¿Cuánto tiempo has vivido en el distrito al que te postulas para representar?

3.5 años

¿Cuáles son tus tres principales prioridades de política en las que te concentrarás para lograr si ganas la elección del Consejo Municipal?

Asuntos de la vivienda

• Ampliar las protecciones para inquilinos
• Prohibir que los propietarios utilicen software algorítmico para fijar precios e inflar los alquileres
• Garantizar representación legal gratuita a los residentes que enfrenten desalojo

Proteger las acciones viviendas

• Restringir la compra de viviendas por parte de firmas de capital privado y de inversión
• Exigir que las personas residan principalmente en viviendas utilizadas para alquileres a corto plazo como Airbnb

Responsabilidad y accesibilidad del gobierno local

• Aumentar el salario del Consejo Municipal a un salario digno para permitir que los residentes de clase trabajadora sirvan a su comunidad
• Convocar las reuniones del Consejo Municipal en horarios fuera del horario laboral típico de 9 a 5, permitiendo así que más residentes participen en su gobierno local sin tener que faltar al trabajo o a la escuela
• Respetar el resultado democrático de las preguntas en las boletas

Seguridad pública

• Establecer equipos alternativos de respuesta a crisis formados por paramédicos y trabajadores sociales para atender llamadas relacionadas con la salud mental
• Expandir el Programa de Alcance a Personas Sin Hogar del Cuerpo de Bomberos

¿Cuáles son tres ejemplos específicos de cómo ha mostrado su apoyo a los problemas que afectan a la comunidad que le importan?

1. Gestioné con éxito la campaña de base para derrotar la propuesta 2A en 2023, que habría asignado casi $5 millones en fondos iniciales para una nueva instalación de entrenamiento policial.
2. Creé un proyecto de Colorado Springs DSA llamado ‘garbage gang’, que recoge basura de los campamentos de personas sin hogar mientras proporciona suministros básicos. El objetivo es lograr que la ciudad brinde servicios básicos de saneamiento a las personas sin hogar, en lugar de confiscar lo que utilizan para sobrevivir.
3. He ayudado a coordinar varias protestas en apoyo a los derechos de los inmigrantes, tal como ocurrió cuando el Consejo Municipal casi aprobó una resolución que se oponía a las ciudades santuario.

Aproximadamente el 40% de los residentes de Colorado Springs alquilan su vivienda, pero el Consejo Municipal no suele tener esas perspectivas. ¿Usted alquila o es propietario de su vivienda? ¿Qué hará para representar y abogar por los intereses de los inquilinos en el consejo municipal?

Soy muy afortunada de ser propietaria de mi vivienda, pero soy muy consciente de que esto se debe a tres factores: mi lugar de trabajo se sindicalizó, lo que me permitió ser parte del personal en lugar de ser contratista; la pausa de los préstamos estudiantiles me permitió pagar mis deudas, y viví con mis suegros sin pagar renta durante tres años.

Me comprometeré a apoyar la creación de un sindicato de inquilinos a nivel municipal, y usaré mi posición para informar a los inquilinos acerca de sus derechos. Además, intentaré frenar el poder de los desarrolladores para abordar la crisis de vivienda y los alquileres elevados.

Tiene alguna relación con las universidades de Colorado Springs, ya sea como estudiante actual, ex alumno o empleado? Si es el caso, ¿cuál es su relación?

Soy exalumno de la Universidad de Colorado en Colorado Springs y actualmente conozco a muchos profesores allí. También trabajé en la Oficina de Sostenibilidad como estudiante.

¿Cuáles cree que son los obstáculos para que los jóvenes participen en los procesos cívicos y políticos locales en su distrito y qué hará para abordar esos obstáculos?

The largest barrier is the absurd $6,250 annual stipend that City Council receives, which is designed to prevent young, diverse and working class people from running. City Council regular meetings occur at a time that many young people are at school or work, and there is only a 3 minute public comment to engage. These are two crucial pieces of my platform, and I also want to introduce participatory budgeting to the city.

¿Cuánto tiempo has vivido en el distrito al que te postulas para representar?

12 years

¿Cuáles son tus tres principales prioridades de política en las que te concentrarás para lograr si ganas la elección del Consejo Municipal?

I would concentrate on protecting our parks and open spaces and adding to them when opportunities present themselves. Our park system is vital to the health and wellness of our city and continued growth and attracting new citizens and industry.

