April 19, 2023 Board Candidate Forum
Transcript
Describer:
Board Candidate Forum
Wednesday, April 19 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
7404 Yorkshire Drive, Castle Pines, CO 80108
Board President Chuck Lowen:
All that are here. And thank you candidates for showing up. we are missing two. We're trying to find them, but if they don't come, that's their loss. thank you on zoom as well. Appreciate you coming tonight. This is going to be the, only forum that I'm aware of for the candidates that are running. And again, I congratulate the eight that have taken, their time to offer their services for the community.
It's a great district. I think that those that, end up being elected by the constituents are going to be proud of, the seats that they will occupy when they, take them. Tonight our council will be running this forum. you'll have some questions and some time to answer some personal questions. And if we have time and if it's not quite 11:00, we might get some questions from the crowd.
But I think that, the questions that council, Kim Seter has should be adequate for everybody, hopefully to form an opinion. So again, thank you all for coming, both viewing and participating. So I'll turn it over to Kim Seter. Thanks.
Legal Counsel Kim Seter, Esq.:
Thank you, Director Lowen. And welcome, everybody. It looks like we've got a great turnout online as well as in the room here. There is, as you know, a special district election for Castle Pines North Metropolitan District on May 2nd, 2023. There are three director seats open to replace Denise Crew, Chuck Lowen and Chris Lewis. Each elected official will serve a four year term until May of 2027.
This forum is not intended to be a meeting of the district board, but is sponsored by the district to allow voters to meet the candidates that have qualified to run for the three vacant seats. It is not an endorsement by the board of any candidate, nor is it any expression of an opinion as to any candidate's qualifications. 8,533 ballots were mailed to qualified voters last week.
An additional 119 ballots were mailed last Saturday. If you have not received a ballot and believe you're a registered elector of the district, please contact Michelle Barrasso or Marissa Peck at (303) 770-2700. They will check your qualifications and deliver a ballot to you if it is appropriate. There is no in-person voting location for this election. Ballots must be placed in the mail by April 25th, 2023, or delivered to a ballot drop off location on or before Election Day.
This community center, at 7404 Yorkshire Drive in Castle Pines, is one drop off center and the other is at 7400 East Orchard Road, suite 3300, in Greenwood Village. That's my office. Finally, I have a list of questions to be asked, but we don't have time for all candidates to answer all question. Accordingly, After a brief introduction, each candidate will draw a number and we'll address the question corresponding to the number drawn.
Anyone listening online can submit a question using the chat feature on zoom, and anyone present here in the room can utilize the question forms in the table on the back. We may or not may not be able to address the questions submitted, but we will try to do so. So let's get started. First we're going to have introductions from each of the candidates.
And in front of them I've placed four questions that just list items that I'd like you to touch on in giving your introduction. So you'll each have three minutes. And we're going to go in chronological order to start out with. So candidate Becker, your first.
David Becker, Candidate for Board of Directors:
Good evening. My name is David Becker. I live in the Knightsbridge neighborhood of Castle Pines North. Actually, a little part that really should be Kings Crossing, but it's Knightsbridge. Today marks nine months that I've been a resident of Castle Pines in the state of Colorado as a whole. And I'm very happy to be here. My educational background,
I'm originally from California. Started school in Arizona at Arizona State University. Made my way to the University of California, Santa Barbara. Go, gauchos! With studies emphasizing in geography and earth sciences. I wanted to be a weather man, but I knew what this face. I'd have a hard time. So maybe just being educated enough would get me by.
But I eventually found my way more into sales where I've been for the last 30 plus years, the last 14 of which in residential real estate. And I've recently obtained my Colorado real estate license here as well, and plan to continue on that path. And I want to serve on the board of directors because water is important and I understand that there are some challenges within the city that currently exist.
And I would just like an opportunity to serve my community. Thank you.
Kim:
Thank you, Candidate Becker. Next is candidate Coffey.
Thomas H. Coffey, Candidate for Board of Directors:
Hello. Yes. Yes, again. My name is Thomas H. Coffey. Although I go by Tom or whatever my wife calls me from time to time. I'm a relative newbie to Colorado and to the West. Born and raised in Kentucky.
Tennessee. I attended and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in Political Science and English. I was fortunate enough to leave there to go to work for the United Nations, actually, for about six months until I was drafted. And perhaps 18 months later ended up in Vietnam. I had gone through OCS and was fortunate to be an officer and serve my country in that capacity.
When I came back, I served in the military for another three years, only to extend some of the issues on which I was working at the time. Received a job offer from Ross Perot, and went to work for Ross in Dallas, Texas with EDS as a corporate recruiter, and was probably the best business education that I've had throughout my life.
Even though I've had a lot of other, more formal education. I was there five years, entered, the life insurance industry with Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. I built a relatively large, financial services company in Kentucky and Tennessee. Retired in 2020, was actually then recruited again by the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company to head one of their divisions.
And I did so. Additional education I received. I was very fortunate to be a country boy from Kentucky and receive a scholarship to Yale University to study, Latin American studies and language, and that was pretty significant. It was quite a contrast from, the hills of Kentucky. I also, completed a master's degree in business administration. And I'm fortunate enough and and very proud that I have a honorary doctorate from my alma mater, pretty much Tom Coffey.
