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The following candidates returned surveys (listed in ballot order):
Mac McFarlin – Ward 1
Dominick Moreno – Ward 1
Kerstin Berlinski – Ward 3
David Pocs – Ward 3
Joseph Sandoval – Ward 3
Guillermo Serna – Ward 3
Steve Douglas – At Large
Andrew Hahn – At Large
Jason McEldowney – At Large
Colby Trull – At Large
Mac McFarlin – Ward 1
1.Start in nonessential services, and continue on to limit and or eliminate partnerships that suck resources but provide very little benefit to Commerce City.
2.No.
3.I feel Commerce City has made positive moves in this direction in the last 2 years. Short of giving away the farm, I feel we’ve done as such as we can, until the economy rebounds, and corporate entities start looking to expand and grow again.
4.No, I don’t have faith that RTD will finish even the abbreviated version of the North line through Commerce City. The revenues we’ve generated will continue to be spent elsewhere first.
5.It would be nice to expand our holdings for future uses, but I feel we need to complete the projects we already have on the books first.
6.I will work with the Chamber in direct proportion to how Chamber activities and programs benefit the City of Commerce City.
Dominick Moreno – Ward 1
1.Commerce City has been more fortunate than most cities; we do not rely heavily on sales tax because of our industrial base. However, if the economy worsens, I will continue in the direction of the current city council by finding different and cheaper methods of operating without reducing the level of service to our citizens.
2. There are some areas where cooperation and consolidation could be beneficial such as development, transportation, and perhaps water issues.Together as a larger lobbying entity we would receive more attention, allowing the Metro North region to improve services for its citizens. However, I would also ensure that the consolidation of some services does not limit Commerce City’s ability to individually respond to its residents.
3.I believe Commerce City is mostly friendly towards business. However, we need to constantly showcase everything our community has to offer.More business means more revenue, which adds to the health of our city.
4.I support the sales tax increase in order to complete FasTracks because, even though times are tough now, it is an investment in our future. This is only my personal opinion—the ultimate decision is up to voters. If passed, I will strongly work with RTD to make sure the Northern lines are completed in a timely manner.
5.Yes, I support expanding Commerce City’s parks and open areas. I believe such areas are instrumental in providing citizens with healthy and stimulating recreational activities. As a city councilman, I would support the city’s existing parks and recreation department to make sure all of Commerce City’s citizens have access to these spaces.
6.If elected, I will personally work with the Metro North Chamber to attract business, development, and a greater range of services for our communities. As a city representative, I will be a steadfast partner in bringing attention, support, and resources to this area.
Kerstin Berlinski – Ward 3
1.We could work together with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office with work release programs (see answer to question #5)
2.Even though I think it would be great to work together and promote the North Region to businesses and residents of the Metro area, I believe city services should continue to stay within the city limits.I think it helps create more jobs and right now in this economy I would struggle with the idea of reducing more jobs in our cities.
3.I believe it would be better if Commerce City did have more businesses it in.I do know that the City has been working with businesses that are interested in moving to Commerce City.They have come up with tax credit incentive plans to make our City more appealing.
4.As a tax payer I would prefer not to raise our taxes.As a resident who would like to see future growth of our City I think it could be a great opportunity for our City.When I lived in Littleton I must say it was quite nice to have the accessibility it offered.I would use it to commute to downtown and enjoy what Denver had to offer.
5.Yes, I think if we had these facilities for the families and the youth to use it would create a better sense of Community. We could get the youth involved by teaching them how to assist with the maintenance of the areas and they would take pride in it. We could also look into partnering with Adams County Sheriff’s for work release programs to work on these areas.
6.I think as a resident of Commerce City it would be great to work with the Metro North Chamber.I think residents of Commerce City feel left out of events in the area since some consider us the black sheep.If we knew about events and could promote residents and businesses of our City to be involved we could unite the North Region.
David Pocs – Ward 3
1.I believe in giving employees the empowerment and ownership of their jobs.Employees at the ground level are best in determining what cuts if any can be done.Trusting employees to do their job makes for a more efficient organization.
2.Consolidation of services between cities is not easily done.There are legal, personality, and political issues that are difficult to overcome.Coordination is an easier solution.Municipalities and other government entities need to keep an open dialogue so that projects can be done simultaneously.An example is when Commerce City improved 120th Ave only to see it torn up by the Brighton Water District.There would be tremendous savings if these projects could have been coordinated.
