South Suburban Parks and Recreation Candidates Answer Our Questions

Question 1

Since I am not currently on the Board, I am unfamiliar with SSPRD’s current efforts to address this guiding principle. That said, sustainability and preserving our natural world are something I am very passionate about and committed to as demonstrated by my past and current involvement in promoting and practicing habits that protect the environment and preserve natural resources. I would advocate for SSPRD to set a Zero Waste goal. Aiming for zero means taking action toward reducing waste, diverting as much material from landfills as possible and taking steps to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost across all SSPRD operations and programs. These actions directly support environmental stewardship goals.

Question 2

As a kid growing up in rural Michigan it was only natural to spend entire days outside, in unstructured play. As a Certified Interpretive Guide and trained naturalist, I know that providing access to, and an appreciation for the outdoor world is much easier than many urban dwellers are aware of, and it needn’t cost a lot to do so. Nature is just outside our door. SSPRD can help bring awareness to that simple fact through the district’s print and online publications, and outdoor interpretive resources. The district can provide information about suggested activities for parents and kids that will draw them outdoors and into the natural world. I would be an advocate for the district’s volunteer interpretive guides training, and modeling Boulder County Parks & Open Space Volunteer Naturalist’s popular and successful programs that support the goal of increasing unstructured play.

Question 3

As mentioned in question #2, I would look for ways to bring greater awareness to, and appreciation of nature that is just outside our doors.  We enjoy and find many benefits as frequent users of district trails and parks, which cost us nothing beyond the SSPRD tax, and are a great value. These benefits can be enjoyed by everyone in the district at virtually no additional cost, regardless of the sport(s) they play, or the paid programs they participate in. There is an educational component to this approach, but it is achievable by bringing awareness to the wonderful amenity of the district’s free outdoor spaces.

Question 4

I have a Master’s degree in Organizational Management, and decades of leadership and management experience. This has focused on two areas of business that will be complementary to the board. First, my experience directing contract and proprietary corporate services, facility operations & property management is closely applicable to the Board’s advisory and fiduciary roles. My contributions to the board would also draw heavily upon experience gained over more than two decades in hospitality and tourism, serving guests and visitors as an international tour & travel director, leading destination marketing & management organizations, and working as an interpretive tourist guide. I see many opportunities to beneficially apply that background to the district’s recreational, dining and hospitality programs and services.

Question 5

In a previous elected role as a Council Member for the City and County of Broomfield I was involved in many functions of local government, not unlike those of the SSPRD Board of Directors. My experience serving on and reporting to elected and appointed boards align closely with the role of SSPRD board members, and with the district’s operational environment and resources.

SSPRD is heavily reliant on volunteers to fill certain roles. As a dedicated, life-long volunteer serving with numerous professional associations and community service organizations, I appreciate the immense value they bring to the district, and would work to ensure they are properly equipped for their roles, and know they are valued and appreciated.

Question 1

• SSPRD has made meaningful progress in living up to its guiding principle of being “Stewards of Nature and Sustainability.” Through initiatives like the South Platte Park (SPP) Management Plan, the district has demonstrated a clear commitment to protecting water quality, wildlife habitat, and community health. For example, the park’s integration of green infrastructure – such as constructed wetlands, retention systems, and the restoration of the river’s low-flow channel – enhances stormwater management, protects aquatic life, and reduces urban heat. The district’s perfected instream flow rights, jointly held with the City of Littleton, are a model for protecting riparian ecosystems while balancing recreational needs. SSPRD also promotes public engagement through educational signage, nature programs, and sustainable equipment adoption, such as the switch to electric landscaping tools. The work of the Sustainability Committee, along with the foundational principles laid out in the 2012 Sustainability Charter, reflects a thoughtful and structured approach to integrating environmental ethics across departments.
• If elected, I would advocate for several improvements:
  • Grow the green infrastructure footprint by identifying opportunities for new bioswales, tree canopies, and shade structures in urbanized parts of the district.
  • Protect and expand open space and trail connectivity by linking more parks through greenbelts, improved pedestrian and bike-friendly roadways, and the integration of natural elements along connecting streets. These efforts will be strengthened through community partnerships – with organizations like the South Metro Land Conservancy, local businesses, and active groups such as Littleton Social Cycle and the Mission Hills Sports and Recreation Ministry – to encourage greater trail use, gather donations for expansion, and build public support for larger-scale projects.
  • Partner with schools and families to engage children in nature education and hands-on conservation programs, cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards.

