Parker Chronicle October 10, 2024 by Colorado Community Media

George Brauchler faces Karen Breslin in DA race for new 23rd Judicial District

Republican George Brauchler, a former district attorney, faces Democrat Karen Breslin in the race that will determine the rst-ever district attorney of Colorado’s rst new judicial district in decades. Colorado’s court system is made up of 22 judicial

trict is on the way. Today, the 18th Judicial District includes Douglas, Arapahoe, Elbert and Lincoln counties.

But state lawmakers — driven by population growth and a political split in the region — decided to break it up, moving Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties into a new district.

Information guide for voters across Douglas County

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With the Nov. 5 election approaching quickly, ballots will be mailed to eligible voters beginning Oct. 11. Here is some voter information, resources and drop box locations across Douglas County. Twenty-one ballot drop boxes will open Oct. 11 at various locations in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Larkspur, Littleton, Lone Tree and Parker. e locations will close at 7 p.m. on Election Day. e drop boxes will be open 24 hours a day leading up to Nov. 5, and according to the county, the boxes have lighting and 24/7 video surveillance. Additionally, cameras record all areas where election management software is used, according to the Colorado County Clerks Association.

Residents can register to vote, update their information or check their registration at GoVoteColorado.gov. ose who register to vote must a rm they are a U.S. citizen, have been a Colorado resident for at least

George Brauchler

COURTESY PHOTO

Karen Breslin

PHOTO VIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE

Je Toborg, Joshua Rivero face o in race to become Parker mayor

Incumbent Toborg faces longtime councilmember Rivero

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Je Toborg and Joshua Rivero work alongside each other at Parker Town Hall, but come November, the two will go head-to-head in a race that will determine if Toborg will continue to represent Parker as mayor.

After serving a two-year term as a councilmember, Toborg was elected as Parker’s seventh mayor in 2020. Rivero ran for mayor four years ago but did not win that election and has continued to serve as a councilmember for a total of 12 years.

Both are involved in the community, and each candidate considers themselves a voice for Parker and wants to do what’s best for the town.

“Parker has changed,” said Toborg. “ ere’s no question.”

Rivero also said the town has changed as it continues to grow and near build-out.

Just as developing a healthy and vibrant community is a passion for both the candidates, so is keeping the hometown feel. But they said it’s up to the residents to keep the spirit alive.

Whether it’s getting ice cream at Kilwins and enjoying it in the gazebo at O’Brien Park or engaging with the PACE Center, Toborg said the hometown spirit is in one’s heart.

“It’s cliché, but it’s holding doors open for people,” said Rivero. “I think that hometown feel is up to us (being) Parkerites and treating people like we were treated when we rst moved here.”

The vision of Parker

In addition to supporting the Parker Police Department and wanting to nd solutions to x construction defect laws, both candidates want to focus on the infrastructure and economic development of the town.

“ e whole Town of Parker is a cone zone,” said Rivero. “I know it’s painful to the people, but it’s going to be wonderful when it’s done.”

With numerous road work projects continuing to pop up across the town — such as the sidewalk widening on Mainstreet and the Dransfeldt Road

Extension — Toborg said he agrees that roads are currently a mess but assures that sta is working hard to make the infrastructure of the community safe.

“We’re really trying to make sure that infrastructure precedes development so that we don’t run into the messes,” said Toborg.

Toborg said he would like to see roads other than Parker Road carrying people, and a reduction in trafc and transportation brought in from RTD to get those working in the service industry around Parker. However, that is a di cult task, he said. He added that di erent types of transportation methods are needed to also bene t the aging population and people who are disabled.

Rivero would also like to see a reduction in tra c through the use of a town-wide reactive light timing system that could identify large groups of cars approaching a light and moving cars like “chess pieces.”

“You can’t continue to add lanes and you have to gure out a way to e ciently move tra c throughout a community,” said Rivero.

Along with roads expanding, so are businesses and the town’s economic development, said Toborg.

Toborg enjoys working with local businesses and speaking with bigger companies to join Parker. He works with partners at the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation and gives site selection tours for people to see what Parker has to o er. “I love working with business owners to try and gure out solutions,” said Toborg. “I would love to get high-paying jobs where you could go to work in the Town of Parker without owning a business.”

It’s those e orts of putting Parker on the radar that have led to businesses like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s coming to Parker, said Rivero. Describing himself as a “free market guy,” Rivero said that the market will decide what the town is ready for.

“We can guide that by making sure that we have certain areas that are ready to accept those,” said Rivero.

Although he said it’s more likely to happen once Parker is fully builtout, Rivero would like to see more neighborhood centers. ese are areas of commercial development within communities closer to people’s homes and aim to lessen tra c impacts.

While envisioning the future, both

candidates want to continue to work on the town’s transparency – a topic that residents have brought to council’s attention in recent weeks.

Accessible information about how the local government functions has always been a priority for Rivero. He said there needs to be an open dialog between citizens and town sta , adding it could be done through more citizen academies or hosting town halls with department heads.

Toborg also supports the idea to have more engagement during town council meetings and residents expressing their rst amendment right.

With crime rates and having events that the town has never had before, Toborg said the town is going to have some growing pains that will need to be worked through. He added he would like open discussions with people about topics like the types of constraints the local government has.

“Together we are all part of the solution,” said Toborg.

Other areas of focus

e governmental process and how it best serves its community plays an important role in Rivero’s reason for running for mayor. Since being elected to council, Rivero said he’s been trying to take away the

stigma of what an elected o cial is.

Believing that the role of mayor is to be nonpartisan and unify residents, town sta and council, the role has always intrigued Rivero. As mayor, he wants to ensure Parker residents know that they are fairly and justly represented.

“I think there has been a slip lately,” said Rivero. “Whether it’s because of the national model or even now, the state model, all politics are so polarized.”

Earlier this year, Rivero was selected to serve on the Colorado Municipal League Executive Board, which is a nonpartisan organization that represents 270 cities and towns across the state. It lobbies at the state Capitol for the interests of municipalities and works to improve municipal governance.

e experience has encouraged Rivero to ensure Parker council is fair and just in all rulings by ensuring that all facts are considered, all members are heard and are working together to come to a consensus.

“Council as a whole represents the town as a whole,” said Rivero.

Also earlier this year, Toborg — who said he was not acting as mayor at the time — worked alongside the

Incumbent Je Toborg faces long-time town councilmember Joshua Rivero in a race to become the Mayor of Parker. COURTESY PHOTOS

2024 Saw the Enactment of Numerous New Housing & HOA Laws

The Colorado General Assembly passed and Gov. Polis signed many new laws regarding housing and how HOAs can operate. Here are some new laws that caught my attention:

HB24-1152: Concerning Increasing the Number of Accessory Dwelling Units — This law prohibits jurisdictions or HOAs in a metropolitan area from unreasonably restricting the construction of ADUs in single-family neighborhoods. It also prohibits the requirement that an owner occupy the ADU or the primary residence, and it prohibits requiring additional off-street parking if there is sufficient existing parking, including on-street parking. (Those are two current requirements of many jurisdictions’ ADU ordinances.) Affected jurisdictions are given until June 30, 2025, to submit a report to the state’s Department of Local Affairs demonstrating that they have complied with the law and that they have implemented one or more strategies to encourage and facilitate the construction or conversion of ADUs.

of fire-hardened building materials used for fencing within the community.

copy a designated contact on the notice.

HB24-1007: Concerning Residential Occupancy Limits —The act prohibits counties and municipalities from limiting the number of people who may live together in a single dwelling based on familial relationship, while allowing local governments to implement residential occupancy limits based only on demonstrated health and safety standards, fire code regulations, etc.; or on local, state, federal, or political subdivision affordable housing program guidelines.

HB24-1173: Concerning Streamlining the Process for Permitting Electric Motor Vehicle Charging Systems

This law requires the Colorado Energy Office to publish by March 31, 2025, a model code for the installation of EV charging systems in counties over 20,000 population or municipalities over 10,000 population. The office must also provide technical assistance to counties or municipalities for the implementation of an expedited permitting process.

HB24-1337: Real Property Owner Unit Association Collections — This law limits the reimbursement amount which an HOA can charge for attorney fees to $5,000 or 50% of the original money owed when its takes collection action against a unit owner. For failure to obey the bylaws or rules of the association, the reimbursement for attorney fees is limited to $5,000 or 50% of the actual costs. The law also limits the ability of the HOA to foreclose on the unit, and provides for redemption by the unit owner and others, including the tenant, within 180 days after a foreclosure sale.

SB24-005: Prohibit Landscaping Practices for Water Conservation —

scribed size, location and wording of the sign is included in the bill.

HB24-1091: Concerning Prohibiting Restrictions on the Use of FireHardened Building Materials — This law generally prohibits covenants and other restrictions that disallow the installation, use, or maintenance of firehardened building materials in homes, including in HOAs. However, the law allows an HOA to develop reasonable standards regarding the design, dimensions, placement, or external appearance

Megan’s Market

By Megan Aller First American Title

HB24-1233: Homeowners' Association Delinquency Payments Enforcement Procedures — This law amends HB22-1137, which said that notices of delinquency must be posted on the unit’s door. Under this law, the HOA must send a certified letter to the unit owner and employ two other methods (phone call/voicemail, text message, or email) and must communicate in the preferred language of the unit owner and

Snapshot:

Sept. 25-Oct. 1

To conserve water used for irrigation, this law, effective Jan. 1, 2026, prohibits local governments from allowing the installation, planting, or placement of nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plant species on commercial, institutional, or industrial property, association property, or a street right-ofway, parking lot, median, or transportation corridor. Artificial turf for athletic fields is not banned, however.

