine of us draft it; then Niwot votes. I’d push for accountability you can use: every real power traceable to someone you can vote out, and a short line from any decision back to the people it affects. Charters that spread responsibility until no one owns a choice are how small towns stop answering to anyone. Niwot should stay Niwot, not copy whatever grew up down the road. I want a charter everyone can live with. PATRICK MAYNE >>
I am a retired local government attorney who has lived in Niwot for 30 years. If Niwot votes to incorporate its town, I would like to serve on the charter commission because I have extensive experience in drafting multiple types of government documents from my 20 years’ history in both the Boulder County and Jefferson County attorneys’ offices. I have hands-on experience with Colorado Open Meetings and Open Records requirements, expertise in local government procurement, grants and contract practices, and am well versed in how local government processes should be designed and protected. KARL NEIS >>
Karl Neis could not be reached for comment. COMMISSION >> PAGE 43
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reached for comment. ALISON STEELE >>
I own the Niwot Market with my brother Seth Steele. Our faRITA NEIS >> ther, Bert Steele, started the busiRita Neis could not be reached ness 25 years ago. I am also the for comment. NBA vice president. I am running for charter commission beJIM PARYS >> cause I love Niwot. My grandfaI am a native of Boulder County ther owned a farm here and my with my home residence in Nimother grew up here. I want to wot since 2006, though I had at help write the rules to support lotimes been on assignments overcal businesses, keep Niwot Historseas as a U.S. diplomat assigned ical Society as an important part to the USAID. I have advised loof the town. I also want to make cal and state governments in the sure we keep events such as Rock United States and abroad on how & Rails, Pancake Breakfast and to decentralize authority to the Enchanted Evening going and local level, something I see is also keep it the small town that it is. needed in Niwot. Over the past D. SCOTT TENNANT >> seven months I have been researching what it means to be a Hello, I’m Scott Tennant, a lifehome rule municipality in Cololong resident of Boulder County, rado and what options a Niwot in Niwot in 1979. I recently reCharter could choose. tired from Ball Aerospace in Boulder after 42 years as an engineer, SUE ELLEN PECK >> production manager and program Sue Ellen Peck could not be manager. Over the past 50 years reached for comment. or so, I’ve served and volunteered my time to the Niwot CommuMARY PLESE >> nity Association, the Niwot VolunMary Plese could not be teer Fire Department, the Mounreached for comment. tain View Fire Board, the Niwot High Education Foundation and TONY SANTELLI >> Niwot Youth Sports. I would like Tony Santelli could not be to share my knowledge and life reached for comment. experiences with the commission and the community to help build JASON SEELY >> consensus for determination of Jason Seely could not be the best charter for the people of FROM PAGE 42
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BRUCE (BIFF) WARREN >>
I’ve lived and worked in Niwot for over 50 years, serving as a volI moved here from New Enunteer for the NCAA, NBA, NYS, gland in 1984. My kids went to NCA, NFL, LID and other comSunset Middle School, Niwot munity organizations to enhance High and CU. My granddaughters and protect the Niwot we all love. attended most of Niwot’s public I’ve worked with Boulder County events with me and came to love on many projects, serving on the this town as I do. Over time, my Planning Commission for seven neighbors became my friends as years. I support incorporation as have shop owners, Realtors and the best way to fix our roads, supservice providers. I strongly opport our local businesses, and pose incorporating Niwot because take control of land use decisions. it means development, crowds, I want to create a charter that traffic and pushing current resiprevents unwanted development dents out with higher taxes, fees and provides a guide to preserve and debt. I’m running for a seat our community. on the charter commission. We CARRIE WISE >> need people who know and celebrate Niwot’s history to be at the My name is Carrie Wise. My table. husband and I have owned Wise Buys Antiques for over 40 years, JACK TROPE >> as well as our building in the HisI have lived in Niwot since 2019 toric District of Niwot. With inand currently serve as president corporation, historic designation of the Cottonwood Park West disappears. I have lived in town HOA Board. I am a semi-retired for decades. I have served on nuattorney who has spent most of merous business committees, inmy career working in the field of cluding membership on the Niwot American Indian law and have Revitalization Committee, and worked extensively and successchairing the Local Improvement fully on legislation at the federal, District. As proposed, the LID 1% state and tribal levels. I believe sales tax for the business district this experience will be invaluconverts to a discretionary town able in making sure that incorpo- management line item. Although ration happens in the right way I strongly advise against incorpo— by building consensus around ration, I believe I have the history a Town Charter that will protect to properly represent the business the character of the town that we district. cherish. JIM THOMAS >>
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CU Regent District 2 Richard Friend POLITICAL PARTY >> Libertarian WEBSITE >>
lpcocolorado.my.canva.site/richard-friend-cu-regents-district-2 AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> I have no political experience whatsoever. I’m totally new. I’m a native Coloradan and a Libertarian.
Edie Hooton
Friend
I used to be a project manager at Xcel Energy, and I’ve been retired now going on 10 years. I currently live in Evergreen, and I grew up in north Denver.
WHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE FACING
ADDRESSED? >> I think it’s high tuition. I think they need to have a serious audit and see where the money is going and make sure the people know about that, and if there’s any way the students can work off some of their loans after school hours, to help them out. I think they should allow the most qualified students to enter, because no matter what, that should be the bottom line.
THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO RIGHT NOW, AND HOW SHOULD IT BE
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO LEAD CU
plex, publicly funded budgets. Addressing this fiscal crisis reWEBSITE >> edieforcu.com quires building a firebreak around CU: diAUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> I versifying revenue streams, fortifying am Edie Hooton, running for CU Repartnerships with ingent because the university’s success dustry, philanthropy, requires steady leadership, strong Hooton and foundations, and community partnerships, and rigaggressively defending our research orous fiscal oversight. As a former three-term state legislator represent- integrity. I have the specific budget experience and relationships reing CU Boulder and former chair of quired to uphold CU as an affordthe Capital Development Committee, I directly managed higher educa- able, world-class institution. tion funding and complex policy issues. My legislative background and HOW DO YOU PLAN TO LEAD CU DURING A TIME OF DECLINING TRUST IN HIGHER committee chairmanship give me EDUCATION, INCREASED COSTS, AND the budgetary experience necessary STATE AND FEDERAL UNCERTAINTY? to oversee CU’s multi-billion-dol>> Public trust is built through translar institution, which is the Board parency, fiscal accountability, and of Regents’ primary function. I am measurable student success. When uniquely prepared to champion acfamilies question the value of a deademic freedom, protect vital research, and defend our public univer- gree, CU must demonstrate that we are protecting their investment by sity system against federal or political interference. keeping tuition affordable and boosting four-year graduation rates. LeadWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE FACING THE ing through funding uncertainty reUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO RIGHT NOW, quires an understanding of how AND HOW SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> state funding and federal research CU faces an unstable funding landgrants work. My legislative backscape that directly undermines acground means I won’t need a learnademic freedom, campus diversity ing curve. I will leverage my relaand scientific research due to a pro- tionships with the legislature to jected 9% drop in federal research protect current funding levels and grants and stop-work orders on con- ensure Colorado honors its committracts, and a likely $1.5 billion deficit ment to higher education. the Legislature will face next year, Furthermore, I will provide rigoron top of the $1.7 billion in cuts to ous oversight of CU’s massive budthe state budget this year. The target to ensure resources are directed geted federal attacks, coupled with away from administrative bloat and inflation and the rising cost of livstraight into the classroom, student ing, threaten student affordability, retention, and workforce preparaundermine financial aid, and disrupt tion. By being transparent about our the innovation that drives Colorado’s financial challenges and unyielding economy. As a former legislator who in our defense of academic freedom, led the committee that prioritized we will restore confidence in CU as funding for Colorado’s universities a vital engine for social mobility and and colleges, I have navigated comColorado’s future.