3.I feel that Commerce City, like all cities, could be more business friendly.One of the easiest ways is to show businesses you care by simply reaching out to existing businesses and letting them know they are a valued partner and that the city is available to help them with any needs they may have.I think the permitting process could be easier as well, as I’ve heard from businesses that Commerce City has one of the more tedious processes in the area.
4.I feel this is an issue that the Metro North Chamber can have a great impact.The communities impacted by the North Metro and Northwest FasTracks lines should stand united in getting assurances that those lines will be completed.We should not have to pay for others to have a world-class system only to see ourselves get shortchanged.Any additional increases in sales tax should have provisions to sunset as the project is completed.
5.I fully support expanding city’s parks and open space areas, especially in Ward III.Currently, the northwestern part of Commerce City is not connected via trails to any parts of the metro area.I want to be able to take my family on a bike ride without it being a death defying experience.The northern GID has loaned money to the city to pay for Pioneer Park.The $7+ million the Northern GID is due will go a long way in funding projects in the northern parts of the city.Our maintenance staff is already stretched thin, having to work with the same budget and manpower with expansion already done.This is something that needs to be addressed as the city grows.I would again look to staff to offer viable alternatives.
6.I will work with the Metro North Chamber by networking, listening, and communicating, not only with those in Commerce City and North Metro areas, but also throughout the greater Metro Denver area.My work and charitable endeavors take me all over the metro area and give me opportunities to meet with a variety of people and businesses.I’m able to hear businesses concerns and share them with City staff.I have done this on several occasions where I have shared information with City staff about companies looking to move, expand, or locate in the metro area.
Joseph Sandoval – Ward 3
1.I would suggest holding public meetings to ask citizens about their priorities for City services and programs.Based on their feedback, we would then look at what cuts could be made.Other possible ways to cut the budget would be freezing certain open positions, equipment replacement deferment and cuts in supplies where appropriate.
2.I would support any consolidation of services between cities that saves the taxpayers money.However, I would have to complete more in-depth research and work with the other cities to determine those services.
3.The City should support and maintain current businesses and attract new businesses.However, due to the economic climate we are currently in, now is not the time to offer big incentives to new businesses unless the revenue generated outweighs those incentives.Although the City should always be open to negotiations and talks with all businesses.
4.I do support an increase in sales tax due to the numerous benefits FasTracks would provide to our citizens and community (i.e., less gas expenses, less congestion on the roadways, less pollution).The contracts/agreements must include penalties to the contractors who miss established deadlines and critical milestones.
5.During this recession, I would support maintenance and upkeep of our current parks and open space areas.However, during this tough economic climate, any expansion would have to be delayed until after the recession is over.
6.If elected, the first action I would take is to become an active member of the Metro North Chamber of Commerce.I would become familiar with the mission and goals of the Chamber and work with the Chamber to achieve these goals.The City Council and Chamber need to work together for the good of Commerce City and resolve any differences that will have a positive impact for businesses to stay in or relocate to Commerce City.
Guillermo Serna – Ward 3
1.If it happened I would ask the City Manager to look at all the departments to see where we are heavy in city staff and make recommendation as to where we would cut.
2.No. Commerce City is in a growing trend and so is the North Metro Area for the next 30 years .The City Manager should look as to when we maybe look at consideration.
3.Yes. By giving good service to every business and making things simpler not just smarter.
4.Yes. Only if RTD Opens new talks on re routing the tracks through Commerce along Quebec St. off Smith St to 72nd St West to Colorado Blvd . We must also add another station in Commerce if we are going to increase taxes.
5.Yes. Possibly through a Head Tax simply because our population grows to 30,000 people every day.
6.We must work together to Take advantage of the Economy downfall and look at it as an opportunity to make things better. We have to work on Communication, Marketing, and Services plus simpler ways to make it a friendlier city for all.
Steve Douglas – At Large
1.I would first review the city budget, going over each department and then cut costs down to the bare bones, ultimately trying to make as few cuts in services and staff as possible.
