Meet the Candidates - City of Westminster Office of Mayor and City Councillor Seats

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021

WESTMINSTER MUNICIPAL ELECTION

MEET THE CANDIDATES City of Westminster Office of Mayor and City Councillor Seats

OFFICE OF MAYOR, FOUR-YEAR TERM

To be elected to the four-year term of office of Mayor, a candidate must receive at least 40% of the votes cast.

A TOTAL OF FOUR (4) CITY COUNCIL SEATS

•T hree (3) City Councillor seats for regular, four-year terms •O ne (1) City Councillor seat for the current vacancy in an unexpired term (expires Nov. 2023) All four (4) City Council seats (three full terms and the current vacancy) will be determined by one (1) question where all candidate names are listed and voters choose four candidates.

The top three (3) highest vote recipients will serve the three open four-year terms, and the fourth highest vote recipient will serve the remainder of the vacant seat, pursuant to Westminster Municipal Code and Colorado Revised Statutes.

The statements featured in this publication are printed exactly as provided by each candidate. The reprinting of these statements should not be interpreted as an endorsement or confirmation of anything contained therein by the City.

Statements are printed in the order that candidates appear on the ballot.

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Name: Nancy McNally Occupation: Owner of Made and Created

Past Elected Offices: • Mayor of Westminster • Westminster City Council • Jefferson County School Board Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I am a proven leader, trustworthy and active listener.

I will take politics out of decision making seeking to build council consensus; and I base decisions on the merits of making Westminster a better, more viable and sustainable place to live.

Ability to make a decision.

I can make a decision and I have the record to lead a group through difficult issues which impact the functionality of a governing body. I would never have allowed a council to deadlock on the importance of filling a vacancy.

I vote on behalf of citizens and the city not personal agendas.

I lead conversations to hear questions, concerns, ideas, and solutions so all councillors and staff understand all viewpoints to make informed decisions.

I am a fiscal steward remembering that the money the city spends comes from our citizens.

I will lead council to establish goals and direction for the city manager to implement providing staff, boards, and commissions clear direction.

I lift people up and not make differences of opinion political and demeaning.

PAGE 2

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

Water supply and sewer, how does the Comprehensive Land Use Plan function within the limit of available water resources.

We need truth about how much water we have for our citizens. The answer as to our available resources should drive the plan of what happens with the last 435 undeveloped acres as well as redevelopment. Building high density housing uses more water. Current and future Westminster housing needs must be balanced against available resources.

New development should depend on current water available and pay the development’s own costs without placing resource and financial burden on existing users. If we don’t have enough water, then we must stop building unless we can acquire more water.

Developers agree: Westminster must take care of the people who already have invested in our community.

Education, communication and understanding about water and sewer is critical.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

Our Fire and Police personnel continue to perform well through adverse conditions.

We have a great community, but we need leadership that will lead. The city needs focus and clarity so all staff members in all departments know their jobs, have the correct credentials to do their jobs, have the tools to do their jobs and serve our citizens who are at the top of the organizational chart. Management must communicate with all seven council members on the same level playing field as well as the 117,000+ citizens and businesses.

Over a year has passed since the city distributed any form of citywide communication which is unacceptable. Well informed citizens, councillors, staff, and businesses keep a community well run and vibrant.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

Citizens, and their willingness to share their stories and willingness to help others. 

Name: Anita Seitz

Occupation: Mayor of Westminster | Director of Business Development and Marketing for a local business Past Elected Offices: Westminster City Council from Dec. 2013–May 2021, Mayor pro-tem from 2018–2021 Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I am running to continue to serve as Mayor because my experience, knowledge, and passion for Westminster will help lead us through these unprecedented times. As we emerge from the pandemic it is critical that we commit to building back better and stronger. I have a record of thoughtful, courageous and community-centered leadership. I have served on Council since 2013. I was selected by my colleagues to serve as Mayor Pro Tem in 2018, and was sworn in as Mayor this May. I have a degree in Earth Science from UNC and an MBA from Regis University. I was awarded a Certificate of Completion from the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government as a Gates family fellow.

