Q. Experience?

Two term State Senator. Former Chair of state’s Joint Budget Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee. Twice-elected Arvada City Councilor, including Mayor Pro Tem. 

Q. What are your top three priorities, if elected?

While there are many important priorities, my top three include: First, responsibly balance the county budget to live within the fiscal constraints of TABOR while also meeting the needs of our large, geographically diverse and highly populated county.  Second, address aging roads and infrastructure, including expanding multimodal options and improving driver safety. That includes improving conditions that allow cyclists and pedestrians to stay safe as well. Third, focus on increasing affordable housing by exploring strategic actions, establishing community partnerships, and implementing innovative county-wide programs. We need to boost the availability of safe housing for residents at all income levels.

Q. Recent polling has shown trust in government hovering at historically low levels and stark partisan divides in views of election integrity. What will you do to bridge those gaps?

Restoration of trust is key to establishing a healthy and vibrant democracy in Jeffco. My policy is to emphasize collaboration, transparency, and accessibility.  Collaboration is the cornerstone of democracy. Better policies can be achieved when we recognize diverse ideas and work together. To that point, I had a 100% bipartisan record for 8 years in the Senate. Second, my commitment to transparency was evident in my receipt of the Defender of the Free Press Award. I became a go-to source for the Colorado media due to my willingness to respond to tough questions. Third, I am known for my accessibility and communication with my constituents, such as hosting regular monthly meetings, weekly newsletters, etc.  

Q. What specific actions would you support to improve affordability for your county’s residents, whether aimed at housing costs, tax burdens or other impacts?

My involvement in the Jeffco Housing Advocacy Steering Committee is an example of the ways I will address this affordability problem. The Colorado Gives Foundation convened the Committee, composed of elected officials and community leaders, to develop and implement strategies to increase affordable housing in Jeffco. We have examined strategies to improve affordable housing and assembled these recommendations into a “Blueprint” that will serve as a regional plan for increasing affordable middle-income housing in Jeffco. Anchored by pillars such as community input and advancing inter-jurisdictional collaboration, the blueprint reflects shared values of partnership, flexibility, and respect for local priorities.  We’re now entering the final phase: implementation of the blueprint.

Q. What specific opportunities do you see for collaboration between Denver and your county on common challenges?

There are several opportunities for collaboration between Denver and Jeffco. Three obvious ones are: Homelessness, Mental Health, and Infrastructure. Both counties could work together on initiatives like Homeless Navigator Programs or Co-responder programs, which help connect people experiencing homelessness with resources and services. Collaborating on mental health services is another example, such as embedding mental health professionals with law enforcement. Third, we could support one another in joint infrastructure projects like the Peaks to Plains Trail or Commuter Rail, to improve regional connectivity and promote active lifestyles. By working together, we can pool resources, share best practices, and tackle shared challenges more effectively. 

Q. What are the biggest issues facing your county and do you intend to solve them?

Jeffco faces several big issues but my top three are wildfire, affordable housing, and transportation and infrastructure. We cannot really “solve” the problem of wildfire, but here are some strategies to help mitigate: Partner, Plan, Prepare, and Prevent. First, Jeffco must remain involved with the Wildfire Commission where we are currently partnering with regional, state, and federal entities and benefiting from this collaborative planning effort. Second, we must continuously and rigorously update our Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Third, we need to proactively work with residents in the Wildland-Urban Interface to prepare for wildfires, such as creating defensible spaces. Lastly, we must regularly communicate with Jeffco residents to educate them about prevention and mitigation strategies to prevent wildfires from happening.    

Second, we must focus on increasing our affordable housing options. Jeffco does not have a direct role regarding housing beyond administering state and federal funds for a variety of homeless, housing, economic development and infrastructure improvement initiatives. However, the availability and cost of housing has a major impact on the community, and the county should do more. We should strengthen Jeffco’s partnership with Foothills Regional Housing to build more housing. FRH is a collective effort between the Jefferson County Commissioners and a housing task force focused on the housing needs of low- and moderate-income households. Next, we must continue working with the Jeffco Housing Advocacy Steering Committee, a group tasked with developing and implementing strategies to increase affordable housing in Jeffco. We have already developed a “Blueprint” that will serve as a regional plan for increasing affordable middle-income housing. Lastly, Jeffco can be more aggressive in taking advantage of several new state affordable housing programs.

Third, we must address our aging transportation and infrastructure needs, including expanding broadband and renewable energy. To keep pace with growth and improve connectivity, I will seek out collaborative partnerships with local, state and federal agencies to secure more funding so that we may upgrade and expand our roads, bridges, and multimodal options. That includes improving conditions that allow cyclists and pedestrians to stay safe as well. Next, we can improve high-speed internet by increasing public-private partnerships, working with local utility companies, and streamlining county permitting processes. Lastly, we can increase renewable energy by integrating our goals into the county’s comprehensive plan and work with Jeffco EDC to attract green businesses.