Question 2

Connecting children with nature is essential for their physical and mental health. Generation Wild statistic that kids average less than seven minutes of unstructured outdoor play each day is deeply concerning, and it highlights the need for action at the local level.

If I am elected, I will focus on creating more chances for kids to get outside, explore nature, and enjoy the outdoors regularly. This includes:

• Work with schools, churches, and youth groups to offer more outdoor field trips, service projects, and nature-based learning. Team up with groups like Generation Wild, South Metro Land Conservancy, Scouts, and local rec ministries to help more kids experience the outdoors.
• Developing “nature play zones” in local parks – safe, unstructured spaces that encourage kids to explore, imagine, and connect with the natural world on their own terms.
• Create seasonal, family-friendly programs that blend fun and conservation – like guided nature walks, youth cleanup days, wildlife education events, and holiday activities such as bobbing for apples, hayrides, pumpkin painting, and nature-themed scavenger hunts. These events can bring families together, build community, and help kids connect with the outdoors in memorable ways.
• Enhancing trail and greenbelt connectivity, so kids and families can easily and safely walk or bike to nearby parks and open spaces.

By investing in programs and spaces that make nature more accessible and inviting for kids, we can help reverse the trend of staying indoors and build lasting connections between children and the outdoors. We need to make going outside more fun and exciting than staying glued to a screen – by creating real opportunities for kids to explore, play, and spend time with friends in nature.

Question 3

I understand the concern that SSPRD might prioritize active recreation simply because those programs generate revenue. Many people, including myself, enjoy passive recreation just as much, whether it is walking or running along a trail, tossing a frisbee in the park, or simply spending time in nature. I believe both active and passive recreation are equally important, and we need to do a better job honoring that balance.

If elected, I will work to ensure we are not just investing in fee-based facilities like courts and fields, but also preserving and enhancing open spaces, trails, and quiet areas that offer a different kind of value. Parks and open spaces are the heart of this district, they are what make our communities feel livable, and we cannot lose sight of that core mission.

That is not to say we should not invest in facilities that support more affordable and accessible active recreation, like pickleball, hockey, or community art classes. But I believe we can better balance those investments by also partnering with local recreational businesses and community organizations to build and maintain those amenities.

We need to be much more transparent about how priorities are set and how funds are allocated. Residents should be able to clearly see how both active and passive recreation are supported. That includes creating more opportunities for feedback, from trail users and birdwatchers to athletes and artists, and making sure those voices shape future projects.

Whether someone is out on a pickleball court or enjoying a peaceful moment along the river, their needs should be heard, valued, and reflected in the way we plan and invest.

Question 4

I bring experience in finance, nonprofit leadership, and community service to help SSPRD plan for the future and navigate significant changes.

As a Certified Public Accountant I know how to manage public funds responsibly, spot inefficiencies, and make large budgets more transparent and accessible. I have worked as an auditor and accountant for over five years, including a year focused specifically on auditing state and local governments. That experience has prepared me to ensure SSPRD’s $120 million budget is not only balanced but delivering maximum value to taxpayers.

Leading SSPRD is not just about numbers, it is about serving people and strengthening the places we all share. I have spent years volunteering in the community. At Mission Hills Church in Littleton, I lead a middle school boys’ life group, and I’ve helped grow a coed hiking group from just a few members to over 100, regularly hosting outdoor events that bring people together and encourage time in nature. I also work part-time with Volo Sports, reffing and hosting adult intramural leagues, helping build community through recreation. And my first job was with Foothills Park and Recreation District, where I worked as a summer camp counselor for elementary kids, an experience that showed me early on how meaningful parks and recreation can be in people’s lives.

My environmental work includes founding and leading the Denver chapter of the American Conservation Coalition, where I organized tree plantings, sustainability projects, and cleanups. I have also written op-eds, testified at the Colorado Capitol, and met with members of Congress to discuss energy and conservation policy. As an Eagle Scout and lifelong outdoorsman, I understand the value of our open spaces and the importance of preserving them for the next generation.