Marty Neilson
DURING A TIME OF DECLINING TRUST IN HIGHER EDUCATION, INCREASED COSTS AND STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING UNCERTAINTY?
>> I want to be open to any of the students. I want to be approachable and I want to have an open door policy and listen to what they have to say and take their suggestions seriously. I value transparency and a willingness to work with community leaders to find these solutions.
whether or not this level of support will be POLITICAL PARTY >> Republican ongoing. The university must WEBSITE >> diversify funding sources, reneilsonforcuregent.com duce depenAUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEdence on fedNeilson MENT >> I was born in Galeseral grants and burg, Illinois, and I moved to expand partnerships with industry, philanthropy, foundaColorado to attend the Unitions and state-supported inversity of Denver. novation programs. I have been a controller and/or chief financial officer HOW DO YOU PLAN TO LEAD CU for Tropicana Energy ComDURING A TIME OF DECLINING pany in Texas; Case Logic TRUST IN HIGHER EDUCATION, Inc.; 105 Meridien LLC; EqINCREASED COSTS AND STATE uity Link Companies; and PFSI Inc. I am treasurer of the AND FEDERAL FUNDING UNCERTAINTY? >> As an experienced Boulder County Republicans and successful CFO for muland the Boulder Republican Women. I am a past president tiple companies, I am an expert in controlling and overof the Colorado Federation of Republican Women, a past seeing university finances, including funds, appropriations, chairman of Boulder County major budget decisions, debt Republicans and the former treasurer for the Colorado Re- issuance, tuition and fees. I am also an expert in develpublican Committee. I am married to Ron Neilson, have oping, tweaking and improvthree children, five grandsons ing policies and procedures. I have successfully hired, evaluand four granddaughters. ated and overseen senior leadWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE FACING ership. THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO My fiduciary positions have RIGHT NOW, AND HOW SHOULD never been questioned, and IT BE ADDRESSED? >> CU remy companies have never had ceived almost $500 million in an audit exception. As a political activist, I have worked for federal research funding in years to help find representaFY2025, and research funds tion for Colorado citizens and support faculty recruitment, taxpayers. Giving students graduate students, laboratories, innovation partnerships the educational experience for which they are paying is a and regional economic activity. There is uncertainty about high priority.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
DAILYCAMERA.COM
Superior Town Council
Superior Mayor Neal Shah WEBSITE >> VoteforNeal.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
Neal Shah is a longtime Colorado resident who grew up in Arvada and earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado before completing an MBA at Purdue University. His parents moved to Superior in 2000 and still live here, and Neal and his wife followed in 2009. Their two children attended the local schools and both recently graduated from high school. First elected to the Town Board in 2018, Neal has since served as trustee, mayor pro tem and council member, while also helping create Superior Rising after the Marshall Fire.
Shah
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ate, understanding the long term financial consequences of our decisions, and continuing to advocate for residents when problems extend beyond our borders.
WITH THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL COMING TO THE AREA SOON, HOW WOULD YOU PLAN TO ATTRACT TOURISTS AND ENCOURAGE PATRONAGE OF LOCAL BUSINESSES IN SUPERIOR AS WELL AS PREPARE THE TOWN FOR AN INFLUX OF VISITORS, IF ELECTED? >>
Sundance is an exciting opportunity for the region, but I don’t think Superior is well served by trying to simply recreate the festival here. We should make it easy for visitors, volunteers, workWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT ers and industry guests to disOF SUPERIOR RIGHT NOW, AND HOW cover Superior while they are SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> The in the area. That means workbiggest issue facing Superior is ing closely with Boulder, Sunhow we manage the town’s next dance and our regional partners chapter as we mature and apto make sure Superior businesses proach being fully built out. Over are part of the conversation, prothe last eight years, we have dealt moting Downtown Superior and with the pandemic, the Marour restaurants to visitors, and shall Fire and recovery, while supporting complementary events also moving forward major projthat make sense for our commuects like the Community Center nity. Superior is already hosting and Downtown Superior. Now we independent-film programming, need to make those investments and that is exactly the kind of efwork, fill in the remaining spaces fort we should build on. thoughtfully, and ensure redevelWe also need to plan for the opment, infrastructure, water and practical impacts: traffic, parking, open space strengthen the comtransit, public safety and commumunity we already have. We also nication with residents and busihave several near-term issues to nesses. If we do this well, Sunresolve, including the impacts of dance can bring new customers Rocky Mountain Metropolitan to Superior, introduce more peoAirport and the Town’s ongoing ple to our community and create litigation with Jefferson County. opportunities for Superior to beWith fewer large areas left to de- come a more direct part of the velop, the choices we make over festival in future years. We would the next four years will shape Su- certainly welcome the opportuperior for decades. nity to host Sundance screenings That means staying grounded here in the future. in the plans residents helped cre-
Debra Bowes
pion that effort by supporting Superior’s ongoing efWEBSITE >> BowesforSuperior.com forts, working directly with various AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT controlling enti>> I’m Debra Bowes, a business ties, and collaboleader, entrepreneur, wellness inrating with neighstructor and proud Superior resi- Bowes boring commudent. I bring more than 40 years nities to pursue of leadership experience, includ- safer flight paths while also reing C-level roles in non-profducing repetitive training activits and for-profit companies, ad- ity over our neighborhoods/famivisory boards and founded my lies/communities. own company. These days, you’re also likely to find me teaching at WITH THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL COMING TO THE AREA SOON, the Louisville Recreation & SeHOW WOULD YOU PLAN TO ATnior Center. As a senior myself, TRACT TOURISTS AND ENCOURI’m passionate about ensuring AGE PATRONAGE OF LOCAL BUSIevery generation has a voice in Superior’s future. I’m running to NESSES IN SUPERIOR AS WELL AS put my experience to work build- PREPARE THE TOWN FOR AN INing a community where families FLUX OF VISITORS, IF ELECTED? >> can thrive and senior residents Sundance presents an extraorcan stay active, connected, find dinary opportunity for our reattainable housing and have the gion, but for a small town like opportunity to age in place. Superior, an influx of visitors also requires thoughtful prepaWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT ration. I will work alongside and OF SUPERIOR RIGHT NOW, AND support our amazing staff who HOW SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? are already working with Boul>> It’s difficult to identify a single der County to anticipate impacts issue when Superior faces sevon traffic, parking, transit, puberal important challenges, but lic safety and other Town serRMMA is what inspired me to vices. I think it’s important that become involved in local poliwe identify how each commutics. I have regularly attended nity in Boulder County can conRMMA Board meetings and tribute most effectively. At the worked alongside concerned res- same time, Superior will seize idents advocating for our comthe opportunity by promoting munity. In 2024, Superior averour restaurants, shops and lodgaged an aircraft overhead eving, creating reasons for visitors ery 90 seconds, primarily from to spend time here, and connecttraining propeller plane flights ing them with our business disconducting touch-and-goes. This tricts. Success means welcoming is about safety and quality of life. Sundance while protecting resiWhile Town Council cannot con- dents’ quality of life and ensurtrol federal airspace, Superior ing Superior shares in the ecohas been working tirelessly for nomic benefits. changes. I will continue to cham-
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
Superior Town Council John Heckman
and neighboring communities for what a thriving Superior and broader region looks like in 2035.
WEBSITE >>
JohnHeckmanforSuperior.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
I’ve called Superior home with my wife and three children for over 20 years. I bring both an environmental sustainability and a fiscal responsibility lens to how I consider Superior’s future. I continue my 30-year career as a sustainability consultant, now focused on helping utilities decarbonize while keeping power reliable and affordable. I also lecture on related topics at CU Boulder. For 25 years I’ve served on the board of a community bank, where I’ve seen firsthand what solid financial stewardship takes, and what happens when it’s missing. I currently serve on the Town’s Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability.
