Candidate Questionnaire
What do you intend to achieve if you are elected or re-elected County Commissioner?
Windels: I have ten years of experience as a Colorado State Legislator. I will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, contacts, and working relationships with me as a newly elected County Commissioner. I have served for many years on the Capital Development Committee travelling around the state to assess and address our infrastructure needs from buildings to bridges. I have experienced the tough challenges of balancing a budget where there are many competing needs. I intend to help bring Jeffco into a larger leadership position, especially in the renewable energy industry.
Griffin: I want the citizens and employees of Jefferson County feel confident that we have an open and honest government and will listen to them in resolving problems.
What general and specific changes would you pursue?
Griffin: Working closely with the Boards and Commissions and departments within the County to understand current issues with Jefferson County.
Windels: I would review the current priorities listed as Jefferson County’s goals to make sure they reflect what I’m hearing are important issues to Jeffco residents as I walk door-to-door each evening. Two obvious omissions to the current county government priorities are “protecting open space” and “supporting our county libraries.”
3. What do you think is the Commissioner’s role in dealing with climate change, energy conservation, renewable energy and water shortage issue? How would you carry out that role?
Windels: I believe the County Commissioners should lead by example. We must first make sure that all our county buildings are energy efficient, and then work to educate those who live in the county regarding energy-saving measures as well as water-saving measures they can adopt in their own lifestyle. With NREL (National Renewable Energy Lab) and Colorado School of Mines in Jeffco, county commissioners and leaders of our municipalities have an obvious opportunity to work collaboratively to make Jeffco a leader in our state and nation. I will pursue that goal.
Griffin: a. Jefferson County has adopted a revised Energy Policy that promotes among a variety of things; renewable energy solutions, biomass facility, and recycling efforts. We at the local level need to do as much to address this issue as possible.
b. My role would be to continue to expand efforts related to energy alternatives.
c. Water shortage, especially in our mountain communities needs to be looked at closely. The county adopted a Mountain Ground Water Overlay
District, but I think we can go further in looking at protecting property owners from a loss or reduction in well water use.
d. As Commissioner I can work with staff to promote legislative change at both the State and Federal levels.
4. What is your philosophy and position on land use and community plans and, specifically, how should community plans be factored into land use decisions?
Griffin: a. Our community plans help direct future land use activities in the county. The recommendations in these plans need to be looked at very carefully when considering a land use decision.
b. I also want to hear from citizens and our planning staff to make sure that I balance all factors before making a final decision.
c. I want to hear from the community and I want to consider their points. Again, I want to make a sound decision. I will not ignore our citizens and
I will not make a decision that does not meet the objectives of our land use plans.
Windels: I believe it is vital to have comprehensive long-range goals and planning, with the opportunity to review and revise as needed in an ongoing basis. Community input and plans should provide the basis for such master planning. Land use decisions should align with both the long-range and local community plans and, if for some reason, the decision does not, compelling justification for the variance should be provided.
5. Do you support or oppose privately owned toll roads in the county and do you think it is appropriate for foreign entities to own roads in the county?
Windels: I do not support privately owned toll roads, nor do I believe it is appropriate for foreign entities to own roads in our county. I would support a publicly funded toll road if voters approved such a project. I would also support public/private partnerships to address infrastructure needs.
Griffin: a. I am neutral on the issue for several reasons. First, I want to understand the value that a private company would bring to managing such a toll road in the county. Second, I want to make sure that any transportation improvements benefit our citizens and community as a whole. In the end, I would want to make sure that any company that maintains such a road has the capability to do so for the long-term
b. I have concerns about foreign investments in locally owned roads and transportation systems. Again, I want to know how stable such a company would be and how much it would impact the county.
6. What is your position on “non-compete agreements” relating to public roads? Please explain your response.
Griffin: My experience with the county has been to open up large projects to multiple competitors so I would be hesitant to support a non-competitive agreement. I would want to make sure we brought the best company to provide the best service to us and to our citizens.