In addition to my professional work, I serve on nonprofit boards and committees, including as Treasurer for several organizations and as a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs' Young Professionals and Member Connections Committees. I am also pursuing a graduate degree in Mineral and Energy Economics at the Colorado School of Mines to deepen my understanding of long-term planning, energy systems, and economic policy.

Whether it is managing finances, building coalitions, or getting my hands dirty in a park cleanup, I have shown a consistent commitment to responsible leadership and community service. I am ready to bring that same dedication to the SSPRD board and would be honored to serve.

Question 5

Here are a few more priorities and ideas I would bring to the board:

• Strengthen community partnerships by working with local businesses, churches, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups to co-host events, expand outreach, and share resources. These partnerships can increase program visibility, lower costs, and build a stronger sense of community ownership.
• Make the budget more understandable by using clear visuals like dashboards or infographics and launching a “where your money goes” campaign, so residents know how their dollars are spent.
• Pilot innovative ideas and programs – like intergenerational recreation events, small business sponsorships for youth sports, or rotating pop-up events in underutilized parks – to boost participation and reach more corners of the district.
• Expand civic engagement through citizen advisory groups and regular open forums, not just around budgets, but around park planning, accessibility, and programming.
• Encourage innovation and adaptability so SSPRD can remain responsive to changing demographics, community interests, and long-term climate and budget challenges.
• Foster community pride and placemaking by creating parks and trails that reflect the character of our neighborhoods and serve as gathering spaces for shared experiences. Whether it is a family picnic, a children’s soccer game, or a quiet walk at sunset, these places help shape our memories and connect us to the cities we call home. I want people to feel a sense of ownership and pride in their local parks, where every trail and playground tells part of our community’s story.

Question 1

I am a strong advocate for parks, trails, and open spaces, and I’d like to share a bit of my background to explain why. I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in recreation, focusing on outdoor education. Over the years, I have gained practical experience working with several park and open space departments, including summers with the City of Evans and the Highlands Ranch Metro District. Growing up, I lived adjacent to one of South Suburban’s parks, which extended my backyard into nature, a privilege I valued so much that I’m now raising my own children in a similar environment.

Later, my career path led me into the classroom, where I taught Earth and Environmental

Sciences for over a decade. I share this background to emphasize how personally important nature and sustainability are to me.

The guiding principle of “Stewards of Nature and Sustainability” embraced by the South

Suburban Parks and Recreation District (SSPRD) resonates with my values and aligns with the environmental goals outlined in the 2022 SSPRD Master Plan. This principle is vital for the stewardship of natural resources and addressing climate change on a local level, all while enhancing the quality of life for district residents.

I recently read an article that discussed the link between access to green spaces and a slower cognitive decline—up to three times slower—for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, another issue close to my heart. I’ve also researched SSPRD’s efforts to integrate green infrastructure within its parks and recreation areas. These initiatives, such as enhancing water quality through stormwater management, creating wildlife habitats, and mitigating the urban heat island effect by increasing tree canopy and planting native vegetation, have already made a significant impact. I've seen many of these improvements firsthand in my neighborhood park.

I’m also excited about the ongoing progress on the Powers Park project, a collaboration

between your agency and SSPRD. These environmental efforts not only improve the quality of our surroundings but also promote stronger, healthier communities by providing green spaces where residents can connect with nature, exercise, and socialize.

However, there’s more that can be done to enhance the district’s sustainability initiatives, and I would advocate for the following if elected:

• Community Education and Engagement: Increase awareness about sustainability through educational workshops and programs. Strengthen partnerships with local schools and businesses to broaden the impact.
• Sustainable Landscaping: Implement more xeriscaping and sustainable landscaping practices, using drought-resistant plants to reduce irrigation needs. This would conserve water while providing habitats for local wildlife.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind energy at park facilities to reduce the district's carbon footprint. Additionally, promoting the use of bikes by rangers and park workers during warmer months would reduce vehicle usage and make park staff more accessible to the public.
• Wildlife Corridor Development: Expand wildlife corridors or connect fragmented natural areas within parks to maintain biodiversity, create safe migration paths for animals, and preserve native ecosystems. These corridors can be designed to minimize disruption to human activities while benefiting wildlife.

