What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Commissioner that will benefit our county?

I believe the Constitution delegates and dictates our roles in local governmental systems. Politicians should be servant leaders, who advocate for the constituents they serve. I have been a proven advocate for our community for over 10 years. I have worked in a multitude of challenging situations and my skill sets are perfectly aligned for the needs of this servant role.

What is your vision for being one of our County Commissioners?

Our Board of County Commissioners should be comprised of servant leaders working tirelessly to put the citizens of our county back in front. I am not a yes woman, I am willing to stand up and be a dissenting voice when polices threaten the livelihoods and well being of the great people of El Paso County. Too often our politicians have made decisions that have not taken into account every stakeholder affected by each decision. I hope to create a culture of planning and foresight rather than being a reactive board, patching issues as the county continues its rapid growth.

What are the roles, rights, and duties of an El Paso County Commissioner?

It is the Duty of a County Commissioner to serve as a Constitutional member who is the primary administrator, overseer, and budgeter for County Programs as well as apportionment for tax levying. We oversee 14 departments and 2800 employees and are the main body responsible for the management of County Affairs. Each of the Commissioners sits on a specific operating and advisory board as a representative of the county. A true servant looks out for what is best for the constituents, not what is best for their husband business or their pocket book. I will be that leader!

Considering our limited water and energy resources, to what extent and in what manner should the County be encouraging building and development?

We need smart development, encouraging our builders to think into the future of the developments. Land use and water use, what will this look like in 5, 10,15 years. Do we have affordable, responsible developers who are thinking of the people in El Paso County before they think of the government. I believe the county should be encouraging to the people who are continuing development of our wonderful county, however expansion should not come at the cost of those who already reside in our county. We must be discerning of the impact new developments have on our limited resources, we must ask the questions first not after when it comes to sustainability.

What is your experience in regard to understanding and managing large and complex departmental budgets?

I have many years of experience with specific departmental budgeting. I have bought, balanced and maintained a running inventory with extensive vendor lists in multiple business settings. I understand the needs and complexities of large budgets and understand the need for significant planning to ensure that the budget being built be realistic, attainable and that every dollar spent is money spent on behalf of those we serve. It is important to keep in mind that the revenue brought into the county belongs to the people and is entrusted to county administrators and commissioners as a fiduciary. It is our fiduciary responsibility to our constituents to spend every dollar in a way that serves the tax payers.

What is your position on The Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)?

Politicians and governmental entities are trying to trick the voters out of their tabor rights. Tabor is brilliant and keeps legislative bodies in check and from over taxing the people without their permission. There is a ton of deceptive ballot language coming from our legislative folks trying to cheat the people out of tax refunds using the “can we keep your overpayments” in perpetuity. That is call De-Brucing, or getting people to give up their tabor rights. The government should have to ask, in plain language to keep excessive revenue. As fiduciaries of our taxpayer dollars, politicians and administrators need to be transparent in their spending and collection of revenues.

If new resources became available, what single area of County services do you believe most needs additional funding. and what do you suggest that money be used for to improve the lives of El Paso County citizens?

El Paso County has not had the foresight to address the quick and widespread growth of our county. The County has put band-aids on problems rather than addressing the root cause. We build new homes and buildings before putting in place infrastructure. This has led to traffic issues when there are not enough lanes to service the traffic load, this has led to growing emergency response times for those living in rural areas. Constituents in rural areas need not be forgotten just because they do not live in the metropolis of Colorado Springs. These issues must be addressed immediately with solutions that plan for further growth. Let’s lay the proper infrastructure in anticipation of expansion, not be reactionary.

What is your position in regard to enforcing “mandates” issued by governmental or non- governmental officials or agencies? How will you use the power of your office as County Commissioner to defend the Constitutional rights of El Paso County citizens?

Mandates are not laws; they are unconstitutional and are a violation of our rights as citizens. Every governmental or legislative body who has enforced these mandates is not following the law or the constitution and is in violation of the people’s rights.

I will NEVER enforce mandates, and as a commissioner it is my DUTY to defend the people’s rights.

What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Commissioner that will benefit our county?

Elected as your El Paso County Commissioner in 2018 with 70.2% of the vote. I enjoy serving El Paso County citizens, advocating for District 1 residents, and supporting our military service members. I am pro-life, pro-family, support our right to keep and bear arms, and support our Constitution.

Republican volunteer since 1994 from precinct leader to office manager. Selected by the Republican Party as the Republican of the Year. Master of Public Administration from UCCS. Governor Bill Owens appointed me as El Paso Public Trustee for eight years.

