Issues

Voter participation is the foundation of a strong and representative local government. Yet, turnout for our Special District Election is under 3%—far below the national average of 15-27% for municipal elections. I am committed to improving civic engagement by increasing public awareness and reducing barriers to voting.

The Highlands Ranch Metro District Election takes place in May, like all Special Districts in Colorado. Yet this is a time when many voters are unaware an election is even happening. Additionally, the process to obtain a ballot requires submitting an absentee ballot request, creating unnecessary obstacles for voters. While elections can be costly, ensuring fair access to the ballot is a worthwhile investment in our community’s future.

One major reason for low voter turnout in local elections is a lack of awareness about candidates, issues, and the role of elected officials. According to the National Civic League, better community engagement leads to stronger participation. That’s why I will work to improve communication channels, use innovative outreach strategies, and make our local government more accessible.

Additionally, I believe it’s time to revisit the discussion on term limits for the Highlands Ranch Metro District. Since the 1990s, there have been no term limits, despite the fact that our Douglas County Board of Commissioners, State Representatives, State Senators, and Governor all have them. Term limits help enhance public trust, ensure fair and competitive elections, and bring in fresh leadership to reflect our community’s evolving needs. With broad bipartisan support (80%+ of Americans favor term limits), I will gather public input to determine what’s best for Highlands Ranch.

With greater transparency, accessibility, and fairness in our local elections, we can build a government that truly represents the voices of our community and shape our collective future through nonpartisan collaboration and uniting around shared community values.

In my Indigenous language of Lakota, we say “mni wiconi” (pronounced miNI-weCHOni), which means “water is life.” Water is one of our most valuable natural resources, yet it’s becoming increasingly scarce. Our district can take proactive steps to preserve water, save money, and protect our community’s future by making smart, sustainable choices.

Currently, single-family homes account for 68% of our annual water usage, with half of that going toward outdoor landscaping. Every percentage point of conservation makes a difference. By expanding drought-tolerant landscaping in our district's parkways and providing more educational resources for residents on water conservation, we can reduce our reliance on expensive water leases from other municipalities—ultimately saving taxpayers money. Supporting Highlands Ranch Water in these efforts and initiatives will help us achieve greater water independence.

Beyond water, I am committed to reducing our environmental footprint by working to make services like composting more affordable and accessible for residents.

At the same time, I will prioritize preserving and enhancing our parks and trails, ensuring that these spaces remain open, well-maintained, and available for future generations. As we consider new opportunities—such as the future Highlands Ranch Mansion Historic Park—I will always put the needs and requests of our community first.

With practical solutions and a forward-thinking approach, we can protect our resources, maintain our high quality of life, and build a more sustainable future for Highlands Ranch.

Highlands Ranch Metro District has set a precedent by working to a zero debt budget and maintaining low mill levy/property taxes. As costs of living and housing continue to rise, I am committed to maintaining this by controlling costs and preventing wasteful spending while continuing to provide high quality services and amenities to our residents. Read More