Q. If elected, what is your top priority and how will you fund it? 

My top priority is to responsibly balance the county budget to live within the fiscal constraints of TABOR while also meeting the needs of our large, geographically diverse and highly populated county.  One of the most critical duties of a county commissioner is to balance the county budget. Allocation of limited resources to a wide variety of county services requires a high level of expertise and finesse. Jefferson County is the fourth-most populous county in Colorado, which means the task of aligning the available revenue with the many needs of its citizens can be a challenge, but one that I am uniquely qualified to handle. I was the Chair of the Colorado State Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee, where I successfully balanced the $40 billion state budget for five years. I also provided five years of input into the Arvada city budget.

The outcome of the 1A measure will influence the urgency of this priority. If the revenue retention ballot measure does not pass, the county will be forced to cut $20 million (or 10%) from the General Fund. Not all county departments are supported by the General Fund, but the ones that are--the Sheriff, District Attorney, and Business, Information and Technology—seem important to me. Recently, the Colorado Health Foundation conducted a poll to better understand the priorities and attitudes of Coloradans on a range of important issues. Homelessness and affordable housing were top concerns, followed by drug overdoses and crime, then wildfires and natural disasters. If we had to cut 10% from the three departments above, the county would be hard pressed to make progress on the top concerns of Jeffco residents. Conversely, we could make huge positive progress toward improving public safety and protecting their homes from wildfire if we had the proper resources to do so. However, regardless of the outcome of 1A, I am exactly the person you want on the commission to exercise sound judgment when making tough budget decisions due to my experience.

Q. Following the compromise deal reached by the governor, lawmakers and two groups, how do you intend to deal with property taxes and county budgets in the future?

The compromise bill was signed by the Governor and is therefore the law of Colorado, so our only choice as a county is to follow the new provisions. The bill reduced the residential assessment rate and imposed a cap on the amount of year-over-year increase in property tax revenue that local governments and school districts can take in. While I believe capping the growth rate was necessary to respond to a dramatic increase in property taxes over the last two years, we needed to do it in a responsible way to not harm local governments. I believe the bill struck the right balance and I voted in favor of it.

For some counties and special districts, the forced reductions will pose a challenge in meeting their budgetary obligations. Jeffco’s position is unique, however, because unlike 62 of the 64 counties, we have a strict revenue cap and must refund approximately $20 million of revenue. Even though home values were up in Jeffco, we will not benefit significantly from the increased property tax values. This means the new provisions of HB24b-1001 will have a minimal impact on Jeffco. One key provision of the new property tax law that will be especially beneficial is the timeline. Rather than having to adjust to something new every year, we will finally have some certainty about the assessment rates for a minimum of six years, and we can plan and prepare our county budget accordingly.

Q. Personal Information:

I grew up on the Western Slope in a working-class family. I moved to the Front Range to earn my teaching degree at Regis University. I am a social studies teacher with an extensive background in school finance. I was twice elected to the Arvada City Council, including serving as Mayor Pro Tem. I served nine years in the Colorado Senate, where I chaired the state’s Joint Budget Committee, Senate Appropriations and Education Committees. I live in Arvada with my husband and two college-aged children, where I enjoy volunteering with my Kiwanis Club and playing mahjong with friends.    

Q. With the Quarry Fire and others along the Front Range this summer, how would you work to mitigate wildfire danger in Golden, Evergreen, Conifer and other Jefferson County foothills communities?

Partner, Plan, Prepare, and Prevent. First, Jeffco must remain involved with the Wildfire Commission where we are currently partnering with regional, state, and federal entities and benefiting from this collaborative effort. Second, we must continuously and rigorously update our Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Third, we need to proactively work with residents in the Wildland-Urban Interface to prepare for wildfires, such as creating defensible spaces. Lastly, we must regularly communicate with Jeffco residents to educate them about prevention and mitigation strategies to prevent wildfires from happening.   

Q. What do you feel are the biggest infrastructure needs facing the county? How would you deal with those?

Transportation, Broadband, and Renewable Energy. First, to keep pace with growth and improve connectivity, I will seek out collaborative partnerships with local, state and federal agencies to secure more funding so that we may upgrade and expand our roads, bridges, and transit options. Second, we can improve high-speed internet by increasing public-private partnerships, working with local utility companies, and streamlining county permitting processes. Lastly, we can increase renewable energy by integrating our goals into the county’s comprehensive plan and work with Jeffco EDC to attract green businesses.

Q. Should Jefferson County have property tax caps for homeowners? Why or why not?

This question was recently “answered” by the state legislature in the compromise bill passed during the special session. The bill reduced the residential assessment rate and imposed a cap on the amount of year-over-year increase in property tax revenue that local governments and school districts can take in. While I believe capping the growth rate was necessary to respond to a dramatic increase in property taxes over the last two years, we needed to do it in a responsible way to not harm local governments. I believe the bill struck the right balance and I voted in favor of it.

