Submitted Biography
Andy Kerr is a father, husband, teacher, longtime policy leader, dog lover, and much, much more. He's running for re-election for commissioner to make sure Jefferson County remains one of Colorado's best places to live, work, play, and raise a family. Andy’s family moved to Lakewood when he was 8 years old. He attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. He continued on to earn a bachelor’s degree in geography, a master’s degree in Information and Learning Technologies, and his principal’s license ― all from the University of Colorado. Like so many in Colorado, Andy did a little bit of everything as he began his career. He worked as a snowboard instructor, waiter, bartender, and substitute teacher before getting a permanent job as a social studies teacher at Dunstan Middle School, where he taught for seven years. He then designed curriculum and trained teachers for Jeffco Public Schools, and then taught kids across the county through the
Campaign Phone
7209794515
Affordable housing, wildfire mitigation, and balancing the county budget are all top priorities. I will continue to work on sustainability in our services, increase our Open Space opportunities, and make sure we provide the essential services to our residents.
JeffCo works closely with our municipalities, neighbors, fire & water districts, and the state to make sure we have clean air and water. Preventing wildfires, both on public and private land, is essential for the safety of our neighborhoods. I helped adopt our Climate Action Plan and will continue to promote it.
The county does not have a role in enforcing immigration laws.
Our Human Services department works closely with the Foothills Regional Housing group to assess our housing needs and address those needs, also working with our municipal partners. We will continue to support expanding affordable housing opportunities.
In 2006, a resident in JeffCo received on average 50 cents in county services. In 2023, that amount is reduced to 38 cents. With our needs around public safety, transportation, wildfire prevention, and affordable housing, our residents cannot afford to have their services continue to be cut. JeffCo should join the other 98% of counties and cities that have revenue retention as part of their annual budgets.
Submitted Biography
Former elected board director to the Regional Transportation District (2012-2020). Small business background, co-owner and operator of a shop for +20 years. Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) Foundation Board Director. Three decades working as a volunteer community engager in public policy, committed to government transparency and accountability, prioritizing essential services, and improving efficiency—without raising taxes.
Campaign Phone
303-647-8900
The biggest issue facing Jefferson County is the rising cost of living. For over two decades, my public policy work at the state and local levels has centered on one core goal: keeping more money in your pocket.
Upon election, I plan to introduce a Property Tax Volunteer Credit program in Jefferson County. Established in 1995 under Colorado law (CRS 39-3.7-101), this program allows volunteers to reduce their property taxes through service. Despite its success in other counties, Jefferson County has yet to implement it.
I’ll also address departmental challenges and the financial mismanagement within the county. Increasing transparency is essential to empower residents and businesses to engage in decisions impacting our community. Unfortunately, three years ago, the county’s public accounts payable register was removed from public access, and meetings are no longer recorded or published online. These actions have reduced accountability, a trend I am committed to reversing as commission
As County Commissioner, I am committed to pursuing innovative, cost-effective environmental improvements through private partnerships and community involvement, avoiding taxpayer burdens while enhancing sustainability.
One of my key initiatives will be to expand recycling options by working with private companies, making services more accessible without raising taxes.
My campaign reflects this outside-the-box thinking, using burlap bag signs that are reusable, biodegradable, and unique. This alternative to standard signage reduces waste and embodies my commitment to practical, innovative solutions. It’s a small change that can make a big difference, setting a positive example.
The county commissioners play a crucial role, directly and indirectly, in decisions impacting taxpayer funds, including those related to immigration. Jefferson County’s current commissioners are part of Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI), an organization that supports or opposes state legislation on behalf of its members. Recently, some counties within CCI backed a bill requiring counties to coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but Jefferson County’s commissioners opposed it. As a result, county-funded lobbyists may represent positions that don’t reflect community values.
Illegal immigration has real costs for county taxpayers. Jefferson County funds services with low barriers to access, such as hotel vouchers, navigation centers, food, medical, and housing aid. Some of these services don’t require an ID, making it hard to track beneficiaries and prioritize resources for legal residents. The strain from illegal immigration impacts service availability and quality
First, voters should reject Jefferson County Issue 1A, which would increase property taxes and drive up housing costs forever.
1A means higher costs for renters and consumers, as businesses pass along higher property tax expenses in the form of increased prices on goods and services.
To illustrate the impact, county commissioners overcharged property taxes in early 2024 by $30.5 million, funds now held by the county that should have remained with taxpayers. According to state law, the mill levy rate should have been reduced, yet the county ignored this requirement. Note that voters rejected similar measures twice in the last five years.
I’ll work to promote a Home Share program matching seniors with housemates to reduce living costs. Larimer County has a model program.
The current county commissioners support a bill to add a real estate transfer tax. I would oppose that.
Encourage federal legislators to revise capital gains taxes, making it easier to downsize.
I hope 1A fails as it did in 2019 and 2022 when I served as campaign manager to oppose it. If 1A passes in 2024, taxpayers would lose property tax caps and TABOR refunds.
I’ve worked nearly three decades as a volunteer to protect our Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), which faces constant attacks locally and statewide.
TABOR allows local government tax revenue to grow by a fair formula of inflation plus local growth, aligning with what taxpayers can afford. Now, Jefferson County seeks more revenue than our incomes can support, which isn’t sustainable.
With my experience as a former RTD board director, I’ve proven that it’s possible to cut costs and find efficiencies without sacrificing essential services. The county has identified areas to cut but avoids belt-tightening, openly calling the tax hike Plan A and efficiency measures Plan B.
The county commissioners have misused $1 million of our public dollars on their mission to eliminate out TABOR protections.