Erie Town Council Dist 1 Choose 2
Erie Town Council Español abajo.Based on the vote to become a home rule city, Council Members must now run in their district. The voters within the three (3) council districts will be electing two (2) Council Members each to represent them.The candidates with the highest number of votes in each district will be elected for 4 years and those with the second highest number of votes will be elected for 2 years.Ayuntamiento de la Ciudad de ErieDe acuerdo con la votación para convertirse en una ciudad con autonomía, los miembros del Ayuntamiento ahora deben postularse en su distrito. Los votantes dentro de los tres (3) distritos del Ayuntamiento elegirán a dos (2) miembros del Ayuntamiento cada uno para que los representen. Los candidatos con la mayor cantidad de votos en cada distrito serán elegidos por 4 años y aquellos con la segunda mayor cantidad de votos serán elegidos por 2 años.
Biographical Information
Submitted Biography
I am a proud husband to Tere Garcia, father of 6, grandparent of 16, and great-grandparent of 11. As a 7th generation Mexican American, I was born and raised in Monte Vista, Colorado, in the San Luis Valley. I moved to Boulder in 1970 to attend the University of Colorado and chose to stay, raising my family here. With a background in education, I have dedicated my career to serving families with limited access to opportunities. I founded and led the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition for 38 years and co-founded AMISTAD, an immigrant advocacy organization, the Latino Task-Force, MEAC (Multi Ethnic Action Committee), and ELPASO (Engaged Latino Parents Advancing Student Outcomes) Movement. My community involvement includes being elected and serving on the Boulder Valley School Board of Education and numerous state boards under five governors. My wife and I have also created nonprofits to close achievement gaps in Boulder County. My state-level appointments include the Colorado Commission
Biografía Enviada
Soy el orgulloso esposo de Tere García, padre de 6 hijos, abuelo de 16 y bisabuelo de 11. Como mexicoamericano de séptima generación, nací y crecí en Monte Vista, Colorado, en el Valle de San Luis. Me mudé a Boulder en 1970 para asistir a la Universidad de Colorado y elegí quedarme, criando a mi familia aquí. Con experiencia en educación, he dedicado mi carrera a ayudar a familias con acceso limitado a oportunidades. Fundé y dirigí la Coalición Estatal de Padres de Colorado durante 38 años y cofundé AMISTAD, una organización de defensa de los inmigrantes, el Grupo de Trabajo Latino, MEAC (Comité de Acción Multiétnica) y el Movimiento ELPASO (Padres Latinos Comprometidos que Promueven los Resultados de los Estudiantes). Mi participación en la comunidad incluye ser elegido y servir en la Junta de Educación Escolar del Valle de Boulder y en numerosas juntas estatales bajo cinco gobernadores. Mi esposa y yo también hemos creado organizaciones sin fines de lucro para cerrar las brechas de l
Website / Sitio Web
http://richardforerie.org
Campaign Phone
3038171613
Campaign Email
richardforerie@gmail.com
What are your top priorities for the office and how would you address them?
Affordable Housing: To endure that everyone in Erie has a place to call home and to protect our town's character. The major Growth in Erie is outside the boundary of Old Town. to protect the character of Erie of Old Town our city council must and should assure that developers can't buy and build homes in that area. There are a number of ways that we can get to the 12% of affordable unites in Erie. 1, build our own, 2, provide financial assistance to first home buyers, and 3, look at our own zoning laws.
Environment and Safety: Work with existing coalitions that do not want continued oil fracking in our community. have a bigger presence at the state house.
Smart Growth Follow the Comprehensive Plan for Erie. It outlines a plan for growth.
What factors guide your financial and budgeting decisions?
Revenue and expenditures, 56% of all revenues are from taxes such as sales tax, property tax, and
miscellaneous taxes. . General Fund
Expenditures are dedicated to infrastructure maintenance and improvements, public safety, and
recreational activities and parks maintenance. There are 11 streams of income that our town uses to generate enough revenue to pay for all of the city infrastructure expenses. I will be looking closer at the growth patterns of our town that will reflect added expenditures to servic e our residents. I will look for another means of support beside sales and property taxes to support our growing needs,
What would you do to address environmental issues such as drought, wildfires and air quality, if anything?
