Candidates for Jefferson County Commissioner
Positions on Mountain Community Issues
October 2, 2020
Our committee, the
Conifer and South Evergreen Community Committee,
recently
asked all candidates for Jefferson County Commissioner a number of questions
regarding issues related to our mountain communities: the questions and each of
their answers are shown below.
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ELOW:
•
When/where/how many times have you established contacts with the
citizens of Jefferson County who live in more rural, usually higher elevation
areas of Jefferson County?
Joni Inman: My involvement with the high-country areas goes back decades. I lived in Bailey for five years, served as the associate editor of the Conifer High Timber Times, did newspaper layout at the Evergreen Canyon Courier and covered the mountain areas as a stringer for the Denver Post. I’m also the former managing editor of, what was at that time, the Park County Republican and Fairplay Flume. Later, as the executive director of the Jefferson County Business Education Alliance, I worked with the Evergreen and Conifer chambers, having both of the executive directors of those chambers on my board of directors.
As a candidate, I’ve spoken to many mountain-area residents about
telecommunications challenges, pending development in Conifer, a group home rezoning case, a problem with a church getting a building permit, and I’ve attended numerous meetings at the Barn, in private homes in Evergreen, and been a guest of the Conifer Kiwanis Club.
My husband and I got married at the Conifer Community Church and two of our children were confirmed at Our Lady of the Pines.
I understand what it’s like to live on property dependent on a well and then have development above me negatively impact the quality of the water. I know what it’s like to have to clear beautiful trees from your property for fire mitigation. And I know what’s it like to have a teenager learn to drive on U.S. Hwy. 285.
I would say that I have a better understanding of the mountain communities than any county commissioner before me.
Andy Kerr: I've attended multiple Evergreen and Conifer “Town Halls” and chamber meetings within the last year. I’ve been to multiple Mountain Area Democrats meetings in the past. And I often ride my bike through the higher elevation areas of Jefferson County.
Tracy Kraft-Tharp: I have several close friends that live in the Evergreen and Conifer areas. I actually dated someone and spent time in the Evergreen area. Libby Szabo: As the sitting Commissioner, I have a lot of contact with you all in these mountain and rural communities, on many different issues that are
important to you and me. You are a very vibrant part of our Jefferson County community.
•
What have you learned from the residents who occupy those areas?
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What are their main concerns/issues?
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How do these concerns differ with regard to concerns of the more
suburban/urban areas of Jefferson County?
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Are the needs of these residents of concern to you? What examples can
you provide where you plan to specifically address these concerns?
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How will you address concerns of these residents in general?
Joni Inman: Fire mitigation, depletion of the aquifers, lack of adequatebroadband in certain areas, and increased traffic are all of high importance and then there are proposed group homes and the use of private residences for short term rentals, and more.
Increased density puts a demand on local resources, such as fire districts, that they simply aren’t prepared to handle. Many people move to the mountain areas expecting the same level of services that they had in the cities and that’s simply unrealistic.
When proposed development comes before me, as a commissioner, I will use the following matrix in my decision-making. 1) How is the property currently zoned and is this a use by right? 2) How does this fit within the Comprehensive Plan? 3) Is there a need for this use? 4) Will this negatively impact neighboring
properties – will it take away the neighboring property owners’ ability to use their own property for that which it is zoned and in use; will there be an adequate supply of water, and if so, for how long. 5) Will the local fire protection district be able to handle the increased volume and, if not, what resources would they need to do so.
While I can’t tell you how I would vote on any particular issue, I think it’s valuable for me to share my decision-making process.
Andy Kerr: What I’ve learned and their concerns is that these residents, like other residents of Jeffco, want clean air and water, a strong economy, but also not be crowded out on the roads or in their homes.
The people in the elevated areas of Jefferson County tend to be more conscientious of fire mitigation of climate change issues.
Yes, these needs are of a concern to me. I fully support the climate change resolution the Jeffco Commissioners recently passed, and support strong anti-pollution measures.
My position in general for Jeffco is to make sure any development fits into the comprehensive master plan and that there is robust communication with the existing community.
Tracy Kraft-Tharp: According to my friends, there are “HUGE” differences between Evergreen, Conifer and Pine. “Conifer is the stepchild of Evergreen and proud of it don’t want to be identified with Evergreen”.
Libby Szabo: I think the major concerns for this community are number 1 fire and how we can make sure our forest health is maintained. Number 2 water and need to make sure you have a sustainable water supply from day to day and in the future. [Number 3] traffic and growth.
These issues are very important to me because I am one of the Commissioners over the entire county, not just where I live. All Jeffco citizen concerns are my concerns. These are the issues I always look at when I am considering any land use case in the area.