Kim:
Thank you. Director. Coffey candidate. I mean, candidate Coffey.
My mistake. Candidate. Enquist. Your next.
Leah Enquist, Candidate for Board of Directors:
Hi. My name is Leah Enquist. I live in, the estates at Buffalo Ridge, and I'll try again. Is this better? Okay. Thank you. So my name is Leah Inquest. I live in the estates at Buffalo Ridge with my husband, three kids and a cat. We moved here, in 2017 from Seattle, Washington. I'm originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and my degree is in, organizational leadership from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
And in terms of my work background, the majority of my background is in management consulting. So out at Seattle, I primarily consulted for, Microsoft and Starbucks. And really, the organizations I was involved in spanned marketing, legal, customer service and support, anti-piracy, supply chain, entertainment and devices. The types of projects that I did spanned strategy, communications, product launches, some of the major windows and office luanches
in organizational design. In terms of why I would like to serve on the board of directors, I would say two primary reasons. One, just to get more involved in the community. Service is really important in our family. So my husband attended West Point, served in the army, deployed to the Balkans in the Middle East. I'm on my fourth year of serving on our elementary school PTO executive board.
And the second reason is because I believe my just really broad skill set, especially my background in communications, lends itself well to completing the integration with a larger water district as well as building back up community trust, via more frequent and transparent communications.
Kim:
Thank you. Candidate Enquist. You can pull those, microphones closer to you if you want to. I know it's very uncomfortable to have to lean forward like that. Next is candidate Krell.
Jana Krell, Candidate for Board of Directors:
Hi, everyone. Thank you for, being here. My name is Jana Krell and I move to the city of Castle Pines. In 2015, I live in Serena with my four children and husband and, moved to Colorado in 2008.
I'm originally from Dallas. I studied at Texas A&M University. I am a civil engineer. And, and so part of my work background is I've worked in local government for over a decade now. I work for the city of Aurora as a capital projects engineer. I am, very interested in infrastructure, water and transportation and serving the community.
And so to me, this is right up my alley of what, I've turned into my career, but also what I enjoy. And so Castle Pines means a lot to me. And so this is just an opportunity for me to serve. So thank you.
Kim:
Thank you. Can I get candidate Krell? Candidate Mulvey.
James Mulvey, Candidate for Board of Directors:
Good evening. My name is Jim Mulvey.
I'm resident of Castle Pines since 2015. I live in the Serena neighborhood as well. I'm married 29 years. I have one son. For work. And what keeps me busy during the day is, working at Lockheed Martin. I worked there for 34 years. A Lockheed Martin fellow. My my educational background, graduate and undergrad degree in mechanical engineering from, University of Arizona.
Currently work on the, large civil, commercial military programs is my background. Transitioning more into sort of a leadership training role at my company where, sort of bringing up the next generation of engineers, really enjoyable. The reason why I'm here today and why I think, you know, I could be a good candidate for Castle Pines.
Metro District board is I'm very concerned about water issues that seem to be, on everybody's mind in Colorado at this point in time. And a lot of the issues that we've seen over the past few years, and it concerns me and it's something I think I can you can apply my technical background and my training, to understand these issues and develop solutions going forward
for the town. Thank you.
Kim:
Thank you. Candidate. Next is candidate Olson.
Martin P Olsen, Candidate for Board of Directors:
My name is Marty Olsen. I live in Daniels Gate. Been here since 2017 with my wife. Daughter, 88 year old father, and two dogs. I have, a couple of years of community college. Which time we started a family business, and we ran that for about 25 years.
It was a contract manufacturer for, medical device manufacturing. Worked with companies like, Johnson and Johnson, Zyrtec, Intuitive Surgical and so forth. I worked in sales, as well as facility maintenance. I was able to work on setting up a 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility down in Costa Rica as well as a subcontractor manufacturing down in Mexicali.
I want to serve on the board, basically, because I think water is the new gold. And, you know, without a renewable water source, we are in big trouble here and in Castle Pines. So, I know it was voted on. Inclusion was voted on, by over 90% of the residents back in 2021, I believe. And, you know, didn't happen for whatever reason.
And so I want to join the board to try to make that happen, whatever it is for whatever, you know, deal the best deal with for the citizens of Castle Pines, for renewable water, for long term and safe drinking water as well.
Kim:
Thank you, Candidate Olson, and thank you all candidates. Those are great. We're going to move on now to some questions that I have a list of 15 questions here. They're not designed to test your knowledge of sewer processing or water processing or even the operations of the district. If there's any background information like that that you need, I've tried to build that into the question.
And hopefully all they'll do is draw out of you how you would think about these issues. There are no right answers. There's no wrong answers. And you're not. If you become a board member, you're not stuck with the answer you give tonight. It's purely intended to be informational. So, Director Lowen has a basket of numbers, and if you want to pull out a number, that's the question.
You will get.
Describer:
Director Lowen is speaking off-camera to the candidates while he passes out the questions.
