Election 2010

ELECTION STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 11

Name: Deb Gardner Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: 740 Judson St., Longmont; nine years Campaign website and contact information: www.deb gardner.net, deb@deb gardner.net

Gardner

Age and place of birth: 61; Galesburg, Ill. Education: Galesburg Sr. High School, June 1967; Knox College, bachelor’s degree in biology, June 1971; Metro State College, bachelor’s degree in accounting, 1991 Business or occupation: I am an accountant. I have worked for a wide variety of companies, always with the goal of improving the operation of that company. I have worked in Boulder County for 24 years at Head Sports and Western Disposal, and I am currently the senior accountant for EcoCycle.

Public offices: I have not held public office, unless you count when I was elected to be the chair of the Boulder County Democratic Party from March 2006 through February 2009.

Family: I have an extended network of family and friends that I have known for many years. But at home right now I have three fish and a Christmas cactus that has been in my family for more than 40 years.

Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: I have been a volunteer for Intercambio de Comunidades and an active supporter of HOPE and El Comité. I was chair of the Boulder County Democratic Party for three years.

Any other affiliations you would like to share: not answered Military record: I have not served in the military but have the upmost respect for those who do and have.

Other interests, activities: I was a stained-glass artisan. I made windows and other items in my father’s garage. Then I would load my pickup truck and travel to art festivals to sell my wares. I made lifelong friends and loved using my hands and the right side of my brain to make beautiful things.

I love to hike or snowshoe. I find the experience of being outdoors meditative and restorative.

What can the Legislature do to resolve the state budget crisis?

Colorado’s Constitution requires that we balance the budget each year. This is a good thing.

We need to take a balanced approach to close the gap between revenue and expense.

The Legislature must reform our tax policy and make it fair.

This would generate more revenue, but there also will have to be cuts to services and programs. If elected, I will work to apply these cuts fairly while protecting the most vulnerable among us. I also would work to improve the efficiency of government and ensure that your tax dollars are working as hard as possible.

What could (or should) the state be doing to aid in job retention and recruitment? I had a small business and worked as an accountant most of my adult life for a variety of companies. I have learned that to be successful, business owners must first invest time and money into their companies. If we are to attract companies and their jobs to Colorado, we first must be willing to invest in our roads, buildings, bridges, parks, water systems, clean air and other things but most importantly in our schools. If the state and its people invest in the future, companies will bring their jobs to Colorado.

Do you think the state is on the right track with the “new energy economy”? Yes. The new energy economy initiated

by Gov. Ritter and enhanced by the Legislature has created thousands of jobs in Colorado. I

would work to increase efforts to attract renewable energy companies to Colorado. I would encourage governmental investment in education at every level, because it results in the development of new technologies, new businesses and new jobs.

What steps would you take to bolster K-12 and higher education in this state? The Governor’s State Educator Effectiveness Council is charged with analyzing our education system and making recommendations for improvement. If elected, I am looking forward to implementing those proposals.

I have knocked on thousands of doors and talked with hundreds of voters in Longmont and Boulder to get their reply to the question “What are your most important concerns?” One of their top concerns has been that their children will not have access to a good education because our school system is so underfunded. I will work to begin the discussion about ways to increase school funding.

What’s the best way to pay for the state’s transportation needs? First, it is important that everyone vote NO on ballot measures 60, 61 and 101. If these pass, the state’s ability to invest in our transportation system would be decimated. Go to www.donthurtcolorado.com for more information. Any increase in funding must be fair and equitable. I would support an increase in the RTD sales tax to fully fund FasTracks. I would support and encourage other projects like the U.S. 36 Commuting Solutions project, which was a successful private and public partnership that attracted federal funding because of its collaborative nature. I will work to develop alternatives to more roads.

Why should you be elected to this office? As Sen. Brandon Shaffer said, “Deb works hard for what she believes in. She’s honest and forthright and is dedicated to making Colorado a wonderful place for many generations to come. I’m proud to endorse her for House District 11.” I will work collaboratively with all members of the Legislature to solve the problems facing our state. If we can all agree on what kind of state we want to be, we can work together to find a way to make it happen. I am the best candidate in this race to bring people together and move Colorado forward.

Name: Wes Whiteley Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: P.O. Box 278, Niwot; five years in Longmont, 35 years in Colorado, fourth generation in Boulder County Campaign website: WesWhiteley .com, Wes Whiteley Whiteley for House District 11 (Facebook), weswhiteleyjr@aol.com Age and place of birth: 43; Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Education: Boulder High School; Metro State College Business or occupation: Sales consultant. I currently work with a company that will be selling electric car franchises across the country.

Public offices: I have never held public office Family: Wife Sara Whiteley Other affiliations: District captain with Boulder County Republicans Military record: Not applicable Other interests, activities: I umpire slow- and fast-pitch softball. I officiate high school football in Boulder County, and I officiate football for Longmont Youth Football.

What can the Legislature do to resolve the state budget crisis?

Colorado does not have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem. Countless families throughout the state have been forced to cut back, and it is time for the state

government to do the same. I will seek to eliminate wasteful spending so we can return more of that money to taxpayers.

What could (or should) the state be doing to aid in job retention and recruitment?

Government is not the creator of jobs; private enterprise is the driving force of job creation.

Over the past few years, our state government has enacted a laundry list of new taxes, regulations and bureaucracies that have strained our state’s economy. If I am elected, I will work to bring job growth to Colorado and tell the rest of the country that Colorado promotes economic freedom.

Do you think the state is on the right track with the “new energy economy”? Colorado should do all it can to end its dependence on foreign oil.

What steps would you take to bolster K-12 and higher education in this state? We need to look into ways to shrink state government so we can free up more money for education.

Why should you be elected to this office? I am running so that I can provide a muchneeded breath of fresh air, because our current leadership isn’t working. In the last few sessions, our Legislature used every possible loophole to skirt the taxpayer protections that voters enacted in the Colorado Constitution. At the same time, the Legislature wasted large sums of money on pet projects and special interests. Our state is now billions of dollars in debt, and our future liabilities present a grave financial risk to this state.

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 12 Name: Jeffrey Ilseman Political party: Republican Address: 619 Crawford Circle, Longmont. I have lived in Longmont for 11 years.

Campaign website and contact information: www.jeff4 house.com, jeff@jeff4 house.com Age and place of birth: 57; Baltimore Ilseman Education: Bachelor’s degree, United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., 1975; master’s degree in systems management, University of Southern California, 1979 Business or occupation: Texas Instruments, Semiconductor Division, 23 years: quality and reliability engineering manager, product engineering manager, customer program manager; Seagate Technology, five years: reliability program manager, customer quality project manager Public offices: I am running for my first elective office.

Family: Iris and I celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary this year. We have two adult sons.

Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Serve on Longmont’s On-Demand Transit Task Force, whose purpose is to establish coordination between various private and public providers (mainly serving those who cannot drive); recognized by the Longmont City Council in December 2009; volunteer as the project manager for a nonprofit eldercare facility in the planning stages; volunteer at the local hospitality center, providing hot lunches for individuals and families going through difficult transitions; serve on the missions board where I attend church.

Other affiliations: Certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) in 2003 by the Project Management Institute (PMI) Military record: U.S. Army captain; airborne paratrooper; honorary member of 5th Special Forces Group; battery Commander in 32nd Air Defense Command, Germany Other interests, activities: In 2009, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, precisely the same kind that my mother had many years previously. Several months after a unilateral mastectomy, I was given a

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clean bill of health.

What can the Legislature do to resolve the state budget crisis?

The best way to resolve the state budget crisis is to get the economy going again.

Economic recovery starts with small businesses and private investment, not government spending.

The Legislature must work to empower employers to create private-sector jobs by lowering barriers that inhibit job creation. These taxes, fees, mandates, regulations, reporting, etc., need to be lowered enough to significantly impact hiring decisions.

In the meantime, the Legislature must prioritize the revenues that we have and not make life more difficult on families and employers by raising taxes/fees. Spending must be in line with income.

What could (or should) the state be doing to aid in job retention and recruitment? In the private sector? We need to challenge our business incubators to accelerate the successful development of entrepreneurial companies. CU, as one of the top research universities in the United States, has seen its research funding grow from $661 million (FY ’07-’08) to $711 million (FY ’08-’09) to $847 million (FY ’09-’10). As a legislator, I will encourage the efficient use of these research dollars to quickly create new technology, new processes, new industries, new companies, new products and new services that result in private-sector jobs based on private investment.

Do you think the state is on the right track with the “new energy economy”? While a number of supporting measures, both federal and state, are in place, it may take some time to determine their total effect on our economy, including subsidy and energy costs, as well as resultant job creation. I suggest we should move slowly with new programs until all impacts can be quantified.

What steps would you take to bolster K-12 and higher education in this state? This year’s quarter-billion-dollar budget gap and next year’s forecasted $1.1 billion budget gap will require legislators to prioritize the revenues that we have for education while working to make state government more efficient, providing more funding that could be used for education.

To help K-12 and highereducation leaders prioritize and economize, the Legislature needs to take a hard look at federal- and state-imposed mandates, programs, rules, reports and restraints impacting school-site personnel, in an effort to reduce costs while increasing freedom to make local decisions that will best benefit the education of students.

What’s the best way to pay for the state’s transportation needs? With the decline in gas tax revenue, downward revisions for FASTER revenue and the end of federal stimulus funds, CDOT must continue to innovate and optimize the efficiency of its transportation networks and minimize the impact of continued deterioration.

I support devolving state highways, where appropriate, to local control, in a way that avoids unfunded mandates. In these cases, the local community would better recognize the needs and solutions for a specific highway.

When state transportation needs take precedence over other state priorities, I also would support enhancement of the Highway Users Tax Fund from the General Fund.

Why should you be elected to this office? My real-world experiences provide a sound foundation for taking on the challenges facing Colorado.

After graduating from West Point, serving overseas as an Army officer and completing a successful 28-year private sector career, I am once again in a position to serve.

I’ve been balancing the conflicting demands of budget limitations and increasing customer expectations. I’ve Continued on PAGE C2

Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 and 61 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ANALYSIS

This information is taken directly from the Colorado Blue Book, which is compiled by the Legislative Council of the Colorado General Assembly, a nonpartisan staff group.

Each analysis includes a description of the measure and major arguments for and against. Careful consideration has been given to the arguments in an effort to fairly represent both sides of the issue. It also includes an estimate of the fiscal impact of the measure. More information on the fiscal impact of measures can be found at www.coloradobluebook.com.

Proposition 101

Proposition 101 amends state law to: • reduce the state income tax rate from 4.63 percent to 4.5 percent in 2011, and to 3.5 percent gradually over time; • reduce or eliminate taxes and fees on vehicle purchases, registrations, leases, and rentals over the next four years; • eliminate all state and local taxes and fees on telecommunication services, except 911 fees; and • require voter approval to create or increase fees on vehicles and telecommunication services.

Ballot title: Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning limits on government charges, and, in connection therewith, reducing vehicle ownership taxes over four years to nominal amounts; ending taxes on vehicle rentals and leases; phasing in over four years a $10,000 vehicle sale price tax exemption; setting total yearly registration, license and title charges at $10 per vehicle; repealing other specific vehicle charges; lowering the state income tax rate to 4.5 percent and phasing in a further reduction in the rate to 3.5 percent; ending state and local taxes and charges, except 911 charges, on telecommunication service customer accounts; and stating that, with certain specified exceptions, any added charges on vehicles and telecommunication service customer accounts shall be tax increases?

Arguments for: 1) Allowing citizens and businesses to keep more of their own money helps the economy. A family with a yearly income of $55,000 could have their taxes and fees cut by $313 in the first year of Proposition 101 and $708 per year when it is fully implemented. Businesses will also benefit from the cut in taxes and fees, allowing them to invest in their companies and create new jobs. In addition, people who buy or lease cars will save even more from lower sales taxes. Reducing taxes and fees helps businesses and lower- and middle-income families who are struggling in this difficult economy.

Consumer spending and business investment tend to increase when the tax burden is lower.

2) Proposition 101 will require state and local governments to eliminate unnecessary spending. Governments will look more closely at how they spend money, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used in the best and most efficient way.

State and local governments already spend about $40 billion a year, which amounts to an average of $20,000 per household in the state. The amount of spending by governments in the state has increased by about 14 percent since 1990, even after accounting for inflation and population growth. Even with Proposition 101’s reductions in tax and fee collections, revenue to governments will continue to grow, although at a slower rate.

Governments can prioritize and fund the most important services with less money by making better choices about how they spend taxpayer money.

3) Proposition 101 gives people a voice in decisions about fees on phones and vehicles. Rather than asking voters for more money for transportation projects, the state recently increased vehicle registration fees by about $220

million, an average of approximately $44 per car. The state did this even though registration fees exceed what it costs the government to process vehicle registrations. Proposition 101 will require governments to seek voter approval for more money rather than adding more fees. Further, some telecommunication fees raise the cost of basic services for everyone but help only a small part of the state’s population.

Proposition 101 simplifies and eliminates these fees — lowering all vehicle registration fees to a flat $10 per year and ending state and local taxes and fees, except 911 fees, on phone and cable bills.

Arguments against: 1) Colorado’s economic success depends on services that governments provide, such as education and a safe transportation system.

Proposition 101 will force cuts to these services that people rely on for a high quality of life and that businesses need to succeed. Services that have already been reduced because of the economic downturn, such as schools, colleges, prisons, firefighters and police, and water and sewer systems, will be cut further. These cuts could further weaken the already slow economy, reduce jobs and, over time, hurt the quality of the state’s work force. Rural economies may also be affected because fees that help provide phone and Internet service for rural areas will be eliminated.

The state’s operating budget is estimated to be cut by $1.6 billion, or about 23 percent, when the measure is fully implemented, an amount greater than what the state currently spends on prisons, courts and the Colorado State Patrol combined. Further, local governments will have about $1 billion less. State government spending as a percentage of the economy is already third lowest among all states and combined state and local government spending is eighth lowest.

2) Proposition 101 will hurt the ability of the state and local communities to maintain already inadequate roads and bridges and provide public transportation. Studies show that Colorado needs more than twice as much money each year than it currently spends just to maintain existing roads and bridges. Proposition 101 would cut state transportation funding by an estimated 28 percent. In 2009 alone, the state and local governments maintained more than 193,000 lane miles of roadway and 8,000 bridges.

The state also snow-plowed and sanded 5.6 million miles of highway, repaired 77,000 street signs, and monitored 278 avalanche paths. Public health and safety may also be affected due to fewer resources for emergency medical services, vehicle emission programs and road maintenance.

3) Cuts to government services may result in hardship for families who have to pay for services that governments will no longer be able to afford. For example, tuition will likely increase, putting college out of reach for many households.

Higher-income people, who are better able to absorb these cost increases, will benefit the most from the reduced taxes and fees in Proposition 101. Low- and middle-income people will be less able to absorb the costs.

Proposition 101 also eliminates fees that pay for services to help those with lower incomes and people who are deaf, speech impaired or blind communicate Continued on PAGE C8

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improvements.

been solving problems in the high-tech semiconductor and data-storage industries, where I gained a clear understanding that vigorous, healthy competition, relatively free from governmental interference, is what drives down costs while providing higher-quality products and services.

Why should you be elected to this office?

Name: Matt Jones Political party: Democratic Address: P.O. Box 270195, Louisville; 11 years Campaign website and contact information: www.matt jonesfor colorado.com, electmatt@ comcast.net Campaign Facebook account: Matt Jones Jones for Colorado Campaign Twitter account: @electmatt Age and place of birth: 55; Manhattan, Kan. Education: Colorado State University, bachelor’s degree in political science, master’s degrees in political science and natural resource policy Business or occupation: Open space and trail planner, parttime wildland firefighter Public offices: State representative 1987-1993; served as assistant minority leader Family: Wife Shari Heinlein and daughter Jessica Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Chaired the Louisville Open Space Citizen Advisory Committee; co-founded the Frontcountry Leave No Trace, a national environmental education program; crew leader for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, fundraising for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Other affiliations: not answered Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: not answered What can the Legislature do to resolve the state budget crisis?

First, we must defeat 60, 61 and 101 on this year’s ballot.

They will kill jobs and hurt Colorado. Second, we should look at tax loopholes for more revenue. Third, we need to have an honest conversation with Coloradans about what kind of state we want, because the only way to raise revenue is through a public vote.

What could (or should) the state be doing to aid in job retention and recruitment? In the private sector?

Boulder County is quickly gaining a reputation as the new “hip” Silicon Valley. I will work with the cities, county and state government to be sure we are united in our efforts to promote and accelerate this movement so we can generate jobs more quickly.

Do you think the state is on the right track with the “new energy economy”?

Yes, our area is positioned to attract more companies like Abound Solar manufacturing to create better-paying jobs with benefits. I will work to broaden financial incentives for the installation of energyconservation and renewable programs in homes and businesses, creating local cleanenergy jobs.

What steps would you take to bolster K-12 and higher education in this state?

Education is the promise we make to the future generation.

It’s what has moved us ahead as a nation. We may be the first generation of adults to not fulfill that promise. I won’t settle for that. Like many of you, I have raised and educated a child, now in college, and can see firsthand the value a good education provides. I will work for more funding, more accountability, expanded programs and genuine student achievement — not just CSAP scores.

What’s the best way to pay for the state’s transportation needs?

Colorado received a shot in the arm from $500 million in federal funding. But beyond that, we have a real problem meeting our transportation needs. From a district perspective, I will fight for funding FasTracks rail to Longmont and Louisville, public transit improvements and other area road and bridge

Proven leadership. These are tough times that demand experience. Having served as a legislative leader, I will hit the ground running. Having pioneered energy-conservation legislation, I will work to create clean-energy and other jobs.

Having beaten cancer twice, the first without health insurance, I will fight for affordable health care. With my parents having been teachers and with a daughter in college, I know how critical investing in education is to Colorado’s economic future. I have the life experience, legislative know-how and persistence needed in tough times to renew Colorado and make it a better place to live and work.

Name: Bo Shaffer Political party: Libertarian Address: 7425 E. County Line Road, Longmont; 30 years in the area Campaign website and contact information: www.bo412.com, bo@bo412.com Age and place of birth: n/a; born in a small Pennsylvania town

LONGMONT TIMES-CALL Charter schools, homeschooling, private schools and more need to be supported to help relieve the state from the educational burden.

What’s the best way to pay for the state’s transportation needs? Get the private sector to foot the bill as much as possible with the idea of people paying tolls and fees on an as-you-useit basis.

Why should you be elected to this office? Because if you continue to vote the same kind of R’s and D’s into office as you have been and expect them to do something different, then you should look up the definition of insanity. My Democratic opponent had opportunities when he was in office before to make things better ... and he and his kind have almost bankrupted this state with social welfare programs. My Republican opponent, while a good man, has zero political experience and will end up being just another Republican tool to rubber stamp the party line. If you really want to make a change, vote for an experienced and capable Libertarian.