SB24-058: Landowner Liability Recreational Use Warning Signs —

This law allows the owner of land with recreational access to protect himself or herself from liability for off-trail injury or death by posting a sign at the common entrance to the property. The pre-

Development

Here are some key takeaways from the market activity during the 7-day period from Sept. 25th to Oct. 1st: Denver metro area inventory appears to be stabilizing, with steady buyer activity, signaling a sense of balance in the market as we move from September into October.

Buyers who have been waiting for better market conditions are now finding more options available. Sellers are increasingly open to negotiating, making repairs, offering concessions, and accepting contingent offers to get deals done. This creates an excellent opportunity for buyers to take advantage of the increased negotiating power they currently hold, which may shift if rates drop and competition intensifies.

The number of active listings remained consistent compared to the prior 7-day period, though inventory is much higher than this time last year.

New listings increased both week over week and compared to the same period last year, while “coming soon” listings have dipped slightly. Pending transactions stayed fairly flat, and the market’s supply of inventory has held steady.

The odds of selling rose but remain below the historical average from prior years, reflecting ongoing market dynamics.

Showings decreased slightly from the previous 7-day period but are up compared to last year. Homes are spending more time on the market, allowing buyers more time to make informed decisions.

There was an increase in price reductions, with a larger percentage of homes lowering their prices before going under contract. The size of these price reductions has also increased.

REcolorado, the MLS serving Denver and beyond, is the data source for this article.

SB24-134: Operation of a HomeBased Businesses — This law allows a unit owner (or tenant, with the unit owner's permission) to operate a home-based business in a unit owner’s unit. An HOA may no longer seek to enforce any covenant or restriction that would prohibit a unit owner from operating a home-based business. The operation of a home-based business must still comply with any applicable and reasonable unit owners' association rules or regulations related to architectural control, parking, landscaping, noise, nuisance, and other matters that may impact fellow HOA members. The operation of a home-based business must also comply with municipal and county noise and nuisance ordinances or resolutions.

SB24-145: Uniform Unlawful Restrictions in Land Records — Older CC&Rs (covenants) included unlawful restrictions on membership based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, or other personal characteristics. These are no longer enforceable, but they remain in those documents. This law creates the ability of any association to submit an amendment to the county clerk and recorder removing those provisions without a vote of the membership. The posting of this article online at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com includes links for each of these laws.

$8,000,000

Currently a greenhouse operation, these parcels at 52nd Ave. & Indiana St. have two addresses. The smaller parcel is 14780 W. 52nd Ave., and the larger one is 5150 Indiana St. Together they total over 12½ acres. The land is zoned agricultural, with a single family home, several outbuildings and a commercial well. They are in unincorporated Jefferson County. Current zoning allows for several uses, or the purchaser may choose to rezone to highest and best use. Downtown Golden, Jefferson County Government, and the Colorado School of Mines are just over five miles away. Learn more at www.GRElistings.com

Site Just Listed by Austin Pottorff

George Teal faces Angela Thomas for Douglas County commissioner seat

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County Commissioner George Teal, a Republican, faces Democratic challenger Angela omas in the district that formally covers Castle Rock and the southern portion of the county, including much of Douglas’ rural areas, in the November election.

e board of commissioners is the county’s policy-making body, approving Douglas’ annual budget and passing local laws that govern unincorporated areas, or those outside of city and town limits. is includes Highlands Ranch and many other parts of the county.

Both candidates spoke to Colorado Community Media ahead of the election, laying out their stances and what they want to do if elected.

Douglas County commissioners are elected at large from one of three geographic districts. is means

commissioners are required to reside in di erent districts, but voters throughout the entire county cast ballots for each seat.

Teal was elected as a commissioner in 2020 and served six years on the Castle Rock Town Council. He has worked in the software and information technology eld.

omas spent 20 years as a social worker and is a former chair of the Douglas County Democratic Party.

Here’s what the commissioner District 2 candidates had to say on the high cost of living in Douglas County, water and other issues.

Democracy and good government

In Colorado Community Media’s recent survey sent to readers, many chose democracy and good government as an issue they think candidates should focus on. CCM asked candidates how they would promote those ideals if elected.

“I’m in favor of making sure the clerk and recorder has what she needs to run fair elections here in the county,” Teal, the incumbent, said.

Teal also said he makes an e ort to always get to the communications he receives from residents.

“I take phone calls on my personal cellphone,” Teal said. “People think they’re leaving a voicemail and then they get me and they’re shocked.”

omas, the challenger, took issue with the county’s decision to move public comment — the part of commissioners meetings where members of the public can speak — to the end of the meeting instead of the start.

“ at is something I would not be willing to do. I’m willing to do whatever needs to happen (to allow) people to speak,” omas said, adding that she wants people to know their comments are welcome “whether I agree with them or disagree with them.”

Current Commissioner Lora omas, a Republican, has opposed the decision to move public comment to the end of commissioners meetings.

Angela omas, the Democrat, also supports making meetings “much more accessible to the public and possibly even move them to a late afternoon, evening meeting,

so that more working people can participate.”

e commissioners’ regular meetings typically occur at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, twice a month.

Cost of living

On the high cost of living in Douglas County, omas pointed to the county’s mill levy, or property tax rate.

Commissioners decided to give homeowners a property tax refund check this year.

omas wondered whether another approach was possible.

“I would have supported a decrease in the mill levy so that taxpayers would have simply paid a lower amount up front,” omas said.

She also argued the county should look at what federal and state grant money it may not be receiving for public health, mental health and social services purposes.

Teal also pointed to tax relief as important in the conversation about cost of living.

“I think we do a lot of work to keep the cost of county government down,” Teal said, adding: “I still plan on providing tax relief at any time in any way we can. My plan would be refund checks for next year.”

Angela Thomas

George Teal

State Sen. Kevin Van Winkle faces Josh Smith in race to be Douglas County commissioner

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

State Sen. Kevin Van Winkle, a Republican, faces Democrat Josh Smith in the race that will determine who will replace outgoing Douglas County Commissioner Lora omas, who cannot run for reelection because of term limits.

e two candidates are running in the district that formally covers northwest Douglas County in the November election.

Both candidates spoke to Colorado Community Media ahead of the election, laying out their stances and what they want to do if elected.

Douglas County commissioners are elected at large from one of three geographic districts. is means commissioners are required to reside in di erent districts, but voters throughout the entire county cast ballots for each seat.

Van Winkle currently represents the Highlands Ranch area at the state Capitol. Before moving to the state Senate, heserved in the state House. According to his campaign website, he is a small-business owner.

Smith works as a freight broker in the trucking industry, helping people nd trucks for their freight. He said he was in the mortgage industry for 18 years before that.

Here’s what the commissioner District 3 candidates had to say on the high cost of living in Douglas County, water and other issues.

On democracy and good governance

Van Winkle said he would put “the citizens rst.”

“Just as I’ve done serving the peo-

ple of Douglas County for the last 10 years in the legislature,” he said.

For him, that means “safe communities, free of crime and school violence and things like that, car thefts,”

Van Winkle said.

On good governance, Smith said the rst thing he would do is “increase transparency around everything that we do.”

He also took issue with “the ability and willingness of two commissioners to shut out the third,” Smith said, referring to the frequent 2-1 split with Commissioners Abe Laydon and George Teal against omas.

Smith said he would support a ballot measure to expand the board of county commissioners to ve members “so that two people can no longer make decisions for a county of (nearly) 400,000,” Smith said.

On cost of living

On the high cost of living in Douglas County, Smith pointed to property taxes as an issue.

He also suggests limiting growth and “protecting our water supply so that we can try to keep our water costs from ballooning out of control.”

e existing commissioner board has allowed property developers to deviate from the county’s typical water use standard, Smith said.

“We need to not allow those to be negotiated down. And I think that alone would restrict some development because it’s going to raise the cost of development,” Smith said.

Van Winkle said he would “always remember that I work for the taxpayers and the citizens of Douglas County.”

“I think there’s a lot more that the Douglas County commissioners can do to lower property taxes,” Van Winkle said. He added that he supports “getting government o our back so taxpayers can keep more of their money, whether that’s fees or taxes.”

Other issues

Van Winkle wants the board to look 40 or 50 years out concerning the question of “what kind of county do we want to be?”

On issues like water resources, building roads and bridges, or ap-

proving new communities, he’d like to see thinking “farther out than our commissioners sometimes do now.”

“Instead of approving a park here and a brand new community there,” Van Winkle added.

He thinks updating the county’s comprehensive master plan — a broad roadmap for development — could help.

“We should have already had big parks built in the north and west part of the county like Sterling Ranch and Highlands Ranch, and that hasn’t happened yet. And I would say parks and sports venues like more baseball elds, more soccer elds — perhaps even more ice rinks,” Van Winkle said.

Smith said his campaign is about “community restoration,” noting that over the past 10 to 15 years, “we have all become incredibly partisanly divided.”

“I think there’s so much theatrical-

ity still at the local level and arguing over fairly unimportant culture war issues, and I think what we need to be doing is more practical measures,” Smith said, adding: “We need to nd ways to get along.”

“I’m trying to get into politics with an e ort to remove politics from a lot of our lives,” Smith added.

On water

CCM also asked the candidates about what’s known as the Renewable Water Resources plan, an idea that has drawn controversy in county politics.

at’s a proposal to pump about 22,000 acre-feet of water per year to the county from the San Luis Valley in the south part of the state.

An acre-foot is the equivalent of a one-foot-deep pool about the size of a football eld. Renewable Water

IT’S PATIO FURNITURE REPAIR SEASON

Brauchler, a longtime politician who has appeared on ballots in several elections, served eight years as DA for the 18th district, wrapping up his term in 2021. He lives in Douglas County. Breslin, who lives in Elbert County, teaches political science at the University of Colorado Denver. She is a practicing attorney with a focus on land use and environmental law, she said. Here’s what the candidates had to say on the DA’s role for good government, their experience and other issues.