My record for land use cases speaks for itself. I want to see a comprehensive plan to make sure our forest health is maintained, working with you all, the Fire
Chiefs, the state and others who can help in fire mitigation. Following the guidelines in state statute and the Comprehensive Plan in making decisions for you community. Looking at revamping land use regulation and processes. In my job as Commissioner I deal with these concerns on an almost daily basis as you all email me and call me about what is going on in your community. I am always attentive to your issues and concerns and will always be. I will also look to find solutions to the issues that are brought to my attention.
•
How much do you know about residential/commercial development in the
mountain communities?
-
Should development for those areas differ from development in the
suburban/urban areas of Jefferson County? If yes, how so?
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What is your position in general with regard to development in these
areas?
Joni Inman: Please see answer above.
Andy Kerr: My position in general for Jeffco is to make sure any development fits into the Jeffco Comprehensive Master Plan and that there is robust
communication with the existing community.
Tracy Kraft-Tharp: Development thoughts from my friends include looking at the level of development and the type of development for the water type and what it supports. What does the water table support and how you keep it clean.
Development plans in the mountain areas are different than in the suburban/ urban areas. Even the comprehensive plan differentiates different geographic areas.
Libby Szabo: I am very versed on what is going on in the residential,
commercial development in your community. I have sat and voted on many new land use cases and have looked at all your concerns on each and every one of them, and will continue to do that in the future if I am re-elected. The mountain community is a very different community than the rest of the county and needs to be looked at with that lens.
I think that every area in the county needs to be looked at with an eye as to the differences they have to other area of the county. Keeping in mind the needs of each area. We owe it to the citizens to always look at each area and the
particular needs they have.
•
What is your depth of knowledge regarding Jefferson County’s Comprehensive
Master Plan (CMP)?
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How does the CMP incorporate any differing requirements for rural
communities?
Joni Inman: The Comprehensive Master Plan is a “guide,” not the law of the land. As the former Deputy City Manager in Lakewood I always urged citizens who might be concerned about growth to get involved in the comprehensive master planning process. It is here where you can make an early impact. While I have not read Jeffco’s CMP in depth, I do know that water planning is a major part of that plan and that there is a subgroup working specifically on downtown Evergreen issues. If elected, I will familiarize myself with it in more depth. Andy Kerr: Please see answer above.
Tracy Kraft-Tharp: I’ve reviewed the Comprehensive Master Plan.
Libby Szabo: I am somewhat knowledgeable of the Comprehensive Master Plan. Each area in the county has one. I consider the direction that is given in
your plan when a land use case comes before me. I know that It is your voice in your community.
•
What is your understanding of fire protection in these rural areas vs. fire
protection in suburban/urban areas of Jefferson County?
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What is your knowledge regarding WUI areas of Jefferson County?
Joni Inman: The Wildland Urban Interface is a particular challenge to local districts that have to be prepared for quick response in the more urbanized areas of the mountain communities, as well as be equipped to handle wildland fires. Staffing and equipment necessary is very diverse and often these small districts are underfunded.By the same token, unique to the mountain areas, there is a good inter-agency cooperation, with help from neighboring jurisdictions and coordination with the Sheriff’s Office and the State Department of Public Safety, and others. Unlike in a metro area, evacuations of homes often also include evacuation of livestock. The multiple prongs of responsibility require clear understanding of resources and responsibilities.
I have not yet reviewed the emergency response plan, or looked in depth at resources available and needed. But community safety (not just law
enforcement) is my top priority and commitment to everyone who lives in Jefferson County so that review will be top on my list. My son is a District Fire Chief at South Metro Fire, a well-funded district with both urban and rural areas. They have resources that I’m sure our smaller districts do not. I’d like to learn more.
Andy Kerr: Rural areas of Jeffco are covered by volunteer fire departments while the rest of Jeffco is covered by professional fire services. Fire mitigation is a top priority in WUI areas as these are the places that will be the most impacted by wildfire.
Tracy Kraft-Tharp: Fire protection and mitigation efforts are vital. I sponsored a bill from NCAR work that predicts the intensity and direction of fires 12-18 hours ahead of time.
Libby Szabo: Fire protection in the rural areas is not as robust as in the
suburban/urban areas and that is a big concern. Most areas in the mountains or rural locations have a volunteer fire fighting team. They do the best job that they can with the resources they have. Where the other areas have a large mill levy to pay for their services and that provides them with access to greater resources like fire trucks and supply’s that the mountain communities just cannot afford. The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is the area that encompasses where people live amongst forest lands or lands that are heavy with vegetation. These areas are identified as at risk for fire danger more than other areas in the county. The Evergreen, Conifer area is identified and could be the next Paradise California if we don’t do something quick.
•
What is your understanding of water availability in these rural areas vs. water
availability in suburban/urban areas of Jefferson County?
Joni Inman: Please see answer above.
Andy Kerr: Water availability hyperlocal issues as many residents rely on wells and septic facilities as opposed to suburban/urban areas that rely on municipal water and wastewater systems. While the suburban/urban areas can get more water from distant watersheds, the rural areas of Jeffco are completely
dependent on their own rainfall and snow pack. This puts them at greater risk of climate change.