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 13

Name: Robert Houdeshell Political party: Republican Address: 1901 Rainbow Road, Idaho Springs Education: Campaign website and contact CU-Boulder information: Shaffer master’s in www.RobertHD13.com, Environmental robert@roberthd13.com Biology, 1985; UC-Davis, bachelor’s in Zoology with Age and Chemistry minor, 1978; place of birth: Syracuse University (Utica 44; Upper College), AA in Electronics, Sandusky, 1973; Tulane University, Ohio undergrad pre-med, 1969-71 Education: Business or occupation: BA/BS magna Planetary ecologist and CEO of cum laude DTI, an environmental from Colorado Houdeshell consulting company for 20 Christian years; certified environmental University inspector (CEI), certified Business or occupation: environmental systems manager Business solutions (CESM), certified environmental consultant/owner, Njevity Inc.; consultant (CEC); Colorado vice president, NexusTek Inc.; state-certified water operator president, New Frontiers Public offices: Elected to Left Consulting; business solutions Hand Water District, 2004, consultant, AccuNet Inc. 2008 (still in office); candidate Public offices: Chairman of for Boulder County sheriff communications, Clear Creek (twice) and county County GOP; secretary, Colorado commissioner (2008); GOP Technology Committee candidate for state senate Family: Wife Barbara; brother (2002); appointed to Boulder Rod Pence (Oregon); brother County Special Election committee (2003); appointed to Don Houdeshell (Ohio) Membership in civic Boulder County Mosquito organizations or other civic Advisory board (2004-06) activities: not answered Family: Betsy, wife of 25 years; Other affiliations: Founder, son Morgan, 18; daughter IAMCP (International Brenna, 15 Association of Microsoft Membership in civic Certified Partners), Colorado organizations or other civic Chapter; president, IAMCP activities: Assistant Colorado 2007 and 2008 Scoutmaster, Troop 66; member Military record: not applicable of Elks; member of Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS); Other interests, activities: member Southern Poverty Law Politics, fiscal matters, Center (SPLC) accounting and financial Other affiliations: Producer and reporting, business systems, former board member, CCTV54, hiking, fishing and hunting public access station in What can the Legislature do to Louisville; producer and current resolve the state budget crisis? board member, Channel 22; It’s time for the Legislature to member of MENSA; director of move from micromanaging the International Cryonics and Colorado state budget to Center for Life Extension managing each department at a (I.C.I.C.L.E.) in Nederland; macro level. Now is the time founding member of Left Hand that we need to identify to each of Liberty department how much needs to be cut to bring our budget into Military record: Two years Reserve Officer Special Training alignment with revenues. This top-down approach will give (69-71) with Ranger Battalion department managers the stationed at Calender Airbase, opportunity to scrutinize their La.; member Pershing Rifles; budgets and give them the honorable discharge, 1971 opportunity to cut expenditures.

Other interests, activities: What could (or should) the Former chair (five years), state be doing to aid in job Libertarian Party of Boulder retention and recruitment? In County (LPBC); former records the private sector? I will remove director (two years) for excessive taxation, regulations Libertarian Party of Colorado and barriers to entry in the (LPCO) Colorado economy. For What can the Legislature do to example, the Democratresolve the state budget crisis? controlled Legislature enacted Stop spending more than was harsh new rules on the oil and taken in, in the previous year. gas industry. These must be reWhat could (or should) the examined and repealed where state be doing to aid in job appropriate. retention and recruitment? In Do you think the state is on the the private sector? Stop passing right track with the “new onerous bills on small energy economy”? That is for businesses. Stop increasing fees the free market to decide, not and taxes on small businesses. government. Having 5,200 Promote small businesses, the watts of solar on my house, backbone of our economy. obviously I believe there is merit Do you think the state is on the behind renewable energy. right track with the “new However, there has to be a energy economy”? What’s that? balance of legacy industries that Some fancy name for serve us well along with new supporting alternative energy technologies. The PC did not sources (with state-sponsored become ubiquitous overnight. It incentives, tax reliefs, etc.) was the free market and a wherever they can be found? If ramp-up that occurred that so, then yes. replaced the legacy mainframes.

Same with many other What steps would you take to technologies. bolster K-12 and higher education in this state?

What steps would you take to Promote alternative (and bolster K-12 and higher privately funded) education. ... education in this state? I will

address the problem in two ways: first, by making each institution accountable to a reduced budget while maintaining services for our students. This means not cutting essential services but instead looking at the overhead, burden and administration first, not last.

Second, by increasing revenues through improved employment in Colorado, building businesses and removing barriers to businesses’ success.

What’s the best way to pay for the state’s transportation needs? Under the Democratcontrolled Legislature, $300plus million was removed from the general fund and replaced with FASTER (an increased tax on all vehicle registrations). We need a budget that allocates some additional revenue from the general fund to transportation.

Why should you be elected to this office? I am a businessman who has spent his life solving business problems for my clients. I know the power of listening, of analyzing and, most importantly, of creating action plans to solve complex business problems. These same skills will be applied as I listen to my constituents, analyze the state budget and make recommendations, and vote on steps to restore Colorado’s greatness. I believe in Colorado, and I believe that our state’s best days are yet to come!

Name: Claire Levy Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: 3172 Redstone Road, Boulder.

I have lived in Boulder for 24 years, since 1986.

Campaign website and contact information: www.clairelevy.org, claire@clairelevy.org Age and place of birth: 54; Bloomington, Ind. Education: BA in History, Carleton College, cum Levy laude, 1982; JD, Case Western Reserve University, Order of the Coif, 1982 Business or occupation: 1999 to 2008: Claire B. Levy LLC, sole practice law firm specializing in land use and local government law.

Public offices: State representative, House District 13, 2007 to present; appointed to city of Boulder Planning Board, 2003-2006; Boulder County Housing Authority, 1999-2003; Boulder County Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee, 1994-1999 (chair from 1998-99) Family: Husband David Driscoll; daughters Mara Driscoll, 20, and Ellie Driscoll, 16 Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Former board member and co-chair of PLAN Boulder County; treasurer and founding member of Boulder Ballet Other affiliations: not answered Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: I enjoy being in the wilderness, hiking or backcountry skiing. I enjoy cooking for friends and family, gardening and sewing. I read a lot of fiction.

What can the Legislature do to resolve the state budget crisis?

The budget crisis is a product of the unemployment rate and the drop in consumer spending. We need to create new jobs and work hard to keep the jobs here in Colorado. That will help increase revenues so we can meet growing demand for public services and so we can fund our schools, health care, public safety needs and universities.

The other part of the equation is the spending side. Until the economy recovers, we will have to strictly prioritize spending so we fund essential health, safety and welfare services and education. Beyond those basics, any budgetary demands must prove to be essential and productive.

What could (or should) the state be doing to aid in job retention and recruitment?

Many economic development experts have said that having an excellent system of public education and higher education are the most important tools for job creation and retention.

These experts also focus on transportation and telecommunications infrastructure. We must

WWW.TIMESCALL.COM continue efforts to create quality schools and universities, and create multimodal transportation opportunities.

Do you think the state is on the right track with the “new energy economy”? Absolutely!

That is one area in which jobs continued to grow during the recession. And not only is it good for the economy; new energy companies position Colorado for job creation in the future and help us reduce our wasteful consumption of fossil fuels.

What steps would you take to bolster K-12 and higher education in this state? We must be sure funds are spent on high-quality teachers. We must strive to close the achievement gap between white and minority students. Colleges and universities need some tuition flexibility, but they must remain affordable and true to their mission of providing public education. Ultimately, Colorado must consider whether to create a dedicated income stream for higher education that would be sustainable in the long term.

What’s the best way to pay for the state’s transportation needs? I believe we must ask the voters to raise the gas tax.

The rate hasn’t been increased since the 1980s, and inflation plus fuel economy has eroded the purchasing power of the existing tax.

Colorado also must experiment with distance-based charges. As we shift to even more fuelefficient vehicles and electric cars, and as we change our land-use patterns to support less driving, we still will have to maintain our transportation infrastructure. So basing our payments on how far we drive and how much wear and tear our vehicles cause will be a more equitable way to pay for transportation.

Why should you be elected to this office? I strive to listen and to learn before casting any vote.

I work hard to remain in touch with my constituents, so I know what their priorities are. I believe I possess the breadth of knowledge that allows me to consider many factors in deciding what positions to take.

In addition, I have lived in Colorado for more than 25 years and have raised a family here. I believe I know what other families are seeking for themselves and their children.

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 33 Name: Donald Beezley Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: 2698 Creekside Drive, Broomfield. My wife and I are multigeneration Colorado natives who grew up in Boulder County. We’ve lived in Broomfield Beezley since 1997.

Campaign website and contact information: www.DonBeezley.com, donbeezley@msn.com Age and place of birth: 44; Longmont Education: CU-Boulder, finance; completed graduate work at Regis University Business or occupation: My business, Healthsource Regional Development LLC, is the regional developer for HealthSource Chiropractic & Progressive Rehab franchise for Colorado, Washington and Arizona. I implement our successful business model and provide business coaching to our franchisees. I also advise small-business owners on the value and sale of their businesses, associating with ProForma West, LLC. Previously owned restaurants and worked in banking and distribution.

Served as VP for development of a nonprofit public policy research organization.

four counties that make up HD33 are the four counties in which I’ve lived and owned businesses in the cities of Longmont, Broomfield, Greeley and Fort Collins. I grew up in a construction business family, and I’ve owned businesses in retail, online and service industries. My family is my center, and I’ve chosen to seek public office because I want our children to have the same opportunities we’ve had. On our nation’s and state’s current course, that will not be the case. We must restore a sense of freedom and opportunity in Colorado based on commonsense policies that lay the foundation for lasting growth and success of the private sector, where jobs and opportunity are created.

What can the Legislature do to resolve the state budget crisis?

Spending is one of the biggest challenges we face with the state budget at a near all-time high. Solutions must be a combination of setting priorities, understanding how to get more out of less in the short run and, most importantly, reversing the job-killing attitudes and policies that have hurt Colorado so we can put our economy back on a solid growth path so we can grow our revenue base. We cannot tax our way to prosperity.

What could (or should) the state be doing to aid in job retention and recruitment?

Colorado needs a focus like never before on the basics of economic opportunity. Jobs, opportunity and lasting growth are created in the private sector, and my sole aim will be to work with the community and support pro-job and economic growth initiatives. My vision is a Colorado where no one ever asks “Should we do business in Colorado?” but naturally assumes they will. Policies that create this attitude are the only foundation for a vibrant, diverse, growing economy based on creating real, lasting jobs and opportunities that benefit the whole state.

Do you think that the state is on the right track with the “new energy economy”? I think we all support clean-energy objectives in our beautiful state.

Private capital and investment decisions should drive this industry. Subsidies driven by political, rather than economic, priorities will misallocate capital, distort the industry and destroy more jobs than they create without yielding tangible net benefits.

What steps would you take to bolster K-12 and higher education in this state? With two young boys at the start of their public education, I feel a sense of great urgency regarding a more accountable, rigorous education environment focused on results and high expectations for every child. As any family or small business can attest right now, tight budgets aren’t fun.

However, they do provide the opportunity to assess priorities and how to be more effective — how to do more with less and achieve our objectives. We must openly look at our successes and failures and overcome the resistance of established interests to meaningful reform and experimentation.

What’s the best way to pay for the state’s transportation needs? Transportation — one of the most essential, fundamental services the state is providing — is too often treated as an afterthought. We must have the will to make it a higher priority, consider restoring past funding mechanisms that have been discontinued and search for long-term solutions for dedicated funding sources.

Military record: not applicable

Why should you be elected to this office? Colorado’s Legislature has slammed the door on business through excessive taxes, fees and regulations. It’s time to reopen that door with common-sense solutions. Business is where we get our jobs and how we pay our bills and forms the foundation for our tax base. I will bring a 20-year business background with an in-thetrenches understanding of the challenges facing our economy and help restore some balance and common sense to our government. I will work to pursue initiatives that set the foundation for creating real, lasting jobs that create opportunity for Coloradans while growing our economy to ease our budget challenges.

Other interests, activities: The

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Public offices: None Family: Wife Pat; sons Connor, 7, and Alexander, 3 Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Board member, TABOR Committee and TABOR Foundation; advisory board member, Leadership Program of the Rockies; Cub Scout den leader Other affiliations: not answered

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Name: Dianne Primavera Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: 4596 Maroon Circle, Broomfield; 10 years Campaign website and contact information: www.dianne primavera .com, 303404-2300 Age: 60 Education: Regis College 1968-1972, Primavera bachelor’s in psychology, graduated magna cum laude; University of Northern Colorado, master’s in vocational rehabilitation counseling, 1975 Business or occupation: Colorado state legislator, 2006present; marketing director, Learning Services Assisted Living Facility, 2005-2006; director of Colorado Governor’s White House Conference on Aging, 2004-2005; Department of Revenue, director of motor vehicle titles, registrations and emissions, 2000-2004; owner and operator of small dog-grooming business, 2000-2008 Public offices: Secretary, Broomfield County Democrats, 2004; Colorado state representative, HD 33, 2006-present Family: Two daughters: Kelsey, 27, and Darcie, 25 Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: I have a long history of public service both paid and unpaid.

Other affiliations: Alpha Sigma Nu National Jesuit Honor Society Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: I love to do ballroom dancing, aerobics and cooking. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family and my dogs.

What can the Legislature do to resolve the state budget crisis?

As a current member and former chair of the Legislative Audit Committee, I assure that state departments spend taxpayers’ money efficiently. I co-sponsored the SMART

legislation, which will require departments to meet performance measures in conjunction with their budget allocation. Cut down on any fraud and abuse. Continue to stimulate job growth and economic development.

What could (or should) the state be doing to aid in job retention and recruitment?

Forbes and MSNBC have rated Colorado in the top five states best for business. We need to support that which draws business to the state — quality public education, our beautiful environment and our transportation infrastructure.

Do you think the state is on the right track with the “new energy economy”?

Yes, Colorado has the perfect climate to promote wind and solar. We have become a national leader in the past four years in renewable energy — a new industry that has brought thousands of new jobs and many corporations to Colorado.

What steps would you take to bolster K-12 and higher education in this state?

Continue to promote a thriving economy. Promote efficiencies in all departments. I have supported early childhood education and concurrent enrollment in both high school and community colleges. I supported legislation allowing more flexibility with tuition in higher education.

What’s the best way to pay for the state’s transportation needs?

The blue ribbon panel on transportation developed a variety of funding options for transportation, many of which still are being analyzed. The FASTER bill is a start at addressing our crumbling and dangerous bridges and road maintenance. Support mass transit and multimodal options.

Why should you be elected to this office?

I am a Colorado native, and there is no place that is more important to me than Colorado.

I have been a very effective legislator honored with many awards from different groups. I sponsor legislation that makes a difference to my district and the people I represent. I have worked very hard to be in

contact with those I represent with multiple hall meetings and walking my district every summer in both election and non-election years.

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 48 Name: Connie (Hurtado) Coffman Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: 1122 Sandra Drive, Johnstown; resident of northern Colorado since 1983, living in Longmont, Loveland and Johnstown Campaign Coffman website and contact information: conniecoffman.com connie@conniecoffman.com Education: Graduated from Limon (Colo.) High School in 1962; bachelor’s and double major in mathematics and English, Colorado State College (now UNC) in Greeley, 1966; master’s in psychology from Regis University Business or occupation: Retired from teaching in St. Vrain Valley School District in 2002 with assignments to Longmont High School, Niwot High School and Sunset Middle School from 1983 through 2002 Family: Five daughters: Kristina Jo Kanzler Green (Greeley), Jalonna Kanzler Ehler (Early, Iowa), Marissa Hurtado (Johnstown), Tianna Hurtado (senior at the University of South Dakota), Lindsey Hurtado (senior at Metro State College of Denver) What can the Legislature do to resolve the state budget crisis?

The Legislature should be cautious about adding new services and/or piloting new procedures during this time of financial distress. Legislating mandates to the public entities in Colorado that are not fully funded should be prohibited.

What could (or should) the state be doing to aid in job retention and recruitment? not answered Do you think the state is on the

right track with the “new energy economy”?

The “new energy economy” is definitely a boon to the people of Colorado. It also has become a focus point for future research at our universities. Colorado should remain in the forefront of this developing industry and the research that supports it.

What steps would you take to bolster K-12 and higher education in this state?

My lifelong experience in public education has resulted in a good understanding of funding for both K-12 and higher education in Colorado. I continue to believe that unfunded mandates are absolutely detrimental to the fiscal health of the public schools in this state. If elected to the Colorado House of Representatives, I will vigorously address this problem. Our schools need to be relieved of the ever-increasing burden of “doing more with less.”

What’s the best way to pay for the state’s transportation needs? not answered Why should you be elected to this office?

I should be elected to the Colorado House of Representatives because I will provide a moderate voice to what is currently a very divided group. Partisan politics impedes the process of negotiating compromises. The people of Colorado deserve a legislative body that will work together for the common good!

Name: Glenn Vaad Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: 2688 Weld County Road 32, Mead; I have lived in Mead and the area for 33 years.

Campaign website: www.Vote Vaad.com

Vaad Age and place of birth: 68; Omaha, Neb. Education: Graduate of Omaha Westside High School, 1960;

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 graduated with bachelor’s in industrial construction management from Colorado State University, 1967 Business or occupation: Retired in February 1998 from the Colorado Department of Transportation after 31 years Public offices: Elected to the St. Vrain Valley School District Board of Education twice, 1981 and 1985; served one year by appointment (1980-1981); served on Mead Town Board, 1979; member of Weld County Planning Commission, 19971998; elected to two terms on Weld County Board of Commissioners, 1999-2006; served one year as president of Colorado Counties Inc., 2006; elected twice to Colorado House of Representatives, District 48 (2006 and 2008) Military record: I was not in the military.

Family: My wife, Mollie, and I have two adult children: Joel Vaad of Livermore and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, our grandson Mitchell and our granddaughter Kaycee; and Nicole Forshey of Highlands Ranch and her husband, Shaun, also have two children, our granddaughter Reilly, and our grandson Zachary.

Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: I have served as an elder at LifeBridge Christian Church since it was called First Christian Church of Longmont at Sixth and Coffman.

What can the Legislature do to resolve the state budget crisis?

The Legislature can pass legislation that will require thoughtful and systematic reductions in state expenditures (priority-based budgeting) until the revenues required equal the revenues produced by the current taxes and fees.

What could (or should) the state be doing to aid in job retention and recruitment?

Colorado can reinforce its current work force development effort to assure present and potential employers that the state has a trained and trainable work force that is ready for modern and emerging technologies. The state needs to recraft elements of the current taxing scheme to attract out-of-

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state companies and industry investment in Colorado. This will bring jobs.

Do you think the state is on the right track with the “new energy economy”?

Emphasis on the “new energy economy” must not result in less attention on the nurturing of the tremendously beneficial traditional energy sources with which the state is blessed.

“New energy” can certainly contribute, but its emphasis must be carefully examined for negative unintended consequences.

What steps would you take to bolster K-12 and higher education in this state?

Bolstering K-12 and higher education must be considered in terms of results for the investments made. Also, those making the decisions regarding education in both categories should rightly be assigned proportionate responsibility for funding.

What’s the best way to pay for the state’s transportation needs?

Transportation funding should be the responsibility of the entity deriving the most benefit from the facilities on a proportionate basis. For example, the state transportation commission is undertaking the thoughtful devolution of portions of the state highway system that are more fairly the responsibility of regions that benefit most directly from those portions.

Why should you be elected to this office?

I believe I have demonstrated a commitment to public service and have a documented record of thoughtfully gathering input and implementing sound steps through legislation and administration to bring improvements to the public good.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 16 Name: Tim Leonard Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: P.O. Box 1175, Kittredge; 16 years in the district Campaign website and contact information : www.Tim LeonardforStateSenate.com Continued on PAGE C4

YES ON 1B

Why an Open Space issue this year?

We can’t afford to wait. The owners of most of the remaining large one-of-a-kind open space parcels are selling their land now, including properties within and adjacent to Hall, Heil, and Caribou Ranches and next to our cities and towns. If we don’t pass 1B and preserve this land, it will be sold and developed.

Open space is good for business. Beautiful open space lands and great trails attract quality employers and good jobs. And open space has helped keep property values in Boulder County more stable than in other places.

1B will let us preserve farm land — so we have an opportunity to grow healthy food locally for all of us in Boulder County.

“I built my high-tech companies in Boulder County because I love it here and because the talented

1B will let us build more well designed multi-use trails and connect existing trails to one another.

people I need are drawn to this place by the natural beauty the County’s open space program preserves and the access to outdoor

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1B is a 0.15% sales tax — or 15 cents on a one hundred dollar purchase. Food, medications, mortgages and rent are exempted. It will cost most of us less than a dollar and a half a month. www.yesonopenspace.org

recreation that it provides.”.

— Andrew Currie Active Minds LLC

Paid for by Open Space Yes! Treasurer, Molly Tayer

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Tim@TimLeonardforState Senate.com Age and place of birth: 39; grew up in Southfield, Mich.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business — economics, magna cum laude, Hillsdale College, 1983; master’s of business administration Leonard — real estate finance, University of Denver, 1984 Business or occupation: President and owner, Deepwater Point Co., a business consulting firm, 17 years Public offices: None Family: Monica, wife of 18 years; six children Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: not answered Other affiliations: Member of International Council of Shopping Centers Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: not answered What can the Legislature do to resolve the state budget crisis?

The members of the Legislature can balance the state budget by reducing expenditures rather than increasing tax revenues.

