2025 Vacancy Election
EL PASO COUNTY
D5 COUNTY COMMISSIONER
CANDIDATES
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EPC Commissioner D5 Vacancy Election Candidates
Listed in Ballot Order
THE TOPICS
& QUESTIONS
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Candidate Information
Campaign Website URL:
Email Address:
Occupation/Vocation:
Military Background (if any):
Years Resident of El Paso County/District Represented:
Your Experience, Priorities, and Vision
What experience (personal, professional, other), priorities, and vision do you have for the elected office that you seek that will benefit your constituency?
Ethics and Accountability
1st Amendment
2nd Amendment
What is your position on gun legislation regarding topics such as mandatory gun insurance, an increased minimum age to purchase a gun, so-called “assault weapons” bans, and creating various new “sensitive spaces” (additional “gun-free zones”)?
Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism
Over the past year there has been a sharp rise in the expression of anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism both across our nation and in Colorado, especially among youth. What do you view as the cause(s) of these sociopolitical issues, and what if anything should be done to address them?
The Economy and Resources
As an elected official, what initiatives would you champion to improve the local economy, and what are your priorities for addressing policies on water, energy, and other resources?
Education
If elected, what would you do to help improve the educational outcomes for students in our area? What is your position on parental authority in K-12 education, including school choice, parental notifications, etc.?
Protecting the Vulnerable
If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?
Crime
What are your thoughts about crime in Colorado and our community? If elected, how will you work to reduce the impact of crime on your constituents?
Immigration
Do you believe that illegal entries into the U.S. have led to problems for our region? If so, what would you do if elected to improve the situation? Also, what is your view of sanctuary cities/counties?
Election Security and Confidence
Do you believe that elections in Colorado should be conducted differently? (For example, should people be required to show proof of citizenship and residency for registering to vote in Colorado, and should Government-issued identification be required to vote?) If elected, what specifically will you do to help improve Coloradans’ confidence in our elections?
LAUREN NELSON
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survey question and reply
Candidate Information
Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website URL: www.ElectLaurenNelson.com
Email Address: ElectLauren.Nelson@gmail.com
Occupation/Vocation: County Commissioner District 5
Years Resident of El Paso County/District Represented: Born and raised in El Paso County, 30 years total, 10 years away for college and work, returned to raise a family here.
Your Experience, Priorities, and Vision
What experience (personal, professional, other), priorities, and vision do you have for the elected office that you seek that will benefit your constituency?
I believe all people are created with inherent value and that freedom is essential to express our uniquegifts and talents. The role of government is to protect individual rights and respect private property. I want to champion limited government and ensure appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. Since receiving the appointment in June I have greatly enjoyed the work as a public servant. I am passionate about good governance and policy development. As an example, I enjoy thinking about whether a program should fall to the responsibility of county government, if it is a wise use of taxpayer dollars, or if the work makes more sense for a non-profit. These are the kinds of questions I will continue to ask.
Ethics and Accountability
What are your beliefs on ethics, accountability, and transparency in government as they relate to the position that you are seeking? Also, what is your position on accountability measures voted into law by Colorado’s electorate, such as the Colorado Sunshine Law and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)?
Government must be accountable and transparent to the people. It exists to serve the people, and it is for the people, by the people, that it was created. TABOR prevents government growing without control by placing guardrails around its revenue source – taxes. TABOR and sunshine laws must be respected and protected as they help to maintain ethical stewardship of funding and responsible decision-making.
1st Amendment
If elected, what will you do to protect your constituents’ rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning the government for a redress of grievances?
I believe the role of government is to protect individual rights and respect private property. These are the principles I will use to make decisions. As an elected official I take an oath to protect the Constitution and this plays out in the day-to-day work on the Board of County Commissioners. I see at the state level that elected officials are forcing ideologies on citizens and I am motivated to fight back. The freedom’s our country was founded upon must be protected and it takes proactive effort to maintain and defend them. Policies and decisions must be viewed through the lens of protecting our first amendment rights.
2nd Amendment
What is your position on gun legislation regarding topics such as mandatory gun insurance, an increased minimum age to purchase a gun, so-called “assault weapons” bans, and creating various new “sensitive spaces” (additional “gun-free zones”)?
