Election 2016 Voter Guide

Voter Guide

A guide to the elections in Boulder and Broomfield counties DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • 1

How and where to vote HOW TO VOTE Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

All eligible voters should begin receiving mail-in ballots later this week.

Ballots cannot be forwarded, so the county clerk’s office needs your current address information. Voters can register right up to and even on Election Day and can verify online that they’re properly registered at the following websites.

Boulder County: bouldercountyvotes.org Broomfield: broomfield.org/elections

Where does the Daily Camera stand?

To follow the Daily Camera editorial board’s endorsements in various races and ballot issues this election — we’ve weighed in on some already and will do so on more in the coming weeks — visit dailycamera.com/opinion/daily-cameraendorsements.

BALLOT DROP-OFF 24-hour ballot drop-off boxes Open at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, and close at 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Boulder Boulder County Clerk & Recorder, 1750 33rd St. (near parking lot entrance) Boulder County Courthouse, East Wing Entrance, 2025 14th St. Boulder County Housing and Human Services, 3400 Broadway University of Colorado, University Memorial Center, 1669 Euclid Ave. South Boulder Recreation Center, 1360 Gillaspie Drive Lafayette Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Road Longmont Boulder County Clerk & Recorder/St. Vrain Community Hub, corner of Sixth Avenue and Coffman Street Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road (on Fairground Lane near the south parking lot) Garden Acres Park; box is on 18th Avenue between Sunset and Juniper streets YMCA, 950 Lashley St. Louisville Louisville Police Department, 992 W. Via Appia Way Superior Superior Town Hall, 124 E. Coal Creek Drive

Drive-by ballot drop-off Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, through Monday, Nov. 7, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Boulder Boulder County Clerk & Recorder, 1750 33rd St. Erie Arapahoe Ridge Marketplace, Arapahoe Road and U.S. 287 (you may have to exit your vehicle) Longmont Boulder County Clerk & Recorder/St. Vrain

Community Hub, 534 Terry St. (west side of complex) Louisville Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front St. Lyons Lyons Town Hall, 432 Fifth Ave. Nederland Nederland Community Center, 750 N. Highway 72 (drive-by service only Friday and Saturday)

VOTER SERVICE AND POLLING CENTERS Phase 1 Services include ballot-drop-off, voter registration, in-person voting, requesting mail-ballot replacements.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, through Friday, Oct. 28 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31 to Friday, Nov. 4 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 — Election Day Locations: Boulder Boulder County Clerk & Recorder, 1750 33rd St. University of Colorado, University Memorial Center, 2nd floor, 1669 Euclid Ave. Boulder Meadows, 4500 19th St. Lafayette Boulder County Clerk & Recorder, 1376 Miners Drive Longmont St. Vrain Community Hub/Boulder County Clerk & Recorder, 515 Coffman St. (new entrance) Fire Station #5, 617 Barberry Drive (Airport and Nelson roads) Louisville Louisville Police Department, 992 W. Via

2 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016

Appia Way

Phase 2 Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 — Election Day Locations: All Phase 1 locations, plus: Boulder Boulder Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway Golden West Assisted Living, 1055 Adams Circle (limited parking) St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 4215 Grinnell Ave. Hampton Inn & Suites, 6333 Lookout Road Lafayette Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Road Longmont LifeBridge Christian Church, 10345 Ute Highway Fire Station #3, 1000 Pace St. Nederland Community Center, 750 North Highway 72 Superior Town Hall, 124 E. Coal Creek Drive

Index CANDIDATES U.S. Senate.................................................4-8 U.S. House................................................9-13 CU Board of Regents..............................13-15 RTD Board of Directors...........................15-17 State Senate............................................17-19 State House ............................................ 20-26 District Attorney ...................................... 26-27 Boulder County Commissioner...............28-29 Superior Board of Trustees ..................... 30-33

BALLOT ISSUES Statewide................................................34-37 Boulder County.......................................37-39 Boulder....................................................39-40 Superior........................................................40 Lafayette ................................................. 40-41 Louisville ................................................. 41-42 Boulder Valley School District.......................42 St. Vrain Valley School District......................43 Adams 12 Five Star Schools.........................43 Knollwood Metropolitan District...................44 St. Vrain & Left Hand Water Convervancy District..........................44

Is the presidential race over?

Clinton surges to 5-point lead over Trump

By David Lightman McClatchy Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON — Is the presidential election over?

It’s sure looking that way.

Fueled by gains among women and independents, Hillary Clinton has surged to a lead averaging about 5 points in national polls on a four-way contest that includes third-party candidates. She leads nationally by more than 6 points in a head-to-head matchup with Donald Trump.

Only once since 1952 has

the clear mid- to late October poll leader lost the election: Jimmy Carter in 1980, who lost to Ronald Reagan.

It’s not just the national lead that suggests a Clinton victory. Independents and women are pouring into Clinton’s camp, as Clinton solidifies her hold on Democrats who had had doubts about her candidacy. And Trump’s struggling to win conservative states that should long ago have been comfortably his.

The relentless news — and social media chatter — about Trump’s alleged sexual behavior with several women, coming days after news surfaced about a videotape full of his lewd remarks, is blowing open a

race where Clinton had had a slight but not insurmountable lead.

“To be down as much as he is and in a place where voters have formed opinions pretty hard and fast, it’s very, very difficult to fundamentally change where the race is,” said Jeffrey Horwitt, senior vice president at Hart Research Associates, which conducts the NBC/ Wall Street Journal poll.

Trump has been accused of sexual behavior and has vigorously denied all allegations. But the media furor has reached an important tipping point, where accusations become truth in the minds of many voters.

There are parallels to Bill Cosby’s case. The comedian

has been accused by dozens of women of improper behavior. Cosby has not been convicted of anything, but in the public eye his reputation has been irreparably damaged.

“The people for Trump are for him no matter what.

But for those people in the middle, he’s at that point where this is feeling like the Bill Cosby case,” said Glenn Selig, principal at The Publicity Agency, a firm based in Tampa, Fla., that specializes in crisis management and political strategy.

Selig noted that people tend to believe news about others from traditional sources, while they’re skeptical about accusations concerning people they person-

ally know.

“The damage has been done,” said Tobe Berkovitz, a veteran Boston-based political media consultant.

He and others, though, have one caveat: Little about Trump’s political success has been logical, so don’t write him off.

“If I had to bet the farm, I’d count him out. But it’s Donald Trump, so what can you say?” said Berkovitz.

Trump’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment. His backers say he’ll do fine, because voters see Clinton as disastrous.

“She’s evil and a pathological liar,” said Steve Scheffler, a member of the Republican National Committee from Iowa.

PLAN-Boulder County Endorsements

Promoting sustainable land use and enhancing Boulder’s environment since 1959 our Website is at planboulder.org

Elise Jones for County Commissioner Deb Gardner for County Commissioner

Plan-Boulder County commends the current commissioners for generally good management and policies, particularly in human services, as well as their work in leading the County's recovery from the 2013 Flood.

Vote NO on Boulder Ballot question 302--term limits for City Council

This measure appears to be a solution in search of a problem. At each election, new city councilmembers have been elected, and amending the City Charter so that we would automatically lose experienced members is unwise. The voters can remove members who have stayed too long, as they have done in the past.

Vote YES on County Issue 1B--Open Space sales tax extension Vote YES on County Issue 1C--Sustainability sales tax extension Vote YES on County Issue 1D--DA term limits extension DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • 3

U.S. Senate Michael Bennet Party: Democratic Website: bennetforcolorado.com Age: 51 Family: Wife, Susan Daggett, a natural resources attorney, and three daughters: Caroline, Halina and Anne.

How long have you lived in Colorado: Since 1997 Professional background: Former businessman and former superintendent of Denver Public Schools Political/community experience: Former chief of staff for then-Mayor John Hickenlooper, United States senator from Colorado since 2009 Education: Wesleyan University, Yale Law School What is the solution to unlocking the chronic partisan gridlock in Washington? Can voters have any hope that it’s likely to improve?

I have a long record of working with anyone — Democrat or Republican — to cut through Washington dysfunction and get things done for Colorado. Working with the bipartisan Gang of Eight — four Democrats and four Republicans — to write the Senate’s immigration reform bill proved to me that we can still get a lot done if we set partisanship aside. I was one of the first cosponsors of a constitutional amendment that would effectively overturn Citizens United so we can fight dark money in politics.

I’m committed to restoring common-sense regulation to our campaign finance system, but until we make real reforms I’ll keep work-

ing to break through the gridlock and help Colorado families get ahead.

With North Korea continuing to conduct underBennet ground nuclear testing, what steps should be taken to counter or constrain its nuclear ambitions?

North Korea’s repeated acts of aggression call for stronger sanctions. I cosponsored a bill that would strengthen and expand sanctions against the regime in North Korea and those who assist it, and many of those provisions were included in a bill signed into law this year.

What problems if any do you see with the implementation of Obamacare, and what changes, if any, should be taken to improve it?

The Affordable Care Act isn’t perfect, and we need to work to make improvements to ensure that individuals have access to quality, affordable health care.

But we can’t go back to a time where millions were penalized for having preexisting conditions and women could be charged more for insurance than men, and repealing the law would mean putting insurance companies back in charge. Instead we need to focus on fixing the law. I’m focused on getting more competition in these markets, capping these unbelievable premiums and fighting to keep hospitals open in Colorado’s rural areas like Sterling, Delta County and Steamboat Springs.

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Darryl Glenn Party: Republican Website: electdarrylglenn.com Age: 51 Family: Kristy and Ashley Glenn How long have you lived in Colorado: entire life Professional background: U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel (retired) Political/community experience: El Paso County District 1 commissioner, Colorado Springs City Council Education: U.S. Air Force Academy (BS), Western New England College (MBA), New England School of Law (JD) What is the solution to unlocking the chronic partisan gridlock in Washington?

Can voters have any hope that it’s likely to improve?

The gridlock in Washington is indicative of the divisive political environment found throughout the country. However, despite the very real differences of political opinion that can be found, it is incumbent upon those in Washington that represent their constituents to get things done. I will work hard to pass common sense legislation that will benefit the people of Colorado and the nation at large.

With North Korea continuing to conduct underground nuclear testing, what steps should be taken to counter or constrain its nuclear ambitions?

North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is nothing new — it has been undertaking nuclear activities since the 1960s and has reneged on multiple

agreements with the U.S. to abandon its nuclear program. The U.S. must maintain its strict sanctions regime and Glenn strengthen its security relationships with allies in the region such as South Korea and Japan as a deterrence. To further advance the objective of de-escalation and disarmament, the U.S. and North Korea must reengage in the Six Party Talks that bring South Korea, China, Japan and Russia into the discussion to sign an enduring peace agreement.

What problems if any do you see with the implementation of Obamacare, and what changes, if any, should be taken to improve it?

Colorado has been particularly hard hit by Obamacare. Premiums have skyrocketed, high deductible plans have flooded the marketplace, insurance companies are opting out of offering plans, and the state-run co-op, Colorado HealthOP, has shut down due to insolvency, potentially leaving Colorado taxpayers with a $40 million bill. Moreover, the individual mandate requiring citizens to purchase health insurance is unconstitutional.

This law must be replaced with a more common-sense approach to health care that includes tort reform, permitting insurance to be purchased across state lines and improving public health to decrease the demand for medical care.

U.S. Senate Lily Tang Williams Party: Libertarian Website: lily4liberty.com Age: 52 : Family: Spouse: John C. Williams; son: Arthur X. Williams; son: Charles X. Williams; daughter: Mae S. Williams How long have you lived in Colorado: 17 years Professional background: Law faculty, Fudan University Law School, Shanghai, China; social worker, Laramie, Wyo.; corporate manager, Pacific Resources Export Limited, Hong Kong; project manager, Univance Telecommunications Inc., Englewood; business consultant, self-employed, Parker; real estate investing and management, self-employed, Parker.

Political/community experience: Colorado Libertarian Candidate for U.S. Senate; state director of Our America Initiative; advisory board member of USPIE; former state chair of the Libertarian Party of Colorado; graduate of Leadership Program of the Rockies, class of 2015; Libertarian candidate House District 44, 2014; regional coordinator for Gary Johnson presidential campaign, 2012; Colorado delegate to Libertarian National Convention, 2012 and 2016; former governing council chair, Challenge to Excellence Charter School, Parker; former board member, Rowley Downs HOA, Parker.

Education: BA law, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; MS social work (administration and planning), University of Texas, Austin.

What is the solution to unlocking the chronic partisan gridlock in Washington? Can voters have any hope that it’s likely to improve?

There is nothing inherently wrong with gridlock. The system was designed this way precisely to protect the minority from the majority. I appreciate our inefficient constitutional republican form of government! As a Libertarian, I am more concerned about the principles of an issue than about any political party. Thus, I am willing to work across party

lines to craft and pass laws that benefit both the people of Colorado and America.

With North Korea continuing to conWilliams duct underground nuclear testing, what steps should be taken to counter or constrain its nuclear ambitions?

China has the most influence with North Korea. Any solution should include them. I think our common interest with China is economic prosperity and regional stability. China’s interest is making sure Japan, both Koreas, and the rest of East Asia, remain non-nuclear and peaceful. China must understand that aggressive development of nuclear weapons by North Korea could escalate Asia into a regional arms race. Although we all have a strong interest in preventing this, we should make clear to China and other regional powers that their failure to help themselves by helping us mitigate North Korean nuclear ambitions will influence Japan and others to pursue policies that are ultimately detrimental to the current Chinese regime. As a former Chinese citizen, I would be very useful advising the U.S. government on approaches to working with Chinese leaders. I know how they think.

What problems if any do you see with the implementation of Obamacare, and what changes, if any, should be taken to improve it?

To implement the ACA, either services will be reduced or costs will go up. Free markets work best because people have choice. The ACA is not about consumer choice, it is about mandating insurance for low income people via taxation and penalties, as Justice Roberts clearly understood. If we want an efficient insurance market, then we need to remove onerous state and federal regulations and restrictions from the health insurance industry.

BOULDER COUNTY COMMISSIONER • DIST. 2

but there’s a lot left to do! n n n n n DEB IS ENDORSED BY:

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PAID FOR BY DEB GARDNER FOR BOULDER COUNTY COMMISSIONER

DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • 5

U.S. Senate Arn Menconi Party: Green Website: arnmenconi.com Age: 57 Family: I have a daughter in sixth grade and a son in fourth grade.

How long have you lived in Colorado: I have lived in Colorado (Vail Valley) since 1991.

Professional background: In 1993, I founded the Snowboard Outreach Society, now SOS Outreach, a grassroots 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides funding and activities for youth at risk. The SOS program now reaches over 5,000 kids at 30 ski areas in 15 states.

Political/community experience: I served as Eagle County commissioner from 2000-2008 and oversaw a $100 million annual budget. I participate in many direct actions for peace, democracy, justice and environment.

Education: MBA from the University of Denver What is the solution to unlocking the chronic partisan gridlock in Washington? Can voters have any hope that it’s likely to improve? I believe that ending political gridlock begins with changing the system. The first step is ending corporate personhood. To create a truly representative democracy that functions for the people, we have to break the corporate stranglehold.

Next, we must establish a constitutional right to vote. Finally, we need public campaign financing, ranked-choice voting, proportional representation, and open debates. Once our elected officials are no longer bought and paid by corporate money and lobbyists, they will begin to represent the will of the people. We need a system that puts people and peace over profits.

Menconi

With North Korea continuing to conduct underground nuclear testing, what steps should be taken to counter or constrain its nuclear ambi-

tions?

We need to recognize that dealing with North Korea is a complicated issue. Their society has many problems including a history of violence and imperialism.

There is a history of aggression and distrust between us. We need to work toward a nuclear-free world. We have been talking about non-proliferation for a long time, but we have not included nuclear disarmament in the conversation. Our first step should be to lead by virtue of global agreements. We possess so many more nuclear weapons than the rest of the world; we could get rid of many of our nukes as a first step toward global change.

What problems if any do you see with the implementation of Obamacare, and what changes, if any, should be taken to improve it?

The Affordable Care Act or Obamacare has a fatal flaw — health care privatization. The ACA treats health care as a commodity instead of a human right.

Unfortunately, it is not a step in the right direction. The solution we need is universal coverage in the form of improved Medicarefor-all. We need to provide everyone quality health care while also being able to negotiate prescription drug prices through bulk purchasing. Every American deserves access to all health care services including mental health, dental and vision with no co-pays, premiums or deductibles.

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Bill Hammons Party: Unity Website: billisrunning.com Age: 42 Family: (Didn’t respond) How long have you lived in Colorado: 11 years.

Professional background: Owner and operator, wrhammons.com, 2005-Present; manager, rights and reprint sales, Newsweek Inc. 1998-2005 Political/community experience: Founder and chairman of United National Committee of 38-state Unity Party of America; founder and chairman of Unity Party of Colorado (The Unity Party is the “Unity” voter registration option as a direct result of my 2014 Senate run) Education: B.A. in English and American Literature, New York University, 1997 What is the solution to unlocking the chronic partisan gridlock in Washington?

Can voters have any hope that it’s likely to improve?

The solution is a third party with a real long-term chance, and that party is the centrist 38state Unity Party, whose “Unity” voter affiliations have been enjoying monthly double-digit growth for several months now (since Trump’s nomination). I will be turning 42 the day this guide is published, and the Greens and Libertarians have been struggling since before I was born to make a real impact in American politics (along with the final Colorado voter affiliation option of the Constitution Party, they’ve placed exactly six candidates in state legislatures and zero candidates in the U.S. Congress or the White House over the years).

With North Korea continu-

ing to conduct underground nuclear testing, what steps should be taken to counter or constrain its Hammons nuclear ambitions?

Our only real choice is to restart the SDI or Star Wars program (perhaps with an embracing of that supposedly derogatory moniker) with a first priority of defending the U.S. homeland against nucleartipped North Korean missiles which will inevitably one day be able to strike the continental U.S. with some degree of accuracy (I dare say if I were Kim Jong-un and I was thinking rationally [apparently two mutually exclusive options], my first target for targeting, prevailing wind, and symbolic reasons would be NIST’s atomic clock sitting about a mile from the central Boulder dining table where this voter guide questionnaire answer is being typed out). A workable protective umbrella could then be expanded to protect Japan, the Philippines and other Pacific Rim allies of the US. What problems if any do you see with the implementation of Obamacare, and what changes, if any, should be taken to improve it?

Obamacare has been a well-intentioned disaster (I myself lost a perfectly good Humana plan, thanks to our current president) and the ACA needs to be replaced with a Medicare-for-all system also covering veterans who are not being adequately served by the VA.

U.S. Senate Dan Chapin Party: Unaffiliated Website: danchapin.com Age: 63 Family: My mother is 93 and lives in Greeley. I have a sister and two brothers who live out of state and one brother that lives in the Denver metro are. I have one daughter.

How long have you lived in Colorado: I was born in Denver and have lived in Colorado my entire life.

Professional background: Retired, formally a Local Area Network manager Political/community experience: No political offices. I have worked on some political campaigns.

Education: Attended Colorado State University What is the solution to unlocking the chronic partisan gridlock in Washington? Can voters have any hope that it’s likely to improve? It all begins with the process and procedures.

The rules and operation of congress are designed to make it difficult or in the face of opposition impossible to bring legislation to the floor and receive a vote on it. I would work to rewrite the rules of the Senate to encourage legislation receiving an up or down vote, so whether or not it passed at least the voters would know where their representative stands on the issues. Change the rules so that legislation cannot be filibustered without debate and legislation cannot be sent to die in committees.

With North Korea continuing

to conduct underground nuclear testing, what steps should be taken to counter or constrain its nuclear ambitions? You Chapin cannot change the behavior of a rouge state by threats or saber rattling, you only feed their fear. We should immediately start working on ways to encourage cultural exchange where we can expose the Korean populace to ideas, concepts, and the advantages that we enjoy. It is difficult to keep a populace in fear when they start relating to the supposed “enemy”. The last things you can do is convince a dictator to give up the things that they perceive as the source of their power. You must work to give them alternative pathways to feed their egos.

What problems if any do you see with the implementation of Obamacare, and what changes, if any, should be taken to improve it? Until we remove the middle man and the profit motive from health care we will never truly have affordable health care for all. We need to transition to a universal single payer system, like the rest of the civilized world. We could introduce the public option into the ACA, which would allow an easy transition to universal single payer health care. We need to realize and promote the fact that full health care is as important as a strong military to the security, happiness, and common welfare of the people.