Stephanie Miller
costs. WITH THE SUN-
WEBSITE >>
DANCE FILM FES-
StephanieMillerforSuperior.com
TIVAL COMING TO THE AREA SOON,
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
WITH THE SUN-
Heckman
DANCE FILM FESTIVAL COMING TO
THE AREA SOON, HOW WOULD YOU PLAN TO ATTRACT TOURISTS AND ENCOURAGE PATRONAGE OF LOCAL BUSINESSES IN SUPERIOR AS WELL AS PREPARE THE TOWN FOR AN INFLUX OF VISITORS, IF ELECTED?
>> We’re all excited for Sundance
to come to our region, and many of us have thoughts and ideas of how we can grow with Sundance over the next 10 years. This is Sundance’s first year, and rightfully so they are putting their focus on Boulder, readying their venues, building partnerships with local businesses and establishing a team to deliver an excellent experience for the tens WHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT of thousands of people who will OF SUPERIOR RIGHT NOW, AND HOW be visiting us in January. SuperiSHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> Our or’s town staff, Chamber of Comresidents have many high primerce, and local businesses have orities, including our relationbeen engaged with Sundance for ship with Rocky Mountain Airmore than a year already. Our priport and the noise from the flight mary role is to solve as much of academy planes; and the need to the guest lodging challenges as encourage development in our possible. We will have a new hocommercial areas like Superior tel ready in time for Sundance. Marketplace, Downtown Superior We have residents who have set and Rock Creek Village. However, up business services to support I’d say that our #1 issue is to re-es- short-term rentals. We are actablish the fiscal responsibility tively working with Sundance to that provided us the strength to offer any partnerships that can respond effectively after the Mar- help make the event a success. shall Fire. We need to look for in- In future years we hope to have novative approaches to diversify some movie screenings and other revenue, rebuild our reserves, es- supporting events in Superior tablish a philosophy of managas well, but we know that parting within our means, and build nerships take time and we’re paa coordinated vision amongst our tiently prepared to help however many neighborhoods, districts we can.
>> I’m proud to say I’ve been a Su-
perior resident for over 20 years. I’m currently in my first term on Town Council and was a president of the Superior Chamber of Commerce prior to that, serving for nearly a decade through COVID and the Marshall Fire. Professionally, I’m a vice president at a local financial institution and have my Certified Wealth Strategist designation. I was also named a Notable Woman in Finance by BizWest Magazine and received the 2023 Heather Cracraft Superior Achiever Award for my longstanding service and commitment to our community.
HOW WOULD YOU PLAN TO ATTRACT
Miller
TOURISTS AND ENCOURAGE PATRON-
AGE OF LOCAL BUSINESSES IN SUPERIOR AS WELL AS PREPARE THE TOWN FOR AN INFLUX OF VISITORS,
IF ELECTED? >> I’m thrilled that Sundance has chosen Boulder as its new festival location. But, Boulder has a significant shortage of hotel rooms. So, those visitors will be pushed to surrounding areas. And, with Superior’s close proximity, it will make our town a convenient place to stay. Superior’s economic development director and the executive director for the Superior Chamber of Commerce have already been in talks with the Sundance WHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT team to let them know that SuOF SUPERIOR RIGHT NOW, AND perior is open to being a partner. HOW SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? On council, we have approved a >> I don’t think you can point to hotel development and created one thing as the #1 issue facing short term rental policies to enSuperior, since we have a lot to courage attendees to stay with consider as a community from us, shop our local businesses, health and safety to economic and utilize our public transit. vitality and quality of life. But, And our council has also let the given my financial background, Sundance team know that if they one of my main focuses will con- need screening space in the futinue to be financial planning ture, we’d be happy to host in that ensures our long term viaour beautiful new Civic Space. bility. That means budgeting ap- Going forward, I want to make propriately, diversifying revesure Sundance knows that Supenues, offsetting expenses, and in- rior is excited about the partnervesting in assets that streamline ship and open for business, eager efficiencies and lower long term to welcome the arts community.
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Superior Town Council Adam Vonnahme WEBSITE >> AdamforSuperior.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> I’m a husband, father, business
professional and proud 16-year Superior resident. Having lived in both Rock Creek and Downtown Superior, I understand the unique priorities of our community. With more than 25 years of experience in technology, business, and management, I’ve built my career by listening, solving complex problems, building relationships, and delivering results. I’m running for Town Council to help build on Superior’s strong foundation through practical, transparent, fiscally responsible leadership that listens to residents, strengthens our community today, and creates opportunities for generations to come.
Superior’s future, we should consider the needs of everyone—from young families and working professionals to empty nesters and seniors—while preserving the sense Vonnahme of community that brought so many of us here. WITH THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL COMING TO THE AREA SOON, HOW WOULD YOU PLAN TO ATTRACT TOURISTS AND ENCOURAGE PATRONAGE OF LOCAL BUSINESSES IN SUPERIOR AS WELL AS PREPARE THE TOWN FOR AN INFLUX OF VISI-
TORS, IF ELECTED? >> I think Boulder hosting the Sundance Film Festival is a tremendous opportunity for the entire region, including Superior. To make the most of it, we need to be proactive and collaborative. We should work with festival organizers, Boulder, and neighboring communiWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT ties to ensure Superior is part of OF SUPERIOR RIGHT NOW, AND HOW the broader planning and converSHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> My sation. We may not realize every top priority is ensuring Supeopportunity in the first year, but rior remains a financially strong, establishing those relationships thriving community for generaearly can position Superior to tions to come. We must maintain benefit for years to come. Having fiscal balance by managing taxdone business in Utah throughout payer dollars responsibly, conthe years, I’ve heard from many trolling costs, and finding ways to people about their negative exoperate efficiently—without unperiences and opinions. Accordnecessarily increasing the tax ingly, I believe it is important to burden on residents. With limplan thoughtfully for both the opited space, we need to be intenportunities and challenges that tional about the businesses and come with an event of this scale. investments we attract. Growth We should actively promote Supeshould strengthen our tax base rior’s restaurants, businesses, and while staying true to the characamenities and make it easy for ter and values that make Supevisitors to spend time here. Transrior special. We also need to diportation will be particularly imversify our tax base. A broader portant. We should work with remix of businesses and investment gional transportation providers— can strengthen local revenues, re- and explore temporary solutions duce reliance on a limited numwhere necessary—to create conveber of revenue sources, and pronient connections between Supevide greater stability as economic rior and festival activities. conditions change. As we plan for
Kelly Watt
ers and revenue to other commercial areas, includWEBSITE >> wattforsuperior.com ing Superior Marketplace and Rock AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT Creek Village? >> Kelly Watt has called SuperiThe Superior or’s Original Town neighborhood Chamber of Comhome for 11 years. A Marshall Fire Watt merce brings valusurvivor, she serves on the boards able expertise of Marshall Together and the to this work, and I would seek Community Foundation of Boultheir partnership. Town Counder County’s Wildfire Fund Com- cil should make Superior a dymittee, advocating for survivors namic, welcoming place to do and supporting recovery efforts. business. Kelly brings 15 years of senior WITH THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIleadership experience at Naropa VAL COMING TO THE AREA SOON, University, where she led strateHOW WOULD YOU PLAN TO ATgic planning, built community partnerships, and guided complex TRACT TOURISTS AND ENCOURuniversity-wide initiatives. She is AGE PATRONAGE OF LOCAL BUSINESSES IN SUPERIOR AS WELL AS a wife and mother of two young PREPARE THE TOWN FOR AN INchildren. As her family prepares FLUX OF VISITORS, IF ELECTED? >> to return to their rebuilt, fire-resistant home this autumn, Kelly The Superior Chamber of Comis committed to giving back to merce has done an excellent job the community that supported positioning Superior as a partthem through recovery. ner to the Sundance Film Festival, helping residents and busiWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT nesses prepare to welcome our OF SUPERIOR RIGHT NOW, AND Sundance partners this January. HOW SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> I would build on that work by ofThe health and wellbeing of Sufering virtual and asynchronous perior’s commercial tax base is presentations for those unable to my top long-term concern for attend previous panels, while exthe town. We rely heavily on ploring other ways to make Susales tax from large retailers like perior welcoming and accessible Costco, Target and Whole Foods, to patrons, staff, volunteers, and while also benefiting from a vipresenters. brant mix of locally owned shops Could temporary shuttles and restaurants. We need to en- help if RTD does not add addisure those major retailers contional service during the festitinue to call Superior home while val? Could complementary profinding ways to support existgramming capture the spirit of ing small businesses and attract Sundance while drawing visitors new ones. into Superior? I would also colDowntown Superior is filllaborate with our businesses and ing in steadily, creating an oprestaurants on ways to increase portunity to shape a vibrant cen- foot traffic and revenue, then enter for shopping, dining and sure they are front and center for community activity. Events like the Sundance crowd. summer markets, concerts and January is just around the corarts nights already draw peoner. Let’s get ready, make the ple from across Superior and the most of this opportunity, and surrounding area. Could simishow Sundance — and the world lar strategies help drive custom- — what Superior has to offer!