Kim:
And I have 15 questions. We'll keep going in the same order that we started, and hopefully that's fair. We tried to keep everything random except for the, the alphabetical order for the first part, but let's continue. So, candidate Becker, what number do you have? Eight. Eight. Question eight. Prior district boards have worked to transition the ownership and maintenance of parks, open space and recreation facilities to the city of Castle Pines.
The city of will eventually need a tax to pay for the maintenance and upkeep of these properties. That transition is currently in process. Do you believe this transition is a good idea and why? And how do you feel about working with the city to ensure a successful transition? You have three minutes.
David:
Thank you for the question. I am familiar with the ongoing process of having the, Metro Pond District shed its responsibilities for, parks, recreations, and open spaces, and I am in support of that.
I come from a place where water was managed by the water district. And while I think, you know, at the time when Castle Pines was maybe more in its infancy, the water district having a broad scope of responsibility might have been a good thing. I think at this point in time, especially with the ongoing development on the east side of I-25, I think it's makes more sense to have the city fall, have that fall under the scope of the city responsibility.
And as far as as any supplemental taxes required to do so, I support that. And, I would be just in support of having the, the district shed itself of those responsibilities and at least in the interim, focus primarily on water and water resources.
Kim:
Candidate Coffey, what number do you have? Question number six. Prior district boards have worked to transition districts, storm drainage, infrastructure services and fee revenue to operate the system to the city of Castle Pines. That transition is also currently in process. Do you believe this transition is a good idea and why?
Thomas:
Well.
Yeah. From the point of view of being relatively new and I did not mention that we've been here almost three years now and lived just behind us here in Timberline. But to answer the question specifically on all of these questions, all of us, it it's incumbent upon us to research each of the issues, to try to give an answer that is in more detail.
However, looking at what you've just asked, it appears as I look at things today that these transitions in some of these views, if you will, have, have been well thought out that there are a lot of people involved, I'm sure, on both sides of the issue, but in my own case here, what I would do with this issue and any other is while I would look at the research that has been done heretofore, I would also look at it anew in terms of what are the situation right now?
Things are changing very, very rapidly in our community just by the growth that we're seeing. And so I would consider that answer relative to, you know, what is happening at the time that it comes to the board. But at this point in time, yes, I do support I think, what the board has done in the past. Thank you.
Kim:
Candidate Enquist, what number do you have?
Leah:
I have number 13.
Kim:
Question 13 is really short. What do you think the role and responsibility of a district board director is and or should be?
Leah:
That is a really short question. I would assume, again, this isn't coming from a place of, you know, research or education. This is kind of like my best guess based on the information available at the time. But I would assume that, a district director would be somebody who serves as the point of contact, between, like, the employees and the board of directors.
Kim:
Thank you. Director Krell. Candidate Krell. I don't get to vote, so it doesn't matter what I think. It doesn't matter what I think. Candidate. Number five. I shouldn't have stapled these because I have trouble finding them.
Well.
Question five. Prior district boards have considered water conservation measures to preserve diminishing water resources. What are your thoughts on A., water conservation in general? B. whether additional costs should be imposed on you and your neighbors for excess water usage, and C. whether government should impose watering and landscaping restrictions on property owners, and or provide subsidies for appropriate landscaping and re landscaping to save water.
Jana:
I was hoping you would make my question about how a lift station works. I was going to give you guys that, but, let's see if I can remember it. So, water conservation is the focus of this question. And so, without having to repeat A, B, and C to me, putting water quality and, water conservation measures in place as a city and providing, you know, services for our citizens that do that.
I think it's a fantastic idea. Right now at the city of Aurora, we have a specific landscape architect just for the citizens to turn in their, photo of their property. And that landscape architect helps them zero scape their yard. So professionally done, it's up to the homeowner to do the plantings, but the amount of water that saves in the trade off is a professionally landscaped plan with water wise plantings.
So I've seen measures like that go into place that have been successful, have cleaned up certain parts of the town and and have conserved water measures from irrigation specifically. So I do support that and think that any kind of opportunity for the city to, to utilize benefits like that would be great, a great benefit.
Kim:
Thank you. Candidate Krell. Candidate Mulvey.
James:
My number three.
Kim:
Question number three is also a short one. Although the questions are short, the answers always aren't. Do you have a main priority or issue you would like to see resolved or accomplished while serving as a board member?
James:
Yes, I think, anybody who's lived in Castle Pines has experienced water quality issues that are ongoing. Discolored water list station issues. Discharges of effluent onto the ground. And many residents didn't even understand that had happened. I think if I was elected to the board, I would want to push transparency, notifications. And I want to basically push our management for the metro district to understand what the maintenance issues are.
Put in regular maintenance and inspections, understand what has caused these issues in the past, and basically plan for the future and make sure that these things that we've all experienced, essentially are eliminated or minimized. It again, planning for the future I think is, is predominated or primary task of the board itself.
Kim:
Thank you.
Candidate Mulvey. Candidate Olsen. Ten.
Question number ten. As a district director, you would be one of five that constitute the board. District decisions and actions are determined by the board and not by individual directors. Sometimes you might disagree with a majority of the board. How should a director respond in that situation? And do you have any examples in your own experience?