For every dollar the state legislators will not eliminate from the budget deficit, a dollar must be taken from the family budgets of Colorado’s taxpayers.

Our focus should be on reining in the continual increases in spending.

What could (or should) the state be doing to aid in job retention and recruitment? The role of government is to protect the rights of its citizens to carry out their own lives in liberty and freedom. This means the free market economy should not be burdened and misdirected by the mandates and personal agendas of well-intentioned, but misguided elected officials.

Taxes, fees and regulations need to be reduced.

The private sector is the one who should be creating jobs by keeping its money flowing in the economy, not making tax payments to the government to hire more bureaucrats who just increase the burden on taxpayers.

Do you think that the state is on the right track with the “new energy economy”?

I would promote a free market approach to the energy industry while maintaining good stewardship of all our natural resources — both above and below the ground. Government subsidies and incentives only misdirect capital investment and cause a boom and bust in the industries they affect. Government regulations should be fairly balanced to maintain abundant and numerous energy sources with prudent and sustainable development and production standards.

What steps would you take to bolster K-12 and higher education in this state? First, we have to stop believing the same old mantra that more money is always the solution for our education troubles. We need to offer parents more choices in their children’s education by giving them the opportunity to use some of their tax money to choose among a wider selection of schools via tax credits and vouchers.

Second, parents need to honor their responsibility of being the primary educators of their children by actively participating in preparing their children for learning.

What’s the best way to pay for the state’s transportation needs? Colorado faces this underinvestment in transportation infrastructure due to the consistent and shortsighted decisions of elected officials not to allocate necessary resources to

transportation but instead spend those tax revenues on more socially preferred programs. This balance needs to be corrected without increasing the tax burden to the public since that will just make private sector jobs more difficult to create.

Why should you be elected to this office? My business expertise, as well as my knowledge of economics, will help me contribute real and practical ideas into the discussion of lawmaking and resource allocation to the state budget.

I am not a term-limited politician seeking to move onto the next public office, but see the tremendous need to have a citizen statesman and businessman represent the voice of hard-working families. I do not think government programs are more important than families trying to make ends meet. Therefore, I am focused on the need to reduce government spending to equal our declining tax revenues.

Name: Jeanne Nicholson Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: P.O. Box 515, Black Hawk; 31 years Campaign website and contact information: www .Nicholsonfor Senate.org, nicholsonfor senate@gmail .com Age and place of birth: Nicholson 67; born and raised in Denver Education: Master’s of science in nursing, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 1990; bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 1965; East High School, graduated 1961 Business or occupation: Gilpin County commissioner, 2003present; supervisor, Intermountain Nurse Family Partnership Program, 20012003 Public offices: Gilpin County commissioner, 2003-present Family: Married to my high school sweetheart for 45 years.

I have two grown sons: Shane Nicholson lives in Wheat Ridge and owns an audio/visual business, and Boe Nicholson lives in Arvada. Boe is in his second year at CU Law School, is married to a fourth-grade teacher and just celebrated the birth of their first child. I also have a foster daughter, Selina Colburn, who lives in Tennessee with her husband and two adult children.

Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Peak to Peak Rotary Club Any other affiliations you would like to share: Current memberships: Denver Regional Council of Governments, Gilpin County Board of Commissioners, Gilpin County Human Services Advisory Board, Colorado Counties Inc. Board, Family Home Health Board, Gilpin County Board of Health, Colorado Child Welfare Allocation Committee, Gilpin Water District, chair of Front Range Fuels Treatment Roundtable, Colorado Foundation for Public Health and Environment, National Association of Counties Health Committee Previous memberships: Colorado Public Health Association, Colorado Nurses’ Association, American Public Health Association, Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, president of Colorado County Nurses’ Association, Public Health Nurses Association of Colorado Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: Honors and awards: 2009 Florence Nightingale finalist, 2008 Legislative Award, 2007

Florence Sabin Award, 2005 Colorado County Commissioner of the Year Award, 2003 John Muth Award, 1994 Colorado Nurses’ Association 90th Anniversary Award for Nursing Leadership, 1994 Lillian Wald Award for Excellence in Public Health Nursing, 1991 Most Outstanding Alcohol and Drug Abuse School Prevention Program, Mile High Council on Alcoholism, 1990 Florence Nightingale Award Finalist, 1986 Most Valuable Gilpin County Community Member Award, 1986 Certificate of Merit for High School Health Curriculum at Gilpin County School, 1986 Prevention Center Distinguished Service Award for Community-Based Drunk Driving Prevention Program, 1985 C.H.A.M.P. Award, Colorado Public Health Association, 1975 Most Innovative Program Award, Colorado Mental Health Association

degree and teaching certificate, University of Northern Colorado Business or occupation: Social studies teacher, Brighton High School, 2000 to present Public offices: Windsor Town Board member, 2008 to present; Historic Preservation Bishop-Cotner Commission, 2008 to present; Kern Reservoir Board, 2008 to present; Planning Commission, 2010 to present Family: Wife of 24 years, Sheri; children Robert and Dahlia Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: not answered Other affiliations: not answered Military record: U.S. Army Bomb Squad

What can the Legislature do to resolve the state budget crisis?

Reform sentencing for nonviolent crimes and reduce the cost of incarceration.

Colorado taxpayers pay an average of $30,000 a year to incarcerate people who have committed nonviolent crimes.

Other than reducing the corrections budget, there are very few opportunities to decrease costs without decreasing needed services. For that reason, the Legislature needs to decrease funding in discretionary parts of the budget, with higher education receiving the biggest cuts. I am opposed to reducing the amount of money for higher education, but there may be no other alternative.

Other interests, activities: not answered

What could (or should) the state be doing to aid in job retention and recruitment? The state can allocate funds through specific departments to provide incentives to small businesses.

For example, Colorado can provide incentives through the governor’s energy office to fund renewable energy projects. The state also can allocate funds for infrastructure improvements and accept bids from businesses to repair highways, build transit systems, thin forests and build new public structures.

What actions should the CU Board of Regents take to preserve higher education in Colorado, in light of continuous state budget cuts? I feel it is imperative we maximize all available resources rather than cutting programs. Cuts already have been made at CU. Just cutting the budget won’t help balance the budget. Successful partnerships with community colleges and businesses within the state will help expand CU’s ability to provide programs and a college education to more Colorado students. We need to use today’s technology to provide better education. Take a look at my ideas on my website for how I want to provide educational opportunities to Colorado students.

Do you think that the state is on the right track with the “new energy economy”? Yes, but I would add more emphasis on woody biomass opportunities.

What steps would you take to bolster K-12 and higher education in this state? Shift funds from corrections to public education.

What’s the best way to pay for the state’s transportation needs? Gas tax, federal matches, license fees and ownership taxes. The license fees should not include motor vehicle late fines for trailers that often are used on rare occasion.

Why should you be elected to this office? I am uniquely qualified to be the senator for District 16 because I have lived in the district for 39 years and I have experience as a smallbusiness owner. As a county commissioner, I helped create jobs in the private sector. As a registered nurse with 35 years of experience, I am qualified to help implement the health care reform measures passed by Congress.

CU REGENT 4TH CD Name: Robert “BC” BishopCotner Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: 16 Eighth St., Windsor; 24 years Campaign website and contact information: www.bc4cu.com Age and place of birth: 44; Greeley Education: Bachelor’s degree, Columbia College; master’s

Why should you be elected to this office? Every elected position should have minimum qualifications, including the Board of Regents. One needs to know what it’s like in a college classroom. I have that experience as both a student and a high school teacher.

Further, I have the knowledge and experience as a member of the Windsor Town Board in managing a multimillion-dollar budget for an elected position successfully. This position should be about how we ensure we provide the best education for Colorado. It should be about how to ensure that Colorado’s flagship university is the best it can be.

What role, if any, should the University of Colorado play in better preparing students to attend college? Universities need to work toward making the transition from high school to college seamless. By incorporating programs at the high school level, more students are prepared and excited to transition. The stronger the connection between high schools and universities, the higher our graduation rates will be at both the high school and the university.

Name: Sue Sharkey Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: 7038 Spanish Bay Drive, Windsor; 14 years in Larimer County Campaign website and contact information: www.Sharkey Sharkey 4Regent.com, Sue@Sharkey4Regent.com Age and place of birth: 54; Bedford, Va. Education: Leadership Program of the Rockies, 2008/09; American Institute of Banking, various professional leadership and certification training Business or occupation: Marketing and public relations in the banking industry

WWW.TIMESCALL.COM Public offices: None

Age and place of birth: 68; Lincoln, Neb. Education: Bachelor of science, business administration, University of Colorado, 1968; honorary doctorate degree, 2003 Business or occupation: Worked in Colorado’s banking and Membership in civic finance organizations or other civic industry for activities: Board member, CU more than 30 Parents Association; Core Bosley years. Retired Placement Board; United Way after 24 years as president of Loaned Executive Program; Scout leader; coaching park/rec The Bank of Boulder; created and founded the BolderBoulder soccer; parent volunteer at 10K running race children’s schools; Beta Sigma Phi Public offices: Elected Other affiliations: not answered University of Colorado regent at large, 2004 Military record: not applicable Family: Five married children Other interests, activities: and 11 grandchildren Travel that involves a study of Membership in civic history both in the United organizations or other civic States and abroad, hiking, activities: Volunteer service has skiing, golf, reading and included board memberships on spending as much time as Boulder Center for Sports possible with my four Medicine (founding member), grandchildren.

Boulder Technology Incubator, Why should you be elected to Mountain States Legal this office? I have demonstrated Foundation, and CU Leeds my passion for higher education School of Business — Deming and the commitment to Entrepreneurship Advisory sustaining CU as a very high Board (founding board quality academic institution. member); appointed to After many years of involvement Colorado State Banking Board with CU, I have the knowledge and the Colorado Legislative of the issues facing the Task Force on Higher Education; university. I am prepared to participated in White House dedicate considerable energy Conference on Small Business; and the 20 to 30 hours a week Summer Olympic Games, required of a regent. I have the referee for men’s and women’s experience and business skills to marathon, 1996; coached tackle the challenges facing CU youth soccer, YMCA basketball, to find revenues to replace the and Odyssey of the Mind; Boy funding cuts from the state, Scouts of America volunteer and while restraining costs so that adviser; founding member of tuition remains affordable for Boulder Options (youth-at-risk Colorado students. program) What actions should the CU Other affiliations: Member, Board of Regents take to Boulder Rotary Club; member preserve higher education in Rocky Mountain Christian Colorado, in light of continuous Church state budget cuts? CU receives Military record: not applicable less than 5 percent of its budget Other interests, activities: from the state. Tuition, research Entrepreneur of the Year, Rocky grants and private gifts are the Mountain region, Ernst & Young major sources of revenue for Institute; CU Leeds School of CU. To restrain tuition increases Business, Distinguished for Colorado students, we Leadership and Achievement should allow an increase in the award; Boulder County number of qualified out-of-state Business Hall of Fame; Boy students, who pay much higher Scouts of America, tuition. In fact, it could Distinguished Citizen of the significantly increase revenues Year; Boulder Rotary Club, without reducing access for Service Above Self award; Colorado students. It could Running USA Hall of Fame, first increase the amount of financial class of inductees; Colorado aid available to deserving inDistance Running Hall of Fame. state students. Bureaucratic Interests include grandchildren, costs could be further reduced physical fitness, hiking, skiing, by allowing the university to biking, reading, swimming, operate more like an enterprise boating, fishing, hunting and and less like a state agency.

Jake (black Labrador) What role, if any, should the Why should you be elected to University of Colorado play in this office? Being a CU regent in better preparing students to these incredibly tough economic attend college? CU supports a times requires proven number of outreach efforts to leadership, financial Colorado high schools, with sophistication and real-world particular emphasis on experience. I have more than increasing the number of 30 years of demonstrated students from underrepresented extensive strategic business, groups admitted to CU. These finance, and leadership programs focus primarily on background and experience. I high school juniors and seniors. understand large operations, CU could extend these complex budgeting, complex programs to eighth- and ninthbudgets and organizations. With grade students and their parents my current hands-on CU board to increase awareness of experience, I am already financial aid opportunities, intimately involved in working academic requirements of a on CU’s intricate, beleaguered highly selective university like and shrinking budget. This is CU, required coursework and not business as usual. This is grade-point averages, as well as about success from fiscal Advanced Placement courage, creativity, time possibilities. Particular emphasis commitment, hard work and should be placed on increasing fiscal sophistication. I am awareness of opportunities for passionate about and faithful to students and their families who this responsibility! may consider CU inaccessible.

What actions should the CU Board of Regents take to CU REGENT preserve higher education in Colorado, in light of continuous AT LARGE state budget cuts? We have a Name: Steve Bosley moral commitment to provide Political party: Republican access to qualified Colorado Address and length of students at an affordable cost. I residency in your community: will never balance the budget 4370 Nelson Drive, Broomfield; on the backs of students! Like lived in Colorado 43 years; every American family, CU must worked in Boulder and lived in do more with less. It is the Boulder, Longmont and imperative that carefully Broomfield area since 1974 planned strategic cuts are made Campaign website and contact without compromising CU’s world-class educational information: standards, while maintaining www.Bosleyourcuregent.com Continued on PAGE C5 BosleyCURegent@gmail.com Family: Husband David, president of the CU Parents Association and ex-officio board member, alumni association (CU Boulder 1981); sons Derrek (UNC ’96) and Aaron (CU Boulder ’00, MBA George Mason University ‘09); and daughter Jenna (CU Boulder ’11)

Joel T. Champion for Boulder County Assessor My Commitments to You Are...

To be the taxpayers’ Champion and ensure that citizens and business owners pay NOT ONE MORE CENT in property taxes than is legally due To ensure fair and equitable property taxes for all our County’s citizens and business owners To provide superior customer service and education for all Boulder County taxpayers

Please visit www.JoelChampion2010.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Joel Champion

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our absolute commitment: Quality instruction — preparing Colorado students to be successful, productive members of society; operating the most efficient organization possible to invest tax and tuition dollars; maintaining a classroom environment that respects, promotes and protects a free exchange of ideas for everyone.

What role, if any, should the University of Colorado play in better preparing students to attend college? Continue CU’s two largest proven and successful programs. CU Succeeds prepares students to succeed in college at a higher rate and uses no state funds.

Results: higher grades, stay in college longer, graduate in four years at a considerably higher rate. The Pre-Collegiate Development is a statewide academic program that targets middle and high school students to prepare and motivate first-generation students in their goal of pursuing a college education.

Results: (1983) 60 students from seven schools, (2009) 2,300 from 90 high schools and middle schools; 3,300 graduated from high school, 95 percent go to college, 53 percent go to CU. Name: Melissa Hart Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: 2260 Clermont St., Denver; 61/2 years in this home Campaign website and contact information: www.HartFor CU.com Age and place of birth: 42; Boise, Idaho (My parents moved to Hart Denver when I was a year old.)

Education: East High School, Denver, 1987; bachelor’s degree, cum laude, Harvard College, 1991; law degree, magna cum laude, Harvard Law School, 1995 Business or occupation: Associate professor and director, Byron White Center for the Study of Constitutional Law, University of Colorado Law School (began teaching at CU in 2001; named White Center Director in 2010). I teach Legal Ethics and Professionalism, Civil Procedure, Employment Discrimination and Supreme Court Decisionmaking. During my years teaching at CU, I have served on numerous law school, Boulder campus and universitywide committees. At the law school, I have served as the chair of the Task Force on Public Interest (2006-07, 2007-08) and director of the Public Service Pledge Program (2008-2009). For two years, I chaired the Academic and Student Affairs Committee (2005-06, 2007-08). In the spring of 2010, I served as a member of the Committee on Curricular Reform Proposals and a member of the Admissions Committee. I have been a member of the Boulder campus Sexual Harassment Oversight Committee since 2007, a member of the Educational Policy and University Standards Committee from 2003 to 2007, and I served on the Chancellor’s Committee on Women in 200203. In addition to this service to the university, I am actively involved in the national community of legal education. I served as the chair of the American Association of Law Schools Section on Employment Discrimination Law in 2008 (and as chair-elect and panel chair, 2007; secretary, 2006). I am a member of the editorial board for the peer-reviewed Employee Rights and Employment Policy Journal. I am a co-author of a widely used casebook on employment discrimination law, as well as the author of numerous articles and book chapters.

Public offices: None Family: My husband, Kevin Traskos, is the chief of the civil division in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We have a daughter, Talia, 7, and a son, Noah, 5.

Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: I am a member of the Colorado Supreme Court Judicial Ethics Advisory Board (2007-present) and Board of Continuing Legal and Judicial Education (2003-present).

From 2006-2008, I was a member of the Colorado Bar

Association’s Ethics Committee.

I serve as a member of the steering committee for the Colorado Lawyers Chapter of the American Constitution Society and the Program Committee of the Women’s Foundation of Colorado.

Other affiliations: Member, Colorado Women’s Bar Association, Minoru Yasui Inn of Court Military record: Not applicable Other interests, activities: In 2009, I received the Serving Communities Award from the Institute for Ethical and Civic Engagement at CU for my work in establishing the Public Service Pledge Program at CU Law School. In 2008, I was honored with the Hispanic Bar Association’s Outstanding Community Service Award for work in opposition to Amendment 46, an anti-equal opportunity initiative that was on the Colorado ballot in 2008.

Why should you be elected to this office? I will advocate for affordable and accessible education for all of Colorado’s diverse communities and for policies that maintain CU’s central role in economic growth in the state. As a mom, I know how Colorado families and students struggle to afford school. As a CU professor, I have spent 10 years working with other members of the university community on keeping CU strong. I know firsthand that a 21st century university must be innovative and efficient, and must offer students the essential knowledge and skills they will need to move into the working world.

What actions should the CU Board of Regents take to preserve higher education in Colorado, in light of continuous state budget cuts? The regents face two distinct issues in this financial climate: funding a great research university that is an economic driver in Colorado and making education affordable for Colorado students.

As to the first, the regents must commit to finding steady revenue streams and encouraging donor and grant support. As to the second, Colorado’s colleges and universities must work together to share resources and ideas for offering affordable public education to Colorado students.

CU and the Board of Regents should take a leadership role in this collaboration.

What role, if any, should the University of Colorado play in better preparing students to attend college? Throughout my statewide campaign, I have met with county school board members, kindergarten through 12th grade and college teachers to talk about what we can do better in Colorado’s public education system. As a CU regent, I will continue those conversations and work on initiatives that partner K-12 teachers with teachers in higher education. CU and other institutions of higher education should be actively working with K-12 teachers and parents on pipeline programs to mentor and support at-risk students. I would support programs in the schools of education and the university as a whole directed at these efforts.

Name: Jesse Wallace Political party: Libertarian Address and length of residency in your community: 5565 Jebel Court, Denver; two years Campaign website and contact information: www.jesse wallace.org, jesse.wallace @gmail.com Wallace Age and place of birth: 29; Littleton Education: University of Colorado at Denver; bachelor’s degrees, communications; 2005 Business or occupation: owner, Notion3/Liquid Conceptions LLC web-development company Public offices: None Family: Married to Smitty Wallace since 2006; no kids yet, but in the works Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: not answered Other affiliations: not answered Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: not answered

Why should you be elected to this office? I will address the overwhelming budget shortfall which will be coming for fiscal years 2011 and 2012 if something is not done immediately. I want to roll back CU’s budget to budget year 2004 or earlier. Tough decisions have to be made, and they should not be politically motivated by officials who care more about their jobs than the school, the students, parents and the taxpayers. I am not running to make friends but to get a job done, which is to get CU back on track.

What actions should the CU Board of Regents take to preserve higher education in Colorado, in light of continuous state budget cuts? The Board of Regents needs to be realistic about budgets, self governing before the state has to step in due to these budget cuts. The board needs to analyze programs based on what is the best interest of the students and the taxpayers in Colorado. The purpose of having state universities is to provide affordable education for residents in your state. Tuition rates have skyrocketed, budgets are out of control and no one wants to upset anyone. I am willing to make those decisions, and hold the other regents feet to the fire forcing solutions instead of more political pandering.

What role, if any, should the University of Colorado play in better preparing students to attend college? More college credit. High school classes could be offered. This helps create more additional revenue, increases attendance and also helps prepare high school students for college. I would like to see expansion in these areas, as well as working more closely with community colleges for credit transfers and a larger push in our marketing efforts. I would also like to make online classes more accessible for high school students at special rates.

