2023 Colorado Springs Municipal

City Council

AT-LARGE CANDIDATES

Candidates presented in Ballot Order

SUPPORT CHURCH VOTER GUIDES, PLEASE

THE TOPICS

& QUESTIONS

click each box to read

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL:

Email Address:

Occupation/Vocation:

Resident of Colorado Springs:

Political Leanings

As a candidate in the Colorado Springs nonpartisan municipal election, you are not officially associated with any specific political party. How would you describe your political leanings (socially, fiscally, etc.) and why do you define yourself in this way?

Your Experience and Vision

What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Colorado Springs Mayor that will benefit our city? What is your vision for being Mayor, and what do you hope to accomplish during your first year in office?

Defending Constitutional Liberties

Many Americans believe that the government at every level is not securing their Creator-given rights, but rather encroaching on them. Established freedoms, including that of speech, peaceable assembly, exercise of religion, medical autonomy, and commerce are often negatively impacted by state and federal regulations, and were greatly infringed upon by COVID mandates. As Mayor, how will you protect the residents of Colorado Springs from current and future unconstitutional government overreach?

Utilities/Infrastructure

City Council members also serve as the Board of Colorado Springs Utilities. What is your plan to (1) shield residents and businesses from accelerated rate hikes due to an expedited shift to renewable energy sources, and (2) address the future water needs of Colorado Springs as our city continues to grow in population and annex more land?

Crime and Police

Colorado Springs’ crime rates are rising, while Police Department recruitment is down. As a Councilperson, what will you do to ensure citizens are protected from crime, including improving recruitment, morale, and response time within the CSPD?

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As a Councilperson, how will you ensure the protection of the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

Business/Jobs

What specifically should the City Council do, if anything, to bring more businesses/jobs to Colorado Springs?

Affordable Housing

As more and more people move to Colorado Springs, what can be done to provide affordable housing while also retaining our city’s unique character and environment that have made it such a popular place in the United States to live?

Homelessness/Vagrancy

How can the City Council address the increase in the homeless/vagrant population in our city in ways that best serve all Colorado Springs residents?

Impact of Drug Use on Our Community

What are your views pertaining to Colorado Springs’ ban on recreational Marijuana sales within city limits? Also, with the recent decriminalization of Psilocybin-containing mushrooms and other psychedelic drugs in Colorado, and the Opioid/Fentanyl crisis, what do you believe should be done to protect our city and its residents, and especially our youth, from the negative physical, mental, emotional, social, and economic impacts of Schedule I and II drug use and abuse?

Engagement with the Faith Community

Colorado Springs has a large, diverse, and well-established religious community, consisting predominantly of those practicing some form of Christianity, and is home to hundreds of local churches and international parachurch ministries. What is your current engagement with the local faith community, and how do you plan to interact with and represent us in your role as a City Councilperson?

JAYMAN JOHNSON

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL: www.JaymenJohnson4CityCouncil.com

Email Address: JJ4CC719@gmail.com

Occupation/Vocation: Small Business Owner

Resident of Colorado Springs: 23 years

Political Leanings

This one is difficult for me as I feel that I have such an eclectic political view. It can be problematic attempting to categorize oneself when you feel that so many of the associations we make with the terminology is applicable but to label yourself as both would appear to many as contradictory. I guess for the purposes of this survey I would say my mindset leans more socially as I am deeply concerned that the city progresses in a manner that is equitable but I do consider myself to be very fiscal as well and seek to spend money only when and where necessary.

Your Experience and Vision

Well professionally I have some merit with a background in small business, many years experience in addressing legislative bodies, and I have acted in an advisory capacity to a number of political action committees and working groups. However, it is my opinion that the experiences of my personal life are what most qualifies me for council. The struggles and successes that my wife and I faced throughout the years and the dedication we had for one another. I have achieved a level of empathy that allows me to more wholly see the situation from another’s vantage point as well as objectively.

Defending Constitutional Liberties

It is important for all levels of government to uphold individual rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, assembly, religion, medical autonomy, and commerce. Laws and regulations should be consistent with the Constitution and citizens should hold their elected officials accountable for their policies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health concerns must be balanced with individual freedoms, and any restrictions should be necessary and reasonable. Citizens can also protect their rights by staying informed, engaging in the political process, advocating for their rights, and seeking legal recourse when necessary. As a council member I will strive to make sure that any regulations are reasonable and do not overreach or impede the rights of individuals.

Utilities/Infrastructure

I will work with the utilities department to increase our purchasing and storage capabilities so that we might increase our negotiating power as well as take advantage of costs when prices are low. I would also take a look at the utilities operations itself, the costs of which are enveloped but not delineated in your utility bill, to see where any inefficiencies may be and where costs might be cut. We must measure our growth against our resources both natural and personnel, such as water as well as police and fire staff. We should be more focused on infill at this time. Taking advantage and updating our existing infrastructure.

Crime and Police

We need to increase community outreach programs as to lessen the burden on our law enforcement personnel. We need to ensure competitive compensation and benefits packages and we should be prioritizing officer mental health, provide enhance training and technology, and increasing our support staff levels to ensure that there are enough officers to respond to calls for service and address crime concerns.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As a Councilperson, how will you ensure the protection of the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

Increased funding for victim services, enhancing public awareness and education, developing and implementing prevention programs, expanding law enforcement efforts, and developing policies and regulations to protect the rights of vulnerable individuals. Greater services for the elderly, working with our developer partners to provide specialized affordable community dwellings.

Business/Jobs

What specifically should the City Council do, if anything, to bring more businesses/jobs to Colorado Springs?

City Council can streamline regulations, invest in infrastructure and infill, provide greater incentives and resources to companies looking to relocate.

Affordable Housing

To provide affordable housing in Colorado Springs while preserving the city’s unique character and environment, a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is needed. We can incentivize developers to build affordable housing units and provide subsidies to support such development. Regulations could be established that require developers to include a certain percentage of affordable units in new developments. Community land trusts can also help to create permanently affordable housing and prevent displacement. To ensure environmental sustainability, the city could require developers to incorporate green building practices into their developments. Collaboration between the government, developers, and community members is crucial to address this challenge effectively.

Homelessness/Vagrancy

How can the City Council address the increase in the homeless/vagrant population in our city in ways that best serve all Colorado Springs residents?

We start by increasing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, expanding support for homeless services and outreach programs, addressing the root causes of homelessness, and fostering community involvement and engagement. These strategies require a long-term commitment and collaboration from multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, and community members. It going to require robust public input with multiple community partners to create a comprehensive plan to address homelessness.