I represent Westminster on multiple regional boards and commissions, including Denver Regional Councils of Government, as Policy Chair for the Colorado Municipal League, as Treasurer for the North Area Transit Alliance, and as former President of Colorado

www.cityofwestminster.us/Elections

Communities for Climate Action. I look forward to continuing to listen closely to residents, put my experience to work, and chart a wise course, one that will create a thriving, sustainable and inclusive Westminster.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

Colorado has seen unprecedented population growth, and the Front Range, including Westminster, has been impacted. Without planning, growth can lead to soaring housing prices, congestion and negative impacts to water resources and infrastructure. I have worked to ensure we plan for our community’s expansion in a way that minimizes negative impacts and enhances our quality of life, adding jobs, housing, restaurant, shopping, and entertainment options. Community sustainability is the most important issue facing Westminster. Every decision we make should promote social, environmental, and economic near and long-term benefits for our residents. I have worked on these priorities while on council in multiple ways; through the development of our downtown, responding to the pandemic, investment in our infrastructure, increasing access to attainable housing, managing growth, supporting local businesses, strengthening neighborhoods, environmental stewardship, climate action, prioritizing public safety, and preserving our open spaces. To learn more about my specific priorities please visit www.anitaseitz.com.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

Westminster does a lot well. I think most residents will agree that our world class open spaces and parks are at the top of that list. While in office I have invested in new parks, enhanced our maintenance and stewardship of our trails, and made the second largest open space acquisition in our city’s history. I want to continue to expand our open space program, acquiring more property and making sure we’re good stewards of what we own. Due to sound fiscal management we fared Continued 

CITY COUNCILLOR CANDIDATES Anita Seitz Continued

the impacts of the pandemic much better than most communities. We benefit from a strong and resilient local economy. We have had many new businesses move to Westminster providing great high paying jobs for residents. Residents are excited to see Downtown Westminster blossom and thrive. We have promoted public safety by supporting our first responders and by placing an emphasis on maintaining our aging infrastructure, a core responsibility of local government, and essential to public health. We have strengthened our commitment to diversity, inclusion, environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

I am proud of this city. But there is always room for improvement. We can continue to work towards improving communication with our residents.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

Our residents are our biggest asset and my favorite part of Westminster.

We are a diverse and engaged community. I love meeting and talking with community members. Whether it is connecting on our beautiful bike trails, at my kids’ schools, at a local coffee shop, or at a cultural festival I am always struck by how friendly our residents are. I have worked to make sure all residents feel welcome, valued and represented. Promoting community engagement and empowerment is my passion. When first on council we helped expand our community outreach events, providing food and childcare to increase residents’ ability to participate. We launched bi-annual Telephone Town Halls to allow residents to question and engage council from the comfort of their home. I voted to create our award winning resident lead inclusivity board and helped champion this year’s inaugural civics academy. I want everyone in Westminster to know that they have a seat at the table, and that their voice matters. 

Name: Bruce Baker

Occupation: I was a retail pharmacist for 38 years and in the US Army for 3 years.

Past Elected Offices: Westminster City Council 2013 to 2017.

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I bring the belief that government must protect peoples’ rights. I will always defend an Individual’s rights. I bring 4 years of Council experience and 8 total years in active city politics: as candidate, commenter at council meetings, petition gatherer, writer of position papers and participant at city gatherings. I bring tenacity. I have not given up when issues I have raised were at first dismissed. While only 1/3rd of the voters understood the harmful potential of the high-water rates 2 years ago, only the uncaring or callous do not know the harm today. Where many did not understand my objection to high density housing 6 years ago, the negatives of this unrestrained growth are plainly apparent to all. I bring the ability to understand financial reports.

I can read and use reports including the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. I bring a sense of proportion.

I have ideas but I do not consider my ideas infallible or perfect. I am not intimidated by experts or professionals so I can explore and challenge their recommendations and opinions. I bring thrift. City Government needs the constant presence of an advocate for wise spending of public money.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

I want ALL of Westminster to have a beautiful place to live. When water

rates were reasonable, nearly everyone joined in making their neighborhoods beautiful. Today, in parts of our City it looks as if there is terrible drought happening. This drought is not caused by El Nino or sun cycles or global warming. This drought is caused

by City Council.

Council has caused this drought because they want to increase the population of Westminster by 33,000 people. But there is no extra water for the 33,000 new people to use. So council is using the price of water to make current homeowners use less water. This using of price to reduce water consumption is called block-tier pricing. There are many technical and academic studies published on the subject.