He was an environmentalist before being an - Paul Danish environmentalist was cool.

He voted to buy 50,000 acres of open space when he was on the Boulder City Council and Board of County Commissioners in the past.

He wrote Boulder’s first growth control ordinance, popularly called the Danish Plan, and led the successful initiative drive to pass it in 1976.

He worked for 30 years to end marijuana prohibition.

He thinks nanny-state government sucks and government should quit trying to regulate people’s private lives.

He wants to buy the world a Coke. He doesn’t want to pay a 24-cent/bottle tax on it.

He’ll pay more attention to scientists than activists.

He’s slightly younger than Bernie Sanders.

Here’s How Paul Will Do The Job I will pay a decent respect to all opinions – including ones I disagree with. Sometimes they turn out to be right.

I want to be as little involved in managing people’s personal conduct as is humanly possible when you’re representing 320,000 people living in relatively close proximity.

I’ll always remember that political opponents are fellow Americans, not enemies.

If elected, I will do everything in my power to instill a “can-do” culture in county government instead of the “can’t do, won’t do, don’t do” one that’s there now.

I won’t expect perfection from the county staff. I will expect, and demand, a culture of swift and robust error recovery.

I will pay special attention to the opinions of the Millennial generation (for whom I’m developing a great affection). I’m 74 years old, and they will live with the consequences of my decisions long after I’m dead.

I don’t believe in kicking the can down the road.

I’ll give more weight to the dreams of the future than the memories of the past.

I will reject prohibitionist solutions to problems. They fly in the teeth of human nature.

If elected, the first thing I’ll do is swear on a Bible to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Colorado. Before I do that I’ll re-read all three.

I’ll return my phone calls. (720) 494-1427

For a lot more information, visit danishforcommissioner.com

Elect Paul Danish! Boulder County needs a second opinion!

Citizens for Danish, Box 4522, Boulder, CO 80306 Paid for by Citizens for Danish. Box 4522, Boulder, CO 80306. Bill Swenson Treasurer.

DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • 7

U.S. Senate Paul Noel Fiorino Party: Unaffiliated Website: fiorinoforcolorado.com Age: 61 Family: Father of daughter and son How long have you lived in Colorado: Since 1955 Professional background: Sole proprietor/director, Ballet Arts Center/Theatre, 1993-present; host, producer, Denver Community Television, 2003-2006; president, Golden Triangle Museum District, 2008-present Political/community experience: Candidate, Colorado State governor, 2006; candidate, Colorado governor, 2010; Candidate, Colorado governor 2014; state delegate, Clear Creek, Democratic state primary, 2008; state business chairman, National Republican Committee, 2002-2004 Education: Metropolitan State College 1974; School of American Ballet, Harkness House of Ballet Arts What is the solution to unlocking the chronic partisan gridlock in Washington? Can voters have any hope that it’s likely to improve?: The gridlock in Washington, D.C. ? Do the job you were sent there for, but unfortunately the party needs to raise money. Vote in an unaffiliated, they work for you. Obstructionism definitely has a place, but not at this time or place in history can we afford that. So basically term limits have value yet the only way out is to make a pledge to term limits or be voted out of office. Unaffiliated registered voters are the largest base in Colorado and I have worked over a decade to see this

time come for the unaffiliated to vote and be the purple state we are. We can improve the greatness of our country and find a Fiorino renewed advocacy to make a life for our children’s children.

With North Korea continuing to conduct underground nuclear testing, what steps should be taken to counter or constrain its nuclear ambitions?: I grew up with “M*A*S*H” and that is what we knew of Korea. Today we know they still remain at war. These five tests since 2006, with a recent missile attack in protest to the G-20, are all in violation of U.N. resolutions. China must play a stronger role. How many sanctions can the U.S. and the U.N. put on them when we are down to loopholes. We are in alignment with Japan and South Korea both under threat, to defend them upon an actual attack on their country. Diplomacy is always the best way and like the “Iran Deal” we still would have some peace of mind.

What problems if any do you see with the implementation of Obamacare, and what changes, if any, should be taken to improve it? Obamacare will be ColoradoCare after this election and if not still would be a good model to build on again. Care for Everyone is a basic right and we must make the best choice. Insurance companies have whistled us nuts for No on 69, but the time is right for Colorado to try this grand experiment for all to have health care.

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Don Willoughby Party: Unaffiliated Website: vote4willoughby.com Age: 62 Family: N/A How long have you lived in Colorado: 6 years Professional background: Master Mariner Political/community experience: Ship’s Captain Education: Ship’s Master/ Marine Transport. UCLA Technical Writing, taught Maritime Studies at Maritime Technical Institute in Florida.

Hobby: Beekeeping Issue question 1: What is the solution to unlocking the chronic partisan gridlock in Washington? Can voters have any hope that it’s likely to improve?

I will initiate, orchestrate and participate in a boots on the ground civil movement, involving protest demonstrations, social media campaigns, legal peaceful civil intervention programs, driven by a “follow the money” strategy aimed at exposing corruption and special interests. Legislators will not fix this issue; it will take mass civil pressure from grass roots movements by the constituents demanding accountability. I would remove the “affirmative defense” tenet of plausible deniability by open letters to demand

congressional whistle blowing from within Congress.

Issue question 2: With North Korea continuing Willoughby to conduct underground nuclear testing, what steps should be taken to counter or constrain its nuclear ambitions?

I believe South Korea has the wealth and resources to solve this issue on its own without our participation. It’s mostly their decision. If North Korea is unmanageable, we might need to disable their energy infrastructure and neutralize the weapons facilities.

Issue question 3: What problems if any do you see with the implementation of Obamacare, and what changes, if any, should be taken to improve it?

A “for profit” organization in a position of trust that is fundamentally a monopoly extorting at-risk American, men, women and children should be illegal and replaced by a single-pay health care program modeled after successful European health care systems that are proven and cost functional. Follow the money!

U.S. House, 2nd CD Jared Polis Party: Democratic Website: polisforcongress.com Age: 41 Family: (Didn’t answer) How long have you lived in the 2nd Congressional District?

Born in Boulder and a lifetime resident.

Professional background: Entrepreneur and businessman Political/community experience: Elected to Colorado Board of Education 2000-2008; U.S. House of Representatives 2009present.

Education: Princeton University What are the most pressing issues facing CD2 and how will you tackle them?

Congress no longer works for the people. Special interests’ ability to spend unlimited amounts of money on campaigns is drowning out real people’s voices and the result is Congress only serves the interests of the few and powerful. I am working hard to reduce big money’s influence on our politics so that Congress can make progress on the big issues facing my constituents such as the high cost of higher education, combating climate change, investment in infrastructure and expanding opportunity for all in our 21st century economy.

What ideas do you have for keeping college affordable?

Access to a good quality education is the great equalizer; with a good education it doesn’t matter the wealth of the family you were born into, you can achieve your version of the American dream.

Building ladders of educational opportunity for all is where I’ve spent more of my efforts in Con-

gress. Unfortunately, costs of higher education is holding too many back. I have proposed several policies to reduce the cost of higher Polis education through open-source text books, dual enrollment, competency based opportunities and a student debt repayment system that allows payments based on an affordable percentage of income rather than a fixed rate. I also support Hillary Clinton’s proposal to make community college free to most Americans.

What is your position on admitting Syrian refugees into the U.S. and why?

Barring people from certain regions or of specific religions from entering the country is wrong and un-American. I support the admission of refugees from any nation — including Syria — who are fleeing conflict and persecution. I was pleased to learn that the Obama Administration exceeded its FY 2016 goal of admitting 10,000 Syrian refugees. I believe that we can, and should, do more, and that is why I lobbied the administration to increase its goal for Syrian admissions to 100,000 individuals. We must be open to adjustments in our screening procedures to make our vetting process more responsive to the everchanging threat of violent extremism. We must also dedicate greater resources to our refugee resettlement program to reduce the amount of time that refugees spend in camps abroad, as well as to assist them in effectively assimilating within our communities once they arrive.

RE-ELECT

Elise

Jones

For Boulder lder Count County Commissioner • District 1

EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP FOR BOULDER COUNTY I will continue working to: » Expand affordable housing & transportation options » Combat climate change & promote a clean energy future » Advocate for open space & sustainability programs » Ensure a strong safety net for those in need

ELISE IS PROUD TO BE ENDORSED BY: Conservation Colorado Longmont Times-Call • Congressman Jared Polis • District Attorney Stan Garnett • Sheriff Joe Pelle • State lawmakers Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, Rollie Heath, Matt Jones, KC Becker, Mike Foote, Jonathan Singer & Dianne Primavera • Former U.S. Senator Mark Udall & Maggie Fox • Former County Commissioners Josie Heath & Will Toor • Former lawmakers Ruth Wright, Dorothy Rupert, Alice Madden & Claire Levy • State legislative candidates Steve Fenberg & Edie Hooton • Boulder County Mayors: Dennis Coombs, Suzanne Jones, Bob Muckle, Christine Berg, Clint Folsom, Tara Schoedinger, Kris Larsen, Connie Sullivan, Tina Harris • Louisville City Council member Ashley Stolzmann

Sierra Club PLAN-Boulder County • Boulder City Council members Mary Young, Matt Appelbaum, Lisa Morzel, Sam Weaver, Andrew Shoemaker, Aaron Brockett, Jan Burton, & Bob Yates • Longmont City Council members Polly Christensen & Joan Peck • Lafayette City Council members Gustavo Reyna & Stephanie Walton • Former elected officials Susan Osborne, Dan Benavidez, Crystal Gray, Tim Plass, Macon Cowles, Spense Havlick, Bev Sears, Françoise Poinsatte, Andy Schultheiss, Leslie Durgin, Joe Gierlach & John O’Brien • Community leaders Lee Shainis, Carmen Ramirez, Elvira Ramos, Hunter Lovins, Brenda Lyle, Leslie Glustrom, Shari Malloy, Waylon Lewis and many more

Please join me in VOTING YES on county initiatives:

1A – Subdivision Roads 1B – Open Space 1C – Sustainability 1D – District Attorney Term Limit Extension

WWW.ELISEJONES.ORG

Paid for by Elise Jones for Boulder County. Claire Levy, Treasurer.

DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • 9

U.S. House, 2nd CD Nicholas Morse Party: Republican Website: nicmorseforcongress.com Age: 30 Family: Wife Andrea, daughter Emilia How long have you lived in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District? Since 2007.

Professional background: Marketing executive with Madwire Media in Loveland/Fort Collins.

Political/community experience: I was the treasurer for the Larimer County Republican Party before I became the nominee for the Republican Party in this congressional race.

Education: BA, Colorado State University (2009); MBA, Grand Canyon University (2013) What are the most pressing issues facing CD2 and how will you tackle them?

Lowering our national debt, keeping government funded and rebuilding our military. We can do this by cutting wasteful spending, returning the budgetary process to committee instead of the house floor and by properly allocating capital to rebuild the infrastructure and components of our military that are lacking.

What ideas do you have for keeping college affordable?

1. Provide alternative funding

for post-secondary education for craftsman or tradesman.

Metal workers, agrarians, wood workers and anyone attending trade Morse school should have the same opportunity for financial aid as those attending a four-year college.

2. Provide a pre-tax alternative should a recent graduate choose to begin making student loan payments. Recent graduates can make payments out of their gross income should they choose to elect this program.

3. We will also support legislation that provides employeematch tax credits to employers who match payments for recent college graduates should they stay employed at the same employer for five years or greater.

What is your position on admitting Syrian refugees into the U.S. and why?

We do not have an adequate framework set up to conduct appropriate screening of Syrian refugees. We must protect the American population and infrastructure with a preemptive defensive posture by putting American safety and security first.

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Richard Longstreth Party: Libertarian Website: electlongstreth.com Age: 29 Family: Long-term relationship How long have you lived in the district? Two years Professional background: Retail management Political/community experience: Regions director and campaigns director, Libertarian Party of Colorado; Foster Care Review Board — Clarksville, Tenn.

Education: BS in political science/international relations from Austin Peay State University.

What are the most pressing issues facing CD2 and how will you tackle them?

The most pressing issues facing CD2 include too much government involvement in citizens’ everyday lives. Our government’s role should be to keep us safe from outside threats, not micromanage nearly every aspect of our lives right down to our paychecks.

What ideas do you have for keeping college affordable?

The best way to make college more affordable is to get the government out of it. Thanks to government loans and various grants, Longstreth we see tuition rising at incredible rates at campuses across the U.S. Adjusted for inflation, attending a public university is double what is was compared to 20 years ago and it is largely because of government involvement in the education system in this country.

What is your position on admitting Syrian refugees into the U.S. and why?

We should allow and welcome any resident from any country who wishes to immigrate to our country and allow them the opportunity to apply and become a citizen of this nation. We are a country built on diverse opinions and backgrounds and there is no reason not to continue accepting new ideas and peoples. Together, we can all work together to make sure that we are the best and freest nation in the world.

U.S. House, 4th CD

harm themselves or others. Colorado’s gun laws could serve as a template for national gun laws.

Unfortunately, Colorado’s laws are undermined when other states allow people to buy guns with no background check and those weapons are then carried into Colorado. This is a national problem.

It requires a national solution.

We hear a lot about a polarDoes the U.S. Party: Democratic ized electorate and a paralyzed have too few gun Website: bobforcolorado.org congress. What is your posicontrols, just Age: 55 tion on reaching across the enough or too Family: I’m married to Ginger many? If you think aisle and working with the other side? and have three adult sons it’s too few or too The best solution would be to many, what would How long have you lived in Seay vote out members of Congress you change?

Colorado: 31 years. who have shown that they cannot I support the right to bear arms.

Professional background: work with others, starting with However, I do not believe that the those who refuse to work even Music educator authors of the Second Amendwith members of their own party.

Political/community experiment intended to allow people We need to recognize that people ence: Member, National Educawith mental illnesses, criminal with political views that are differtors Association; National Associa- records or histories of domestic ent from our own can still have tion for Music Educators; violence to own or to have access good ideas and can offer workable Education: Bachelor of Music to military grade weapons. We solutions. Some of the responsibilEducation, cum laude, University need laws that will keep guns out ity also falls on voters. Polarizaof Memphis, 1984 of the hands of people who would tion will continue as long as voters

Bob Seay

view “unwilling to compromise” as a positive trait.

What ideas do you have for balancing the nation’s security needs with the Syrian refugee crisis?

We have a moral obligation to take in refugees, regardless of their country of origin or religion.

In some cases, we are also obligated by various international agreements. For security purposes, refugees must be properly vetted.

Individuals who are identified as potential threats should be immediately turned away. Those who are allowed into our country should be subject to a probationary period during which their movements and activities are monitored. Those who break laws or who display suspicious behavior once they are in our country should be deported immediately.

We cannot, however, turn away innocent people who are fleeing a war-torn country simply because we lack the courage to take them in.

Term Limits = Fresh Ideas on Boulder City Council Wh t

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.

Term Limits for City Council is an initiative sponsored

by Open Boulder. One of its core missions is better, more representative governance for all the residents of Boulder.

Learn more at: BoulderCitizens.org Paid for by Boulder Citizens for Term Limits

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U.S. House, 4th CD Ken Buck Party: Republican Website: buckforcolorado.com Age: 57 Family: Wife Perry, son Cody and daughter Kaitlin How long have you lived in Colorado?: Since the early 1990s Professional background: U.S. Attorney’s Office, business executive for Hensel Phelps, district attorney Political/community experience: District attorney and member of Congress Education: Princeton undergraduate degree, and University of Wyoming Law School Does the U.S. have too few gun controls, just enough or too many? If you think it’s too few or too many, what would you change?

I believe it is important we respect the rights of law-abiding Coloradans. In my experience as district attorney, gun controls largely only burden law-abiding citizens, because violent criminals have little respect for our laws.

Those who have committed nonviolent crimes in the past but are now law-abiding citizens should have the opportunity to meet certain criteria for the restoration of their Second Amendment rights.

We hear a lot about a polar-

12 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016

Buck

ized electorate and a paralyzed congress. What is your position on reaching across the aisle and working with the other side?

I have good working relationships with Colorado’s congressional delegation, both Democrats and Republicans. While there may be ideological differences, we all share a genuine concern for the people of our state and our nation.

It’s this passion, combined with the willingness to listen, that will move our nation forward.

What ideas do you have for balancing the nation’s security needs with the Syrian refugee crisis?

We must strengthen border security and eliminate sanctuary cities to protect Americans. I also voted against bringing Syrian refugees to our country without proper vetting and background checks.

Once we tackle the security requirements, reforming our visa system will enable legal immigrants to contribute to Colorado’s economy and communities.

U.S. House, 4th CD Bruce Griffith Party: Libertarian Website: BG2016.Org Age: 55 Family: Married with four children; two adopted How long have you lived in Colorado?: 28 years Professional background: I am an engineer. I was the first full-time employee of two Colorado start-ups, both of which grew to be multi-million dollar businesses. I’ve worked for some of the largest corporations in industry Political/community experience: Small business owner; federal contractor and consultant; foster parent; founder, Academic Games in Colorado; St. Vrain Valley schools volunteer Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, University of Texas Does the U.S. have too few gun controls, just enough or too many? If you think it’s too few or too many, what would you change?

Our founding fathers gave us the Second Amendment as protection against tyranny. They wanted an armed citizenry capable of defending itself against the federal government. By far, the majority of gun-related homicide is domestic violence by handgun.

Colorado already exceeds federal law in this area. I would strongly prefer that gun control be a local thing rather than a one-size-fits-all policy from Washington. What makes sense in Parker may not make sense in Lamar or Julesburg.

We hear a lot about a polarized electorate and a paralyzed congress. What is your position on reaching across the aisle and working with the other side?

The United States congressional debate will be very different if

a few truly independent candidates are elected and there is no majority in Congress. Imagine a future where the speaker of the Griffith House is the best person for the job instead of a party loyalist. Imagine a future where bills scheduled for debate are based on merit rather than the agenda of a party.

Imagine a future where no bills get passed or rejected because of the political party of the author.

Imagine a future where all members of Congress need the cooperation of their peers from both sides of the aisle. Take a chance Colorado! Don’t accept a two-party deadlock in Washington. Vote for someone you can believe in.

What ideas do you have for balancing the nation’s security needs with the Syrian Refugee Crisis?

Our nation should offer refuge to those who are truly in need.

We need to make immigration to the USA easier, both for seasonal workers and for those that want to make a new life in the land of opportunity. We need to make sure that all immigrants come through appropriate checkpoints and procedures at airports and at our borders with Mexico and Canada. If they don’t have appropriate papers or the qualifications for admission as required by our existing laws, then we shouldn’t let them in. If we want to be safe, to ensure that new immigrants are the type we want in America, then we need to welcome them and be part of their lives. We need to offer them jobs and help them succeed. I don’t mean the government with government programs and government social workers. I mean we, the faithbased organizations and people of the United States.

CU Regents, at large Alice Madden Party: Democratic Website: vote.madden4cu.com Age: 57 Family: Husband Pete of 31 years; two sons How long have you lived in Colorado? 38 years Professional background: I worked as a technical writer while saving for law school. I practiced business law for nine years before being elected. I served as liaison to cities/states/ tribes/industry at the U.S. Department of Energy, and now run the Getches-Wilkinson Center at CU. Political/community experience: Elected to State House in 2000 (majority leader, 2004-09).

Boards: Planned Parenthood; International Women’s Forum Education: BA and JD from CU Boulder What are the most pressing issues that the CU Board of Regents needs to address and why?

Since 2001, the state has cut its support in half and tuition doubled. Colorado is now ranked 48th in state support. The regents have the opportunity to lead CU into the future; but the conservative status quo is not making progress on either tuition costs or meaningful access. Tuition and loan debt are breaking the backs of our young people, jeopardizing the state’s economic future. As I have traveled around the state, I have heard the CU Board described as “the big gorilla NOT in the room” when it comes to advocating for state funding of higher education. Diversity among faculty, staff and students has to be increased, paired with increasing the graduation rates of minorities (e.g. by scaling up proven efforts like pre-collegiate programs and targeted counseling). The current board majority

(and my opponent) emphasizes “diversity of thought” (especially in climate science) over racial diversity.

What ideas do Madden you have for keeping college affordable in Colorado?