I have been married for 35 years and have four children. Jesus Christ is my Savior and I pray for his tender mercies and grace.

What is your vision for being one of our County Commissioners?

I will protect and enhance our quality of life by keeping taxes low, funding transportation, protecting private property rights, and supporting public safety.

I have fought for our conservative values at the local, state, and national levels including fighting for 2nd Amendment rights against Chicago Democrats, and taking positions on 26 bills – fighting for constitutional rights and against unfunded mandates and attacks on law enforcement.

I successfully fought for transportation projects including the Powers/Research intersection and for the Voyager Parkway/I-25 exit. I will advocate for funding to complete Powers North. El Paso County added $13.1 million in permanent funding to roads and an additional $24 million in one-time funding.

What are the roles, rights, and duties of an El Paso County Commissioner?

As a Commissioner, I take an oath to uphold the US and Colorado Constitution. My primary responsibility is to represent the citizens of my district and to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars. During the COVID emergency, I fought to open closed religious’ institutions and opposed mask and vaccine mandates.

We consistently adopt a balanced budget that meets TABOR. I monitor state legislation that affects county services especially when it diminishes our ability to enforce the law, risks community safety, or creates an unfunded mandate. We also fund maintenance for 4,400 lane miles of roads in unincorporated areas.

Considering our limited water and energy resources, to what extent and in what manner should the County be encouraging building and development?

I support American energy independence and private property rights. I evaluate new developments based upon the El Paso Master Plan, the Water Master Plan, and the land development code. I support the 300-year water rule that requires new development to have 3x’s more water availability than the State of Colorado requires. I support our special district policy limiting mill levy rates and our road impact fee.

I support state legislation that reduces regulations and support affordable and attainable housing. I oppose legislation that benefits trial lawyers at the expense of Coloradans seeking to buy homes.

What is your experience in regard to understanding and managing large and complex departmental budgets?

As a Commissioner, I’ve continued to ensure that El Paso County has a balanced budget and the state’s lowest cost per citizen. In 2021, County government cost each citizen $306, the mill levy was 7.692 and the property tax per citizen was only $73.04. The closest county to that is more than 50% higher at 12 mills.

We pride ourselves on excellent customer service with a limited budget. When Governor Polis shut down the State economy due to COVID in April 2020, many employees did not miss a day of work and all employees were working remotely within a week. Our productivity during this time frame increased.

What is your position on The Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)?

I support the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. I believe that limiting the growth of government as well as requiring voter approval for tax increases has placed El Paso County in a very good financial position as the economy starts to grow. I support limiting the growth of government and believe that tax increases require voter approval.

If new resources became available, what single area of County services do you believe most needs additional funding. and what do you suggest that money be used for to improve the lives of El Paso County citizens?

Road maintenance. El Paso County maintains more than 4,400 lane miles of roads. During the Great Recession, El Paso Commissioners made the tough decision to cut funding to roads. With normal inflation and required increases in services, our roads continue to be underfunded.
In the past four years, I have supported increasing the road maintenance budget by $13.1 million in ongoing revenue.

This year, I supported dedicating $24 million in one-time revenue for roads. I will continue to support additional ongoing revenues for roads as well as adding additional one-time revenues each year.

What is your position in regard to enforcing “mandates” issued by governmental or non- governmental officials or agencies? How will you use the power of your office as County Commissioner to defend the Constitutional rights of El Paso County citizens?

During the COVID emergency, El Paso Commissioners did not support or enforce a mask mandate and, by resolution, I specifically stated that I do not support vaccine mandates.

When the state overreached on COVID, I supported the effort to immediately open churches for worship service that had been unconstitutionally shut down by Governor Polis. When we received money from the federal government, we quickly dedicated amounts to help ensure critical services were provided and small businesses were protected.

Additional federal funding is being distributed with very specific guidelines so that businesses have equal opportunity to apply for these funds. When the federal government allowed relief funding for roads, I immediately supported dedicating the maximum amount to roads.

What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Commissioner that will benefit our county?

Prior to being elected El Paso County Commissioner in 2018, my professional roles involved bringing multiple stakeholders together and communicating clearly for solutions-based results for our community. That experience prepared me well for serving our community the last three years. There’s no better experience than actually having done the job before, particularly during a time of unprecedented attention on elected officials. I have been responsive, respectful, and principled in stressful and tenuous situations, advocating always for citizens and drawing on my faith and commitment to conservative roles of government. In addition, the story of our 7-year old son highlights my commitment to life and family values, as well as a unique perspective of health and human services issues County faces.