If elected, I would also advocate for expanding the district’s sustainability committee to include community partners and experts. This collaboration would enhance SSPRD’s existing efforts and foster a more integrated approach to environmental conservation, public health, and community resilience. Ensuring that parks, trails, and open spaces are accessible and form part of a larger, eco-friendly system is essential to long-term benefits for both the environment and our residents.

Question 2

Thank you for sharing that resource! I’m excited to go through the “100 Things to Do Before You’re 12” list with my kids and see how we measure up. My father was formerly the Executive Director of SSPRD and one of the founding members of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), and I’m committed to carrying forward his vision. It was his dedication to the community and our youth that sparked my passion in this same area.

Currently, I’m involved in a book study focused on The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. In the book, Haidt argues that starting in the 1990s, growing parental concerns about safety led to a decline in unsupervised outdoor play, depriving children of opportunities to explore, test their limits, and develop social skills through shared experiences. Haidt also connects the rise in mental health issues among young people to the decline of ‘play-based childhoods’ and the rise of ‘phone-based childhoods.’ As a high school principal, I’ve seen these impacts firsthand.

The solution to this challenge is complex. It requires not only educating children about the benefits of play, but also engaging parents and ensuring that our parks provide safe spaces for unstructured outdoor time. I believe this is a larger societal issue that demands collaboration and trust between the park district, school districts, and the community as a whole. As a board member for a park and recreation district, I would be representing the community on issues related to health, safety, and overall wellness. A key part of this mission would be reconnecting children and youth with nature through outdoor experiences. Here are a few initiatives I would focus on:

• Promote Outdoor Education – With my background in recreation and experience as an educator and principal, I am well-positioned to collaborate with schools to integrate outdoor education into the curriculum. I’d love to see LPS engage with outdoor labs, similar to many surrounding districts.
• Focus on Safety in Parks – I would work to ensure that parks are safe, well-designed spaces that encourage outdoor play, exploration, and environmental education.
• Encourage Collaboration with Environmental Organizations – I would foster partnerships between local environmental nonprofits and schools to provide mentorship and educational programs that allow children to connect with nature while learning about sustainability and conservation.
• Support for Natural Play Areas – I would advocate for the creation of natural play areas in parks—spaces that encourage unstructured, imaginative play with natural elements like trees, rocks, and water features. Centennial Park is a great example of this.

By implementing these initiatives, we can restore the connection between children and the natural world, fostering healthier, more active, and environmentally conscious future generations.

Question 3

South Suburban plays a vital role in our community, and it is essential to provide and promote both active and passive recreation opportunities to meet the diverse needs of all residents.

I have publicly stated my belief that funding from tax revenue should be directed toward initiatives that benefit the majority of the community, such as parks, trails, and open spaces. On the other hand, specific recreation programs (including golf) should be fee-supported, as they primarily benefit those who directly participate.

To address any perception that passive recreation is underrepresented, South Suburban could do more to promote free or low-cost activities, highlighting that passive recreation is not being overlooked. Offering additional free or low-cost programs or events that focus on passive activities would help further demonstrate this commitment.

It’s also important to conduct regular surveys and community meetings to better understand the needs of all user groups, both active and passive. By actively seeking feedback, SSPRD can ensure it meets the needs of the entire community and allocate resources more effectively.

Finally, SSPRD should strive to integrate both types of recreation in park planning. For instance, while an area may be designed for active sports, it could also feature nearby peaceful spaces for those seeking a more relaxed experience.

On a personal note, one of the most enjoyable programs my family has participated in was a guided evening tour of Cooley Lake. We gained so much knowledge and had an incredible experience learning about this protected habitat. Unfortunately, in a moment of clumsiness, I dropped a pair of binoculars while passing them from one canoe to another, and they quickly sank to the bottom. 

Question 4

As a current high school principal, I have a tremendous amount of experience in running an organization for a diverse population of needs. My role has offered me experience in budgeting, leadership, staff and client culture, effective hiring practices, and communication.

As a member of the District Leadership team for the Douglas County School District, I have engaged in large-scale communication, strategic planning, and effective collaboration with other stakeholders.