2.Yes, Services such as Water Treatment Plants, Economic Development, and Transportation Projects should definitely be regional.As an example, the completion of the renovation and widening of 120th Avenue was the result of Thornton, Brighton, and Commerce City all working together.Another example of successful regional cooperation is the E470 Highway Authority.
3.Yes, Commerce City has to streamline its paper work and inspection process, creating clear process instructions and precise communication when it comes to both planning and doing building inspections.
4.I support FasTracks and an increase in sales tax to complete the project, but only if the tracks are to be laid down all at the same time so that Commerce City can also benefit. As a Councilman, I would develop a working relationship with RTD Fastracks District K Representative Noel Busck to assure that Commerce City’s Fastracks services will be maximized towards the best interests of Commerce City and the North Metro Region.
5.Yes, I support the expansion of city parks and open space in knowing that our city leads the area for parks and open space trail ways. I believe our city should continue seeking funding from the State Lottery, GOCO grants, federal and county grants, as well as working with Denver and other governmental and private entities on projects similar to the Sand Creek Regional Green Way.I am also looking forward to the development and completion of a spectacular northern Commerce City regional park slated for property west of Highway 2 and south of 104th Avenue.
6.I plan to continue participating with all of the Metro North Chamber events and show support on issues relating to commercial, retail, industrial, medical, service industry and hospitality businesses located within the North Metro Area.
Andrew Hahn – At Large
1.I don’t want to propose any cuts to the budget based on an assumption at a time when the city just presented a balanced budget to council. At a time in the future if this becomes an issue I would work closely with my fellow council persons and city staff to make whatever adjustment we would deem necessary in a reasonable and thoughtful manner.
2.I see this to be a very complicated and complex issue. I would be open to a discussion to explore the viability of this proposal.
3.I feel our city is business friendly with that said we should always be vigilant in finding ways to improve or to streamline process’s wherever possible. It is important to listen to and take care of our current businesses as well as welcome and create opportunity for new business.
4.At this time RTD is still reevaluating their economic plan and has made no decision on asking for a sales tax increase. They have suggested that they might be ready to present a proposal in January of 2010 but have until August 2010. As far as a guarantee, there really is no guarantee they can offer.
5.I feel the cities plan for parks and open space is adequate. What we need to work on is the development of those plans in a way that represents the population’s needs. We need to focus on creating youth programs and recreational facilities that serve all our communities. We need to explore all options available to fund programs and projects; public/private ventures as well as COPs (Certificates of Participation), grants and or the issuance of bonds to raise capital. When the options are presented to the city council, as a whole we all need to work together to determine which method of financing would make the best economic sense for our city.
6.As a member of the Metro North Chamber I would promote the importance of being a part of a unified voice to help shape the future of the northern region. It is important as one of our regions leaders to encourage and promote community involvement and point out the rewards and benefits that come from participation. I would incorporate a management style I have lived by; Lead by Example.
Jason McEldowney (I) – At Large
1.While revenues are projected to rebound through 2010, we remain in a difficult economic climate and Commerce City must continue to explore ways to meet our budget needs in a fiscally sustainable manner.A central theme in developing the 2010 budget has been a continued focus on strategic tightening across departments.For 2011, I propose that Council lead a discussion to thoroughly study the City budget with an eye on further innovation and address the remaining inefficiencies first, before arriving at a viable list of cuts.
2.Consolidation of services and other money saving, efficiency increasing concepts are ideas I that we should certainly to explore. I see several working examples in the Metro area of different governing bodies coordinating services through groups like DRCOG. I believe a good example of this concept currently taking shape relative to Commerce City is the Future Adams County Regional Public Safety Training Center, a multi-agency effort that will provide necessary training facilities in a cost effective manner to member organizations.
3.It’s critical that we maintain an open dialog with our business community in order to continually assess how competitive and business friendly we are.Moreover, we must take steps to ensure that our industrial, commercial, service, retail, and even home based businesses continue to thrive.I pledge my full support for the work under way to craft our Economic Development Strategic Plan, and I promise to provide the necessary leadership to address any efforts needed to act on opportunities identified through the study in an effort to help Commerce City continue on its path to attract more businesses, retail options and a grocery.