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
RTD District O Audrey DeBarros WEBSITE >>
AudreyforRTD.com
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >>
I’ve invested 20 years convening communities to improve transportation across Boulder County and the Northwest Metro region. Today, I lead Commuting Solutions, where I partner with local governments, RTD, CDOT, businesses, chambers of commerce, state and federal leaders to secure transportation investments and deliver better options for the people who live, work, study, and travel here. I’m running for the RTD Board to put that experience to work delivering reliable tran-
sit, providing experienced leadership and a strong, collaborative voice for Boulder County.
Joint service will begin starter rail service consisting of three daily round trips to our region by January 2029 at no additional cost to taxpayers, addressing a long held commitment to our reDO YOU SUPPORT gion. The state of Colorado has THE FRONT RANGE planned for interregional passenPASSENGER RAIL ger rail service for decades to conDeBarros DISTRICT BALLOT IS- nect Fort Collins to Pueblo. The SUE 7A THAT PROPOSES A 0.333% convergence of these two rail opSALES TAX INCREASE TO FUND THE portunities to expand multimodal COLORADO CONNECTOR? WHY OR access, reduce traffic congestion, WHY NOT? >> I do support Ballot Is- expand economic attractiveness sue 7A. Tremendous progress has and enable Boulder County to be been made to advance an innoa part of this historic investment vative partnership between RTD, is an opportunity we shouldn’t BNSF, Front Range Passenger pass up. Rail District and the state of Colorado to deliver passenger rail ser- HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THE RTD’S BUDGET DEFICIT, IF ELECTED? vice to Boulder County and be>> In the short term, the RTD yond.
Jack Rosenthal
Board will need to explore both reducing expenses and increasing revenue options to balance the annual budget. My goal would be to limit service reductions and staff layoffs so that the traveling public is impacted the least. There are several new revenue options the RTD Board has been exploring this year that I support proceeding with in the short term. Ultimately, RTD is going to need approval of a ballot issue to provide the organization with the fiscal resilience needed and discussions are underway to consider this in 2028. RTD has not experienced additional revenue through a ballot issue since 2004, and the cost to operate and maintain the aging system can no longer be sustained.
HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THE RTD’S
WEBSITE >>
JackforRTD.com
BUDGET DEFICIT, IF
ELECTED? >> RTD’s
structural deficit needs to be ad>> I’m Jack Rosenthal, a software dressed within five engineer from Louisville, a lifeyears; far less imRosenthal long Coloradan, and a proud mediate than the Democrat. CEO has portrayed. Out-of-pocket I ride RTD more than 800 capital spending on new diesel times a year, to work, and just buses and disruptive light rail reabout everywhere else. I’ve built construction based on age, not software that tracks RTD’s perinspections, demonstrates the formance, and spent years advoboard has failed to hold the CEO cating for better transit. I helped accountable, and service has been create and pass the Transit Acsuffering as a result. The agency cess Bill, now Colorado law, which is proposing 20% service cuts to makes transit easier to use state- address this deficit. That’s planwide. I’ve also helped advance ning for failure, and would cataseveral policies in the RTD board- lyze a ridership death spiral. room. The next board needs new revThis election, I’m stepping up, enue to not only maintain curas the voice of a rider, technical rent service but to significantly expert, and community advocate, expand it. That means renewing ready to deliver change at RTD. partnerships with the legislature Whether or not 7A passes, I’ll and CDOT and re-visiting the fight to make sure our FasTracks agency’s other revenue streams. dollars bring rail service to Boul- Eventually, RTD will need to ask der County. Without the tax, we’ll the voters for a tax increase, but still get three round trips per day with the public’s trust today, it between Fort Collins and Denver, wouldn’t pass. Our planet is burnstopping in Longmont, Boulder, ing, and transportation is a leadLouisville and more communities ing contributor to greenhouse gas along the way. emissions. Public transit is the That’s what RTD can afford to- solution, but the public needs to day, and I’ll make sure the agency see RTD will deliver. Under the delivers. right leadership, RTD can. AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
State House District 10 Junie Joseph
tions. We need stronger renter protections and seriPOLITICAL PARTY >> Democratic ous conversations around rent stabiWEBSITE >> lization, while conjunie4colorado.com tinuing to build workforce and afAUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT fordable housing. I Joseph >> I immigrated to the U.S. from also support giving Haiti as a child and grew up expe- public housing authorities statriencing housing insecurity and utory authority to propose voteconomic hardship. Those expeer-approved funding measures riences shaped my commitment such as mill levies or sales taxes. to public service and to fightWHAT CAN BE DONE TO HAVE A MAing for working families. I serve TERIAL IMPROVEMENT ON AFFORDin the Colorado House of RepABILITY IN BOULDER? >> We need resentatives, where I have focused on housing affordabilboth market regulation and inity (HB26-1206), environmental creased housing investment. sustainability (HB26-1269; SBHousing costs will not come 142), health care access (HB26down if we only subsidize de1044; HB26-1139), consumer pro- velopment without addressing tections (HB26-1267), education speculative pressures and rising (HB26-1143; HB26-1244), immirents. We need more workforce grant rights (HB26-1283), and and affordable housing, stronger public safety (HB26-1127). I teach renter protections, and policies part-time at a local university as that allow teachers, nurses, first an adjunct law professor. Govern- responders, service workers and ment works best when focused on young families to remain in the improving everyday lives and cre- communities where they work. ating opportunities for ordinary We should continue investing people to succeed. in housing near transit, streamlining responsible housing conWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT struction, and exploring every OF THE STATE RIGHT NOW, AND HOW available tool to expand affordSHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> It is able housing opportunities. Counthe affordability crisis coupled ties also need additional tools with the limitations local govern- to fund housing, transportation, ments face under TABOR. parks, climate resilience and soColorado’s local governments cial services. I believe communioften lack the revenue tools ties receiving comparable services needed to address housing, trans- should contribute fairly toward portation, social services and inmaintaining those services. frastructure. I believe counties We also need to recognize should have broader authority to that affordability is about the toask voters directly for excise taxes tal cost of living. Transportato fund the needs of their commu- tion costs, including gas prices, nities. One of Colorado’s strengths are a significant burden for workis that voters ultimately decide ing families. While local governwhether taxes are approved. Local ments cannot control global fuel communities should have the flex- markets, Boulder can help reduce ibility to bring those questions di- transportation costs by investrectly to their neighbors. ing in reliable public transit, safer We cannot solve the housing bike infrastructure, and trancrisis through subsidies alone sit-oriented development that alwithout addressing market preslows people to live closer to where sures and affordability protecthey work.