Secondly, speaking of growth, I would protect our older neighborhoods from the ADU (Alternative Dwelling Units) growth and densification. I would allow the downtown area to continue its’ growth, but am concerned about the city losing her historical character and would support a vote on building height restrictions if the voters want that.

Thirdly, relating to density, I would improve drastically our fire mitigation efforts and our evacuation modeling. We also have a quarter of our residents signed up for emergency alerts. We need to double or triple those numbers. This is our biggest threat to the City. We could easily have the same results as Los Angeles if we don’t improve all these efforts and more.

¿Cuáles son tres ejemplos específicos de cómo ha mostrado su apoyo a los problemas que afectan a la comunidad que le importan?

1. I have served on the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Citizen Advisory Board for the last six years.
2. I led the adoption of a section of the Midland Trail and have been doing cleanups there for over 8 years. I also pick up trash at Memorial Park on a regular basis.
3. I advocated for the Velodrome to not be closed or reduce their hours. Happily, they finally negotiated with the City, USOTC, and Cycling USA and are now offering more programs for kids and adults. The Velodrome is literally where champions are made.

Aproximadamente el 40% de los residentes de Colorado Springs alquilan su vivienda, pero el Consejo Municipal no suele tener esas perspectivas. ¿Usted alquila o es propietario de su vivienda? ¿Qué hará para representar y abogar por los intereses de los inquilinos en el consejo municipal?

I am currently renting, which I am pretty sure would make me the only Councilmember that would be doing so. I will fight for affordable housing throughout the city, particularly downtown where one can move about if you don’t have or choose to have a vehicle.

Tiene alguna relación con las universidades de Colorado Springs, ya sea como estudiante actual, ex alumno o empleado? Si es el caso, ¿cuál es su relación?

No, other than my son attended Pike Peak for a while.

¿Cuáles cree que son los obstáculos para que los jóvenes participen en los procesos cívicos y políticos locales en su distrito y qué hará para abordar esos obstáculos?

I’m not so sure there are barriers. You have social media skills beyond what people my age have in most cases. You have energy. I think the only thing holding young people back is a feeling that whatever you do, it won’t make a difference. That is a fallacy. I see young voters in Colorado vote in far higher amounts than nationwide. That is half the battle. Keep voting and you will get a seat at the table.

As a first-time candidate, I know how hard it is to jump in this maelstrom called politics. Your ideas are fresh and needed. Let’s face it. The Boomers messed up this world in many ways. If you want change, it’ll have to come from you. Be brave, go out on a limb, run for office! Do it with compassion and integrity and you’ll be rewarded.

¿Cuánto tiempo has vivido en el distrito al que te postulas para representar?

12 years

¿Cuáles son tus tres principales prioridades de política en las que te concentrarás para lograr si ganas la elección del Consejo Municipal?

Allowing recreational MMJ in city limits. Parking situation in District 3. Downtown Business Taxes and extra fees.

¿Cuáles son tres ejemplos específicos de cómo ha mostrado su apoyo a los problemas que afectan a la comunidad que le importan?

I have attended multiple demonstrations, I have hosted advocacy groups at the club that I manage, I attend every community event possible.

Aproximadamente el 40% de los residentes de Colorado Springs alquilan su vivienda, pero el Consejo Municipal no suele tener esas perspectivas. ¿Usted alquila o es propietario de su vivienda? ¿Qué hará para representar y abogar por los intereses de los inquilinos en el consejo municipal?

I own my home. I have been a renter for many years though and fully understand the difficulties involved. I am not a supporter of Rent Control. I believe the current rent situation in our community stems from bigger issues within our economy. Those issues will need addressed even at the smallest level in order to start seeing changes in our economy.

Tiene alguna relación con las universidades de Colorado Springs, ya sea como estudiante actual, ex alumno o empleado? Si es el caso, ¿cuál es su relación?

I am a former Olympic team member so I have an affiliation with the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

¿Cuáles cree que son los obstáculos para que los jóvenes participen en los procesos cívicos y políticos locales en su distrito y qué hará para abordar esos obstáculos?

Young people can often be intimidated by intentionally confusing writing methods on important issues on our ballots. These need simplified and spelled out. We also need more accurate information distributed from our City Council via methods such as social media. Currently the City Council puts out a printed annual report. Our younger generations are prefer digital publications that are more easily shared.

¿Cuánto tiempo has vivido en el distrito al que te postulas para representar?

25 años

¿Cuáles son tus tres principales prioridades de política en las que te concentrarás para lograr si ganas la elección del Consejo Municipal?