Martin:
Wow. I think, you know, you've we've all got to be civil. We're going to be working together for, you know, up to four years. So we've got to be civil with each other. And if you disagree with people and then it doesn't go your way, you let people know how you feel respectfully, and you move on and you take care of whatever is coming up next.
The absolute last thing I will do is, is go on next door and let everyone in, you know, and their mother know, what happened and what was said. And, you know, it's, it's just be respectful with people. I mean, in 25 years of running, you know, $25 million company, we had disagreements. We decided to go different directions than I wanted to go.
And you just moved on. That's it.
Kim:
Thank you, Candidate Olsen. That is the end of round one. Before we move on to round two, we do have two questions that were delivered to the district office. We don't have any questions on the chat yet. But with regard to the two that were delivered to the district office, the first one is by a show of hands which candidates have taken advantage of the facility tours offered to the public over the last several months by the Metro district, and feel confident that they have at least some basic understanding of the role of the CPNMD board and what it is responsible for.
Unknown Off-camera:
You ask how many will come to a board meeting?
Kim:
Show of hands. Anybody taking the tours...
Okay. The second question.
The second question we've already covered in our other questions. So we're ready for round two with the numbers.
Yes. so candidate Labu or Labu and Candidate Vogel are not present in the room. Are you on zoom?
I'm not getting any response. Does anybody else know? Okay.
Describer:
Director Lowen is passing out numbers for the second round of questions.
Kim:
This is a lot more fun than you thought it was going to be, isn't it?
Everybody have a number again. Let's go back to Candidate Becker. Question 15.
David:
I don't want the short one. I want the easy one.
Kim:
Nothing's easy. Yes. Question 15. District directors are frequently contacted by constituents with questions, concerns, and requests concerning the district water and sewer operations. How would you handle these conversations and requests if you were a district director?
David:
I think it's great. And if there's a frequency to it, even better. We live in the technology age, but I'm a firm believer in verbal communication, so I if I was elected, I would be open to phone calls, meetings over Coffey. Whatever's most the easiest way a constituent wants to converse or discuss any issues regarding the district.
I would be open to that.
Kim:
Thank you. Director. Our candidate Becker. Sheesh.
Again, I don't get to vote so, Candidate Coffey what number do you have? Number one. Number one. This is interesting because we're actually getting all of the ones we didn't ask the first time around. And we do have JD. Is it Labeau online? Well, we'll get him going here in a minute. Question number one. What made you decide to run for a director position on the district board?
Thomas:
Great question. great question, and thank you. I think that first of all, I believe my entire life that life is not a spectator sport. You have to get into the arena and participate. And our political world is all of us. It is the union of America. And so I think in two words I would answer that question.
One is leadership and two is engagement and if there is a third, it would be judgment, but those would be the things that I would hope to bring to this role and to this board.
Kim:
Thank you. Candidate Coffey Candidate Enquist.
Leah:
I have number 11.
Kim:
Another new one. Prior district boards have attempted to be very transparent and maintain constant communications with the residents of the district. Do you think this is appropriate and why? And are there ever times when transparency should take a back seat to other considerations?
Leah:
I'm just taking my notes.
So in terms of transparent communications, I would say yes, I think that is appropriate. And having worked on sensitive projects for, you know, larger corporations like layoffs and reorganizations. A lot of time, a great and tight and transparent communications plan is our best tool, I would say. In terms of are there instances where maybe it would take a back seat?
I think sometimes, yes. So, you know, to use that same analogy, typically in a layoff or a reorganization situation, there are some things that you can't share for privacy reasons. Or maybe, you don't want to instill panic or fear or anxiety, or maybe you don't have, coordination of the team. Right? So you want to kind of get all of your talking points tight as a team so that you can message as one, which tends to distill, the panic and the fear and the anxiety.
That would be my answer.
Kim:
Thank you. Candidate in quest candidate. Krell.
Jana:
I have a question two.
Kim:
Another short one. What qualifications or experiences do you have that would make you a good candidate for the District Board of Directors?
Jana:
Great. Thank you. I can touch on that a little bit more. So, so it's my understanding that with water and sanitary sewer for the metro district, I imagine there's a lot of research and study that goes into the decisions that the board makes.
And to me, those, decisions are made based on reports and expertise and things like that. And so, for me, one of my biggest qualifications is, is that I feel that because this is something that I do so frequently as a career to me, I feel I would be incredibly comfortable reading these reports, making recommendations. I'm also very familiar with a lot of the consultants that potentially would be hired to do these reports.
And, and it's kind of a small community anyway, of civil engineers in the area. And so I feel very comfortable with the members of the city of Castle Pines that work in public works in the different areas, and Lone Tree in some of our partnering cities. And so to me, I feel very comfortable with the task at hand and, and feel that I could use the background and skills that I have to, do a good job for the board.
Thank you.
Kim:
Thank you. Candidate Krell. Candidate Labeau first. First task is to correct my pronunciation of your name, and then I'll ask you to introduce yourself. And in your introduction, please include your name. The area of Castle Pines North that you live in. How long you've lived in Castle Pines North. Your educational background and why you would like to serve on the Board of Directors, and you can ask me to repeat those anywhere along the way.
And you have three minutes sir.