On democracy and good governance

For Brauchler, it’s important to protect the election process.

“If there are threats to voters or to election workers or to the system in general,” he said, a DA has “to be aggressive in pursuing those.”

He pointed to how another DA handled the case of an embattled elections o cial — Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters, a Republican — who was investigated after an alleged election system security breach involving her. e area’s DA put himself as the lead prosecutor on the case, despite also being a Republican, Brauchler said.

“And I thought that was the right answer,” Brauchler said.

Brauchler also touted what he said was a high level of transparency during his time with the 18th DA’s o ce.

e o ce published information about the checks that it signed — the taxpayer dollars it spent — for the public to scrutinize, Brauchler said.

His o ce also put out the names and demographics of everyone that got

sent to prison from his jurisdiction, he said.

“I want to continue those things as the DA in the 23rd, and I think I’m uniquely positioned because I’ve done it before,” Brauchler said.

Breslin also emphasized transparency in how the DA’s o ce functions. at could include inviting the public to participate in a community and stakeholder advisory board and holding regular town halls, she said.

“Just kind of a constant stream of communication that runs both ways,” Breslin said.

She pointed to her experience as a longtime employee of the National Park Service, where she served as senior policy advisor to the regional director.

“When we got crosswise with the communities, it was often because we weren’t alert to the need to communicate, and I think when there’s a lack of communication, there’s a lack of trust,” Breslin said.

Talking experience

Brauchler framed the election as about experience, saying Breslin has never been a prosecutor.

If someone allegedly commits mass murder and the case goes to trial, “it won’t be my rst one,” Brauchler said.

Brauchler’s time as DA for the 18th district was essentially bookended by shootings that horri ed the Denver suburbs: the 2012 Aurora theater shooting and the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting in 2019.

Brauchler’s successor, John Kellner, asked him to stay on as special prosecutor for the STEM School shooting trial.

Breslin said the conversation about

experience depends on how a person de nes the job of DA. She doesn’t see it as the “super prosecutor” or as a trial attorney position.

“I see the job as one of leadership — I see the job as setting policy. And that, I think, is where my credentials do shine,” Breslin said, pointing to her political science background “studying the most important issues facing this country.”

She mentioned mental health, domestic violence, substance use, child abuse and elder abuse as issues that a ect the DA’s o ce.

“ ose are things that show up in the criminal justice system, but they don’t start there. And so using the criminal justice system in a way that addresses those issues (is important),” she said.

It’s expensive to keep someone incarcerated, said Breslin, who wants to focus on recidivism, or the repetition of criminal behavior.

“What can we do to use that money more wisely if we know we’re kind of just cycling people through the system? ey come in, they go out and they reo end far too often,” Breslin said.

She felt that people’s mental health issues need to be addressed.

“ at doesn’t mean that the bad guys and the violent people shouldn’t go to jail. ey absolutely should. I have no tolerance for violent crime,” Breslin said, adding: “I’m talking about other kinds of crime that could be (addressed) in other ways.”

On combating recidivism, she said focusing on young people would pay o , pointing to “con ict resolution.” She supports looking at what kind of opportunities o cials can provide them.

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For those who are away from home – in the military or at college, for example – to ensure you receive a ballot, you must update the address for where the ballot should be sent. Detailed information can be found on the county website at douglas.co.us/elections/election-information/.

e last day that voters may request a ballot to be sent by mail is Oct. 28. If residents have not received a ballot, they are encouraged to contact the Douglas County Elections O ce at 303-6607444, or visit a Voter Service and Polling Center.

Voter services and polling centers ese centers are intended to assist Douglas County residents in registering to vote, update their information, replace a ballot, drop o a lled-out ballot and vote in person. e locations are equipped with ADA accessible voting machines.

ey will open in three phases across Douglas County. All locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Phase one opens at 8 a.m. on Oct. 21 in Highlands Ranch, Parker and Castle Rock:

• Northridge Recreation Center, 8800 S. Broadway

• Douglas County Parks and Trails Division, 9651 S. Quebec St.

• Parker Library, 20105 E. Mainstreet

• Douglas County Krik Hall, 500 Fairgrounds Road

Phase two opens at 8 a.m. on Nov. 1 in Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Larkspur, Louviers, Littleton and Parker:

• Castle Pines Library, 360 Village Square Lane

• Crystal Valley Ranch Recreation Center, 2160 Fox Haven Dr.

• Douglas County Human Services, 4400 Castleton Court

• e Ridge House, 4501 Enderud Blvd.

• Larkspur Fire Department, 9414 Spruce Mountain Road

• Roxborough Library, 8357 N. Rampart Range Road #200

• Louviers Village Clubhouse, 7885 Louviers Blvd.

• Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 Plaza Dr.

• South Metro Fire Station 46, 19310 Stroh Road

Phase three opens at 8 a.m. on Nov. 4 in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone

Tree and Parker:

• Castle Rock Library, 100 S Wilcox St.

• Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 S Ridgeline Blvd.

• Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road

• Westridge Recreation Center, 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.

• Lone Tree Library, 10055 Library Way

• Parker Water and Sanitation District, 13939 Ancestry Dr.

• Parker Recreation Center, 17301 Lincoln Ave.

• Franktown Fire - Pradera Station, 6120 Bridle Path Lane

Hours of the locations can be found at tinyurl.com/mryh7w24.

Drop box locations

Castle Pines has one location:

• Castle Pines Library, 360 Village Square Lane

Castle Rock has six locations:

• A walk-up location at Crystal Valley Ranch Recreation Center, 2160 Fox Haven Dr.

• A walk-up location at the Douglas County O ce Building, 100 ird St.

• Douglas County Elections, 125 Stephanie Place

• Douglas County O -Leash Area, 110 Plum Creek Parkway

• e Grange, 3692 Meadows Blvd.

• e Ridge House, 4501 Enderud Blvd.

Highlands Ranch has four locations:

• A walk-up location at the Douglas County Park and Trails Division, 9651 S. Quebec St.

• A walk-up location at Redstone Park Service Center, 3280 Redstone Park Circle

• Highlands Ranch Motor Vehicle, 2223 Wildcat Reserve Parkway

• Highlands Ranch Sheri Substation, 9250 Zotos Dr.

Larkspur has one location:

• Larkspur Town Hall, 8720 Spruce Mountain Road

Littleton has three locations:

• A walk-up location at Roxborough Marketplace, 8357 N. Rampart Range Road

• South Suburban Sports Complex, 4810 E. County Line Road

• Sterling Ranch Civic Center, 8155 Piney River Ave.

Lone Tree has two locations:

• Lone tree Motor Vehicle, 9350 Heritage Hills Circle

• Lone Tree Municipal Building, 9220 Kimmer Dr.

Parker has four locations:

• EchoPark Stadium, 11901 Newlin Gulch Blvd.

• Parker Police Department, 18600 Lincoln Meadows Parkway

• Parker Town Hall, 20120 E. Mainstreet

• Parker Water and Sanitation, 13939 Ancestry Dr.

Voters can also track their ballot by using BallotTrax. e app will notify voters by phone, email or text concerning the status of their mail-in ballot. SIgn up by using the link on the “Track Your Ballot” page on the Douglas County website at: douglas.co.us/elections/track-yourballot/.

Election results will be tabulated and rst count will be made public after 7 p.m. on Nov. 5. Results can be found at DouglasVotes.com.

A publication of

A ballot drop box sits in Highlands Ranch outside Douglas County’s parks and trails administration building.

PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

DISTRICT 2 RACE

He continued: “Ever since I’ve been on the board in 2021, we have made the decision to provide some kind of tax relief either through property tax credit (or) property tax refund.”

Other issues

Teal said he also supports making Douglas a “home rule” county instead of a “statutory county.”

Counties with home rule charters essentially have their own constitutions.

at can impact everything from “how we are subject to regulation (from) the state on immigration matters to scal matters — to where we still have (state) laws being passed every year that impose a nancial burden on the people

DISTRICT 3 RACE

Resources, often called RWR, is the private company that proposed the project.

MAYOR’S RACE

Committee of Parker Citizens for Fair Taxes to help modernize the Parker Tax Code by eliminating the town’s sales tax on food for home consumption, diapers and feminine hygiene products.

Following concerns about how the initiative would impact other parts of the town, such as the police department, the group decided to pull back the initiative, citing other reasons.

“I maintain today that Colo-

of Douglas County that we can reassess as a home rule county,” Teal said.

Teal was referring to laws that have an exception for home rule counties.

omas said being “respectful to the people” is important. She took issue with the commissioners’ recent consideration of whether to remove two members from county boards — Meghann Silverthorn from the library board and Frank Johns from the water commission. Ultimately, they were both kept on the boards, she said.

“We cannot be dismissive and disrespectful to the people that are trying to serve this county,” omas said.

On water

CCM also asked the candidates about what’s known as the Renewable Water Resources plan, an idea that has drawn controversy in coun-

In 2022, Laydon joined Thomas in deciding not to move forward with the project, and Teal continued to support it.

Smith is “completely against it,” he said. “It would be a disaster for the county and a disaster for the San Luis Valley,” he added.

radans and Parkerites are overtaxed in every area,” said Toborg.

“Whether it’s property taxes, grocery taxes, insurance, you name it.”

One of the reasons for attempting to eliminate the town’s sales tax on groceries was because the tax was seen as regressive. Toborg said he still supports the idea and thinks there is a path to remove the tax, but it’s going to take work.

If reelected, Toborg wants to utilize the connections he has made with other community leaders to continue to look at how Parker fits into Douglas County – and the metro area as a whole – to try to

ty politics.

at’s a proposal to pump about 22,000 acre-feet of water per year to the county from the San Luis Valley in the southern part of the state.