Council has not been honest about this plan. In 2018 council falsely claimed an infrastructure maintenance crisis needed the increased water prices. In 2021 the City dishonestly claimed the high rates are about conservation.

All homeowners and neighborhoods should have equal access to cost-priced water. I would rather use water to maintain neighborhoods than to increase the population of Westminster in high density apartment complexes.

We can’t do both.

majority members of city Council is staggering. Understandably the conflict of interest was huge, but the majority’s refusal to recuse themselves and allow the remaining council take responsibility for having a fair and just petition process is unforgiveable. The four have no integrity. To this day, Council has never taken responsibility for the error that caused the denial of Voters’ Rights.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

While Westminster does many tasks well, the denial of Voters’ Rights by city officials and Council overshadows those tasks done well. The majority of Council cleverly allowed their employees to use city resources and city employees to protect Council from a recall election. On October 30, 2020 enough valid petition signatures were properly presented to the City to force a recall election. Instead of verifying the signatures, the City Clerk wrongly used her discretion and city resources to disqualify thousands of signatures, believing the economic barriers blocking the petitioners’ appeal to the court system were insurmountable. However, the petitioners found the economic resources and the District Court restored the petitioners’ rights. The betrayal of trust the voters invested in the four,

Past Elected Offices: N/A

www.cityofwestminster.us/Elections

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

My home, my neighborhood and while not a thing: my fellow citizens of Westminster. 

Name: Sarah Nurmela

Occupation: Planning and Implementation Manager Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

With over 20 years working for cities in planning, management, and economic development—including 8 years with Westminster—I will bring expertise, depth of experience, and an intimate understanding of our community to City Council.

While at Westminster, I led our comprehensive planning—tying land use together with public safety and services, infrastructure, mobility, and parks and recreation. I led the visioning and planning for Westminster Station and the Downtown, and then managed the creation of the first phase of our Downtown. I understand what it takes to plan and create places for everyone in our community and to build with resilience, inclusivity, and equity.

Continued 

PAGE 3

CITY COUNCILLOR CANDIDATES Sarah Nurmela Continued

I understand what it takes to bring amenities and businesses to our community. And I understand what it’s like to not have financial or housing stability—and thus, I believe strongly in ensuring we all have the opportunity to find this stability and thrive in our community. Finally, as a city planner, I know the importance of listening to our residents, accessing those community members who are most vulnerable, and hearing from everyone who has invested in and cares about our city.

From Day One, I will be ready and able to lead.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

The most important issue facing our city is our own livelihood—both that of our residents and the City itself. We need to focus on creating and sustaining a strong foundation to ensure that Westminster as a whole is able to thrive now and into the future. This starts with building resilience and stability within our community through connecting residents to supportive services for mental health, accessing jobs and training, and finding housing. And this grows into ensuring we attract, foster, and retain a rich offering of employment options with small businesses and large employers alike and that we create opportunities for housing that is attainable to all who want to live here, from new families to seniors. Our efforts must also look to the long-term resilience of Westminster as a city, and its ability to provide services for residents and businesses over time. We will need to ensure we are positioning the city economically to maintain a vibrant commercial and employment core. At the same time, we need to ensure we are investing in and planning for longterm maintenance and replacement of our infrastructure so that Westminster remains the place where we all want to live, work, and stay.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

Westminster tackles challenges headon and with an entrepreneurial spirit.

This is evident in how the City has

PAGE 4

approached service provision, open space and recreational programming, and our long-term economic health.

Westminster was one of the first cities in the state to establish an open space tax to create revenue for purchasing land for open space and parks—so that now, over 15% of our land area is park space. And, when our mall failed, we strategically established new commercial centers and revenue for the city—and built a Downtown in its place. Now, as a maturing city, we are experiencing impacts from growth from the region around us, we are experiencing aging infrastructure, and a changing economic and natural environment. In order to embrace and respond to these dynamics, we need to improve our ability to communicate and engage with our residents. We need to understand better who we are as a community—what is important, what we need to save, to change, to improve. And finally, as a member of the Environmental Advisory Board, I would like to see us reduce our footprint on the environment—increasing recycling, conserving our resources, and reducing our carbon emissions.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

When my husband and I first moved to Westminster 10 years ago, we really enjoyed being able to access open space and trails throughout the city and to see wildlife thriving within them. In fact, I still can’t get enough of seeing falcons and eagles soaring above our open spaces (or even our yards). One of my favorite spots in the city is the Westminster Station Park.