Mis tres prioridades en las que me concentraré en complir son relacionadas a la seguridad pública, asuntos de la vivienda, y del transporte. Esto significa hacer que el cuerpo policial rinda cuentas, mientras se disuaden las demandas. Garantizar que la vivienda sea asequible y adecuadamente construida. Finalmente, buscar formas innovadoras de transporte, ya sea nuevas rutas o autobuses más limpios para reducir las emisiones ecológicas y [ect]

¿Cuáles son tres ejemplos específicos de cómo ha mostrado su apoyo a los problemas que afectan a la comunidad que le importan?

Mi primer ejemplo de cómo demostré mi abogacía por mi comunidad fue cuando tuve la oportunidad de liderar una protesta en 2020 para destacar la violencia contra las vidas negras en E.E.U.U., mientras le di visibilidad a un tiroteo en el que estuvo involucrada la policía que mató a un miembro de la comunidad, una persona que yo conocía personalmente. El segundo fue trabajar en la Propuesta FF en el Condado de El Paso para ayudar a obtener almuerzos escolares gratuitos para los niños. Finalmente, ayudé a liderar la campaña sobre la Propuesta 2A para que la ciudad no use fondos públicos para construir una Academia de Entrenamiento Policial.

Aproximadamente el 40% de los residentes de Colorado Springs alquilan su vivienda, pero el Consejo Municipal no suele tener esas perspectivas. ¿Usted alquila o es propietario de su vivienda? ¿Qué hará para representar y abogar por los intereses de los inquilinos en el consejo municipal?

Vivo con mi bisabuelo, a quien ayudo a cuidar junto con mi hermano. Él todavía está pagando una hipoteca, y mi hermano y yo ayudamos con esos costos. Así que me consideraría dentro de la categoría de inquilinos.

Tiene alguna relación con las universidades de Colorado Springs, ya sea como estudiante actual, ex alumno o empleado? Si es el caso, ¿cuál es su relación?

Estuve matriculado en la Universidad de Colorado en Colorado Springs por dos años.

¿Cuáles cree que son los obstáculos para que los jóvenes participen en los procesos cívicos y políticos locales en su distrito y qué hará para abordar esos obstáculos?

Creo que uno de los principales obstáculos para que los jóvenes participen en los procesos cívicos o políticos locales es debido a la falta de representación generacional. También diría que la falta de fondos es un problema para otros jóvenes que se postulan en todo el país.

¿Cuánto tiempo has vivido en el distrito al que te postulas para representar?

34 años

¿Cuáles son tus tres principales prioridades de política en las que te concentrarás para lograr si ganas la elección del Consejo Municipal?

As I build on my first term in City Council, my top policy priorities are related to our city’s single most important issue: growth, which impacts housing, neighborhoods, public safety, parks and open space, among other aspects of our lives here. Growth brings opportunities (like more jobs and amenities) but also challenges, especially when it comes to housing and impact on neighborhoods. I favor a balanced approach to development that rejects so-called “flagpole” annexations that compromise public safety by increasing emergency response times for everyone and threaten resources like our non-renewable water supply. I will continue to support annexations that remove County enclaves in our city as well as appropriate densification (like the redevelopment of The Union Printers Home, the Launchpad, and the 2525 Concord Street Infill Project) that increases our stock of housing. I will continue to advocate to address the extensive backlog we have of maintenance to our parks and open spaces. And I will prioritize potential legislation or improve our city’s waste management systems with an environmental focus.

¿Cuáles son tres ejemplos específicos de cómo ha mostrado su apoyo a los problemas que afectan a la comunidad que le importan?

I have had the incredible opportunity to advocate for a variety of community concerns in my first four years on Council. Working with the support of four Mayor’s Fellows, a key priority of mine in the latter half of my first term was addressing the need for revitalization of the Citadel Mall. I facilitated various gatherings of community members that have catalyzed positive impacts to the Mall including removal from an off limits order to the military. I have advocated for and with OneBody ENT whose mission is to serve youth and adults by helping prevent criminal offenses and re-offenses through their network. I care deeply about the environment and have advocated for increased multi-modal transportation, improvements in our trails and open space system by hosting events like Legacy Loop rides with Allen Beauchamp of the Trails and Open Space Coalition. I meet with and continue to uplift the work of the Homeless Union and other homeless-related organizations to address system needs such as more public restrooms.