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State House District 11 Karen McCormick
cause of the constraints placed in 1992. It is time POLITICAL PARTY >> Democratic to modernize our budget and join WEBSITE >> karenforco.com the other 49 states who do not have AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> these constraints. Karen McCormick, from a Navy McCormick It can start with family, is a veterinarian and the passage of small business owner with 34 two important ballot initiatives years experience. Her commitwhich will be on everyone’s balment to service includes volunlots this November. One will reteering with Intercambio, servturn our state to a graduated ining in animal health non-profits, come tax code that existed for 50 Citizens’ Climate Lobby and Ro- years in Colorado and is a more tary. A Longmonster for 31 years, fair system. The other will raise mother of three, she ran for Con- the TABOR cap to allow more gress in 2018 and has been the funding for public education. I Representative for HD 11 for six hope the voters will see and unyears. Running for her last term, derstand the positive these two Karen is chair of the Natural Re- measures will have on their evsources Committee and sits on eryday lives and vote yes on the Health and Appropriations both. committees. She works on poliSHOULD COLORADO PLACE LIMITS cies to advance health care, edON THE DEVELOPMENT OF LARGE ucation, LGBTQ rights, climate DATA CENTERS BECAUSE OF THEIR action and affordability in all ENERGY AND WATER DEMANDS? >> sectors. Yes. Colorado should have guideWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT lines and guardrails in place OF THE STATE RIGHT NOW, AND in state law that make sure the HOW SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? need for data centers can be ad>> The number one issue I keep dressed while protecting surhearing about is affordability of rounding communities, protecteverything from childcare, to ing our natural resources, and health care, to energy costs, to making sure the energy needs of groceries, to higher education, the data centers are not paid for to housing … the cost of everyby raising the cost of energy to thing that everyday Coloradans existing communities. Data cenare having to navigate is beters must supply their own encoming impossible for families. ergy, must use the modern closed There is so much that good gov- loop technology that doesn’t conernance could do to help each of sume precious water, and must these sectors. The big thing hold- not pollute the air or cause noise ing us back is our budget. We pollution. They must be located have slashed the budget multiin areas that don’t bring further ple times in the past two years harm to already disproportionand hurt families by doing so be- ately impacted communities.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
State House District 12 Kyle Brown
and out-of-pocket costs, particularly for working families. I also THE STATE RIGHT support targeted tax relief when WEBSITE >> NOW, AND HOW it meaningfully helps households SHOULD IT BE ADkyleforcolorado.com without undermining funding DRESSED? >> Affordfor schools, infrastructure, pubPARTY >> Democratic ability is the num- lic safety, and other essential serber one issue facing vices. Finally, we should ensure AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT Colorado families. large developments, including Brown >> I have served as the state repAs reckless and data centers, pay their fair share resentative for our community harmful federal policies continue of infrastructure costs rather for the last four years and have to cause costs to rise for working than shifting those expenses onto passed major legislation to make families, I am working to lower existing taxpayers and ratepayers. health care more affordable, take costs and make sure every family COMMUNITIES IN THE DISTRICT climate action, and help our com- can thrive. I support expanding FACE PRESSURE TO ADD HOUSING munity recover from the Marshall affordable and attainable housfire. I am a career public sering and homeownership opportu- WHILE RESIDENTS AND LOCAL OFFICIALS HAVE PUSHED BACK AGAINST vant, and before the legislature, I nities and investing in programs served on the Louisville city coun- that help Coloradans afford rent, SOME STATE POLICIES OVERRIDING LOCAL LAND USE DECISIONS. WHEN, cil and advised U.S. senators and mortgages, and energy costs. We Colorado governors on health should continue pursuing policies IF EVER, SHOULD THE STATE OVERcare and economic security policy. that lower health care premiums RIDE MUNICIPAL ZONING DECISIONS
Ryan Rhatigan WEBSITE >> Ryan4HD12.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> My name is Ryan Rhatigan and
WHAT IS THE NO. 1
ISSUE IN FRONT OF
I am running to represent HD12 in the upcoming election. I am a general contractor by trade, recently married and if all goes well, soon to be a father. I am running because I want to do my best to improve the qual-
ity of life for so many of those that I care about living here in Colorado. If anyone ever wants to know more or simply have a conversation, I encourage you to email me. I will make myself available to hear you out. WHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT OF THE STATE RIGHT NOW, AND
HOW SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> I
ask readers to consider one question: How has your quality of life changed over the past 20 years? In my view, Colorado’s greatest challenge is political division. While walking in Louisville’s Labor Day parade, I was met with boos and profanity from people who had never met me. Hostility on both sides has become so intense that it prevents meaningful communication at nearly every level. One fact is clear: Democrats have held trifecta control in Colorado — the governorship and both legislative chambers — for 15 years since 2007. That period spans approximately two years under President Bush (R), eight under President Obama (D), four under President Trump (R), four under President Biden (D), and two years of President Trump’s (R) second term. Both sides claimed election interference when they lost. Wanting secure voting should not be a partisan issue. Everyone should want fair and honest elections. We are so wealthy as a society
TO INCREASE HOUSING? >> The state
and local governments should be partners in making housing more affordable. Our community is committed to adding more affordable housing while protecting our open space, habitat, and water. In recent years, we have built the largest affordable housing development in the state, but we also know that recent efforts by the state to create a one size fits all zoning policy simply don’t work for our community. I have opposed state overreach into local zoning decisions while also supporting efforts to create new options for affordable housing. Through tax credits and other financing mechanisms, the state can support efforts to expand affordable housing in partnership with local governments. that we should be able, on some level, to provide for those who are unable to care for themselves. Individuals should maintain sovereignty over their decisions. Rhatigan People need purpose. People need to be heard. We should live life by showing kindness and respect to everyone. We need government to enable us to do so, not mandate it. There are so many ways we can do better. I wish to be someone that brings unity and understanding. I’d be honored to represent the people of my district and our beautiful state. COMMUNITIES IN THE DISTRICT FACE PRESSURE TO ADD HOUSING WHILE RESIDENTS AND LOCAL OFFICIALS HAVE PUSHED BACK AGAINST SOME STATE POLICIES OVERRIDING LOCAL LAND USE DECISIONS. WHEN, IF EVER, SHOULD THE STATE OVERRIDE MUNICIPAL ZONING DECI-
SIONS TO INCREASE HOUSING? >> It’s
my opinion that the state should never override municipal zoning decisions to influence housing. Municipalities should have the final say in how they grow. Perhaps the state could find a way to incentivize larger landlords to provide more additional low-income units for tax breaks. Maybe create a new tax code for commune style housing. I’m open to suggestions.
