Issues

Our climate is changing, and the trend towards a warmer, drier Teller County left unchecked will result in more wildfires and decreased air quality. Reservoirs and water tables are dropping, and many residents depend on domestic wells. We must have long and short term planning done to prevent and combat these and other unforeseen developments. It is vital for our county establish and maintain water rights for its citizens.

As a hunter & outdoorsman, I own multiple firearms and have long been a proponent of responsible gun ownership. I am not afraid that someone from the government will try to seize my firearms now or in the future. While I am disappointed in our government from time to time, I do not feel there is a need to take up arms against it.

As we near a total of 6,000 cases in our small county, I believe leaders should have acted boldly early on to stress the importance of testing and vaccinations. Acting quickly and efficiently to control the disease will lead to more county revenue being generated, with fewer deaths and COVID cases.

Currently, Teller County taxpayers fund both a county team and an independent auditor to review the county’s finances. My competition touts his education as a financial planner and business administration. I do not believe that in to charging the taxpayers an additional $85,000 beyond the many thousands of dollars already being charged to try and solve the county's financial problems. if elected, I will decline the salary for the position, so that the funds may be used instead to improve Teller County services.  As I am required to be paid by law, I will donate my salary in full to local charities focused on helping local citizens who need it most. I have over 30 years of budgeting experience at local, county and state government. That record is reflected in my performance by cutting the spending/taxes while serving in all those positions during the entirety of my public service career. While we may not forge ahead quickly, let us not, at least, go backwards! 

In the recent Colorado Springs Gazette Voter Guide, my competitor stated that he has no new initiatives to offer to you, the voters. Instead, he states that his priorities

are to fix the problems that have plagued Teller Country during his 12 years as county commissioner.  Poor policymaking has led to reduction in county services at taxpayers' expense. The Sheriff’s Department and Public Works are understaffed, and not all the missions of these departments are met. Residents are not receiving services they supposedly pay for.  Roads are left unplowed, ungraded, and in need of repaving. From failure to secure dangerous prisoners, or the closing of our first county park due to neglect, things are not getting done as they should be. These reduced services come at no savings to Teller County taxpayers.  This situation did not exist during my tenure on the commission.  I possess the knowledge and abilities to correct these situations in a fiscally conservative manner.

Though I served two terms as a Reagan-era Republican, I am now seeking office as a Democrat, In 2016, there was no national Republican platform regarding policy positions. Minority Leader McConnell has stated there is no platform proposed for 2022. I have grave concerns about January 6th attack on the seat of our nation’s republic, as well as the response and involvement of the 45th President. The Republican Party has lost its moral bearing, seeming to focus on stoking anger, fear, and resentment while offering no reasonable solutions to the problems we face as a nation. I prefer to belong to a political party that continues to seek a more perfect union and honorably serve its constituents.