Windels: I do not support “non-compete agreements” unless they are so narrowly written to say that an untolled road cannot be constructed parallel to the toll road. Improvements to existing roads must not be prohibited. It is interesting to note that most of the existing roads near proposed toll roads belong to the state, not the county, so such agreements would have to be entered into by the state, not the county commissioners.
1. What are your visions and goals for the Open Space Program and what changes, if any, would you work to implement? What relationship, if any, do you see between open land preservation and economic development in the county?
Windels: I am proud of the proactive measures Jeffco citizens have taken to preserve open space both with the sales tax initiative to provide a constant revenue stream and the foresight to approve the capacity to bond against that revenue to speed up the acquisition of high priority properties. Jeffco’s open space is a clear attraction for businesses, tourists, and retirees. Businesses locate where their employees want to live, tourists visit and spend their money where they want to play and retirees look for a good quality of life location such as being near open space to spend their retirement years and savings. Our abundant, accessible open space, make Jeffco very attractive. Because the current revenue stream has been almost entirely bonded against (only about $14 million left to spend), future purchasing will clearly be difficult decisions. Regarding current open space, use issues will need to be addressed such as whether we need to designate specific areas for cyclists only and other areas for hikers only.
Griffin:
a. I believe the Open Space Program is one of the best in the Sate of Colorado, if not the nation. I want to continue to support the effort of this program and support open space staff. I understand that we have an Open Space Master Plan and that staff has begun to look at updating the Master Plan. I would hope that we continue to preserve our open space and its recreational uses.
b. Open land preservation can be attractive for businesses and encourage economic development. I believe that companies may want to locate in
Jefferson County to be next to open space and it beauty.
2. What is your assessment of the fiscal health of the County, now and in the foreseeable future? Do you propose any actions to be taken regarding the County’s fiscal situation?
Griffin: a. The county continues to see a flat revenue stream. We rely on property taxes and I believe that we may even see a reduction in revenue over the next several years because of our overall national economy. We need to prioritize our needs as a government agency and ensure that we provide good services to our citizens. I believe it is my responsibility to ask tough questions of our budget staff and make sure that the citizens' tax dollars are used wisely.
b. If I take any action, it will be to not raise taxes and to limit spending while maintaining some reserves for the long-term health of the county.
Windels: I have looked at the budget and believe for the short term our county is in a reasonably good fiscal state. I’m concerned, however, about the future as about half of our budget revenue comes from property tax and with the downturn in the housing market and rising foreclosure rates, future revenue to the county will more than likely decline. It will probably be in our 2010-11 budget that we will feel the impact of our declining or stagnant 2008 property values. We clearly need to add more commercial property to our tax base as businesses bring in three times more property tax than does residential property. It will be a priority of mine to restore the mill levy reduction imposed upon our county libraries.
3. What are your views on cooperating with the cities and neighboring counties on county-wide economic development and open space preservation and if so, how and what do you intend to achieve?
Windels: I believe it is essential that the county work with all municipalities in our county as well as with neighboring counties on economic development and open space preservation. I have found that the individual municipalities and the many advocacy organizations in Jeffco work too much in isolated silos with little communication and collaboration. I will work to break down those barriers so that everyone is working collaboratively together on common goals. Also, Jefferson County Commissioners need to be more active in DRCOG (Denver Regional Council of Governments) taking a greater leadership role.
Griffin: a. I like the idea of working with other cities and even neighboring counties on open space preservation and economic development.
b. I would hold quarterly meetings to discuss how we can improve and enhance our open space program and support economic development with
other jurisdictions.
c. FasTracks has some challenges and I think that we need to work closely with RTD on positive solutions. Closely means we need to have good
representation from the county to make sure our voice is heard.
4. If elected, how do you plan on communicating with the public? How do you view the public’s role in county government Do you think there should be more opportunity fo public participation in county government and if so, how and what will you do to provide such opportunity?
Griffin: a. Town Hall meetings
b. Web Posting- letting people know how I made decisions and what is going on at Jefferson County
c. Opening my door to citizens to meet with me
d. Promote Public Comment periods and work with citizens that want to participate in county reviews, regulation changes and other opportunities.