“the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” I am a strong second amendment advocate who understands the threat we face in Colorado with a state legislature that wants to infringe upon this right. It is incumbent upon elected leaders in El Paso County to push back on these regulations coming from state and national influences and providing leadership that stands against these infringements. The job of the Commissioners is to lead on these issues where available and ensure that the second amendment is defended at the local level.
Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism
Over the past year there has been a sharp rise in the expression of anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism both across our nation and in Colorado, especially among youth. What do you view as the cause(s) of these sociopolitical issues, and what if anything should be done to address them?
It is tragic how anti-Semitism has become an acceptable ideology to some. Throughout history we have seen this evil flare up and we must be courageous to speak out against it. Education, reminding people of the value of all life, and our shared humanity will be the path away from hatred. Education is again the answer for anti-Americanism sentiments. A hard look at other countries and the fallout from other forms of government such as socialism or communism and the lives of the people that are negatively impacted by them will give perspective. Fighting this was a priority for me when I served on the D11 school board and requires courageous leadership to stand against these dangerous ideologies and teachings.
The Economy and Resources
As an elected official, what initiatives would you champion to improve the local economy, and what are your priorities for addressing policies on water, energy, and other resources?
I would champion low regulation where free markets can thrive. Capitalism is the most fair economic system where individuals can make choices to determine value of products and services. Policies on water, energy and infrastructure must advocate for responsible use and growth. In the case of new development the infrastructure is created through taxing the new and not on the existing residents. This is done through a couple mechanisms such as Metro districts and Public Improvement districts. Both have guardrails so that homeowners are not taxed in perpetuity but the mills on the property are caped and will sunset after a period. Nonsensical green energy initiatives at the state level are increasing costs and must be pushed back against.
Education
If elected, what would you do to help improve the educational outcomes for students in our area? What is your position on parental authority in K-12 education, including school choice, parental notifications, etc.?
I was elected to the Board of Education for Colorado Springs District 11 in 2021 and during my time I advocated for parental involvement and focusing on improving academic outcomes. A couple of examples of my efforts include developing the Parent Partnership Policy, increasing awareness to parents and providing opt out options for surveys, and eliminating the use of the disturbing Healthy Kids survey which asked intrusive questions such as a child’s views on transgenderism (and then defined it because the survey was given to students as young as 6th grade). Through my work as the treasurer on the board I governed a $635+ Million dollar budget advocating for strategic and intentional use of funding to support the mission.
Protecting the Vulnerable
If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?
I am Pro-Life. All life is valuable and those most vulnerable need supported and protected. This is done through policy and funding. There is a limited amount of resources and it is important that we ensure accountability in systems so that individuals are not taking advantage impacting the availability for those that need it most because of abuse. An example would be the changes at the federal level to SNAP benefits. I appreciate the accountability being implemented to make sure able bodied individuals are making efforts at securing work so that those who truly need these supports can benefit. I also believe it is the role of the church to step in as we are called to love our neighbor
Crime
What are your thoughts about crime in Colorado and our community? If elected, how will you work to reduce the impact of crime on your constituents?
Public safety is a priority. I am very grateful to our law enforcement for the job they perform in keeping our community a safe place to raise families. I am honored to have received the endorsement of both our top law enforcement leaders, Sheriff Joe Roybal and D.A. Michael Allen. We must ensure law enforcement is supported and well resourced so that individuals are held accountable for their actions. The commission board approves the budgets for the Sheriff’s and the D.A.’s office. The public safety tax provides around $40 Million dollars in funding for the sheriff’s office and a portion of that money supports the El Paso County jail. I will advocate to maintain a budget that prioritizes public safety.
Immigration
Do you believe that illegal entries into the U.S. have led to problems for our region? If so, what would you do if elected to improve the situation? Also, what is your view of sanctuary cities/counties?
We live in an amazing country, it is understandable that people want to come here. That said, there are legal processes and procedures to move to the United States that must be demanded by elected officials. I do not support the concept of sanctuary cities/counties. Resources are limited and it is the role of government to provide infrastructure and public safety for its citizens who are funding these services through their taxes. Again, this county (and it’s elected officials) must lead on this issue and fight back against policies from Denver that are negatively impacting communities across the front range. Colorado Springs is not immune to these destructive policies of sanctuaries by proxy and shed bright light on this issue.