An acre-foot is the equivalent of a one-foot-deep pool about the size of a football eld.Renewable Water Resources, often called RWR, is the private company that proposed the project.

In 2022, Commissioner Abe Laydon joined Lora omas in deciding not to move forward with the project, while Teal continued to support it.

Angela omas is “absolutely opposed” to the RWR plan, she said.

She instead supports a “Platte Valley” water plan that involves the Parker Water and Sanitation District working with an entity in northeast Colorado, which omas says will not “buy and dry” that area.

“We have to nd ways to ensure that all of Colorado has water re-

Van Winkle said he has been opposed to the RWR project, “but I really don’t think it’s realistic (for it) to come back.”

“The people of San Luis Valley would fight it so hard — and probably other water providers, too,”

Van Winkle said.

find new businesses and enterprises to come to Parker.

However, Toborg said his top priority will continue to ensure the people of Paker are safe.

“If, at the end of four years, we still have people saying, ‘I love coming to Parker,’ I’ll feel like I can breathe. That’s successful,” said Toborg. “If you can feel lighter here and like you belong, I think that’s success.”

To learn more about the candidates and their views on other topics, visit the candidates’ websites: Toborg at toborgformayor. com/home and Rivero at joshuaforparker.com/.

sources, not just Douglas County,” omas said. e plan regarding the San Luis Valley “is a ‘buy and dry’ and is not a (reasonable) plan as far as nancially for us and the ability of the San Luis Valley to produce food.” e Platte Valley plan would “ensure that everyone has their fair share of the water,” omas added.

Teal was still open, saying RWR could be part of the water solution in Douglas County.

“I’m interested in the long-term nancial and physical health of the county, and water is central to that. So if that were to come back, I would absolutely want to take a look at it. Am I a yes? It kind of depends on ‘the devil is in the details.’”

His position is that he only wants the county to pay for “wet water” — meaning a deal where water will be readily accessible — not “paper,” or theoretical, water.

And if it’s not a good deal, then “we walk away,” Teal said.

Richardson runs for state House seat

Residence: Unincorporated Elbert County

Profession: U.S. Army O cer Retired/Logistics Corp

About me: Raised in Massachusetts, I earned an ROTC scholarship, studied engineering, and was commissioned as an infantry o cer. I served multiple combat deployments and retired as a Colonel after 23 years. Settling in Elbert County with my wife and daughter, I am active in local organizations, served on the School Board, and as a County Commissioner. Additionally, I chair the Eastern Colorado Council of Governments, and represented rural eastern Colorado on the Statewide Transportation Advisory Committee, the Broadband Deployment Board and the Property Tax Commission.

For more information:

Email: Chris@Richardson-Hd56. com

Website: www.Richardson-HD56. com

Twitter: @RichardsonHD56

Facebook: RichardsonHD56

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Elections are about choices. For HD56 there is one candidate with a proven record of elected service. One who declared worship an essential function and kept churches open during COVID. One who rebated $2M in taxes to property owners. One who fought against red ag laws and other infringements on 2nd Amendment rights. One who sued the state over its bans on local law enforcement working with federal immigration authorities. You deserve experience in Denver. ere is no time for a learning curve. I will continue to ght for Coloradans every day in the legislature.

If elected, what must you accomplish in order for you to consider your term a success?

Success is addressing the issues of HD56 without causing new problems. With over 700 bills introduced in the last session and over 500 becoming law, most of the legislature’s work is currently trying to x issues broken by previous legislation. It’s

time to slow down and ensure the impacts of all new bills are understood before passage is considered. e focus of my e orts will be to provide a government that:

• secures the rights and freedoms of all Coloradans,

• stays out our citizens lives, businesses, and family matters, and

• seeks always to reduce the burden on taxpayers.

What will you do to alleviate the high costs of living?

A multi-pronged approach is required. I will champion real property tax relief, as I’ve done on the state’s Property Tax Commission, support income tax reductions per TABOR, advocate for reducing business regulations, and promote the foundational industries of agriculture, oil and gas, and mining that sustain employment across Colorado. Housing costs must also be addressed and construction defect laws must be reformed in order to increase the rate of construction of attainable rst homes - condos and townhouses. One-size- ts-all state-mandated building codes are increasing construction costs unnecessarily.

the free market, I am committed to working collaboratively without disparaging those addressing shared challenges.

How can you guarantee that legislators will maintain transparency, not just regarding their decisions but the work, debate and considerations that go into those decisions?

*Please, Certiﬁed Service Dogs ONLY / Pets Not Allowed

Will you work on solutions with members of opposing parties and how?

Extraordinaire

I have a proven track record of bipartisan success, demonstrated through my work on the legislative steering committee of County Commissioners, Inc., and the state’s Property Tax Commission. E ective policy begins with agreeing on the issue and maintaining honesty, focusing on the people’s needs rather than political agendas. While I advocate for conservative solutions that limit government growth, expand individual freedoms, and support

In my time as a Commissioner, I have worked steadily to improve communications and transparency. All board meetings are livestreamed and recorded, agendas posted well before the 24 hour deadline and copies of documents to be discussed or voted on are posted as well. In the legislature I will press to ensure proposed legislation is published well ahead of committee hearings. As one of 65 house members I certainly cannot make promises for the entire body, but I will encourage others to conduct their duties as transparently as possible and will not participate in hiding our work from the people.

Navetta seeks HD56 win

Name : Alessandra A. Navetta Residence : Elizabeth Profession : Nurse and attorney About me :

I am a resident of Elbert County. I am vice-chair of the Elbert County Democratic Party and a Trustee of the Pines and Plains Libraries. I am a mother and grandmother. I am retired. my professional life was spent

as a Registered Nurse and attorney. My undergraduate degree was in nursing education. I have worked as a nursing instructor, psychiatric nurse, and NICU nurse. I held the position of employment manager at a major teaching hospital. Upon graduation from law school

Chris Richardson

I practiced as an attorney until retirement. I am interested in serving my community and the residents of HD 56 to the best of my ability. For more information : vote4navetta.com

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I have a background in healthcare and law. In live in a rural environment and am acquainted with the needs of rural communities. I have a diverse background and relate well with people from all walks of life. I address challenges and try to nd solutions.

If elected, what must you accomplish in order for you to consider your term a success?

If I am able to start to address the healthcare challenges facing rural communities, improve internet connectivity, and improve access to post secondary education I will feel a certain level of accomplishment. What will you do to alleviate the high costs of living?

is is a complex problem, since we are a capitalistic nation and government has limited control over private enterprise. Amending the tax code to make taxation more equitable is a start ( also a federal issue). Assuring that minimum wage laws are enforced and adhered to would help those in entry jobs. Improving access to education which is marketable so that workers can obtain well paying jobs is another way to address the cost of living. Government low or no interest loans may help residents obtain a ordable housing. ere is no one solution to the high

cost of living.

Will you work on solutions with members of opposing parties and how?

Yes. I live in a Republican District. I get along with my neighbors and Republican counterparts. As an attorney I am accustomed to functioning in an adversarial environment. I have lived long enough to know that life is full of compromises. I can compromise without abandoning my core values.

How can you guarantee that legislators will maintain transparency, not just regarding their decisions but the work, debate and considerations that go into those decisions?

I cannot guarantee what others will do, but I have every intention of in investigating all aspects of an issue and arriving at solutions based on facts. Solutions must bene t the majority of constituents and not harm the minority.

Alessandra Navetta

Get to know your candidates running for Parker Town Council

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With ballots being mailed Oct. 11, Parker residents can expect to see some familiar and new names on the ballot as there are three positions up for election on town council, in addition to the mayor position.

e Parker Chronicle reached out to the town council candidates and here’s what they had to say.

Todd Hendreks

hendreks4parker.com

Hendreks is a 20-year resident who works as an IT consultant that specializes in data analytics.

Before he was elected to council in 2020, he served the town as a cultural and science commissioner and planning commissioner. When it comes to Parker, Hendreks wants to focus on public safety, infrastructure and the local economy.

In your view, what is (or should be) the role and responsibility of a Parker Town Council member?

A Town Council member requires wearing many hats. You vote on ordinances/resolutions, approve a $150+ million budget, understand zoning and property rights, review master plans, act in a quasi judicial role, represent the town in various boards, and you must leave personal beliefs aside and follow the law.

And last but not least, listen to your fellow citizens and realize you represent the best interest of all 67,000+ (people) who call Parker home.

What are your top three priorities when it comes to the town and why?

Public safety. My fellow councilmembers and myself know how important it is our Parker Police Department is. We all strive to make sure they are fully supported and funded by us so that they can maintain their gold standard of service and in turn, protect the citizens of Paker.

Infrastructure. Making sure our public works department has the resources to ensure our infrastructure can be properly maintained and have room for expansion is an important piece for

our community as we reach full build out. Adding additional capacity to offer relief for tra c is a major focus that thankfully is already under way.

Local economy. Supporting the local economy, especially small business, is vital as we continue to grow and thrive as a community. Sales tax dollars are the main source of revenue that funds our town’s services such as our police and public works departments.

Laura Hefta

laurahefta.com

Hefta, who has served the last four years on council, has a background in serving in the United States Army and as a Judge Advocate General’s Corp as an attorney. Describing herself as an extrovert, Hefta enjoys taking time to talk to residents on local matters. Putting residents rst, Hefta wants to focus on safety and health, infrastructure and economic development.

In your view, what is (or should be) the role and responsibility of a Parker Town Council member?

ating my own law rm.

I have practiced over 12 di erent areas of law in my 30-year legal career and am quite comfortable engaging in legal/business discussions with my colleagues on Town Council.