Having had the opportunity to work on this project with other city staff years ago, I watched this flood-prone portion of Little Dry Creek be transformed into a beautiful 40-acre park with a pond for fishing, walking paths, and open space. Now that we are a family of five, we are all looking forward to experiencing the nature park that is under construction.

I know I’m not alone in appreciating what Westminster has to offer. We have a diverse community, and yet, whether we’ve lived here 80 years or 8, we all share a deep appreciation for our city and its amenities. It will be my

and my fellow council members’ job to ensure that Westminster continues to serve the needs and desires of its residents. 

Name: David DeMott

Occupation: I am the Vice President of IT and Systems for a franchise organization in the metro area. I have over 20 years in Information Technology working in the diet nutrition industry, pier advisors and strategic planning, office supply/services, and health and wellness industries. With over 15 years in management roles, I have also served on a variety of boards of directors such as the Butterfly Pavilion, Senior Resource Center, 7:10 Rotary Foundation, Neighbors for Countryside and the Witt Elementary PTO. I served for many years on the Westminster Special Permits and License Board. I have a vast knowledge of running an organization and being the budget oversight from my years of service both in my professional career as well as these volunteer positions.

Past Elected Offices: I am currently a City Councillor for Westminster and serving as Mayor Pro Tem. I was elected in 2017 and am running for Reelection this November. I ran to represent the people’s voice of my hometown because I love this community and want the community to enjoy the same quality of life that I enjoyed growing up here. I believe we have gotten to a point as a city where we need to remember what kind of community we are and assure our future is driven by the residents who live here not the visions of folks who work at city hall. It is time to get back to focusing on safe

www.cityofwestminster.us/Elections

communities and delivering quality services. We need to assure Westminster is an affordable place to raise a family by addressing such issues as our high water rates and finding ways to decrease them while maintaining the infrastructure and delivering safe drinking water.

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I have had the honor to serve on council since 2017. In that time, I have shown I am here to represent the people of the city and their voice. I have asked the hard questions and voted against frivolous spending like the 2019 $1.9 million dollars increase that was toward THIRTEEN top level positions. I have voted against unreasonable water rates. I voted against budgets that included items like jumbotron screens for the downtown, while having our police department go after grants for items that I felt were necessary tools.

Grants are good but we should not depend on them for vital needs to keep the community safe. As an incumbent, I have worked to address the community’s needs. We need to properly fund critical services such as police, fire, water utility and streets. Providing a safe community and delivering safe water does not have to make the city unaffordable to our residents. We must address city needs through methods that don’t break residents’ pockets.

We must cut city hall’s top-level bloat and live within a budget that addresses critical services first!

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

There are many issues from growth, infrastructure, to the rise in crime that we must address and will shape our future. The most critical issue to address is to fix our leadership and find a city manager who can balance the needs of our community such as affordable water rates working with the budget available. This will take a council willing to make some hard critical choices about the leadership and future direction of the city.

Continued 

David DeMott Continued

Top Priorities are: 1. Providing a safe quality affordable community by properly funding Police, Fire, Streets, Water utility, Parks and Open space.

2. Change leadership in the city with one that is more transparent. That will both listen and communicate with residents and provide a financially sound and reliable city government that works for all the residents.

3. Find a path for our water utilities future that creates affordable water rates while maintaining infrastructure and providing safe drinking water.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

Best thing about the city is its residents who are dedicated to our community and making it the best Westminster it can be. For the city organization we have many front-line staff such as firefighters, medics, police officers, utility workers, lifeguards, gardeners, street workers and many more. These folks get up rain or shine each day and work hard to assure when you turn on your tap you get clean safe water.

When it snows the roads are clear.

When you call 911, police or fire show up. When your kids go swimming, they are kept safe. These men and women are the true wheels of Westminster City government who keep our quality of life in the city world class. We need less folks sitting in the top floor of city hall and more people and resources in the front-line services that make our city a great organization.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

It is my home. It is where I was raised to be the man I am. It is where I met my wife Vanessa in 8th grade at Mandalay Middle School. Where I took her to our first homecoming dance at Standley Lake High School. It is where I am raising my family and where I have so many friends in the community. It is a great city worth working hard to ensure it stays a great place for future generations to enjoy the same upbringing. 

residents, balance budget, and elevate planning and execution with exceptional staff and vibrant community.