Windels: I have always felt it is the responsibility of elected officials to reach out and facilitate the participation of the people in our system of government. That is why as a state legislator, I have done a weekly email broadcast during the legislative session as well written and published a newsletter, The Voters’ Voice, hand-delivered to the door of every household twice a year. I intend to continue the email broadcasts but realize Jeffco is too large for me to deliver my newsletter on foot to every household. I will, however, hold regular Town Meetings and I’ll work toward having regular Commissioner meetings broadcast on cable TV or at least live over the Internet. I also believe that any hearing on a controversial issue should be held in the evening so that working people have the opportunity to have a voice in the decision-making process.
5. What are your views of redevelopment and infill or development of currently undeveloped lands.
Windels:
Redevelopment is a critical part of maintaining a vibrant, thriving economy.
Infill is wise as it reduces sprawl. Owners of private vacant
land have the right to develop their land, but only within the parameters set by
state law, county codes and municipal ordinances. I believe that citizen
advisory group community plans should be honored and that recommendations for
open space acquisitions should have high priority.
Griffin: a. I am told that only about 5,000 acres remain in unincorporated Jefferson County that is vacant and unbuilt upon.
b. I like the idea of redeveloping existing sites that have existing utilities; or even where the existing building might be reused.
c. Infill development should occur with input from neighboring cities. I am told that we have infill parcels surrounded by cities and I would want to
make sure that we did not support development that would have a negative impact on or sister cities.
1. What do you intend to achieve if you are elected or re-elected County Commissioner?
Zulauf: If elected as County Commissioner, my primary goals will be land preservation, water conservation, and ecologically responsible development in Jefferson County.
Bane: I am a third-generation resident of Jefferson County, and what prompted me to run for Commissioner is that I am sick and tired of the endless parade of scandals, investigations, indictments and lawsuits that emanate from the “Taj Mahal.” We have spent nearly a half-million dollars—in the last four years alone—in legal fees defending our elected officials. I’m running to change the culture of corruption and cronyism in Jefferson County by opening up the government and giving more access to Jeffco citizens. I want to speed the process of televising county meetings and hearings on cable access TV, and make more documents and schedules available online.As Commissioner, I want to promote responsible growth policies that preserve open space. I want to focus our development on adding new jobs to the county, particularly in the renewable energy industry. And I would like to work with the school district and with the business community to rebuild our after-school programs in Jefferson County.
McCasky: If I am re-elected as your County Commissioner, I will continue to work to support our property values and to minimize foreclosures. I will focus on completing the beltway with a multi modal transportation corridor, as that effort is key to reducing congestion and spurring economic opportunity. Also, I will continue to make land use decisions that encourage sustainable communities and thoughtful development that adds to the charm and beauty of Jefferson County, promotes open space and enhances property values. I will endeavor to expand our local economy – both by retaining existing business and attracting new primary jobs to JeffCo – with particular emphasis on the alternative energy sector, which has grown by over 70% in the last four years. I also will work to keep our communities safe by ensuring our law enforcement agencies continue to have the resources they need.
2. What general and specific changes would you pursue?
Bane: A more open and accessible government. I want to speed the process of getting our commissioner hearings onto cable television, and I think we should be televising other hearings as well. I want to increase the amount of information available online to make it easier for citizens to access documents and meeting schedules. Jefferson County government has a terrible reputation that damages all aspects of the county, and the best way to start to change things is to shine a light on every corner of the building. It’s a travesty that a newspaper has to sue our county government – which the Canyon Courier had to do - in order to gain access that is already guaranteed them by open records and open meetings laws. I would also propose regular editorial board meetings with newspapers covering the county, so that we can address any issues out in the open. We absolutely must change the negative perception of Jefferson County government, and we start by opening everything to the public.Responsible growth policies that preserve open space. We need to continue to develop and grow Jefferson County, but we need to start being smarter about taking a longer-term look. I want to focus growth on job creation, particularly in the renewable energy industry; with NREL and the Colorado School of Mines in Jeffco, we are positioned to be epicenter of the renewable energy industry in this country. Renewable energy companies are coming to Colorado already, but they aren’t moving to Jeffco—I want to change that, and start adding those good, high-paying jobs to our county.