Aproximadamente el 40% de los residentes de Colorado Springs alquilan su vivienda, pero el Consejo Municipal no suele tener esas perspectivas. ¿Usted alquila o es propietario de su vivienda? ¿Qué hará para representar y abogar por los intereses de los inquilinos en el consejo municipal?

It is correct that renters are not often represented on City Council, largely because with an annual stipend of $6,250, Councilmembers are typically retired or run their own businesses, circumstances that often go with owning a home. My husband and I have owned and lived in the same house in Colorado Springs for well over 30 years—though I’ve rented earlier in my life and know the challenges. Unfortunately, some of the factors at play here are those that a City Council generally can’t affect: inflationary pressures, interest rates, and ballooning construction and insurance costs. A recent article in the Gazette also noted that “El Paso County and the nation continue [to experience] a housing shortage the market hasn’t yet built itself out of after a national pause on homebuilding between 2008-2012, during and following the Great Recession.” But this doesn’t mean Council can do nothing. Far from it. Council’s main power in this area is to approve good development plans that increase housing stock, especially those with measures to increase attainability. In terms of my own record, for example, I championed and worked to pass legislation that incentivizes local builders in various ways to provide more affordable housing. Infill projects often produce such rental properties. The recent densification in our downtown has generally been a good thing. There are some signs that the market may be a little overbuilt, and we are seeing moderation of rents in some areas.

Tiene alguna relación con las universidades de Colorado Springs, ya sea como estudiante actual, ex alumno o empleado? Si es el caso, ¿cuál es su relación?

As the Representative for District 5 for the past four years, I have worked directly with the leadership and students of Pikes Peak State College, UCCS, Colorado College and The Air Force Academy in various contexts.

¿Cuáles cree que son los obstáculos para que los jóvenes participen en los procesos cívicos y políticos locales en su distrito y qué hará para abordar esos obstáculos?

Elected officials need to listen to young people – and not assume we know anything for sure! During my first term, I’ve prioritized reaching out to our younger residents, including students. In various forums, I’ve met with students at and from UCCS, Colorado College, the Deaf and Blind School, Pikes Pike State College, Coperni 3 Middle School, and Palmer, Mitchell, and Doherty high schools. School groups and individual students have also come to City Hall to discuss the work of local government and how they can be involved. Connecting, showing interest, and genuinely listening are ways elected officials can show young people we care and want to be responsive. This may not be obvious, but one barrier has to do with Council pay (mentioned previously). Few young adults can afford to serve (none are serving now), and this means their concerns are rarely at the forefront of discussions in City Hall. (Please note: Even if a living-wage-for-Councilmembers initiative were to gain traction, it would come too late to benefit me personally.) That said, Council does hear from younger adults, who write to us or make comments during Council meetings. I’m very pleased to welcome them, and I always respond to individual messages. It’s important to vote and to stay engaged in local government, which often has more impact on the daily life of residents than national politics which get more attention. Many decisions that Council makes will affect lives for years to come.

Elected officials need to listen to young people – and not assume we know anything for sure! During my first term, I’ve prioritized reaching out to our younger residents, including students. In various forums, I’ve met with students at and from UCCS, Colorado College, the Deaf and Blind School, Pikes Pike State College, Coperni 3 Middle School, and Palmer, Mitchell, and Doherty high schools. School groups and individual students have also come to City Hall to discuss the work of local government and how they can be involved. Connecting, showing interest, and genuinely listening are ways elected officials can show young people we care and want to be responsive. This may not be obvious, but one barrier has to do with Council pay (mentioned previously). Few young adults can afford to serve (none are serving now), and this means their concerns are rarely at the forefront of discussions in City Hall. (Please note: Even if a living-wage-for-Councilmembers initiative were to gain traction, it would come too late to benefit me personally.) That said, Council does hear from younger adults, who write to us or make comments during Council meetings. I’m very pleased to welcome them, and I always respond to individual messages. It’s important to vote and to stay engaged in local government, which often has more impact on the daily life of residents than national politics which get more attention. Many decisions that Council makes will affect lives for years to come.

¿Cuánto tiempo has vivido en el distrito al que te postulas para representar?

Grateful for all 15 years here.

¿Cuáles son tus tres principales prioridades de política en las que te concentrarás para lograr si ganas la elección del Consejo Municipal?

1. Keeping taxes as low as possible while boosting safety and police.
2. Revealing and ending corruption.
3. Representing the actual tax payers in district 6 as opposed to selling out to special interest groups. (See number 2)

¿Cuáles son tres ejemplos específicos de cómo ha mostrado su apoyo a los problemas que afectan a la comunidad que le importan?