What are your top three priorities when it comes to the town and why?

My top three priorities are safety/ health, solid/resilient infrastructure and economic development for our residents. ese priorities ensure that our residents enjoy their life in Parker overall.

Public safety is important to our residents through our law enforcement and emergency services. Our residents enjoy access to our parks and recreation/open space, which enable them to stay healthy and t.

We have solid infrastructure, road maintenance and tra c ow in our town, which is always being improved for residents. In addition, bringing more jobs to Parker through economic development and promoting our small businesses enables a cohesive and active community.

I am a Coloradan with a passion for exploration and over three decades of experience as a travel consultant. I’ve had the privilege of helping countless adventurers turn their dreams into reality. Call me, let’s talk about your travel dreams.

A Parker Town Council member’s role/responsibility is to create policy, approve the town budget, enact ordinances (laws) and provide for the enforcement of ordinances in our town. Council members interact with residents, share knowledge and are key problem solvers at the strategic level of governance.

From my legal, business, military and government background, I know how to propose policy, collaborate with colleagues and accomplish key objectives. I learned these skills in the Army and from my civilian attorney positions with the Department of Defense, e Comptroller of the Currency and oper-

ese are my priorities because they are the core daily issues that a ect residents’ lives.

John Diak

johnforparker.com

Diak, who works as a certi ed nancial planner practitioner for Oatley & Diak LLC, has worked and lived in the community for more than 40 years. As he serves on the Denver Regional Council of Governments as a board member and other state and local committees, one of Diak’s priorities is to further improve the town’s infra-

From left: John Diak, Laura Hefta, Todd Hendreks, Mike Drennan and Tim Lynott. Brian Carruthers and Abdulla Zubair are not pictured.

COURTESY PHOTOS

structure and help alleviate tra c congestion. He also would like to focus on economic development as well as recreation and arts.

In your view, what is (or should be) the role and responsibility of a Parker Town Council member?

Councilmembers have duties – create policy, approve budgets and oversee three employees – but the role of a councilmember is dependent on the skill set, drive and willingness to give 30+ hours of service per week to their community.

e responsibility of a councilmember should be to educate themselves on the current town ordinances and master plans through self-study and sta assistance. Seek continuous improvement within their duties/roles; listening to citizens; engaging in open and honest, two-way communication with both sta and council; and having the willingness to work together to reach consensus for the betterment of the citizens.

What are your top three priorities when it comes to the town and why?

First is transportation and infrastructure. Previous town citizen surveys ranked this as one of the biggest items the town could address to improve quality of life. We have been successful at leveraging town dollars to attract federal, state and county dollars to partner on projects in order to improve our infrastructure to create less congestion within our community.

Second is economic development. Creating a good economic environment is essential for the long-term health of our community. Proactively and consistently looking inward to streamline processes at the town, working with site selectors and other regional partners to attract new businesses and working with existing businesses to learn and create awareness are essential to ensure a sound local economy.

ird is recreation and arts. Parker provides a quality of life that all communities desire, but few communities can deliver. Citizens have an endless desire to utilize our existing amenities to learn, develop or just connect with the community. e town is working to keep up with demand, recently opening the Ray J. Harvey Open Space and bringing new o erings like the Salisbury North Regional Park Expansion with new baseball/multi-use elds and pickleball.

Tim Lynott

Website: N/A

Lynott has lived in the same house in Parker for 25 years and says it’s his mission to ensure current and future residents get to experience what he and his family have in the community. Wanting the community to grow and be resilient, Lynott wants to continue to build community engagement, especially with the police department, to allow residents to feel safe and included.

In your view, what is (or should be) the role and responsibility of a Parker Town Council member?

First and foremost, it is to do what’s best for the community. Listening to residents while working to build trust and consensus. Communication from council members should be clear and transparent while holding a high level of accountability.

Parker has changed over the years and as a council member, it is critical to nd solutions with a vision of where the community is headed in the future.

What are your top three priorities when it comes to the town and why?

A safe, inclusive and resilient community. For a community to grow, it must be safe for residents to stay, being an inclusive community ensures all can be involved and be a part of something special, and we must be resilient to be able to recover quickly from difcult circumstances.

Coming together as a town where everyone feels welcome and heard will only make this great community stronger.

Mike Drennan

Website: N/A

Drennan, who ran for town council in 2020, has lived in the Anthology West neighborhood for seven years and served as president for the Board of Directors Metropolitan District No. 4 where he helped reduce the Debt Service Mill Levy Tax. While reducing taxes – such as eliminating the local grocery tax – Drennan also aims to support families and their children in schools as well as assisting small businesses.

In your view, what is (or should be) the role and responsibility of a Parker Town Council member?

A town council member represents the interests of residents by holding city management and the city manager accountable, overseeing the town’s budget and setting policies that impact areas such as public safety, infrastructure and zoning.

ey serve as a voice for the community, addressing concerns and ensur-

Parker Town Councilmembers Anne Barrington, Joshua RIvero and Brandi Wilk’s terms end in late 2026, so their seats are not up for reelection this November.

Current Councilmembers Laura Hefta, Todd Hendreks and Mayor Pro Tem John Diak’s terms end in December of this year, making their seats up for election.

The Town of Parker is run by six councilmembers through the town manager. Those running for the three seats are incumbents Hendreks, Hefta and Diak, and Timothy J. Lynott, Michael Drennan, Abdulla Zubair and Brian Carruthers.

Need to know election information

Present at town council meetings is the mayor, who is the presiding o cer of the council and is the recognized head of town government for all legal and ceremonial matters.

Joining incumbent Mayor Je Toborg in running for mayor is longtime Councilmember Joshua Rivero.

If Councilmember Rivero is elected mayor, the remaining councilmembers would either appoint an eligible person to ﬁll the council seat vacancy until the next regular municipal election – which is November 2026 – or call a special election to ﬁll the vacancy, according to Andy Anderson, Parker’s communications manager.

The decision to appoint or call an election is made by a two-thirds vote for the remaining councilmembers. If the council intends to make an appointment but cannot appoint someone within 30 days after the vacancy occurs, the council is required by the Town Charter to order a special election to be held within 90 days of the vacancy.

— Haley Lena

YOUR NEW PERSIAN MOTHER — PLAYED BY HER OWN SON

Iam a lifelong Coloradan operating a small organic farm raising goats, chickens, and produce in mountain lion territory. My land encompasses an elk calving ground and has been placed in a conservation easement. I have lled my freezer with elk meat for decades and I source most of my food locally.

Mountain lions and bobcats depend on this land for their safety and nourishment. I take the necessary precautions to protect my goats and chickens and the apex predators who live here by utilizing guard dogs and a protective shelter at night. Con icts between my domestic livestock and the wildlife who live here are rare, and if they do happen, I learn how to use more e ective nonlethal deterrents.

I rst learned about the brutal techniques of mountain lion and bobcat hunting in Colorado when I began seeing hound dogs with large collars equipped with extended antennas captured on trail cameras on my private land. Around this same time, someone at our local bar found a hound wandering the

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

GUEST COLUMN

VOICES

Vote to end trophy hunting of big cats

streets adorned with a GPS collar with a phone number listed. ey called that number and the person who answered asked them to release the dog explaining that he was letting it run loose in this area to seek out any mountain lions or bobcats for a trophy kill. I was shocked and called Colorado Parks and Wildlife and they told me that this was permitted under the law.

Deanna Meyer

A year later, on Christmas Day, I heard hounds baying on my land. I followed the sounds and witnessed a trapped bobcat in a tree. I confronted the hunters when they nally arrived about this trespass and harassment of wildlife, and when I called CPW I was told, once again, that this was legal as long as they came to retrieve the dogs.

As I researched this cruel, inhumane, and unnecessary form of hunting, I discovered that out tters in our state are permitted up to eight dogs to chase mountain lions from a distance while hunters track them with a GPS device in order to charge out-of-state hunters upwards

Church’s legal win is win for compassion e recent legal victory of e Rock Church in Castle Rock, CO, over the Town of Castle Rock is a triumph for justice, compassion, and religious freedom. e dispute centered on the church’s commitment to shelter homeless individuals on its property, a mission rooted in its religious duty to aid those in need. Despite the town’s repeated attempts to block these e orts using zoning laws, the church’s determination and legal win emphasize a key moral truth: obedience to God can, and sometimes must, take precedence over adherence to government rules, especially when compassion is at stake.

Zoning laws exist to maintain order and safety in a community, but rigid application of these laws, as seen here, can distort their original purpose. In this case, the town used zoning regulations to prevent a church from ful lling its deeply held religious obligation to help the homeless, undermining the very essence of justice and compassion these laws should support. e law should serve the common good, not obstruct acts of charity aligned with faith.

of $8,000 to corner and shoot these animals for a trophy. I am an ethical hunter, and I knew this was not ethical nor fair chase. If my dog is o -leash and chases wildlife, I could be heavily ned for this infraction of the law. So why does Colorado allow packs of hounds to brutally chase lions to exhaustion so that a hunter can shoot them down?

Bobcats are also hounded, but the most common method of killing is to bait them into a live trap where they are held in the deep cold for up to 24 hours (if these trappers are following the law) until they are bludgeoned, strangled, or poisoned to death so their fur can be sold to overseas markets. I was shocked to learn that the commercialization of wildlife was sanctioned in our state.