In any growth plans, we need to make sure that we preserve our open space lands. My family and my wife’s family live in Jefferson County because of the quality of life that comes from open space, and we need to protect that quality of life. My opponent, Kevin McCasky, has said that Jefferson County has enough open space. I think a lot of Jeffco residents would disagree with him, and so do I.I would like to begin holding a yearly “summit” that brings together all the municipalities within Jefferson County for a discussion about how we can grow and improve our county together. There is too much unhealthy competition between unincorporated Jefferson County and the cities within the county, and we need leadership from the county commissioners to make that culture change.
McCasky: I have been encouraging alternative energy companies to relocate to Jefferson County, and one of the challenges we face is streamlining our regulatory land use process – I will continue to work on this as I believe JeffCo can be a true center of alternative energy commerce. Also, I will be actively involved in the implementation of “Transparent JeffCo” which is our new web-based two-way communication tool that I helped develop.
Zulauf: There are two main platforms on which I am basing my campaign: First, I am 100% opposed to the proposed toll road (commonly known as the beltway) in northern Jeffco. I would do everything in my power as commissioner to reverse this poorly conceived idea from coming to fruition. Second, I would like to see Jefferson County adopt LEED standards as set by the U.S. Green Building Council. It is my understanding that as of January 2008, the city of Golden is the only city within Jeffco that has adopted these standards – we should follow suit on a county wide level, as many counties around the country have already done.
3. What do you think is the Commissioner’s role in dealing with climate change, energy conservation, renewable energy and water shortage issues? How would you carry out that role?
McCasky: There are many areas where Commissioners have a role and Jefferson County can participate - a few examples are:
- I have advocated for, and JeffCo has received, Federal funds for a biomass facility that takes urban wood waste, slash, timber from thinning efforts of the Health Forests Initiative and timber from bark beetle infested forests to create clean burning wood pellets.
- While Assessor, I was the first elected official to purchase hybrid vehicles for our fleet.
- I support the County’s current efforts to test biodiesel and ethanol fuels in our fleet vehicles.
- I advocated for an environmental audit and performance contracting to assist us in reducing energy consumption and energy costs – the audit should be finished late 2008.
- I participated in the creation of our new Mountain Ground Water Overlay District which provides more detailed information for prospective property owners and staff when evaluating new development in the mountains.
I will continue to pursue these types of efforts in my second term on the Commission.
Zulauf: The concept of “Thinking Globally, and Acting Locally”, is more than just a catchy phrase for a bumper sticker. My primary reason for running in this election is to confront the challenges facing our environment on a local level. It is the responsibility of all citizens to preserve this planet for future generations. Many citizens express that responsibility in the form of their elected officials. The County Commissioner’s role is obviously to serve as both administrative and policy-making body for their county. I would ensure that those decisions are in the best interests of the many, rather than the special interests of the few.
Bane: All elected officials have a responsibility to address climate change, energy conservation and renewable energy issues. We need to be moving our county buildings and vehicles toward becoming more energy-efficient; local governments can set a great example for private citizens to follow. Elected officials, including county commissioners, should be leaders in this area.We should also look at incentives for businesses and citizens to help them become more energy-efficient, and explore partnerships for expanding the availability of mass transit. We should explore ideas such as tax incentives for solar panel installation. We don’t have a lot of empty land left for development in Jefferson County, so we need to be careful about how we approve land use and zoning requests. We need to be particularly diligent in making sure that any new development has a full-scale plan for where its water will come from, and how long the source will last.
4. What is your philosophy and position on land use and community plans and specifically how should community plans be factored into land use decisions?
Bane: I think community plans should be an essential part of any land use decision. Community Plans are not meant to be mandates, but they are excellent guidelines that should be followed whenever possible. In many recent county decisions, Community Plans have been all but ignored by some county commissioners, and that is not the way the government should be dealing with its citizens.As a former journalist, whenever I covered a story I would seek out experts in different fields to help provide me with the proper perspective on whatever I was writing about. I look at community plans in much the same way. I am a third-generation resident of Jefferson County, but I don’t know what’s best for every neighborhood. I don’t know what’s best for Evergreen or Conifer, Willow Springs or Arvada. The people who live and work in these communities know what makes sense for them; they’re the experts, because they’re the ones who spend every day in that community.