I believe I am a strong candidate for this board because I have lived in this community my entire life. I understand the values and needs of our residents, and I recognize how access to quality park and recreation opportunities enriches the lives of everyone in the district. I am approachable, open to feedback, and committed to working collaboratively with the board to address concerns. While I am not afraid to voice my opinions, I also value listening to others' thoughts and ideas, striving to find a balance that best serves all interests. I believe a good board member is someone who upholds strong community and organizational values, but is also willing to compromise and adapt to make decisions that benefit everyone.

Question 5

I am running for the board to serve and support the entire district and its residents. I don’t have any special interests or biases toward a specific region. However, I do have guiding principles and values that I will rely on when making important decisions. You can find my vision on my Facebook page, my bio on the SSPRD website, and the flyers I've distributed at various facilities. These guiding principles are:

• Sustainability and fiscal responsibility
• Access to close-to-home recreational opportunities for all
• Upholding high standards for programs, parks, and facilities, with a focus on safety, cleanliness, and maintaining a 'small-town' feel
• Shared ownership — fostering the belief that "we are all South Suburban."

I hope you've seen the common thread between my vision and my responses to your questions. I aimed to keep my answers concise, but these are important issues, and I found it difficult to limit my thoughts. That said, I am always open to conversation and feedback, as my goal is to be a true advocate for our community. Not every decision will be popular with everyone, but you can trust that each will be made thoughtfully, with these guiding principles and the broader community in mind.

I'll leave you with a Native American proverb I often shared with my students, which I find especially relevant here: "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

Question 1

In looking at the SSPRD sustainability section on their web site, it looks like they are making a strong effort in supporting these guiding principles.    One thing I would change is the design of the new park in Lone Tree, High Note Park.  This park includes 50% of the park in asphalt and astroturf which doesn’t meet the definition of a green infrastructure.  I feel a park design with more open space,  larger natural trails with an emphasis on trees around the trail would be a better design.  Similar to Wash Park.  This park has more of a sports complex feel versus a green park feel.   There is a benefit of saving water with astroturf fields but there are also environmental drawbacks to AstroTurf as well. https://gba.org/blog/artificial-turf-fields-health-and-environmental-concerns/

This design should have two fields worth of open space.  The plans call for a parking lot the size of two football fields to accommodate all the cars that a tournament may draw which also is in conflict with a beautiful park.  Douglas County just announced a plan to build nine new fields in a sports complex.  Dove Valley Park has nine fields just eight minutes north of this park.  Plenty of fields all around so this park could be what it is called “a park”.  If you were playing the game Family Feud and the host said  “things you see in a park”  I think you would get an X for 40 acres of astroturf.

Question 2

It starts with a park design where kids want to go to the park or want to go to the trail.  Reynolds Landing or Hudson Gardens are two good examples where SSPRD has made parks fun for kids to explore nature.  I have to pick on High Note Park again because this design is an example where there is almost no space for youth to connect with nature due to so much of the park being used for astroturf and asphalt.   There is a new housing development right next to the park that hopefully will have a lot of kids but with this design they can’t go down to the park for pick up game of volleyball, soccer, touch football, etc., because all of the space will be programmed on the astroturf fields.  Unstructured play time teaches kids so many other traits because they have to learn how to recruit players, make up the rules and make the teams even.

Question 3

I think SSPRD has a pretty good balance between the user groups priorities and passive recreation. I have found it is hard to educate the general public on issues related priorities on how much is spent.   You just have to look at the 2025 budget to realize how complicated it is for SSPRD to balance everything and explain that to someone.  Golf is the only user fee group that generates any significant net profit revenue.  I would explain to the passive bird watcher for example that the two million dollars in profit from golf goes to trails that you use for free.  So, some priority to golf is necessary to fund passive interests.  You could try to explain this on a web site or trail signs but my guess is this would have limited effectiveness.

Question 4

I have strong business background working for IBM, American Express and FOX Sports where I was in charge of large teams ranging from sales to television production.  I have owned my own company for 25 years which I started on my own with a design on a piece of paper.  The experience of keeping a small business going for 25 years has been a wealth of knowledge in how to lead an organization and how to have long term stability.   It is also important in any leadership position that you know your product well.  I use the tennis courts, golf courses, pickleball courts, trails and rec centers.