The Regents must advocate for a bipartisan plan to reinvest in higher education, restoring scholarships and targeted loan forgiveness. The current board refused to support a bill, which over 300 organizations and state colleges supported, to apply ~$700M to important state needs, including public education (a Koch brothers affiliate helped kill this bipartisan bill in the State Senate). But state funding is not a panacea. We must reduce costs via increased efficiencies, and seek creative partnerships with the private sector to reduce tuition/costs. We must also work with K-12 partners to reduce the number of freshman that require remedial education (33 percent statewide), which saddles those students as well as the colleges with additional costs. Implement proven programs to increase/quicken graduation rates. Work with local banks on more favorable loan terms; work with federal partners to lower interest rates, refinancing options, and targeted loan forgiveness.

What is your position on fossil fuel divestment and why?

I support progressive investment strategies such as “Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Criteria” that incentivize corporations to meet the investors’ high standards over a broad spectrum. ESG criteria include evaluating things like sustainable supply chains, living wages, strong LGTBQ protections, and sound pension management.

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CU Regents, at large Heidi Ganahl Party: Republican Website: heidiganahl.com Age: 50 Family: Married to Jason Ganahl, mom to Tori (21), Hollie (7), twins Jack and Jenna (4) and our pup Henry How long have you lived in Colorado? Since the 1970s.

Professional background: Began in pharmaceutical sales but ultimately started what would become a $100 million pet-care business, Camp Bow Wow. Political/community experience: Founded nonprofits Moms Fight Back and Families Fight Back. Served on nonprofit boards focused on education, entrepreneurship and school safety, includ-

ing director at CU Foundation.

Education: CU Boulder, graduate school at DU. What are the most pressing issues that the CU Ganahl Board of Regents needs to address and why?

We should continue to make sure that students and parents are getting the very best value possible for their tuition dollar. We need to keep college affordable and make sure when students graduate they have the tools they need to get a great job. CU has always stood for academic excellence and strives to enrich the uni-

YES

on

3A Vote for Schools

Endorsed by: Impact on Education • Boulder County Democratic Party • Boulder Valley Education Association • Latino Chamber of Commerce • Great Education Colorado • Boulder Chamber of Commerce Paid for by the Vote Yes on 3A Committee 14 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016

versity by attracting, supporting and graduating students from a range of backgrounds. We need to continue to cultivate a diverse group of faculty and students.

Let’s also focus on keeping our college campuses safe. We’re dealing with campus sexual assault, rising substance abuse and increasing depression and anxiety.

I want to make sure that we are doing all we can to keep our students safe. Finally, I am focused on making sure freedom of speech stays alive and well at the University of Colorado. No safe spaces just feisty collaborative debate and teaching students how to think for themselves.

What ideas do you have for keeping college affordable in Colorado?

Continue to build relationships with Colorado legislators to maximize state funding. Keep breaking private fundraising records and expand on innovative funding options to lead CU forward. Focus on graduating students in four years. Coordinate with student

government around student fees to push for efficiencies. Leverage technology to drive down costs.

Make it easier to transfer credits.

Prepare high school students better so 1/3 of new college students don’t have to take remedial classes. Drive innovation through private/public partnerships. Tuition should be within reach for real families. I will continue to make sure that students and parents are getting the best value possible for their tuition dollar, it’s my top priority if elected.

What is your position on fossil fuel divestment and why?

Protecting the environment is crucial, but it’s been proven divesting is not an effective way to do that. If we don’t include energy in our investments at CU, it hurts families and students across Colorado. CU’s programs in energy are leaders in developing clean and affordable energy options and our campuses are among the most energy efficient in the nation. CU should lead the way on energy innovation.

CU Regents, 4th CD Bob Owens Party: Democratic Candidate declined to participate.

CU Regents, 4th CD Sue Sharkey Party: Republican Website: sharkey4regent.com Age: 60 Family: My husband David Jordan, 3 grown and married children, 6 grandchildren How long have you lived in Colorado? More than 45 years Professional background: Managed small family run retail apparel, marketing, banking.

Political/community experience: Currently serving my first term on the CU Board of Regents Education: High school, professional banking studies.

What are the most pressing issues that the CU Board of Regents needs to address and why?

We must fight for affordable tuition, educational access for underserved students across the state, and degree programs that translate to career opportunities upon graduation. Campus safety is paramount — the university is committed to the safety of its students, and we must continue to provide the necessary resources to ensure we have a safe campus.

Diversity is also crucial to the university; a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff enriches the educational experience and provides opportunity for all people.

What ideas do you have for

keeping college affordable in Colorado?

With the reduction of state funding for higher education in Colorado, we Sharkey must seek alternative funding sources, through public and private partnerships in the business community and support from donors — as we continue to advocate for funding through the legislature.

In addition, we must look for ways to increase efficiency while maintaining a world-class university.

What is your position on fossil fuel divestment and why?

The Board of Regents cannot instruct our treasurer to sell its investments in individual energy companies because Colorado’s Constitution prohibits the University of Colorado from holding stocks in any particular companies. Within this limitation, we trust our treasurer to make investment decisions in accordance with Colorado state law, which anticipates a broad and diverse portfolio. I do not believe this is an appropriate area for the Board of Regents to address. I rely upon our scientists and researchers to continue their work on the study of climate change.

RTD Directors, District I Véronique Bellamy Website: vero4rtd.com Age: 29 Family: No family How long have you lived in the district? 3 years, since I moved here from the United Kingdom Professional background: Senior software architect for Phase Zero, intern at the UK Home Office and Ubisoft Paris Political/community experience: Former welfare officer for Magdalen College of the University of Oxford, lieutenant commander in the NOAA Commissioned Corps Education: Ph.D. in computer science, University of Oxford; MS and BS in computer science, l’École polytechnique in Palaiseau, France What is your position on completing FasTracks through Boulder County and if you were elected, how do you plan on accomplishing it?

My position is that not only must we complete FasTracks through Boulder County, it is a travesty that my opponent continues to pretend she is for completing FasTracks when the evidence shows she isn’t. My plan to accomplish it is two-fold: We must get rid of the public-private partnerships (or P3s) and implement a gas tax. I know that this might not be a popular idea, but it is crucial in order to undo the damage Judy Lubow and Lee Kemp have done to our rail. If I get elected to the board, I will be pushing for this from day one.

Are public-private partnerships the way forward for RTD, such as have been used on the A Line (which has

experienced service problems) and the B-Line?

As you may guess from my answer to the previous question, Bellamy P3s are a way backward, not forward. We are not the first system saddled with a P3 failure, but we are the latest. The evidence, both theoretical and practical, shows that P3s are a spectacular failure. Academics like the late Dr. Paul Mees of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology have condemned transit privatization. We need to take back control of our rail in order to cut our costs. One of my top priority goals is to push for amending the RTD Act to ban any new P3s.

I also intend to push to remove the clause in the RTD Act that requires us to privatize 50 percent of our bus service.

How often and where do you personally use public transportation?

If I need to go anywhere, it is usually on public transit. From my job in the tech centre to the gym, I take public transit. I do not own a car nor a driver’s licence. I am planning to judge a debate tournament in Colorado Springs and I’ll likely take public transit to get to it. One thing I noticed, however, is that at the 36 Commuting Solutions candidate forum, both of my competitors, Lee and Judy, drove to the forum. In fact, I saw Lee pull into the 1stBank Center in his Ford as I was walking up to the door from the bus stop.

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RTD Directors, District I

John Tayer, created the Northwest Mobility Study to give our constituents and stakeholders the opportunity to participate in the decisions affecting the Northwest corridor. Going forward, as bonds mature from other initiatives, like the east line, I will fight to assign those freed-up funds to incremental advances of the Northwest line Website: kemp4rtd.com for 16 years; board of through Boulder and into Longadvisors, A Precious mont. I have a strong record of Age: 62 Child; former board searching and advocating for addiFamily: Wife, three kids and one tional funds for the Northwest cormember, 17th Judigrandchild ridor, and will continue to do that cial District CASA as well. for five years.

How long have you lived in the district? 25 years Are public-private partnerEducation: Kemp Attended Akron Uni- ships the way forward for RTD, Professional background: I’ve versity and Metro State University such as have been used on the had a 40-year career in transit, manufacturing and alternative fuel What is your position on com- A Line (which has experienced service problems) and the technologies, including 15 years at pleting FasTracks through RTD. I am regional vice president Boulder County and if you were B-Line? of sales at Motor Coach Industries elected, how do you plan on I have been a steadfast champiand a Vietnam War Army veteran accomplishing it? on of funding RTD through existPolitical/community experiing public funds, but also recogI am committed to prioritizing ence: Former RTD board memRTD funding to fulfill the promises nize the importance of publicber 2005-2012 (chair 2008-2012); made to the voters. In fact, in 2012, private partnerships due to the Broomfield police victim advocate I, along with fellow board member limitations of public funding. We

Lee Kemp

Looknd Beyoels Lab

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE CANDIDATES FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER?

PAUL DANISH

ON THE ISSUE OF…

must consider public-private partnerships for certain projects even though they are not the answer for every project. For example, there are times that private companies can meet budgets and deadlines which are impossible for government entities. I believe that the service issues with the A Line are largely due to the implementation of new progressive technologies such as PTC (Positive Train Control) and other start-up issues common to new services.

How often and where do you personally use public transportation?

I have been a frequent user of public transportation throughout my career. Now that I primarily work from home, I take RTD about three to five times per month to get to Union Station from Broomfield for dinners, social gatherings and sporting events. I also use the Wagon Road Park-nRide and the Skyride service from Wagon Road to the airport a couple times per month.

DEB GARDNER

BERNIE

Slightly younger than Bernie, but just as well spoken

Part of the County Democratic Party machine that left Bernie delegates out in the cold

MARIJUANA

Early supporter of legalization

Who knows???

OPEN GOVERNMENT

Supports open and transparent government with full citizen access to information

Works to suppress County studies that don’t support her bias

ROAD MAINTENANCE

Committing to maintaining county roads using existing funds

Refuses to maintain county roads; asking for another tax increase to deal with what she has neglected

SOUND SCIENCE

Pledges to support sound science in making complex decisions on scientific and environmental matters

Politics and pandering to special interests drive decisions, says “I know what I want” regardless of the science

ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT

Will answer his phone and demand that the County do the same

Does not answer her office phone, publish her cell phone number, or make herself available to constituents in any noticeable way

COMMUNITY DIVERSITY

Opposes segregating “affordable housing” and champions a truly integrated, diverse community

Ignores the concerns of citizens, uses 1980s thinking to make Boulder more segmented and less diverse

TRANSPORTATION

Supports needs-based transportation vouchers and use of technology to solve problems

Supports sending even more money to RTD under the guise of community eco passes—an agency that ignores Boulder and failed to deliver light rail

PAID FOR BY CITIZENS FOR A RESPONSIBLE BOULDER, SHAYNE MADSEN, REGISTERED AGENT NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE

16 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016

Who Would Best Represent You?

RTD Directors, District I

State Senate, District 17

Judy Lubow

Matt Jones

Website: judylubowforrtd.com Age: 70 Family: I’m single, with wonderful pets here and family around the country How long have you lived in the district? 13 years Professional background: Retired Environmental Protection Agency enforcement attorney with 29 years experience Political/community experience: RTD Board of Directors for the past four years; prior tenure on Humane Society of Boulder Valley Board of Directors Education: College and law school What is your position on completing FasTracks through Boulder County and if you were elected, how do you plan on accomplishing it?

I strongly support completing the promised FasTracks rail corridor through our county, because we are paying taxes for it and because FasTracks rail corridors are bringing prosperity wherever they are built. We deserve that prosperity, too.

Since lack of funding is the major problem in attaining our rail, I plan to continue working with corridor municipalities to create the most cost-cutting and cost-effective rail operational plans possible and to look for new funding sources to build it, such as the creation of new transportation funding districts. I also support the building of appropriate bus rapid transit improvements in our county, in

tandem with our FasTracks rail, so that the combination will really jump-start transit in our county.

Are public-priLubow vate partnerships the way forward for RTD, such as have been used on the A Line (which has experienced service problems) and the B Line?

In a time of budget constraints, government needs to be able to use as many financial tools as possible to raise necessary funds. A public-private partnership is one such tool to raise private capital for government projects, and if it is crafted in a way that the public is protected, it can be a useful tool. RTD’s use of such partnerships in the past has enabled FasTracks corridors to be built years earlier than they would have without these partnerships, and in spite of the operational problems presently being experienced, that has been a very good thing. Thus, I think each public-private partnership needs to be evaluated individually, on its own merits, to determine if it is the best way forward for the public.

How often and where do you personally use public transportation?

I took public transit regularly on bad weather days when I worked at the EPA, and I do the same thing now when I attend RTD board meetings in Denver.

Party: Democratic Website: mattjonesforcolorado.com Age: 61 Family: Wife Shari, daughter Jessica How long have you lived in Boulder County? 23 years Professional background: Was an open space and trails planner and part-time wildland firefighter Political/community experience: Colorado House of Representatives 1987 to 1993 and 2011 to 2013; Colorado State Senate 2013 to 2016; Served as Assistant Minority Leader in the House and Whip in the Senate; Louisville open space board; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Hike for Discovery fundraising.

Education: BA in Political Science, MA in Political Science natural resource policy program from Colorado State University.

How will you work toward increasing clean energy use in the state?

By aggressively promoting clean energy in power generation, building heating and transportation. Advocate for wind and solar power and energy efficiency. Provide loan programs to retrofit buildings to make their con-

struction more energy efficient and to use of alternative heat sources such as solar thermal and heat exchange. ProJones mote electric vehicles, including charger build-out, and mass transit.

What would you do to make sure education is properly funded?

Reform TABOR and invest in educational opportunity for people to get ahead and to improve all of our futures. One piece of this passing a simple budget fix to make the Hospital Provider Fee into an “exchange” freeing up about $260 million for schools, universities and transportation.

How will you get the rail service to Boulder County?

I am as frustrated as anyone that we are paying for commuter rail and are the last to get it.

Continue to lead and organize Northwest Rail legislators in Boulder, Adams and Jefferson counties to advocate with RTD to make sure we get rail to Louisville, Boulder and Longmont way before the projected 2042 completion date.

DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • 17

State Senate, District 18

Steve Fenberg

VOTE YES ON 1B & 1C

HELP PRESERVE THE HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE AND ECONOMIC VIBRANCY THAT MAKE BOULDER COUNTY A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY

1B & 1C would boost our economy with no increase in taxes in Boulder County. A 2015 study found that for every $1 invested in local sustainability programs, there is a $5 return in utility bill savings, local economic activity, and job creation.

Plus, 1B & 1C would: • Protect and expand open space.

• Invest in programs to help our community tackle climate change, conserve natural resources and water, reduce waste, use cleaner energy, and make local food more accessible.

• Support low-income residents by funding food assistance programs at the Farmers Markets, transportation support, and home weatherization.

PROUDLY ENDORSED BY

Daily Camera Guest Editorial, September 11, 2016 “A yes vote will go a long way towards maintaining our environment for future generations and maintaining our legacy of innovative, cost-effective sustainability services that benefit residents and businesses. Please vote yes on 1B and 1C.” - Will Toor is a member of the Better Boulder steering committee and a former Boulder mayor and Boulder County commissioner.

Daily Camera Guest Editorial, September 17, 2016 “Our Boulder County Commissioners are continuing the tradition of Boulder County environmental leadership by proposing a sustainability measure for this year's ballot, without raising taxes. I hope you will join me in supporting their vision and vote for this measure in November.”

-S G i di i f C l d ' 20 h J di i l Di i h d d i B ld

Times-Call Guest Editorial, August 27, 2016

Party: Democratic Website: stevefenberg.org Age: 32 Family: Engaged How long have you lived in Boulder County: 15 years Professional background: Founding executive director at New Era Colorado; nonprofit and communications consultant; small-business owner of a bar in Silver Plume.

Political/community experience: Board of Directors for ProgressNow; One Colorado Political Committee; INVST Community Studies; served on the Boulder Housing Working Group and the city of Boulder Capital Improvement Taskforce.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Environmental Policy at the University of Colorado.

What is your position on clean energy use in the state?

One of my top reasons for running, and priorities if elected, is to dramatically increase the use of clean energy to power our state.

Colorado has made gains in the last decade, but we need to do more to transition from a fossil fuel-dominated grid to one that is dominated by clean, renewable and reliable energy sources like wind and solar. Due to the dramatic drop in prices for wind and solar in recent years, these sources of energy are now competitively priced and make clear economic sense for both consumers and our state’s economy as a whole. We need to do more through state policy to encourage utilities and businesses to deploy this energy onto the grid in a faster and more prioritized manner. For instance, increasing the renewable energy standard to at least 50 percent, increasing our state’s storage capacity so we can store excess

energy and use it during high-demand hours, building a statewide electric vehicle charging network, and further incentivizing distribFenberg uted rooftop solar are simple (and very feasible) steps we can and should implement immediately.

What would you do to make sure education is properly funded?

There are several policies, such as passing the hospital provider fee, we should implement to free up additional funding for K-12 and higher education. However, this is a woefully insufficient and only temporary step that needs to be taken to support Colorado’s underfunded education system. At the risk of stating the obvious, we need to reform TABOR in order to fund Colorado’s education system adequately. I’m committed to making fiscal reform one of my top priorities, both through policy priorities at the legislature as well as through public education and advocacy for a ballot measure solution in my role as a community leader.

How will you help create economic opportunities in the state?

I hope to help create economic opportunities for Colorado families by advancing policies that better support K-12 public education, student loan assistance and/or forgiveness programs, incentives and matching fund programs to spur additional affordable and middle-income housing efforts, and policies that ensure working families are protected by minimum standards such as sick leave and increased minimum wage levels.

M. Peter Spraitz M. Peter Spraitz Party: Republican 18 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016

Candidate did not respond to request for information.

State Senate, District 23 T.J. Cole Party: Democratic Website: coleforcolorado.com Age: 45 Family: Seven children, nine grandchildren How long have you lived in Colorado: Whole life Professional background: Judge, magistrate, lawyer, principal, professor, reserve police officer Political/community experience: Founder, chairman of the board for five schools, Juvenile Judge Association, Civil Rules Committee, Magistrate Rules Committee, foster parent, founder Colorado Football Conference, National Judicial College Faculty, Pikes Peak Mental Health Board, U.S. State Department Faculty Education: Ph.d. in humanities and secondary education, J.D. law, M.A. in judicial studies and international politics, B.A. political science How would you plan to manage residential and commercial development along the I-25 corridor?

I plan to work closely with the county commissioners, town councils and private developers to make sure that the development that occurs has the proper infrastructure and addresses key issues like transportation, schools [we need to add schools in areas that have grown significantly,] low income housing, public safety and preserves our envi-

ronment. I plan to form a District 23 council that will work collaboratively between all of the different political parties to address Cole development issues.

Until I-25 is widened up to Fort Collins, how do you see moving people on mass transit or otherwise on one of the most crowded corridors in the country?

Our districtwide council will meet to discuss and develop long term solutions such as a public private partnership for light rail from Broomfield to Fort Collins.

Several municipalities have also discussed a high speed bus lane similar to other cities. In the interim, we will work with the RTD district to provide folks in our district with discounts and other alternative plans.

What is the most important non-growth issue facing this district?

The most important nongrowth issue is addressing senior and veteran issues. Within 10 years, 31 percent of Colorado’s population will be entering senior status, and we must be prepared to serve this population by having viable solutions to housing, transportation and mental health issues.

Vicki Marble Party: Republican Website: vickimarble.com Age: 63 Family: Two sons, one stepson and his adorable wife How long have you lived in Northern Colorado: Since 1976 Professional background: Agriculture, livestock industry (bovine and equine), trucking, professional rodeo, retail liquor, licensed Colorado insurance producer, Larimer County Rural Land Use Board, current state senator Political/community experience: Little League baseball coach, elementary track coach, food drives, church fundraisers, Soldiers Angels, CASA volunteer, member Marine Corp League, Major Civil Air Patrol United States Air Force Auxiliary (state legislative member) Education: K-12 in Billings, Mont.; attended the University of Montana, CSU How would you plan to manage residential and commercial development along the I-25 corridor?

That is the job of county commissioners and city councils.

City and county managers/planners, boards of commissions, local business professionals and developers attend to residential and commercial development.

Until I-25 is widened up to Fort Collins, how do you see moving people on mass transit or otherwise on one Marble of the most crowded corridors in the country?