Wildfires, clean water and climate change are at the top of my list of concerns. If the town does not have a fire mitigation plan, I would start there. Oil and gas are also at the top of my list. I will support a total ban on fracking, that leads to the issue of water quality. When I first moved to Arapahoe Ridge, we had a wonderful man made lake where Nine Mile Corner sits. there needs to be more protections for these amenities that we so freely discard. Colorado does not have an infinite water supply and if we don't get it right we may be experiencing more drought. I would favor putting more restrictions on green lawns and encourage or incentivize xero scaping.
What steps would you take to ensure affordable housing is available?
Every developer should be required to build at least 12% of housing geared to renters and those folks that are below the 80% AMI. Our workers in the hospitality and food industry make below $50k our first responders and teachers are below the $75k and can not afford to live in the community that they work at. Our seniors residents when they moved in 25 years ago and want to move to more maintenance free homes will not be able to do that. I am in favor of providing more city owned housing opportunities and financial assistance to our lowest wage earners in our city.
What will you do, if anything, to ensure a smooth working relationship across the two counties that encompass the town of Erie?
The county commissioners from both counties need to be part of the solutions to provide an environment free of fossil fuels and provide more affordable housing options to the residents of their respective municipalities.
Biographical Information
Submitted Biography
Susanne and I moved to Erie 23 years ago, with our pups. We have been married for 31 years. We love Erie, for its beauty, community engagement, and it's ideal location. Susanne was born into a military family and moved 27 times before we met. I had moved twice. Susanne after high school became a travel agent, years later she went back to school for her BS in IT management. I became a customer development automotive engineer and completed my career as a director of global product cost engineering and capital management. I come from a small city, between Buffalo and Rochester, in Western New York. My grandfather, after emigrating to America, started a small onion farm. At the age of 9, I started weeding the fields for my dad who ran the farm and built it into a larger farm plus a brokerage, and packaging house. In my corporate career, I have led teams from 12 countries and have worked with Apple, HP, Ford, Honda, Dell, Sony, Chrysler/ Dodge Truck, and many others.
Website / Sitio Web
http://www.JohnforErie.com
Campaign Phone
3039561817
Campaign Email
john@johnforerie.com
What are your top priorities for the office and how would you address them?
My top two priorities are the budget and planned growth, which are closely connected. If spending exceeds limits, faster growth will be needed to cover costs. Currently, 25% of the Town’s general fund revenue comes from development fees and property taxes. As a Town Councilor, I would address the budget by reviewing essential needs like road maintenance and water infrastructure. I’d also prioritize restoring the $7.5 million "rainy day" fund. For growth, I would revise the comprehensive plan through community engagement, balancing new development with Erie’s history while attracting more retail and restaurants.
What factors guide your financial and budgeting decisions?
I believe financial and budgeting decisions in local government should be collaborative, focusing on both immediate and future needs. It's essential to prioritize projects that make Erie unique and support the community while ensuring responsible spending and preparing for the future. Overspending can place a significant burden on a smaller community like ours, as fewer households share the cost. Since this is the residents' money, we are merely stewards, accountable to them. Every decision I make will be in the best interest of the community, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.
What would you do to address environmental issues such as drought, wildfires and air quality, if anything?
Drought, wildfires, and air quality have long been concerns in Colorado and are worsening. To address these issues, I would collaborate with developers to offer incentives for new homeowners to install solar panels and create zero-scaped yards. I'd also support installing solar panels over parking lots, like at the Erie Community Center, to reduce our carbon footprint. Water conservation and reducing emissions are crucial, so I would explore expanding EV infrastructure to increase charging stations for personal and fleet vehicles. Balancing costs with renewable energy solutions is key to protecting the health and welfare of our community and environment.
What steps would you take to ensure affordable housing is available?