I started the original recreation committee in Lone Tree after a meeting with Dave Lorenz of SSPRD, and Jack O’Boyle from Lone Tree.  Neither SSPRD nor Lone Tree had the money to fund a much needed new swimming pool, new tennis courts and new ball fields.  I rallied the community to get behind a ¼ sales tax increase to pay for all these new amenities through a bond.  While doing this I learned quite a bit about the entire process from starting from design to bids, to funding to completion.  I am proud to say we brought the project in on time and on budget.

Question 5

One of my favorite trails is the Highline Canal trail.  The trail seems to be able to put you back in nature for a vast majority of the trail in the middle of thousands of homes.  I am a big fan of keeping the natural trail versus adding more asphalt and cement so I can keep this feeling of being close to nature.

Question 1

As someone who grew up in the SSPR District, I have seen the evolution of our open spaces and the integration of human development with the natural world.  The Platte River flood of 1965 opened the eyes of civic leaders to the importance of this natural resource and role that it can play by engaging people in a wide variety of experiences. The Mary Carter Greenway Trail is a result of that process.

As part of their role, SSPRD has found the right kind of balance between recreational facilities with open space and trails in both the Strategic Plan and the Master Plan.  The responsibility of the Board of Directors is to firmly recognize the critical importance of that balance.  The Board must take action to examine the policies, programs and proposed projects to make sure that balance is maintained and enhanced.

Using the knowledge and skills that have been developed on previous open space projects, SSPRD has new opportunities to plan parks like the proposed Powers Park improvements. That project can form partnerships with other public entities like the Mile High Flood Control District and City of Littleton to make the required improvements together.  The overall project will protect properties in the floodway while integrating those improvements in a way that involves the adjacent neighborhoods and provides ways in which the drainage project can become an amenity to the community.

Future programs to continue planning and converting the Highline Canal and plans for the new High Note Regional Park in Lone Tree are examples of programs where SSPRD and its partners can integrate linkages to open space opportunities.

The Board must provide direction such that these types of connections meet each of the Strategic Plan “Guiding Principles” of:

• Quality First – by thoughtfully integrating the needs of each resource
• Connect Community – by providing linkages between the recreation and open space opportunities
• Enhance Wellness – providing active facilities that are accessible and inclusive
• Stewards of Nature and Sustainability - achieving the right balance between the natural and the built environment
• Fiscal Responsibility – implementing programs and projects while understanding the near-term and long-range implications of those investments

Question 2

I have firsthand experience in the generational responsibility of SSPRD.  I learned to play soccer and to ski through South Suburban.  Our daughters and now our grandchildren use many of the same facilities and parks that I did. However, not all children are interested in competitive sports as I have seen with our family members.

The District plays a critical role in recreational competitive sports but also has a key responsibility in providing more passive experiences in our open space areas.  The support of learning programs that are available at the Carson Nature Center and Hudson Gardens are good examples of how the District has combined resources to provide positive learning experiences.  Partnerships with school districts and civic organizations is another place where children can be engaged.  Emphasizing observances of events like Earth Day with municipal programs like Centennial’s “Clean and Green” and partnering with groups like the South Metro Land Conservancy and the South Platte Urban Waters “Green Team” not only bring children outside but they also instill a responsibility to protect our natural resources.

As a Board member, I will look for opportunities to further enhance our active recreational programs for children, but at the same time find the right balance for more passive interests within the scope of the District programs for all children.

Question 3

I need to understand more about the sources and uses of funds by the District but one principle that I will keep in mind is the balance between active and passive recreation and pursuits.  In general, I feel that active recreation should be supported primarily by usage fees and other grant-oriented funds.  Passive uses of open space include the natural setting and the ability to experience nature while in the environment or just passing by. Because there is no direct connection to the user, these programs and functions must in part be supported through the General Fund and property tax dollars.

One of the most important Guiding Principles that the Board will employ is “Fiscal Responsibility”.  Careful consideration of the policies, programs and projects that come before the Board must be balanced by the near-term and the long-range budget implications. In turn, the Board must show the public and District residents how investment decisions are made and why those decisions are the best for the District. That process takes time to understand the findings of the District staff teams and inputs from residents and those affected by the decisions.  I am a strong supporter of direct engagement and the application of open and transparent decision-making processes.  I also realize that when enough information and inputs have been gathered, it is up to the Board to make the right decisions for the future of the District.