Impact of Drug Use on Our Community

We should be increasing access to addiction treatment, enhancing drug prevention education, improving prescription drug monitoring, expanding access to overdose reversal medications, and increasing law enforcement efforts. Addressing the crisis requires a collaborative and broad approach that involves multiple stakeholders including church, education, and community leaders.

Engagement with the Faith Community

I enjoy a very personal and direct relationship with the Creator. I am not heavily engaged in organized religion though I consider myself to be a very pious person with a profound respect for the religious beliefs and practices of all individuals. I would be ardent champion for religious freedoms.

DAVID LEINWEBER

Candidate Information

Candidate confirmed receipt of our Questionnaire, and reported that he had sent his answers to our online form, but nothing was received. We then we sought to contact him multiple times and by various methods to inform him that nothing was received, but there was no response. Therefore, we do not know if the Candidate is even aware that we never received his answers, or whether he is aware and chose not to participate.

Campaign Website: www.Leinweber4CoS.com

Email Address: Info@Leinweber4CoS.com

LYNETTE CROW-IVERSON

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL: www.Lynette2023.com

Email Address: G-Lynette@hotmail.com

Occupation/Vocation: HealthCare Executive

Resident of Colorado Springs: 30 years

Political Leanings

I am a Conservative Christian. I believe that the government rests on his shoulders. In Politics and Government, many seem to see them as necessary evils, bringing frustration and disarray in the present, but still giving us hope for the future. I have recognized the failure of human solutions, but at the same time I know something must be done to fix what is broken. What man can’t do; God can do.

Your Experience and Vision

Colorado Springs needs strong leadership to avoid turning into a large city, such as Denver, where homelessness and lawlessness drive out families and businesses. I have spent 30 years in Colorado Springs building a business and raising a family. I care about our quality of life. Lets ensure the next generation has a brighter future by leading instead of following and innovating instead of keeping the status quo. This election is a tipping point for our city as we elect a new mayor and city council. Crime rates are increasing, and roads are busier. Only strong leadership can tackle these problems, drive down the cost of living, and ensure a thriving economy through low taxes and a smaller government.

Defending Constitutional Liberties

I believe in the Constitution of the United States. I believe that every citizen has the right to earn a living and to pursue the American Dream. I believe freedom of speech is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or community to articulate their opinions without fear of government or censorship. I believe Religious Freedom is a fundamental human right and the first among rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution, It is the right to think, express and act upon what you deeply believe. I believe every citizen should have the right to make their own medical decisions for themselves and their children. As a City Council member, I will first and foremost uphold the Constitution.

Utilities/Infrastructure

I am committed to a low tax and fee burden for our citizens and businesses. As our city grows, we must do so wisely. Property rights and smart growth are both principals that must complement each other. I will always prioritize serving our citizens by collaborating with the experts from the industry as well as the experts at Colorado Springs Utilities to determine the viability of each project one at a time.

Crime and Police

Public Safety is my first priority. I am dedicated to prioritizing the city budget so that Police and Firefighters have the resources that they need to keep our community safe. We need put an emphasis on recruitment and retention. I will advocate for policies that hold criminals responsible. This is personal for me, as I have raised two daughters in Colorado Springs, and I have two granddaughters who live in here. I want this to be a city that they want to work, live, and raise their children in the future. I do not want to see Colorado Springs turn into a city like Denver, were homelessness and lawlessness drive out residents and businesses.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As a Councilperson, how will you ensure the protection of the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

I believe life begins at conception, and that every baby has the right to be born regardless of the circumstances around the conception. We need more awareness around trafficking. We need to support the organizations working on human trafficking by promoting events and community forums with anti-trafficking leaders and collectively support our local service providers. We also need to help provide jobs, internships, skills and training and other opportunities for trafficked survivors. Attending to the elderly is not a one shoe fits all, understanding their needs and concerns will ensure their good health. Lending emotional support to elders give them joy and happiness, which is inevitably the ideal way to live a healthy life.

Business/Jobs

What specifically should the City Council do, if anything, to bring more businesses/jobs to Colorado Springs?

I am committed to a low tax burden for the businesses of Colorado Springs in a low-regulation environment that allows for economic growth. A healthy economy is essential to providing good jobs for residents and attracting businesses that provide services and products that our citizens want. The way to get there is to allow market forces to drive our economy, respect private property rights, and guide smart growth.

Affordable Housing

Tackling the affordable housing crisis will require an all hand on-deck approach at the federal, state and local levels. The deterrents to affordability are shortage of land, lending due to interest rates, and labor and material costs. There is a shortage of affordable single- family homeownership opportunities due to low supply of homes and challenges facing first-time home buyers. If fewer people can buy homes, then more people remain in the renal market, creating a shortage of rental units and driving up the cost. Down Payment assistance for first time home buyers and other policies to make it easier for families to obtain mortgages are critical to relieving pressure on the rental market.

Homelessness/Vagrancy

How can the City Council address the increase in the homeless/vagrant population in our city in ways that best serve all Colorado Springs residents?

Homelessness effects all of us, it has a ripple effect throughout communities that impacts the availability of healthcare resources and safety resources at the expense of the taxpayer. According to HUD, between shelters, emergency room visits and jails, it costs about $40,000 per year for a homeless person to be on the street. We have to uphold the law and keep our citizens safe, but at the same time we need to have compassion as the majority of homeless people are suffering from substance abuse and mental illness. The city needs to continue to support organizations that are leading in the effort to solve homelessness.

Impact of Drug Use on Our Community

I support the ban on recreational Marijuana sales. Research shows that in Cities where recreational marijuana is legal, for every $1.00 raised in taxes from the sale of Marijuana $3.00 was spent on social costs, such as Emergency room visits, crime, jail and homelessness. Individuals that use psilocybin for any reason will have feelings of euphoria, and sensory distortions that are common with drugs such as LSD. It is not a coincidence that we have the highest homicide and auto theft rates in history. I will support our police to hold criminals accountable. I will support the non-profit organizations that are leading the effort to educate our community and provide services to individuals who have drug addictions.

Engagement with the Faith Community

The role of the government is to protect people’s rights and enable them to peruse their interests. Limited government unleashes prosperity. The role of the Church is to be the lighthouse in the community by providing a place to worship, teach, fellowship, evangelize, and serve. Our community has benefited greatly because of the many local churches and national faith-based organizations that serve alongside our government. I will continue to foster and promote a positive relationship with the guiding principle that The Government is on His Shoulders.