Name: Karen Frances Kalavity

Name: Obi Ezeadi

Past Elected Offices: No previous political office

Past Elected Offices: Political outsider, with past appointments to boards and commissions at various levels of government and community.

Occupation: Landscape Architect/ Site Planner (semi-retired)

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I would not say that I am the most qualified, but as one of 9 candidates vying for one of 4 city council positions, I believe that I can contribute quite a bit with regard to the “carbon cycle” and climate change mitigation.

Landscape architecture and proper land use are quite important with regard to community design and climate change issues. I can contribute with my knowledge and skills.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

Over-development and construction without regard to natural systems and resources.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

I have always been impressed at how long city employees “last” in Westminster...25 years...30 years...35 years!

And the constancy & wisdom that goes along with it.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

The view of the mountains that I have coming from Westminster Boulevard onto Westcliff Parkway. I just love it every single time I experience it!

(Every day). 

Occupation: Small Business Owner, Product Manager

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I know the issues that keep working families up at night—because that is my family and I’ve lived it. Through grit and perseverance I survived childhood poverty and built decades of leadership experience across multiple industries critical to our city’s recovery, including healthcare, real estate, transportation, and technology.

I have a Bachelors in Psychology and Biological Sciences, and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing.

I will protect small businesses because I know what it takes to run one. As an entrepreneur, I know how to cut through red tape and redefine what’s possible. I’ll bring accountability to the council because I’m a dedicated community servant, and will ensure all voices are heard equitably. I volunteer for several organizations, including soup kitchens and food banks. I’m a member at ECPAC, Growing Home, and Junior Achievement.

Our residents reject political division and broken bureaucracies. Westminster will benefit from my leadership as a political outsider working tirelessly to deliver pragmatic, common sense solutions to the problems facing our city.

My background uniquely qualifies me to eliminate partisan politics, address our affordability crisis, protect our

www.cityofwestminster.us/Elections

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

First, we need to rebuild the trust between the Westminster City Council and our residents. Second, we must ensure a sustained, equitable, and just recovery from the pandemic for our families and businesses. Finally, I will bring much needed transparency, accountability, and compassionate outreach to the council for our residents. As a councilor, I will provide never-before-seen, unfettered access to our decision-making process, and will go above and beyond to listen to the community.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

Westminster does a great job of prioritizing investment in open space, which is important to our city for both mental and physical health. That being said, we can do a better job being equitable in the distribution of parks and open space so that all communities can enjoy the environment we have to offer.

All areas of our city deserve equal access to parks and green spaces, and I will ensure we prioritize disproportionately impacted areas lacking these resources such as the southern area of the city. I plan to transform decision-making by installing standardized criteria for all city business and evaluations to more intentionally promote equity and reduce disparities.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

Our people. We constantly seek to transform our individual power into collective justice. We desire to translate moral sentiment into love and compassion for one another. We hold our public servants accountable and to the highest standards of transparency.

We are forgiving of our past but so hopeful for a better future. 

PAGE 5

CITY COUNCILLOR CANDIDATES What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

I especially love the open spaces— the jewel of Westminster. 

Name: Kathryn Skulley

Occupation: I have worked at Front Range Community College for 21 years as a teacher and currently as Academic Services Assistant Director.

Past Elected Offices: Elected in 2017, it is my privilege to serve Westminster as a City Councilor in my first elected office.

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I have worked hard to engage all residents in their city government thereby demonstrating my leadership skills.

I engage residents through coffees and town meetings by listening to and talking with diverse voices to hear all perspectives. I build partnerships. I think and act strategically to ensure a safe, welcoming, and inclusive City.

I have taken on the hard issues and votes.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

We need to come together to work on public health and safety as well as protect our environment and economy. The most important issue is to be a welcoming and equitable community for each resident. I will continue to engage, connect, and act to address important issues.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

The people, schools, economic opportunities, housing, and recreation in Westminster make this a wonderful place to live, work, and play. With growth comes challenges for which we need to prepare and protect what we treasure.