Describer:
Candidate Labeau was muted for a moment.
JD Labeau Junior, Candidate for Board of Directors:
There we go. Thank you. So I'm very, very sorry I couldn't come at the time. And I would love to be there in person. My name is JD Labeau Junior. You can say my last name anywhere you want. I tend to go by JD any way that you want. I am currently in the Bramble Wood community. I've moved here two and a half years ago from Solterra.
It's funny you asked me so many questions. You said, can you repeat them all? And it sounds like I'm in a wedding where you have to remember all the things that the that you're telling I. Yes, I take this wife. Yes, I take her. The reason why I want. The reason why I want to run and help Castle Pines is because I'm involved in a community.
It's actually a it's a I work call it a a coalition, really, that is looking at a lot of, metro districts across Colorado. I'm here to give a plug for Colorado, for metro district reform. It doesn't really affect Castle Pines because they are, we are an older community, which is one of the reasons why I moved here.
However, throughout all of the Colorado Metro district, we are being abused by developers who are coming in and, harming, the development of new homes in our area. So that's one of the reasons why I'm involved. I believe that, there's some great work that is being done with the current board members who are going to be, still on the board.
And I believe that I can help move their position views as I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I thought I heard something there. Is there is there anything else that I address? Because I'm late, I apologize again that I can still address.
Kim:
I think you got it all. And we'll just keep you in the rotation. Now, and you'll get the question again here shortly.
Thank you. Thank you for your answer. Candidate Mulvey.
James:
My question is seven.
Kim:
Questions seven. The district is funded by imposing taxes and the government fees on residents and properties in the district boundaries. How do you feel about A taxes and fees in general, and B the exercise of government powers to impose and collect them?
James:
Okay, well.
Kim:
I'm sorry, that's a loaded question these days for sure.
James:
It's one of those questions that's, there's no right answer.
How do I feel about it? I think everybody would like their taxes to be lower or less and never increase. that being said, I think there's a place for people in the community to pay their fair share. We do receive services. We have roads. We have this water system that we pay for. We have parks and all that needs to be paid for.
So I think it's reasonable to have reasonable taxes. Where I would like things to move is, you know, what can we do in a forward looking standpoint and what can we do to drive cost down and understand cost structures and, see what are the key drivers to those taxes and where those moneys go to and be a good steward of spending that money going forward.
And, I don't know, could you repeat the second portion of that? I apologize.
Yes, please. Yes.
Kim:
How do you feel about the exercise of government powers to impose and collect those taxes and fees?
James:
Well, we can go back to the beginning here, where, as a republic, we've essentially given our government that ability to do that. And the beauty part of this country is, if you don't like it, you can vote for other people, then share your viewpoints and, you know, if you don't like your taxes, you don't like your leadership.
We have the ability to change that. And, you know, speak your mind, make your concerns known and, you know, try to gather a consensus. And I think that's where I leave it.
Kim:
Thank you. Candidate. Mulvey. Candidate Olson 12.
This is a repeat question, but you didn't get to answer it. So here it is. As a district director, you would be one of five that constitute the board. District decisions and actions are determined by the board and not individual directors. The law requires that board decisions must be made in open public meetings.
And I'm missing a page. It's supposed to say, how would you handle or how would you feel about having decisions made that you disagree with and how would you deal with the board and the public in that regard, if at all?
Martin:
I think that's basically the same question I had the first time. so let me say the same thing.
And, you know. Let's, let's all be adults and, work with each other and not go on next door and say all sorts of bad stuff about people and, and just work together in a nice way and get things done.
Kim:
Thank you. And thank you for being patient with me. Candidate LeBeau, we've drawn a couple of questions for you.
Question number four. Which is water resources around the state are being depleted by overuse. Prior boards of directors have pursued other government entities that have greater access to renewable water resources to take over the water services of Castle Pines North Metropolitan District. How do you feel about giving up the district's water, water resources and services in exchange for access to more renewable water resources?
JD:
Thank you for that question. when I moved here two and a half years ago, one of the first things that I did with the current board was go up and talk about the Parker inclusion, but I was very, very excited about I don't believe it would be giving up. I believe it would be partnering and ensuring that we help our residents have more renewable water is something that I'm very, very passionate about.
One of the reasons I think a metro district is in place is because of that water. However, if we can partner and get the things that we're looking for in our needs for water, then we might be able to dissolve a metro district. So I'm almost running to say I would be gladly helpful with those that would be wanting to do that, because I would be working myself out of a role if I was elected, and that's what I hopefully intend to do.
Kim:
Thank you candidate. Labeau. We also drew a second question for you so that you're caught up with everyone else. And that brings us to the end of round two. But here's your second question. The district is the only provider of water and sewer services within its boundaries. There is a lot of new construction being completed by developers in the district, and at the same time, there are longtime residents that rely on the district's water and sewer services.
Sounds familiar, doesn't it? The question is, what are your thoughts on providing costly infrastructure and services to these diverse communities?
JD:
We've got a partner. We've got a partner with each area that has unique issues with their water, allocations and resources, storm, fresh water, wastewater. And we've got to find the best solutions for all. Making those collaborative decisions and those compromises that will help us all, as one community, effectually get the best solutions that we can replace.