KATHERINE “KAT” GAYLE

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL: www.KatherineGayleCouncil.com

Email Address: Kat@KatherineGayleCouncil.com

Occupation/Vocation: Attorney / Stay-at-home mom

Military Background: US Marine Wife

Resident of Colorado Springs: 11 years (from 7/15-9/16 served at US Embassy Haiti

Political Leanings

Fiscally conservative

Political leanings – depends on the issue Generally – moderate

I have lived all over the world as the wife of a US Diplomat. (Pakistan, Panama, Japan, UK, Egypt, Haiti). People everywhere are more the same than different. I believe any decision made must consider all factors.

Your Experience and Vision

As a military and diplomatic spouse of more than 30 years, I am able to build consensus.

I am running for an At-Large seat. I will represent every citizen of Colorado Springs regardless of race, religion and socioeconomic status. My job is to ensure that all of their positions are heard and become part of Fair Process decision-making.

I was the Senior Human Rights Advisor in the Democracy and Governance Office in the US Embassy in Haiti. I evaluate complex issues to create best practice solutions. I am able to work within budgets and am fiscally responsible.

Defending Constitutional Liberties

I studied the Constitution under Henry Steele Commager at Amherst College. I also worked for the Newseum in Washington, DC. I taught classes on the First Amendment through the Smithsonian Institution.

I aspire to live my life in accordance with Matthew 25. I live to serve those who need support. It is no burden to me to wear a mask to protect others who may be immune compromised. The government must balance the rights of all the citizens. My right to drive through an intersection is limited by a pause at a stop sign while you are exercising your right to do the same. Public Safety is the paramount concern of government.

Utilities/Infrastructure

Neither I nor anyone else can control global markets that determine fuel prices. However, I would work to incentivize conservation and work to modernize our infrastructure to be able to support alternative power sources. There is a nationwide movement to cease using natural gas to heat our homes including eliminating gas fireplaces. I have more research to do to determine best practices.
Any water usage and future use modelling must be based on scientific evidence. The 128% rule is absurd in its arbitrary limitations. We cannot determine from one year to the next what the weather will bring, annexation decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis evaluating current information.

Crime and Police

Recruitment is down, as is our retention of officers. This has a direct impact on crime rate and morale. Our officers are overworked and underpaid.

I propose a three-step process:

Increase pay and benefits. Officers work multiple jobs to survive. They don’t take leave so they can be paid for unused days. This leads to burnout and poor performance.
Increase training for recruits and ongoing training for officers that is more than qualifying on the range. Crime trends change. For their own safety, officers must be aware of current risks.
Community based policing: Officers who know a community gain the confidence of its residents. When incidents occur, police are able to protect themselves and the community.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As a Councilperson, how will you ensure the protection of the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

I have worked with refugees and to stop human trafficking for years. I attend the Southern Colorado Human Trafficking Coalition meetings when I am able. I would encourage greater collaboration between law enforcement and this organization as well as the number of other nonprofits in the field.

I will work to encourage new developments to use Universal Design. My goal is for all who choose to be able to age in place. Seniors who chose to stay home should be able to do so. We are happier in familiar surroundings with our neighbors and pets. It is also more cost effective for people to remain in their homes with appropriate assistance than to move to senior facilities.

Business/Jobs

What specifically should the City Council do, if anything, to bring more businesses/jobs to Colorado Springs?

We need to incentivize startups and high-tech companies to move here as other Front Range cities have done. We need high wage workers. Troops and tourism are not sustainable in times of economic downturn. The bulk of our economy is funded by sales tax. When we worry about the economy, we don’t make discretionary purchases. High wage workers have greater disposable incomes. That could provide a buffer when the tourists don’t come, and we don’t shop.

Affordable Housing

We must protect our neighborhoods. Low income and working class neighborhoods provide affordable housing for their residents. This works until a developer covets a parcel of land close to downtown and buys up buildings that forces the neighbors out. We should require Community Bargaining Agreements between residents and the developers of new projects. We could place a moratorium on tax increases for the original residents while new residences and businesses are created.

Homelessness/Vagrancy

How can the City Council address the increase in the homeless/vagrant population in our city in ways that best serve all Colorado Springs residents?

Best practices and successful homeless solutions lie in the Housing First models – Utah and Columbus, OH both are examples of this. Once appropriately housed, these individuals are better able to get the help they need. Resources can be concentrated in the area.

My priority would be housing families.

Current, sit/lie ordinances have only served to move the population west of downtown and are not long-term solutions.

Impact of Drug Use on Our Community

We must pay to deal with the adverse effects of drug use within the city limits of Colorado Springs. Therefore, we should allow marijuana sales within the city limits so the significant taxes earned could fund the police and other first responders, as well as other programs to combat the side effects.

The current Council’s approval of an 8000-seat amphitheater surrounded by neighborhoods and within 500 feet of TCA is dangerous. It is bringing these issues to our front doors.

Police must be trained to deal with this constantly evolving threat to protect themselves and all of us.

Engagement with the Faith Community

I worked with Henry Allen, Jr. as the Legal Advisor to the Pikes Peak Southern Christian Leadership Council. I drafted Asylum Petitions for Afghan Refugees on a project from Lutheran Family Services, Catholic Charities, and the Colorado Lawyers Committee.

As I stated before, an At-Large City Council member represents all of the citizens of Colorado Springs. I will do my best to hear the concerns of all without regard to faith.

BRIAN RISLEY

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL: www.BrianRisleyforCOS.com

Email Address: Info@BrianRisleyforCOS.com

Occupation/Vocation: Architect

Resident of Colorado Springs: 49 years

Political Leanings

One of the reasons I am interested in City Council is because it is supposed to be nonpartisan, and that reflects my approach and overall philosophy. That said, as a small business owner, I am fiscally conservative and believe in free market capitalism. I also believe in the rights of property owners, which is often viewed as a conservative position.

Your Experience and Vision

As a native of Colorado Springs, I have seen our community change in many ways and I deeply understand our history as well as our current trajectory. As the current Chair of the El Paso County Planning Commission and a practicing architect, I understand land use matters and regional growth issues better than most and I understand how to incorporate and value robust public input. As a small business owner, I understand how to balance a budget, work within the financial means of an organization, manage employees, consultants and clients. Every day, we work to build consensus among diverse stakeholders to find solutions that most can rally around. All of these are critical traits for a member of City Council.