I’ve already met with key stakeholders and studied successful models like Lafayette’s and Boulder County’s Willoughby Corner project, which offers 400 affordable units at 60-80% Area Median Income (AMI). This model provides diverse housing options, including senior housing, rentals, for-sale units, and net-zero energy designs, while engaging the community. By adopting similar approaches, Erie can create affordable housing solutions that are well-planned, environmentally sustainable, and aligned with residents' needs. These projects require strong planning, securing funding, infrastructure development, and collaboration with various organizations.
What will you do, if anything, to ensure a smooth working relationship across the two counties that encompass the town of Erie?
In my professional career, I’ve led teams from 12 different countries, and the keys to my success have been relationship-building, collaboration, and transparency. To ensure a smooth working relationship across the two counties, I would focus on our shared goals: creating a safe, healthy community, providing excellent education, lowering costs, and enriching outdoor activities that highlight our beautiful surroundings. Preserving the environment and making Erie the best community in the state, where future generations can afford to live and raise their families, would remain top priorities.
Biographical Information
Submitted Biography
My name is Anil Pesaramelli, and I live in Rex Ranch Community in Erie. I am contesting this election not just as a candidate, but as a fellow citizen who shares the same concerns many of us face. My commitment is to ensure that every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every opportunity is explored.
Website / Sitio Web
http://www.anilforerie.com/
Campaign Phone
720-828-2645
Campaign Email
anilforerie@gmail.com
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/anil4erie
What are your top priorities for the office and how would you address them?
Smart Growth: Our town is growing at a rapid pace. Growing population comes with problems like overcrowded schools, traffic congestion, safety issues and increased water bills.
Affordable Housing: Home prices in our area have grown so high that it is almost impossible for families to afford. I will advocate for affordable housing options.
Our Planet and Environment: Climate change is real and advancing more rapidly than anticipated. I will support the transition to a clean energy economy by investing in renewable energy sources and reducing our carbon footprint. I would like to see Erie well connected to airport and other parts of Denver & Boulder with rail and/or bus system. I will support local businesses and ensure safe neighborhoods.
What factors guide your financial and budgeting decisions?
I would consider the following factors:
1) Accurate Revenue Forecasting
2) Assess the needs of the community like infrastructure, utilities, public safety etc.
3) Make provisions for short term as well as long-term expenses while budgeting.
4) Plan for Inflation and economic changes in the market
5) Implement cost control and increase efficiency
6) Build reserve for unforeseen expenses
7) Compliance for laws and regulations
8) Engage citizens in the budgeting process to make it more transparent.
9) Equitable budgeting to meet needs of underserved or marginalized populations.
What would you do to address environmental issues such as drought, wildfires and air quality, if anything?
I will promote xeriscaping (drought-tolerant landscaping) to reduce water usage and encourage native plants suited to the climate. We can offer rebates for residents and businesses that invest in water conservation measures, such as rainwater harvesting. I will strengthen zoning laws and building codes to limit development in high-risk areas and ensure new construction uses fire-resistant materials and designs. I will collaborate with state and local agencies to manage wildfire-prone areas by clearing brush, and responsibly conducting controlled burns to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires if needed. I will create incentives for residents to transition to electric vehicles, while expanding the network ofEV charging stations.
What steps would you take to ensure affordable housing is available?
I will advocate for creating tiny home communities with shared amenities like laundry and gardens to foster affordable, close-knit living. I will encourage homeowners to build or rent out accessory dwelling units (ADUs). This can boost affordable housing stock without needing new land. Offering zoning flexibility and financial incentives for ADUs is key. I will launch self-build initiatives where residents contribute “sweat equity” to reduce costs, similar to Habitat for Humanity. I will collaborate with developers and governments to offer tax breaks or fast-track zoning for affordable housing, like the Chessman project in Erie, I will look into requiring new residential developments to include a certain percentage of affordable housing.
What will you do, if anything, to ensure a smooth working relationship across the two counties that encompass the town of Erie?