I have devoted my life to protecting our dwindling habitat and wildlife, and I know that it is my responsibility to work to end these atrocities. Wildlife scientists agree that recreational hunting of these animals for their heads and their beautiful coats does nothing to reduce con icts between our species or to improve the stability of wildlife communities.

ligious conviction. e spirit of the law should acknowledge and respect the church’s right to exercise its faith through service to others. While town o cials might have been legally justi ed, they ignored the broader humanitarian and ethical imperatives that compel the church to act. Upholding the spirit of the law in this case means supporting the church’s mission to care for the most vulnerable in society.

roughout history, people have faced the dilemma of choosing between moral imperatives and government rules. Religious traditions, including Christianity, teach that acts of charity and love for others, especially the marginalized, are sacred duties. When the government enforces laws that hinder these religiously motivated acts, it challenges the essence of religious freedom.

e church’s victory under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) rea rms the need to protect religious institutions from unnecessary interference.

Apex predators improve the health of wildlife. Colorado now has the opportunity to ensure that these cruel and unethical practices will end for good this November in Colorado. Last fall as I was taking a routine hike through my property, I caught a movement in the corner of my eye and beheld a beautiful mature mountain lion as he crossed my path. Feeling blessed with this good omen, I froze in my tracks as he sat down and held my gaze. Surrounded by his beauty in the golden fall grasses, I grabbed my camera from around my neck and took several photos. I sat with him for some time in mutual respect, making a promise to him that I would do everything in my power to ensure that the needless trophy hunting of his species would end.

I will be voting yes on Proposition 127 and I hope you will join me. is guest column was written by Deanna Meyer, a Douglas County resident who raises goats and chickens on her family land that is adjacent to public forest lands and in lion country.

County’s homeless claim dicey

On Aug. 16, Douglas County commissioners issued the following: “Douglas County has effectively ended homelessness in its communities,” with subtitle, “number of homeless sleeping outside in DougCo reduced from 43 to 6 in two years.”

During the associated presser, o cials Laydon and Weekly proclaimed the success of HEART, the local agency e ort to directly interact with the homeless, to make referrals to appropriate community services. e story garnered wide coverage across Front Range media.

To his credit, CCM’s Ellis Arnold noted: “A fuller picture of homelessness data tells a more complicated story for a variety of reasons.” Arnold’s valid “call-out” deserves a deeper look. As he hinted, there’s more to the story.

e Rock Church’s e orts are not a mere convenience — they are an expression of their re-

By supporting e Rock Church’s mission, we uphold values of compassion, justice, and religious liberty, ensuring that the law serves humanity, not hinders it.

C.J. Garbo, Castle Rock

In fact, the county’s homeless proclamation might be reasonably construed as a convenient political play on de nitions and numbers by county o cials. And it’s certainly not the rst time the county has tweaked numbers to enhance

health opcruel for routine caught my mature my good sat Surroundfall from several time promise in needspecies Proposition by County chickadjalion

their self-congratulatory pressers.

As background, in addition to the standalone annual summer homelessness survey, Douglas County participates in the annual Denver Metro January survey. is nationwide survey, sponsored by HUD, provides the gold standard de nition of homelessness: “people regularly sleeping in place not t for human habitation” (e.g. in tents, in vehicles, in emergency shelters, among others).

Applying HUD’s industry standard de nitions to DougCo’s summer survey would enable a clean trend line, apples-to-apples measurements of available data.

But it appears county o cials would rather avoid apples-to-apples comparisons ... they prefer in-house de nitions because their numbers conveniently create the right story.

Notably, commissioners discount residing/sleeping in a vehicle, in an emergency shelter or transitional housing from homelessness.

Using all of the county’s data, from all surveys, shows that the number of sheltered homeless people in 2024 is about the same as it was in January 2020 (42 vs. 40); the number of people living in vehicles is about the same number as two years ago (21 vs. 20).

So … when Douglas County ofcials said “Douglas County has effectively ended homelessness in its communities,” pay attention to the details. Because the county’s stated count of “6” is actually “42”, using the county’s own data.

Laydon’s homelessness remarks are eerily reminiscent of his April 2021 COVID proclamation, “Douglas County [is the] rst county in the state to say that this pandemic is over.” e commissioners’ 2021 data, also based on in-house de nitions, contradicted what state health o cials are seeing, that the state was in a fourth wave of the pandemic. Subsequently, Douglas County within a year, experienced the highest weekly counts of COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Lloyd Guthrie

Roxborough Park

Tell truth about border bill

I am so tired of Democrat politicians (Harris and Caraveo specically) misrepresenting the bipartisan border bill that failed earlier this year. Both above-mentioned politicians

claim their support of the bill shows they are strong on the border and able to cross party lines. VP Harris further alleges that it failed because former President Trump wants to use it as a campaign issue.

Let’s peel back the onion on this garbage bill, sponsored by RINOs. is bill allows up to 5,000 immigrants a day. Do the math that is just under 1.9 million a year. Sounds secure to me. e bill also provides a fast track asylum program. One of the best features of this border bill, supposedly to secure the border of the United States, is it provides $60 billion in aid to Ukraine. at last nugget does wonders to secure our border.

Neither Harris or Caraveo fail to even mentioned HR2, which sits on Schumer’s desk, which he refuses to bring to the oor for a vote. HR 2 is an immigration bill that truly would help secure the border. at shows how much the democrat party really wants to secure the border.

I understand many people are not fond of Donald Trump personally. How many really think VP Harris is better on foreign and domestic policies than Trump?

My dad was a major league bookmaker. I always remember him telling me “bet with your head, not your heart.” at still holds true. Bet on the direction of the country with your head, not because of how you feel about someone.

One more point on VP Harris. One of two things have to be true about her. Either she lied to the American people about Biden’s cognitive decline, or she was too incompetent to see it.

John Salanitro Highlands Ranch

Respecting Colorado’s animals

I am a native Coloradan, I cherish our state and our natural resources. Isn’t the reason we live here is to enjoy these incredible mountains, lakes, rivers, forests … we live in a wonderland.

If someone or some company came into our state to pollute our lakes or rivers, clear-cut our trees, lay waste to our mountains, we would rise up as Coloradans do and stop them. But what about our beautiful wild animals?

Unfortunately, there are those that don’t value our wildlife as much as the rest of us. Let’s call them trophy hunters and trappers who are decimating some our most valued

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Going through the home to declutter every few months can feel good.

Sometimes, the act of decluttering is spurred on by a large life change, like a move. Other times, it’s just nice to get a fresh start.

Deciding what to keep and what to let go can certainly be challenging, but sometimes the hardest part comes once the piles have been made. What should you do with the stroller your kids have grown out of, or the pantsuit you no longer need since you switched jobs?

Luckily, several organizations in Colorado exist to ensure your loved items will nd a second life. From

mattresses to cribs, your items can be recycled or reused — and can help change people’s lives in the process.

Cribs and car seats for young families

In Aurora, an organization called WeeCycle connects families raising infants and toddlers with essential baby gear and supplies.

“We do this by collecting new and gently used items from other community members that are done with their items, but they still have a lot of usable life left in them,” said Executive Director Morgan Seibel. “All of our programming works through that lens of sustainability.”

WeeCycle accepts items including cribs, car seats, strollers, diapers and “pack ‘n plays,” which are portable play and sleeping area units. e

group also accepts baby gates, baby monitors, humidi ers, bassinets and more.

e organization hosts collection events multiple times a week at its warehouse in Aurora and has other partner locations throughout the metro area that accept new diapers, wipes and formula. Pickup services are also available in some cases.

After receiving, cleaning and organizing donations, the team works with about 60 partner organizations to connect usable items to families that need them.

“We try to have a very wide range of di erent organizations … with the common thread that they are supporting families with infants and toddlers, and those families are struggling to provide all the items that they

need,” Seibel said.

ese organizations help immigrant and refugee families, families experiencing homelessness, foster families, families in the court system and more.

Seibel said WeeCycle tries to partner with organizations that provide additional wraparound support services for families, such as housing support, job training, English language classes and more.

“We understand that giving a family a stroller doesn’t solve all the other challenges that they’re facing,” she said.

In the rst two half of this year, WeeCycle distributed over 367,000 items to families in need, totaling an

Employees at Spring Back Colorado smile in the organization’s mattress recycling warehouse.

COURTESY OF SPRING BACK COLORADO

that you no longer need, it can be used to help support women as they embark on their professional journeys.

Dress for Success Denver aims to empower women and all who gender-identify as women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, career development tools and a network of support, said Executive Director Amara Martin.

e local branch of the international nonpro t accepts women’s business casual to business professional clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories, Martin said. e organization asks that all clothing donated be clean, in season and current.

“ ose clothes are going to immediately go into my clothing boutique, where women are coming down during the week when they have a job interview, as well as when they are starting work,” she said.

When a woman comes into the boutique, she gets to work with a volunteer personal stylist who helps the client identify which out ts will work best for her needs.

in their career the chance to help someone else.

“We all know that the better you look, the more con dent you feel,” she said. “ is is an excellent way to kind of spread that con dence and to help a woman on her journey toward self-de ned success.”

Martin said the organization is often in need of plus-sized clothing, which it receives less often in donations. People who want to help ll this need can donate funds to support Dress for Success Denver in purchasing clothing that matches the sizing needs of their clients.

Mattresses for a better life

One of the most notoriously challenging items to get rid of is a mattress. ey can be hard to sell. Many donation centers don’t take them and they rarely t in a dumpster. Plus, simply throwing away such a large and important item can feel like a waste.

ally largely made of foam, wood and steel, Conway said. e workers separate the materials and compress them into bales, which they then send to recycling partners.

Steel makes its way to mills where it is recycled into new steel products. Foam goes to a plant where it’s made into carpet padding, automobile insulation and more. Wood is turned into landscaping mulch or biofuel.

“Historically, we have been able to recycle anywhere from 85% to about 92% of a mattress,” Conway said. e team recycles about 6,000 to 7,000 mattresses each month, Conway said. at means they diverted about 3.4 million mattresses from land lls in 2023.