Defending Constitutional Liberties

Because I believe in limiting the role of any government, I believe the City and County should focus on critical services and programs that cannot be provided through any other method. As a member of City Council, I will constantly question whether or not an initiative or decision aligns with serving the core mission of government or if it begins to become burdensome to residents and businesses. If it appears that an issue is overreach beyond the core purposes of the City, I will object and would want to understand why the issue is being raised in the first place.

Utilities/Infrastructure

State electrification mandates do not align with the capabilities of utility providers given the implementation timeline. These mandates are in direct opposition with affordable housing goals. We need to push back against these requirements to prevent undue expenses for our rate payers. In terms of water, CSU has done a good job forecasting water needs and developing resources before they become critical. The SDS system is a prime example as is water sharing programs that CSU is currently brokering with Arkansas Valley users. We know that development will eventually occur regardless of whether it is in CSU’s service area. If developed in the county or outside of CSU, non-renewable ground water will be utilized instead of renewable water through CSU.

Crime and Police

Continuing to adequately fund the police department is critical to ensure officers are properly trained and equipped which drives recruitment and retention. Signaling our support for the law enforcement community beyond just funding is also important. We need to communicate our gratitude to officers for keeping our families safe and giving us the opportunity to prosper. Additionally, local education leaders have called for criminal justice career pathways linking high school and college students with vacancies on the police force and as a city, we need to support these innovative approaches. Other creative approaches such as the use of non-sworn staff has also helped offset the demand on sworn offices and we need to continue being creative with our solutions.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As a Councilperson, how will you ensure the protection of the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

While important issues, these are not central to the core mission of the city and therefore not under the purview of City Council unless there is a law enforcement component at play.

Business/Jobs

What specifically should the City Council do, if anything, to bring more businesses/jobs to Colorado Springs?

By limiting government overreach and tax burden on our community, we have established an attractive environment for businesses to thrive. We need to remain focused on providing the core government services that make Colorado Springs a great place to live and work. Addressing smart growth and affordable housing, maintaining and growing parks and trails, and providing incentives to companies all benefit the local economy and drive job growth.

Affordable Housing

The city should take an active role in housing affordability by encouraging smart growth throughout the community. We should rapidly approve projects that comply with land development code requirements and we should continue encouraging creative use of land. Focusing only on single family, detached dwellings is not the answer. Accessory Dwelling Units, Tiny homes, multi-family housing and Infill developments can all be part of the mix, but context and surrounding uses must be considered in any case. Until state construction defect laws are changed, affordability will continue to be a challenge and leveraging creative and innovative solutions must continue. Smarty growth, by definition, balances the need for affordable housing while maintain the quality of life we all expect.

Homelessness/Vagrancy

How can the City Council address the increase in the homeless/vagrant population in our city in ways that best serve all Colorado Springs residents?

If we want to truly address homelessness, we need to focus more on the underlying issues. Our city has made some good strides toward focusing resources on mental health, drug addiction and other root causes, but there is much more to be done. Working with local non-profits, the city needs to continue supporting efforts to provide wrap around services including early intervention, mental health and addiction treatment, development of supportive housing and deploying preventative measures before someone finds themselves on the street with limited options. While it is important to be compassionate toward suffering individuals, we also need to be aware of the impacts of homelessness on the overall community.

Impact of Drug Use on Our Community

Because this is a public safety issue, it is within the purview of the City as a law enforcement matter. As the father of a middle schooler, nothing upsets me more than hearing the stories of drug abuse that is rampant in many of our schools, libraries, and other public places. I have seen the decline in quality of life and the increase in homelessness as a result of lax drug policies. These policies not only cause harm to the overall community, but are destroying the lives of those caught in addiction. The use of drugs, regardless of their legality, drives costs up for the city and all tax payers through increased burden on law enforcement, cleanup efforts in parks and open space, pressure on the healthcare system, and lost productivity. Now that we have lived with these consequences for many years, we need to seriously reconsider some of the past decisions that were made.

Engagement with the Faith Community

Although faith based organizations are a very important aspect of our community, my interaction with them as a member of City Council would be limited to the core services provided by the city. On a personal and professional note however, I am a person of faith and my firm works with many local faith based organizations. We have always been honored and humbled to support the missions of these important institutions and we know how their work makes a positive impact on our community.

ROLAND RAINEY, JR.

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL: www.RolandRainey.com

Email Address: RolandRaineyCOS@gmail.com

Occupation/Vocation: Director, Defense Strategic Business Development

Military Background: Retired, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Combat Veteran (26.6 years of service)

Resident of Colorado Springs: 14 years

Political Leanings

I am a fiscal conservative who believes in limited government, lower taxes, free trade, and spending the taxpayer’s money on our crucial needs, such as public safety and works.

Your Experience and Vision

I have over 30 years of robust experience leading small to large organizations in the business sector, military, aerospace industry, sports, and community. I have successfully managed Department of Defense national security assets valued at over $6 billion and as an entrepreneur, I know how to effectively manage critical resources which will aid greatly in assessing the city’s budget. My previous experience as a civilian Public Safety Officer and in Emergency Management will help me work with our first responders. I have successfully performed volunteer work across our city and awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Within my first year, I will work with the Chief of Police office to identify ways to bring CSPD manpower back to appropriate levels.

Defending Constitutional Liberties

I would push for more use of Home Rule so we can ensure our own local control, with the ability to continue crafting our own ordinances and make decisions based on our local needs.

Utilities/Infrastructure

While the City Council makes up the CSU board with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), it could use a wider array of industry professionals when assessing utility rates. I would like to advocate for adding CSU Support Task Forces comprised of various SMEs in specific areas of interest (i.e., electricity, natural gas, etc.).

I currently support placing a specific number on water supply requirements prior to a new annexation. Also, I support the recent establishment of a City Task Force to assess our water supply concerns. I would request the Task Force look into the current diversion of water to other states such as Arizona and California, and diversion of water to Lake Mead and Lake Powell.

Crime and Police

First, we must acknowledge the perfect storm of events that led to many officers resigning their positions: 1.) Colorado Police Reform, 2.) Devon Bailey shooting, 3.) George Floyd murder and protests across the country, 4.) Realigning jail system, 5.) COVID. These collective events put officers deeper in harm’s way, while simultaneously wrestling with the notion that their local government is not supporting them as public servants.

We need to address the recruitment issue by ensuring new hires/recruits that their department and city council supports them 100% while performing their duties in accordance with the law.
We need to conduct year-round recruitment from various organizations (i.e., Military Law Enforcement units, local community security units, and Pikes Peak Job Fairs).

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As a Councilperson, how will you ensure the protection of the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

In order to ensure the applicable protections, we as a city need to bring together instruments of human rights, our religious institutes, and community support organizations to directly tackle these issues.