PAGE 6

Name: Kristine Ireland

Occupation: Homemaker/Small Business Owner Past Elected Offices: None in government, but I have served in leadership roles in other community and civic-minded organizations in Westminster.

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I moved to Westminster 35 years ago after graduating from college. It’s here that I started a small business and raised my 5 children. Along the way I also served for several years as the treasurer of my neighborhood’s HOA, and in leadership roles in other community or civic-minded organizations, and facilitated financial and business courses aimed at helping others become more self-reliant. I believe government leaders need to be servants of the people. I’ll bring a service-oriented, common-sense approach to the job. Having frugally managed business, organization, and family budgets, I’m committed to responsibly managing the city’s money like it was yours or mine—because it is!

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

How we manage future growth and infrastructure needs, including water resources, are the most critical issues facing the city. We need to be deliberate and thoughtful regarding future

new growth, making sure that it’s what residents want and that it pays its own way. That has not happened in recent years, as the financial burden associated with out-of-control new growth has fallen on the backs of existing residents in the form of burdensome water rates that have “browned” our city and have hurt resident’s property values.

Current city management has argued that we need to go all in now for an expensive major overhaul and expansion of our water delivery system, while surrounding cities with older systems and much lower water rates have taken a much more measured approach.

Past city leaders question the approach now being pursued in Westminster, and so do I. We need to better manage growth and spending, and rein in outof-control water rates. If elected, I will push for an independent engineering assessment and financial audit of our city’s water delivery system. Only then will we know what’s really needed and can take steps to make Westminster a more affordable and beautiful place to live.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

Westminster’s historical focus on maintaining open space is a credit to past city leaders and positively distinguishes it from many other cities. Westminster is a rapidly maturing city and we need to be careful that we don’t compromise that vision with the development of the limited remaining land available.

With a city as large and diverse as Westminster now is, city leaders need to take great care to make sure that the needs of each area of the city are being addressed—as they aren’t all the same. However, what is the same throughout the city is the need to better manage growth and spending, and to rein in escalating water rates that have negatively impacted residents in almost every neighborhood. To learn more about those areas where I see a need for improvement, please visit my website: KristineIreland.com.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

It’s great to live in a city that has historically placed a priority on open space, allowing us all to enjoy the openness

www.cityofwestminster.us/Elections

and beautiful views that Colorado’s Front Range has to offer. However, the people I’ve met during the 35 years that I’ve lived in Westminster, including all the new friends I’ve met in just the past year, are really the best part of Westminster. 

Name: Kathleen Dodaro

Occupation: Professor/Consultant Past Elected Offices: None

Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

Throughout my career I have taken pride in being an accountable and competent leader. I have real world experience in human resource management, organizational development, and leadership. I have also been an entrepreneur and understand the challenges faced by small business owners.

Working in multiple industries, I have extensive experience in budget management and implementing cost-effective and measurable practices. I have also managed large teams and have experience in strategic management.

I have volunteered my time for multiple projects and commissions that have created opportunities and services for those in my community. One of the many roles I have taken on is serving on the Adams County Workforce Board where we supported people seeking work and developed programs that put people to work.

As a Doctoral Student, I studied organizational development and brought together my real-world knowledge with theory. I want to make this experience work for Westminster citizens.

Continued 

Kathleen Dodaro Continued

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

As a City Council member, I will work to protect the way of life that I and so many citizens enjoy. Protecting that great balance of suburban life with the growth and amenities needed for the convenience of everyday life. I plan to do this by taking on the following issues: Planning for responsible, organized, and controlled growth; Restoring reasonable water rates and examining water infrastructure planning; Assuring transparent municipal spending; Examining staffing challenges at all levels of government including law enforcement; Preserving our suburban lifestyle.

I have watched changes in the city, some good and unfortunately some bad, over the years. I have been listening to the citizens and know that working to reduce crime, protect open space, and supporting our public schools is of paramount importance to our citizens. I commit to bringing my knowledge and skills to the table as I collaborate with other principled leaders in City Council.

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

In Westminster we have some great things to offer. We have good small businesses, restaurants and breweries.

We also have a lot of open space, parks and recreation centers. We have a rich history that is supported by places such as the Historic Westminster Art District. In order to preserve these things, we have to address our economic stability, growth planning, and cost of living from the North to the South end of town.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

On a clear day, enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains with my grandson and the wonderful people who live here. 