What is your vision for being one of our County Commissioners?

Since 2018, I’ve delivered on a bold vision of government entities working together to better and efficiently serve El Paso County residents. With a passion for ensuring the county remains a safe and desirable place to raise families like mine, I’ve pursued planned growth and development, public safety and emergency preparedness, and fiscally-responsible management of tax dollars to benefit citizens for decades to come. My common-sense conservatism has brought cooperation and results to the County Commission. I am committed to listening to your concerns and making responsible decisions based on my beliefs and all evidence available. I would be honored to continue effective Commissionership by prioritizing families and businesses, limiting government overreach, and building a strong and sustainable community.

What are the roles, rights, and duties of an El Paso County Commissioner?

The role of a County Commissioner is to protect our God-given Constitutional rights on a local level. Throughout my term, we have pushed back on attempts to erode those rights. In addition to standing up for rights, we defend our most vulnerable citizens, create a thriving economy, upskill our workforce, end dependency on government handouts, create efficiency and transparency, and provide public safety and public infrastructure. We also support our Nation’s defense by making our region a better place for men and women in uniform and their families. And we do it all for the lowest cost per citizen of any large county in the state, with a fundamental understanding that it’s our responsibility to spend your money wisely.

Considering our limited water and energy resources, to what extent and in what manner should the County be encouraging building and development?

Our region continues to be an attractive place to live, work and play.  With that comes complexity of ensuring quality of life including housing availability, recreation opportunities and preservation of traditional land uses.  Growth is inevitable, so it must be approached in a strategic, planned and managed way.  I have and will continue to make decisions that maintain conservative principles of limited regulation and utmost protection of private property rights, while also balancing free-market principles and complying with statutory code.   Our new comprehensive master plan includes preservation of agricultural lands and zoning, expands traditional approaches to water conservation, and brings focus to future land use development decisions that residents can depend on as they make their own private property decisions. 

What is your experience in regard to understanding and managing large and complex departmental budgets?

As a County Commissioner, I have not only allocated the unrestricted portion of our current $500 Million budget, but also taken responsibility of receiving, allocating and distributing $265M in federal funding sent to the County since 2020. Managing a budget is a critical part of serving as a Commissioner, as Commissioners must ensure that the unrestricted funding in our discretion is put towards efforts that serve our County best. Our general fund expenditures now include a 5-year outlook and assurance that each line item aligns with our Strategic Plan. Most importantly, I’ve had a keen eye on public process and transparency, and ensuring accountability for every dollar of our citizen’s hard-earned money.

What is your position on The Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)?

I love that TABOR ensures citizens have the final say over the amount of taxes they pay to the government. This protection is crucial to keep the size and scope of government in check. As someone who chose to live in this area, I can tell you that TABOR makes governments on every level think harder about how to allocate scarce resources. I also respect the will of the voters when they vote on TABOR related questions.

If new resources became available, what single area of County services do you believe most needs additional funding. and what do you suggest that money be used for to improve the lives of El Paso County citizens?

This could be a 3-word answer, based on what government CAN AND SHOULD DO:
Roads and Infrastructure, with a focus on long-term planning that aligns with growth models and the master plan upon which decisions are being made. Although we have put an ADDITIONAL $60M into roads since my term began, we have hundreds of millions in road needs that will only increase in this inflationary time. We must also include broadband, wastewater and water infrastructure as we plan large transportation corridor projects.

What is your position in regard to enforcing “mandates” issued by governmental or non- governmental officials or agencies? How will you use the power of your office as County Commissioner to defend the Constitutional rights of El Paso County citizens?

I will use all legal and statutory tools I have to fight unconstitutional mandates. I’ve fought against COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates, as well as attempts to roll back the 2nd Amendment and extremist environmental policies that would destroy our economy. I fervently believe in local control – it’s why I took such a large role in getting variances for our local businesses. I am proud that your Commissioners never supported any state mandate, nor did we create one on the local level.  I strongly believe that individuals and business owners are in the best position to make their own decisions, and I will continue to fight for their right to do so.

What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Commissioner that will benefit our county?

I took the same Oath to enter the Marines that Elected Officials take. Married ~ 44 years. The America-First Christian Conservative Grassroots Constitutional candidate for D5. I have wide experience in a long-term I.T. career and other fields of deep experience. I am called “Jack of All Trades & Master of Some” in two industries – I.T. and Construction. As Project/Program Manager, I have managed multi-faceted teams for on-time, on-budget successful deliveries of Company-wide and Worldwide projects, including company & data infrastructure changes, strengthening IBM’s Data Security and creating the Data Security Department for American Century Mutual Funds with their 2M investors. Senior Systems Analyst & Troubleshooter. We love Colorado & El Paso County!