Business/Jobs

What specifically should the City Council do, if anything, to bring more businesses/jobs to Colorado Springs?

I would like to see new large companies invest in my initiative of a Colorado Springs Tech Job Corps (CSTJC). The CSTJC will aim to provide advance tech training for qualified small business employees, high school graduates, and those blue-collar workers who are willing to advance their skills that may be falling behind due to the swift evolution of technology. In return, these companies will receive a steady pipeline of employees, thus, providing citizens opportunities right here in our city. Hence, kids don’t have to depart Colorado Springs to find better opportunities…those opportunities will reside right here in our city. We also need to keep our city tax burden low.

Affordable Housing

A fluctuating economy and inflation has driven the high costs in the housing market, which I believe we all understand at this point, but how do we combat this issue? First, let’s understand affordable housing is a market driven issue and we need to allow the free market to operate and answer the supply and demand of affordable housing with the least amount of government interference. In addition, various Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs will help low-income households locate affordable housing and pay for rent.

Homelessness/Vagrancy

How can the City Council address the increase in the homeless/vagrant population in our city in ways that best serve all Colorado Springs residents?

While the number of homeless is increasing, to include homeless camps, I believe we need to re-examine how homelessness is addressed in our city. Far too often, we count on and expect our undermanned Police Department to eradicate homelessness through enforcement. As citizens, we have witnessed that this does not have the desired effect we seek. I would like to see a City-Wide Task-Force Effort consisting of multiple agencies that can explore various solutions to address homelessness by examining successful programs from around the globe (i.e. London’s Buses4Homeless Program) that Colorado Springs may be able to take tips from. We need to galvanize the efforts of Shelters, Non-Profits, and local community organizations.

Impact of Drug Use on Our Community

I support the City’s current position banning recreational Marijuana and recommend we as a city discuss various paths to re-assess how we can place a restriction on these psychedelic drugs in our community. In the meantime, we need to continue to educate parents on the effect of these drugs via educational, religious, and medical institutions. We also need to emphasize the negative effects through various media outlets.

Engagement with the Faith Community

I engage with the local faith community via friends and family members. I currently have a friend and former co-worker who are religions leaders (preacher and priest) who I have received counsel and guidance from, which has made me a stronger man, father, and leader. I am a man of faith and hope to display how this foundation has allowed me to navigate life.

GLENN CARLSON

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL: www.ElectGlennCarlson.com

Email Address: ElectGlennCarlson@gmail.com

Occupation/Vocation: Business Owner

Resident of Colorado Springs: Native, all 39 years

Political Leanings

I consider myself to lean slightly left socially and slightly right fiscally. I believe in individual liberties while at the same time promoting individual responsibility as well. These are, indeed, nonpartisan races (thank goodness) and my job is to represent all of the people in COS, even the ones I disagree with.

Your Experience and Vision

As a COS native; I have lived, worked, volunteered, and played here my entire life. This is home, simply put. Having experience working in a global leadership capacity for Colorado’s largest company and now running our own business with our 35 employees, I see first-hand what concerns and challenges people face. I have a responsibility to utilize my skillsets, energy, and creativity to leave COS better than I found it. At 39 years old, I have a great deal of experience, but also the energy to tackle some of our greatest challenges. I represent a fresh face on city council.

Defending Constitutional Liberties

As mentioned, I believe in individual liberties, but also individual responsibility. My goal is to allow COS the maximum amount of autonomy over nearly all issues while realizing that we are part of a great state and nation and must work together to achieve mutual goals.

Utilities/Infrastructure

As a business owner and multiple property owner, I have undoubtedly seen the pain from rate increases. That being said, utilities are highly regulated and when energy prices have come down we have also seen many rate reductions, but nobody likes to talk about those, which is unfair to council. In addition, the rate increases we have seen are purely due to inflation and other global events and not the shift to renewables. Getting a hold of inflation will help in the fight against rising energy prices. COS needs a comprehensive water plan and a renewed focus on reducing waste as well.

Crime and Police

Being a police officer is a tough job and recruiting has become hard for nearly all police departments. Thankfully, we have an increased budget to compete for those jobs with better pay. I also think having a continuous police academy will ease the recruiting efforts. I also believe further engagement with the community will yield better police/community relationships.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As a Councilperson, how will you ensure the protection of the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

We have done a great job of establishing public/private partnerships to alleviate many of these issues and must continue to invest in these partnerships.

Business/Jobs

What specifically should the City Council do, if anything, to bring more businesses/jobs to Colorado Springs?

As a business owner with over 30 employees, I know how tough it can be running a business. We need someone on council that knows how that works and can ensure their voice is heard. I believe I can be an asset in this area for our city to attract, recruit, and keep good jobs for our citizens.

Affordable Housing

It’s no secret the prices of just about everything have gone up. It’s especially painful when the single largest household expense, housing, has seen dramatic price increases. With the increase in interest rates in an effort to dampen inflation and a restoration in critical supply chains, it has applied downwards pressure on home prices, but we have a ways to go. From a municipal standpoint, we need to be looking at all options to ensure we are not adding undue upwards price pressure to the equation. Getting a hold of inflation will have the greatest effect on this.

Homelessness/Vagrancy

How can the City Council address the increase in the homeless/vagrant population in our city in ways that best serve all Colorado Springs residents?

As mentioned above, we have actually reduced homelessness in recent years by establishing great public/private partnerships with organizations like the Pikes Peak Rescue Mission, Greccio Housing, Goodwill, and more. We need to continue to support these partners.

Impact of Drug Use on Our Community

The voters decided in November that we should not allow recreational marijuana and I intend to respect that vote. I do intend to do whatever it takes to attack this Fentanyl crisis and promise that I will pursue maximum sentencing for dealers

Engagement with the Faith Community

I believe in a live and let live policy. I respect all people’s beliefs and intend to work with all people no matter their religion or belief system.

JAY INMAN

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL: www.JayInmanForCouncil.com

Email Address: Campaign@JayInmanForCouncil.com

Occupation/Vocation: Writer, Publisher, Enterprise Architect

Military Background: Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel

Resident of Colorado Springs: 20+ years

Political Leanings

Politics is truth applied to community. Common Sense Solutions are not all glitz and glamor but answering the questions of how we organize and sustain community so that it promotes citizen flourishing. Quality of life and economic opportunity are the central themes of my campaign. I am a limited Government advocate. Watching COS grow and develop, I listen to the concerns of my neighbors and community. Primary concerns in discussions are: crime and public safety, housing and development, transportation, City as well as County services, innovation and business opportunity, and education of our children. Running for City Council is about serving my community, quality of life, and maximizing economic opportunity for my family, neighbors, and fellow citizens of Colorado Springs.

