Recreational Marijuana
City Council is elected to represent the will of the people - especially on controversial issues like recreational marijuana. It's important that our ballot measures are clear and concise, allowing citizens to vote their interests without confusion and frustration. That's why Ballot Question 300 matters: it gives citizens the opportunity to revisit a poorly-worded measure from a previous election and clearly express their will.
Ford Amphitheater Oppostion
I consistently expressed concerns regarding the Ford Amphitheater's construction and its implications for local noise ordinances in Colorado Springs. As the sole council member to vote against the amphitheater project, noise disturbances and disruption to the surrounding neighborhoods were major concerns. Following its opening in August 2024, the City received over 900 noise complaints from residents with many reporting that concert sounds were disruptive even within their homes.
I don’t care how much Ford Amphitheater brings in revenue. If the citizens who live around this venue have a miserable experience, it’s wrong and the city should do something to stop it.
Rockrimmon Library Closure
Libraries are one of the most important public goods governments can provide.
I strongly opposed the closure of the Rockrimmon Library and vocally criticized the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) Board of Trustees for their decision as inadequate performance of their duties. I called for the Board to reconsider their vote and extend the library's lease for another year, emphasizing the community's need for the library and questioning their financial justifications. The closure in December 2024 was especially disappointing, but I will continue to fight to reestablish library services in this area.
Censured for Exposing Conflicts of Interest
On July 2, 2024, Colorado Springs City Council voted to censure me for a "breach of decorum." In reality, I vocally opposed three Councilmembers voting on the controversial Arrowsweet development because they had received $2500 from Weidner Property Management, the development’s parent company. These Councilmemebers would not - and did not - recuse themselves from the vote, acting in bad faith with a known conflict of interest. The censure removed me from serval council-appointed boards, commissions and committees. This was a painful price to pay, but I would gladly do it again to ensure the citizens of Colorado Springs have full transparency around their elected officials.
"Yes" to Fiscal Responsibility Regarding TABOR
Let me be clear - I strongly support the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and all law enforcement. This does not change the fact that withholding taxpayer dollars with inadequate justification is a bad idea.
This is why I was against Ballot Issue 2A, which proposed allowing the City to retain nearly $5 million of excess tax revenue to fund a new police training academy. As I dug into the issue, I found that the mayor lacked a clear plan for the academy. I couldn't gain basic details on costs, location, and features. Using taxpayer refunds for this project was fiscally irresponsible.
My concerns continued after the 2A vote as CSPD cut class sizes in 2024. We need to prioritize CSPD in the budget; it should not be an after-thought funded with TABOR dollars.
"No" on Developer-Backed Water Ordinance
In March 2023, I voted no on a controversial water ordinace influenced by a threat from Norwood Development Group. Norwood - who owns approximately 80% of all remaining developable land inside our city boundaries - threatened to change our City’s charter to restrict future annexations. This raised my suspicions about whose interests were being served - Norwood, or the constituents of Colorado Springs?
After digging into the issue, I found that the city has sufficient water reserves and that the ordinance’s effects on housing costs, city density, and quality of life were not adequately studied. I will continue to advocate for the best interest of my constituents, not developers.
Objections Over Contrived Listening Sessions
Our Mayor's 'Listening Tour' discussion topics were pre-determined and controlled, and the mayor heard outcomes of small group discussion from a facilitator - not the citizens themselves. This was not a path to progress, and I shared my constituents' concerns that the format controlled citizens' comments and questions.