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION Name: Kaye Ferry Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: 1007 Eagles Nest Circle, Vail; 23 years Campaign website and contact information: kayeferry.com, kaye@kayer ferry.com Age and Ferry place of birth: 68; Joliet, Ill. Education: BS in psychology, Michigan State University Business or occupation: KFerry Inc., Vail, owner; The Daily Grind, Vail, owner; Vail Resorts, ski instructor; Vail Daily, political columnist; Vail Chamber & Business Association, founder and executive director Public offices: None Family: Single; no children Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Past Colorado Competitive Council; Eagle County Republicans, vice chair; Congressional District 2, secretary; Judicial District 5, vice chair Any other affiliations you would like to share: Denver Ballet Guild Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: not answered Why should you be elected to this position? I should be elected because all levels of government need a conservative viewpoint in these economic times. I am a conservative who believes in limited government and accountability from all levels of government.

What actions should the State Board of Education take to protect public education in Colorado, in light of continuous state budget cuts? I do not think that budget cuts are necessarily a bad thing. They force us to take a hard look at expenses in order to survive. As a business person, I have seen it over and over. When times are tough and profits elusive, businesses look carefully at expenditures and cut nonessentials, often finding that in the long run, they are better off without them. When the economy is good, it’s very easy to solve problems by throwing more money at them. A tight economy requires a very serious assessment of expenses vs.

revenues, and tough choices must be made, which can be beneficial over the long haul.

That’s precisely what the state board will do during its budget process.

How should Colorado balance federal education mandates and programs with the state’s constitutional requirement for local control? The federal government has its requirements, and the state has its own. Compliance with both is necessary but requires a very delicate balancing act. I have attended most of the state board meetings since my nomination in May and am slowly getting a feel for the complexities of being able to address both sides while still providing the best outcome for the children of our state.

Name: Angelika Schroeder Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: 1668 Bear Mountain Drive, Boulder. We have lived in this home for 39 years.

Campaign website and contact information: www.Schroeder ForSBE.com, angelika@ schroederfor sbe.com Age and place of birth: 63; Garmisch, Germany Schroeder Education: BA in mathematics, 1969; MBA, 1971; doctorate in business administration in accounting, 1988, all degrees from the University of Colorado Business or occupation: Tax CPA, assistant professor of accounting; retired from both Public offices: Boulder Valley School Board, 1999-2007 Family: Married 42 years to Wayne Schroeder; daughters Melinda Taylor and Stephanie Schroeder Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: I serve on the boards of the Public Education and Business Coalition and Facing History and Ourselves. I represent the state board on the Quality Teacher Commission.

Other affiliations: Before being elected to the state board, I served on the boards of the Colorado Association of School Boards and the Alliance for Quality Teaching.

Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: not answered Why should you be elected to this position? I have extensive experience that has prepared me for this position. This matters because the state Board of Education sets the rules for complex education legislation passed by our Legislature. I am currently an incumbent, having already served in this position for the past 20 months.

Furthermore, I have a strong background in education policy.

I served for eight years on the Boulder Valley Board of Education, served on a number of statewide education boards and participated in school and district committees. I have a strong background in teacher effectiveness research and a deep understanding of NCLB problems and concerns.

What actions should the state Board of Education take to protect public education in Colorado, in light of continuous state budget cuts? The State Board of Education must continue to be an advocate for adequate funding, but it is the Legislature that writes the annual School Finance Act. Because of a recent $17 million grant, the Department of Education will be able to help districts by reducing some reporting (unless required by the federal DOE), by eliminating duplication of data and by providing accountability reports on behalf of districts (see SchoolView.org). CDE can further support districts by providing a clearinghouse for much-needed online professional development in the areas of the new standards adoption, curriculum development, instructional strategies and assessment support.

How should Colorado balance federal education mandates and programs with the state’s constitutional requirement for local control? Most federal mandates are for students who are poor or minority (NCLB) or who have special needs (IDEA).

All these mandates have come

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 with considerably less funding than necessary and have, indeed, eroded the local control of how these children receive services. While many of the special education mandates have increased as a result of court decisions, the No Child Left Behind rules are probably the greatest infringement of local control and many should be eliminated. They are a onesize-fits-all solution that rarely fits any. The upcoming rewrite of this legislation will provide an opportunity for corrections.

SECRETARY OF STATE Name: Bernie Buescher Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: Grand Junction; a fourthgeneration native of Colorado Campaign website and contact information: www.bernie buescher.com Age and place of birth: 61; Grand Junction Education: Buescher Bachelor’s degree in accounting, University of Notre Dame, 1971; J.D., University of Colorado, 1974 Business or occupation: President and CEO of West Star Aviation, 1986-1995, as company grew from 27 to 220 employees; executive director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, 1996-1997; practiced law, 1997-2005 Public offices: Secretary of state, January 2009-present; Colorado General Assembly’s House of Representatives, 2005 through 2008, including four years on the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee and two years as JBC chairman Family: Wife Mary Beth; four children, Michael, Elizabeth, Marcia and Susan; two grandchildren, Kaylee and Patricia Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Served on about 40 boards, charitable activities and volunteer organizations, many focused on health care or education; served as chairman of St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand Junction; served on the Colorado Transportation Commission and the Colorado Economic Development Commission Any other affiliations you would like to share: not answered Military record: Not applicable Other interests, activities: Colorado is a great state. I enjoy the people, the land and the history. As secretary of state, I have the pleasure of traveling to every corner of Colorado and learning more about our heritage.

What are some of your accomplishments since becoming secretary of state, and improvements you’ve made in the Department of State? I reduced expenses by 20 percent from the previous year, and 11 percent below appropriated budget. In two years, out of approximately a $15 million budget, we will have returned $6 million to the state treasury. We created www.govotecolorado.com to implement online registration.

We’ve made it easier to form new businesses in Colorado with www.coloradobusiness express.com. And we’ve maintained a constant emphasis on customer service.

What are some of your priorities if you win the election? To make it as easy as possible for every eligible citizen to register and vote; to make sure that every vote is counted accurately; to eliminate any fraud and abuse in our elections. Another priority is to improve the disclosure laws in Colorado. I am very frustrated by the recent Supreme Court decision in a case named Citizens United, which allowed corporations and unions to make unlimited expenditures to influence our elections. This could lead to a dramatic increase in the amount of dollars in our political process.

Given this decision of the Supreme Court, it will be my goal to force better disclosure of the organizations and individuals who are attempting to influence our elections.

What, if any, changes in state laws would improve the operations and services of the Secretary of State’s Office?

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Colorado needs stronger laws requiring disclosure of the individuals and organizations that attempt to influence our elections. The shadowy 527 and 501(c)(4) organizations that avoid disclosure and operate under misleading names suggesting a good community purpose must be forced to make full and timely disclosure. The office of secretary of state also needs stronger tools to deal with individuals who willfully and repeatedly refuse to file disclosures with this office. The ability of individuals like Doug Bruce to avoid and delay disclosure must not be tolerated.

Why should you be elected to this office? I have a long-term commitment to this state and its citizens. I’ve been a successful businessman and have managed three organizations with more than 100 employees. I’ve learned how to cut costs and focus on customer service. I have implemented a number of improvements. I discovered $1,507,000 of overpayments made to this office between 1996 and 2004, which prior secretaries had ignored. We are in the process of returning these overpayments. I’ve worked to bring business discipline to this office and a human touch to our customer service.

Name: Amanda Campbell Political party: American Constitution Address and length of residency in your community: Arvada Campaign website and contact information: www.american constitutionparty.com, amandacampbell@american constitutionparty.com Amanda Campbell did not respond to several Times-Call requests for biographical information and for answers to questions about what her priorities would be as secretary of state.

Name: Scott Gessler Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: Denver; Colorado resident for 14 years Campaign website and contact information: www.scott gessler.com, ScottGessler @scottgessler Gessler .com Age and place of birth: 45; Michigan Education: Bachelor’s degree, Yale University, 1987; J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 1990; master’s of business administration, Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, 1996 Business or occupation: Attorney, Hackstaff Gessler LLC, specializing in election law; former federal prosecutor, U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division, 1990-1993 Public offices: Member of Election Reform Commission, 2008-2009 Family: Wife, Kristi; daughter Sofia Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Colorado Bar Association; served on bipartisan election boards and commissions, including the secretary of state’s campaign advisory board; Colorado Apartment Association; neighborhood group Other affiliations: Former adjunct professor at University of Colorado Law School, teaching election law and law of presidential selection Military record: Major, U.S. Army Reserve, 1991-2007; served overseas in Bosnia Other interests, activities: I spend as much time as possible with my wife and 2-year-old daughter. Helping raise a little girl is the joy of my life.

What are some of your concerns or criticisms about the Secretary of State’s Office and the incumbent? We need a can-do attitude at the Secretary of State’s Office. Last year, Congress required states to send absentee ballots to overseas military voters 45 days before the election. Rather than work to speed up Colorado’s procedures by 14 days, the secretary of state sat on his Continued on PAGE C6

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hands and sought a waiver, until the federal government ordered Colorado to comply with the law. This attitude must be changed. The current secretary of state also has sought to weaken Colorado’s protections by pushing sameday Election Day voter registration, which has resulted in massive fraud in other states.

What are some of your priorities if you win the election? Urge Colorado to adopt photo identification for voting, and proof of citizenship for those who register to vote for the first time. Stop raising fees on businesses and those seeking information about campaign contributions and expenditures. Work to reduce election costs at the county level by eliminating some costly state mandates. Help establish a pilot program for business courts in Colorado, which has worked well in other states and will help attract employers to Colorado.

What, if any, changes in state law would improve the operations and services of the Secretary of State’s Office?

Adopt photo identification and proof of citizenship for those who register to vote for the first time. Many campaign finance laws are confusing and contradictory, and that area needs reform. Registration requirements for charitable organizations are too expensive and burdensome. We need to remove ambiguity from our laws so that elections cannot be manipulated.

Why should you be elected to this office? We need to restore a focus on election integrity and the prevention of voter fraud — an approach that has served Colorado well. Ten years of election experience in the private sector has taught me that we must look at how election laws impact people on a practical level. Clear, unambiguous rules prevent voter confusion and partisan manipulation. At the same time, Colorado needs leadership in reducing our election costs and simplifying our systems. Finally, we need to continue to make Colorado a leader in support for businesses, through low-cost registrations and innovative ideas like business courts.

STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL Name: Stan Garnett Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: Boulder; a resident for 42 years Campaign website and contact information: www.garnett forag.com, stan.garnett @gmail.com Age and place of birth: 54; Salt Lake City Garnett Education: Fairview High School, 1974; B.A., University of Colorado, 1978; Juris Doctor, University of Colorado School of Law, 1982; presidential scholar, 1974; graduated Phi Beta Kappa, 1978 Business or occupation: Current Boulder County district attorney; deputy Denver district attorney, 1982-1986; Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber and Schreck, 19862008 Public offices: Boulder County district attorney, January 2009 to present; Boulder Valley School Board, treasurer, 19972001; Boulder Valley school board president, 2001-2005 Family: Wife Brenda; sons Alec, 27, and Andrew, 24 Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Served on the boards of the Business Coalition, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and the Civil Justice Reform Advisory Commission Other affiliations: not answered Military record: None Other interests, activities: Flyfishing, hiking, cycling, supporting the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies What are some of your concerns or criticisms about the incumbent attorney general and that office? The current attorney general has shown that he is out of touch with the concerns of hard-working Coloradans. He has spent far too much of his time and the state’s resources in partisan litigation outside the state to satisfy party bosses in Washington. At the same time,

Colorado has seen a record number of consumer-protection complaints pile up, as Coloradans battle the worst economic climate since the Great Depression. The people of our state deserve an advocate who is on their side. I will never lose sight of that mandate.

What are some of your priorities for the office if you’re elected attorney general? I have been vocal throughout my campaign about the fact that I will make consumer protection a much greater priority than the incumbent, who has advocated for less power for the Attorney General’s Office in this area. I will increase staffing and resources for this unit, without spending one extra dollar of taxpayer money. This, public safety and protection of our water and priceless natural resources will be my priority.

What, if any, changes in state laws would improve the operations and services of the Attorney General’s Office? The main change in state law that needs to be pursued is a reconciliation of TABOR and Amendment 23, to bring consistency and predictability to the state budget. Also, the Colorado Consumer Protection Act needs a major revision and modernization effort by the state Legislature.

Why should you be elected to this office? The Colorado attorney general should have one client: the people of this great state. They should have a legal advocate who is, to paraphrase my campaign slogan, tough, fair and on their side. I bring a blend of strong public service and private-sector expertise, honed through more than two decades of litigating complex cases for a major Denver law firm, to a job that requires the very best. The incumbent has been asleep at the wheel, ignoring the needs of everyday Coloradans while advancing a partisan agenda.

That ends the day I am elected.

Name: John Suthers Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: Colorado Springs; has lived there most of his life Campaign website and contact information: www.suthers forag.com, john@suthers forag.com Age and place of birth: 58; Denver Education: Suthers Graduated magna cum laude from University of Notre Dame with degree in government, 1974; graduated from University of Colorado Law School, 1977 Business or occupation: Colorado attorney general; former executive director of the Colorado Department of Corrections; former U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado Public offices: Colorado attorney general, 2005-present; deputy and chief deputy El Paso County district attorney, 19771981; El Paso County district attorney, 1989-1997; executive director of Colorado Department of Corrections, 2001-2005 Family: Wife Janet; two adult daughters, Alison and Kate Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: St. Paul’s Catholic Church; United Way; Children’s Fund; St. Jude’s Hospital; Colorado Meth Project; CASA; CU Foundation; Pikes Peak Community Foundation; Catholic Charities; Center for Jewish/Christian Dialogue; TESSA domestic violence prevention Any other affiliations you would like to share: not answered Military record: None Other interests, activities: Avid reader of American history and baseball card collector What are some of your accomplishments since becoming attorney general, and improvements you’ve made in the office? My office drafted new laws to protect our children from Internet predators and aggressively prosecuted mortgage and foreclosure fraud, Ponzi schemes and other whitecollar crime. We’ve settled the three largest environmental cases in our state’s history, and we have done great work in protecting every drop possible of Colorado’s precious water resources. The AG’s office is well-managed and produces

LONGMONT TIMES-CALL good legal work.

What are some of your priorities for your next term if you’re re-elected? If re-elected, I plan to continue the important work of providing competent, ethical and professional legal services to the many state agencies we represent. I will continue to protect Colorado’s people, land and water by aggressively prosecuting those who break Colorado law. I also want to join with others in providing leadership in resolving problems created by conflicting provisions in the Colorado Constitution.

What, if any, changes in state laws would improve the operations and services of the Attorney General’s Office?

Changes that make it harder to amend the Colorado Constitution would save a lot of work in my office and taxpayer dollars spent to defend questionable initiatives.

Why should you be re-elected to this office? I am very well qualified by experience to lead the Attorney General’s Office in meeting the many legal challenges the state will face in the future. The office has done outstanding work during my 51/2-year tenure as Colorado’s attorney general.

STATE TREASURER Name: Cary Kennedy Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: Denver; a resident for 34 years Campaign website and contact information: www.kennedy fortreasurer .com, contact@ kennedyfor treasurer.com Age and place of birth: 42; Connecticut Kennedy Education: Bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University, 1990; master’s from Columbia University, 1993; J.D. from the University of Denver School of Law, 1995 Business or occupation: Attorney; former budget analyst in then-Gov. Roy Romer’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting; former fiscal analyst for the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing; worked for Educare Colorado to increase federal funding for early childhood education; joined the Colorado Children’s Campaign to expand health insurance coverage for low-income children and to fund cancer research; policy director for then-House Speaker Andrew Romanoff in 2004-2005 Public offices: State treasurer, January 2007 to present Family: Husband Dr. Saurabh Mangalik; children Kadin, 12, and Kyra, 10 Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: not answered Any other affiliations you would like to share: not answered Military record: None Other interests, activities: I grew up in Denver and graduated from Manual High School in 1986. I grew up in a large family with nine brothers and sisters, three of whom joined our family through the foster care system. I have been married for 15 years, and my husband and I have two wonderful children. We love raising them here in Colorado near their grandparents and extended family. We especially enjoy spending time together hiking and skiing in the Colorado Rockies.

What are some of your accomplishments since becoming state treasurer, and improvements you’ve made in the office? I have served as state treasurer since 2007, providing disciplined financial management for Colorado’s taxpayers during challenging economic times. I have maintained positive growth in the state’s $6 billion investment pool every quarter I have been in office. I also significantly increased the transparency of state financial data by posting investment and expenditure data on the web, financed the largest higher-education construction program in state history and developed legislation to rebuild aging school buildings across Colorado.

What are some of your priorities for your next term if you’re re-elected? I am running

for re-election because I love this state. I want to keep fighting to protect our investments from risk so that they keep growing. I want to keep Colorado’s financial position and credit strong so that we can lead the economic recovery. Colorado needs investors and companies from around the country to see our state as a safe and attractive place to invest their money. My work as treasurer has been and will continue to be focused on keeping our investments safe, making sure government is more accountable than ever before and making wise investments in our future.

What, if any, changes in state laws would improve the operations and services of the state treasurer’s office?

Colorado needs to save more, and we need greater protections to keep our budget balanced. I helped develop legislation that is growing Colorado’s rainy day fund, but we need to do more.

We also need to protect our state by making sure measures placed on Colorado’s ballot meet our state’s balancedbudget requirement so that we don’t create deficits in Colorado.

Keeping our budget balanced without debt and saving for the future have been and will continue to be two of my highest priorities.

Why should you be re-elected to this office? When I ran for office in 2006, no one knew that we would soon be facing the largest economic downturn in generations. I took a responsible approach to managing the state’s $6 billion pool of investments. I moved state assets into safer investments and took steps to reduce the risk that we had.

Wall Street came to me with get-rich-quick gimmicks, and I said no to these risky schemes.

Because of my focus on fiscal responsibility, Colorado’s investments grew every quarter that I have been in office, and our state’s credit remains strong. Colorado needs fiscal responsibility in the treasurer’s office.

Name: Walker Stapleton Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: Greenwood Village; has lived there about four years Campaign website and contact information: www.Stapletonfor Colorado.com Age and place of birth: 36; Washington, D.C. Education: B.A., Williams College, Stapleton 1996; graduate degree in business economics, London School of Economics, 1997; master’s of business, Harvard University, 2003 Business or occupation: Chief executive officer and chief financial officer, SonomaWest Holdings; Western States director of acquisitions, Lamar Co. Public offices: None.

Family: Wife Jenna; son Craig, 2 Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Board member, Denver Public Library, Friends Foundation; partner, Social Ventures Partners Other affiliations: not answered Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: not answered What are some of your concerns or criticisms about the current operations and policies of the state treasurer’s office and the incumbent? The Public Employees Retirement Association is the pension fund for state government employees and certain other government employees in Colorado. This pension fund is in a tailspin, facing staggering unfunded liabilities, almost $30 billion. All of this matters because the state treasurer serves on PERA’s board. My opponent has watched from the sidelines while PERA’s unfunded liability grew by $1 million dollars every day she has been in office. I simply cannot sit idle and allow an eventual taxpayer-led bailout of PERA; that is where we are headed unless we make a fundamental structural change in the system, from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan.

What are some of your

WWW.TIMESCALL.COM priorities for the office if you’re elected? My top priorities as state treasurer will be to take a leadership role on PERA’s board in order to begin reforming our state’s broken pension system and to proactively manage Colorado’s general fund portfolio in the midst of possibly the highest rates of inflation in two decades. Finally, I will act as an advocate for taxpayers by speaking out on their behalf on taxing and spending issues.

What, if any, changes in state laws would improve the operations and services of the state treasurer’s office? We are in need of significant reforms of our state’s public personnel system, which does not allow for any function of government, currently performed by state employees, to be contracted out to the private sector regardless of the potential savings involved. In addition, holding a job in state government is tantamount to a private property right; state regulations inhibit the flexibility to make organizational changes. This needs to be reformed.

Why should you be elected to this office? I am the only candidate in this race who has spent his entire career in the private sector and has not been involved in politics. I have served as a chief financial officer and chief executive officer of successful companies, and I’m the only candidate who has experience managing other people’s money in the private sector, with a track record of success. My private-sector experience allows me to bring a fresh perspective and new innovative ideas to the public sector to help solve Colorado’s budget problems and put Coloradans back to work.