Your Experience and Vision

My family and I have been part of this community over 20 years and raised our kids here. I retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel and recently retired from Microsoft as an Enterprise Architect. In both roles, I designed and built data centers down the axis of the Euphrates River, in a missionary hospital in southeast Asia, along the Rocky Mountain Front Range, and was the Architect at AF Space Command who helped move 700,000 AF systems into the Microsoft Cloud. As a small businessman, I wrote and published 17 books, and helped multiple authors publish their books. I have a master’s degree in History and serve our community on the School District 20 District Accountability Committee (DAC).

Defending Constitutional Liberties

I will protect them to the greatest extent possible but we have serious problems. Denver and Washington DC inflict things on us that violate our Constitution. As we struggle against this, I want our city school districts to do one thing for my grandkids – Teach the US Constitution to all grades and all students in city school districts one hour per week. Next, I will support our county Sherriff’s declaration that he will not violate county citizen’s 2^nd Amendment rights. We regretfully get to experience attacks on our Constitutional Rights playing out, but I 100% support protecting city citizens’ constitutional rights. After all – our oath on city Council is to the US and State Constitutions.

Utilities/Infrastructure

Over the past 5 years, the typical four-service Utilities bill almost doubled. As a Utilities Board member, I will put in the time necessary to pour through all documents related to cost. I will ensure the Community has real options for generation of power including the appropriate mix of generation to ensure reliability and best cost with respect to our community’s electricity future. That means using fossil fuels in an environmentally responsible manner. It also means providing low-cost hydroelectric generation by leveraging our municipal water system, and the Western Area Power Administration hydroelectric program. Water is an ongoing challenge. We are fortunate that our community has robust water delivery systems, but that requires diligence now and into the future.

Crime and Police

Colorado Springs saw 54 murders in 2022, more than in any year since 1985. Our State prison population has been reduced 23% over the past decade, but our serious crime rate in has increased 42%. In this turmoil, our city has a severe shortage in police recruitment and retention within CSPD. Even if CSPD adds more than 100 officers by the end of the year, more officers will be needed. CSPD has 745 officers, but resources continue to be stretched thin. As a Councilman, I want to have a voice, to step up to this table and be part of something great. Motivated additions to the police force will be crucial for public safety goals going forward.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As a Councilperson, how will you ensure the protection of the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

Politics is truth applied to community. Common Sense Solutions are not all glitz and glamor but answering the questions of how we organize and sustain community, working together, so that it promotes citizen lives – including the unborn – their lives flourishing as we protect their economic opportunity. This question highlights legislation imposed on Colorado for unrestricted abortion and a clause in that legislation that forbids communities and counties from blocking this access. If we have a chance to push forward protection of the unborn in our city that, while denied at the state level, would take this issue to the Supreme Court, It would have my vote.

Business/Jobs

What specifically should the City Council do, if anything, to bring more businesses/jobs to Colorado Springs?

Keep Taxes low and our municipal government focused on public safety, public works // infrastructure, and parks. The classic services of municipal government. We recovered faster from COVID than most major cities. Despite the era of prosperity and increased public investment in infrastructure since 2015, Colorado Springs residents enjoy among the lowest municipal tax burdens of any city in the country. The city’s per capita tax burden averages $800, a third of the average tax burden of residents in our country’s 100 largest cities. We must keep sight of the fact that you can have a very prosperous city and a low tax burden. High tax burdens are ultimately hostile to a city’s growth and prosperity.

Affordable Housing

As to the need for affordable and attainable housing in the face of rapidly rising rents and home costs, the worst thing we could do is defy market demand and curtail building new single family and multi-family housing. We need a broader range of housing choices for our residents, not a smaller one. As to affordable, or below market subsidized housing, we should recognize and appreciate the tremendous gains we’ve made over the last several years. We more than doubled the output of affordable housing units in the city over the past six years. I strongly discourage future city leaders from getting the city directly into the housing business itself. On a national level, such efforts are historically unproductive.

Homelessness/Vagrancy

How can the City Council address the increase in the homeless/vagrant population in our city in ways that best serve all Colorado Springs residents?

Police and Fire conduct effective outreach to those who refuse shelter, enforcing no camping bans and our “don’t sit, don’t lie” ordinance. Future mayors and city councils must maintain this approach to avoid the disasters that beset other large cities. Denver is a cautionary tale. In three years, Denver dropped from ranking the 2nd best place to live in the U.S. to the 55th because of crime, homelessness, and the pervasive presence of marijuana. We cut our unsheltered census by 50% in the last five years, one of very few major cities with a reduction. We have enough shelter beds to accommodate anyone who wants shelter and access to health care, behavioral health care, substance abuse treatment and employment opportunities.

Impact of Drug Use on Our Community

I am 100% opposed to cannabis or any other Controlled Substance legalization. Colorado Springs residents voted against Cannabis when asked to approve 115 recreational marijuana dispensaries on last November’s ballot. Fentanyl continues to be a state-imposed disaster. After Trinidad approved recreational marijuana, people and business moved away, and it is a 3^rd world hole in the ground. Crime and homelessness accompanied their legalization of marijuana. As a former Army commander, I believe that no commander worth his salt would move troopers and families into a city with legal recreational marijuana. We won’t see this impact spoken about, but I believe legalizing Marijuana might cost our city a billion dollars in federal presence of troops, federal paychecks, bases, and supporting contractors.

Engagement with the Faith Community

After 20 years in the Army, leading Army troopers in combat in Iraq, life and professionalism to me are simple. Love your neighbor as yourself. Through a tough year in southwest Asia, rockets and mortars every 3 to 5 days, I did not lose a single trooper. I had a few wounded by shrapnel. Visiting my troopers in the Balad Hospital, it is a humbling truth that a quarter inch under the surface of the skin, no matter the skin color, race, man or woman, we all bleed red. Life is so precious. I held their hands in the Balad hospital, prayed with them, and did not lose a single one. That will be with me until my last breath.