Mass transit isn’t going to fix our I-25 problem.You can’t move commerce on a mass transit system. Our economy depends on good roads and bridge infrastructure. Plumbers, electricians, construction workers and contractors, farmers, livestock haulers, supermarkets, retailers, wholesalers, soccer moms, ..etc., all over the state depend on a good road and bridge system in order to move product and conduct professional and family business. Right now, roads and bridges should be a funding priority as our economy is driven by those who depend a solid, reliable highway system. I can’t imagine going to the grocery store and having to haul it all backto my home on a public transit system. Good roads and bridges = public safety.

What is the most important non-growth issue facing this district?

Government regulatory overreach.

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State House, District 10 We have a responsibility to all Boulder kids.

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VOTE YES on 2H American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Boulder County Democratic Party, Boulder County Latino Chamber of Commerce, Boulder Hazon, el Centro AMISTAD, Latino Task Force of Boulder County, Moxie Moms Boulder, New Era Colorado, Alfalfa’s Market, APEX Movement Boulder, Colorado Athletic Training School (CATS Gym), LunchBox Productions, Mo’ Betta Green MarketPlace, Ruya CrossFit, Zeal - Food for Enthusiasts, BVSD School Board President Sam Fuqua, Boulder County Commissioner Deb Gardner, State House Representative Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, State Senator Rollie Heath, Boulder Mayor Suzanne Jones, Judy Amabile, Elena Aranda, Rachel Arndt, Janet Beardsley, Gary Berg, Joshua Berman, Jose Beteta, Alex Bogusky, Eben Carsey MD, Nicole Christensen, John Coulter Lewis, Regina Cowles, Jane Daniels, Stephen Daniels Pediatrician in Chief, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Hana Dansky, Peter Dawson MD, MPH, Jorge De Santiago, Jennifer DeCastro, Paige Doughty, Maura Dudley, Jonathan Ernster, Angelique Espinoza, Steve Fenberg, Mara Fleischman, Deborah Foote, Deb Gedenberg, Stephan Geson, Kevin Gilbert PhD, Lynn Gilbert RN, PhD, Justin Gold, Beverly Grant, Lynn Guissinger, Tessa Hale, Jared Hall, Amy Harman, Ashley Hatfield, Scott Hatfield, Sam Hay, Marshall Hayes, Becky Higbee MD, Edie Hooton, Willow King, Adam Knickelbein, Annie Lappé, Susan Lavelle, Emily Lindner, Valerie Lipetz, Lorrie McFatridge-Shigley, Morgan Rogers McMillan MPH, Melinda Morris Registered Dietician Nutritionist, Kari Nelson, Becky O’Brien, Iva Paleckova, Elizabeth Patterson, Tim Plass, Sue Prant, Neely Quinn, Jyotsna Ras, Wendy Rein, Ali Rhodes, Emily Shaw, Justin Sikkema, Cliff Smedley, Allison Smith MPH, Registered Dietician Nutritionist, Carolyn Tabak MD, MPH, Gwen Thelen, Ryan Van Duzer, Bobbie Watson, Ann Wells, Kerry White, Mary Wolf, Sophia Yager, Jeff Zayach and many more!

Visit www.HealthyBoulderKids.org

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Edie Hooton Party: Democratic Website: ediehooton.com Age: 59 Family: Husband Jim, son Ned, daughter Ginny How long have you lived in Boulder County: 19 years Professional Background: Aide to U.S. Senator Mike Gravel and Alaska State Senator Bettye Fahrenkamp; Community Relations-Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; Philadelphia Electric Company.

Political Experience: Boulder County Democratic Party, Democratic Women of Boulder County, Congressional District 2 Vice Chair. Treasurer for Polis for Congress.

Community Experience: I Have A Dream Foundation; Safehouse; New Era Colorado; INVEST Colorado; Intercambio; EFAA. Education: MFA, Public Administration, University of Pennsylvania.

What is your position on clean energy use in the state?

My goal is to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next 30 years through these efforts: Increase the use of renewable energy — more wind, more solar. Improve and expand battery storage capacity. Higher energy efficiency standards in new and existing buildings. Expand zero waste programs across the state. Establish a statewide network of electric charging stations to encourage expansion of our commercial and private electric vehicle fleet.

Enact a state plan that exceeds

the mandate of the federal Clean Power Plan.

What will you do to increase the minimum wage?

I support AmendHooton ment 70 that would raise Colorado’s minimum wage to $12/hour over the next three years. Fundamentally, I believe every community should have the right to consider a minimum wage proposal that reflects their economic capacity.

Colorado’s communities are diverse. To that end, I will sponsor/support legislation that would give municipalities the authority to raise the minimum wage.

What is your position on fracking?

I support giving municipalities the authority to regulate oil and gas development in their communities. Colorado cities and towns currently have the right to locally regulate the location and hours of operation of hard rock mining, liquor stores, pot shops, porn shops, junk yards and public landfills, just to name a few. This same right should be expanded to cover fracking. Boulder County’s economy thrives on it’s beautiful setting and access to open space and outdoor recreation. Other communities have economies that depend on resource development, like fracking. I am fully behind a 100 percent renewable energy future and 100 percent behind supporting communities whose economies need public support in making that transition.

State House, District 11 Jonathan Singer Party: Democratic Website: singerforcolorado.com Age: 37 Family: Wife Allison, daughter Gwendolyn How long have you lived in the district?: 12 years in Longmont, 23 years in Boulder County Professional background: Child welfare social worker Political/community experience: State House Representative since 2012; Longmont Planning and Zoning Commission 2009-2012; former Boulder County Safehouse Counselor.

Education: Bachelor’s of science in psychology and social work from Colorado State University; master’s of social work from Colorado State University.

As Colorado grows in population, what ideas do you have to fund transportation?

We need to have a longer conversation about whether or not a gas tax is the best way to fund roads. Gas tax revenue continues to go down even though we are putting more wear and tear on our highways. At the same time, I will continue to be a vocal advocate for Longmont getting our fair share from FasTracks.

We deserve to get what we have paid for.

Where do you stand on the ColoradoCare ballot question and why?

I believe ColoradoCare is a well-written amendment that puts citizens in charge of their

health care, rather than insurance companies. This means health and access to affordable care, not bottom lines, will be Singer driving the new system. If ColoradoCare moves forward, 80 percent of taxpayers will see a savings in their pocketbook.

Do you think we’re adequately funding higher education in Colorado? If not, what would you change?

It’s time to level the playing field for our middle class. While I have helped slow tuition increases, the state needs to step up. At the same time, we need to find new ways to encourage more youth to go into skilled trades that pay more and cost less. Because of the restrictions placed on the legislature by TABOR, we focus our already limited amount of public funding on K-12 education. There are lots of important state-funded projects (from roads, to affordable housing, to schools), all of which are too strapped by the artificial limitations of TABOR. We had a bill last year that would have invested in schools and roads without raising taxes.

Even though it had bipartisan support, it died in the Republican-controlled Senate. I will continue to work across the aisle to carefully invest our tax dollars in our state in a way that doesn’t put our students under crushing debt.

Corey Piper Party: Republican Website: votepiper.org Age: 50 Family: wife Beth, daughters Faye and Avery, son Alden How long have you lived in the district: 12 years Professional background: Teacher for 19 years Political/community experience: I am a citizen of this great country, and I believe representatives should be regular, workaday people who step up to protect the private rights of their neighbors, and who promote the needs of their community.

Education: Education degree from Whitworth University, Spokane, Wash.

As Colorado grows in population, what ideas do you have to fund transportation?

I would promote legislation that would allow an increase in the gas tax, but stipulations would have to be put in place that would require the money generated to be used only for highway improvements, according to Article X, Section 18 of the Colorado Constitution. Other solutions would involve increasing the percentage of our budget allocated toward our highways, and asking voters if we should use the TABOR surplus for highway

improvements instead of as a tax refund.

Where do you stand on the ColoradoCare ballot question and Piper why?

I oppose ColoradoCare for one overriding reason: single-payer healthcare systems have a fatal flaw — they promise unlimited services paid for by limited supply. Amendment 69 claims it can make this trick happen, but so did the unaffordable healthcare act. At any level, we cannot ignore economic laws, just as we can’t ignore gravity.

Do you think we’re adequately funding higher education in Colorado? If not, what would you change?

Higher education is deplorably expensive with the average debt for an undergraduate student at about $35,000. This, however, cannot be solely blamed on the state not paying enough. Efforts to make higher education more affordable must be directed toward actually reducing the cost.

This can only be done by innovation and by developing more options than the standard fouryear university model.

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State House, District 12 Mike Foote Party: Democratic Website: mikefoote.org Age: 43 Family: wife Heidi, daughters Amelia and Leanna How long have you lived in the district? 11 years Professional background: Deputy District Attorney, Boulder County District Attorney’s Office.

Political/community experience: House District 12 representative, 2012 to present.

Education: B.A. Indiana University; Master of Global Studies University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies; J.D. University of Colorado School of Law. Where do you stand on the ColoradoCare ballot item and why?

I support the concept of universal health care. As of the time of this survey, I am still working through the language and various studies about the viability of the proposed structure.

As Colorado grows in population, what ideas do you have to fund transportation?

We get what we pay for and that is especially the case with transportation.

At some point we must recognize the need for more reveFoote nue in this area.

Colorado Springs of all places recently increased taxes to pay for roads. Many of our surrounding states have done the same. We will continue to fall behind if we don’t acknowledge this reality.

Do you think we’re adequately funding higher education in Colorado? If not, what would you change?

Our current constitutional structure, particularly the TABOR amendment, is the main reason we fund higher education so poorly. Short of the necessary constitutional fix, we can cap student loan rates and free up budget space to allow for some more higher education funding. Over the last two years both of those ideas were attempted at the legislature but failed in the Republican-controlled Senate.

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Bob Dillon Party: Republican Website: N/A Age: 67 Family: Wife Michelle, two daughters How long have you lived in the district? Two years Professional background: U.S. Marine Combat Photographer and retired in 1987 as a captain; 28 years at the San Diego Zoo and retired as the director of operations.

Political/community experience: Chairman-San Diego Mayor’s Committee on Disabilities for policy; 15 years volunteer, Rady Children’s Hospital’s canine therapy program; recipient, John F. Kennedy Center’s Community Asset Award for improving accessibility for people with disabilities in San Diego.

Education: Majored in cinematography in USC. Where do you stand on the ColoradoCare ballot item and why?

I oppose it because State Treasurer (Walker) Stapleton stated that this would literally double the state budget. This increases taxes this year and beyond.

As Colorado grows in population, what ideas do you

have to fund transportation?

There is a hospital provider fee that impacts the limits of TABOR. We should considDillon er converting the Hospital Provider Fee to an enterprise fund. This takes it out of TABOR and frees up about $370 million that could be used for transportation and other infrastructure needs.

Do you think we’re adequately funding higher education in Colorado? If not, what would you change?

No, but more taxes are not the answer. We should look at ways of encouraging employers to support employees attending college and trade schools. For example, young people could work for the municipalities as apprentices for the facility departments and a portion of their compensation would go to tuition. Schools that receive government dollars should be closely audited to ensure the funds are used wisely. We need to make sure the funds are not used to free up other revenues for unnecessary spending that serves to increase tuition costs.

State House, District 13 KC Becker Party: Democratic Website: kcbecker.org Age: 46 Family: Husband Miles, sons Leo and Ryder How long have you lived in Boulder County? since 2002 Professional background: environmental lawyer Political/community experience: Boulder Planning Board, 2008-2009; Boulder City Council, 2009-2013; State 14 Rep for HD 13, 2013-present.

Education: BA in Government, William and Mary; JD with certificate in environmental law, Lewis and Clark Law School; MS in Real Estate, University of Denver Sturm Business School.

How do you plan to combat poverty in the state?

I support increasing the minimum wage, which will raise many families out of poverty. I sponsored the Corporate Responsibility Act, which required very large businesses to pay a fee to Colorado for those employees who are paid less than $12 per hour and for whom they don’t provide health insurance. We are seeing large companies off-load costs to the government by paying low wages and not providing any benefits. The fee paid would help cover health costs for low-income workers. Creative policies like this will help the state of Colorado better address poverty.

What is your position on clean energy?

The more, the better. The state must take an active role in moving us to Becker a clean energy economy by incentivizing clean energy development. We can do this by accelerating the transition away from coal, supporting distributed generation and raising the renewable energy standard.

What will you do to work on improving the health of forests?

I am the vice chair of the Wildfire Committee, which focuses on forest health, and I have sponsored several pieces of legislation to address forest health and fire mitigation. I successfully sponsored a bill that provided grant funding to local governments for wildfire mitigation and also successfully sponsored a bill this year to provide an increased temporary tax deduction for homeowners in the wildland urban interface who do fire mitigation on their property. It is just a matter of time until we see another major wildfire rip through Colorado. We can be better prepared by increasing mitigation on public and private lands, and by coordinating activity with our federal partners.

State House, District 33 Matt Gray Party: Democratic Website: matthewgray.us Age: 36 Family: Wife Katie, 3-year-old daughter Ellie and 9-month-old son Theo How long have you lived in Broomfield? Over 10 years Professional background: Former prosecutor in Broomfield County and now helps local governments finance their infrastructure projects Political/community experience: Serves on the Broomfield Board of Equalization and is the vice-chair of the Adams County Youth Initiative, which helps young people in Broomfield and Adams County Education: Bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and political science and a law degree As affordable housing shrinks, how would you accommodate the working middle class in these communities?

We need to have a wide variety of housing options to meet the needs of each individual family.

It can’t be the case that the only option for middle class families is to rent an apartment, even if they’d prefer something of their own. I have already begun working with people across the housing industry to address these needs using all the tools we have.

Rapid growth in this district has led to contentious, even legal, battles among municipalities. How would you work with local governments to facilitate fair play and policy that benefits the entire region and state, not just a single

player?

In my time as a deputy district attorney, I often had to work with law enforcement agencies and local Gray officials from a variety of offices to reach the best result, and I would look to help accomplish the same as a state representative. As a public finance attorney, I have worked with cities, towns, school districts, special districts and many other local governments. Each provides valuable services to their citizens. The best path forward is through creative thinking and compromise to reach solutions that allow everyone to prosper.

What’s your stance on fracking at the local and state levels and how should regulations be dealt with?

I believe that renewable energy is the future in our state, and it’s already providing great, high-paying jobs in Colorado right now. But our community still relies on oil and gas for part of our energy picture. As long as that development is ongoing, I’d like those jobs to available to people in our community as well.

Most local governments aren’t against good jobs in energy development, and most operators don’t want to harm the communities they work in. I believe we should encourage local governments and operators to reach consensus about safe, environmentally friendly procedures for oil and gas development in order to protect our local homes, schools and businesses.

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State House, District 33 Karen Nelson Party: Republican Website: karenforcolorado.com Age: 65 Family: Widow How long have you lived in Broomfield: 30-plus years Professional background: Legislative aide for 11 years at the State Capitol Political/community experience: Member of the Broomfield Republican Women and Colorado Federation of Republican Women for 24 years. Planning & Zoning Commission for the City and County of Broomfield for three years.

Education: One year community college As affordable housing shrinks, how would you accommodate the working middle class in these communities?

One way to address affordable housing is to start building condos again. The construction defect law needs to be addressed

at the state level.

Rapid growth in this district has led to contentious, even legal, battles among municipalities.

Nelson How would you work with local governments to facilitate fair play and policy that benefits the entire region and state, not just a single player?

I believe strongly that the state should not interfere with local politics, in the same way that I believe the federal government should not interfere with state issues.

What’s your stance on fracking at the local and state levels and how should regulations be dealt with?

I support fracking because we need to use the resources available in the USA. We need to be energy independent. Regulations should be dealt with on the state level.

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Kim Tavendale Party: Libertarian Website: kimforcolorado.com Age: 45 Family: Married with two children in elementary school How long have you lived in Broomfield: Eight years Professional background: Former insurance agent and current an officiant/minister Political/community experience: HOA board Education: Industry certifications in insurance and financial planning, and retail management As affordable housing shrinks, how would you accommodate the working middle class in these communities?

This is a difficult problem to solve, and it’s one that is affecting quite a lot of communities on the front range. One of the questions I would ask is “Is government getting in the way?” What state or local regulations may be unintentionally creating a barrier to producing more affordable housing? What regulations or policies could be adjusted to facilitate local cities being able to keep people in their communities? Are there zoning restrictions on height that mean multiunit properties can’t be built, or mixed-use projects that require some re-zoning to occur? In my experience, the people working closest to the problem usually have some pretty good ideas about how to solve it and we should be soliciting input from them in order to help middle class families facing the rising cost of housing.

Rapid growth in this district has led to contentious, even legal, battles among municipalities. How would you work with local governments to facilitate fair play and policy

that benefits the entire region and state, not just a single player?

Because I am not beholden to any one party or Tavendale group, I can become the middle ground and view the situation from all viewpoints. Solving conflict is about building relationships between the differing governmental entities and agencies so that we have respect for each other and agree to find a solution together that benefits all parties.

What’s your stance on fracking at the local and state levels and how should regulations be dealt with?

This is such a contentious issue for many. I can understand those who are nervous about chemicals being so close to homes and schools, or who think that messing about underground is dangerous, and I can also understand those who believe that we need the cheap energy that fracking provides to ensure low-cost heating for families and businesses. I would like to see all parties come together to find a way to ensure that we can access the natural gas energy that so many depend on, with the state, fracking companies and local communities collaborating about where best to place fracking wells and store chemicals and equipment to minimize risks to neighborhoods and school children, and provide a way for the community to feel that they have recourse for any mishaps that may occur. Transparency and education, and a consultative approach will go a long way to making sure that we have both safety and plentiful energy.

State House, District 63 Thomas A. Hudson Party: Democratic Website: facebook.com/ hudson4hd63 Age: 42 Family: Wife, Darci Hudson; son; Elijah Reback; daughter, Evvi Reback; mother, Anne Hudson How long have you lived in the district: Four years Professional background: Security, telecom, information technology, social studies and English as a second language teacher Political/community experience: I have done field work for numerous candidates.

Education: BA history, BA political science, MA public administration, MA teacher’s education, MA curriculum and instruction Where do you stand on the ColoradoCare ballot item and why?

I believe it is vital for Colorado’s

future. I am disappointed at the lies about ColoradoCare coming from the left and right. Irene Aguilar gave us a great amendment; Hudson we need to pass it.

As Colorado grows in population, what ideas do you have to fund transportation?

The gas tax hasn’t gone up in decades, so that needs to be increased to build public commuter systems.

Is Colorado’s limited water supply being adequately balanced between rural and urban centers? If not, what would you change?

I see a lot of water issues in Colorado, and we need to rewrite our laws so they balance industrial/ agricultural/residential/environmental/recreational/tourism concerns.

Lori Saine Party: Republican Website: lorisaine.net Age: 42 Family: Husband, Troy, and daughter, Alexandra How long have you lived in the district?: More than 16 years Professional background: Regional sales director for Text Mobile Alerts Political/community experience: Currently serving as state representative in House District 63 Education: Bachelor’s degree Where do you stand on the ColoradoCare ballot item and why?

Amendment 69 would create a stand-alone government that could create its own election rules and raise taxes without permission through TABOR. And if they won’t back their promises to reduce your costs or cut services? You will not be able to hold this new entity accountable — only other ColoradoCare members can “vote each other off the island.” The health care they are modeling from other counties is one in which people receive less care if they are considered less productive to society. A recent headline: “Cancer treatment age discrimination kills 14,000 people in Britain every year.” And we want to model that? Amendment 69 guarantees more taxes and more bureaucracy but less care.

As Colorado grows in population, what ideas do you have to fund transportation?

I was a champion for the TRANSbonds bill to reauthorize bonds to help widen the Interstate 25 corridor from Denver to Fort Collins. I passed HB 161155 in order to protect county and municipal investments in

projects like the Weld 49 Corridor, a four-lane highway that will relieve traffic congestion on I-25 and U.S. 85. In Saine response to FASTER audit findings, I also created the CDOT Efficiency and Accountability Committee to maximize the efficiency of the department of transportation and increase participation by counties, local governments and watchdog groups to ensure process accountability of tax dollars.

I will continue to work across the aisle and advocate for responsible transportation funding.

Is Colorado’s limited water supply being adequately balanced between rural and urban centers? If not, what would you change?

Recently we have been losing over a million acre feet a year above our compact requirement in the South Platte to Nebraska.

We could store that water in reservoirs for future population growth and re-timing the river in this way could help reduce future flooding. Due to current chronic flooding in towns due to water mismanagement, I passed HB 1166, establishing the South Platte Alluvial Aquifer Monitoring Network — one of the first systems in the nation to allow for the design and operation of a tributary groundwater monitoring network. And bill 1178 established a grant program for the emergency pumping of damaging high groundwater. I’ll continue to champion real-time management solutions to ensure “buy and dry” won’t increase food costs and destroy our agricultural heritage.