So I'm a huge advocate for reaching out to those that may disagree, may agree, have different ideas. As an agile coach, software development, that's what I do. I bring people together to find the best path forward. So that's what I would do, if I was elected on this board.
Kim:
Thank you for those responses. And that is the end of our second round.
We've been at this about 50 minutes. I don't see any questions from people in the audience here. If you have any, please grab one of the forms in the back and write them down, and we'll get those in front of the candidates. And I also don't see any in the chat function. So, people who are watching on zoom, if you have any questions, please type them into the chat function and we will get them to the board, to the candidates.
I think we should maybe take about a five minute break while people do that, and then we'll continue for our last round. We've got several questions. almost all of them want an answer from each person individually. I will, I may have to rephrase some of these. There's a couple I'll just respond to quickly because there's other issues with the question.
And then once I've asked the question, we'll just go from left to right. 30s. Okay.
Thank you.
Except for Candidate Olson, who's going to get the same question over and over.
Question number one, you'll have 30s. We'll start with, Candidate Krell. Do you support. This is a very specific question. It says, do you support the inclusion with Parker Water and Sanitation District?
Jana:
I do, but also to add to that, I support the inclusion with whatever would be the best, opportunity for the city of Castle Pines to partner with.
Kim:
Candidate Mulvey.
James:
I think, she might. Sorry. I think the answer is yes, ultimately. But also I think we need to explore other opportunities and again get back to cost structure. Water's a tremendous expense for, most people in town. And I think we need to understand what that cost structure is Short term and long term.
Kim:
Thank you.
Candidate Coffey.
Thomas:
At this point, yes. But I do think that we can always have more input and we can look at more facts.
Kim:
Candidate Olson.
Martin:
Yes. And just like everyone else, I think, you know, as long as it's still the best deal, whether it's on the table or not. But as long as it's still the best deal and the best opportunity for the city.
Kim:
Candidate Labeau.
Yes. Okay.
Kim:
I like that very direct.
Kim:
Candidate Enquist.
Leah:
Yes. With the same caveat as Jana.
Kim:
Candidate Becker.
David:
Absolutely.
Kim:
Next question. We'll do the same format, but we'll start with candidate Becker. Candidate Becker, do you agree the metro district should be dissolved?
David:
I do, yes.
Kim:
Candidate Enquist?
Leah:
Yes.
Yes.
Kim:
Candidate Coffey?
Thomas:
Yes. Candidate Mulvey.
James:
I'm going to be out. Man. Out. No. I think, they've demonstrated the ability to operate the water system, and I don't believe in making quick, rash decisions. I go with, and I think if we were going to do this, I would speak to the people of Castle Pines and determine whether or not they feel that's the right thing to do.
Kim:
Candidate Krell.
Jana:
Yes.
Kim:
Next question, and we'll start this one with Candidate Olson. And then we'll go that way. And then this way. Hang on a second, though. I got to read it.
I'm sorry, Candidate Labeau. The question was whether do you do you agree that the district should be dissolved.
JD:
Once all of the water issues and any other issues that the metro district is, is kind of overseeing? There is no purpose for the metro district to exist.
Kim:
Thank you. Next question. I'm going to shorten this up a little bit.
How do you plan to work with the remaining board members, and how will you work through conflict? Candidate Olson.
Martin:
Kind of the same question I've had already twice before. That's the third time. Let's see. I'm going to stomp my feet, get upset, and, post on next door. No, I. Just just be an adult and work together.
And I think the the remaining board members will be just fine working with them. So I got no problem with them.
Kim:
Candidate Labeau.
JD:
I am at a disadvantage because I have to get the unmute. So that's why I'm responding a little bit slower. so I just want to give you a little bit. I know it's 30s, but I'm an agile coach and we deal with diversity and disagreement all the time in our teams. Once you have your opinion, you run the call play.
If I'm the only one dissenting and everybody else agrees, then I go with what the group has decided.
Kim:
Candidate Decker. Enquist.
Kim:
I'm sorry. Probably do that again before we're done, but
Leah:
That's okay. unless you call me director and it's okay. Very similar to JD. So I work for GitHub software development company owned by Microsoft. And same thing. We work in agile sprints, lots of different points of view. Typically the way we manage it.
Pros Cons any database based, decisions. So what does the data say. And then agree to disagree. And once we've made that decision then we go forward as a team.
Kim:
Thank you, Candidate Becker. I think much like Mr. Olson, I've. I've always been taught to be an ambassador. So in dealing with conflict, I always approach it from an ambassadorial standpoint, to hopefully come to a mutual agreement.
Kim:
Thank you. Candidate Coffey.
Thomas:
Like most boys, I learned very early from my mother. When she taught me, she said, son, first seek to understand, then be understood. And I think that that applies to any board member, to any of us up here dealing with any kind of issue that affects the public as this one does. So, you know, my sense is, yes, that seek to understand, be understood, make a decision and go forward.
Kim:
Thank you. Candidate Mulvey.
James:
Again, I also do agility training and tools. Do them on a daily basis. Being probably the oldest person in my group, and training many young people, I've learned to listen, and interpret and incorporate those comments and thoughts from the younger generation. In addition, I'm also on, Douglas County Science and Cultural Board.