CHINETA DAVIS

Candidate Information

Candidate Chose to Not Participate

Campaign Website: www.ChinetaDavis.com

Email Address: ChinetaDavisForCityCouncil@gmail.com

GORDON KLINGENSCHMITT

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL: www.GordonForColorado.com

Email Address: GordonForColorado@yahoo.com

Occupation/Vocation: Chaplain

Military Background: 20-year Veteran, Air Force Academy graduate, U.S. Space Command, Navy Chaplain, honorable discharges

Resident of the Colorado Springs: Since 1986, all my adult life except for military assignments, 27 years in residence

Political Leanings

My name is Gordon Klingenschmitt, a compassionate conservative, and experienced leadership matters. As a formerly elected State Representative, I was twice rated the most conservative legislator from our county by the non-partisan Liberty Scorecard, and named Taxpayer Champion or Guardian. As a former Navy Chaplain I took a stand for religious freedom by daring to pray publicly “in Jesus’ name” when the government punished chaplains who did that. I was later vindicated by Congress, and have sent 5 million petitions to Congress for pro-life, pro-family, pro-liberty issues.

Your Experience and Vision

No other candidate for city council but Gordon Klingenschmitt has a proven fiscal conservative voting record. I’m also a business leader, earned my M.B.A. founded two successful business, and met payroll for employees. I’m also a man of compassion, having led a charity since 1999 that now feeds nearly 1,000 orphans and children overseas, cares for widows, and broadcasts the gospel. I’m a 20-year veteran, honorably discharged from the Air Force (USSPACECOM) and Navy (Chaplain), an Academy graduate in Political Science. I’ve earned my PhD and taught college, support teachers, and we’re building a trade-vocational school for poor children to learn independence. We donate free coats to homeless veterans in Colorado Springs. See priorities below.

Defending Constitutional Liberties

Not only have I defended the Constitution for 20 years in uniform, my pro-liberty organization has helped change bad laws in 13 states and 4 times in federal law, defending the First Amendment and your right to freedom of religion and speech. As a legislator and concealed-carry permittee I have defended your Second Amendment right. As a conservative I have repeatedly voted “no” on overtaxation and resisted growth of government, preferring growth of liberty for all.

Utilities/Infrastructure

Responsible growth should be tied to respect for property rights, with the free market providing the most popular homes or businesses to buyers or shoppers willing to pay for them. Now instead, they’re connected to water usage. Water rights in our State Constitution are private property rights, traded openly on the free market. When our city taxpayers pay to procure water rights, they should have fair access to use they city water for which they’ve already paid, without waste, pollution or intrusion, and without leakage to nonpaying customers. Annexation of future developments should carefully plan to match the need for resources projected for future users, to minimize housing costs and provide fair equitable access.

Crime and Police

My #1 priority if elected is to support our first responders for enhanced public safety including police, fire, medical and community caregivers. As a 20-year veteran I’ve worn a uniform and have advocated for better pay for new recruits. As a certified strategic planner to 3-star and 4-star generals, I’ve also re-worked organization charts to increase “tooth-to-tail” ratios by planning flatter organization charts with less overhead and more combat readiness. Our county sheriff recently reorganized to create 8 new patrol positions simply by eliminating 2 top brass (at the same cost), so I’ll be asking if 911 response times would be reduced by following suit within our city police structure.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As a Councilperson, how will you ensure the protection of the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

I’m running for city council at-large on a “Love Your Neighbor” campaign, which means I pledge to vote the same way I believe you would, if you were in my shoes, and I were in yours. As a charity leader I’ve already led a charity since 1999 that now feeds nearly 1,000 orphans and children overseas, cares for widows, and broadcasts the gospel. After my service as a Navy Chaplain I cared for the elderly in 3 nursing homes in Colorado Springs, and have sent 2 million petitions to Congress for the right to life of the unborn.

Business/Jobs

What specifically should the City Council do, if anything, to bring more businesses/jobs to Colorado Springs?

I’m the only candidate that I’m aware of openly campaigning to lower our city sales tax and stop overspending. Why must Colorado Springs taxpayers pay 8.25% which is higher than Denver, Pueblo, and Castle Rock? With inflation doubling gas and grocery prices, citizens cannot afford caviar and champagne government. Let’s stop overspending and make Colorado Springs and affordable place for families to live. Has the exodus from California taught us nothing else, but that we cannot tax and regulate our way into prosperity and freedom? City Council should ease burdens, not create them.

Affordable Housing

I will work with bi-partisan stakeholders, as I did when I served in the legislature, to examine the causes of hyper-inflated housing. Frivolous litigation against builders for non-existent “construction defects” has effectively halted new construction of owner-occupied condominiums. Affordable home ownership must be increased, and government-regulations reduced, since they add unnecessary layers of cost and inflation.

Homelessness/Vagrancy

How can the City Council address the increase in the homeless/vagrant population in our city in ways that best serve all Colorado Springs residents?

With compassion. My own charity buys and gives away free coats to the homeless at Christmas. Cooperation between city officials, law-enforcement, and private charities must be enhanced and continue to provide beds and counseling to people experiencing homelessness. Thankfully the Colorado Springs Rescue Mission and Marion House and other charities have sufficient beds to offer, which triggers a state law allowing our police to keep sidewalks and campsites safe and clear. (Denver cannot say the same, so they face tent cities on public sidewalks.)

Impact of Drug Use on Our Community

Fentanyl and opioid addiction is a deadly criminal scourge, and dealers must be fully prosecuted. Our city voters properly rejected recreational pot, but statewide mushrooms passed and must now be regulated. Because I stand for individual liberty, I oppose slavery caused by addiction. Government should not allow crooks to enslave their neighbors, causing them addiction that requires every month they turn over their money or body to their master to get their next fix. Tech employers and the military need a sober workforce to grow our economy and keep us safe.

Engagement with the Faith Community

As a PhD in Theology, Master of Divinity, I’ve taught college (Bible and Theology) for 3 years at Colorado Christian University. As a national TV host of Pray In Jesus’ Name News (as “Dr. Chaps”) I have produced 10 years and 2000 programs, often interviewing local pastors and ministry leaders to promote their service to Christ. As a former Navy Chaplain, my community service programs won 6 awards including best in Navy. I will continue to be a leading voice in the Christian community.

Learn more at my web-sites, and I’d be honored to earn your vote on April 4th, please vote for Gordon Klingenschmitt. Thank you!

JANE NORTHRUP GLENN

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL: www.JaneNorthrupGlenn.com

Email Address: JaneNorthrupGlenn@gmail.com

Occupation/Vocation: Entrepreneur

Military Background: Wife of (Ret) USAF Lt. Col.

