Issues
I am running to represent the people of Ward One. I want, first and foremost, to understand your needs, concerns and issues. I will take your questions and concerns to city council. I will be your voice and advocate. There are many large issues facing Golden: the Beltway, growth and development, improving walkability, and preserving what makes Golden special. At the same time, quality of life issues need to be addressed. These include trash pick-up, street repair, access to parks and recreation, neighborhood safety and noise mitigation.
I believe communication between an effective city councilor and her constituents needs to be a two way street. I will take you concerns to city council and I will keep you posted on what city council is doing and how it will effect you.
The Beltway:
The current and past city councils have done a great job stopping the power-brokers who want to bisect our community with a multi-lane, foreign owned tollway. I will continue these efforts.
- There are better options:
- First, improve existing roads. Extensive (and expensive) research has shown that this is the most economical, practical solution.
- Improve connections like pedestrian bridges, bike paths, and public transit.
- Make sure that CDOT, investors and all citizens understand the problems with the toll way
- A tollway would split up Golden's neighborhoods.
- It would damage the valley and mountain backdrop.
- Attract appropriate development.
- A huge road would dump unwanted traffic on our North border.
- Drivers would avoid the toll road because it is out-of-the-way, and they would not want to pay to use.
Smart Growth for Golden:
Golden is a wonderful place to live! I believe that we must maintain and care for what we have and plan growth so that it is beneficial to our community.
- Golden's growth should emphasize quality over quantity.
- I support 1% growth limit, but favor exceptions for senior or affordable housing..
- Keep the small town “feel”, friendliness, and charm.
Preserve Historic Character while Promoting Present Livability:
- Support height limits on downtown buildings.
- I would support efforts to establish downtown walking tours
- More plaques scattered throughout town with stories being gathered during the Golden Vision 2030 process and the sesquicentennial celebration.
- Event at newly restored kiln on the Kinney Run Trail.
- Event and/or publicity for the Triceratops Trail along the Fossil Trace Golf Course.
- History and education on North and South Table Mountains., with guided tours and nature walks.
- Programs and activities in the parks, rotating to include all areas of the City.
- Coordinate with Jeffco Open Space and the Golden History Center.
Make Development a Plus for Residents, Not a Minus
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Use light rail as an opportunity to beautify and enhance the area surrounding the station, including parks, gardens, benches, bike racks, art, shops, businesses, and cafes.
- Put in sidewalks/pathways to nearby apartments, condos, and other residences, as well as to area businesses
- Provide easy access to downtown Golden, Colorado School of the Mines, and other parts of the City.
- Incorporate sustainability measures such as recycling receptacles and a satellite recycling center.
Incorporate Walkability Priorities into South Golden:
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Priorities Recommended for the City’s Capital Improvement Plan:
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South Golden Rd. (Golden High School to Johnson Rd.).
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24th St. (Illinois to East St.).
- Sidewalks on W. Colfax and Rooney Rd. to the soccer fields, connecting to Interplaza (Kohl’s, Home Depot) and to C-470 multi-use trail.
- US 6 overpass from the new light rail station to the Golden Ridge neighborhood and businesses
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W. 10th Ave. (Ulysses to Jeffco Pkwy.)
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Coordinate with Jeffco, RTD, and XCEL on the light rail project and connections.
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Coordinate with the Sustainability Advisory Board., and the Bikeability and Housing Affordability Task Forces to incorporate their priorities and action plans.
I'd like to get together with your and your friends and neighbors to discuss these issues in more detail and to learn about the issues you and your neighbors care about so that I can effectively represent YOU on City Council.
Please contact me so that we can set up a Soup Night or a Walk & Talk event.