AMENDMENT 62 Legislative Council analysis This information is taken directly from the Colorado Blue Book, which is compiled by the Legislative Council of the Colorado General Assembly, a non-partisan staff group.

Each analysis includes a description of the measure and major arguments for and against. Careful consideration has been given to the arguments in an effort to fairly represent both sides of the issue. It also includes an estimate of the fiscal impact of the measure. More information on the fiscal impact of measures can be found at www.coloradobluebook.com.

Ballot title: Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution applying the term “person“, as used in those provisions of the Colorado Constitution relating to inalienable rights, equality of justice, and due process of law, to every human being from the beginning of the biological development of that human being?

Amendment 62 proposes to amend the Colorado Constitution to apply the term “person,” as used in the sections of the Colorado bill of rights concerning inalienable rights, equality of justice, and due process of law, to every human being from the beginning of the biological development of that human being.

Arguments for: 1) Amendment 62 ensures that all human life is afforded equal protection under the law.

Currently, this right is not recognized until birth.

Amendment 62 acknowledges that a new human life is created at the beginning of biological development and gives all human life, whether born or unborn, equal rights and protections.

2) The measure may establish the legal foundation to end the practice of abortion in Colorado.

The U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States found that the unborn were not included in the word “person” as used in the U.S. Constitution. If each human life, from the beginning of biological development, is recognized as a person under Colorado’s bill of rights, Amendment 62 may provide support for legal challenges to prohibit abortions in Colorado.

3) Amendment 62 establishes a legal definition of the term “person” as used in sections 3, 6, and 25 of the Colorado bill of rights. Because these sections do not currently contain a definition of the term “person,” interpretation of the word is subjective, which may lead to the rights granted by sections 3, 6, and 25 of the Colorado bill of rights being inconsistently applied.

Arguments against: 1) Amendment 62 may limit the ability of individuals and families to make important health-care decisions. The measure could be used to prohibit or limit access to medical care, including abortions for victims of rape or incest, and even when a woman’s life is in danger.

Amendment 62 may also limit access to emergency contraception, commonly used forms of birth control, and treatment for miscarriages, tubal pregnancies, cancer, and infertility. The measure may restrict some stem cell research that could lead to life-saving therapies for a variety of disabilities and illnesses.

2) Amendment 62 allows government intrusion in the privacy of the doctor-patient relationship and could limit the exercise of independent medical judgment. The measure could restrict a doctor from using certain medical procedures and treatments. Further, “the beginning of biological development” cannot be easily and conclusively pinpointed.

Therefore, the measure may subject doctors and nurses to legal action for providing medical care to a woman of child-bearing age if that care could affect a “person” other than the identified patient.

3) The effects of Amendment 62’s change to the Constitution are unclear. The measure applies certain rights from “the beginning of biological development,” a term which is not defined within the measure, has no established legal meaning, and is not an accepted medical or scientific term. The legislature and the courts will have to decide how a wide variety of laws, including property rights and criminal laws, will apply from “the beginning of biological development.”

AMENDMENT 63 Legislative Council analysis This information is taken directly from the Colorado Blue Book, which is compiled by the Legislative Council of the Colorado General Assembly, a non-partisan staff group.

Each analysis includes a description of the measure and major arguments for and against. Careful consideration has been given to the arguments in an effort to fairly represent both sides of the issue. It also includes an estimate of the fiscal impact of the measure. More information on the fiscal impact of measures can be found at www.colorado bluebook.com.

Ballot title: Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Constitution concerning the right of all persons to health care choice, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the state independently or at the instance of the United States from adopting or enforcing any statute, regulation, resolution, or policy that requires a person to participate in a public or private health insurance or coverage plan or that denies, restricts, or penalizes the right or ability of a person to make or receive direct payments for lawful health care services; and exempting from the effects of the amendment emergency medical treatment required to be provided by hospitals, health facilities, and health-care providers or health benefits provided under workers’ compensation or similar insurance?

Amendment 63 proposes amending the state Constitution to: • add health care choice as a constitutional right • prohibit the state from requiring or enforcing any requirement that a person participate in a public or private health coverage plan • restrict the state from limiting a person’s ability to make or receive direct payments for lawful health-care services Arguments for: 1) Making decisions about health care is a basic right.

Decisions about how to pay for health care, and what health care to pay for, are better left to individuals rather than to the government. Any government requirement to have health-care coverage interferes with a person’s ability to manage his or her own health care and spending. Amendment 63 maintains a person’s right to choose the most appropriate coverage for his or her situation and prevents the state from requiring a person to join any specific health-care plan.

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2) Amendment 63 protects the ability of each person to determine how to pay for health-care services, including making direct payments to providers. This measure prevents the state from requiring that only the government or health insurance companies control payments and approval for all services. Preserving the ability to pay for services directly allows a person to receive care at his or her choosing, even if the government or insurance companies place limits on health-care services.

3) This measure is a statement in opposition to governmentcontrolled health care. It reinforces the pending lawsuits challenging the federal government over the new health-care laws and is in line with the actions of six states that have adopted measures similar to Amendment 63. The measure affirms Colorado as a state that values freedom of choice in health-care services.

Arguments against: 1) Amendment 63 limits the state’s options to improve access to health-care coverage, which could hurt the people who need it the most and increase costs for everyone. In Colorado, over 750,000 people, or approximately 15 percent of the population, do not have health insurance. Expanding health insurance coverage prevents the insured population from having to cover the costs of the uninsured, increases access to health care, and decreases the rate of medical bankruptcy. Society benefits when more people have healthcare coverage.

2) Health care is a vital service and the delivery of these services may be further complicated by the effects of the measure. By establishing an undefined right in the constitution, the state will have to spend time and resources interpreting the meaning.

Current and future health-care laws and regulations could also be challenged if they conflict with the measure. Ultimately, the courts will interpret what the right to “health care choice” means.

3) A state constitutional amendment cannot overturn federal law. Amendment 63 may mislead voters into thinking they can opt out of federal health-care coverage requirements. Regardless of whether this measure passes, federal law still requires Coloradans to have coverage beginning in 2014. This measure is primarily a statement in opposition to federal health-care reform.

Further, this measure is unnecessary because people can already pay doctors directly for health-care services, and no law restricts this practice.

PROPOSITION 102 A measure that would limit the court system’s discretion in deciding whether people arrested and charged with certain crimes can be released without posting bond is one of the questions on Coloradans’ fall ballots.

Proposition 102 proposes amending state law in order to prohibit a defendant’s release — on an unsecured bond — to a

pretrial services supervision program, unless that person has been arrested for the first offense of a nonviolent misdemeanor crime.

Otherwise, the person would have to post a “secured” bond, one whose payment would be guaranteed by a commercial bail bondsman or backed by money or real estate that would be forfeited if the defendant fails to appear in court.

An unsecured bond allows the defendant to be released on a promise to appear in court, but that person is required to actually pay the bail amount only if he or she doesn’t show up.

According to a ballotinformation booklet prepared by the Colorado Legislature’s nonpartisan research staff, supporters of Proposition 102 argue that requiring secured bonds of most defendants would provide added incentives for them to actually appear in court and be confronted by the victims of the crimes.

Those Proposition 102 backers, who include people from the bail bond industry, have said that expecting defendants to put up their own money to get bonds would be appropriate, especially when those defendants are charged with violent or sexual crimes.

Opponents of Proposition 102, however, say that pretrial services programs have proven to be effective ways to supervise defendants and ensure they appear for trial, according to the Legislature’s staff summaries of arguments.

Proposition 102’s foes, which have included a number of lawenforcement, prosecution, community corrections and defense organizations and individuals, have argued the measure would result in defendants having to stay in jail while awaiting trial if they cannot afford a secured bond in order to qualify for supervised release under a pretrial services program.

BALLOT ISSUES P, Q AND R Voters this fall have the chance to move a tax burden, a capital or even every raffle in the state.

The three state ballot issues, amendments P, Q and R, are lower-key than many items on the November ballot — especially compared to the debate surrounding the anti-tax amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 — but still aren’t insignificant. Amendment P would put licensing for bingo and raffles under the state’s Department of Revenue instead of the Department of State, Amendment Q lets the state capital be temporarily moved from Denver in an emergency, and Amendment R would waive property taxes for those who lease or use public property and get less than $6,000 of benefit from it.

Proponents say the last measure would end up saving the state money, since the cost of taxing such low-value uses of government land can be more than the revenue received. The average “possessory use” in Colorado — typically an agricultural lease — has a value of $51, bringing in $1 of tax revenue.

“A lease to graze cattle on public agricultural property valued at $6,000 may result in

a property tax of only $121,” the state’s League of Women Voters noted in its analysis of the issue.

Major uses, such as ski resorts, would still be taxed normally.

Such low-value leases, according to analysts, bring in about $160,000 in property taxes statewide.

Opposition, according to the League, is mainly from those who feel it’s a bad precedent to carve out an exception to property taxes, even a small one.

Amendment P, if it passes, would put all games of chance under the same authority. The Colorado Department of Revenue already regulates the state’s casinos and runs the Colorado Lottery.

Bingo games and raffles as nonprofit fundraisers have been under the Colorado Department of State since 1958. The last two secretaries of state have both supported moving the games and DOR officials have said the move makes sense.

According to the League, opponents have noted the move would have a one-time cost of $116,000, taken from the revenue of the games themselves.

Finally, Amendment Q would let the state government move from Denver during a declared “disaster emergency” and then return when the disaster is over.

Currently, the Colorado Constitution forbids moving the capital without a statewide vote and two-thirds approval.

The measure is largely considered a housekeeping move.

LOCAL ISSUES Several area municipalities and special taxing districts are seeking their voters’ decisions on local ballot questions in this fall’s general election.

The Lyons Fire Protection District, for example, is asking voters’ approval to sell up to $870,000 in property taxbacked bonds to finance acquisition of several pieces of firefighting equipment.

According to the Lyons Fire Protection District’s ballot question, that equipment would include: • A structural/wildland urban interface engine and water tender truck to replace outdated vehicles.

• A quick-response vehicle.

• Such firefighting and fire protection equipment as a portable diesel pump and a portable generator.

Lyons Fire Protection District property taxes would be increased by whatever mill levy is necessary to generate up to $150,000 annually to pay the principal and interest on the bonds.

Meanwhile, the town of Mead is asking its voters’ permission to publish the town’s ordinances by title only, rather than printing the complete texts of those ordinances as paid legal advertising in a newspaper.

The Town of Jamestown has a similar proposal, to allow the publishing of ordinances by title only, on its voters’ ballots.

Jamestown also is asking voters whether the town should prohibit the operation of medical-marijuna centers — dispensaries and growing operations — inside its boundaries.

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Area ballots include a number of uncontested re-election bids

By John Fryar Longmont Times-Call

For at least 10 of this region’s current county government officeholders and one incumbent state lawmaker, November’s general election is likely to be little more than a formality.

Each of those incumbents — three Boulder County Democrats, three Weld County Republicans and five Larimer County Republicans — will be the sole candidate for his or her office on this fall’s generalelection ballots.

Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, for example, is unopposed — on Boulder County’s printed generalelection ballots, at least — in his bid for a third fouryear term.

State Rep. Dickey Lee Hullinghorst is alone on the ballot for the Colorado House District 11 seat, which stretches from Boulder through Gunbarrel and Niwot to the unincorporated area south of Longmont.

Also unopposed for reelection is Regional Transportation District board member John Tayer, a Boulder resident who represents the RTD’s District O, an area that includes the western two-thirds of Boulder County and such communities as Gunbarrel and Lyons. RTD board members are elected on a nonpartisan basis.

In Weld County, Commissioner Douglas Rademacher’s candidacy for a second four-year term in that county board’s District 2 seat is uncontested on Weld’s ballots.

ALONE ON THE BALLOT Current officeholders whose names will be alone on Boulder, Weld and Larimer voters’ fall ballots — and who are therefore assured of re-election in November — include: • Boulder County Sheriff Joseph K. Pelle, a Longmont-area Democrat.

• Boulder County Surveyor Jason Emery, a Niwot Democrat.

• State Rep. Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, a Gunbarrel Democrat.

• Regional Transportation District board member John Tayer of Boulder.

• Weld County Commissioner Douglas J. Rademacher, a Mead-area Republican who represents District 2 on the county board.

• Weld County Clerk and Recorder Steve Moreno, a Greeley Republican.

All but one of the region’s unopposed county government candidates advanced to this year’s general election without first having to win a primary-election contest.

Boulder County Surveyor Jason Emery did have to beat Alan Greenberg, a rival from his own Democratic party. But no other parties’ representatives or any unaffiliated candidates are seeking to unseat Emery in the general election.

Some of the candidates who are now in uncontested races did face foes in earlier years’ elections.

Pelle overcame both primary- and general-election

• Weld County Assessor Christopher M. Woodruff, a Greeley Republican.

• Larimer County Clerk and Recorder Scott Doyle, a Fort Collins Republican.

• Larimer County Treasurer Myrna Rodenberger, a Fort Collins Republican.

• Larimer County Assessor Steve Miller, a Fort Collins Republican.

• Larimer County Surveyor Chad Washburn, a Fort Collins Republican.

• Larimer County Coroner Patrick C. Allen, a Loveland Republican.

All but Washburn are seeking re-election to positions they won or retained in previous years’ elections. Washburn was appointed in April 2009 to fill a vacant Larimer surveyor’s seat, and he now has to stand for election for that office. opponents when he first ran for sheriff in 2002, and he had a general-election challenger in 2006.

Rademacher bested a write-in candidate in the 2006 Republican primary and two other competitors for the seat in that year’s general election.

Hullinghorst beat Boulder Republican Dorothy Marshall to win her first term in 2008. Marshall was expected to challenge Hullinghorst to a rematch this year but dropped out of the House District 10 contest in early September.

John Fryar can be reached at 303-6845211 or jfryar@times-call.com.

Poll: Despite public anger at Congress, voters still like own representatives

By David Lightman McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON — Since 1976, more than 90 percent of incumbents in the House of Representatives have won re-election, and new signs suggest that’s likely to happen again in November, despite the widespread public anger at Washington.

A new Pew Research Center/National Journal poll found that people still like their own members of Congress far more than they like Congress itself.

The institution’s approval ratings long have been dismal, and the latest survey found that only 13 percent gave it good or excellent marks.

Yet when people were asked their views of their own representatives, the approval number jumped — 28 percent gave them excellent or good ratings. Nearly half said they liked their lawmakers’ judgment on issues, and 43 percent said their representatives are in

touch with constituents back home and can help bring about change in Washington.

The Pew poll’s findings add fuel to the argument that even in a year when the outspoken tea party movement has dominated political dialogue, “odds are very high that 90 percent or better of incumbents will be reelected,” said Larry Sabato, the director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, who tracks congressional races.

Since 1976, the re-election rate for House incumbents has been above 90 percent every election except in 1992, when it dipped to 88 percent, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan research group. Even in 1994 and 2006, when party control of the House switched, incumbent re-election rates were in the 90s.

Incumbents traditionally start their fall races with several advantages — fundraising is usually easier,

districts are carefully drawn to maximize an incumbent’s re-election prospects, and by fall they’ve survived primaries or party conventions, and thus have tested organizations and popular support.

In addition, said Lee Miringoff, the director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, “They have experience. They know how to run.”

Still, the Pew numbers are a reminder of the challenges that incumbents face. Most people don’t know their representative well. Only 18 percent said they’ve met or shaken hands with their lawmaker, and while 46 percent said they have some idea where their House member stands, 51 percent don’t.

“There’s still a residual sense that people voters know aren’t automatically thrown in the junk heap,” Miringoff said, “but the pressure will be on for incumbents to justify their reelection more this time.”

Re-elect Hillary Hall Boulder County Clerk and Recorder

Strong leadership Commitment to Service Quest for Excellence Since 2006, Hillary Hall has shown strong leadership and expertise as the Boulder County Clerk and Recorder.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Hillary Hall, Carolyn Powell Treasurer, PO Box 7480, Boulder, CO 80306 www.hillaryhall.com

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within society.

Amendment 60

Amendment 60 proposes amending the state Constitution to: • repeal the current voterapproved authority of local governments to keep property taxes above their constitutional limits; • establish expiration dates for future voter-approved property tax increases; • cut local property tax rates for public schools’ operating expenses in half over 10 years and replace this money with state funding each year; • require publicly owned enterprises to pay property taxes and reduce local property tax rates to offset the new revenue; and • provide new voting rights to certain property owners in Colorado and permit citizens to petition all local governments to reduce property taxes.

Ballot title: Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Constitution concerning government charges on property and, in connection therewith, allowing petitions in all districts for elections to lower property taxes; specifying requirements for property tax elections; requiring enterprises and authorities to pay property taxes but offsetting the revenues with lower tax rates; prohibiting enterprises and unelected boards from levying fees or taxes on property; setting expiration dates for certain tax rate and revenue increases; requiring school districts to reduce property tax rates and replacing the revenue with state aid; and eliminating property taxes that exceed the dollar amount included in an approved ballot question, that exceed state property tax laws, policies and limits existing in 1992 that have been violated, changed or weakened without state voter approval, or that were not approved by voters without certain ballot language.

Arguments for: 1) Amendment 60 provides property tax relief for Coloradans in a tough economic climate without reducing K-12 education funding. For example, the

measure will provide seniors who recently lost a property tax exemption with additional tax relief. Allowing business owners to keep more of their income may spur investment and help the economy recover more quickly. School funding is unchanged because the state is required to replace the local property taxes phased out by the amendment with state funding.

2) Amendment 60 strengthens citizen control over local government taxes by setting tax expiration dates and requiring that an extension of an expiring tax be presented to the voters as a tax increase. The amendment also allows citizens to petition local governments to lower taxes, and it prevents unelected boards, such as the Denver Water Board, from imposing mandatory fees or taxes on property. In addition, limiting votes on property taxes to November elections, when voter turnout is typically higher, may lead to greater citizen awareness and participation.

3) Amendment 60 removes a competitive advantage that publicly owned enterprises have over private businesses. Unlike private facilities, publicly owned enterprises, such as parking lots and golf courses, do not currently pay property taxes.

The additional revenue will lower the local property tax rate, providing further relief for property owners in the district.

Arguments against: 1) Amendment 60 overturns nearly two decades of voterapproved tax decisions that fund important services provided by counties, cities, school districts, and special districts. The amendment enables voters statewide, in this election, to reverse hundreds of decisions of local voters to fund services like fire and police protection, roads, parks and recreational facilities, water and sewer systems, and libraries. Local voters are best equipped to choose the level and type of services needed in their communities and the means to pay for those services.

2) Amendment 60 will require the state to cut funding for many important services, which may result in job losses throughout Colorado. Because the state Constitution requires

LONGMONT TIMES-CALL that the state have a balanced budget and limits the ability of the Legislature to raise taxes, every new dollar spent on education will be taken away from other services. The $1.5 billion increase in state K-12 education spending nearly equals the amount the state currently spends on courts, prisons and human services.

This amendment requires the state to spend so much more on public schools that these or other state functions will have to be cut or eliminated in order to keep the state budget balanced.

3) Amendment 60 may leave many citizens worse off financially, depending on where they live. People who live in areas with few publicly owned enterprises, such as the eastern plains, will receive some property tax reductions, but may pay more in fees to use the services of public enterprises located elsewhere. For example, if the University of Colorado must pay property taxes, students statewide may pay more in tuition, but property owners in Boulder County will get most of the tax savings.

Similarly, if Denver International Airport must pay property taxes, airline customers statewide may pay more in fees, but only property owners in Denver will get the property tax reduction.

Amendment 61

Amendment 61 proposes amending the state Constitution to: • prohibit all new state government borrowing after 2010; • prohibit new local government borrowing after 2010, unless approved by voters; • limit the amount and length of time of local government borrowing; and • require that tax rates be reduced after borrowing is fully repaid.

Ballot title: Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Constitution concerning limitations on government borrowing and, in connection therewith, prohibiting future borrowing in any form by state government; requiring voter approval of future borrowing by local governmental entities; limiting the form, term and

amount of total borrowing by each local governmental entity; directing all current borrowing to be paid; and reducing tax rates after certain borrowing is fully repaid?