Resident of Colorado Springs: 1973-1985, 2016-present

Political Leanings

In 2016 I asked the Lord how to vote. He answered, “The parties are not Mine. Do not vote for either.” My Christian friends thought I needed intervention. So, I asked again. “Am I supposed to vote for Donald Trump?” Jesus replied, “No.” I immediately unaffiliated from the Republican party and wrote in a cartoon character for President. My political philosophy is based on free will for people to make decisions for themselves, some of which have consequences that the Lord should deal with, not the government. I am extremely fiscally conservative. I believe in the Bible and the Constitution. God is the source of truth and morality. God protects us. God provides. I do not trust the government.

Your Experience and Vision

I am the author of two prophetic books, “God Punched Back” and “God’s Public Option”, both of which lay out the why and how God will protect us through what is coming. Jesus will lead people to Colorado Springs as the country devolves so we need to prepare for them. I am an obedient leader with an ability to take in lots of information and understand how things are connected including between seemingly unrelated things. This wiring helps me to catch discrepancies and even offer solutions that others may not have seen. In addition to that I can see things from multiple perspectives and explain an issue in different ways to get the opposing stakeholders to the same destination.

Defending Constitutional Liberties

We ain’t seen nothing yet. We need to be concerned with state and federal grants and subsidies. This money is meant to usher in the U.N. 2030 Agenda goals to every level of government. These global goals include plans for universal environmental, health and equity regulations. Those are the regulations we need to pay attention to. The Lord told me that we need to stop the flow of that money to the city to strengthen Home Rule Authority. In addition, we need to establish what I describe as a parallel marketplace and governing system, like the Amish on steroids, to circumvent the current and future government overreach. I have been given the divine blueprint to do this.

Utilities/Infrastructure

This is a complex issue that I do not understand. I do know that we are in a danger zone with our resources. From a practical perspective, I will follow the lead of councilmembers who know how to address this and are not lackeys for the developers. Candidates that I know fall into this category are Jaymen Johnson, Jay Inman, and Scott Hiller in District 3. We also need to stop annexations until we have accurate data on the state of our current resources and options. From a spiritual perspective, CSU and City Council need to make sure we’re not stealing water from other areas under the guise of “win-win” contracts because we need the favor of the Lord.

Crime and Police

We must reestablish respect for police officers to successfully recruit. Colorado passed a law removing qualified immunity from police officers, effectively destroying the morale of every officer in the state. To send a message to the legislators, the City needs to add a budget line item covering personal liability insurance for every officer. We need a citywide campaign reminding people to cooperate with officers while they’re doing their job so we can better identify officers that need to be removed from duty for abusive tactics. We need to be creative about getting repeat offenders off the street by researching old laws still on the books and passing local ordinances to jail them for violating them.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As a Councilperson, how will you ensure the protection of the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

The government has proven to be absolutely useless in these areas (and many others). So, my question to you is how will the church ensure this? For starters, every Christian in this city needs to stop willfully sinning. Then, confess those sins and repent so your prayers are powerful and effective. I’m certain you will hear from Jesus Christ about your personal role in protecting the vulnerable. The Gospel, not the government, will radically protect the lives of the unborn, the trafficked and the elderly.

Business/Jobs

What specifically should the City Council do, if anything, to bring more businesses/jobs to Colorado Springs?

City Council should not be offering dowries to bring businesses to Colorado Springs. Businesses should establish themselves here because they truly love the city. The city is the shot caller, not the businesses. As a matter of fact, we should be looking at ways to make it more difficult for businesses that engage in global ESG practices to take root here. The truth is that more people want to work for themselves, and we need to make it easier for them to do so. I envision a city filled with entrepreneurs and lots of mobile businesses: mobile tattoo shops, nail salons, and every service and product available. Whatever needs to be done at the local level to make this happen, needs to be done.

Affordable Housing

The only way to organically make a city affordable is to make it undesirable. However, because the Lord has declared Colorado Springs a refugee city for the end times, that makes us desirable. So, how do we deal with this? We need to understand that we have entered a new era and home ownership will be for physical protection and no longer for passing down generational wealth. Jesus wants His people housed and He has shown me how to establish a private membership, covenant community that will legally circumvent tenant/landlord laws, rent control, and other anti-freedom regulation while meeting the needs of everyone. God is good and we should be looking to Him for direction, not the government.

Homelessness/Vagrancy

How can the City Council address the increase in the homeless/vagrant population in our city in ways that best serve all Colorado Springs residents?

Jesus intimately knows every homeless person. Sixteen months ago, the Lord told me to say something very specific to an older homeless man and his dog. When I spoke the words that made no sense to me, he cried. Today, this man has permanent housing and has been baptized. Throughout this journey, the Lord showed me the flaws in the government system and how to correct them using the church. I am prepared to show Christ followers how to help a portion of the homeless population immediately and with no help from the government. It requires a paradigm shift and a will to do the Father’s work.

Impact of Drug Use on Our Community

An argument can be made that alcohol has destroyed more lives than most other drugs, especially marijuana. An argument can be made that the use of drugs, like alcohol, should not be illegal because we have laws for crimes that are committed under the influence of those. I see the other side of the debate, too. The supernatural danger with marijuana and psychedelics, which is different from alcohol, is a connection to the spirit realm that confuses people about who the one true God is. That said, natural laws are not most effective for spiritual problems because God and Satan and angels and demons don’t have to obey them. Get Jesus back into your home, stop sinning and pray.

Engagement with the Faith Community

I met with three churches and two faith groups to share the vision the Lord gave me for the church to take care of people rather than the government. One representative said he believed that the plan was divine, and intriguing. None showed any interest in participating. For this reason, pastors and the organized church will soon become irrelevant while individual Christ followers will lead others to eternal salvation. The God that I serve does not share a stage with other gods and “some form of Christianity” may not be Christianity at all. So, if elected, I will speak the name of Jesus Christ only, but I will support laws that give everyone the same freedom to worship.

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Christian voting

Voting is a simple, yet significant way to do something about public policy in our country. As people of faith, we will be held accountable for our actions, as well as our lack of action. (Luke 12:48)

Biblical worldview

By diligently learning, applying, and trusting God’s truths in every area of our lives, we can begin to develop a deep comprehensive faith that will stand against the unrelenting tide of our culture’s non-biblical ideas.

Vote your values

The issues of the day change. Political parties and platforms change. God’s Word never changes. The vote of every Christian should be based on the principles of Scripture and not persuasive personalities.

Electing righteous leaders

Bad governance and our loss of freedom is the direct result of the church’s failure to disciple. When the citizenry do not seek to be obedient to God’s Law, they vote in wicked and corrupt candidates, who then trample underfoot the God-given liberties of the people.