Name: Jon L. Voelz

Occupation: Public Affairs Professional Past Elected Offices: Was elected Town Council President in my previous hometown before moving to Colorado Why are you the most qualified person for this office?

I have the desire and ability to work with all people regardless of their political affiliation or background. I have 30 years of experience in city, state and nonprofit leadership. I have the work ethic and perseverance to get the job done. For example, I worked hard to increase the open space land acquisition fund from $250,000 to $1.2 million in last year’s budget and $1 million in this year’s proposed budget. A citizen’s academy was created at my urging, to provide a way for residents to learn more about their City government and all of the services it provides. Our City staff team embraced this project and made it a complete success. A majority of the graduates from the inaugural citizen’s academy have indicated they plan to serve on one of our boards or commissions in the future, which is crucial to the future success of our City.

What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it?

It is critically important we find sustainable solutions, both environmental and financial, to move our City into the future. For example, switching to alternative energy sources and electric vehicles saves taxpayer money over time and is beneficial for the environment. We must also continue to work towards water conservation.

I have been a strong advocate for the City partnering with Home Owner

Associations to find ways to reduce turf and excessive water consumption in their common areas. There is money in this year’s proposed budget to begin that process. On the financial side we must find ways to invest in our aging infrastructure, like roads and water and sewer systems. Financial sustainability also includes finding the best ways to support our police officers and firefighters to ensure we continue to have safe neighborhoods. During my time on Council I have made certain to approve requests for the best equipment and training for our public safety professionals.

this is a major reason they chose to live in Westminster. Businesses choose to locate here for the same reason.

Our parks and open spaces are some of the most democratic public spaces we have. These are places where we can come together and have fun with friends at one of our many City festivals or quietly take in the majestic mountain views. Our parks and open spaces are there for everyone to enjoy.

This is a welcoming and inclusive aspect that I would like to see in all of our City. 

What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement?

Our City’s open spaces, trails, parks, and recreation facilities are among the best in the Front Range, if not in the nation. This becomes evident in our Citizen Surveys that indicate 93% of our residents believe beautiful parks and open spaces describe our City’s image.

However, our parks and open spaces provide more than outdoor recreation.

They also provide places for residents to come together for amazing City sponsored festivals and celebrations.

An area for improvement I would have to say there is a perception that City Hall does not communicate enough with residents. This is an area that has been improving and we should continue to work on better ways to communicate and outreach to residents. I advocated for a Citizens Academy as a way to provide information about the functions of our City government and to better encourage resident engagement. This marked the first year and it was a success. I look forward to many more years and many more residents learning about City government.

What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster?

Like most residents one of my favorite things is our beautiful parks, trails, and open spaces. It is such a great way to enjoy the outdoors, stay fit, and experience friendly moments with fellow residents. Our outdoor spaces are such an important part of our City image and that is evident by the support and use they receive. Many residents say

www.cityofwestminster.us/Elections

PAGE 7

PRSRT STD

U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 32 Westminster, CO 80031

City of Westminster

4800 West 92nd Ave. Westminster CO, 80031

Postal Patron

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOV. 2, 2021

Municipal Elections in the City of Westminster are non-partisan, meaning candidates for office do not declare a party affiliation on the ballot. All offices on the ballot are elected at-large; that is, the City consists of one ward. All elected officials begin their respective terms on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 8 p.m.

#1 REGISTER TO VOTE

Registering to vote is easy!

You can register to vote and learn about registration requirements online at www.govotecolorado.com (have a valid Colorado Driver’s License or Colorado ID card ready).

You can also download and print a paper voter registration form to submit by mail.

If you prefer, you may pick up a Colorado voter registration form at Westminster City Hall, either at the front desk or the City Clerk’s Office: 4800 W. 92nd Ave., Westminster, CO 80031, Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., 303-658-2400.

#2 CHECK YOUR STATUS

Thank you for taking these three easy steps and for being an engaged member of our community.

WES

ES

#3 COMMIT TO VOTE!

M

INSTER V

OT

You can also contact your County Clerk’s office. For Jefferson County Elections call 303-271-8111. For Adams County Elections call 720-523-6500.

T

Visit www.govotecolorado.com to check your registration and verify your current address.

If you’ve recently moved, update your registration with your new address to ensure that you receive all future mail ballots for which you are eligible.