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State House District 19 Jillaire McMillan WEBSITE >>
jillaireforcolorado.com POLITICAL PARTY >> Democrat AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> I’m a mom, devoted commu-
nity volunteer, small business owner and former pro-democracy nonprofit leader. I’m a westerner and moved to Colorado in 2016 with my husband and four children. I spent eight years as a leader in a national nonpartisan organization. In 2019 I cofounded a marine robotics company with my husband. My decades as a stay-at-home mom gave me time for volunteer leadership in schools, congregations and neighborhoods. I’m running for the State House because I want to make the world a better place, and I’m committed to using my voice, skills, energy and position to do it.
home insurance premiums. Studies show that stable housing leads to improved educational outcomes and increased long-term household wealth. When McMillan we invest in stable housing and home ownership, we are investing in the future of our children and our economy. OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT REMAINS A MAJOR TOPIC IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING CONTROVERSY AROUND THE DRACO AND COYOTE TRAILS PADS. WHAT CHANGES, IF ANY, WOULD YOU WANT TO MAKE TO COLORADO’S OIL AND GAS PER-
MITTING PROCESS? >> There are
several different ways that the permitting processes could be improved and where the Energy and Carbon Management Commission could be given greater authority to enforce existing statutes. Two specific areas for change are in public parWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT ticipation and in the treatment OF THE STATE RIGHT NOW, AND of existing permits. We should HOW SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> broaden the definition of who is As a mother and business owner, an affected party and simplify I see rising expenses create chal- the public comment process, lenges for my family and comwhich is currently confusing pany. Speaking with HD19 resand difficult to navigate. There idents, affordability is one of should also be clear expectations their top concerns, too. Colofor how ECMC responds to sigrado particularly has an affordnificant public comment. There able housing problem; solving it need to be new requirements won’t happen by passing a sinaround re-examining older pergle law. We need to address inmits, such as in the case of excreasing rents, housing stock for panding the Coyote Trails projfirst-time homebuyers and risect. Rather than relying on an ing insurance costs for current existing permit, statute should homeowners. To accomplish this, clarify what new conditions we’ll need to reexamine zoning should be considered and evalulaws and development fees to in- ations should be made, such as centivize building the types of significant population growth, homes we actually need, and we new health and environmental must invest in mitigating natudata and cumulative impacts of ral disaster damages that raise newer nearby projects.
Dan Woog WEBSITE >> woogforhd19.com POLITICAL PARTY >> Republican AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> As a state representative and
previously an Erie trustee, I have a proven record of building coalitions across party lines to lower costs, support law enforcement, strengthen schools, fund roads and create a favorable environment for jobs. That’s why I have endorsements from groups including the NFIB, Colorado Chamber of Commerce, and Fraternal Order of Police, as well as community leaders such as Erie Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Bell. As a small business owner and father of two, inspired by my late entrepreneurial father’s commitment to helping others, I put people before politics and stand up to partisan extremists.
Woog
expensive insurance mandates. Reduce regulations that add $40,000 to $70,000 to the cost of a new home, according to the Common Sense Institute and Home Builders Associa-
tion. I supported HB25-1272, which makes it easier and cheaper to build affordable condos by reducing lawsuit risk. I also supported SB25-141, which would have exempted small towns from costly new energy codes for homes. OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT REMAINS A MAJOR TOPIC IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING CONTROVERSY AROUND THE DRACO AND COYOTE TRAILS PADS. WHAT CHANGES, IF ANY, WOULD YOU WANT TO MAKE TO COLORADO’S OIL AND GAS PER-
MITTING PROCESS? >> We need hon-
est conversations about oil, natural gas, and energy. Colorado has WHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT some of the most protective enOF THE STATE RIGHT NOW, AND ergy laws in the country. We need HOW SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> to get out of partisan bubbles and High costs and affordability are focus on facts. Affordable energy job one. Colorado families are be- matters for our homes and vehiing squeezed by rising insurance, cles. Reliable energy protects famenergy, and housing costs, while ilies and vulnerable residents who businesses face a growing burden depend on medical equipment. of taxes and regulation. Ten years We can pursue climate goals ago, Colorado was among the best while maintaining reliable energy. states to start and run a business. We also need to respect local Today, we are losing our compet- decision-making. Communities itive edge because of poor policy like Erie have greater local conunder single-party control at the trol over oil and gas development, Capitol. and Erie chose to restrict access The solutions are clear: Reto its mineral resources. That peal the PUC policy that effecchoice comes with a trade-off: fitively bans natural gas heating. nancial support and greater loPursue an all-of-the-above energy cal regulatory control in exchange policy that includes small nufor restrictions on oil and gas beclear reactors. Lower the tax bur- neath the community. The state den, including the flood of new is putting that authority where it “fees” that function as taxes. Cut belongs: with local communities.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
State House District 33 Nate Jorgensen
here, and instead focus on reliable available energy, public safety, and a simpler path for people who want to work and build.
WEBSITE >> nateforhd33.com POLITICAL PARTY >> Republican AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> Nate Jorgensen is a long-
time Broomfield resident and small-business professional who has spent his career connecting companies, executing projects, and helping local businesses grow. He is running for House District 33 to lower the cost of living, protect local control, and make state government more accountable to families and taxpayers. His priorities are safer communities, fewer unnecessary taxes, fees and regulations, and a Colorado where people can work, build, be prosperous and stay.
HOUSING RE-
Jorgensen
MAINS EXPENSIVE ACROSS THE DIS-
TRICT, AND IN FRONT RANGE SUBURBS GENERALLY, WHILE FAMILIES HAVE FACED RISING GROCERY AND GAS COSTS. ON HOUSING, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE RIGHT PATH FORWARD FOR STATE LAWMAKERS? >>
On housing, the right path is absolutely not more top-down rules from Denver. Prices are high because we have made it too slow, too costly, and too uncertain to build. As legislators we need to be focused on identifying and eliminating the bottlenecks, cutWHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT ting unnecessary barriers, reOF THE STATE RIGHT NOW, AND specting local control, and letHOW SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> ting communities add homes The No. 1 issue facing Colorado without one-size-fits-all manis the rising cost of living. Hous- dates that drive costs higher. ing, groceries, energy, insurance, Families in House District 33 and everyday expenses have need more supply and lower livclimbed faster than many famiing costs, not another round lies can keep up with. The state of statewide requirements that needs to stop piling on mandates make housing harder and more and fees that make it more excostly to deliver. pensive to live and do business
Kenny Van Nguyen
one of the leading voices at the legislature for data priWEBSITE >> vacy. nguyenforcolorado.com Education and the next generaPOLITICAL PARTY >> Democratic tion. Kenny has fought to protect AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT and expand fundNguyen >> Rep. Kenny Van Nguyen’s paring for our schools ents came to the United States as and is supported by local and refugees from the Vietnam War state teachers’ organizations. and made Colorado their home. Housing remains expensive His father worked landscaping across the district, and in Front and his mother worked in nail sa- Range suburbs generally, while lons, both becoming small busifamilies have faced rising grocery ness owners so they could supand gas costs. On housing, what port their children’s chance at the do you think is the right path forAmerican dream. Kenny earned ward for state lawmakers?: As a his master’s in public administra- first time homeowner, Kenny untion through the CU system and derstands housing and affordlives in Broomfield with his fianability as a real issue — not an cee and their dog Koda. Kenny abstract one. As a council memhas worked for Lt. Gov. Dianne ber, Kenny championed a housing Primavera, as an administrator community for residents with disfor public agencies, on the Broom- abilities — that opened this Sepfield City Council, and in the pri- tember and is a prime example of vate sector. what our community can do. WHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT As a new state legislator, Kenny OF THE STATE RIGHT NOW, AND HOW supported landmark legislation SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> Hous- to create more diverse housing ing and affordability is the bigoptions to ensure that everyone gest issue, which is addressed in from young renters to big famthe next question. ilies, to empty nest retirees all THE OTHER KEY ISSUES ARE>> Enhave the ability to call our comvironmental protections. Colorado munity home. That legislation is just had one of our worst summers helping usher in the next wave on record for air quality, orphan oil of attainable housing across the wells abandoned by corporations state and is already starting to are leaking pollutants, and we are make an impact. facing unprecedented droughts. While Trump’s illegal war is Kenny is not taking a dime from the largest factor driving up gas the oil and gas industry. costs, state officials are focused Data Privacy. Kenny has on what we can do: the creation worked to restrict private corpoof regional rail, improving our lorations from abusing and selling cal struggling public transit sysour data, opposes the proliferatem, and shepherding the green tion of Flock-type cameras, and is energy transition.