1. I have spoken before city council regarding land use issues and met with HOA’s. I have seen the corruption first hand and am prepared to counter it at every step.
2. I have met with citizens and organized groups to speak out against certain land use issues. I am part of 2 of such groups right now. We need to take this up a notch and get people in office who can make a difference.
3. I am and always will stand for lower taxes while maintaining the highest levels of crime prevention and critical services.

Aproximadamente el 40% de los residentes de Colorado Springs alquilan su vivienda, pero el Consejo Municipal no suele tener esas perspectivas. ¿Usted alquila o es propietario de su vivienda? ¿Qué hará para representar y abogar por los intereses de los inquilinos en el consejo municipal?

I have both owned and rented here in Colorado Springs. I will represent renters by hearing and learning from them as well as properly representing the renters voices in my community. 40% is a lot, renters should be given an equal voice.

Tiene alguna relación con las universidades de Colorado Springs, ya sea como estudiante actual, ex alumno o empleado? Si es el caso, ¿cuál es su relación?

I have no past affiliations with our fine universities in town. I hope to continue my education at one of these in the future, and am grateful for seeing and being part of events at these in the past.

¿Cuáles cree que son los obstáculos para que los jóvenes participen en los procesos cívicos y políticos locales en su distrito y qué hará para abordar esos obstáculos?

Being fairly young myself I feel it is mainly the opportunity cost associated with extremely low compensation in this position. Not paying a livable wage for politicians service was intended to bring only good intentioned people and ideas. The exact opposite is what has happened – Special interest groups are effectively «buying» these seats for people who will represent them. That is what the system seems to be set up to do. This can be fixed by offering a competitive wage to the role. This will greatly affect young people participating in public positions. This problem is economic and can be solved by using economics.

¿Cuánto tiempo has vivido en el distrito al que te postulas para representar?

17 Years

¿Cuáles son tus tres principales prioridades de política en las que te concentrarás para lograr si ganas la elección del Consejo Municipal?

1. Public Safety and enhancing our Emergency Operations Center; our law enforcement agencies must be supported with adequate resources to protect our families and neighborhoods so we can become the Safest City in America!
2. Work with City Planning Commission, home builders, and other designated local groups to identify ways to ensure infrastructure remain in lock-step with our city growth. I want to help lead the completion of the Marksheffel expansion effort.
3. Continue to work with our Congressional members to advocate and craft legislation to keep US Space Command here in Colorado Springs, while supporting our military families.

¿Cuáles son tres ejemplos específicos de cómo ha mostrado su apoyo a los problemas que afectan a la comunidad que le importan?

1. Continuously participate in town hall sessions and advocate for our law enforcement. I also was appointed by the Governor to the 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission to vet, interview, and nominate judges to uphold the law in El Paso and Teller Counties.
2. I volunteer and fulfill the role of Chairman, Pikes Peak Area Council of Government Community Advisory Committee to advise and recommend appropriate courses of action to the PPACG Board of Directors on regional issues directly related to transportation, water, military and community land use.
3. I drafted legislation language for Congressman Crank to articulate to the President’s administration on why US Space Command should remain in Colorado Springs.

Aproximadamente el 40% de los residentes de Colorado Springs alquilan su vivienda, pero el Consejo Municipal no suele tener esas perspectivas. ¿Usted alquila o es propietario de su vivienda? ¿Qué hará para representar y abogar por los intereses de los inquilinos en el consejo municipal?

A fluctuating economy and inflation has driven the high costs in the housing market, which I believe we all understand at this point, but how do we combat this issue? First, let’s understand affordable housing is a market driven issue and we need to allow the free market to operate and answer the supply and demand of affordable housing with the least amount of government interference. In addition, various Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs will help low-income households locate affordable housing and pay for rent.

Tiene alguna relación con las universidades de Colorado Springs, ya sea como estudiante actual, ex alumno o empleado? Si es el caso, ¿cuál es su relación?

Graduate of University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS), 2017, awarded Masters of Art Degree in Counseling and Leadership Development, 3.91GPA

¿Cuáles cree que son los obstáculos para que los jóvenes participen en los procesos cívicos y políticos locales en su distrito y qué hará para abordar esos obstáculos?

Young people feel they are not being heard. Thus, this leads to disengagement from local government issues. I aim to establish relationships with political youth organizations and build an education platform that chips away at participation barriers.