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State House, District 63 Joe Johnson Party: Libertarian Age: 52 Family: I am single (divorced) with five sisters, one brother and no children. My parents are both still alive How long have you lived in the district?: 13 years Professional background: National account support supervisor at BI Inc. Political/community experience: former chairman Libertarian Party of Boulder County (2002); former Frederick town trustee (2004-2008) Education: High school Where do you stand on the ColoradoCare ballot item and why?

I am opposed to Amendment 69. Medical care in Colorado and indeed across the nation is broken, and it is because of government meddling, not because of a lack of meddling. Only in a free market where patients and doctors deal with one another directly can there ever be quality care at reasonable prices. We once had a medical care system that was second to none on the planet, and now Coloradans must travel to places like Costa Rica for affordable quality medical care. I would fight to get the red tape out from between doctor and patient.

As Colorado grows in population, what ideas do you have to fund transportation?

Colorado’s transportation infrastructure is a mess, and the “solution” from today’s politicians and bureaucrats has been to add toll roads. Colorado drivers pay plenty in auto-related taxes, and as more drivers are added to the roads, even more taxes are

raised. The problem is that those taxes are used for everything in the general fund. I would fight to isolate the auto-related Johnson taxes to be used on transportation infrastructure only. Also, I would work to privatize RTD so that the free market could dictate what services it needs, rather than politicians and bureaucrats.

Is Colorado’s limited water supply being adequately balanced between rural and urban centers? If not, what would you change?

The issue of water is simply too complex to be answered in four of five sentences. Of all of the western states that share Colorado’s unique water “issues,” Colorado’s laws concerning water rights are perhaps the best in this respect (balance of usage). This is not to say, however, that there are not areas in need of improvement.

After all, there is an old Colorado saying; “Whiskey is for drinking, but water is for fighting.” I have ideas that will encourage, rather than force, conservation (was able to see implemented some while trustee in Frederick). Also, I feel strongly that improvements can be made in the area of legal use of water rights concerning the ability to lease those rights. In addition, all new growth must be supported by adequate water, it is the responsibility of the developer to secure the adequate rights and supplies, and should not be borne by restricting those already living in the area.

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Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett Party: Democrat Age: 60 Family: Married for 38 years to retired school psychologist Brenda Garnett; two sons, married and live in Denver — Andrew is a lawyer, Alec is a state representative(House District 2) How long have you lived in Boulder County?: 48 years Professional background: Lawyer Political/community experience: Running for third term as DA, and I served two terms on the BVSD school board from 1998 to 2005; active democrat since 1974.

Education: Fairview High school, 1974; BA history, cum laude, University of Colorado Boulder, 1978; JD, University of Colorado, 1982.

How has the legalization of marijuana affected your office?

It has not had a significant impact. Marijuana possession prosecution has not been a priority for my office for years and legalization has been manageable because we have very strong regulatory systems for marijuana sales in Boulder County. The biggest negative impact has been that we have seen an increase in DUI/marijuana cases.

There has been controversy lately that the state’s indeterminate sentencing laws are

keeping judges from handing out prison sentences to people convicted of rape, because it might amount to a life Garnett sentence. Do you agree or disagree? Why? I am concerned by the hesitancy to sentence rapists to prison, though every case must be judged on its own facts. Fortunately, the state of Colorado is providing better funding for sex offender treatment, which should help judges feel more comfortable with prison sentences on these cases. We have an excellent system of laws in Colorado prohibiting sexual violence and permitting the imposition of appropriate sentences. As long as I am DA, we will argue for prison sentences in appropriate cases.

What are your top three priorities in the office and why?

• Prosecuting violent crime, which includes sexual assault and domestic violence; • Reforming the criminal justice system by implementing proven programs, such as restorative justice; • Preventing crime by education and by building trust among our most vulnerable communities, such as senior citizens and our immigrant community.

District Attorney, 17th Judicial District Dave Young Party: Democratic Website: daveyoungda.com Age: 51 Family: Wife, Denise, and two sons ages 11 and 16 How long have you lived in Thornton: More than 11 years Professional background: 25 years experience as a prosecutor Political/community experience: Four years as the 17th Judicial District Attorney; appointed to numerous boards Education: BA from Midwestern State University; juris doctor from University of Wyoming College of Law What changes would you make to the current office and how would you implement them?

I will continue to seek resources to seek justice for victims of crime, keep the public safe and treat offenders fairly in the criminal justice system. Continue to divert first-time, non-violent offenders out of the system and hold violent offenders accountable for their actions. I will continue to be a leader for criminal justice reform to improve all aspects

of the criminal justice system in the 17th Judicial District.

What policy issue most sets you apart from Young your opponent?

My opponent has absolutely no experience as a prosecutor, no experience in how a homicide or any other crime is investigated and prosecuted. My opponent has no experience supervising a prosecution office, whereas I have been a supervisor in all aspects of a prosecution office over the past 25 years.

How can racial disparities be addressed locally in the justice system?

Community trust with law enforcement must be established through transparent investigations and accurate data collections in officer-involved incidents involving racial disparities. Cultural training must be continued with law enforcement personnel including training on implicit bias.

Molly Jansen Party: Republican Website: mollyjansen.com Age: 42 Family: Single mother raising three daughters How long have you lived in Henderson: Since January, but lived in Colorado her whole life Professional background: Business woman and entrepreneur who has owned/managed a criminal defense law firm for over 13 years.

Political/community experience: Hosts radio talk shows and segments on two Front Range radio stations where she assists in guiding the public with legal issues and hosts free legal clinics Education: BA from Colorado State University; juris doctor from the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law What changes would you make to the current office and how would you implement them?

Over my 13 years of practice, I have experienced the best and worst sides of the judicial system in the 17th Judicial District. My extensive experience in the district has made it abundantly clear that there is a need for fundamental change in the DA’s office. My opponent has made an issue of the fact I am a criminal defense attorney and that this somehow disqualifies me from the position of DA. Due to my criminal defense background, I bring to the district and the office a unique insight and experience within the judicial system that has been lacking and will be highly beneficial to law enforcement and the community. The office of DA is the “gatekeeper” to the judicial system and with that there is a fundamental obligation in providing the highest level of safety to the community and its citi-

zens, while protecting the constitutional rights of those in the judicial system.

I am dedicated to enforcing the laws of the district Jansen and Colorado in a fair and just manner and am committed to the absolute need to protect the community, particularly the children, and to create strong, trusting and communicative relationships with law enforcement. These relationships have, at best, been strained under the current DA, if not lost.

What policy issue most sets you apart from your opponent? How can racial disparities be addressed locally in the justice system?

A key component to my leadership at this office will be forging strong relationships between law enforcement and the community by evaluating and improving youth and adult intervention programs and post-conviction rehabilitative programs.

Through productive collaboration, I will strive to unite the community on all levels and backgrounds as we work together from the bottom up, to protect the safety of our community, unlike the current top down approach from the DA’s office. It is vital to have proportionate plea agreements contemplating appropriate sentences that will reduce recidivism rates and reduce overall spending. Our communities deserve a restoration of trust in the DA’s Office and its ability to provide a more efficient judicial system — unlike that of the current DA, which has been inconsistent and lacking in his approach to community, sentencing and alternative programs.

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Boulder County Commissioner, District 1 Elise Jones Party: Democratic Website: elisejones.org Age: 52 Family: Karl, partner; McKenzie, daughter How long have you lived in Boulder County:: 19 years Professional background: Executive director, Colorado Environmental Coalition, 1999-2012; Rocky Mountain director, League of Conservation Voters, 1998-99; environmental staff, Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse, 1993-97; program advocate, National Wildlife Federation, 1987-91.

Political/community experience: Boulder County commissioner, 2013-present; Boulder Planning Board, 2003-11; Regional Air Quality Council, 2009-present; Colorado Conservation Voters Board, 1998-2012.

Education: B.S. in natural resources, Cornell University; M.S. in natural resources policy, University of Michigan.

What should Boulder County government’s role be in addressing the county’s affordable housing shortage?

Over 40,000 people in Boulder County spend over half of their income on rent. Tackling this crisis requires strategic investment, regional cooperation and addressing both housing and transportation affordability. The county’s role includes helping develop a collaborative regional housing strategy with all of our municipalities, and working with nonprofit partners to expand our housing programs, e.g., shortterm rental assistance, and housing and financial counseling. In cooperation with our municipalities, the county should also continue to identify appropriate sites where we can construct permanently affordable housing projects that fit with surrounding neighborhoods, building on the success of Josephine Commons and Aspinwall in Lafayette and the new Kestrel development in Louisville, which will house 500 households.

How should Boulder County address impacts of the pending resumption of oil and gas exploration in unincorporated areas?

Jones Local governments have long used their land use and zoning authority to protect residents and keep incompatible development apart, e.g., homes and industrial facilities or porn shops.

But we’re not allowed to with oil and gas. We need more local control over this industrial activity, just as we have with all other land uses. The Colorado Supreme Court recently ruled against long-term moratoriums, so Boulder County replaced its July 2018 moratorium with a six-month version, until Nov. 18, to allow us to update our regulations with the strongest possible protections allowed under law. Meanwhile, we will continue working to change state law to increase local control and transition to a cleaner energy future.

What should the county’s policies and funding be for maintaining, rehabilitating and repaving county roads within unincorporated residential subdivisions?

While the county maintains unincorporated subdivision roads, e.g., snow plowing, pothole repair, etc., the debate over who is going to pay to repave these roads started back in 1995. The current county commissioners inherited this issue and have tried numerous solutions to resolve it: a Public Improvement District, a Local Improvement District, and negotiating with individual subdivisions. Now, at the request of subdivision residents, we have put Issue 1A on the ballot. It will raise $5.5 million annually for 15 years through a modest countywide increase in property taxes, $6.25 per $100,000 of home value, to reconstruct all subdivision roads and also provide money to municipalities for their transportation projects.

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Kevin Sipple Party: Republican Website: kevinsipple.com Age: 60 Family: Mother and father; five brothers and sisters; one dog ; single.

How long have you lived in Boulder County: Since August 1969 Professional background:One of the founders of Eldorado Artesian Springs Inc.Retired from day to day operations in 2014.

Political/community experience: From 1992 to 2002, Placement Alternatives Commission, a board that managed programs to keep families together; 2001 to present, Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate Program.

Education: Southern Hills Junior High, Boulder; Fairview High School, Boulder; attended University of Colorado, Boulder.

What should Boulder County government’s role be in addressing the county’s affordable housing shortage?

To facilitate it through the county departments whose task it is to work toward that goal, but in an economical and sensible way. If they are to build new units, they should be built in areas that will not put the residents in isolated areas with shortages of public transportation or a lack of community services. This is specifically what they are not doing with the “fast tracked” Twin Lakes proposal, which meets none of the above criteria, and in addition is being proposed in an area that is virtually a swamp where construc-

tion might cost millions extra, and is an established wildlife habitat where numerous sensitive species are Sipple located. The most efficient program would be to purchase and update existing multi-family units already in mixed use areas, where costs could be as little as half the cost of new construction.

How should Boulder County address impacts of the pending resumption of oil and gas exploration in unincorporated areas?

Boulder County should stop defying the State Supreme Court and end the illegal prohibition on those activities. It should follow state laws and hold the State of Colorado responsible to enforce its laws, the most strict laws in the nation. ) What should the county’s policies and funding be for maintaining, rehabilitating and repaving county roads within unincorporated residential subdivisions?

The county should end its childish stubborn stance on refusing to maintain the county roads that it has agreed to maintain in agreements with the subdivisions. With new subdivisions it should make those requirements the responsibility of property owner associations.

The county should stop defying the court decisions requiring it to maintain these roads, and stop saying “We don’t have the money to maintain the roads.”

That is not true.

Boulder County Commissioner, District 2 Deb Gardner Party: Democratic Website: debgardner.net Age: 67 Family: Brother, cousins, friends who keep me grounded, make me laugh, and are my safety net, as I am theirs. Father’s 50-plus-year-old Christmas cactus is still blooming!

How long have you lived in Boulder County: 23 years, 15 years in Longmont Professional background: Local accountant, 30 years; House District 11 Representative; Commissioner, District 2.

Political/community experience: Lifelong activist, volunteer and leader with many environmental and social justice issue groups, nonprofits and the Democratic Party.

Education: Bachelor of Science in biology; accounting What should Boulder County government’s role be in addressing the county’s affordable housing shortage?

A majority of people in Boulder County agree that the affordable housing crisis needs to be resolved if we are to maintain a vibrant, diverse community. The market forces of supply and demand are never going to fill the housing needs of people with low incomes in Boulder County. Therefore governments and non-profits, often times in partnership with for profit companies, must take the lead in building affordable housing. Simultaneously governments, non-profits, and the faith-based community are working together to break the vicious cycle of poverty that disproportionately traps people of color, veterans, people with substance abuse issues, and people with mental illness in lowincome jobs or unemployment.

Over 40,000 people here spend more than 50 percent of their income on housing. A two pronged approach of building more affordable housing and increasing the self-sufficiency of individuals and

Gardner

families is a pathway to solving this crisis.

How should Boulder County address impacts of the pending resumption of oil and gas exploration in unincorpo-

rated areas?

Citizens expect us to be able to use our local land use and zoning authority to regulate industrial operations. Oil and gas development is the only exception and I am committed working to change the state laws limiting local control. Our new regulations would be designed to protect public health, safety, welfare, and the environment to the maximum extent possible to prevent, reduce, and mitigate impacts. That would include public engagement at multiple levels of the application approval process. Siting of facilities should be done to minimize impacts on people and the environment. Continuous monitoring of on-going operations to detect leaks and spills should be required. Also, impacts should be reduced or prevented through the use of the latest technologies.

What should the county’s policies and funding be for maintaining, rehabilitating and repaving county roads within unincorporated residential subdivisions?

Routine maintenance has been and is currently being paid for by all county residents. Everyone also pays for repaving the “community use roads” or about 20 percent of the miles. My opponent should have decided the issue of who should pay for repaving in 1995 but he chose to “kick the can down the road.” I am supporting Ballot Issue 1A but if it fails we will be back to negotiating with individual subdivisions with regard to how much they should contribute to have their roads repaved. )

Paul Danish Party: Republican Website: danishforcommissioner.com Age: 74 Family: Going steady with Sue Diehl since 1977 How long have you lived in Boulder County: Since 1960.

Here longer than most natives.

Professional background: Journalist. reporter, editor, science/energy writer, columnist.

Political/community experience: Served on Boulder City Council, 1976-81. Wrote Boulder’s first growth ordinance, popularly called the Danish Plan, 1976. Served as a Boulder County commissioner, September 1995 to January 2005, as a Democrat. Registered Republican since 2012. Has voted to buy more than 50,000 acres of open space.

Education: CU graduate, 1965, B.A. history What should Boulder County government’s role be in addressing the county’s affordable housing shortage?

Boulder County should start by acknowledging that local government can have little impact on the problem except around the margins, and plan and spend accordingly. Boulder County’s housing policy should focus on the poor and the working poor. It should incrementally increase its inventory of appropriate units by buying and rehabbing existing modestly-sized multi-family structures that are dispersed throughout the county in order to integrate the residents into the broader Boulder County community. It should not build large, isolated projects such as the one contemplated at Twin Lakes. And it should not make the environment play second fiddle to an ideological obsession with affordable housing.

How should Boulder County address impacts of the pending resumption of oil and gas exploration in unincorDanish porated areas?

It should adopt drilling regulations that seek to minimize the impacts but do not attempt to over-reach, as did the county’s earlier unconstitutional moratorium. It should recognize that the only certain way to prevent oil and gas drilling in Boulder County is the same way we preserved 103,000 acres of open space — by buying the mineral rights and leases through the creation of an underground open space program. If there is sufficient public interest, I would be prepared to put a proposal to create such a program along with proposed funding mechanisms on the ballot for consideration by the voters.

What should the county’s policies and funding be for maintaining, rehabilitating and repaving county roads within unincorporated residential subdivisions?

A study done for FIRM, Fairness in Road Maintenance, the citizens’ group advocating the repair of the roads in Boulder County’s subdivisions, concluded that repairing the roads would cost $25 million. This can be accomplished over a five year period without raising taxes by taking $5 million a year from the county general fund. I find this analysis compelling and intend to pursue this course. The current commissioners have proposed a property tax increase for roads that includes allocating $68 million for a $25 million project. I think this proposal has been put on the ballot in bad faith.

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Superior Board of Trustees Kevin Ryan Website: facebook.com/ ohoh27Kevin Age: 48 Family: Wife Christy, sons Conor and Colin, daughter Kate How long have you lived in Superior? 11 years Professional Experience: Health care business executive Political/Community Experience: Political novice; seasoned community advocate.

Education: B.S. in finance, University of Delaware Plans for the expansion of town hall were halted earlier this year because of a need for further community outreach and public input. As a trustee, how would you avoid issues such as these and encourage better government transparency?

This isn’t just about increasing the level of transparency or selling the community on a decision that has already been made behind closed doors. I conducted two community pulse surveys that revealed less than 25 percent of respondents were in support of the Town Hall expansion. The community opposition remained unchanged even after a campaign to improve awareness. We need to create a dialogue with our residents for an open exchange where our neighbors have a voice in Superior’s future before the direction is set. Improved transparency and early community engagement will be my key priority as a Trustee. It will be accomplished by establishing a Community Engagement Committee, by leveraging social medial platforms, and by reducing unnecessary executive sessions closed to the public.

With the population of Superior continuing to grow, many

residents have begun to feel a divide between old and new town residents. How as a trustee would you foster SuperiRyan or’s growth while simultaneously preserving its Original Town identity?

Original Town is Superior’s hidden treasure and must be preserved. I don’t personally see a divide and would not support residential or commercial development that compromises the smalltown feel or materially increased traffic on the streets of Original Town. Superior should follow the model set in towns like Breckenridge and Crested Butte to successfully preserve their most historical homes. New construction should fit seamlessly into the neighborhood as a natural extension to Original Town.

What is the most important non-growth-related issue facing Superior?

Superior’s well-deserved ranking as one of the greatest suburbs means that residential growth is inevitable. In the coming years the next Board of Trustees will be faced with major decisions around home rule, the Windy Gap Firming project and necessary upgrades to the water treatment and wastewater treatment plants. Our most important issue will be prioritizing these infrastructure investments and weighing them against the need for more traditional civic spaces such as a community center or library.

The Board of Trustees has much work to regain the trust of the community by early involvement, then making smart, transparent and pragmatic decisions.

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Jason Reese Website: N/A Age: 47 Family: Wife Shannan Reese, children Aidan and Ainslee How long have you lived in Superior? 14 years Professional background: Director of Facility Management with West Corporation.

Political/community experience: Served on the Rock Creek HOA ACC; coached multiple youth sports; Town of Superior Planning Commissioner; donate time and labor supporting MOHI Marching Band and softball.

Education: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.

Plans for the expansion of town hall were halted earlier this year because of a need for further community outreach and public input. As a trustee, how would you avoid issues such as these and encourage better government transparency?

Community involvement is the cornerstone to government transparency. As Trustee, I will seek to increase the numbers of residents attending town meetings by enlisting the help of “community representatives” to encourage rotational attendance by multiple members of each neighborhood. Typically, town meetings are sparsely attended until issues become critical or high profile; I’d like to avoid that by encouraging engagement at all stages. Together, with the mayor, town board and town staff, we’ll welcome and promote community attendance at all town meetings.

With the population of Superior continuing to grow,

many residents have begun to feel a divide between old and new town residents. How as a trustee would Reese you foster Superior’s growth while simultaneously preserving its Original Town identity?

The perceived divide isn’t just Original Town and newer Superior — it is between neighborhoods as well. Superior has no daily common area for residents of all neighborhoods, no matter the year built, to get together and share life experiences as a true community outside of two annual summertime town functions. The successful development of Superior Town Center will provide 24/7 active spaces where all residents can engage, connect, socialize and bridge those gaps in a variety of ways.

As Trustee, I will work to ensure the development of critical communal areas as the real focus of the “Town Center” and not just a large residential development adding to population of our town.

What is the most important non-growth-related issue facing Superior?

Whether it be an expanded Town Hall, Library, Senior Center, Youth Center, Rec Center or incredible Town Center, a sense of community for all residents is the most important issue facing us as a town and a necessary piece of our town’s identity. As Trustees of Superior, I’ll focus on these numerous opportunities to develop and foster this type of growth and connection in our community.