Q. What would your priorities for the county be if elected?

First, responsibly balance the county budget to live within the fiscal constraints of TABOR while also meeting the needs of our large, geographically diverse and highly populated county. Second, address aging roads and infrastructure, including expanding multimodal options and improving driver safety. Also, improve conditions that allow cyclists and pedestrians to stay safe as well. Third, focus on increasing affordable housing by exploring strategic actions, establishing community partnerships, and implementing innovative county-wide programs. We must embrace construction defects litigation reform too.

Q. What should the county do to address homelessness?

Addressing homelessness is a complex challenge and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Jeffco partners with several non-profits, such as the Heading Home Collaborative, on a Homelessness Action Plan, but it’s outdated. We should renew the plan and take the lead in coordinating the effort to identify homelessness prevention and response gaps in each locality. Then, we can update the plan to meet the unique needs of each community. For example, Arvada may need an overnight shelter for unhoused individuals, whereas Lakewood may need more rental assistance programs to prevent people from becoming homeless.

Q. What are your top priorities for the office and how would you integrate them in your first 100 days?

First, responsibly balance the county budget to live within the fiscal constraints of TABOR while also meeting the needs of our large, geographically diverse and highly populated county. Second, address aging roads and infrastructure, including expanding multimodal options and improving driver safety. Third, focus on increasing affordable housing by exploring strategic actions, establishing community partnerships, and implementing innovative county-wide programs. The outcome of the 1A measure will influence the urgency of all three priorities. If the measure is unsuccessful, the county must cut $20 million (approximately 10%) from the General Fund, which will affect our ability to address our aging infrastructure and affordable housing options. Conversely, if the measure passes, we must start the prioritization process for those funds. Regardless of 1A's outcome, I will draw from my experience as the state's budget chair to exercise sound judgment in these decisions.

Q. What would you do to address environmental issues such as drought, wildfires and air quality, if anything?

Addressing environmental issues in Jeffco requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. That’s why the county already developed and approved the Jefferson County Climate Action Plan. Some of the strategies outlined in the plan include water conservation, wildfire mitigation, air quality monitoring, and renewable energy. One area in which we could improve at the county level would be to increase community engagement on the plan. I only learned about the plan recently, and we could do a better job of educating the public about the importance of environmental stewardship and our plan and the steps we are taking to address the negative impacts of climate change. We must increase resident involvement in the decision-making processes related to environmental policies and initiatives for the plan to be effective.  

Q. What role should county government have in enforcing immigration laws? Please explain.

None. County governments have a limited role in enforcing immigration laws, as the federal government is responsible for immigration enforcement. Conversely, if the county were to get involved, there could be negative consequences. For example, if the county were to detain illegal immigrants, we could be liable for violating the Fourth Amendment. However, while counties do not have a direct role in enforcing immigration laws, counties are still important stakeholders in discussions about the impact of immigration policies. That’s why The National Association of Counties formed an Immigration Reform Task Force. County officials from across the nation came together to discuss the impact of federal immigration policy on local governments and have developed a series of consensus principles on the subject. My views align closely with these principles.

Q. What steps would you take to ensure affordable housing is available?

Jeffco does not have a direct role regarding housing beyond administering state and federal funds for a variety of homeless, housing, economic development and infrastructure improvement initiatives. However, the availability and cost of housing has a major impact on the community, and I believe the county should do more to address housing. Jeffco should strengthen its partnership with Foothills Regional Housing. FRH is a collective effort between the Jefferson County Commissioners and a housing task force focused on the housing needs of low- and moderate-income households. Second, we should continue working with the Jeffco Housing Advocacy Steering Committee, a group tasked with developing and implementing strategies to increase affordable housing in Jeffco. We have already developed a “Blueprint” that will serve as a regional plan for increasing affordable middle-income housing. Lastly, Jeffco can be more aggressive in taking advantage of several new state affordable housing programs.

Q. Share your opinion on what level of impact the failure of the revenue retention ballot measure would have on residents. Please explain.

If the revenue retention ballot measure does not pass, the county will be forced to cut $20 million (or 10%) from the General Fund. Not all county departments are supported by the General Fund, but the ones that are--the Sheriff, District Attorney, and the Business, Information and Technology—seem important to me. Recently, the Colorado Health Foundation conducted a poll to better understand the priorities and attitudes of Coloradans on a range of important issues. Homelessness and affordable housing were top concerns, followed by drug overdoses and crime, then wildfires and natural disasters. If we had to cut 10% from the three departments above, the county would be hard pressed to make progress on the top concerns of Jeffco residents. Conversely, we could make huge positive progress toward improving public safety and protecting their homes from wildfire if we had the proper resources to do so.