Arguments for: 1) Borrowing is expensive because it includes interest payments and fees.

Limits are needed to help ensure that borrowing costs do not reduce money for public services in the future.

2) Amendment 61 encourages fiscal restraint through a pay-asyou-go approach to government spending. This approach limits government from passing on debt to future generations.

3) Because the public is responsible for repaying government borrowing through taxes and fees, voters should be asked before money is borrowed. The existing limits on government borrowing are not strict enough because the government can still borrow large amounts without voter approval. Amendment 61 requires any future local government borrowing to be submitted to voters for consideration at a November election.

4) Amendment 61 reduces taxes when borrowing is fully repaid, giving individuals and businesses more money to spend. Tax rates should go down when borrowing is repaid because the government no longer needs money for the annual payments.

Arguments against: 1) Borrowing is a crucial tool for financing large public investments such as prisons, schools and water projects.

Similar to private citizens using a loan to buy a home or car, borrowing is often the only way governments can afford to build and maintain safe bridges, roads and other public infrastructure. Amendment 61 makes it harder to manage public finances and to respond in a timely manner to the needs of citizens.

2) Amendment 61 limits the ability of communities to meet the demands of a growing economy. Colorado’s population has grown almost 20 percent in the last decade, requiring new roads, schools, hospitals and water treatment plants. These public investments are needed

WWW.TIMESCALL.COM by communities to operate and to attract residents and businesses. In addition, the measure may reduce private sector jobs; for instance, businesses may be awarded fewer construction contracts.

3) Amendment 61 places the full burden of paying for public buildings built to last 30 years or more on today’s taxpayers.

Also, Amendment 61 may force governments to set aside money for several years before construction can begin on a new facility. As a result, current taxpayers may never benefit from a facility they paid to construct. Taxpayers may realize a greater benefit from borrowing than from a tax-rate reduction.

4) Some governments will face serious financial disruptions as a result of Amendment 61. For example, the Colorado unemployment fund may be unable to pay unemployment benefits for a period of time if the state is no longer able to borrow to pay for benefits. Also, starting in 2011, school districts that rely on short-term borrowing may have cash flow disruptions until spring tax collections are received. These districts will have to consider options such as reducing or suspending teacher pay, selling buildings or closing schools.

How do these ballot measures interact on the ballot?

Proposition 101 along with Amendment 60 and Amendment 61 contain provisions that affect state and local government finances by decreasing taxes paid by households and businesses and restricting government borrowing. How these measures work together may require clarification from the state Legislature or the courts.

Proposition 101 reduces state and local government taxes and fees. Amendment 60 reduces local property taxes, while requiring state expenditures for K-12 education to increase by an amount that offsets the property tax loss for school districts. Amendment 61 requires state and local governments to decrease tax rates when debt is repaid, which is assumed in this analysis to apply to the existing debt of state and local governments, and it prohibits

any borrowing by state government.

Since portions of these measures are phased in over time, the actual impacts to taxpayers and governments will be less in the initial years of implementation and grow over time. Assuming that all three measures are approved by voters, the first-year impact will be to reduce state taxes and fees by $744 million and increase state spending for K-12 education by $385 million.

Once fully implemented, the measures are estimated to reduce state taxes and fees by $2.1 billion and increase state spending for K-12 education by $1.6 billion in today’s dollars.

This would commit almost all of the state’s general operating budget to paying for the constitutional and statutory requirements of K-12 education, leaving little for other government services. In addition, the prohibition on borrowing will increase budget pressures for the state if it chooses to pay for capital projects from its general operating budget. This would further reduce the amount of money available for other government services.

Tax and fee collections for local governments are expected to fall by at least $966 million in the first year of implementation and by $3.4 billion when the measures are fully implemented. However, after the state reimburses school districts, the net impact on local government budgets would be at least $581 million in the first year and $1.8 billion when fully implemented.

Total taxes and fees paid by households and businesses are estimated to decrease by $1.7 billion in the first year and $5.5 billion per year in today’s dollars when the measures are fully implemented. The measures reduce the taxes and fees owed by an average household making $55,000 per year that owns a $295,000 house by an estimated $400 in the first year and $1,360 per year when fully implemented.

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ELECTION BOULDER COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Name: Cindy Domenico Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: 506 Wilson St., Lafayette; 54 years in my community Campaign website and contact information: www.cindy domenico.com cindy@cindy domenico.com Domenico Age and place of birth: 54; Boulder Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental, population and organismic biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, 1978; certified general appraiser, state of Colorado, 1992; Rocky Mountain Program University of Colorado at Denver, class of 2002; New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, national Association of Counties 2009 Leadership Institute Business or occupation: Boulder County commissioner; former Boulder County assessor Public offices: Boulder County assessor, January 1997 to July 2007; Boulder County commissioner, July 2007 to present Family: Husband Ken Birgen; daughter Julia Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: 4H project team leader; Rocky Mountain Farmers Union; Urban Regional Information Systems Association; International Association of Assessing Officers; Flatirons Rock and Mineral Club Other affiliations: First United Methodist Church, Boulder Other interests, activities: Certified 4H shooting sports leader in archery; I also enjoy photography, camping and travel.

What are some of the Board of County Commissioners’ accomplishments since you became a commissioner?

Accomplishments include continued, conservative management of the county budget, aligning the missions of Boulder County Housing and Social Services to create the Department of Housing and Human Services, supporting the Josephine Commons development and working toward affordable senior housing in eastern Boulder County, adoption of the countywide Human Services Strategic Plan, continued preservation of farm and open lands, adoption of the Sustainable Energy Plan, securing the $25 million Federal Block Grant in conjunction with city and county of Denver, and Garfield County. I was humbled and honored to be selected by my peers across Colorado as Commissioner of the Year 2009.

What are some of your priorities for your next term in office if you’re re-elected? My key priorities include careful, strategic budget management through this economic downturn, continuing the policies that have made Boulder County one of the most economically stable places to live in the state, maintaining human services to support residents who are in need and supporting our nonprofit community-based organizations that help families reach selfsufficiency, long-term recovery of the Fourmile Canyon area after the recent fire, preserving open space and farmland, building more local food production, working with our municipalities toward a sustainable future, and continuing work with state agencies on child welfare and human services.

How should Boulder County residents vote on county Ballot Issue 1A, the proposed Human Services Safety Net mill-levy increase, and why? A yes vote on Ballot Issue 1A, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, will help improve the quality of life and safety of the most vulnerable children and families in Boulder County. 1A will help restore state budget cuts to human services and support community nonprofits. There is

unprecedented need for help across the county, with Medicaid, food stamp and lowincome child-care cases increasing more than 45 percent. Keep in mind that in addition to immediately helping our friends and neighbors, every $5 in food assistance results in a $9.20 benefit to our local economy. Please see FacebookYesOn1A for more information.

How should Boulder County residents vote on Ballot Issue 1B, the proposed countywide open space sales and use tax increase, and why? A yes vote on Ballot Issue 1B, Open Space Yes, makes economic sense in the long term. Our scenic vistas are our most valuable natural resource in this county. The balance of vibrant communities and open vistas between them, with trails and access to recreation, is one of the key reasons employers choose Boulder County. This balance has helped with economic stability in the down economy.

We have a narrow window of opportunity to buy land that has been a priority for preservation for decades. This land will not be preserved without your help.

Please visit www.yesonopen space.org for more information.

Why should you be elected to this office? As a lifelong resident of Lafayette and Boulder County, I understand the strengths of this extraordinary place and the people who live here. We have built on those strengths of natural beauty, strong values, vibrant communities, open vistas, care for each other, partnerships and collaboration, and I am committed to continuing this work. I bring a record of proven leadership, strong management abilities, innovative public service, thoughtful deliberation and common sense to the job.

We all have a vision for the future, and working together, we will leave a strong, beautiful legacy for future generations.

Name: Eva F. Kosinski Political party: Libertarian Address and length of residency in your community: 1301 Jackson Court, Louisville; resident since 1991 Campaign website and contact information: www.eva4 bocc.org; Facebook: “Kosinski for Boulder Kosinski County Commissioner”; MySpace: all4thinking; Twitter: all4BCounty; e-mail: eva@eva4bocc.org Age and place of birth: 61; Clinton, Mass.

Education: University of Massachusetts, bachelor of fine arts, 1971; evening courses at Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Math for Electronics and HVAC, 1978-83 Business or occupation: Retired professional artist, writer; A Slice of Time artists’ services company, 1996-2006; worked for several startup companies in Boulder County — XVT, Avalanche, Root Group — and nonprofits, Open Studios and the Foothills Art Center; moved to Boulder County after 10 years working in administrative support of technical and research staff at MIT and BBN’s CSNET computer network Public offices: Ran unsuccessfully for Louisville City Council, 2003 Family: Husband Greg Woods; no children Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Served as board member for League of Women Voters Boulder Valley circa 1992; Boulder Art Association; the East County Business and Professional Women board; Louisville’s Public Access TV 54; served as an election judge for about the past eight years Other affiliations: Past chair, Libertarian Party of Boulder County Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: I am a big fan of technology and am familiar with a number of computer systems, including Linux. In spite of having a degree in art, more than 10

years at MIT and BBN provided significant on-the-job education in computer hardware, networks, applications and capabilities.

While not a programmer, I have worked with database design, operations logistics and image processing, e.g., show catalog for “Our Louisville.” My husband, Greg, is a computer system administrator, so I have a source for questions and continuing education.

What are some of your concerns or criticisms about the policies and actions of the current Board of County Commissioners? When I talk to county residents, they say commissioners “don’t listen” and have become “highhanded,” using the force of their office to mandate programs that often have no public support, which curtail property rights and choice. Some programs are advertised as “free money” from the state or federal government but can require bond debt and often have strings attached.

Much is done out of public view, raising questions. “They don’t care what we think — they’ll do what they want anyway” is a sentiment that indicates the commissioners have lost the trust of the voters.

What are some of your priorities for the commissioner’s office if you’re elected? Communication: Move meetings so 9-to-5 workers can attend. Publish yearly financial reports before July 1. Post meeting PDFs on website within one week. Make videos available online for six months — keep archives. Allow multiple public questions at BOCC meetings.

Representation: Push to switch to a five-person BOCC, each elected by district — upgrade to five districts — to get direct representation and to subject the BOCC to state Sunshine Laws.

Fiscal accountability: Publish expenses by department before each BOCC meeting. List outside funding sources, state and federal, on the website, indicating which require adding debt. Set debt priorities, with per-department limits.

How should Boulder County residents vote on county Ballot Issue 1A, the proposed Human Services Safety Net mill-levy increase, and why? Human Services is a far more critical element of government than others and should have had some money set aside in the event that outside sources of funding might fail. Offices were closed in advance of this ballot proposition, which indicates that a “safety net” for the program itself was not available.

This failure necessitated the ballot issue. I would support the increase but insist that funds should be held aside to ensure that this never happens again.

BOCC should keep the focus on core services until such time as there are funds to expand expenditures into less critical programs.

How should Boulder County residents vote on county Ballot Issue 1B, the proposed countywide open space sales and use tax increase, and why?

I’d vote no. Open space has become a divisive element in the community, and while it’s a great thing, there’s already nearly 100,000 acres of it, more than double the combined acreage of the cities of Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette and Longmont. It will take 20 years of taxes to pay back the costs, and in a time of economic hardship, there are better uses for that money. With the construction of a brand-new complex in Longmont for open space staff and equipment, it’s time to take a break and focus on more important county issues.

Why should you be elected to this office? The BOCC is not communicating. Minutes are not available online. Reports are not available online. These are things routinely done in the county’s various cities. Attach that to meetings held during work time, resistance to full discussion at meetings and instituting policies with strong opposition in the community, and you get distrust. My work has always been customer service, whether turning “techie” into English for a startup company’s bulletin

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Age and place of birth: 45; Denver Education: Graduated from Fairview High School; attended University of Name: Dick R. Murphy Northern Colorado; Political party: Republican culinary Address and length of degree from Hall residency in your community: Western 11309 Culinary Institute Flatiron Drive, Business or occupation: Lafayette; Boulder County clerk and before that, recorder; professional 18 years in experience spans 20 years of north Boulder managing in the high-tech, Campaign restaurant and hospitality website and industries contact Murphy Public offices: Boulder County information: clerk and recorder, 2007 to www.dickrmurphy.com present dick@dickmurphy.com Family: Married with two Age and place of birth: 63; Fort teenage daughters Smith, Ark. Membership in civic organizations or other civic Education: High school, Hartford, Ark., 1964; bachelor’s activities: Volunteered with a number of nonprofit and Ouachita University, 1968; community organizations, Ph.D in economics, Iowa State including the Community University, 1974 Foundation of Boulder County, Business or occupation: Selfthe Women’s Foundation, Social employed public finance and Venture Partners, PLAN investment management Boulder, Boulder Preparatory consultant since 1991; deputy High School board, Democratic Colorado state treasurer, 2003- Women of Boulder County and 2004; chief financial officer of the Hand Weavers Guild of the Boulder Valley School Boulder; former Boulder County District, 1996-2000 Democratic Party chairwoman Public offices: Never elected to Other affiliations: Active office member of the Colorado County Clerks Association; served as Family: Married 38 years to the association’s legislative Valarie; five children: Rick, committee co-chair for three John, Amber, Lindsay and years; serve on the advisory Morgan board for statewide voterMembership in civic registration system organizations or other civic Military record: not applicable activities: not answered Other interests, activities: I Any other affiliations you would enjoy spending time with my like to share: not answered family and friends, cooking, reading, spinning and knitting.

Military record: Army Reserves, What are some of the 1964-1974; top graduate in accomplishments or ROTC class improvements in the Boulder Other interests, activities: not County Clerk and Recorder’s answered Office since you became clerk and recorder? With an election What are some of your landscape that constantly concerns or criticisms about evolves as technology advances the policies and actions of the and as state and federal current Board of County regulations change, my staff has Commissioners? My primary made tremendous strides in concern is the lack of diversity of opinion on the board. Citizen increasing voting accuracy and improving efficiencies. We have perception is that the enhanced our testing and commissioners want to rule election preparation to address every aspect of life in Boulder County and that a major portion potential issues, and we are proud of our auditing and of the citizens are simply not verification processes. We also represented in any manner by have implemented online the current board. vehicle registration, improved What are some of your the auditing and canvassing of priorities for the our elections, and improved our commissioner’s office if you’re recording system. We are elected? Increasing the level of especially proud that we have communication to the public. executed all of these Reviewing the square-footage responsibilities under budget. limitation on building.

What are some of your Eliminating the requirement for priorities for the office if you’re energy audit to obtain a building re-elected? We constantly seek permit for remodeling. additional efficiencies while not Determining and publicizing the sacrificing competence and extent and nature of services service. Our motor vehicle group that have been eliminated such will continue to fine-tune the as the recent county roadcurrent option for renewing car maintenance issue. registrations online, with a goal of expanding online services to How should Boulder County residents vote on county Ballot other departments. We must Issue 1A, the proposed Human remain alert to opportunities for improvement in our elections Services Safety Net mill-levy and maintain open and increase, and why? Increasing transparent processes to taxes during economically continue to be careful stewards stressed times is inappropriate. of our citizens’ votes. Our office If the Human Services Safety Net needs funding, buy no new has made tremendous strides in increasing efficiencies, including vehicles, delay building implementing online vehicle maintenance, buy no registration, improving auditing computers, delay all and canvassing of our elections, discretionary expenditures until and improving our recording better economic times return. system. We are committed to How should Boulder County becoming even more efficient. residents vote on Ballot Issue What, if any, changes would 1B, the proposed countywide you like to see in state laws as open space sales and use tax increase, and why? Vote against they affect the Clerk and Ballot Issue 1B. One-third of the Recorder’s Office? The clerk’s office is driven by state statutes land mass of Rocky Mountain National Park is adequate open and rules. Engaging in the legislative process is essential to space for Boulder County. ensure that the needs of our Why should you be elected to citizens are met. In motor this office? To have a vehicles, more time must be conservative voice on the board added to legislative of commissioners. implementation to ensure that proper testing and training can BOULDER COUNTY be conducted in order to properly serve the public. In CLERK recording, we need to extend the $1 technology fee to pay for Name: Hillary Hall enhanced recording systems. In Political party: Democratic elections, the election calendar Address and length of needs to be addressed, and residency in your community: continued improvement for mail Boulder Heights for nine years; ballot processes are needed. grew up in Boulder Why should you be re-elected Campaign website and contact to this office? As the Boulder information: County clerk and recorder, I serve everyone, regardless of www.hillaryhall.com political philosophies, and I do Hillary_hall@comcast.net.

board, teaching secretaries UNIX at MIT, helping CSNET client sites get onto the Internet or getting 40 artists to meet a single hardwired deadline. I can help bring back communication.

so with fairness and objectivity.

My commitment to the Constitution and to our right to free, fair and safe elections has been my focus during these past four years. The duties of this office are a combination of policy and implementation, which is work that I believe in and do well. I am fortunate that I can do meaningful work and serve my community every day in the process and look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve Boulder County.

Name: Daniel Martin Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: 2063 Falcon Drive, Longmont, since 2001 Campaign website and contact information: www.daniel Martin 4clerk.com daniel4clerk@gmail.com Age and place of birth: 70; Kansas City, Mo. Education: Bachelor of science, University of Kansas, with majors in science and engineering Business or occupation: Retired in 2005; previously, 30 years high-security data storage and processing for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ERA, Farmland Industries, Spring, Qwest and McKesson Medical Technologies; 10 years’ experience as licensed real estate broker Public offices: Not a politician, but never missed an opportunity to vote Family: Wife of 25 years, Sheryl; six grown children Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Patriot Guard; Oath Keepers Other affiliations: Calvary Bible Church, Boulder Military record: No military service Other interests, activities: not answered What are some of your concerns or criticisms about the Boulder County Clerk and Recorder’s Office? Boulder County has gained a reputation for slow ballot tallies during major elections. As clerk, I will begin processing of mail-in and early-voting ballots as soon as the law allows in 2011 and fully transition away from central-office ballot processing by the 2012 election.

What are some of your priorities if you’re elected?

Protecting the rights of all legal voters; fighting same-day registration and voting; seeking to prosecute all vote-related fraud; opposing mail-in-only elections while retaining absentee voting; implementing fast, fair and accurate ballot processing; restoring truly secret ballots (no serial numbers or bar codes) What, if any, changes would you like to see in state laws as they affect the Clerk and Recorder’s Office? As clerk and recorder, I am responsible for upholding state law, not advocating changes. But if I could change one thing, it would be a return to photo ID as a requirement of voter participation. Those without photo ID still could vote but only via a provisional ballot (i.e., ballot pending until subsequent verification of proper voter registration).

Why should you be elected to this office? I have stated the six objectives above as the foundation of my campaign, while my opponent remains silent on the known problems of the Election Division. I have specific knowledge of these problems from my direct experiences in 2008 as an election judge and Boulder County computer technician.

Visit http://tinyurl.com/26lvknf and http://tinyurl.com/2bkot5r.

My unique depth of experience in both computer technology and real estate is the prime qualification to best serve all the people of Boulder County as their clerk and recorder.

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BOULDER COUNTY TREASURER Name: Robert S. Hullinghorst Political party: Democratic Address: 7301 Mount Meeker Road, Gunbarrel; 41-year resident of Gunbarrel Campaign website: No website; bhullinghorst Hullinghorst @comcast.net Age and place of birth: 67; New Orleans Education: B.A., University of Wyoming, 1964; Other graduate education: University of Wyoming; George Washington University Law School; University of Colorado Business or occupation: Owner, Cash Asset Management Programs Inc.; a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission specializing in institutional cash investments Public offices: Boulder County treasurer, 2003 to present; board member and chairman, District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program, seven years; board member and president, Gunbarrel Estates Water and Sanitation District, four years Family: Wife Dickey Lee Hullinghorst; daughter Laura Lee Hullinghorst; son-in-law Paul Hammer Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: not answered Other affiliations: not answered Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: Dickey Lee and I have enjoyed living and working in Boulder County for the past 41 years.

With our friends, we have hiked most of the trails, been involved in most of the progressive organizations, and helped support many of the programs that make this a fabulous place to live and work.