Superior Board of Trustees Sandie Hammerly Website: sandie4u.com Age: 59 Family: Single How long have you lived in Superior? 13 years Professional background: Thirty years inclusive leadership of nonprofit organizations. Current Director of Finance, area food bank.

Political/community experience: Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Trails Advisory Committee for four years and vice chair for three years; Summit at Rock Creek HOA Board for seven years and VP for four years.

Education: B.A. in English and philosophy Plans for the expansion of town hall were halted earlier this year because of a need for further community outreach and public input. As a trustee, how would you avoid issues such as these and encourage better government transparency?

Our citizens must never be surprised by decisions of the town.

The Superior Comprehensive Plan clearly cites community engagement as a major goal in long-range planning and day-today decision-making. As Trustee, I propose quarterly information sessions where issues and expenditures under consideration could be presented before plans are put to paper. Constituents could ask questions of Trustees and staff in an informal environment — instead of board meetings where comment time is limited and dialogue impractical. In addition, formal community engagement — that outlines a fact-based case —

must occur on any new project that is purported to serve the needs of the citizens and will require significant financial resources.

Hammerly With the population of Superior continuing to grow, many residents have begun to feel a divide between old and new town residents. How as a trustee would you foster Superior’s growth while simultaneously preserving its Original Town identity?

It saddens me to see this question posed — unique neighborhoods are what make a town so special! As trustee I would propose the formation of special committee composed of residents from all our neighborhoods — Original Town, Rock Creek, apartments and townhomes, businesses — to review concerns and generate solutions for solving this divide. I also support the formal creation of the Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee as programs created by this group would further enhance opportunities to highlight the talents of all of our neighbors.

What is the most important non-growth-related issue facing Superior?

We must ensure that our community is livable for people of all ages, including our older citizens.

We must diversify housing options and provide services that make Superior a viable place to retire and ensure that those who once raised a family here remain as a vital part of our future.

Narayan Shrestha Website: N/A Age: 65 Family: Wife, son and daughter How long have you lived in Superior? 23 years Professional background: Business/philanthropist Political/community experience: Adviser for Superior Elementary School and Variance, Town of Superior.

Education: B.S. in business finance Plans for the expansion of town hall were halted earlier this year because of a need for further community outreach and public input. As a trustee, how would you avoid issues such as these and encourage better government transparency?

I did feel there’s a need of expansion of Town Hall because of the growth of Superior’s population. I received support from the people of Boulder County and have been able to help the people of the world for the last nearly 30 years, so it is time for me to give my experience back to the community. I want to give my time to the people of the town and county where I live.

With the population of Superior continuing to grow, many residents have begun to feel a divide between Shrestha old and new town residents.

How as a trustee would you foster Superior’s growth while simultaneously preserving its Original Town identity?

I am a big-time supporter of keeping the old heritage and would like to work in storing the old-town heritage and at the same time keeping the new flow of young residents in good relations. Honestly, I have no experience working as politician but will work as a resident with them.

What is the most important non-growth-related issue facing superior?

I did hear from teachers and the principal of the schools that there is a big need of help in the area of finance, since the budget has been cut. Also, we need our own high school, zip code, library and must focus in the area of health.

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Superior Board of Trustees Mark Lacis Website: marklacis.com Age: 37 Family: Wife Chris, twin sons Dylan and Jackson How long have you lived in Superior? Three years Professional background: Attorney and partner at Ireland Stapleton, a business law firm in Denver.

Political/community experience: Town of Superior Planning Commissioner; appointed by Gov. Hickenlooper to Judicial Performance Commission; member of Colorado Bar Association’s Ethics Committee.

Education: J.D. (law degree) from Seton Hall University; B.A. in political science from Rutgers College.

Plans for the expansion of town hall were halted earlier this year because of a need for further community outreach and public input. As a trustee, how would you avoid issues such as these and encourage better government transparency?

Anytime the town is going to make such a significant decision — such as the expansion of Town Hall — we should start first with outreach to the residents in the neighborhood who are going to be most affected. But that didn’t happen here and the town did not listen to the residents in Original Town.

I attended the Community Open House on Aug. 31 and heard the residents’ concerns about needlessly spending taxpayer dollars, changing the character of their neighborhood, and increasing traffic in Original Town. As Trustee, I would determine if there really is a need for additional space; identify all possible sites for locating such an expansion; and consider the costs of all these options and perform a cost-benefit analysis. But, throughout that entire process, the public would be involved. Only after we have buy in from the com-

munity should the board act.

With the population of Superior continuing to grow, many residents have begun Lacis to feel a divide between old and new town residents. How as a trustee would you foster Superior’s growth while simultaneously preserving its Original Town identity?

I am extremely excited and optimistic about our community’s future. Developing the Town Center into a thriving downtown will provide an area for all residents to gather and will help bridge the gap between Original Town and Rock Creek. To that end, we need to partner with the developer to make sure that the Town Center realizes its potential while still preserving the hometown feel that makes Superior so great. We need to hold the developer accountable for the promises he has made to the people of Superior. As a business lawyer, I have spent my career enforcing contracts and holding people to their obligations; I will do the same as Trustee.

What is the most important non-growth-related issue facing Superior?

We need to attract businesses to Superior, diversify our sales tax base and reverse Superior’s reputation for being a “tough place” to do business. Currently, 75 percent of Superior’s revenue comes from sales tax and 85 percent of that sales tax revenue comes from five retailers. Coupled with our 30 percent commercial vacancy rate, which is the highest in Denver metro area, Superior is in a risky financial position. We need to partner with entrepreneurs and encourage small and large business investment in Superior, which will reduce our dependence on those five retailers.

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Patricia Dunham Age: 44 Family: Husband, Sean; sons, Iain, 9, and Ronan, 7 How long have you lived in Superior: Four years Professional background: Senior project manager working in health care information technology.

Political/community experience: Serves as the vice chair on the Open Space Advisory Committee and has been a member for three years. OSAC sponsors National Trails Day, outdoor education, provides recommendations on development plans and acquires land.

Education: Master of management, Cambridge College; bachelor of science in management, Lesley University.

Plans for the expansion of town hall were halted earlier this year because of a need for further community outreach and public input. As a trustee, how would you avoid issues such as these and encourage better government transparency?

Maintaining transparency is key to having effective government. I would ask the Board to document the processes for community outreach and public input and commit to using these methods for all appropriate issues that come before the Board. The town should use all the available communication methods it has, for example, website, newsletter, eblasts and postcards to keep residents informed of all issues. As a trustee, I would explain the reasoning for any vote I made and be open to any feedback I received from residents.

With the population of Superior continuing to grow,

many residents have begun to feel a divide between old and new town residents. How as a trustee would Dunham you foster Superior’s growth while simultaneously preserving its Original Town identity?

The town of Superior grew from Original Town and blossomed outward to the various neighborhoods with each being a valuable contribution to our community. It is important to welcome the appropriate level of growth while maintaining the small town identity that many residents want. Superior is an amazing community and each resident is an equal part. With each new development, the Board needs to balance the vision of all the residents to achieve the best outcome for our town. The board needs to honor existing ordinances and meticulously review all development plans.

What is the most important non-growth-related issue facing Superior?

Fiscal responsibility is the most important issue not related to growth. The town needs to attract the appropriate revenue sources so we can provide the level of services our residents expect and deserve. Superior needs a balance of office, retail and residential tax sources as well as being rigorous in management of FTE’s, contracting services and financing regulatory requirements. As trustee, I would provide thoughtful review of the opportunities and challenges facing our town to ensure that our community continues to thrive.

Superior Board of Trustees Gladys Forshee Website: N/A Age: 74 Family: Widow with two dogs How long have you lived in Superior? 1970 to 1981 and 1993 to present Professional background: Insurance agent; local, county and federal government positions; author and self-publisher Political/community experience: Town Clerk; helped create the Superior Volunteer Fire Department and served as a firefighter for nine years; Boulder County Recycling and Historic Preservation programs; PROSTAC; Superior Historic Commission; Veterans Memorials — Superior and Masonville.

Education: Multiple certificates in individual occupations Plans for the expansion of town hall were halted earlier this year because of a need for further community outreach and public input. As a trustee, how would you avoid issues such as these and encourage better government transparency?

Staff should have listened to me years ago and started to add on/ redo Town Hall a little at a time and then there wouldn’t be the

conflict there is today. Town needs Town Hall renovation/add-on but not at the magnitude they want to it now.

With the populaForshee tion of Superior continuing to grow, many residents have begun to feel a divide between old and new town residents. How as a trustee would you foster Superior’s growth while simultaneously preserving its Original Town identity?

Former town manager divided the town! Feel of division has been felt by Original Town residents for years! Return our streets in the south end of town to the state they were in a few years ago. Remove the Trailhead from South Third Avenue. Rogers Farm developed with low cost housing, no two story houses, refrain traffic other than local residents from Coal Creek Drive.

What is the most important non-growth-related issue facing Superior?

Staff residing in town, term limits of employment of staff, legal election scenario.

Jerry Malia Candidate did not return the Camera’s candidate questionnaire

Anthony Stewart Website: anthonystewart,org Age: 52 Family: Wife Kerry Stewart, children Marcus, Kylee, and Trey How long have you lived in Superior? 20 years Professional background: Business owner/operator of a Home Health Agency serving older adults and seniors; 35 years in health care.

Political/community experience: Superior Planning Commission; Community activist; Precinct leader; Youth sports coach; Board Member Mental Health Center of Boulder and Broomfield counties.

Education: Metropolitan State University of Denver; Webster University, Master Health Care Administration.

Plans for the expansion of town hall were halted earlier this year because of a need for further community outreach and public input. As a trustee, how would you avoid issues such as these and encourage better government transparency?

I understand that as a Trustee, it is my job to represent the people of our community and to be a bridge between our community and town government. The residents of Superior would expect me to keep them informed about plans that affect our community.

I would use a variety of avenues to provide information, including town meetings, mailings and clear and usable social media.

With the population of Superior continuing to grow,

many residents have begun to feel a divide between old and new town residents. How as a trustee would Stewart you foster Superior’s growth while simultaneously preserving its Original Town identity?

I think that the best way to foster growth in Superior and to preserve and maintain the identity of Original Town is to create investment strategies and plans that continue to allow development of new properties, but that also encourage investments into existing properties in original town that can be used enhance the historic value. Original Town will never the same as it was 20 years ago, but we can embrace the traditions.

What is the most important non-growth-related issue facing Superior?

The most important nongrowth-related issue facing Superior in my opinion is the lack of housing and services for older adults and seniors who currently live in homes with many stairs and/or bedrooms on second levels. Many of our residents moved to Superior to raise families and are now “empty nesters.” They don’t necessarily want to move from or leave Superior, but are challenged to find homes that will meet their longterm needs. I think that Superior has a chance to address this issue before an exodus of these residents begins.

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State ballot issues Colorado Amendment T

Colorado Amendment 69

Removal of the exception to the prohibition of slavery and involuntary servitude

State health care system

What it asks: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Constitution concerning the removal of the exception to the prohibition of slavery and involuntary servitude when used as punishment for persons duly convicted of a crime?”

vitude, except as a punishment for crime.” The amendment would remove that exception.

What supporters say: Supporters argue for removing language that mentions slavery as a meaningful if largely symbolic act. Many other state constitutions already have removed simiWhat it means: Should a refer- lar language. Both chambers of ence to slavery in the state Conthe state Legislature recommendstitution be removed. The refered the measure for the ballot. ence, written in 1876, reads: What opponents say: There “There shall never be in this state is no organized opposition to this either slavery or involuntary ser- measure.

Colorado Amendment U Exemption from property taxation What it asks: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Constitution concerning an exemption from property taxation for a possessory interest in real property if the actual value of the interest is less than or equal to six thousand dollars or such amount adjusted for inflation?”

What it means: Should individuals using state land for private endeavors — a vendor at a government park, for example — be exempt from a property tax measured by what is known as “possessory interest”? The tax applies to about 7,000 individuals and groups. About 5,100 of them, gen-

erating a total of roughly $125,000 in annual revenue, would be impacted by this amendment.

What supporters say: Operating on government land means special administrative stresses that often cost more than the tax itself, supporters say. Those who favor this amendment note that the affected interests are minuscule.

What opponents say: Some believe that while the amount of money at stake is relatively low, the amendment should be rejected because it would give an unfair break to those profiting on government land.

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What it asks: “Shall state taxes be increased $25 billion annually in the first full fiscal year, and by such amounts that are raised thereafter, by an amendment to the Colorado Constitution establishing a health care payment system to fund heath care for all individuals who primary residence is in Colorado, and in connection therewith, creating a governmental entity called ColoradoCare to administer the health care payment system; providing for the governance of ColoradoCare by an interim appointed board of trustees until an elected board of trustees takes responsibility; exempting ColoradoCare from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights; assessing an initial tax on the total payroll from employers, payroll income from employees, and nonpayroll income at varying rates; increasing these tax rates when ColoradoCare begins making health care payment for beneficiaries; capping the total amount of income subject to taxation; authorizing the board to increase the taxes in specified circumstances upon approval of the members of ColoradoCare to contract with health care providers to pay for specifics health care benefits; transferring administration of the Medicaid and children’s basic health care funds for Colorado to ColoradoCare; transferring responsibility to ColoradoCare for medical care that would otherwise be paid for by workers’ compensation insurance; requiring Colora-

doCare to apply for a waiver from the Affordable Care Act to establish a Colorado health care payment system; and suspending the operations of the Colorado health benefit exchange and transferring its resources to ColoradoCare?”

What it means: The measure seeks to create a statewide system to pay for and administer health care. All state residents would be eligible for ColoradoCare, which would be the primary form of coverage for some and the partial form for others.

Residents would be able to opt out of ColoradoCare and pay for private insurance, but they would still be subject to the tax.

What supporters say: The existing health care system, those supporting Amendment 69 say, doesn’t do enough to provide equitable access and enables private corporations to charge higher costs in the interest of profit and to the disadvantage of those who are uninsured or unable to cover high deductibles. Supporters also believe health care costs could be more easily controlled and monitored because administration would cost less under ColoradoCare.

What opponents say: Opponents of Amendment 69 say it would damage the economy, in large part because businesses would start leaving the state, or just not coming here in the first place. They also lack confidence in ColoradoCare’s ability to actually expand health care access and reduce costs in the meantime.

State ballot issues Colorado Amendment 70 What it asks: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Constitution increasing the minimum wage to $9.30 per hour with annual increases of $0.90 each January 1 until it reaches $12 per hour effective January 2020, and annually adjusting it thereafter for cost-ofliving increases?”

What it means: This amendment seeks to raise Colorado’s minimum wage, which is currently

State minimum wage $8.31 per hour, to $12 incrementally by 2020.

What supporters say: Some estimate that the wage hike would provide extra income for about one in five Colorado households, helping to lift the working poor to the point of not only being able to better cover life costs, but contrib-

uting to the local economy, too.

With more money in hand, beneficiaries of the wage hike would no longer have to rely as much on public assistance.

What opponents say: Opponents of Amendment 70 believe a higher minimum wage would put new, sometimes untenable stresses on small businesses; restaurant

associations and owners are among the most vocal on that point, as the measure pushes tipped wage even higher, widening the gap between workers who earn tips and workers who do not.

Opponents believe rural and poorer communities would face the biggest challenge from this amendment, and one study estimated 90,000 lost jobs as a result of it.

Colorado Amendment 71

Colorado Amendment 72

Requirement for initiated constitutional amendments

Increase cigarette and tobacco taxes

What it asks: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Constitution making it more difficult to amend the Colorado Constitution by requiring that any petition for a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment be signed by at least two percent of the registered electors who reside in each state senate district for the amendment to be placed on the ballot and increasing the percentage of votes needed to pass any proposed constitutional amendment from a majority to at least fifty-five percent of the votes cast, unless the proposed constitutional amendment only repeals, in whole or in part, any provision of the Constitution?”

What it means: Should voters make the process of amending the state Constitution more difficult, by requiring a wider geographic area of ballot petition signers, then requiring a 55-percent majority, instead of a simple one, to approved citizen-initiated amendments?

What supporters say: Supporters believe changing the Constitution is too easy in Colorado, where citizen groups can affect constitutional change with ballot initiatives and elections.

When citizen amendments don’t work as planned, for whatever reason, the only way to reverse them is to return to voters, which means legislators can’t make even common-sense, widely popular tweaks as needed. Amendment 71 requires petition signatures from each of Colorado’s 35 senate districts, with at least 2 percent of registered voters in each district needing to sign; supporters say this requirement would help ensure that people from all across the state, and not just its dense urban centers, have a voice on issues of statewide importance.

What opponents say: The opposition to Amendment 71 believes it makes conditions for constitutional change too difficult, and that the existing ballot petition process is strict enough as is. Requiring signatures across the state would only add to the already expensive process of initiating constitutional change, and Amendment 71 promises to made this costly action even less accessible to everyday citizens. While it’s a popular belief that it’s too easy to amend the Constitution in Colorado, many who feel that way still do not think this amendment is the solution.

What it asks: “Shall state taxes be increased $315.7 million annually by an amendment to the Colorado Constitution increasing tobacco taxes, and in connection therewith, beginning January 1, 2017, increasing taxes on cigarettes by 8.75 cents per cigarette ($1.75 per pack of 20 cigarettes) and on other tobacco products by 22 percent of the manufacturer’s list price; and allocating specified percentages of the new tobacco tax revenue to health-related programs and tobacco education, prevention, and cessation programs currently funded by existing constitutional tobacco taxes; and also allocating new revenue for tobacco-related health research, veterans’ programs, child and adolescent behavioral health, construction and technology improvements for qualified health providers, educational loan repayment for health professionals in rural and underserved areas, and health professional training tracks?”

What it means: Amendment 72 would increase the state tax on a pack of cigarettes from 84 cents to $2.59, would increase the state tax on other tobacco products from 40 percent to 62 percent of the price, and would distribute the new tax revenue for medical research, tobacco-

use prevention, doctors and clinics in rural or low-income areas, veterans’ services and other health-related programs.

What supporters say: Higher prices for cigarettes and tobacco products deter smoking and tobacco use, particularly among children and young adults. Tobacco use is a leading cause of such preventable diseases as cancer and heart and lung disease. Reducing smoking and tobacco use will improve Colorado residents’ health. Dedicating tax revenue to health care an research will offset the health care burden and cost that tobacco use places on the state.

What opponents say: Amendment 72 amounts to a $315 million tax increase, creating a state constitutional requirement that revenues be spent on specific programs even if those programs are ineffective at reducing the cost of tobacco use.

As tobacco use declines, the measure would lock in state spending on unnecessary programs even when new needs are identified in the state budget.

Tripling the tax on cigarettes will have the most impact on low-income tobacco users, and if they’re still unable to quit, the government will have to subsidize health care programs for those people.

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Colorado Proposition 106 Colorado Proposition 107 Access to medical aid-in-dying medication What it asks: “Shall there be a change to the Colorado revised statutes to permit any mentally capable adult Colorado resident who has a medical prognosis of death by terminal illness within six months to receive a prescription from a willing licensed physician for medication that can be self-administered to bring about death; and in connection therewith, requiring two licensed physicians to confirm the medical prognosis, that the terminally-ill patient has received information about other care and treatment options, and that the patient is making a voluntary and informed decision in requesting the medication; requiring evaluation by a licensed mental health professional if either physician believes the patient may not be mentally capable; granting immunity from civil and criminal liability and professional discipline to any person who in good faith assists in providing access to or is present when a patient self administers the medication; and establishing criminal penalties for persons who knowingly violate statutes relating to the request for the medication?”

What it means: The measure would amend state law to allow a terminally ill individual with a prognosis of six or fewer months to live to request and self-administer medication in order to voluntarily end his or her life. It would authorize a physician to prescribe

medical aid-in-dying medication to a terminally ill person, under certain conditions. It would create criminal penalties for tampering with a person’s request for such medication or for knowingly coercing a person with a terminal illness to request the medication.

What supporters say: Proposition 106 would expand options for a terminally ill person in life’s last stage. It would allow such an individual to consult with a physician and get medical guidance in deciding — if he or she is mentally competent — whether and how to end his or her life. It protects physicians and family members from criminal prosecution if they choose to support a terminally ill person through the dying process, if that person opts to use such a prescribed medication.