Now, this doesn’t mean that I would shy from making a decision that didn’t conform exactly to a Community Plan. But I think a county commissioner has a responsibility to do everything they can to address a Community Plan, and if they cannot, they certainly owe an explanation to the citizens who spent so much time on that plan.
Zulauf: My personal philosophy on land use is this: I sincerely doubt that 100 years from now, our grandchildren will ever say, “Boy, if only our grandparents had zoned the building of ONE MORE Wal-Mart while they were in charge, our lives would be so much better!” The best part about electing a Green Party candidate – if voters decide that the policy of frugal development is not in their best interests, then four years from now there will still be just as much land to destroy as there is today.McCasky: My vision and philosophy in making land use decisions is to encourage sustainable communities and thoughtful development that maintains and adds to the charm and beauty of Jefferson County, promotes open space and trails, improves and supports property values, and makes the land use process understandable.
By law, our decisions cannot be subjective – they must be grounded on facts. A land use case is a quasi-judicial matter in which Commissioners serve as judges. We must decide them with an unbiased, open mind and consider all the “evidence” before us. Often, the evidence consists of public testimony from citizens, Community Plans, expert testimony, and comments from other agencies such as the Sheriff or CDOT. Further, the characteristics of the both the subject property and the surrounding community must be considered, as well as the long-term effects on the community at large. Another very important aspect is taking into account the property rights of the landowner. As one of three judges, I have to balance all of these factors and make the decision that I believe is best for our community.
Community plans provide the fundamental framework by which all development in Jefferson County is reviewed, analyzed and processed by Planning Staff.
These Plans are guidelines from the communities of interests for future land use development in respective areas of the County. I value citizen input, and one part of citizen input is embodied in our Community Plans. I consider Community Plans vital in my decision making process regarding development and I respect and value the efforts made in developing them. I also take citizen testimony very seriously. Often times, that testimony comes from residents who did no participate in the creation of the Community Plan, and sometimes their testimony conflicts with the Community Plan.
As Commissioners, we must absorb all these various inputs and balance that information to make land use decisions that we believe are in the best interests of the County and all its residents.
5. Do you support or oppose privately owned toll roads in the county and do you think it is appropriate for foreign entities to own roads in the county?
Bane: I do not oppose privately owned toll roads or foreign ownership as a general principle, but I think that they should be something of a “last resort” for any government to consider. We are facing a real crisis in transportation funding in Colorado, and because of that, I don’t think it would be appropriate to completely rule out private ownership. It would certainly not be my preference, however, and any proposal for private ownership would need to meet specific criteria to be in the best interests of the county.McCasky: I support improvements and new alternatives for our transportation system in Jefferson County.
I am not as concerned with who owns the road, but much more concerned about the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility and having input and a level of authority with regard to toll prices, operations and maintenance standards, etc.
Zulauf: I promise that the Portuguese/ Brazilian investment team currently buying up land in Broomfield, is not bailing out the city based upon the goodness of their hearts. They are planning on making a nice return on their investment by means of the taxpayers of Jefferson County. We American taxpayers should maintain control of our own roadways, and start reinvesting in ourselves. Period.
6. What is your position on “non-compete agreements” relating to public roads? Please explain your response.
McCasky: I have always been opposed to non-compete agreements.As County Commissioner, I have always opposed congestion guarantees and demanded truthful and honest toll projections, and have continually advocated for improvements on existing arterials in the NW Quadrant. I will continue to advocate for improvements to existing arterials. If the toll road is viable, it will stand on its own two feet with private funding and I will not support taxpayer subsidy of the tollway or its operations.
Furthermore, I've led the effort in Jefferson County and the Denver Metropolitan Area to create a "parkway" through Golden - a four-lane divided highway – modeled after US Highway 6 that currently exists as a four-lane divided highway through Golden. I do not advocate a tollway or expressway through Golden. The "parkway" through Golden will have a 45 MPH speed limit to reduce noise, and earthen berms landscaped with evergreen-type trees to provide further year-round noise attenuation. It will also have grade separation at Washington and Iowa Streets to maintain neighborhood connections.