Election Security and Confidence
Do you believe that elections in Colorado should be conducted differently? (For example, should people be required to show proof of citizenship and residency for registering to vote in Colorado, and should Government-issued identification be required to vote?) If elected, what specifically will you do to help improve Coloradans’ confidence in our elections?
Citizens with valid identification are the only people that should be able to vote in elections. These are the taxpayers, and who the government exists to serve. I always appreciate the efforts that have been made to increase transparency in elections where voters can receive notifications of the steps in the process their ballot is in, but we must be able to also audit our voter rolls, and ensure that every process along the line can be improved upon. There is never a “gold standard” that cannot be reviewed and improved as that is the role of a responsible government and should be the vision of our elected leadership
VICKIE TONKINS
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survey question and reply
Republican Candidate Information
Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website URL: www.VickieTonkins.com
Email Address: Vickie@VickieTonkins.com
Occupation/Vocation: Social Worker for Attorney
Military Background: Family
Years Resident of El Paso County/District Represented: 29 years (Moved away for 4 years to take care of family matters but our ministry was still in Colorado Springs)
Your Experience, Priorities, and Vision
What experience (personal, professional, other), priorities, and vision do you have for the elected office that you seek that will benefit your constituency?
I have decades of experience in Ministry, Education, and local Politics. In 1997, My husband I started The Destiny Project, Inc., a 501c3, in Colorado Springs, serving thousands of young people across many states. My work in education included the establishment of the middle school at James Irwin Charter School and nine years as a Professor of Critical Thinking at The University of Phoenix. I was elected to three two-year terms as the volunteer Chairwoman of the El Paso County Republican Party. I will stand strong, applying critical thinking skills with compassion, in my dedication to the people of El Paso County. My vision is for We the People, ensuring that the Constitution is upheld in all my decisions.
Ethics and Accountability
What are your beliefs on ethics, accountability, and transparency in government as they relate to the position that you are seeking? Also, what is your position on accountability measures voted into law by Colorado’s electorate, such as the Colorado Sunshine Law and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)?
TABOR is the most powerful law that protects Colorado residents – it is in place to protect the people and their tax dollars. TABOR forces government to allow the people to make decisions and puts caps on the amount of tax revenue the state can keep each year. The Sunshine Law requires transparency and accountability for local governments. As commissioners, it is our duty to accommodate the public by offering meetings at varied times so they can stay abreast of decisions that are made. Currently meetings are only held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 am. These meetings should be convenient for the people and not just the five Commissioners. Commissioners work for the people after all.
1st Amendment
If elected, what will you do to protect your constituents’ rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning the government for a redress of grievances?
I will follow the Constitution. Our rights and freedoms come from God and not the government. Our Constitution is clear in the First Amendment that freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly and petitioning the government for redress of grievances is our right as American citizens and will be respected. Our Founders knew that our rights are from God, and much of that is reflected in our Constitution. I encourage citizens to read the Constitution so they will know their rights and will be able to know if government officials are trampling on his or her rights. If you do not know your rights, how can you know if they are being denied?
2nd Amendment
What is your position on gun legislation regarding topics such as mandatory gun insurance, an increased minimum age to purchase a gun, so-called “assault weapons” bans, and creating various new “sensitive spaces” (additional “gun-free zones”)?
I will follow the Constitution. The 2nd Amendment to the Constitution is clear that the right to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Yes, there are criminals that do wicked things with guns but, their actions should never take away the rights of We the People to defend ourselves, our families, and our homes. I do not agree with putting laws and mandates in place that restrict the freedoms of the people. We should never put laws or mandates in place that attempt to override the Constitution of the United States. All elected officials, should know better, and should follow the Constitution in order to govern properly.
Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism
Over the past year there has been a sharp rise in the expression of anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism both across our nation and in Colorado, especially among youth. What do you view as the cause(s) of these sociopolitical issues, and what if anything should be done to address them?