What opponents say: The proposed law would create opportunities for abuse and fraud. Its protections do not go far enough to shield vulnerable people from family members and others who might benefit from their premature death and could still potentially subject the individual to coercion. It does not require that a physician have specific training to assess the individual’s condition. It doesn’t require independent verification that the medication was taken voluntarily or under medical supervision. It doesn’t ensure that the medication will be stored in a safe location before it’s used, potentially placing others at risk.

Colorado Proposition 108 Unaffiliated voter participation in primary elections What it asks: “Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning the process of selecting candidates representing political parties on a general election ballot, and, in connection therewith, allowing an unaffiliated elector to vote in the primary election of a political party without declaring an affiliation with that party and permitting a political party in specific circumstances to select all of its candidates by assembly or convention instead of by primary election?”

What it means: The measure would amend state law to allow unaffiliated voters to cast ballots in major political parties’ non-presidential primary elections for federal, state and county offices. It would also allow a major 36 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016

Presidential primary election What it asks: “Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes recreating a presidential primary election to be held before the end of March in each presidential election year in which unaffiliated electors may vote without declaring an affiliation with a political party?”

What it means: Proposition 107 would amend Colorado law to establish a presidential primary election that allows participation by unaffiliated voters, replacing the present system in which Colorado’s Democratic and Republican parties choose their national-convention delegates at those parties’ state conventions. State-assembly participants are now chosen through a process that starts with precinct caucuses and proceeds through county and congressional district assemblies. While only registered political party members can participate in their party’s caucuses, assemblies and conventions, voters unaffiliated with either the GOP or the Democrats could also cast ballots in those parties’ presidential primaries, under Proposition 107. The presidential primaries would be held on separate, usually earlier, dates than the parties’ June primary elections for congressional, state and county offices.

What supporters say: Presidential primaries would be better than Colorado’s caucus system, which is confusing and inaccessible to many voters, with caucuses sometimes crowded, held at inconvenient times or conducted by inexperienced volunteers. Also, all registered Colorado voters should be allowed to participate in selecting the state’s major-party nominees in those parties’ presidential selection processes. Proposition 107 would give unaffiliated voters, who comprise more than one-third of all registered voters in the state, an opportunity to help select this state’s presidential nominees.

What opponents say: Voters should affiliate with a major political party before voting in that party’s presidential primary, something they already can now do right up through Primary Election Day before casting ballots in a primary contests for non-presidential offices. Proposition 107 would also shift the costs of presidential nominee selection from the political parties — which now pay the expenses of the caucus and assembly system — to Colorado taxpayers because the state and counties would have to hold and pay for presidential primary elections every four years.

party to opt out of holding non-presidential primaries and to instead nominate general-election candidates in assemblies or conventions whose delegates are limited to voters affiliated with that party.

What supporters say: Proposition 108 would give unaffiliated voters, who make up more than one-third of the state’s total voter-registration numbers, a role in selecting candidates for the general election by giving them an opportunity to vote in the major parties’ non-presidential primary elections. That could result in general-election candidates who won their parties’ primary contests to be more representative of a broader range of voters and interests.

What opponents say: Colorado law already allows unaffiliated voters to cast ballots in a major party’s non-presidential primary by registering that affiliation right up through Primary Election Day. They can already change back to unaffiliated status the day after the primary election. Political parties have a right to select their own candidates without primaryelection outcomes being influenced by voters who have chosen not to affiliate with those parties.

State ballot issues

Boulder County ballot issues

Ballot Issue 4B

Boulder County Issue 1A

Denver Metropolitan Scientific and Cultural Facilities District sales tax

Road and bridge mill levy increase

What it asks: “Shall there be an extension until June 30, 2030, of the aggregate 0.1 percent sales and use taxes currently levied and collected by the Denver Metropolitan Scientific and Cultural Facilities District that are scheduled to expire on June 30, 2018, for assisting scientific and cultural facilities within the district, while authorizing the district to continue to collect, retain and spend all revenue generated by such tax in excess of the limitation provided in Article X of Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution and while modifying the rates of the three individual sales and use taxes collected by the district as follows: for total annual revenues collected by the district up to thirty-eight million dollars, decreasing the .0655 percent sales and use tax to 0.64 percent; increasing the 0.21 percent sales and use tax to 0.22 percent; and increasing the .0135 percent sales and use tax to .014 percent; and, for total annual revenues collected by the district that exceed thirty-eight million dollars, decreasing the .064 percent sales and use tax to 0.57 percent; increasing the 0.22 percent sales and use tax to 0.26 percent; and increasing the .014 percent sales and use tax to .017 percent?”

What it means: The measure would extend a 0.1 percent sales tax collected by the seven-

county Denver Metropolitan Scientific and Cultural Affairs District, now set to expire on June 30, 2018, continuing collections through June 30, 2030.

The tax, originally approved by voters in 1988 and extended twice since then, generates money the SCFD awards annually to various scientific, cultural, historical and arts organizations and facilities in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties. Issue 4B would also funnel somewhat more money to small- and mid-size organizations whenever annual tax revenues exceed $38 million.

What supporters say: The tax-funded SCFD now distributes about $54.3 million in grants to more than 270 organizations annually, and one study, by the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, estimated that has generated $1.8 billion in economic activity, has created 10,731 jobs and has been responsible for $520 million in spending by tourists.

What opponents say: Sales taxes are regressive, with the highest impact on low-income individuals and families who have to pay the same rate as high-income earners. This tax and the government funding may discourage patrons of arts and cultural offerings from making personal direct donations to scientific, historical and cultural organizations.

What it asks: “Shall Boulder County taxes be increased $5.5 million annually (first fiscal year dollar increase in 2017) through an increase in Boulder County’s ad valorem property tax mill levy 04 0.785 mills, for fifteen years to and including December 31, 2031, for the purpose of funding road and bridge projects within the municipalities in Boulder County and rehabilitation of paved public local access subdivision roads in unincorporated Boulder County, such increase in property tax revenues to be in excess of that which would otherwise be permitted under Section 29-1-301, C.R.S., each year without such increase; and shall the revenues and earnings on the investment of the proceeds of such tax, regardless of amount, constitute a voter-approved revenue change and a property tax revenue change; all as more particularly set forth in Board of County Commissioners’ Resolution No. 2016-89?”

What it means: Starting with the property tax bills to be paid in 2017, Boulder County taxpayers are being asked to approve 15 years of collections of tax revenues from an additional 0.785-mill tax levy, a proposed tax increase that’s projected to generate about $5.5 million or more annually. Boulder County would pass about 42 percent of those collections — an estimated $2.3 million of next year’s revenues — along to cities and towns for their municipal streets, roads and bridges. The county would spend the other 58 percent of the annual collections — an estimated $3.2 million in 2017 — on rehabilitating about 120 miles of paved county roads within residential subdivisions that lie outside municipal boundaries. If voters approve the measure, the owner of a $400,000 home would pay about $25 more a

year in property taxes, starting in 2017.

What supporters say: Since 1995, Boulder County policies have made homeowners in unincorporated county residential subdivisions responsible for funding major rehabilitations and the repaving of most of their subdivisions’ roads, but the county neglected to provide any mechanism for those subdivisions to cover that expense, leading to what’s now an estimated $60 million to $70 million price tag for bringing those roads up to good condition.

The roads are used by motorists, hikers and cyclists from throughout the county, as well as visitors to and residents of those rural subdivisions. The countywide tax increase would be a fair way to rehabilitate county roads that benefit all county residents. And it would also provide increased funding for streets inside the cities and towns that are also used by people living outside those incorporated communities.

What opponents say: Boulder County government already has enough revenue and unappropriated reserve accounts in its annual budgets to maintain unincorporated residential subdivisions’ county roads without new or higher taxes.

The county can cut wasteful spending and tap its budget reserve funds to provide funding for subdivision road rehabilitation needs without affecting other county services and programs. Also, much of the burden for the increased tax would fall upon the owners of properties inside Boulder County’s cities and towns, where those residents and businesses already pay municipal taxes for maintenance of and improvements to their streets. They would pay about 80 percent of the countywide property tax, but their own municipalities would get only about 48 percent of the annual revenues.

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Boulder County Issue 1B Countywide open space sales and use tax bond authorization and tax extension What it asks: “Shall Boulder County debt be increased by up to $30 million, with a maximum repayment cost of up to $54 million, with no increase in any county tax or tax rate, by the issuance of revenue bonds for the purpose of open space land acquisition, which bonds shall bear interest, mature, be subject to redemption, with or without premium, and be issued, dated and sold at such time or times, at such prices (at, above or below par) and in such manner and containing such other items, not inconsistent herewith, including provisions for funding any capitalized interest and required reserves, as the Board of County Commissioners may determine: and shall one half (0.125%) of the county’s existing 0.25% sales and use tax for open space, currently set to expire December 31, 2019, be extended for an additional period of fifteen years to and including December 31, 2034 for the purpose of funding the open space program, including but not limited to the following: targeted open space land acquisition, including key remaining properties throughout Boulder County; and the continued management and maintenance of existing open space, including constructing more trails on and connecting to open space and restoring wetlands and areas along rivers and streams open space damaged by the 2013 flood; and shall such bonds be repaid from the proceeds of such extended tax and, to the extent proceeds from such extended tax are insufficient or unavailable for the repayment of such bonds, from other county open space sales and use tax revenues, the Conservation Trust Fund, the county’s general fund and other legally available funds; shall the county be authorized, in order to provide for the payment of such bonds, to enter into a multiple-fiscal year obligation to transfer the proceeds of such extended tax, other county open space sales and use tax revenues, and moneys from the Conservation Trust Fund, the general fund and other legally available funds to the open space capital improvement trust fund in an amount sufficient to pay the debt service on such bonds and to otherwise comply with the covenants of the resolution or other instruments gov-

erning bonds; and shall the revenues and the earnings on the investments of the proceeds of such tax and such bonds, regardless of amount, constitute a voter-approved revenue change; all in accordance with Board of County Commissioners’ Resolution No. 2016-77?”

What it means: Collections of a current 0.25 percent sales and use tax that helps fund Boulder County’s expenses of acquiring and managing open space expire on Dec. 31, 2019.

This measure would extend collections of that open space sales and use tax, 0.1.25 percent, for another 15 years. It also would authorize Boulder County to issue up to $30 million in bonds, primarily backed by the measure’s sales and use tax revenues, to finance those future county open space acquisitions.

What supporters say: Open space is a core value of the Boulder County community, providing for habitat preservation, environmental protection, recreational opportunities, regional trails, local agriculture and separations between cities and towns. Continuing collections of the open space sales and use tax will be needed in the future to acquire lands the county wants preserved from development, to manage and maintain those open space holdings and to pay for trail construction, flood recovery, grassland restoration, wetland enhancement and forestry projects. The proposed bonds would allow the county to have the money available to purchase priority properties when the opportunities arise.

What opponents say: The current 0.25 percent open space tax won’t expire for another three years; it’s too soon to ask voters for a 15-year extension. Boulder County already owns or manages more than 103,000 acres of open space lands and doesn’t need to tax people to buy more. If Boulder County doesn’t have enough money in its ongoing budgets to afford maintaining the open space it owns or manages now, it shouldn’t be buying more.

Also, the present 0.25 percent open space tax that expires after 2019 is only one of several open-space sales taxes the county collects, including a 0.1 percent tax that expires in 2024, a 0.1 percent tax that expires after 2029 and a 0.15 percent tax that expires after 2030.

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Boulder County Issue 1C Countywide sustainability sales and use tax extension What it asks: “With no increase in any county tax or tax rate, shall one-half (0.125%) of the county’s existing sales and use tax for open space, currently set to expire December 31, 2019, be extended for an additional period of fifteen years to and including December 31, 2034, for the purpose of funding sustainability infrastructure and programs, including but not limited to the following: programs to conserve our water resources by helping farmers, residents and businesses reduce their water use; recycling and composting services and facilities for Boulder County residents and business owners to help reduce waste; energy efficiency and renewable energy services such as EnergySmart programs for homes and businesses and home weatherization for low income households; assistance to local farmers to grow more local and organic food for Boulder County residents; and programs to increase transportation choices by making it easier to use public transit, providing affordable transportation options for low income residents and students, and promoting electric vehicles and charging stations; and shall the revenues and the earnings on the investment of the proceeds of such tax, regardless of amount, constitute a voterapproved revenue change; all in accordance with Board of County Commissioners’ Resolution No. 2016-79?”

What it means: Collections of a current 0.25 percent sales and use tax that helps fund Boulder County’s expenses of acquiring and managing open space expires on Dec. 31, 2019. This measure would authorize Boulder County to continue collecting half that tax, 0.125 percent, for another 15 years starting on Jan. 1, 2020, and spend those revenues on “sustainability” services, such as programs that promote reduced water and energy consumption, increased solidwaste recycling, increasing farmers’ production of organic food and food for local consumers, and the use of mass transit and other alternative modes of transportation.

What supporters say: Local sustainability programs help preserve Boulder County’s quality of life and economic vibrancy as they support water conservation, clean energy, climate-change mitigation, recycling, the preservation of natural resources and maintenance of a healthy environment.

Such programs help local families and farmers and can provide ways to prepare for environmental disasters. Without increasing current taxes, the measure would strengthen the county’s capability to support environmental preservation and resiliency from disasters while helping county residents and businesses save on utility bills.

What opponents say: Money from such a tax, if it’s needed at all, would be better spent on core Boulder County responsibilities like maintaining roads and bridges and ending jail overcrowding, rather than such things as recycling or composting. The proposal is too vague about how the tax collections would actually be spent. Since it would extend half of a current open space tax that does not expire for another three years, more time should be taken in preparing a ballot question for 2017, 2018 or 2019 with more specific details about how the county proposes to spend the money.

Boulder County Issue 1D

District attorney term limit extension What it asks: “Shall the term limits imposed by state law and in Article XVIII, Section 11, of the Colorado Constitution on the office of District Attorney of Boulder County, Twentieth Judicial District, be modified so as to permit an elected officeholder in that office to seek and, if the voters of Boulder County choose to re-elect that person to a fourth term in office, to serve a fourth consecutive term?”

What it means: Voter approval of the term-limits measure would allow Boulder County district attorneys — now limited to a maximum of three consecutive four-year terms in that office — to serve up to four terms.

They’d still have to stand for election for each of those terms.

What supporters say: Four terms would provide a district attorney and the DA’s staff assurances that they can engage in long-term planning, implementation and continuity for programs they’re launching or expanding, such as the current DA’s restorative justice programs for juveniles and young adults and the office’s jail-diversion programs. Extending the DA position to four possible terms would be in line with the four consecutive terms that voters have authorized for another elected office in the criminal justice system, the Boulder County sheriff.

What opponents say: No organized opposition has emerged to the four-term limit proposed by current District Attorney Stan Garnett, who’s unopposed on this year’s ballot in his bid for a third term. However, a 2009 election ballot question, also proposed

by Garnett to extend Boulder County’s then two-term service limit for DAs to three terms, passed by only nine votes.

Local ballot issues Boulder Question 302 City Council term limits What it asks: “Shall Section 4 of the Boulder Home Rule Charter be amended by adding a new paragraph to restrict council members to three terms in the person’s lifetime, which requirement shall apply to any candidate for council after November 8, 2016?”

What it means: Should the members of the nine-person Boulder City Council be limited to three lifetime terms? Council terms last four years, with the exception of a two-year term

awarded each election to the lowest vote-getter among winners.

What supporters say: Open Boulder, the budding citizens group led by ex-Councilman Andy Schultheiss, has said the point of the measure is to open up council seats to a steadier stream of new voices. The 12 years most would be limited to until this proposal are enough, supporters say, that a required exit thereafter is simply good governance.

What opponents say: Only a few people have ever served more than three terms in Boulder’s modern era. In fact, seven of nine existing council members have served no more than four years. Several council members have called the effort needless, arguing that it addresses a non-existent problem. Some also believe that the experience and knowledge base that comes with service at or above the proposed limit is too valuable to lose.

Boulder Issue 2H Sugar-sweetened beverages tax What it asks: “Shall city of Boulder taxes be increased $3.8 million (first full fiscal year increase) annually by imposing an excise tax of 2 cents per ounce on the first distributor in any chain of distribution of drinks with added sugar, and sweeteners used to produce such drinks, exempting: (1) Sweeteners sold separately to the consumer at a grocery strore; (2) milk products; (3) baby formula; (4) alcohol; and (5) drinks taken for medical reasons; and in connection therewith, shall all of the revenues collected be used to fund: the administrative cost of the tax, and thereafter for health promotion, general wellness programs and chronic disease prevention in the city of Boulder that improve health equity, such as access to safe and clean drinking water, healthy foods, nutrition and food education, physical activity, other health programs especially for residents with low income and those most affected by chronic disease linked to sugary drink consumption, all effec-

tive July 1, 2017, and in connection therewith, shall the full proceeds of such taxes at such rates and any earnings thereon be collected, retained and spent, as a voter-approved revenue change without limitation or condition, and without limiting the collection, retention, or spending of any other revenues or funds by the city of Boulder under Article X Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution or any other law?

What it means: Should Boulder impose a $0.02-per-ounce excise tax on distributors of beverages with at least 5 grams of added sweetener per 12 ounces, such as most sodas and energy drinks? Exceptions to the tax would include milk products, baby formula, alcoholic beverages and medical drinks.

What supporters say: Heart disease and the epidemics of obesity and diabetes, which are particularly pronounced in lowincome communities and communities of color, trace back to high sugar consumption, and this excise tax seeks to dissuade

further such consumption. The tax would go into its own fund and pay for public health programs that the Boulder City Council would select. Supporters point to early results of a similar, and then first-of-its-kind tax in Berkeley, Calif., that showed a 20-percent reduction in sugary drinks in some neighborhoods in the first four months of the tax.

What opponents say: The leader of the opposition, the industry-backed American Beverage Association, has made a point of fighting these types of taxes around the world, and has generally been very successful in that effort. They and others say beverage taxes are regressive because their costs can be, and often are, passed down to consumers, which burdens low-income shoppers most. Many oppose the tax because they view it as unnecessary government control. Ambiguity around how, exactly, the tax would impact businesses and their customers has also fueled some opposition.

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Boulder Question 2I

Superior Issue 2G

Blue Line clarification

Authorizing municipal broadband

What it asks: “Shall the boundary described in Boulder Home Rule Charter section 128A and approved by the voters in 1959 that provides that the City of Boulder shall not supply water for domestic, commercial, or industrial uses to land lying on the westward side of the line be amended to clarify the location of the boundary and to allow the provision of water service to existing developed properties as described in Ordinance No. 8133, and further shall the standards in Charter section 128A be amended to clarify the conditions and eligibility for water service as described in Ordinance No. 8133?”

What it means: Should the Blue Line — an unofficial northsouth boundary on the city’s west side, which in 1959 determined the elevation above which Boulder could not provide water service and launched the city’s modern environmental movement in the

process — be clarified comprehensively for the first time since its introduction?

What supporters say: Supporters say that the Blue Line has long been undefined in many places, and is overdue for a clarification that would require only minor changes. The City Council and Boulder officials who initiated the measure promise it does not do anything to enable the kind of development the original line meant to thwart. It does not extend water service to properties that don’t already have it, and it does not change any land use designations.

What opponents say: There is no organized opposition to this ballot question. Open space advocates are comfortable with the proposal, and one of the men who coauthored the original Blue Line measure in 1959 even called the proposal “just a mild adjustment for justice.”

Boulder Question 2J City Council compensation for benefits What it asks: “Shall section 7, ‘Compensation,’ of the Boulder Home Rule Charter be amended pursuant to Ordinance No. 8132 to allow council members serving on January 1, 2020 and after to be eligible to receive benefits under the same terms and conditions that are available to full-time city employees including without limitation participation in city health, vision, dental and life insurance plans?”

What it means: Should Boulder City Council members receive benefits on the same terms and conditions as regular city employees?

What supporters say: Council members often say they believe one of the biggest barriers to entry for prospective city representatives is the fact that those serving on council are paid just $200 per meeting — nowhere close to a living wage. The job, members say, is close to full-time,

in addition to the actual full-time jobs many of them maintain outside of city government. And those who do not have outside jobs can only afford to run for council, in most cases, because they’ve got money to fall back on.

Offering a better benefits package, supporters say, would help incentivize public service for a wider diversity of earners.

What opponents say: Boulder voters have been generally unsupportive of proposals to give council members more money, which this measure could indirectly do because the benefits council members could opt into would be at taxpayers’ expense. One year ago, voters Boulder rejected a proposed $10,000 pay raise for council members, who placed this measure on 2016’s ballot with the hopes that voters will greet a much more modest perk more favorably.