What is your vision for being one of our County Commissioners?

In 8 months of traveling the beautiful, great Red state of Colorado running a campaign for Colorado Secretary of State to replace Jena Griswold, I have learned a plethora of ways that corruption creeps in to crevices & dark corners of our government processes through elected officials that for whatever reason get “owned” or no longer feel compelled to serve us. It’s shocking and I could cover many bullet items with brief added details for hours. Some listening to me have suggested I document these items while it’s still fresh in my mind. My vision is to restore Truth and Transparency with my Marine Corps Tenacity back to El Paso County government, including elections. They hide transparency from us deep in the complexity. Why is that? Leave No Doubt. We All Win With Winney.

What are the roles, rights, and duties of an El Paso County Commissioner?

A County Commissioner, has no different rights than any of the rest of us. We all have God-given rights.

Per statute:  The County Commissioners are constitutional officers elected to four-year terms.   County government is a political subdivision of state government, created to carry out the will of the state. The County is not an independent governmental entity existing by reason of any sovereign authority. As a political subdivision, the county and its board of commissioners possess only such implied powers as are necessary to carry out expressed powers (Colorado Constitution, Article XIV, Section 6). If they are to carry out the will of the state, ultimately, they are there to carry out the will of We The People.

Considering our limited water and energy resources, to what extent and in what manner should the County be encouraging building and development?

I’m a lifelong learner. I will learn and study any issues related to this question to understand it and tackle it with the best common- sense approach that serves us best.

I’m called a “Jack of All Trades and Master of Some” in two different industries. Information Technology (I.T.) and Construction. If you laid a foundation and gave me the plans, I could build a house and finish it inside and out. I’ve used these skills for many areas of volunteer work. Led project teams for widows and single mothers’ home projects.

I have done virtually everything in I.T. including strengthening major Data Security in IBM development lab and created the Data Security Dept for American Century Mutual Funds.

What is your experience in regard to understanding and managing large and complex departmental budgets?

I managed the entire project to install a new mainframe and all its software in the Marketing Dept for Hallmark Cards.

I saved two companies multiple Millions of Dollars in three different situations. One by discovering, exposing and documenting fraud in software purchased. Settled out of court.

Second by investigating, troubleshooting and correcting a decade+ old intersystem communication error.

Third by evaluating and documenting for a Director why a $27 Million project was failing. On my input, he re-funded the project and set it on a solid foundation for success.

As a Project and Program Manager, I managed various company-wide and worldwide projects, their staffing and budgets for multi- faceted teams and on-time, on-budget successful delivery.

What is your position on The Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)?

My view is when elected officials are not committed to self-constraint of government budgets, TABOR provides help in that direction.

The Colorado Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, known as TABOR Amendment or TABOR, was an amendment to the Colorado Constitution passed in 1992. It restricts state and local government tax revenue, budget, and tax increases, and has been called “the most restrictive tax and expenditure limitation in the country”.

The primary intent of TABOR is to “reasonably restrain most the growth of government,” as stated in the amendment’s first sentence (Constitution of Colorado. Article X, Sec. 20). While it may have implicit secondary goals… preventing government expansion is stated as its first and foremost goal.

If new resources became available, what single area of County services do you believe most needs additional funding. and what do you suggest that money be used for to improve the lives of El Paso County citizens?

There are some areas where the roads have been completely renewed with beautiful new road surfaces. Smooth as silk. While other neighborhoods are badly neglected and haven’t been touched for years other than an occasional patch when pictures and submission to the COS DOT sent in by a resident. Then a patch is plopped and nothing else done in that area.

Also, sitting at a long traffic light in the middle of the night with no one anywhere in sight is massive ridiculous. It’s time to apply some common sense and return to blinking red and yellow lights from late-night to early-morning hours.

What is your position in regard to enforcing “mandates” issued by governmental or non- governmental officials or agencies? How will you use the power of your office as County Commissioner to defend the Constitutional rights of El Paso County citizens?

The only purpose of anyone serving in government, including law enforcement, is to protect our God-given rights and to serve us well with any other responsibilities under their Oath of Office. If they are not defending the Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic, they shouldn’t be in office and should be answering to us why they failed. There is no such thing as a “mandate” from any agency which is binding to any of us. Elected Officials are not the “Ruling Class”. They work for us. We The People are the Sovereigns in this nation. Only laws that are not repugnant to the Constitution are binding for anything. If you have any questions, please contact me.