What are some of the accomplishments or improvements in the Boulder County Treasurer’s Office since you became treasurer? My existing staff became a strong team, first expanding services to seniors dramatically. I launched lean government training, SLIM, for our employees with Steve Elliott, my chief deputy. SLIM now includes 10 other offices.

My staff began an exceptional customer services program. To add fun like the famous Seattle Fish Co., but without throwing fish, we start Fridays with a dance. Meanwhile, without increasing staff, we now serve 50 percent more taxing authorities, collect more taxes, have a higher collection rate, and have a good, safe rate of total return on our investments.

What are some of your priorities for the office if you’re re-elected? I want my office to continue expanding our leangovernment SLIM program to other levels of interested governments. To support a healthy economy with goodpaying jobs creating more tax income, I will collaborate on new initiatives, including Boulder County Economic Gardening and Boulder County STEM Education (science, technology, engineering and math). With our focus on lean government, we should be able to support all these efforts without additional staff or resources.

What, if any, changes would you like to see in state laws as they affect the county treasurer’s office? While treasurer, I have tried hard to listen to my taxpayers. As a result, my office has successfully initiated four pieces of legislation benefiting seniors, active members of the Colorado Guard and Reserve, churches, nonprofits, small businesses and local governments. I also lobbied Congress about reverse mortgages, illegal public investments and recovering money lost because of Lehman Brothers. There may be opportunities for legislation to make it easier for local governments to become leaner while increasing income and services through economic gardening and innovation. I will keep listening to my taxpayers.

Why should you be re-elected to this office? I think Boulder County’s voters are comfortable with a county treasurer who believes in good government and the value of taxes to support the common good. If

the voters believe that I have listened to them and worked hard on their behalf, I believe that I will earn their support.

Name: Marty Neilson Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: 363 Riverside Drive, Lyons; Boulder County Neilson resident since 1965 Campaign website and contact information: www.martyneilson.com marty5539@gmail.com Age and place of birth: 69; Galesburg, Ill. Education: Bachelor’s of business administration, University of Denver, 1965; master’s of business administration, University of Denver, 1976; real estate license at DU; dean’s list; cheerleader; class secretary; SPURS honorary Business or occupation: President, Person to Person Technology; chief financial officer-secretary/treasurer, EquityLink Companies Public offices: None; unsuccessful 2006 Republican candidate for state Senate District 16 Family: Husband Ron; three adult children Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Member of Board of Elders and treasurer of Allenspark Community Church; current president, Colorado Union of Taxpayers; past president, American Society of Women Accountants; past board chairman, Premier Members FCI (formerly IBM Employees FCU); former Boulder County Republican chairwoman Any other affiliations you would like to share: not answered Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: not answered What are some of your concerns or criticisms about the Boulder County Treasurer’s Office? My 30-plus years of financial management were focused on efficiency, timeliness and responsiveness. Be assured, I will serve taxpayers first by maximizing visibility to county business and implementing online access to services such as tax lien sales, providing cost savings to the county and a user-friendly environment to buyers.

What are some of your priorities for the office if you’re elected? Ensuring safe, riskaverse investment of taxpayer dollars with necessary liquidity to fulfill the payment of county obligations What, if any, changes would you like to see in state laws as they affect the County Treasurer’s Office? None.

Why should you be elected to this office? To bring a reflection of liberty and self-determination to Boulder County government, which is rife with tyranny of single-party rule

BOULDER COUNTY ASSESSOR Name: Joel T. Champion Political party: Republican Address: 1733 Preston Drive, Longmont Campaign website and contact: www.joel champion Champion 2010.com joelchampion@comcast.net Age and place of birth: 70; Alameda, Calif.

Education: Doctorate in management and organization theory, Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Washington, Wash., 1973; M.S. in logistics management; Air Force Institute of Technology, Air University, Dayton, Ohio, 1969; bachelor’s in cultural anthropology, University of California at Berkeley, 1962; Certificate Program in World View Studies, Seattle Pacific University, Wash., 2009; certified as identity theft risk-management specialist, Institute of Fraud Risk Management, 2006 Business or occupation: Founder and executive director,

LONGMONT TIMES-CALL Alpha & Omega Worldview Ministries, Longmont, 2006present; president and CEO, The Champion Group LLC, Longmont, 1987-present; coordinator of curriculum, College of Adult and Graduate Studies, Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, 20052006; associate professor of business and management, School of Business and Leadership, College of Undergraduate Studies, Colorado Christian University, 2001-2006; vice president, sales and customer solutions and vice president, information systems and chief technology officer, Baetis Inc., Boulder, 2000-2001; president/CEO, Investor-Vu.com, San Diego, Calif., 1998-1999; vice president, Business Process ReEngineering, Stellcom Technologies, San Diego, Calif., 1997-1998 Public offices: None Family: Wife Linda L. Champion Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Former member Rotary International; former member Longmont Chamber of Commerce; American Legion Other affiliations: Served as an adjunct professor of business and management at the following universities, primarily in their masters of business administration programs: University of Southern California, Auburn University, National University, Central Michigan University, Wright State University, Troy State University, Colorado Christian University Military record: I joined the U.S. Air Force in 1961 and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1981. I am a disabled Vietnam veteran. I served in the Republic of the Philippines and Vietnam from 1965-1968. I was awarded the Bronze Star for service in a tactical fighterbomber combat squadron.

Other interests, activities: not answered What are some of the concerns or criticisms you have about the Boulder County Assessor’s Office? While it’s not universally the case, I have heard stories of how difficult it has been for some taxpayers to file and process their protests or reappraisal requests. Therefore, I will work personally with taxpayers to improve education about, and access to, the appeal process. I will review and develop systems and procedures designed to provide competent and caring treatment for all people who make inquiries about their real and personal property, regardless of their political influence or party.

What are some of your priorities for the office if you’re elected? One of my first priorities will be to implement both the new mass appraisal information systems, as well as policies, procedures and systems designed to systematically streamline and improve the assessment and appraisal processes consistent with the law and established regulations and legally defensible guidelines. Once that is accomplished, I will publicize those systems (including the underlying decision rules) to the public both on the website and through public seminars and mutual feedback sessions. We need to listen and respond to the people’s concerns. I will assure that those systems are internally consistent and provide greater certainty for business owners to help them forecast their business expenses.

What, if any, changes would you like to see in state laws as they affect the assessor’s office? I will review and evaluate possible changes in the time period for the public to file and process their protests and requests for reappraisal. If we could expand the time period, I believe it would help the assessor’s office to spread out the workload over the year and avoid a very heavy workload during one short time during the year. Such a proposal would have to be coordinated with assessors from other Colorado counties and then worked through the appropriate processes to change state laws.

Why should you be elected to this office? I will bring a fresh, different management, leadership and political perspective and style to Boulder County government. I will employ my management and leadership skills, and I will work to improve the customer-service orientation of the assessor’s office. I will review, evaluate and develop both the information

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technology (IT) and non-IT policies and procedures, and then share them with the public both through the website and through public seminars so that taxpayers (both homeowners and business owners) can understand how decisions are made and justified by the professional staff in the assessor’s office.

Name: Jerry Roberts Political party: Democratic Address and length of residency in your community: 1843 Spruce St., Boulder; I have lived there for 33 years.

BOULDER COUNTY CORONER Name: Emma R. Hall

Name: Tom Pettit

Address and length of residency in your community: 421 Stickney St., Lyons; 33 years in Lyons.

Political party: Democratic

Campaign website and Hall contact information: www.emmarhall.com hall4coroner@hotmail.com Age and place of birth: 33; Longmont

Roberts

Campaign website and contact information: www.jerryrobertsassessor.us jmroberts@q.com Age and place of birth: 60; Oceana, W.Va. Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Colorado, 1972 Business or occupation: On staff of Boulder County Assessor’s Office for 30 years, the past three as county assessor Public offices: Appointed Boulder County assessor in 2007; elected to assessor’s post in 2008 Family: Spouse Lorri Par; stepson Nick Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: On board of directors of Peoplemaking of Colorado, a nonprofit that teaches and holds workshops in family therapy using the methods of Virginia Satir Any other affiliations you would like to share: not answered Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: not answered What are some of the accomplishments or improvements in the Boulder County Assessor’s Office since you became assessor? We have successfully converted to a new computer software system and came in on budget. We will be deploying a new e-mapping software on our public website soon that we feel is a major improvement over our old version. We also are developing and educating a team of experts in our office in developing our multiple regression models used to value properties. We are finding that involving our appraisers in this process at this level has led to a better salesconfirmation process and more awareness of data-integrity issues.

What are some of your priorities for the office if you’re re-elected? I am constantly looking for ways to improve the accuracy of our valuations and integrate tools such as our GIS mapping systems into this process, aerial photos and tools that exist on the Internet. With changes in the past 10 years in moving from tract homes to custom-built homes with custom interiors, transit village living and urban condos, we have had to come up with creative strategies to define these types of variables and build them into our models such as three-dimensional mapping.

What, if any, changes would you like to see in state laws as they affect the assessor’s office? Every year, there are bills introduced in the Legislature that either directly or indirectly affect what we do in the assessor’s office. We try to take an active role in helping the legislators understand the complexities of these bills and what sometimes are the intended or unintended consequences of that legislation.

We generally watch out for legislation that affects equity between property owners.

Why should you be re-elected to this office? I am a certified general licensed appraiser and have more than 30 years of experience in this field. All of the major metro counties have assessors with at least seven to 10 years of experience. This is because this job demands that level of expertise. When a taxpayer comes into our office asking to speak to the person in charge, they expect and deserve to know that the assessor will understand the appraisal issues that affect their particular property. My opponent has no appraisal or real estate experience.

WELD COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Education: Recent course work and training: medical terminology, pharmaceutical math, accident investigation, Colorado University Mini Med School, American Academy of Forensic Science Young Forensic Scientist Forum, Modular Emergency Response Radiological Transportation training, Regis University Criminology Program Sexual Homicide Speaker Series, Necrosearch Location and Recovery of Human Remains, CCIC (Colorado Crime Information Center) Query training, Excel 2007, Access 2007, Crime Mapping and Analysis Program, forensic trends (deception analysis, poisonings, working with families, offender profiling), the White House project Go Run, victim-centered response to abuse in later life, elder abuse training for detectives and investigators Bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a concentration in criminalistics, Metropolitan State College of Denver, May 2006; associate of science, Front Range Community College, May 2004 Business or occupation: Business management and consulting, self-employed business (July 2008-present); death investigator and field training officer, Adams County Coroner’s Office, February 2007-July 2008; autopsy technician internship, Adams County Coroner’s Office, January-February 2007; Denver Police Department Crime Lab internship, May-December 2005 Public offices: None Family: Sparky, 15 (dog) Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: American Academy of Forensic Science Military record: Not applicable Other interests, activities: Grew up on Hall Ranch in Lyons.

Interests include horseback riding, boating, outdoors/nature, art, historical homes and traveling.

Name: Daniel Pruett Address: 3614 Mountain View Ave., Longmont Campaign website and contact information: www.danpruett forcoroner.com; contact information is Pruett on the site.

Age and place of birth: 49; Springfield, Mo. Education: Graduated high school in Springfield; BA in English/Biology, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield Business or occupation: I worked for eight years at a hospital-based Emergency Medical Services, where I was a paramedic on a ground ambulance and for two years a life flight helicopter based out of the same hospital.

I moved to Boulder in 1987 and worked for the laboratory at Boulder Community Hospital. I began working for Boulder County Coroner John E. Meyer in 1990 as a medicolegal death investigator after completing the Medicolegal Death Investigator Training course at the St. Louis University School of Medicine.

In 2003, I began working for the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office in Golden, where I am the chief deputy coroner.

Public offices: I have never held public office.

Family: Wife, Pamela; son Willie, 13, who attends the Alta Vista School in Denver; daughter Emma, 12, who attends Westview Middle School

Address and length of residency in your community: Kersey; 13 years Campaign website and Pettit contact information: www.electtompettit.com Committee to Elect Tom Pettit, 702 Fifth St., Kersey, CO 80644 Age and place of birth: 61; Greeley Education: Highland High School in Ault, 1967; Aims Community College in Greeley, 1993 Business or occupation: Weld County School District 6: Nutrition Service computer tech/safety manager; professional musician — drummer, singer Public offices: Kersey Town Board of Trustees, 1999-2008, Mayor Pro-Tem 2002-2006; Weld County Council, 2005-2007 (vice president, 2006; president, 2007) Family: Married to Jake Pettit, library media specialist at Thompson Valley High School in Loveland, for 23 years.

Daughter Taya is a 22-year-old student at Aims College.

Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Secretary of Weld County Positive Partnerships; member of Weld County Foreclosure Coalition Other affiliations: I work closely with and have been a volunteer for the United Way for many years.

Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: not answered What are the biggest issues facing Weld County? Water is one of our greatest concerns; we need to build more storage facilities now. We need to improve our infrastructure and create jobs while we are doing it. We should grow our communities in a smart way and keep in mind the effect that subdivisions in the middle of nowhere have on our public services like fire, police, schools and infrastructure. Growth is inevitable, and I want to be sure we handle it the best way possible for all concerned.

What criticisms or concerns do you have about the current policies of the board of county commissioners, and what changes would you implement?

For the last 18 years, the public often has found out about decisions made by the board after the fact. We need more transparency. An example is the recent board decision to resign as distributor of federal funds for the Head Start program. That decision caused Head Start to lose a million-dollar federal grant. Another issue is how the commissioners arrogantly ignore their hired planners and planning commission. This is what happened with the Dry Creek RUA project in south Weld County, where they were advised against it but still are considering changing the Weld comprehensive plan to allow it.

Why should you be elected to this office? I will bring muchneeded transparency to the board; the public will know before the vote is cast. I am a third-generation Weld County native, and I care deeply for my home. I will listen to all the communities, both large and small, and will work hard to be their voice and their ears on the board. I have a strong background in local government and have worked hard to become informed about the issues facing our county.

Eighteen years of a single party is enough. It’s time for someone new.

Name: Bill Garcia Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: Evans; 12 years Campaign website and Garcia contact information: Campaign contact number: 970-397-5902 Continued on PAGE D3

LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

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Age and place of birth: 38; Louisville, Ky. Education: University of Northern Colorado, 19901992; University of Louisville, bachelor of arts, cum laude, 1992-1994; University of Denver School of Law, JD, 1994-1997 Business or occupation: Law Office of William F. Garcia, 1997-2007; Weld County commissioner at-large, 2007present; Aims Community College instructor, 2007-present Public offices: Weld County commissioner at-large, 2007present Family: Wife Kimberly; daughters Caitlin, 6, and Bridget, 2 Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Examples include Greeley Weld County Airport Authority, current chairman; Black American West MuseumDearfield Committee; Northern Colorado Cultural Tourism Alliance; UNC Bear Catholic Leadership Council Any other affiliations you would like to share: Registered Republican since 1990, holding numerous party volunteer positions Military record: not applicable Other interests, activities: I enjoy spending time with my family, baseball, football, hunting, fishing and reading.

What are the biggest issues facing Weld County? The biggest issues facing Weld County in the next four years are: 1. Strict fiscal discipline — preventing increases in the county mill levy or the initiation of a county sales tax, controlling spending, maintaining surplus budgets and not encumbering Weld County with debt during the current recession.

2. Economic development through further streamlining of the Weld County Code.

3. Promotion of Weld County as the nexus of Colorado’s energy economy.

What accomplishments during the past four-year term would you cite on your behalf and that of the board of county

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commissioners, and what would you like to do in your next term if elected? Projects that I have supported that are points of pride are: • County budget — The county budget was my first priority as chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. In 2010, we cut the budget by $10.6 million from 2009, which has helped create a contingency or “rainy day” fund of more than $20 million in 2010.

• NISP — I have been a vocal supporter of the Northern Integrated Supply Project, which will preserve our rural communities while allowing for growth in urban areas.

• Streamlining county code — I and the other commissioners are constantly looking to ways to eliminate the amount of “red tape” involved in land use and business development.

Why should you be elected to this office? Before being elected to county commissioner in 2006, I managed my own law office, employing six staff. This provided the opportunity to wrestle with the regulatory burdens placed on business by federal, state and local governments.

During the past four years, I and Commissioner Doug Rademacher have demonstrated an open-door policy by initiating office hours every month as well as holding online office hours. I am proud to stand on my record of fiscal discipline and leadership; initiative in streamlining the county code; and open, accessible and transparent government. It is an honor to represent the people of Weld County.

WELD COUNTY SHERIFF Name: John B. Cooke Political party: Republican Address and length of residency in your community: 930 Prospect Place, Greeley; lived in Weld County for 26 years plus 41/2 years while attending college Campaign website and contact information: No website;

jbcookelaw@hotmail.com Age and place of birth: 53; San Juan, Puerto Rico Education: University of Northern Colorado, bachelor’s degree in sociology, Cooke 1979; graduate of the FBI National Academy, September 1993; Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, Quantico, Va., July 2005 Business or occupation: Currently the sheriff of Weld County. Worked for the Weld County Sheriff’s Office for more than 26 years. Worked my way up the ranks starting as a patrol deputy in 1984. I was a “persons crime investigator” (homicides and sex assaults) sergeant in charge of Investigations, supervisor of Internal Affairs, Bureau Chief of Operations. I have been the sheriff of Weld County for the past eight years; for the two years before that, I was the undersheriff.

Military record: Six years in the Colorado Army National Guard, 220 MP Company, 1976-1982 Other interests, activities: Golf, camping, hiking, football, history and, most importantly, spending time with my family

Why should you be elected to this office? I should be reelected to the position of sheriff Public offices: Weld County because I have the education, sheriff, 2003-present experience and leadership skills Family: Wife Amy; son John B. necessary for the job. I am a Cooke IV, 29; daughter Rachel law enforcement professional Cooke, 28; three stepchildren, with 32 years’ experience. I Ann, 19, Jack, 16, and Lizzy, started at Weld County as a 13; two grandchildren, John B. patrol deputy in 1984 and Cooke V, 2, and Katie Cooke, worked my way up the ranks. I infant am a graduate of the University Membership in civic of Northern Colorado, the FBI organizations or other civic National Academy and the Law activities: Board member for the Enforcement Executive following organizations (current Development Seminar. Under or past) University of Northern my leadership, the crime rate Colorado Community Advisory has dropped over 50 percent Board, College of Humanities since 2005, response times to and Social Sciences; North Priority 1 calls have decreased Range Behavioral Health; by 11 minutes and fatal Colorado Police and Fire Athletic accidents have dramatically Association; FBI National declined.

Academy Association; Greeley What role should the sheriff’s Philharmonic Orchestra; office take regarding illegal Northern Colorado Thunder immigration and why? It’s (club basketball for boys); simple, enforce the laws as they Mountain View Church; Boy pertain to illegal immigration.

Scouts of America, Troop 228; This is done by reporting all A Woman’s Place (battered foreign-born arrestees and woman’s shelter); committee criminal suspects to ICE. The chairman, American Cancer reason is self-evident; if a Society Cattle Baron’s Ball. person commits a crime and is Other affiliations: Current or here illegally, he/she should be past member of the following removed from the country once organizations: FBI National he/she completes his/her sentence.

What is the biggest lawenforcement issue in Weld County, and how would you address it? There is not one single “big” issue for law enforcement in Weld County.

There are several, the economy being one that looms large. The WCSO’s budget is being cut over $600,000 for 2011, and we will have to eliminate several positions in the jail and patrol as a result. Drugs and gangs are problems as well. Weld County’s multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces continue to investigate and get criminals off the street as well as being proactive with community outreach.

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Colorado Counties “Commissioner of the Year 2009”

DACONO CITY COUNCIL

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Paid for by Cindy Domenico for County Commissioner, PO Box 175, Lafayette, CO 80026

39-154891•

• Make sure the taxpayer’s money is wisely spent, ensure the county’s long term financial stability and carefully maintain our balanced budget.

• Provide funding to meet the human service needs of our residents in these difficult times, and support our first quality nonprofit organizations.