Recent generations do not realize that America is still the freest nation in the world and it should be appreciated and not hated. America is the great melting pot and we welcome all who come here legally and assimilate. Adults and educational institutions should be teaching children the likenesses we have are far greater than the differences. My mother taught me and my six brothers to never judge a person by the outside, let them show you by their actions who they are. Will they be a friend or someone to not associate with? To dislike a person, is due, in part, to not understanding that the person is no different from you, just the melanin is a little different.
The Economy and Resources
As an elected official, what initiatives would you champion to improve the local economy, and what are your priorities for addressing policies on water, energy, and other resources?
I would only support initiatives that comply with our Constitutional limitations. The government should never pick winners and losers, some things about our economy should be left to the private sector. Ronald Reagan famously stated, “Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem.” When it comes to water, energy, and other resources, we should be wise in how we build, share, and conserve all our natural resources. We are to take care of the resources we have, and no law or regulation should become a burden to the people. People need to be free to live their own lives
Education
If elected, what would you do to help improve the educational outcomes for students in our area? What is your position on parental authority in K-12 education, including school choice, parental notifications, etc.?
As a former educator and Charter School champion, I see the educational shortfalls we have put on our children. Our focus should be reading, writing, and arithmetic. America was educationally number one in the world…now we are close to the bottom. Institutions of education left the basics and our children have suffered because of it. Parents have the authority in their child’s education, parents know their child best. No educator should ever tell a child to keep something from their parents and educators should immediately notify parents of any issue arising while their child is at school. Parents have the right to choose what their child will do educationally, which school they will attend, and what they will be taught
Protecting the Vulnerable
If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?
I have worked to protect the unborn since I was 15 years old, that will not stop. People need more education as to what trafficking and abuse looks like. Children are being trafficked and abused right under our noses. Trafficking does not always mean stolen away and sent to other countries and abuse is often far more than a noticeable bruise. Our senior citizens have such a wealth of knowledge that many of us do not take advantage of and our seniors should be celebrated and protected. If we feel someone is having mental issues, it should not be ignored simply because we do not know what to say. We have great resources in our community, including churches and nonprofits.
Crime
What are your thoughts about crime in Colorado and our community? If elected, how will you work to reduce the impact of crime on your constituents?
One main service that government is constitutionally required to provide is protection. Colorado Springs is topping the list of cities with the highest growth in crime. Crime is growing faster here than in Chicago or Detroit. As our county is growing, it is difficult for police and sheriff deputies to maintain services to the community. Budgets need to be increased, but so do penalties for law breakers. “Cashless bail” puts our citizens at risk of criminals escalating their crimes. We can all help by participating in Community Watch Programs to protect our own neighborhoods. We can self-govern and help our neighborhoods at the same time when there is Law Enforcement to make needed arrests. Increase Community Watch in our Communities
Immigration
Do you believe that illegal entries into the U.S. have led to problems for our region? If so, what would you do if elected to improve the situation? Also, what is your view of sanctuary cities/counties?
I believe that illegal aliens have harmed our communities in Colorado, including in El Paso County. All forms of crime are impacted due to illegals including gang violence, car thefts, breaking and entering, sex trafficking, deadly drugs, and murders. If a person is arrested for a crime in our community, their immigration status should be reviewed. Sanctuary cities and counties are not safe for the American Citizen. I am glad previous Commissioners took a stand against Illegals entering our county and I will continue to support this. Americans come before those who come here illegally and American Citizens should be protected by their leaders
Election Security and Confidence
Do you believe that elections in Colorado should be conducted differently? (For example, should people be required to show proof of citizenship and residency for registering to vote in Colorado, and should Government-issued identification be required to vote?) If elected, what specifically will you do to help improve Coloradans’ confidence in our elections?
Yes. It is obvious that a large portion of the voters in our county have questioned the integrity of our elections. I favor elections that require picture ID verification with a distinction of citizenship, paper ballots, hand counted on the same day. This is the best way to restore confidence in our elections. I would like to see a federal holiday for election day(s). At the very least, showing a valid government issued identification verifying US citizenship should be required because only citizens are legally allowed to vote in our elections.
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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.