“ e worst thing for a land ll is a mattress,” he said. “If you have a nite amount of space in the in the ground, the last thing you want going in there is big, bulky items that don’t break down, that are really hard on equipment and machinery.”

DONATIONS

estimated value of over $1.6 million.

WeeCycle recycles car seats that cannot be reused. ey also try to be creative with other items that cannot be given to families, which has led to donating recalled pillows to animal shelters and donating crib pieces to the local children’s museum maker lab.

Seibel said donating items to WeeCycle can be a great way for families to help others with items that they have grown out of, or perhaps items that they never even used.

“It allows them to really support other members of their community that aren’t able to access the items that they had when raising their children,” she said.

Clothing and conﬁdence for professionals

If you have professional clothing

“ ey, together, shop to nd the best items that are going to t the best, that are going to look the best, that are going to help her feel as condent as possible in her job search,” Martin said.

In 2023, over 1,300 women used the boutique space, Martin said. Some people are referred by partner organizations, and others refer themselves.

In addition to getting free professional clothing, women who use Dress for Success Denver’s services can receive career coaching, take job readiness classes, participate in a job retention program and more.

Martin said if a person is unsure whether their clothes are in season or in style, they should bring it to donate anyway. Anything that doesn’t meet Dress for Success Denver’s requirements will be donated to other organizations that serve women in the community, she said.

e organization accept donations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month at 2594 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver. ey ask that all donations are delivered on hangers, not in garbage bags or boxes.

e organization also accepts donations of unopened, mini-size toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and hand sanitizer.

Martin said donating clothes to Dress for Success Denver can give the clothes that helped a person

Spring Back Colorado gives people an alternative for mattress recycling, while also providing employment opportunities for people who have had challenges entering the workforce due to criminal history, addiction or other challenges.

President Peter Conway said his father started Spring Back Colorado after spending years volunteering at Denver Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter. While working there, he met a lot of people who struggled to nd and keep jobs.

“ e company was created as a way to help those folks get stable employment, get back on their feet, become tax-paying members of the community, and also to help reduce recidivism,” Conway said. “We use mattress recycling as a vehicle to do all of that.”

e company partners with drug and alcohol recovery centers to offer job opportunities to individuals in the programs. One of their main partners is the Stout Street Foundation, a recovery program based in Commerce City, where Spring Back Colorado is also located.

“As their members are going through their treatment program, they basically introduce them into di erent workforces throughout the community,” Conway said. “Once they graduate from that program, they’re able to come on in a more full-time capacity with us.”

At the mattress recycling warehouse, employees break down mattresses that have been picked up or dropped o . Mattresses are usu-

Spring Back Colorado has partnerships with land lls to bring mattresses to the recycling plant. In many cases, recycling a mattress with Spring Back Colorado — which costs a $40 recycling fee if you drop it o at the warehouse — costs less than throwing it away at a land ll, Conway said.

Spring Back Colorado also o ers mattress pickup, which costs an additional $60 to $90 transportation fee, depending on distance.

Conway said recycling mattresses is the environmentally responsible thing to do.

“Bringing them to us, you are helping create that land ll waste diversion,” he said. “Shifting the awareness and the consumer to do the right thing, I think is only going to continue to become more and more impactful on an environmental level.”

But perhaps even more importantly, Conway said, bringing mattresses to Spring Back Colorado helps make a di erence in people’s lives.

Bobby Dainko, who works as the community development director at Spring Back Colorado, is a graduate of Stout Street Foundation. When he started working at the mattress recycling facility, he was experiencing homelessness and had 11 warrants.

Five years later, he is a homeowner, is employed and says he loves his life. He credits Spring Back Colorado for the transformation.

“If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where I’d be,” he said. “I might even be dead. It allowed me to get my life back … You can’t put a price on what I’ve gotten back.”

A woman smiles in her new professional outﬁt from the Dress for Success Denver boutique. COURTESY OF DRESS FOR SUCCESS DENVER

Arvada Center explores the possibilities of ceramics

One of the simple joys of autumn is wrapping your hands around a warm mug of your favorite hot beverage. e Arvada Center is channeling that pleasure in one of its three new fall exhibitions, all of which celebrate and examine the many uses of ceramics.

MUGSHOT, Wright Place, Wrong Time: Triumphs & Flops for MidCentury Modern Table and Bebe Alexander: Impact & In uence are all on display at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through Sunday, Nov. 10.

“All three of these shows are a testament to how versatile ceramics are and how special the ceramics studio we have here is,” said Collin Parson, director of galleries and curator. “We hope people who see them discover a ceramics passion of their own.”

For the Main Gallery’s MUGSHOT, Parson asked artists to submit any-

COMING ATTRACTIONS

thing that was inuenced by a mug. It didn’t have to be functional or even ceramic, and as a result, he received around 310 mugs, made out of everything from wood and glass to acrylic.

In the eatre Gallery, the idea was an exhibit that was the opposite of the individually crafted mugs: industrially-produced items. For Wright Place, Wrong Time, the center partnered with the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art to showcase Russel Wright’s American Modern dinnerware line, which is the bestselling ceramic service of all time.

But according to the provided information, not every pattern Wright

produced was a hit with consumers, so Parson and his team turned the exhibit into an interactive game. Visitors can see Wright’s designers — as well as works by his famous contemporaries Eva Zeisel, Ben Seibel and Charles Murphy — and try to guess which designs were successful and which weren’t.

“ ere’s a ip panel where visitors can turn it over and it will reveal if the pattern sold well or not,” Parson explained. “It’s a fun way to explore these high-production pottery items.”

e nal exhibit is a very personal one for Parson and everyone at the Arvada Center. Bebe Alexander was the center’s ceramics coordinator for more than 30 years, but she retired this August. So, the Upper Gallery’s Bebe Alexander: Impact & In uence is a chance to celebrate all her work. Visitors can see Alexander’s creations, which render architectural

forms and manmade objects in clay, as well as the work of past students and colleagues who were in uenced by Alexander.

“Her retirement was a big loss for the Arvada Center, but she set up a wonderful ceramics program here, one of the best in the region,” Parson said. “A show to celebrate her impact was important and I’m glad we did it, because she is very deserving.”

For more information on the exhibitions and some associated special events, visit https://arvadacenter. org/galleries/current-exhibitions.

Explore how Victorians dealt with death

e Victorians had some very… interesting thoughts around death. Exploring these beliefs is what makes the Center for Colorado Women’s

Clarke Reader

Thu 10/17

Neil Z @ Earls Kitchen + Bar @ 5pm

Earls Kitchen + Bar, 8335 Park Meadows Center Dr, Lone Tree

Flamy Grant: Theology Beer Camp 2024 @ 6pm

St Andrew United Methodist Church, 9203 S University Blvd, Highlands Ranch

Dom Scott: Million Dollar Quartet @ 6:30pm

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree

6 Million Dollar Band @ 6pm

Pindustry, 7939 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial

Black Dots @ 7pm

portrayal of guilt @ 6pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Sun 10/20

Dom Scott: Million Dollar Quartet @ 12:30pm

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree

Wed 10/23

Jeremy Sevelovitz: Million Dollar Quartet @ 12:30pm Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree

Dom Scott: Million Dollar Quartet @ 12:30pm Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree

Moe's Original BBQ, 3295 S Broadway, Englewood

Fri 10/18 Sat 10/19

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo - Tailgate Tavern & Grill @ 7pm

Halloween Extravaganza @ 1pm / Free 7301 S Santa Fe Dr, 7301 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. info@as pengrovecenter.com

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Mon 10/21

Handwriting: Uppercase (5-8 yrs) FALL24 @ 4:20pm Oct 21st - Dec 2nd

Tue 10/22

Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E Lincoln Ave., Parker Theater: Glee Club (9-15yrs) @ 3:30pm Oct 22nd - Dec 17th PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker

Tom Mcelvain Music @ 5pm The Englewood Tavern, 4386 S Broadway, Englewood

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo Wednesdays - 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 7pm Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan

Thu 10/24

Strings and Heart @ 6pm

Thrive church, 9830 Lone Tree Pkwy, Lone Tree

So� Tukker (DJ SET) @ 10pm Gothic Theatre, Englewood

Calendar information is provided by event organiz‐ers. All events are subject to change or cancella‐tion. This publication is not responsible for the ac‐curacy of the information contained in this calendar.

Elizabeth history comes alive in tour

Historic Walk and Talk takes attendees through town’s downtown core

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

A crowd gathered early for the Town of Elizabeth’s 10th Annual Historic Walk and Talk the morning of Sept. 28. A huge tent was set up on Main Street with tables waiting for the lunch that would be served later on, courtesy of American Legion Post 82. Attendees were treated to a free co ee mug and T-shirts.

Je Lehman, Elbert County Historical Society President Joe Martell, and historian for the Historic Advisory Board Bob Rasmussen led the tour through the many notable historical sites in Elizabeth. e walk follows Main Street, goes up Banner Street to the former Frontier High School, over to the American Legion Hall, and back.

“Elizabeth, Colorado, nestled in the heart of the Palmer Divide, boasts a history as rich and diverse as the landscape itself,” reads the town’s new e Historic Elizabeth Colorado website. “Founded in 1882 and o cially incorporated in 1890, Elizabeth’s story is one of pioneer spirit, community resilience, and careful preservation of its Western heritage.”

Town of Elizabeth Planner and Project Manager Alexandra Cramer said the event “guides participants through Elizabeth’s historic areas,

sharing stories about our town’s signi cant buildings and sites.” e town has seen a steady increase in participation over the years and is eager to continue the momentum. e turnout for the event was robust. Longtime area residents Jan Mauer and her sister Gay Ramsauer attended the Walk and Talk for the rst time this year. “It’s great that so many people are participating,” Maurer said, and Ramsauer added that she was excited to experience something historical.

