Issues
Hey, everyone...
Below you can read my responses to a recent questionaire that was submitted to all Jefferson County Commissioner candidates by the citizen's group PLAN JEFFCO. There are many important issues facing Jeffco voters this November, but I believe none is as important as this proposed "Billion Dollar Boondoggle" known as the BELTWAY. You can learn more about the BELTWAY by visiting the CINQ website at:
Read my essay entitled "Highway To Hell" under the Zulauf's Opinion heading at the top of this page.
Peace.
Questions for 2008 Plan Jeffo Commissioner Candidate Forum
1. What do you intend to achieve if you are elected or re-elected County Commissioner?
If elected as County Commissioner, my primary goals will be land preservation, water conservation, and ecologically responsible development in Jefferson County.
2. What general and specific changes would you pursue?
There are two main platforms on which I am basing my campaign: First, I am 100% opposed to the proposed toll road (commonly known as the beltway) in northern Jeffco. I would do everything in my power as commissioner to reverse this poorly conceived idea from coming to fruition. Second, I would like to see Jefferson County adopt LEED standards as set by the U.S. Green Building Council. It is my understanding that as of January 2008, the city of Golden is the only city within Jeffco that has adopted these standards – we should follow suit on a county wide level, as many counties around the country have already done.
3. What do you think is the Commissioner’s role in dealing with climate change, energy conservation, renewable energy and water shortage issues? How would you carry out that role?
The concept of “Thinking Globally, and Acting Locally”, is more than just a catchy phrase for a bumper sticker. My primary reason for running in this election is to confront the challenges facing our environment on a local level. It is the responsibility of all citizens to preserve this planet for future generations. Many citizens express that responsibility in the form of their elected officials. The County Commissioner’s role is obviously to serve as both administrative and policy-making body for their county. I would ensure that those decisions are in the best interests of the many, rather than the special interests of the few.
4. What is your philosophy and position on land use and community plans and specifically how should community plans be factored into land use decisions?
My personal philosophy on land use is this: I sincerely doubt that 100 years from now, our grandchildren will ever say, “Boy, if only our grandparents had zoned the building of ONE MORE Wal-Mart while they were in charge, our lives would be so much better!” The best part about electing a Green Party candidate – if voters decide that the policy of frugal development is not in their best interests, then four years from now there will still be just as much land to destroy as there is today.
5. Do you support or oppose privately owned toll roads in the county and do you think it is appropriate for foreign entities to own roads in the county?
I promise that the Portuguese/ Brazillian investment team currently buying up land in Broomfield, is not bailing out the city based upon the goodness of their hearts. They are planning on making a nice return on their investment by means of the taxpayers of Jefferson County. We American taxpayers should maintain control of our own roadways, and start reinvesting in ourselves. Period.
6. What is your position on “non-compete agreements” relating to public roads? Please explain your response.
As I understand them, non-compete agreements generally prohibit residents from improving roads within about 5 miles of a toll way - if such improvement would lure drivers from a toll way. They also require residents to pay compensation for “lost” tolls if residents decide to improve a freeway anyway. The only beneficiaries would seemingly be the private investors themselves - not the residents. During our March meeting, the Adams-Jefferson Green Party officially endorsed the idea of expanding the existing roads of MacIntyre/Indiana and SH93 as the best alternative to the Beltway proposal; an idea that would not only save taxpayers about 50%, but that would also preserve Jeffco's delicate ecosystem.
7. What are your visions and goals for the Open Space Program and what changes, if any, would you work to implement? What relationship, if any, do you see between open land preservation and economic development in the county?
The studies are in, and the facts are solid: The closer proximity to a park, the greater the assessed value of a home. In a declining housing market, this is not only good news for homeowners, but good news for generating tax revenue, as well. Beyond economic benefits, community parks and open space programs improve the health of residents and preserve wildlife. The more open space in Jeffco, the better.
8. What is your assessment of the fiscal health of the County, now and in the foreseeable future? Do you propose any actions to be taken regarding the County’s fiscal situation?
I see the future of Jefferson County being grounded in re-development of currently existing properties, as has been witnessed in Belmar, Old Towne Arvada, and the Highlands area of Wheatridge. With both the School of Mines and the National Renewable Energy Laboratories in our own back yard, Jefferson County should be serving as a model for the rest of the world as to how a truly sustainable community can thrive.
9. What are your views on cooperating with the cities and neighboring counties on county-wide economic development and open space preservation and if so, how and what do you intend to achieve? Does Fas Tracks influence your response?
With both traffic congestion and gas prices being at issue, the availability of mass transit as an alternative to individual commuting is of great importance. It must be practical, affordable, and convenient for residents to use. Fas Tracks has been a difficult sell to people due in part to the spirit of individuality that exists among Colorado residents. More evidence must be presented to help explain to people that this mass transit system will benefit everyone in the forms of time, money, and energy.
10. If elected, how do you plan on communicating with the public? How do you view the public’s role in county government? Do you think there should be more opportunity for public participation in county government and if so how and what will you do to provide such opportunity?
According to the official Jefferson County website, the most important "Hot Topics" as of late seem to be the upcoming spay and neuter clinics, and how county cooperation was recently celebrated at Matthew/Winters Park. (Incidentally, nowhere was it mentioned that 7 large trash bags full of garbage were recently removed from Matthew/Winters by The Jefferson County Green Party on Sat., July 12th during one of our monthly Park Clean-ups.) To my knowledge, there has been no mention of a proposed billion dollar toll way anywhere on the county's "Hot Topics" page. This is a direct insult to the residents of Jefferson County. As county commissioner, I would make it a goal to keep the taxpayers and residents of Jeffco much better informed about the truly important issues facing our county, and lobby to hold open public meetings in the evenings so that average working residents could attend.
11. What are your views of redevelopment and infill or development of currently undeveloped lands?
(See # 8)
A Cree Indian prophecy states, “When the last fish has been caught, only then will you see that money cannot be eaten.” Redevelopment is the future. Preservation is a priority. The future does not belong to us, but to our grandchildren, and it is our responsibility to see that they inherit a healthy planet with fresh air and clean water, for generations to come.