• Preserve our farms and ranches, an n , and support local food ood production.

www.cindydomenico.com

Academy Association; National Sheriffs’ Association; County Sheriffs of Colorado; Western States Sheriffs’ Association; International Association of Chiefs of Police; Northeastern Peace Officers’ Association; National Internal Affairs Investigators Association; Northern Colorado Southern Wyoming Detectives Association; Tri-County Peace Officers Association; American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers; Weld County Domestic Violence Task Force; UNC Alumni Association; Platte Valley District RJ7 Accountability Committee; Greeley Rotary; Greeley Wesleyan Church; past Little League baseball coach and Greeley recreation girls basketball coach

Name: Joe Baker Address and length of residency in your community: 4577 Sedona Lane, Dacono.

I’ve lived in northern Colorado since 1997.

Baker Cat and I moved to Dacono in 2006 after my son graduated from high school.

Age and place of birth: 41; Philadelphia Business or occupation: I have been in the automobile business my entire professional career and have mainly worked in sales. For the past year, I’ve been working for an independent dealer, Davidson’s Motors.

Public offices: I was appointed to the City Council in October 2008 to fill a vacant seat. I have been serving as pro-tem mayor since November 2009 I serve as an executive board member with the Colorado Municipal League. I also serve on the executive board of the Denver Regional Council of Governments.

Family: Cathy and I have been married since July 1996.

Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Cat and I have volunteered for the Habitat for Humanity project in Dacono and attended the groundbreaking ceremony. It was truly an emotional

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 experience.

Other interests, activities: I enjoy camping, fishing and biking. I have only Sundays off, so there’s a lot crammed into one day. I love spending time with Cathy, and we usually do activities together. My mom lives in Dacono. We are over there in the morning addressing her needs, and then we’re off on our own.

What steps should the council take to encourage further growth in Dacono? I feel that council should focus on sustainability with regards to growth in Dacono. In these economic times, courting a developer has its pros and cons.

Smart growth is what I am working toward, and I would like to see Dacono position itself for long-term commercial growth with a complement of residential projects.

If amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 pass this fall, what measures would you consider to cut back the city budget? The first thing that will happen if any of the ballot issues pass is that our city will immediately start looking at staff cuts. The last thing any municipality wants is to start taking services away from citizens; unfortunately, this would be inevitable.

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Family: Wife Sheila Plain, high school sweetheart — married 20 years this December; daughter Teagan, 13; son Cadmon, 10; exchange student Anne-Lise, 15 Membership in civic organizations or other civic activities: Active member of First Southern Baptist Church, Westminster Other interests, activities: Community service, volunteering, science fiction movies/books, history, science, mathematics, music, cooking What steps should the council take to encourage further growth in Dacono? Dacono is in a great location for growth, and the city has been working throughout the economic recession to prepare and streamline paperwork, process and rules for development.

Ultimately, I believe the best thing government can do is to get out of the way and be the lightest burden possible on society. Government has its place in enforcing proper safety and smart regulation. Where government does not have a clear goal in enforcing something, we need to step back and ask ourselves if we need to change. One size does not fit all.

If amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 pass this fall, what measures would you Dacono is fiscally sound and consider to cut back the city very responsible with our citizens. We’ve done a great job budget? I have a particular interest in maintaining solid of budgeting with a frugal financials for Dacono as a attitude. member of the city’s finance What three issues do you see committee. Before considering as the most important ones any cuts, I would look for ways now facing Dacono? One issue to achieve higher efficiencies facing Dacono is public safety. I with our friends in Firestone and would like to see Dacono set the Frederick. I have always felt that mark for our area with regards certain services should be to this summer’s hot topics: combined to benefit both west Nile, sex offenders, taxpayers and the career paths medical marijuana, schools, of city staff. Dacono already has speed limits and safety zones. cut approximately $1 million in We have done a good job of recent years in response to the protecting Dacono’s best recession (deferring projects, interests, and I feel that whether delaying equipment purchases, you are living, working or other incremental changes). I playing in Dacono, you should would likely continue this feel safe. approach and reduce city services as a last resort.

The economy is a deep concern to our council. We What three issues do you see would like stay ahead of the as the most important ones curve on this matter and will now facing Dacono? Economy: work diligently to assure that The best thing that we did as a Dacono is growing forward. I city was to make deep budget would like to see council work cuts in the past couple of years. on a positive growth campaign These cuts made it possible for to educate our citizens and the city of Dacono to remain position our city for its next financially healthy without spurt of economic development. reductions in much-needed Our main focus should be on services. As the economy the I-25 corridor, developing improves, we can begin adding appropriate businesses for that back the projects, equipment area and smart, clean growth. purchases, etc., that were Colo. Highway 52 is another removed from the budget. My great opportunity for Dacono to goal is to make sure Dacono sustain and grow with the has everything it needs and recovering economy well into even some of the nicer things the future. we all want (such as adding more miles to the community Our immediate focus for the walking paths). next year should be completion Schools: Dacono still does not of construction projects and have a permanent K-8 school developing better relationships with current builders in Dacono. from the Weld 8 and St. Vrain school districts. We have seen We have great projects in the slow but steady progress with works that need to be finished.

Weld 8, but I am very Now is time for the developers to make good on their word and concerned if amendments 60/61 and Proposition 101 move forward with economic pass. We all have various sustainability and work in a positive manner with the city to opinions about our public schools, but I am convinced attracted new growth. that these ballot issues are not Why should you be elected to good for them (everything from this office? I am asking for the the way bonds are restricted to opportunity to serve on City the imposed tax changes and Council because I am state funding). committed to our great city and Amendments 60/61 and have a genuine interest in Proposition 101: Communities Dacono’s future. I know that like Dacono are harmed more Dacono has great things to offer, deeply than larger communities. and the citizens deserve the For example, one of the new best representation available. rules appears to say taxes must Therefore, I am asking for their be reduced as bonds are repaid vote. even if taxes were not originally raised to pay the bonds. This would be like sharing the good Name: Kevin Plain news with your boss that you finally paid off your car loan, Address and length of only to discover your boss has residency in your community: cut your pay by that exact 4723 amount the following day. What Wildgrass about saving for your next car or Place, keeping the one you have Dacono; five years running smoothly?

Campaign Why should you be elected to website and this office? I love my contact community, and I care about information: the folks I live with in Dacono.

No campaign Plain There are other qualified people website; in our community who will take councildaconokevin@yahoo.com over when I am done. For now, I ask to stay for another term if Age and place of birth: n/a; my service has been deemed to Marshalltown, Iowa be competent and good by my Business or occupation: Avaya, friends and neighbors. since 2005 (current employer), manager/team leader for a large business critical software Stephen Ditlow did not respond development team; Triangle to Times-Call requests for Technology, 2004 to 2005, biographical information and for developer/consultant; Trilogy answers to questions about Software Inc., 1997 to 2004, what his priorities would be as a developer/consultant member of the Dacono City Public offices: Dacono City Council.

Council, since 2007 (currently Continued on PAGE D4 serving)

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

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BOULDER COUNTY BALLOT ISSUE 1A Human Services Safety Net Mill Levy Increase Ballot language: Shall Boulder County taxes be increased $5.4 million annually (first full fiscal year dollar increase in 2011) through an increase in Boulder County’s ad valorem property tax mill levy of 0.9 mill, for five years to and including 2015, the proceeds of which shall be used to backfill deficiencies in state funding for county human services programs and for contracts with nonprofit agencies maintaining a safety net for families and children in 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 a voter-approved property tax revenue change and a voterapproved revenue change; and shall the Board of County Commissioners, in setting the annual mill levy as authorized by this issue, reduce the effective temporary mill levy for any subsequent fiscal year in which state funding has been partially or fully restored for county human services programs, subject to certain limitations, all as more particularly set forth in Board of County Commissioners’ Resolution No. 2010-92?

A statement submitted to the Boulder County commissioners’ staff opposing County Issue 1A: In the U.S. today, one in every 400 homes is in foreclosure and, more telling, the number of borrowers who have either missed a payment or are in foreclosure was at 15 percent.

While 1A sounds compassionate at first, what it does is shift the crisis from one distressed group — those already needing a safety net — to another group: distressed homeowners, many of whom will, in turn, need a safety net. If this tax is imposed, the number will certainly go up.

In July 2010, Boulder County had 99 foreclosure filings.

That’s just one month. If the rate continues, that will be about 1,200 families who will be at risk of losing their homes if they are unable to come up with the money to pay their mortgage and taxes. Focus on those unfortunate people while considering this tax. Every family thrown out of their house is a tragedy. Please vote no on this measure to help keep those families in the home they live in.

Yes, there is a terrible crisis in the economy and Boulder families are not immune to it.

Do not make a bad situation worse by levying an additional tax on an already overburdened group.

A statement submitted to the Boulder County commissioners’ staff in support of County Issue 1A: Voting Yes on ballot issue 1A will positively impact the quality of life and safety of the most vulnerable children and families who live in Boulder County: Child Care: County Issue 1A will allow for several hundred more children of families who currently are not receiving subsidies to be able to access licensed child care at affordable costs. Child care is a key supportive service in helping low-income families both obtain and retain gainful employment, and, through a network of quality child-care providers, prepares children for preschool and elementary school. Boulder County has experienced reductions in its state funding for Child Care Assistance while at the same time experiencing a 45 percent increase in demand, forcing the county to place a freeze on enrollment. As of September, the department had more than 800 children on its waiting list.

Food Assistance and Medical Coverage: County Issue 1A will allow more families and individuals to receive the food assistance and medical coverage to which they are entitled, on a timely basis.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for every $5 in federal food assistance benefits issued, the local economy receives $9.20 in total economic activity.

Medicaid provides essential medical coverage and medically related services to the most vulnerable populations in society. Absent medical coverage, vulnerable populations will either remain

underserved or will seek more costly emergency room care.

Boulder County’s caseloads have increased by 46 percent since 2007 and are underfunded by $1.8 million.

Child Welfare: County Issue 1A will allow the county to avoid having to make any further cuts to its child welfare programs.

Over the past year, the department has had to eliminate more than 20 child welfare staff positions, reduce the amount of spending on child welfare child care, and reduce funding for services to prevent out-of-home placement and to reunify families. State funding for Boulder County’s Child Welfare Services has dropped by nearly $600,000 since 2009. Referrals for child abuse and neglect were up 6 percent.

Emergency Community Service Providers: County Issue 1A will help to restore funding to a network of local community providers that deliver emergency services to Boulder County families experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and mental health and substance abuse issues.

Boulder County historically provided emergency service providers with funding from the Temporary Assistance Needy Families (TANF) block grant to provide essential services to Boulder County eligible residents. As a result of state legislation, TANF funding is no longer available to support the providers and the essential services they provide.

BOULDER COUNTY BALLOT ISSUE 1B Open Space Sales and Use Tax Increase and Bond Authorization, Ballot language: Shall Boulder County taxes be increased $5.85 million annually (first full fiscal year dollar increase starting in 2011), by the imposition of an additional county-wide sales and use tax for 20 years to and including December 31, 2030 at the rate of 0.15 percent for purposes of open space land acquisition or preservation through conservation easements of: • Major remaining open lands, including an emphasis on areas surrounding or within existing mountain open space parks (Heil/Hall/Caribou Ranches), • Wildlife habitat lands, especially winter elk range areas of North Foothills Highway, • Conserving water quality and wildlife habitat by protecting remaining parcels along stream corridors, including St. Vrain River, Boulder Creek, Lefthand Creek and Coal Creek, • Protecting open space buffers that separate cities and towns within the county, • Providing greater outdoor recreation opportunities for hiking, biking and equestrian use, • Preserving working farms and ranches to enhance local food production, • Effective/efficient use of water resources for open space lands, • And improvements and maintenance for such lands; • And shall Boulder County debt be increased up to $40,000,000, with a repayment cost of up to $66,000,000 for purposes of such open space acquisition and improvements by the issuance of revenue bonds payable from the proceeds of such tax and, to the extent moneys from such tax are not sufficient 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, 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 terms, not inconsistent herewith, as the board of county commissioners may determine; • And 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 the additional sales and use tax, as well as other moneys from the county’s open space sales and use tax revenues and funds, 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 resolutions or other instruments

LONGMONT TIMES-CALL governing such bonds, and shall the earnings on the investment of proceeds of such tax and bonds, regardless of amount, constitute a voter-approved revenue change, all in accordance with Board of County Commissioners’ Resolution No. 2010-93?

A statement submitted to the Boulder County commissioners’ staff in support of County Issue 1B: These are hard times. And that makes it particularly hard to ask for a tax increase now.

But some things just can’t wait.

Preserving Boulder County’s remaining open space is one of those things that needs action now — because if we don’t act now it won’t be around later.

Specifically, there are the dozen or so properties throughout the County — including some of the largest remaining private parcels — whose preservation is critical to protecting both our unique environment and our quality of life. Right now Boulder County has the opportunity to buy this land that has been a preservation priority for decades. The owners are ready to sell and the choice is clear. If we vote in favor of Issue 1B, these lands can be preserved as open space for future generations. If we vote against 1B, these lands will not be preserved.

So what kind of land are we talking about?

• Properties like the 800 acre Loukonen farm between Boulder and Lyons that is the winter home of a migrating elk herd that moves from the Indian Peaks Wilderness to the Plains each year. It is also home to bear, lions, bobcat, deer and other wildlife.

• Properties that are adjacent to the Hall, Heil and Caribou Ranches.

• Properties along river corridors that are prime habitat and that play an important role in maintaining clean water quality.

• Properties around the edges of our cities and towns where sprawl is the alternative to reservation and where maintaining separation between communities is critical.

• Properties on which new trail systems can be built and which connect communities to existing open space lands.

• Properties that can increase our local food production. We can also use these funds to improve the efficient use of water on open space lands.

Now is our chance — very likely our last chance — to save these properties from development.

Make no mistake. The quality of our environment is crucial to the success of our local economy. Businesses and individuals choose to locate here because of our exceptional environment and quality of life. Missing this opportunity to complete the open space vision won’t help our economy, now or in the future.

Continuing our commitment to an exceptional quality of life is our best guarantee of a prospering economy.

Now the basics. County Ballot Issue 1B is a 15/100 of a cent sales tax that will last for 20 years — that’s 15 cents on a $100 purchase. It’s not a tax on groceries or medications; those items are exempt from the tax.

Passing the tax will allow the county to issue bonds that provide the financing for the magnificent properties described above. Using bonds to pay for the open space is like getting a mortgage to pay for your home.

Issue 1B is all about Boulder County’s future. It’s about saving exceptional places in the county for future generations.

It’s about making an investment that keeps our economy strong.

A summary of the statements submitted to the Boulder County commissioners’ staff in opposition to County Issue 1B: Taking more land off the tax rolls for open space is doing a disservice to the citizens of this county. We, the citizens of Boulder County are not allowed to use much of the open space the county already owns.

Whether it is owned by the government or by an individual we can still look across it and see the mountains, etc.

Furthermore, land in the county can only be sold off in 35-acre parcels and only two homes can be built on two 5-acre parcels and the remaining 25 acres is a conservation easement and no additional living units are allowed on that. A house and out buildings does not cover even 1 acre, so that leaves more than 33 acres of undeveloped land for every 35 acres no matter what happens.

In these tough economic times it makes no sense to remove more property from the tax rolls

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and increase the county’s debt with open space purchase and more bond issues. This is a tax increase in a weak economy that would further push the total sales tax toward 8.5 percent in most county municipalities.

More than two-thirds of county land is protected from development by various government entities. 171,500 acres federal; 1,400 acres state; 68,000 acres county 51,000 acres as county open space and 18,000 acres in conservation easement; 7,100 acres joint county/city open space or conservation easements with Boulder, Lafayette, Louisville, Longmont and Lyons; 13,000 acres regulatory conservation easements; 33,000 acres city of Boulder open space and conservation easements; 11,000 acres municipal watersheds; 1,700 acres Lafayette, Longmont and Lyons open space. The “protect from development” line is a myth in itself — it is nearly impossible for new development in Boulder County due to strict land use laws. Many of these lands would never be suitable for development in the first place.

“Quality of life” is another overused mantra driving excessive open space purchases. Wildlife roams on rural open lands regardless of whether it is purchased by the government.

Worst of all is the fiscal irresponsibility displayed by the commissioners. The county spends more on open space annually than any other single program and has accrued hundreds of millions of dollars of open space bond debt.

This could prove economically disastrous in times ahead for basic services and operations.

County voters last year said enough is enough and rejected an open space sales tax extension. Now is the time for taxpayers to further put their foot down against the draconian rule of the county commissioners.

Approving this tax measure will have, at minimum, the following negative effects: 1) Increase in the sales tax; hurting everyone.

2) Taxes now being paid by these properties will be spread back to the rest of the property owners increasing their property taxes 3) We will be borrowing $40,000,000 but paying back $66,000,000 4) The newly acquired lands will need to be maintained indefinitely.

Citizens will have to pay additional monies to maintain these properties. Enough is enough.

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Call 720-494-5435 or e-mail newstips@times-call.com.

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Liberal groups plan rally in D.C.

By Krissah Thompason The Washington Post

war activists, church and civil rights groups, union organizers, gay rights WASHINGTON — Libercoalitions and others — is al groups hoping to revive planning four hours of enthusiasm before the speeches, singing and midterm elections are enspoken-word poems. couraging members to “We lose separately and, show up on the Mall on Satabsent of a strategy to urday for a rally that they work together, we will conexpect to draw tens of tinue to lose,” said Phaethousands of people. dra Ellis-Lamkins, chief Their aim is to reclaim executive of Green for All, the sense of excitement an environmental group that surged among leftsupporting the march. “We leaning groups after the have to be able to take crit2008 presidential race but ical action on all of the ismore recently has besues facing this country. longed to tea party groups and other conservative ac- We’re at a critical moment in history, and we have the tivists. Conservative commentator Glenn Beck filled opportunity to move forward in a really significant the Mall with tens of thousands of his supporters last way.”

The One Nation groups month. hope to set up a kind of The organizers of the competition with the tea Oct. 2 rally, dubbed One party movement. If their Nation, are calling it the rally is successful, orga“most diverse march in nizers will try to hold the history.” The amalgam of groups together to become 300 progressive groups environmentalists, antia revived political force.

Poll: Many think health overhaul should do more

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar and Jennifer Agiesta The Associated Press

The AP poll was conducted by Stanford University with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. OverWASHINGTON — Presiall, 30 percent favored the dent Barack Obama’s legislation, while 40 perhealth care overhaul has cent opposed it, and anothdivided the nation, and Re- er 30 percent remained publicans believe their call neutral. for repeal will help them Those numbers are no win elections in November. endorsement for Obama’s But the picture’s not that plan, but the survey also clear cut. found a deep-seated desire A new AP poll finds that for change that could pose Americans who think the a problem for Republicans. law should have done more Only 25 percent in the poll outnumber those who think said minimal tinkering the government should would suffice for the health stay out of health care by care system.

2-to-1.

Brian Braley, 49, a tech “I was disappointed that industry worker from it didn’t provide universal Mesa, Ariz., wants Washcoverage,” said Bronwyn ington to keep its hands Bleakley, 35, a biology pro- off. “I think it’s a Trojan fessor from Easton, Mass. horse,” Braley said of the More than 30 million health care law. “It’s a people would gain covercommunist, socialist age in 2019 when the law is scheme. All the other counfully phased in, but anothtries that have tried this, er 20 million or so would they’re billions in debt, remain uninsured. Bleakand they admit this doesn’t ley, who was uninsured work.” early in her career, views It may well satisfy peothe overhaul as a work in ple who share Braley’s outprogress. look if Republicans sucThe poll found that about ceed in tearing out what four in 10 adults think the they dismiss as “Obanew law did not go far macare” by the roots. But enough to change the GOP leaders would still health care system, refind themselves in a gardless of whether they quandary. support the law, oppose it Republicans “are going or remain neutral. On the to have to contend with the other side, about one in 75 percent who want subfive say they oppose the stantial changes in the syslaw because they think the tem,” said Stanford politifederal government should cal science professor Jon not be involved in health Krosnick, who directed the care at all. university’s participation.

ELECT DANIEL PRUETT RUETT FOR BOULDER COUNTY CORONER

• Chief Deputy Coroner of Jefferson County • 20 years of full-time experience as a Medical Legal Death Investigator, 13 in Boulder County

• Experience

• B.A. Missouri State University, 1987

• Leadership

• Resident of Longmont • Endorsed by Sheriff Joe Pelle

• Dedication • Community Service Paid by Treasurer Gordon Johnson

www.DanPruettForCoroner.com 40-155451