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State House District 49 Michael Sheperek
water, but as we all know, water is PARTY >> Republican a finite resource. There are several WEBSITE >> things Colorado sheperekforcolorado.com needs to do: 1) Negotiate a higher AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> share of our own Michael Sheperek is a Coloradan. Sheperek water. Coastal Raised in the small mining town states will have to of Rico on Colorado’s West Slope, desalinate sea water to make up Mike moved to Boulder and for the shortfall. 2) Expand and graduated from CU with degrees create more water storage capacin biology and electrical engiity. 3) Conserve water with eduneering. He built a successful cation and improved conservacareer as an expert in memory tion practices. storage systems, earning over 40 IF ELECTED, WHAT IS ONE SIGNIFIU.S. patents in data storage and CANT POLICY YOU WOULD PURSUE IN YOUR FIRST LEGISLATIVE SESalgorithmic development. Mike was a lead IP (intellectual prop- SION THAT YOU BELIEVE THE CURerty) developer for several prom- RENT LEGISLATURE HAS NOT ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED? >> Colorado inent technology companies. A dedicated family man, a compasses about 500 to 600 bills evmercially rated aircraft pilot, ery legislative session. That’s musician, hiker, biker, cook, and about 4,000 bills in the last 8 mechanic — and is even considyears. These bills have touched ering building his own experiabout every issue imaginable. mental airplane. Some bills have tens to hundreds of layers of bills on bills. WHAT, IF ANYTHING, WOULD YOU It is impossible for any legislaCHANGE ABOUT THE STATE’S CURtor to understand all these bills RENT WATER POLICIES TO PROand their side effects. As a legisTECT COLORADO’S WATER RElator, it is important to clean up SOURCES WHILE STILL ALLOWand streamline the bills we have. ING CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 49 Additionally, energy is one of my COMMUNITIES TO GROW AND PROtop priorities. We need clean susVIDE THE HOUSING AND SERVICES tainable energy for now and fuTHEIR RESIDENTS NEED? >> Coloture generations. We are missing rado has seven major river drain- the boat on nuclear fusion. Fuages, and all the water flows out sion is attractive because the fuel of the state. No water flows into (deuterium from water, plus trithe state. About three-quarters tium that can be bred from lithof the water that originates in ium) is abundant, there is no Colorado flows out of the state, runaway chain reaction or meltmeaning Colorado retains about down risk, and it does not proone-quarter due to interstate duce long-lived high-level waste agreements. like fission. Lets get rolling. Every downstream state (about 17 of them) wants more
Lesley Smith
est and driest winter on record. The legislature can do PARTY >> Democratic two things to ensure that Colorado WEBSITE >> lesleyforco.com gets its fair share of water. First, it AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT can support the ne>> Dr. Smith had a 30-year career gotiations of ColoSmith at University of Colorado’s Corado’s Upper Colooperative Institute for Research rado River commissioner. Second, in Environmental Sciences. She it can continue the state’s progserved on Boulder Valley School ress on its clean energy goals. CliDistrict’s Board of Education and mate change is causing aridificaCU’s Board of Regents. She was tion of the southwest. If we don’t elected to HD49 in 2024. She halt this, we will continue to have serves on the Energy and Enviyears like this one and will face ronment and the Agriculture, Wa- water shortages in the future. ter and Natural Resources comIF REELECTED, WHAT IS ONE SIGmittees. Many of her bills focus on clean energy, especially related NIFICANT POLICY YOU WOULD PURSUE IN THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE to promoting solar energy. Her SESSION THAT YOU HAVE NOT ADplug-in solar bill was signed into EQUATELY ADDRESSED DURING law making Colorado the fourth YOUR CURRENT TERM? >> In 2025 state in the U.S. to pass such legislation and is seen as a model bill I ran HB-1197, sale of electrical for other states to follow. assisted bicycle requirements, which specifies that it is unlawWHAT, IF ANYTHING, WOULD YOU ful to advertise or target the sale CHANGE ABOUT THE STATE’S CURof class 3 e-bikes to youth under RENT WATER POLICIES TO PROTECT the age of 16 because they canCOLORADO’S WATER RESOURCES not legally ride them as specified WHILE STILL ALLOWING CONGRESin state statute. Unfortunately, SIONAL DISTRICT 49 COMMUNITIES sales of these bikes to youths, TO GROW AND PROVIDE THE HOUSmainly through online purchases, ING AND SERVICES THEIR RESIhave continued. I sent a letter to DENTS NEED? >> Water law is comthe Attorney General’s office askplicated in Colorado. Based on the ing that the office release a con“first in time, first in right” consumer alert regarding these sales, cept, those with the oldest wasimilar to what California has ter rights will be first in line to issued. Within a month, Amareceive their share of water. I rezon announced it would no loncently attended a conference foger allow third-party sellers to list cused on the Colorado River, non-compliant high-speed e-bikes which provides water to many in California, and it began removof my communities. The Upper ing listings. Fast forward to 2026, and Lower Basin states have been and we now have a similar issue unsuccessfully negotiating how with youth illegally riding e-moto divvy up the river flows, estorcycles. I plan to run a bill next pecially this year — the warmsession to address this issue.
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State Senate District 15 Janice Marchman
through new technology, data centers, housing PARTY >> Democratic growth, or the increasing use of WEBSITE >> our personal injaniceforcolorado.com formation, people deserve transparAUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT ency and a meanMarchman >> I was raised on Air Force bases ingful voice in across the country, attended what those changes look like in public schools everywhere we their communities. lived, and graduated from GeorTHE STATE HAS FACED A CHALgia Tech with an industrial and systems engineering degree. Af- LENGING FINANCIAL SITUATION IN RECENT YEARS THAT HAS TRICKter working as an engineer and raising my children, I served on LED DOWN TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, NONthe Thompson School Board, where I found my passion for ed- PROFITS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT COLORADO. ucation. After being elected to the school board, I taught middle WHAT CAN BE DONE AT THE STATE school math in Loveland. I bring LEVEL TO EASE SOME OF THE PRESSURE? >> We need to be more disthat same commitment to service and practical problem-solv- ciplined about how the state ing to the Senate. In 2022, I won spends money and more careful SD15 and have been delivering about creating new obligations real results for Northern Colowithout identifying how they rado families since. will be paid for. Too often, costs created at the WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR SD15 state level get pushed onto loAND WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACcal governments and individuCOMPLISH >> I’m running for als.I also think we need to regure-election to continue serving larly review existing programs, my community and giving the fees, and spending commitments people of Northern Colorado an to make sure they are deliverindependent voice at the Caping enough value to justify their itol. During my first term, I’ve cost. When the state considers seen how state-level decisions di- new policies, we should be askrectly affect whether families ing not only what they will cost can afford their homes, whether the state, but what the broader our schools have the resources financial impact will be. Mathey need, and how much conjor new development and industrol people have over their pertries should also pay their fair sonal information. My priorishare of the infrastructure and ties are lowering the cost of livresource costs they create rather ing, protecting public education, than shifting those costs onto evand protecting people’s privacy. eryone else. As Colorado changes, whether
Rob Woodward PARTY >> Republican WEBSITE >>
woodwardforcolorado.com
do’s reputation as a business-friendly state with a thriving job market. That means more opportunity and less tax burden for working families.
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
Woodward
moved to Colorado in 1987 for college at CSU. I met my wife Paula there and saved to buy my first Subway franchise at the age of 21. We now have three adult children, two sons-in-law, and a granddaughter. One daughter married an Air Force pilot, and our other son and daughter have struggled to stay in state with high costs and a tough job market. In 2018, I was elected to represent SD 15 in the Legislature, where I served one term. I retired last year from a 35-year restaurant franchising career.
