County Issues
The most important thing a county commissioner can do is to help ensure that vital services are maintained and provided, while adhering to conservative principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and transparency.
It is possible to create a county budget that works in good and bad economic times. It is also plausible for our county not to be affected by revenue shortfalls. There is always government waste that can be cut. Government, at whatever level, has a natural inclination to grow and expand. We must remember that our founding fathers believed that as government increased, liberties decreased. The county must elect people who are committed to lower taxes, minimizing government waste, and securing the founding, constitutional principles that have made this country the envy of the world.
I pledge to commit myself to a full-time work schedule as your county commissioner, because the issues of our county deserve more than part-time attention.
I will help work towards, and create a fiscally responsible county budget.
In addition to donating ten percent of my salary back to the county, I will lobby the state legislature to lower county commissioner salaries. These salaries are extremely high considering that a commissioner’s salary is almost at the same level as that of the governor’s. These salaries are also another sign of government waste, especially given the fact that other county services are being required to tighten their belts and make additional sacrifices.
I pledge to strongly oppose any tax increases, because there’s always government waste that can be cut.
I pledge to not support the issuing of Certificates of Participation. These COPs undermine and sidestep the will of the voters. I support TABOR and these COPs are a violation of its intent. Elected officials are to represent and serve the will of the people, and not their own personal agendas.
I will also work towards ensuring that El Paso County’s borders are protected from illegal immigration. The county must develop a cooperative relationship with the new ICE office that was recently established here in El Paso County. If the federal government is going to drag its feet when protecting our national borders, then the county and state have a responsibility to ensure our security.
I swear to uphold and protect the constitutions of Colorado and the United States.
I ask for your support. “Business as usual” politics must end in our great county. We must strive for a better standard of public service and reach greater heights to ensure our future prosperity. Together we can build a stronger El Paso.