Question 4

I have been involved in civic programs at the participant and the leadership levels my entire life.  Having recently retired from a 47-year career in civil engineering focused on public works, my experience is based on helping people to make decisions.  Those decisions are almost always based on researching and understanding the trade-offs between and among alternatives.  Decisions are made by comparing assessments to established goals and criteria in an open and transparent process.

Outside of my work career, I have always participated in working with people to make things better.  I served as Mayor of Bow Mar for 10 years during which time I served on the Metro Mayor’s Caucus including a term as the Chairperson, and on the DRCOG Board for which I received their Distinguished Service Award in 2024.  I have also served on boards for a reservoir company and three different homeowner’s associations over the years.  I am currently serving on two non-profit boards: as the chairperson of Civic Results which runs the Matro Mayor’s Caucus, and as the Finance Committee chair for Christian Living Communities which is a company that owns and operates 10 senior communities in Colorado.

Working with people to make a difference is one of my primary interests.  Now that I have time available, I want to commit to being a very effective and accountable Board member for the 153,000 residents of SSPRD.

Question 5

Recent events have underscored the uncertainty that we all share within our world.  We can only manage what we can manage together.  As a key part of the south metro region, the District has substantially contributed to our quality of life for more than 65 years.  Spanning that time, land has been developed and redeveloped to create the built environment while we have also been preserving our natural environment.  If elected, I will work to enhance the balance between our natural and built environments. I will be vigilant to shepherd the resources of the District to continue to add to our overall quality of life. That is because it is important to all of us, but critical for our future generations.

Question 1

Currently, SSPRD’s Sustainability Committee is an internal organization. In addition to advocating for this committee to publicly share their meeting information as well as goals and achievements, I see this as an opportunity to promote environmental sustainability by creating an Environmental Advisory Committee for SSPRD.

A great example of how effective this approach can be is Littleton’s Environmental Stewardship Board (ESB). This board provides input to city council and staff. The ESB's creation of an action plan and the positive impact their efforts will have for the environment and the city, has laid the groundwork for SSPRD to follow. As a candidate, establishing a citizen volunteer Environmental Stewardship Committee will be a priority. 

Question 2

I will connect our children and youth with nature through a focus on community engagement and public outreach. I believe SSPRD could be doing more to inform and involve our in-District families. Now that SSPRD owns and operates Hudson Gardens as well as the South Platte Park there are even more opportunities to connect children with nature. A strong commitment to partnerships with our in-District schools and youth organizations will provide even more access to these opportunities than just publishing a catalog or listing the events on a website.

Question 3

I will improve transparency. This is one of the main reasons I decided to run to be a member of the SSPRD board. Our in-district community should be able to clearly understand how their taxes are being spent. What percentage is going to construction of new facilities and paying for the employees that operate fee-based activities, and what percentage is being spent maintaining and improving our passive recreation amenities? Currently, that information is not easily available. By providing this information to the SSPRD community we will be able to understand SSPRD’s priorities based on facts, not general statements.

Question 4

As a member of the Arapahoe County Cultural Council, I have been responsible for the review of grant applications and final funding recommendations for community art and cultural grant applications. Working as a member of the council in allocating public tax dollars has given me the experience of asking questions and reviewing information to ensure our tax dollars are being spent in ways that directly benefit our community. I believe this experience, combined with my dedication to assisting SSPRD in meeting their stated mission, vision and goals, would be a benefit to our community. 

Question 5

I am asking the citizens of SSPRD to vote for me if they believe the three opportunities I am advocating for could benefit our community: Transparency, Community Engagement, and Election Services.

Having lived in the SSPRD community for over 21 years, I appreciate the amenities and services I have had access to as a resident. As a parent of three active children (now 21, 20, and 18) I am very familiar with the amazing classes, facilities, and parks and open space we are provided.

I would work with the board in a collaborative manner to increase transparency, engage and respect our community, and provide access to ballots for all SSPRD residents.