I will promote open communication and collaborative planning. . Align development and planning goals. Both SVVSD and BVSD school districts need to cross pollinate ideas. I will establish Inter county agreements for shared services like emergency services. I will collaborate on environmental protection policies and other infra projects. I will establish a common platform for emergency response and public safety initiatives and leverage joint economic development initiatives between counties.
Biographical Information
Submitted Biography
Hello, my name is Andrew. I am a current Council Member and former Planning Commissioner for the Town of Erie seeking re-election to the Erie Town Council in the upcoming November 2024 election. Originally from the Chicagoland area, I have been a resident of Erie since 2016. I graduated from CU Boulder in 2009, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with dual concentrations in Management and Marketing. I am married to my amazing wife, Gabrielle, and am the doting father of our son, Maxwell, and husky fur-baby, Koda. For my day job, I am the Head of Customer Operations and Onboarding at a data software company.
Website / Sitio Web
http://www.andrewsawusch.com
Campaign Phone
(303)720-6391
Campaign Email
Erie@AndrewSawusch.com
What are your top priorities for the office and how would you address them?
Fiscal Responsibility: Erie's spending has greatly outpaced revenues. Fiscal responsibility and financial management must be a priority, not an afterthought.
Manageable Growth & Sustainable Infrastructure: We continue to see immense strain - and faster "wearing out" - on our roads and utility infrastructure with Erie's rapid growth. We must understand where we are now ("Current Position"), where we are going ("Upcoming Needs"), and where we want to be ("Future Growth") - which this “future Erie” must be based on what residents want to see. We must prepare for future development before, instead of after.
Economic Vitality: a focus must be placed on alternative revenue sources - drawing in businesses that add jobs and sales tax revenues.
What factors guide your financial and budgeting decisions?
Since 2022, simply put, Erie's spending has greatly outpaced how much the Town earns in revenue (operating expenses increased 55%, capital expenses increased 108%, but revenues only increased 15%). Based on Staff projections presented during the July 2024 Study Session, the Town’s current financial forecast — which only provides $6.5 million in funding for capital projects in years 2027, 2028, and 2029 — indicates an expected depletion of our Capital Fund in 2028. That is only three years away.
While I have voted “no” on annual budgets and have been very vocal in expressing my opposition to this spending trend, I would like to see Council prioritize fiscal responsibility and our future needs - instead of "living outside of our means."
What would you do to address environmental issues such as drought, wildfires and air quality, if anything?
The Town’s Staff and sustainability board have done a great job of keeping the Town one step ahead. While I am always open to hear the perspectives of residents, personally, I believe it is best to follow their guidance - instead of interjecting with my own views or trying to subvert their role within our community - doing so would undermine their efforts.
As well, the Town regularly participates in gatherings with the Boulder County Office of Disaster Management, which acts as the primary agency in situations of natural disaster and local emergencies. Staff has attended numerous events hosted by ODM, including how to mitigate natural disasters and emergencies - so their guidance and recommendations are instrumental on these items.
What steps would you take to ensure affordable housing is available?
Personally, I believe housing diversity is the issue that needs to be tackled first. During the Town's massive growth over the years, a lack of available inventory and the national housing market have created a housing affordability issue as the Town's makeup has comprised almost entirely of single family homes. The best way to resolve this issue is to work with our stakeholders in the community - our development partners - to address the cause, not the symptoms of the issue.
We should attempt to achieve a solution to this issue by working with the development community. This means bringing them to the table, sitting with them and saying "How can you help us achieve these goals? How can we work together to attain the best results?"
What will you do, if anything, to ensure a smooth working relationship across the two counties that encompass the town of Erie?
Erie is in fact situated in a unique location - with two completely different County ideologies divided by County Line Rd. The best way to ensure a smooth working relationship is to maintain the relationships that we have been working to build over the last few years. We have had joint-meetings with both Boulder and Weld Counties, as well as BVSD and SVVSD.
However, the "relationships" that I believe are most important to cultivate and develop are those with our bordering jurisdictions. We have many shared interests that should be addressed together, similar to the way we have with Lafayette. In the same fashion, we should build better relationships with Longmont, Dacono, and Frederick's Councils - so we can work towards our common goals.