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broadband providers, from initiating or continue to provide such services.

What supporters say: A voterapproved exemption from SB-152 would restore the telecommunications and cable autonomy that all Colorado cities had prior to 2005. Superior residents use the internet for work, online learning and collaboration, and home entertainment. Superior is an ideal place to install higher-speed broadband internet because of its tech-savvy population and innovative businesses. Teleworking and home-based businesses are comWhat it means: The exempmon in Superior, and each could tion would allow Superior to con- significantly benefit from sider numerous options for being increased broadband speed at involved in broadband services. affordable rates.

Those include installing and leasWhat opponents say: There ing fiber to private entities, creat- is no organized opposition to this ing a public-private partnership to ballot issue. Approval of this balprovide services, or directly pro- lot question would not cost resividing services. The ballot item dents, but only allow town offiwould not prevent any private cials to explore municipal broadband’s possibility. business, including existing What is says: “Without increasing taxes, shall the town of Superior have the legal right to provide high-speed internet (advanced services), telecommunications services and cable television services to residents, businesses, schools, libraries, nonprofit entities and other users of such services, either directly or indirectly with public or private sector partners, as expressly permitted by Colorado Revised Statutes §§ 29-27-101 through 304, entitled ‘Competition in Utility and Entertainment Services’?”

Lafayette Issue 2C Community EcoPass tax What it says: “Shall the city of Lafayette, Colorado, taxes be increased by $575,000 in the first full fiscal year (2017) and by whatever amounts are raised annually thereafter by the imposition of an additional mill levy not to exceed one-and-a-quarter (1.25) mills upon taxable real property within the city, commencing January 1, 2017, and continuing through calendar year 2022 unless further extended by a vote of the electorate, such revenues to be collected, retained and spent for the purpose of funding a program that will allow those individuals whose primary residence is in Lafayette access to regional public mass transportation at no or nominal additional costs, and shall the city be permitted to collect, retain and expend all revenues derived from such tax, including any earnings from the investment thereof, as a voter

approved revenue change and an exception to limits which would otherwise apply under Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution?”

What it means: The tax initiative would increase property taxes by a 1.25 mill levy for the next six years to provide an EcoPass at no charge for “primary Lafayette residents.” The proposal would likely increase the property tax by roughly $35 on a $350,000 home in Lafayette. The initial program, and proposed mill levy increase, would be authorized for a period of six years, but would be subject to an extension if authorized by a vote of the electorate.

What supporters say: Access to mass transportation, such as the RTD system, results in increased social, economic and environmental benefits to the citiSee ISSUE 2C, 41

ISSUE 2C from Page 40 lution, more efficient and economical transportation options and less zens of Lafayette and the Denver demand on transportation inframetro area. Those increased bene- structure. fits result in such things as What opponents say: Resiincreased mobility, decreased pol- dents who rarely, or never, use

Continued from Page 40

public transportation throughout Lafayette don’t see any added benefit of a community-wide bus pass.

The initiative would burden residents who don’t use public transportation with an unnecessary tax.

Also, while some feel that the program would provide an added benefit to all residents, the initiative has not been examined thoroughly enough to be implemented so soon.

Lafayette Issue 2D

Lafayette Issue 2F

Storage tax

Boards/commissions qualifications amendment

What it says: “Shall the city of Lafayette taxes be increased by $180,000 annually in the first full fiscal year (2017) and by whatever amounts are raised annually thereafter, by the imposition of an excise tax on the rental of indoor or outdoor storage space, or the sale of storage services, with such tax being imposed at the rate of 3.5% of the price paid for storage or storage services, and the proceeds used to defer the expense of general municipal services of the city; and shall the city be permitted to collect, retain, and expend all revenues derived from such tax as a voterapproved revenue change and an exception to limits which would otherwise apply under Article X, Section 20

of the Colorado Constitution or any other law?”

What it means: This program would allow a 3.5 percent excise tax on indoor/outdoor storage space rentals and services in Lafayette to pay for the city’s budgeted expenditures related to demands for police and fire protection, use of municipal streets and rights-ofway, as well as health, safety and welfare services.

What supporters say: An excise tax on the rental of indoor or outdoor storage space, or the sale of storage services, is an equitable means to finance the increased burden on the city budget.

What opponents say: The measure is an unfair way to channel taxes from Lafayette residents.

Lafayette Issue 2E Authorizing municipal broadband What it says: “Shall the City of Lafayette, Colorado, be authorized to provide high-speed internet services (advanced services), telecommunications services, and/or cable television services to residents, businesses, schools, libraries, nonprofit entities, and other users of such services, either directly or indirectly with public or private sector partners, as expressly permitted by §§ 2927-101 to 304, “competition in utility and entertainment services,” of the Colorado Revised Statutes, without limiting its home rule authority?”

What it means: The exemption would allow Lafayette to consider numerous options for being involved in broadband services. Those include installing and leasing fiber to private entities, creating a public-private partnership to provide services or directly providing services. The ballot item would not prevent any private business,

including existing broadband providers, from initiating or continue to provide such services.

What supporters say: A voter-approved exemption from SB-152 would restore the telecommunications and cable autonomy that all Colorado cities had prior to 2005. Lafayette residents use the internet for work, online learning and collaboration, and home entertainment. Lafayette is an ideal place to install higher-speed broadband internet because of its tech-savvy population and innovative businesses. Teleworking and home-based businesses are common in Lafayette, and each could significantly benefit from increased broadband speed at affordable rates.

What opponents say: There is no organized opposition to this ballot issue. Approval of this ballot question would not cost residents, but only allow town officials to explore municipal broadband’s possibility.

What is says: “Shall sections 4.17 and 5.1 of the city of Lafayette, Colorado, home rule charter be amended to eliminate the requirement that all board and commission members be electors of the city, while retaining the residency requirement?”

What it means: The Lafayette Home Rule Charter currently requires that each member appointed to Lafayette boards and commissions be registered to vote in local and national elections. This amendment to the city charter would allow residents who are not registered to vote to be able to serve on boards and commissions. The amendment would still require those seeking seats on Lafayette’s boards and commissions to be residents of the city, but would not require them to be qualified electors.

What supporters say: This condition excludes individuals with specific expertise who could be of value to Lafayette boards and commissions from serving. Eliminating the current requirement to be a registered elector will result in an expansion of the available pool of individuals who could carry out the important role of the boards and commissions.

What opponents say: People who are unable or choose not to vote should not have the ability to affect change in the city.

Louisville Issue 2A Recreation center expansion tax What it asks: “Shall city of Louisville debt be increased $28,600,000, with a repayment cost of up to $45,400,000; and shall city of Louisville taxes be increased up to $1,820,000 annually, or by such lesser amount as may be necessary to pay such debt from an additional ad valorem property tax mill levy not to exceed 3.350 mills to be imposed for a period not to exceed twenty five years; such debt and taxes to be for the purpose of constructing, expanding and renovating the Louisville recreation/senior center and the pool facilities at memory square park, to include all necessary land, equipment, furnishings, improvements and incidentals for such facilities; such debt to be evidenced by the issuance of bonds or bonds issued to refund such bonds; such bonds to be sold in one series or more in an aggregate amount not to exceed the maxiSee ISSUE 2A, 42 DAILY CAMERA · VOTER GUIDE 2016 • OCTOBER 16, 2016 • 41

ISSUE 2A from Page 41 Continued from Page 41

mum authorized principal amount and repayment costs, on terms and conditions as the city council may determine, including provisions for the redemption of the bonds prior to maturity with or without payment of a premium; and shall the proceeds of any such debt and taxes, and any investment income thereon, be collected and spent as a voter-approved revenue change and an exception to limits which would otherwise apply under Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution or any other law?”

What it means: This ballot issue proposes an increase in city debt

and property taxes to construct, expand and renovate the Louisville Recreation/Senior Center and pool facilities at Memory Square Park.

The proposed principal debt amount for the new expanded and renovated Recreation/Senior Center and improvements to Memory Square Park is $28.6 million. Based on a bond issue of $28.6 million, the property tax rate to pay the debt service is estimated at 3.35 mills.

Using current assessment ratios, this increase of 3.35 mills equates to an annual increase in property taxes of approximately $107 on a $400,000 house or $133 on a $500,000 house.

What supporters say: More space throughout Recreation/

Senior Center would reduce overcrowding, decrease wait times and support increased population and citizen demand. Memory Square improvements would modernize that facility. Upgraded facilities and equipment would better support the Louisville population and the earmarked sales/use tax would ensure deferred maintenance items are addressed. Updated mechanical, electrical, structural, and HVAC systems would increase sustainability, energy efficiency, and longevity of buildings. New family change facilities would improve family dressing with more privacy. The proposed work would accommodate additional needs by seniors, youth, families

Louisville Issue 2B Maintaining recreation center tax What is asks: “Shall city of Louisville taxes be increased $575,000 in 2018 and then annually by whatever additional amounts are raised thereafter from the levy of an additional sales and use tax of 0.15 percent beginning January 1, 2018 and continuing thereafter; with such tax to be imposed only if referred measure 2a, referred to registered electors of the city at the November 8, 2016, election, is approved by a majority of such electors; with the net proceeds of such sales and use tax to be collected, retained and spent for operating and maintaining the Louisville recreation/ senior center and pool facilities at memory square park; and shall the city be permitted to collect, retain and expend all revenues derived from such sales and use tax as a voter-approved revenue change and an exception to limits which would otherwise apply under Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution or any other law?”

What it means: Imposes an additional 0.15 percent sales and use tax beginning Jan. 1, 2018, to be used for operating and maintaining the Louisville Recreation/ Senior Center, pool facilities at Memory Square Park and other recreation facilities.

It is estimated that a 0.15 percent sales and use tax will generate approximately $575,000 annually to pay for the additional operations and maintenance necessary for the expanded and renovated facilities. An increase in sales tax of 0.15 percent equates to an additional 15 cents on every $100

spent. The additional tax would be imposed only if financing for the construction is approved (Ballot Issue 2A).

What supporters say: More space throughout Recreation/Senior Center would reduce overcrowding, decrease wait times and support increased population and citizen demand. Memory Square improvements would modernize that facility.

Upgraded facilities and equipment would better support the Louisville population and the earmarked sales/use tax would ensure deferred maintenance items are addressed.

Updated mechanical, electrical, structural, and HVAC systems would increase sustainability, energy efficiency, and longevity of buildings. New family change facilities would improve family dressing with more privacy. The proposed work would accommodate additional needs by seniors, youth, families and general recreation enthusiasts.

What opponents say: Upgraded facilities would result in an increase in property and sales/use taxes. Time to complete construction would negatively impact the current level of service of the facilities during construction. Upgraded facilities would result in an increase in city bonded indebtedness. The proposed work would not result in an additional outdoor pool facility, which some in the community have requested. Expanded/renovated facilities would result in more traffic going to and from the facilities, resulting in additional traffic and parking demand.

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and general recreation enthusiasts.

What opponents say: Upgraded facilities would result in an increase in property and sales/use taxes.

Time to complete construction would negatively impact the current level of service of the facilities during construction. Upgraded facilities would result in an increase in city bonded indebtedness. The proposed work would not result in an additional outdoor pool facility, which some in the community have requested. Expanded/renovated facilities would result in more traffic going to and from the facilities, resulting in additional traffic and parking demand.

Boulder Valley School District Issue 3B Tax increase What it asks: “Shall Boulder Valley School District RE-2 taxes be increased by $10,000,000 in 2016 for collection in 2017 and by whatever amounts in any year thereafter as are raised from a mill levy which shall not exceed four (4) mills, provided that no mill levy increase from year to year shall exceed one (1) mill, for the purpose of providing ongoing cash funding for capital construction, new technology, existing technology upgrade, and maintenance needs of the district; and shall such tax revenues be deposited into the supplemental capital construction, technology and maintenance fund to be created by the district and shall such taxes and the earnings from the investment of such tax revenues be collected, retained and spent as a voter approved revenue change and an exception to the limits which would otherwise apply under Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution or any other law?”

What it means: Boulder Valley is asking for a $10 million tax increase to bolster the school district’s budget. The district could use the money to pay for existing operational services or add new services.

Adding a new operational revenue stream also would free up money that could be spent in other areas of the budget. The district estimates that a $10 million tax increase would cost homeowners about $13.60 more a year per $100,000 of home value, or about $54.41 a year for a $400,000 home. The measure is written to allow the district to collect more money in future years based on need, up to a cap of See ISSUE 3B, 43

ISSUE 2B from Page 42 Continued from Page 42

four mills, which could equal about $23.4 million a year. To raise $10 million, the mill levy would need to go up by about 1.7 mills.

What supporters say: The tax

increase would allow the district to maintain services and avoid cuts in future years. The district is predicting a budget shortfall for the 201718 school year of $5 million.

Because the state of Colorado has,

for several years, been unable to adequately fund public education, it’s currently up to local communities to fund these needs.

What opponents say: It’s too soon to ask for another tax increase, with district voters

approving a a $576 million capital construction bond issue in 2014.

Taxes are already too high, and property owners, especially those on fixed incomes, can’t afford higher taxes. The district should live within its means.

St. Vrain Valley School District Issue 3A

Adams 12 Five Star Schools Issue 3D

Capital improvement bond issue

Bond measure to fund infrastructure

What it asks: “Shall St. Vrain Valley School District No. RE-1J debt be increased $260.34 million, with a repayment cost of not to exceed $413,514,275, and shall district taxes be increased not more than $45,583,025 annually, and shall the expenditure of the proceeds of such debt be limited to the following purposes: -repair and renovate existing school buildings district-wide to extend their useful life, address safety and security issues, and make facilities more energy efficient; -classroom additions, infrastructure improvements and constructing and equipping three new school buildings to address student growth and capacity needs district-wide; -acquire and equip school buildings with enhanced educational, innovative, science, technology, engineering and math (stem) program options for students district-wide; such debt to be evidenced by the issuance of general obligation bonds, to be sold in one series or more, for a price above or below the principal amount of such series, on terms and conditions, and with such maturities as permitted by law and as the district may determine, and shall the mill levy be increased in any year, without limitation of rate and in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such debt or any refunding debt (or to create a reserve for such payment)?”

What it means: The St. Vrain Valley School District is asking for a $260.3 million bond issue to pay for three new schools, a dis-

trictwide Innovation Center, classroom additions to 29 existing schools, safety and security improvements and building maintenance. The district would raise the $260.3 million by selling bonds, with landowners paying back the debt through property taxes. District officials project the total repayment cost of the bonds, once interest is added in, to be $413,514,275. It’s estimated that the tax increase would cost homeowners about $21.84 more a year per $100,000 of assessed home value.

What supporters say: It’s projected that more than half of the district’s school buildings will be operating beyond capacity within the next five years. The tax increase is needed to address enrollment growth, as well as to maintain existing buildings and reduce costly emergency repairs. Passing the bond issue will contribute to strong-performing schools, which strengthen property values and fuel local economic development with strong-performing schools. Bond spending is overseen by a public accountability committee that includes members of the community and district administration.

What opponents say: The school district is asking for too much money and already has too much debt. Some of the projects are excessive or aren’t true needs. Property owners, especially those on fixed incomes, can’t afford higher taxes.

There’s no guarantee that a future school board won’t make changes to the projects.

What it asks: “Shall Adams 12 Five Star Schools debt be increased $350 million, with a repayment cost of not more than $653 million, and with no expected increase in the district’s current debt service mill levy of 21.665 mills, shall district taxes be increased not more than $39.4 million annual, and shall such debt be issued for capital improvement purposes, including but not limited to: • adding classrooms and schools to reduce overcrowding; • extending the life of aging school buildings by making major repairs, replacement and improvements to the following deteriorating areas; leaking roofs, flooring, building foundations and structures, heating and cooling systems, and plumbing and electrical systems; • improving emergency response and security in school buildings by installing security cameras and alarm systems and upgrading existing cameras; • expanding availability of preschool and full-day kindergarten; updating instructional support technology; • meeting increased demand for career and technical classes and certification in areas such as skilled trades, technical sciences, health care, and advanced manufacturing; such debt to be evidenced by the issuance and payment of general obligation bonds, which shall bear interest, mature, be subject to redemption, with or without premium of not to exceed 3% and be issued, dated and sold at such time or times, at such prices (at, above or below par) and in such manner and containing such terms, not inconsistent herewith, as the district may determine; and shall ad valorem

property taxes be levied in any year, without limitation as to rate, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such bonds and any bonds issued to refinance such bonds and to fund any reserves for the payment thereof; and shall the district’s debt limit be increased from an amount equal to 20 percent of the district’s assessed value to an amount equal to 6% of the district’s actual value, as certified by the county assessors of Adams County and the City and County of Broomfield?”

What it means: Should Adams 12 voters approve a $350 million bond to cover infrastructure needs without a tax-rate increase? It would be the first time a district bond has passed since 2004.

What supporters say: Failed bond measures in the past have led to school overcrowding and maintenance issues that desperately need to be addressed. The average age of the district’s buildings is 30 years, and systems such as furnaces, roofs and sewers need replacing. Schools are turning away students due to overcrowding. The district is projected to add 1,300 students over the next five years.

That’s on top of the 4,200 additional students who have enrolled since the last bond in 2004.

What opponents say: Those against the bond have pointed out that this measure doesn’t lower the tax rate and that the district can cut employees and reduce or eliminate educational programing to pay for critical building needs. Some people believe the state, which defunded the district of nearly $40 million, should pay its fair share instead of local communities.

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Knollwood Metropolitan District Issue 5A Tax increase What it asks: “Shall Knollwood Metropolitan District debt be increased up to $500,000, with a repayment cost of not to exceed $750,000; and shall Knollwood Metropolitan District taxes be increased $50,500 annually (first full fiscal year), to finance the costs of: designing, constructing and installing street and water system improvements; and shall the mill levy be increased in any year, without limitation of rate, but only in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such debt or any refunding debt (or to create a reserve for such payment); such debt to be evidenced by the execution and delivery by the district of one or more general obligation loan agreements and related notes or other form of multiple fiscal year financial obligations of the district or the issuance of general obligation bonds to be entered into, incurred or issued on terms and conditions as permitted by law and as the district board may determine; and shall such tax revenues and the earnings from the investment of the proceeds of such debt and tax revenues be collected, retained and spent as a voter approved revenue change under Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution and an exception to the limits that would otherwise apply under Section 29-1-301 of the Colorado Revised Statutes or any

other law?”

What it means: Members of the Knollwood Metropolitan District, located in unincorporated Boulder County west of Fourth Street and south of Sunshine Canyon, are asked to give the district approval to borrow up to $500,000, with a maximum repayment cost of $750,000, to design and construct street and water system improvements. If approved, property taxes for those living in the district would be increased. The district signed an intergovernmental agreement with Boulder County in January, which says that the county and the district will work in good faith to resurface the streets within three years. The county agreed to finance 30 percent of the funding for the resurfacing, up to $105,000. The reimbursement is factored into the estimated maximum costs.

What supporters say: Street resurfacing to repair crumbling streets is long overdue, as are water system improvements. If the issue doesn’t pass, streets will continue to deteriorate. The district also will continue to face increasing need for repairs and maintenance to keep the water system functioning, which will lead to water fee increases.

What opponents say: There is no organized opposition to this tax.

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St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District Issue 4A Revenue collection What it asks: “Without increasing taxes, shall the St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District be authorized to collect, retain, and spend all revenues and other funds collected from any and all revenue sources, such as grants, fees, and taxes, starting in 2017, to enable the district to fully accomplish its mission to ensure sufficient water for local food production, river recreation, the stream environment, and human consumption; and shall the revenues from all such sources be collected, retained, or spent as voter approved revenue changes and as an exemption to the limits which would otherwise apply?”

What it means: Voters are asked to allow the St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District to spend all of the revenue it collects by exempting the district from spending limitations imposed by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). The district’s revenue is generated by a property tax imposed on all properties located within the district’s approximately 305,000 acres. The district will collect $331,000 in 2016. If approved, the ballot measure would not increase taxes.

What supporters say: The district needs all the money it collects as it continues to recover from a cash shortfall caused by the 2013 floods and looks toward future financial stability. The measure retains a refund that would amount to less than $2 a year for local property owners.

The district has a long record of fiscal accountability.

What opponents say: The money from the TABOR refunds could be better spent by property owners. The funds are not directed toward a specific project.