Platform: My Vision for Erie

Erie is one of the fastest-growing communities in Colorado. On average, 1,500 new residents have moved here for each of the past 10 years. Our current population of 38,000 is projected by our Town planners to reach 85,000+ in the next 20 years. (By comparison, Boulder is at about 105,000 and Longmont is nearly 100,000.) Accommodating such growth while retaining Erie’s best assets is key, i.e. our small-town feel, open space, access to recreation areas, easily navigable transportation, and strong public safety. I’m concerned that the new Comprehensive Plan that identifies land uses throughout the Town does not prioritize the attributes that existing residents love about living in Erie. As Town Councilor, I will work to make sure that growth does not come at the expense of those of us already living here.

That’s right. It is your money and our Town leaders are responsible for spending it to support you and your neighbors. In 2018, when residents voted NO by over 60% to fund a Town Hall Expansion, it was clear to the Town leaders that you don’t feel that is where you want your money spent. So how is it that we have a $20.1M Town Hall Expansion nearing completion? The Town Hall Expansion comes at the expense of road maintenance, the purchase of open space, and expanded recreational amenities. 

The majority of our town leaders also voted to empty our rainy day fund of $7.5M, which was set up by former Mayor Andrew Moore.    As Town Councilor, I will work to make sure there is strong rationale and transparency in how your taxpayer dollars are spent to provide a high-quality living experience in Erie.  

Here is the ballot measure from 2018 on the Town Hall expansion: 

SHALL THE TOWN OF ERIE DEBT BE INCREASED BY NOT MORE THAN

$13,750,000, WITH A REPAYMENT COST OF NOT MORE THAN $25,216,250, AND

SHALL TOWN TAXES BE INCREASED NOT MORE THAN $2,195,000 ANNUALLY

TO REPAY SUCH DEBT FOR TOWN CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES,

INCLUDING, 

We are seeing an increase in crime all around us. Unfortunately,  Erie is seeing a rise in crime as well. As Town Councilor, I will be proactive in understanding the causes in crime elevation and work to support our law enforcement officers. Our police do a great job, but they have a lot of Town to cover. I will foster engagement within our community help to deter crime, including traffic and pedestrian accidents.

One of the great things about Erie is our ability to bring the Town together using the great outdoors with wonderful parks, a hopping historic downtown, and a terrific Community Center and playing fields. I want to celebrate that and promote more outdoor events. As Town Councilor I want to do more to bring our community together, and recognize Erie’s 150-year history with events that showcase how our community can thrive TOGETHER. A recent citizen survey overwhelmingly cited interest in a public outdoor waterpark/aquatic facility. I will work toward making that happen!

Do I believe in Affordable housing and mass transit? Absolutely! We are blessed to live in Erie Colorado and giving folks a hand up and giving back is vital to our culture. But let’s do affordable housing the right way. I do not believe the Erie residence should be subsidizing the Cheesman residence at almost $100,000 per unit ($3.2M), to help households with up to $160,000 in income (120% AMI), in an already congested area.  Erie's Median Household Income is $125,353.  

How should Erie move toward its affordable housing goal of having 12% of the town’s housing stock be affordable by 2035? 

To meet Erie’s goal of having 12% of its housing stock be affordable by 2035, we need to plan for approximately 2,000 more affordable units than currently exist. Achieving this target requires a clear, actionable plan that prioritizes sustainable growth without compromising the town’s fiscal stability or impacting current residents. A good starting point is studying successful models, such as Lafayette's and Boulder County’s Willoughby Corner project, 400 units that offer a blueprint for affordable, community-centered development at 60-80% Area Median Income (AMI). This project includes diversity in the type of unit, 10% senior housing, rental and for sale, and net-zero energy-ready designs, all while engaging the community. By adopting similar approaches, Erie can create affordable housing solutions that are well-planned, environmentally sustainable, and aligned with the needs of both future and existing residents.

 Willoughby Corner - Boulder County