Zulauf: As I understand them, non-compete agreements generally prohibit residents from improving roads within about 5 miles of a toll way - if such improvement would lure drivers from a toll way. They also require residents to pay compensation for “lost” tolls if residents decide to improve a freeway anyway. The only beneficiaries would seemingly be the private investors themselves - not the residents. During our March meeting, the Adams-Jefferson Green Party officially endorsed the idea of expanding the existing roads of McIntyre/Indiana and SH93 as the best alternative to the Beltway proposal; an idea that would not only save taxpayers about 50%, but that would also preserve Jeffco's delicate ecosystem.
Bane: I oppose so-called “non-compete agreements” for the same reason that I do not fundamentally oppose private ownership—we need to keep all of our transportation options on the table, both now and in the future, if we are to be responsible in trying to meet the needs of Jefferson County. It would be irresponsible to handcuff ourselves in terms of future transportation needs by signing a broad “non-compete agreement” today; we don’t know what transportation changes will be necessary in 10, 20 or 50 years from now.7. What are your visions and goals for the Open Space Program and what changes, if any, would you work to implement? What relationship, if any, do you see between open land preservation and economic development in the county?
Bane: I am a strong supporter of the Open Space Program, which has been a model for other states and municipalities around the country. I think economic development and open land preservation naturally go hand-in-hand, because we know that property values increase if they are near open space land. You can’t have a smart economic development plan that doesn’t include open space preservation.McCasky: I am a proud supporter of Jefferson County’s Open Space Program, and I am proud that I have voted “yes” on every recommendation from OSAC during my first term as Commissioner. And it is obvious by its results that we have one of the best Open Space Programs in the United States, and it has received numerous awards recognizing its accomplishments.
Jefferson County has approximately $12 million remaining from our 1998 voter-approved $160 million bond issue for property acquisition. Once those remaining funds are expended for property acquisition, I believe Open Space should focus its efforts on developing park property we currently own, such as Cathedral Spires Park, Clear Creek Canyon Park, Coal Creek Canyon Park, Ranson Edwards Homestead, Lacy, Hildebrand Ranch Park, Mount Glennon, Mount Lindo and North Table Mountain.
Also, I believe that while OSAC is creating plans for developing the above mentioned park properties, we should conduct an in-depth financial assessment of our ongoing revenue streams and allocate the necessary revenue to provide the high level of park maintenance to which our citizens have become accustomed. This assessment and planning will provide the data necessary to formulate a future property acquisition strategy which may include issuing more bonds.
Jefferson County’s Open Space Program enhances the quality of life we enjoy and has created an indivisible relationship with our economy that creates and supports real estate value in our County. Open space, parks and trails add significantly to our quality of life by creating regional parks, preserving scenic vistas, protecting sensitive areas, providing recreational opportunities such as hiking/trekking, mountain biking and mountain climbing. These quality of life amenities showcase our Colorado lifestyle and have a direct positive impact on our economic foundation.
So, yes, there is a direct relationship between open land preservation and economic development in the County: one cannot thrive without the other. As Commissioners, we are tasked with making decisions that take both into account, and I am proud of my record of working to enhance and balance the two.
Zulauf: The studies are in, and the facts are solid: The closer proximity to a park, the greater the assessed value of a home. In a declining housing market, this is not only good news for homeowners, but good news for generating tax revenue, as well. Beyond economic benefits, community parks and open space programs improve the health of residents and preserve wildlife. The more open space in Jeffco, the better.
8. What is your assessment of the fiscal health of the County, now and in the foreseeable future? Do you propose any actions to be taken regarding the County’s fiscal situation?
McCasky: Jefferson County is on sound financial footing, and will remain so in the foreseeable future as long as Commissioners pay careful attention to the long term effects of decisions.I am proud to have led the effort to create a “financial reserve” policy, which was approved by the Commissioners. This policy requires a reserve, or a savings account, of operating capital only to be used in emergency situations – this represents a major paradigm shift in how Jefferson County budgets its resources. This policy also forces the County to budget only to available revenues and to reduce expenditures without impacting services to our citizens. Importantly, this policy forces all of our County agencies and elected officials to re-focus on their priorities and expend funds only for those priorities.