4.I believe that FasTracks is critical to the development and growth of Commerce City and the Metro area as a whole, but before I can support a tax increase, I need to see firm numbers from RTD on what it will take for a system wide completion.While revenues have been a challenge, RTD must be held accountable with its budgeting and procurement processes. FasTracks is a system, and any option that proposes moving ahead without clear plans to compete the North Metro and Northwest lines as part of the system is a non-starter as it fundamentally fails to deliver upon the ultimate promise and benefit of the project.
5.I have been an advocate for the duration of my time on Council and believe we need to explore ways to expand our park and open space recreation opportunities for our kids and adults alike - I also know that we need to meet these needs in a financially responsible way.Commerce City has done a great job of assembling and banking land to meet its strategic parks and open space vision, but we lack a dedicated revenue stream to build and maintain those projects and so they remain in the planning phases.I plan to continue efforts to create a Parks, Open Space and Recreation Commission charged with exploring ways to supplement the grant and lottery dollars we receive with dedicated funds to build and maintain the critical community assets.
6.In my two and a half years on City Council I have kept an open door to local businesses and have worked hard to make Commerce City an attractive place to do business. In addition to a continued focus on what I believe to be significant advancements that the City has made in both policy and personnel to encourage economic growth, I still see an opportunity for the City to better partner with the Chamber.As a Councilmember, I will continue to encourage Commerce City businesses to join with the Chamber in an effort to grow and promote their businesses and ultimately promote and grow the Region.
Colby Trull – At Large
1.Although I am optimistic that the economy will begin to recover the 1st quarter of 2010, I believe the city must continue to maintain a conservative outlook and prepare for potential budget deficits.I support cutting the budget further in those areas that will have the least impact on city employees and services first, including not filling vacant positions, deferring preventative maintenance where possible, negotiating more cost-effective contracts, deferring planned capital construction projects, and tapping city financial reserves.As is already being done, I believe the city needs to continue seeking alternative revenue sources (grants, federal stimulus funds) and working with our state and federal elected officials to reduce or eliminate the number of unfunded mandates.
2.Absolutely, I believe the North Metro governments and taxpayers could greatly benefit from consolidated services.Areas for consolidated services include regional recreation centers, multi-jurisdictional fire departments, and parks and trails.Before consolidating any services, however, North metro governments would need to evaluate the cost-benefit of the consolidation proposal, ensure that existing service levels would not be negatively impacted, and develop and enter into intergovernmental agreements (IGA) that specify the responsibilities of each government.
3.Although I believe Commerce City is already business friendly, more can always be done to attract and retain businesses.I promise to work with the council, city manager, and ED director to maintain a competitive sales tax rate; develop and support competitive economic development and tax incentive packages to recruit and retain businesses; make the business licensing, permitting, and inspection processes as efficient as possible; work with the local school districts in providing an educated and trained workforce; and hold RTD accountable for building the North Metro line on time and with all planned stops.I will also work with city staff to start planning for transit-oriented developments at each RTD stop in Commerce City.
4.I am personally frustrated that RTD is once again going to be asking taxpayers for additional funding for FasTracks.However, I believe the North Metro and Northwest lines are critical to the future growth of the North Metro Region and provide an excellent opportunity for transit-oriented economic development.To insure the North Metro and Northwest lines are constructed on schedule and contain ALL currently planned stations/stops, the acting RTD Director and Board should publically provide a commitment to impacted cities and taxpayers and legally binding language should be added to the ballot initiative that would insure the lines are built on schedule and as planned.
5.I support the expansion of city parks and open space areas and believe that recreational opportunities are important for promoting a healthy lifestyle for the residents of Commerce City.However, until the current budget situation improves, I believe the city will need to look for innovative ways to fund such expansions and provide for additional recreational activities.Alternative funding solutions could include land/building donations, conservation easements, grants, and federal stimulus funds.
6.If elected, I would work actively with the Metro North Chamber to promote business and community by encouraging local businesses and aspiring business owners to join the chamber and become active in the Leads Group, Business After Hours, and Ambassador Programs; working with the City Manager and ED director to create a business friendly city; and advocating for the Chamber’s yearly legislative initiatives. I would also like to seek a position on the Metro North Chamber’s Business and Governmental Affairs Committee.Finally, I would work with Chamber staff and representatives to accomplish my economic development initiatives which can be seen at http://colbytrullforcouncilman.com. |