Tracy Kraft-Tharp: I have a clear understanding that life is different in the mountain areas than in the suburban and urban areas. Water isn’t available anywhere in Colorado-it’s Colorado’s gold! However, lack of availability is different in the mountain areas.
Libby Szabo: Water is a scarce commodity throughout the western part of the country and more so in these mountain communities that rely a lot on well water. When my in-laws lived in that area, their number one fear was their well running dry and not having access to other water sources. We have to consider that in all our decisions.
•
What is your comprehension regarding water sustainability in these rural areas
vs. in suburban/urban areas of Jefferson County?
Joni Inman: I know that the County has examined this to some degree, and that any developer with a proposal will have a report, but I am in favor of hiring outside expert consultants to take an independent look at demand on our
aquifers and rate of replenishment. It would be irresponsible for us to continue to increase demand without that clear understanding.
Andy Kerr: Please see answer above.
Tracy Kraft-Tharp: Please see answer above.
Libby Szabo: Colorado Revised Statutes requires an evaluation for adequate water supply. The county’s, Comprehensive Master Plan and zoning resolution and land development regulations provide the frame works regarding water and the sustainability of the water. Those are things the county needs to take into consideration when evaluating water sustainability in any area.
•
What is your understanding of wastewater disposal in these more rural areas vs.
in suburban/urban area of Jefferson County?
Joni Inman: Most of the properties in the mountain areas have independent waste water disposal systems (septic and leach fields). I need to learn more about what’s happened over the years in the high-density areas, such as Evergreen. What is in use, what are the options, and how will new residential and commercial properties address this issue. Is there any ability to recapture, clean, and reuse wastewater in the mountain communities? I’d like to learn more.
Andy Kerr: Please see answer above.
Tracy Kraft-Tharp: Please see answer above.
Libby Szabo: Even in our mountain communities there are districts that are served by established sanitary services and other properties have an onsite wastewater treatment system. The districts that serve the mountain communities are similar to the services in the plains. The properties that are not served by those entities are responsible for their own disposal and maintenance.
•
What is your position regarding high density housing for these more rural areas
(i.e.; mountain communities) of Jefferson County?
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What kinds of issues (if any) do you foresee with higher density housing
in the mountain communities?
Joni Inman: Please see answer above.
Andy Kerr: I foresee transportation issues as there would be high density housing but with no jobs, so people would need transportation options and infrastructure in order to get to work or school.
Libby Szabo: I believe there are certain places that high density housing fits well and areas that it is not a good fit. Jefferson county mountain community is a community of landowners and subdivisions that are spread out in acre ridges, and we have to be cautious how we disrupt the already established communities you have.
•
What kinds of needs (if any) do these more rural areas have regarding healthcare?
Joni Inman: Health care options have improved, certainly in Evergreen but along the 285 corridor as well. It is unlikely that the mountain areas of Jeffco will ever see a hospital, simply due to the economics of providing that level of care. However, the urgent care and private physician practices that have popped up over the last decade are a vast improvement for swift care.Andy Kerr: Since transportation is always an issue, it’s hard to get treatment for not emergencies, but also for basic healthcare needs. There tends to also be a lack nurses and doctors which further hampers healthcare access.
Tracy Kraft-Tharp: Healthcare is expensive and sparse.
Libby Szabo: Sometimes in the rural area there are not a lot of options when it comes to healthcare because the amount of people that live in the area. I know that getting enough doctors and dentists to open a viable business is a problem in all rural areas around the state.
•
What kinds of jobs are prevalent in these rural areas?
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What needs (if any) do these communities require regarding
transportation to work?
Joni Inman: These areas are always going to be primarily reliant on private vehicles, so we need to make sure that our roads are well maintained, plowed and sufficient to handle peak travel times. I’m not sure what the RTD bus ridership is today but it is certainly a very viable option.
In addition, if we can resolve the telecommunications infrastructure issues, more people will be able to telecommute – a very attractive option for those who can do it. In some areas, this is already an option.
Andy Kerr: While many people who have moved to rural areas in the last decades have taken advantage of telecommuting technology, many must commute far to work in the urban corridor. Public transportation should be as available as possible to keep out limited infrastructure from being overburdened. Tracy Kraft-Tharp: I know that the type of jobs available in the mountain area is different, that most people commute or are part of consuming type of businesses. Libby Szabo: Mountain communities tend to have a lot of restaurants and service or tourist-oriented business. I think these areas would utilize all the services that are available to the suburbs and urban areas of our county if they were available up in your area. Unfortunately, they are not available at this time but I am committed to keep working on that issue to see what type of better transportation services can be available in our mountain communities.
We thank each of the Jefferson County Commissioner candidates for their time and
consideration. We hope the information they have provided is helpful to the
community,
Conifer & South Evergreen Community Committee
Contact the Committee:
cosecc.co@gmail.comPlease visit our website:
https://www.cosecc.org