With proper planning we can manage the many serious needs and challenges to come in our future. We must use our limited resources wisely and avoid duplicating services. We have many opportunities to share resources – two examples that already exist are the Juvenile Assessment Center and the Table Mountain Animal Shelter.
In the future, one of the greatest challenges we face is the much-needed expansion of our jail and courtrooms. Given these projects are directly related to the public safety of our community – they must happen – and will require thoughtful planning and input from our citizens.
Zulauf: I see the future of Jefferson County being grounded in re-development of currently existing properties, as has been witnessed in Belmar, Old Towne Arvada, and the Highlands area of Wheat Ridge. With both the School of Mines and the National Renewable Energy Laboratories in our own back yard, Jefferson County should be serving as a model for the rest of the world as to how a truly sustainable community can thrive.
Bane: Putting an end to the scandals and lawsuits in Jefferson County government would be a big first step; we’ve spent nearly a half-million dollars in the last four years alone in legal fees defending our elected officials.The fiscal health of Jefferson County is something that needs to be addressed with a long-term view that continues to include a citizen advisory committee. In terms of development, for example, we need to start focusing our efforts on job creation and commercial (non-retail) development. We can’t abandon housing development, of course, but we must have a better balance. Because of fiscal restraints such as the Gallagher Amendment, the county cannot sustain itself simply by building more houses; property taxes on residential development are significantly less than in commercial development, and Jefferson County is primarily reliant on property taxes for its revenue.
9. What are your views on cooperating with the cities and neighboring counties on county-wide economic development and open space preservation and if so, how and what do you intend to achieve? Does Fas Tracks influence your response?
Bane: Whether you live in Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, Evergreen or South Jeffco, we all live in Jefferson County. The county needs to take an active leadership role in bringing together the other municipalities for regular discussions of how we can improve the county together. We need to change this culture where Unincorporated Jefferson County battles with Lakewood or Arvada over development, because in the end, the development is still in the county. We should also work with the City of Denver and the City of Aurora on revitalizing Colfax, for example.Fas-Tracks certainly provides another motivation for increasing communication between the county and its municipalities, but that should have been happening long ago anyway.
Zulauf: With both traffic congestion and gas prices being at issue, the availability of mass transit as an alternative to individual commuting is of great importance. It must be practical, affordable, and convenient for residents to use. FasTracks has been a difficult sell to people due in part to the spirit of individuality that exists among Colorado residents. More evidence must be presented to help explain to people that this mass transit system will benefit everyone in the forms of time, money, and energMcCasky: I believe it is imperative to cooperate with cities and neighboring counties on economic development and open space preservation issues, and Jefferson County enjoys a long, productive relationship with many accomplishments borne from this effort and relationships.
Our Open Space Program works with every city in Jeffco and partners on numerous projects each year. Also, we work with counties along the Front Range including Denver, Douglas and Boulder Counties to ensure compatibility, to extend resources for acquisition and management of parks, and to connect parks for the mutual benefit of residents in the metro Denver area.
The County and economic development groups work collaboratively as well since the County’s economic well being is directly related to the economic health of cities within Jeffco, as well as the economic health of our surrounding cities and counties.
The better we cooperate and work for common goals in the areas of park / open space preservation and sound economic planning and development, the more opportunities we will have to sustain and enhance the quality of life we enjoy.
FasTracks is an excellent example of regional cooperation and as build-out of the plan occurs numerous opportunities will arise for cities and counties to form partnerships in planning for economic growth, infill and redevelopment of areas along the rail corridors.
10. If elected, how do you plan on communicating with the public? How do you view the public’s role in county government? Do you think there should be more opportunity for public participation in county government and if so how and what will you do to provide such opportunity?