Steve and Jane Rice also attended the Walk and Talk for the rst time to nd out more about Elizabeth history. e Rices have lived near Casey Jones Park since 1994 but didn’t have time to enjoy the Walk and Talk until this year.

is was Elbert County resident Cindy Angers’ third Walk and Talk. Angers said she always learns something new and interesting.

A crowd of people learning about the current American Legion Building at 228 S. Banner St. in Elizabeth. The building, built in 1905, was originally the Elizabeth Town Hall. The total cost was $2,100 and included a stage, 15-foot tall ceilings and a hardwood ﬂoor.

For the Walk and Talk’s 10th anniversary, Cramer explained that they’re “introducing a special train theme, exploring how the Denver & New Orleans Railroad shaped our town’s development.” It’s a fascinating piece of Elizabeth’s history that many residents may not be aware of, she said.

e D&NO Railroad arrived in Elizabeth in 1882, transforming the area from a rural region to a hub for farming and ranching services. Since then, the town has had to balance its agricultural past and smalltown character with growth.

Beyond the Walk and Talk, Cramer shared that the Historic Advisory Board has been busy with several other initiatives, including installing historic property plaques on Local Historic Register properties, creating an oral history collection, and creating an interactive historic map of Elizabeth’s historic properties.

e town is also working on the Main Street Streetscape Project, an ongoing initiative backed by $1.25 million in grants. “We’ve seen growing public engagement and increased attendance at town events,” Cramer said, “which aligns well with the excitement surrounding our Main Street Streetscape Project.”

Cramer said that over the past year the town’s historic and cultural preservation e orts have seen a signicant boost, largely due to the enthusiasm of the Historic Advisory Board.

“As we enhance our downtown, we recognize that preservation is key to maintaining Elizabeth’s unique charm. Events like our Historic Walk and Talk tour complement these efforts by connecting our community with Elizabeth’s rich past,” she said.

e Elizabeth Historic Advisory Board, established in 1998 and reenacted in 2015, is “dedicated to preserving and celebrating our town’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.” e board recommends properties for local landmark designation, educates the public about Elizabeth’s history, assists in developing preservation plans and policies, and more.

e board holds its meetings on the rst Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. For more information visit townofelizabeth.org/cd/page/ historic-preservation-program.

e town’s new Historic Elizabeth Colorado website is available at historicelizabethco.org. For more information on the Main Street Streetscape Project, visit townofelizabeth.org/projects/page/ main-street-streetscape-project.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANNA HIATT

Make old paint vanish like Halloween ghost

As Halloween creeps closer, Coloradans are getting excited to don costumes and venture out for tricks and treats. Little do they know, the spookiest thing is lurking right at home in their own garages and basements!

Every fall as people wrap up their summer projects, countless gallons of leftover paint are stashed away. Unfortunately, not all of it stays there. It is estimated that about 10% of all household paint gets thrown away eventually and can end up in land lls, instead of being reused or recycled. is October, instead of letting your leftover paint haunt your home, why not use it to conjure some Halloween magic and ben-

GUEST COLUMN

Kevin Lynch

e t your community? Here are a few creative ways to repurpose your leftover paint:

• Jack-o’-lantern: While carved pumpkins will generally begin rotting in a few days, painted jack-o’lanterns can last weeks. Why not paint a bunch of gourds in spooky colors or add faces or fun designs?

Painting is easier and more fun for little ones and creates less mess.

• Spooky signs: Use your leftover paint to craft creepy yard signs like “Beware” or “Enter If You Dare.”

Consider transforming old scrap wood or sheets into your haunting decorations as another way to reduce your environmental footprint.

• Painted “tombstones” and other

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decorative ideas: Use your yard as a Halloween- or fall-inspired canvas. Turn large rocks into tombstones or paint them with bright colors and apply googly eyes. Alternatively, highlight the natural color of the rocks with earth tones for a classic fall theme.

• Costume designs: Instead of throwing away old costumes, give them a new look with paint. Use paint to add designs or text, or to make the costume look aged or messy. Paint can also change the look of accessories, like transforming a wand to t a fairy, witch, wizard, or warlock.

When you are done with Halloween fun, head to one of PaintCare’s free drop-o sites for recycling any remaining leftover paint. With more

than 200 convenient drop-o sites throughout Colorado, nd the one closest to you using the convenient drop-o site locator on PaintCare’s website at paintcare.org. PaintCare accepts house paint, primers, stains, sealers, and clear coatings like shellac and varnish. Before you drop o your paint, make sure the cans are no larger than ve gallons, the manufacturer’s label is intact, and the lids are secure. Call ahead to your drop-o site to con rm they are open and can accept your paint. Remember, there is nothing scarier this season than wasting paint. For additional information on PaintCare, visit paintcare.org.

Kevin Lynch is the PaintCare Colorado program manager.

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Ownership Statement Elbert County News

LETTERS

animals. Big cats … mountain lions, bobcats, cougars are being slaughtered to make fur coats or destroyed for someone’s “trophy.” I hate to think what kind of person nds joy killing these beautiful creatures.

ese big cats are nature’s rst defense in keeping elk, deer, bighorn sheep and other herds healthy by culling the sick. Without them, elk, deer and sheep overpopulate and often die of starvation, they become over time

PARKER

ing e cient town operations alongside local o cials. Councilmembers also promote economic growth and engage with residents through meetings and forums, involving them in decisionmaking and ultimately shaping the town’s future.

What are your top three priorities when it comes to the town and why?

My top priorities include reducing taxes – such as eliminating the grocery

READER

History Victorian Death Experiences so fascinating and fun. is year the event is held from 6 to 7:15 p.m. every ursday and Friday in October at the Women’s History Center, 1310 Bannock St. in Denver. ere is also daytime availability at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 and 26. e experience provides an eerie and enlightening tour back to Victorian times to explore society’s attitude

unhealthy and more susceptible to diseases.

I’m calling on you, my incredible fellow Coloradans to make a stand and stop the slaughter … vote yes on Prop 127, November 5th!

Stand up to those few who are doing some much damage to our animals.

Steve Sorensen

Lone Tree

Say no to Proposition 127

Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric. Mountain lions are certainly majestic, but they can also be extremely dangerous. Of all the big game hunting in Colorado, mountain lion hunting is the

tax on diapers – and establishing clear standards for homeowners association performance. I am committed to promoting responsible growth while ensuring we maintain a healthy ecosystem balance.

Expanding bradband improvements is crucial, especially in new and underserved areas. Supporting struggling families and addressing the needs of schools in the Town of Parker, in alignment with Douglas County Schools, is also a priority.

Additionally, I am to assist small businesses by cutting bureaucratic red tape and streamlining processes to create a

towards death through macabre artifacts, room tours and stories of notable deaths in Denver. All the details and tickets can be found at www.historycolorado.org/victorian-death-experiences.

Hudson Gardens brings back the Jack O’Lantern Magic

It wouldn’t be autumn in the metro area without the annual Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns, held at Hudson Gardens, 6115 S Santa Fe Drive in Littleton. is year, the event runs on select nights through Saturday, Nov. 2.

Presented by irteenth Floor En-

most closely regulated. Hunting under the supervision of the wildlife division of CPW is the scienti c way to manage the mountain lion population. Not all mountain lion hunters are looking for trophies or hunt with dogs. Most people don’t know that mountain lions are hunted for their meat. By law, the meat from every mountain lion killed must be consumed.

If Proposition 127 passes, it will take away CPW’s ability to properly and safely manage the mountain lion population. is will result in an explosion of mountain lions in Colorado. ere will be a rapid increase in human mountain lion interaction. An adult

more business-friendly environment.

Brian Carruthers

Website: N/A

Carruthers is a Colorado native and has lived in the Town of Parker since 2019. He ran for a town council position in 2022. roughout his nearly 20 years working in re service, Carruthers has learned skills in crisis management, strategic planning and community engagement. In addition to prioritizing the budget for rst responders, Carruthers aims to focus on public safety and lowering taxes.

In your view, what is (or should be) the role and responsibility of a Park-

tertainment Group, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns features more than 7,000 pumpkins shining brightly in the night as they guide visitors through a fun and interactive trail. Along the way, guests will meet everything from pirates to dinosaurs and dragons. And new features this year include a light show set to music and DIY s’mores stations.

For more information and tickets, visit https://magicofthejackolanterns. com/denver/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Clairo at Mission Ballroom

No matter what genre she is work-

mountain lion is a formidable adversary for an adult let alone a youth. Hiking in the mountains will become much more dangerous. e increase in mountain lions will naturally lead to the expansion of their territories, which will include moving into residential areas. is will put pets, children and even adults at risk.

Let’s be smart about this. Let the professionals, who have been doing an excellent job at scienti cally managing the mountain lion population, do their job!

Vote no on Proposition 127.

Bill Wasserman Parker

er Town Council member?

A liaison for the people.

What are your top three priorities when it comes to the town and why? Safety, lower taxes and control growth.

Abdulla Zubair

Website: N/A

Abdulla Zubair did not respond to the Parker Chronicle’s requests for an interview.

Visit the Parker Chronicle at coloradocommunitymedia.com/parkerchronicle/ to learn more about each of the candidates views on other topics.

ing in, Claire Elizabeth Cottrill (better known as Clairo), makes music you can sink into. Her new album, “Charm,” might be her strongest yet, bridging the gap between singer/songwriter and indie pop, making something warm and welcoming.

In support of her album, Clairo will be stopping by the Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. in Denver, at 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14. It should be a lovely evening of music, so head over to www.ticketmaster.com to get tickets. Clarke Reader is an arts and culture columnist. He can be reached at Clarke. Reader@hotmail.com.