FACED A CHALLENGING FINAN-
>> I grew up in Wyoming, then
THE STATE HAS
CIAL SITUATION IN RECENT YEARS THAT HAS TRICKLED DOWN TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, NONPROFITS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT COLORADO. WHAT CAN BE DONE AT THE STATE LEVEL TO EASE SOME OF THE PRESSURE? >> Like most gov-
ernment and quasi-government entities, the biggest problem is usually a spending problem. State revenue seems to climb year after year. But the Colorado Legislature loves handing down unfunded mandates. Lawmakers require WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR SD15 more and more of schools and loAND WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOM- cal governments, but they don’t PLISH? >> I’m running for SD15 beprovide the funding it takes to cause the Legislature needs my meet those demands. So local business and finance background bodies ultimately have to pitch now more than ever. We’ve seen mill levy increases year after year our state and its reputation deor rely on irresponsible county ascline according to several critisessments that inflate values. cal metrics, and the ruling party Additionally, nonprofits, small doesn’t seem capable of making businesses, and working families the changes that will make life are struggling under the heavy better and more affordable for hand of state government. During residents and businesses. A stron- this stretch of one-party control, ger, more balanced government state budgets have grown rapidly will mean fresh ideas, better dewhile everybody else is barely getbate, and a new direction that our ting by. We need legislators who state desperately needs. There’s understand that government inno good reason for Colorado to be tervention is not the answer to one of the worst states for cost of every problem. The larger and living and crime. more complex the government, In my second term, I plan to the more opportunities arise for identify and prosecute fraud, rewaste, inefficiency, and fraud— peal burdensome fees and regula- and the more top-heavy our econtions, and work to restore Colora- omy becomes.
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State Senate District 17 Patricia Miller POLITICAL PARTY >> Republican AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATE-
MENT >> I was born in Peoria, Il-
linois, and grew up on a farm the second of seven children. We learned early to work hard and not to squander money! I graduated from high school and High Fashion Beauty College and opened my own business when I was 19. My husband and I moved to Arvada, Colorado, in 1971. We have been married for 58 years. We have one son and two grandchildren. We moved to Erie in 2000. I soloed but don’t have a pilot’s license, and have authored nine books and am working on number 10. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 ISSUE FACING COLORADO, AND HOW
WOULD YOU ADDRESS IT? >> There
isn’t just one. My agenda has always been to defend the family. Every law affects the family including: housing, rent, mortgages, property taxes, education, health, crime, possible water shortages, border, anti-American cultures attempting to take over our government, infrastructure. Too often we seek solutions from the government and government money. Solutions should come
from “we the people,” not officials who pass laws disregarding the consequences of those laws. Do we really want our daughters to have to undress in front of Miller a boy? Do unborn humans have the right to be born? Do we want communism or common sense? WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS OR QUALIFICATIONS OF YOURS SHOULD VOTERS CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING WHETHER TO ELECT
YOU? >> I’ve held several leader-
ship roles: executive director of Citizens for Excellence in Education, Executive Director of Citizens for Responsible Government, former State Representative — HD 27, candidate for Congress, candidate for lieutenant governor with Tom Tancredo, HOA president for 14 years. I don’t need a job, and I’m not looking for a political career. I have a passion for a freedom that is slowly being uprooted. In the movie “1776,” Adams wrote to the Continental Congress, “Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anybody see what I see?” I care! We need to be bold in defense of our state or we’ll become California!
Katie Wallace
YOU JOINED THE COLORADO SENATE THROUGH A VA-
POLITICAL PARTY >> Democratic
CANCY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
WEBSITE >> katieforco.com
RATHER THAN A DISTRICTWIDE ELEC-
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> I’m the state senator for Long-
mont, Erie and Lafayette. Raised in Lafayette and now living in Longmont, I’ve dedicated my career to community organizing, elections, and public service that expand opportunity and uplift our neighbors. As senator, I focus on protecting our environment, addressing climate change and ensuring corporations pay for pollution. I’m a leader on nutrition access, including preserving Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program, which saves families money and ensures every student has access to free, nutritious meals. As chair of Senate State Affairs, I oversee elections and gun safety legislation. I listen, show up and deliver.
TION. WHAT AC-
Wallace
COMPLISHMENTS FROM YOUR TENURE
SHOULD VOTERS CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING WHETHER TO ELECT YOU, AND HOW WOULD RECEIVING A DIRECT MANDATE FROM VOTERS SHAPE YOUR APPROACH TO THE OF-
FICE? >> Once appointed, I hit the ground running. With only 47 days and halfway through a session, I introduced and passed three bills all of which became law, including bipartisan legislation to save Coloradans money on prescription drugs and protect consumers purchasing solar. In less than one year, I became chair of the Senate State Affairs, reflecting the trust my colleagues placed in me to lead on critical issues, including election security. In my first full session, I was WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NO. 1 ISa prime sponsor of 31 bills, 27 of SUE FACING COLORADO, AND HOW which became law. Effective leadWOULD YOU ADDRESS IT? >> The afership means showing up. Since fordability crisis for working fam- taking office, I’ve hosted over 15 ilies. I’ve led on lowering costs for town halls and regularly met with prescription drugs, making green constituents across the district. energy affordable, preserving the I listen to my community, bring Earned Income and Child Tax their concerns to the Capitol, and Credits which relieve poverty, and turn conversations into meaningcombating corporate greed that ful results. I’m grateful for the opdrives up prices and drives down portunity to stand for a direct wages. I’ll continue working to vote and will continue showing make Colorado affordable. up for the community that raised me.
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State Senate District 25 William Lindstedt POLITICAL PARTY >> Democratic WEBSITE >>
WilliamforColorado.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT >> I am humbled to represent
Broomfield, Westminster and Northglenn in the Colorado state Senate. I was raised in Broomfield in a single-parent household and ran for office to protect the opportunities I had growing up. Throughout my time in public service, I have focused on making Colorado more affordable, expanding housing opportunities, strengthening public education and protecting consumers. Before joining the Senate, I served on the Broomfield City Council and in the Colorado House of Representatives. I hold a master’s of public administration from the University of Colorado Denver and am proud to be the youngest member of the State Senate. WHAT IS THE NO. 1 ISSUE IN FRONT OF THE STATE RIGHT NOW, AND HOW
SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED? >> The biggest challenge facing Colorado is affordability. Too many families are struggling with the rising costs of housing, health care, child care, and other everyday expenses. We need to increase the supply of housing people can afford, improve competition and transparency in health care, ex-
Paul Kohlhoff POLITICAL PARTY >> Republican WEBSITE >> PaulforSD25.com AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT
>> Paul has a degree in cartogra-
phy from the University of Maryland and 34 years of experience with the Department of Defense, managing high-level mapping, logistics and contractor operations supporting America’s military. After retiring, Paul and his wife
pand access to quality child care, and reduce unnecessary costs that drive up prices. Colorado should be a place where people can build a career, raise a family, and Lindstedt enjoy a good quality of life, and that means making affordability our top priority. HOUSING REMAINS EXPENSIVE ACROSS THE DISTRICT, AND IN FRONT RANGE SUBURBS GENERALLY, WHILE FAMILIES HAVE FACED RISING GROCERY AND GAS COSTS. ON HOUSING, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE RIGHT PATH FORWARD FOR
STATE LAWMAKERS? >> We simply need to build more housing, particularly entry-level homes that young families and firsttime buyers can afford. Too many young people are doing everything right and still finding that buying a home in the community where they grew up is out of reach. At the same time, a lot of seniors would like to downsize, but there just aren’t enough affordable options for them to move into. Building more starter homes and condos can help alleviate the market. We also need to protect the senior homestead exemption, so seniors aren’t priced out of homes they’ve lived in for decades. The state has done a lot on this issue in recent years, but we still need to do more to lower the cost of living.
moved to Colorado to build the next chapter of their lives in the community they now proudly call home. As Paul watched the challenges facing Colorado and our nation, he felt called to step forward and serve again. Encouraged by members of his community and grounded in his Christian faith, he entered this race believing leadership begins with courage, conviction and service. Paul Kohlhoff did not reply to questions.
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