And, you want to talk about diversity? There's so many different backgrounds in that group. And we get together and we knock stuff out, and we we go through these grants, you know, again this year, above 60. And it's a lively discussion. But at the end of the day, we come to a consensus and we vote, and, it's it's a great experience.
Keep an open mind, talk to people, and more importantly, listen.
Kim:
Thank you, Candidate Krell. In my experience with local government, they, some training I've received was on consent building. And so what this means is making sure that the people that you're delivering your message to understand your reason and your motivation and, and they might not agree with you, but that they can see the value of what it is that you're doing for them as part of the community.
And so to me, that's part of, you know, we're not always going to agree, but if we can understand and come together as a team, that's the most important part. So thank you.
Kim:
Next question and we'll start this one with director Enquist. Then we'll go this way. And then we'll go that way. This is kind of a difficult question.
As a little background that I think applies to this question, the district has for some time imposed a has the power to impose a mill levy, and then it has the power to temporarily reduce that mill levy, which it has done for some time. Reserving that gap in case it's ever needed. The question is, would you reduce the current mill levy?
Why or why not? I'm assuming the question means permanently. Director, Enquist.
Leah:
I don't know, I feel like that's one of those questions where maybe you don't have enough context or knowledge to give an educated answer. I think if the question and the assumption excuse me, I've been on back to back meetings or like if the question and the assumption is to permanently reduce it, I don't know if I would feel comfortable saying yes to that without that knowledge and background.
So in light of that, I would just default to the other option would, which would be no,
David:
Thank you, Director Becker. Thanks. I, I feel the same. I don't know that I'm educated enough to make that determination, but based on your assumption and again, knowing that, the infrastructure is not getting any younger, the, potential inclusion at this point is still potential, I think having just the idea of that in place, if needed, makes prudent sense to me.
Kim:
Thank you. Director Krell.
Jana:
I'm with these two. I'm not sure that I understand enough about what the the reason for the reduction would be. So I think my answer is I would need more information, but then just to kind of, kind of put an answer to it. Infrastructure takes maintenance dollars. That's just the way that it goes.
And so sometimes reducing the maintenance dollars is not what's best for our community. So again, not enough information to answer I apologize.
Kim:
Thank you. Director Mulvey.
James:
Similar answer. The only thing I would think I would add is, I think the flexibility, built into the current system is a good thing. And again, as infrastructure ages, your costs are going to increase and and while I would want to understand why we would ever increase something, I think the same would go for why we wanted to decrease something permanently.
I think we we would just need more information.
Kim:
Thank you. Director Coffey.
Thomas:
Thank you for the question. In my view, it would be highly unlikely that I would vote for reducing it permanently. When you have the growth that we have, when you have uncertain circumstances that can occur at any time, and then having boards, trying to jump through hoops, trying to get things done that would cause a burden on the citizenry of this area, I say it's highly unlikely.
So the answer is probably no.
Kim:
Thank you, Director Olsen. Candidate Olsen, I'm the only one that is not a director yet.
Martin:
Yes. I, I, you know, I think we've all kind of come from the same place, which is, we don't know enough. Would I like the mill levy to go away as a citizen? Sure. Is that realistic? You know, to be able to run a water district and keep the water flowing and have safe water?
Probably not. So I think it's best kept the way it is right now. And, you know, if I'm elected, we'll we'll look at it and see if it can be. But it's a good possibility. It won't be.
Jd:
Thank you. Candidate Labeau. It's limited, but that's okay. I don't mind liability. this is where I think I have some unique perspective with the group that I've been with.
Colorado needs for metro district reform. And I have the ability to tap into an abundant amount of talent. Three lawyers have been working with metro districts for 20 years, being able to address the abuses that have happened. It's very possible that the reasons Castle Pines North had a bankruptcy back in, I think the 90s was due to this abuse.
So I have the ability to look at the specifics of that mill levy and to determine with this group whether or not reduction of that mill levy makes sense for this community. In lieu of I'm sorry, not in lieu of in the desire of abandoning this metro district.
Kim:
Thank you. we have a we have two questions from online.
One of them, two whoever sent this deals with housing mandates from the governor's office, which, this district board has nothing, no power over nothing they can do. The other question is, and I'm going to rephrase this a little bit, what single goal would you like to see the Metro district accomplish during your term? Director Coffey?
Thomas:
Well, I think it's a great question, but I think it's it's some of the obvious.
What we want is we want clean water for our community. We want our citizenry to be we want our lands to grow. We want to be able to provide for the conservation of the area, while at the same time ensuring that in beautiful, all this is part of what the board is about. And, I mean, I don't know if there's a specific answer I can give you to the question until I know a whole lot more, but I think it's a great question.
That's what we're about.
Kim:
Thank you, Director Olsen.
Martin:
Safe and renewable water, plain and simple. However, that comes about safe and renewable water. Thank you. Director Labeau.
JD:
Very much the same renewable water with the hopes of disillusioning. The metro district eventually could be years away. But that's the goal.
Kim:
And you're a candidate, by the way, candidate Enquist.