Zulauf: According to the official Jefferson County website, the most important "Hot Topics" as of late seem to be the upcoming spay and neuter clinics, and how county cooperation was recently celebrated at Matthew/Winters Park. (Incidentally, nowhere was it mentioned that 7 large trash bags full of garbage were recently removed from Matthew/Winters by The Jefferson County Green Party on Sat., July 12th during one of our monthly Park C lean-ups.) To my knowledge, there has been no mention of a proposed billion dollar toll way anywhere on the county's "Hot Topics" page. This is a direct insult to the residents of Jefferson County. As county commissioner, I would make it a goal to keep the taxpayers and residents of Jeffco much better informed about the truly important issues facing our county, and lobby to hold open public meetings in the evenings so that average working residents could attend.McCasky: I believe it is critical for better government to have knowledgeable citizens that can participate in their government and can easily communicate with their elected officials. Our citizens should have convenient access to public information and processes that decision makers use in forming public policy and expending taxpayer funds.
I am proud of the efforts I have made and supported since becoming s Commissioner to improve two-way communication with citizens. These include reinstating time for public comment at our weekly Public Hearings, developing an email newsletter, creating an email database to broadcast press releases and agendas, and beginning publishing the BCC Actions report. We also began making audio recordings of the BCC Public Hearings available on our website, and through using local papers and a flyer in your annual tax statement, we’ve advertised how to get up-to-date information and stay connected to the County.
Perhaps our most exciting new communication development is “Transparent JeffCo”: a web-based program designed to increase citizen communication and feedback, provide online surveys, blogs, Q&As and provide resources to get information from all departments within the County.
We also have more traditional means for citizen involvement. I led the effort to create the Citizen Budget Review Panel through which citizens evaluate county operations, assist in determining priorities and suggest improved efficiency and budget reductions to ensure long term fiscal alignment. We’ve also created a county-wide master plan that incorporates all of our community plans and allows a broader perspective of views to be included in planning Jeffco’s future. Our BCC Town Hall meetings provide us an opportunity to meet with citizens face to face to seek their input, suggestions and concerns and communicate directly about the activities of their county government
Personally, I will continue to attend meetings of community and civic groups, businesses and homeowners groups to engage and listen to our citizens’ concerns and receive feedback on government initiatives and activities.
Bane: The government belongs to the people, and I want to reinforce that message as much as possible. I want to televise county commissioner hearings and other hearings. I want to make more information available online, and I want to make it easier for the public to understand when different meetings are scheduled. I want to have regular editorial board meetings with local media, and put out regular newsletters and other updates. We should have boards and commissions that are truly reflective of the county, and not just reflective of who knows whom.
I think we should also look at opening up county offices earlier and closing them later in order to give citizens more time to get to offices before or after work; we could do this by creating a rotating four-day work week for county employees. We could leave offices open five days a week while also providing a benefit to our employees of an extra day off each week.
We should be doing all we can to make it easier for citizens to know what is going on in their county. As the saying goes, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”
11. What are your views of redevelopment and infill or development of currently undeveloped lands?
McCasky: I believe we must focus our efforts on redevelopment of existing business and residential areas within the County. To accomplish this goal, we must have a streamlined development process that allows flexibility, innovation and creativity that will accommodate all types of infill development. This may include creating mixed use commercial/residential developments in otherwise traditional business locations or encouraging transit oriented development (TOD) around light rail stations. By allowing increased density along major arterials or at TOD sites, we are better able to protect and preserve open space in other areas.The build-out of FasTracks will provide many exciting opportunities for infill and redevelopment initiatives in Jefferson County and our cities.
Bane: We shouldn’t focus all of our development in undeveloped areas. We should find a better balance, through working with other municipalities and providing incentives to developers, of redeveloping older areas throughout Jefferson County. We don’t always need to add a new commercial building in undeveloped areas if we could revitalize a neighborhood just a half-mile away instead. I understand that it is often cheaper to build first in undeveloped areas, but we should be creative about providing incentives to revitalize existing areas as well.
Zulauf: (See # 8)
A Cree Indian prophecy states, “When the last fish has been caught, only then will you see that money cannot be eaten.” Redevelopment is the future. Preservation is a priority. The future does not belong to us, but to our grandchildren, and it is our responsibility to see that they inherit a healthy planet with fresh air and clean water, for generations to come.
