
Issues
Sales Tax Increase
The Town has over $35 million in unfunded capital improvement projects such as road maintenance, pools that are past their useful life and parks and playgrounds that need to be renovated.
I support this sales tax increase for the following reasons:
- The amount is only $0.315 on every $100 spent (0.315%)
- 70% of sales tax is paid by non-Superior residents
- Enables the Town to address many of our community needs
Unfortunately, the Marshall fire resulted in the Town spending $10 million to help rebuild our community, which was absolutely the right thing to do. While the Town waits for FEMA to reimburse us, coupled with rising construction costs, we cannot sit and wait for our infrastructure to deteriorate further. Now is the time to act so we can repair these amenities that make Superior so special.
Marshall Fire Recovery
The Town and the community have done a heroic job working to recover from the Marshall Fire. I was pleased to see the Town extend the rebate of the permit fees and Town Use tax until March 2025.
I will continue to do everything in my power to help ensure that families are able to rebuild and rejoin our community.
Airport
Airport- Solving the airport noise and lead pollution issue is of critical importance. I support the Town's lawsuit to stop this nuisance in our community and if elected, I’ll press for the following:
1) Invite the new Airport Director and Jeffco Commissioners to visit Superior so they can experience first-hand the noise and disruption our residents experience on a daily basis.
2) Push the Jeffco Commissioners and the FAA to cease flight school night time operations (10pm-6am), except in the case of emergencies.
3) Push the Colorado Aeronautical Board to ensure that RMMA keeps their promise to phase out leaded avgas.
4) Work with Joe Neguse to champion improved aviation safety.
Home Rule Charter
Passing the Charter this November will be the most important step to ensure that Superior will be in the driver's seat of its own destiny. The Home Rule Charter Commission has worked incredibly hard to craft a document that meets the needs of today with the flexibility to meet the needs of tomorrow.
Having been elected to help craft the Charter, it is important for me to see that it is approved by the voters this November.
You can read the draft Charter on the Home Rule website: https://www.superiorcolorado.gov/community/home-rule-information
Economic Development
Economy- One key issue that has been brought clearly into focus after the Marshall Fire is the need to diversify the Town’s tax revenues. 65% of our sales tax revenue comes from 5 businesses, this is a HUGE risk for the Town.
The build out of Downtown and the potential the Superior Marketplace offers, the Town needs to position itself to find creative ways to encourage and welcome a diversity of businesses. Doing so will help the Town ensure we have a more resilient tax base. Here is what I’ll push for:
- Rebate permit fees if revenues go over certain thresholds
- Ensuring we continue to have the fastest permitting in the county
- Ensure the Town’s Economic Development Department has the resources it needs to attract and retain businesses
Environment
The science is undeniable, human caused climate change is real and while there has been some recent movement at the federal level, the important actions will happen locally.
Whether it’s the severe Colorado River drought or the poor air quality along the Front Range, it is easy to lose sight of the positive impact local action can have on the climate crisis.
Superior can and should lead by example in the reduction of carbon emissions. The Town has been advocating for policies and programs that support local climate action but more needs to be done. We can be a test bed for innovation that helps companies scale and bring climate solutions to the market more quickly.
Attainable Housing
As the population of Superior changes, a variety of housing types will be needed. Housing for seniors, first-time home buyers, empty nesters, or teachers, etc. Having housing options for all residents helps create an inclusive and dynamic community.
Research shows that having attainable housing options also improves economic resiliency through increased spending and property taxes, which are vital for providing community services.
I will work to remove regulatory barriers to support the construction of a variety of housing types. I’ll build on the work the Town has already done to allow ADUs and seek out partnerships and grants to help us achieve a more diverse housing stock.
Building a more diverse housing stock (e.g. condos, townhomes, duplexes, etc.) affords more people an opportunity to gain home ownership and an opportunity for those individuals to build equity.
More attainable housing options in Superior also means that the people that work here can afford to live here, which ultimately leads to fewer vehicles on the road, which improves air quality and reduces carbon emissions.