Leah
Same safe, clean, renewable water
Kim:
Candidate Becker.
David:
Inclusion with a district that can guarantee renewable water sources.
Kim:
Candidate Mulvey.
James:
Thank you. again, clean, renewable water sources. And then a forward looking plan going, into the future for the town. We have tremendous growth. We have aging infrastructure on the side of the highway. And I think we need to examine that and address it and plan for, you know, what we do in the future.
Kim:
Candidate Krell.
Jana:
Much like the rest of everybody. Safe renewable water. But I'm going to add to that, improvements to our existing infrastructure because it's my understanding that that was why the Parker inclusion didn't go forward the first time. So for the opportunity to make whatever necessary repairs to our existing lift stations, etc., to get us, in, in good shape, thank you.
Kim:
That's the end of that round. And, all the other questions have been answered in one way or another. You want to give each of you one minute to sum up, and then we'll be done. where should we begin? let's begin on the left and move to the right. Director Krell.
Whatever you'd like to say in the summary.
Jana:
Okay. I want to thank you guys for taking the time to listen to what I have to offer. I, I look forward to the future for this board, and, And would be delighted to be selected to be on it. And, and, yes, looking forward to the future for Castle Pines Metro District.
Kim:
Thank you, candidate Mulvey.
James:
I like to be a metro. board member, Metro District board member, simply because I think I can apply, some of my skills that I've developed in my experience. Directly to some of the problems that we're going to face in the future. As well as I recognize the, you know, future state of water in Colorado.
And I think we're in a great place right now to to look forward, plan and address some of these issues so that ten, 15, 20 years from now, we're still in a good place. And I would just like to contribute and be part of that solution.
Kim:
Thank you, Candidate Coffey.
Thomas:
Thank you again. And I think, you know, I came here this evening with the intent of serving and serving the, you know, my community and serving the people in this community.
And while we, we, we use the term safe and renewable water sources, it's not that simple. It's a very, very valuable resource. It's life to all of us. And it's extremely important. And I think tonight that I'm certainly impressed with the other, board nominees who have come forward, that this community is going to be able to go forward with these issues and investigate, make decisions, and, and execute.
Thank you.
Kim:
Thank you, Candidate Olsen.
Martin:
Thank you for having us again. and everyone who showed up here and down line, I just look forward to hopefully being able to work with the people on the board and to try to help this community get what it needs, which is safe, renewable water, new infrastructure to go along with that, and, you know, move on and let the city grow.
And, I think we need to have some kind of inclusion with someone else to be able to handle the growth that this city is going through currently and is going to see in the future. So, I look forward to hopefully being able to do that.
Kim:
Thank you. Candidate Labeau.
JD:
Thank you for putting up with me not being there.
I apologize that I intended to come in. Life is what happens when you're busy planning for other things. I'm a servant leader. I want to do what my constituents want. I am an activist to get out and talk with you. I think one of the questions that wasn't addressed is, why aren't we reaching out to those that are going to be voting for us?
I will do that. Mr. Allen. I think that was your question. I am there, I want to bring people together. I if I'm elected, I want to basically do some lean coffee sessions. I want to get the the whole community talking together. I want to build teams, and I want to be able to work with the existing board, to build a team, to be able to help this community with all the challenges that it has with water.
When we have neighborhoods talking about discoloration of water and the water smells and taste. But that's not okay. That is that is something that we need to fix. And servant leaders need to get out and talk with those residents and talk to those communities and talk to those HOA to solve those problems. And I have the energy to do that.
And I will guarantee you that I will be biking through your community and having conversations with you to get your interests and, points brought to the board and hopefully solved. Thank you again for your time.
Kim:
Thank you. Candidate Enquist.
Leah:
Well, first I just want to say thank you. I think this candidate forum was a really great opportunity, to meet the other candidates, hear their impressive backgrounds, be able to answer questions.
Some which were, you know, really thought provoking. I think I feel very fortunate. And then I'm able to work with really kind, intelligent people from all over the world as part of my job. And I'd love to be able to bring, those skills and that experience, to Castle Pines to secure, a safe and renewable, water future.
You know, I have three young kids. And so I think about, you know, what are the issues that are going to face them when they're older. And so I worry about that. And I want to be able to tell them that I wanted to be part of the solution. And I put myself out there. Thank you.
Kim:
Thank you.
Candidate Becker.
David:
Thank you again for everybody. That's that's come tonight and questions online and here as well. As probably the newest resident of the city, I just really want to be involved. I've, I came from a city of millions to 12,000, give or take. And, I look forward to any opportunity to be of service with the city.
I do think it's important for people to understand that when they pull the lever and water comes out, that it's just not that act. There's so much that goes behind the scenes that I think most people are completely oblivious to. So I if elected, I would like to bring that awareness to the public more. That being said, if I'm not elected as a resident of this city, I feel confident than anybody that's spoken here tonight will do a fantastic job.
Kim:
Thank you. Candidates. Thank you everybody who's online. Thank you. Everybody who's here. You can't imagine how heartening it is to see this kind of participation in democracy and in your district. It's a wonderful thing. That's it for tonight. And good luck to everyone.