Voters in Aurora will make their pick for four Aurora City Council candidates this November. Incumbent candidates tout their experience on council as a reason why voters should re-elect them, while new candidates say they can provide a fresh outlook and new ideas. Candidates agree on some issues, including incentivizing businesses to come to the city, growing the economy and allowing backyard chickens. But they disagree on many topics such as photo red light cameras, funding for recreation centers and a new police and fire training center. It’s up to the voters to decide which candidates should represent them.
At-large
Six candidates for two at-large Aurora City Council seats found common ground at an Oct. 4 candidate forum when the discussion turned toward incentivizing businesses. All candidates were in favor of using tax incentives as a way to lure businesses to the city, though they did have some caveats. Angela Lawson, who works at the Colorado Secretary of State’s office, said the tax-incentive deal should always benefit both taxpayers and the business. PK Kaiser, an accounting technician for the Community College of Aurora, said incentives serve as a catalyst for economic development.
“But the incentives for new businesses should be based on the number of jobs they’re creating,” he said.
Matt Cook, Aurora Public Schools board member and at-large candidate, said council members should be more transparent when finalizing incentives so taxpayers fully understand the details of the deal.
“Council has to do a much better job of explaining what goes in to an incentive and how jobs are created,” he said. The city approved $300 million in sales tax rebates to help fund construction costs for the Gaylord Western-themed hotel in 2011, which at-large candidates supported at the forum.
Maya Wheeler, who helps underprivileged families navigate the health care system, said the Gaylord project would benefit the city’s taxpayers and the economy.
“It will help quality of life and attract tourism, and I think the city needs to do what we have to do to make sure it comes through,” she said.
Incumbent candidate Barb Cleland said the Denver-based hoteliers that are trying to thwart Gaylord from receiving public funding are “envious.”
“It’s pure greed and pure envy from Denver,” she said.
Candidates were also supportive of new recreation centers in the city. Brad Pierce, incumbent at-large candidate, said one option for more rec centers is to have private businesses pay for them. Cleland said a bond issue could be an option. Lawson said new recreation centers are a priority for her.
“Aurora is very limited in recreation and cultural activities,” she said.
Candidates weren’t yet sold on funding a new police and fire training facility to replace the current dilapidated facilities spread throughout the city and surrounding counties. Cook said asking taxpayers to pay for bonds is an option that needs to be explored, instead of spending up to $26 million on a police and fire training facility with General Fund money.
“I’d like to see if we can’t accomplish more with that money,” he said.
Kaiser said money should be spent according to priorities. The city has several other priorities in addition to a police and fire training facility, such as boosting the number of libraries and financially assisting flood victims, he said.
Candidates also differed on support for photo red light cameras. Wheeler said she supports them because they help prevent serious accidents.
“To me, safety is the most important thing,” she said. Lawson said she wouldn’t vote to extend the contract for photo red light cameras, calling the technology “counterproductive.” She said Aurora residents are having a hard time paying fines and the city should accept volunteer labor as a form of payment. Lawson said instead of photo red light cameras, speed cameras should be implemented.
On the topic of marijuana, Lawson said only a certain amount of retail marijuana shops should be allowed in the city, and the city should boost school programs that educate children about the dangers of marijuana. Pierce said retail stores should be kept a certain distance away from schools and daycare centers, and agreed that the number of stores should be limited.
Candidates said more parking would be needed along the FasTracks light rail line through Aurora. Cleland said structured parking specifically in north Aurora is a necessity. She said it’s primarily up to the Regional Transportation District to find a way to pay for parking.
“This is RTD’s responsibility not the city of Aurora’s,” she said. “But we will help in any way we can.”
Cleland said public-private partnerships could also help in the financing of additional parking space. Candidates were largely in support of allowing backyard chickens in the city. Pierce suggested the idea of allowing a community chicken coop, where residents in a specific community could tend to their chickens in one area.
BRAD PIERCE – Incumbent
Brad Pierce has been an at-large Aurora City Council member for nearly 10 years. He is running for a third term. He moved to
Brad Pierce
Aurora in 1978 where he met his wife, Margee Cannon, a neighborhood liaison for the city. He owns a law firm that specializes in paralegal services for elderly clients. He is a member of the Aurora Economic Development Council, the Visit Aurora Board of Directors, the National league of Cities and the president of the Community College of Aurora Foundation
Q&A: BRAD PIERCE
Tax Rebates
Over the past couple of years, city lawmakers have offered tax rebates to several businesses to lure them to the city. Do you support tax incentives as a way to recruit new businesses? Why/why not?
I look at incentives this way: Would the project be built without the incentive? Here are two successful examples of incentives City Council has approved: First, the Gardens on Havana would not be redeveloped without an incentive. Aurora residents would have been left with a dilapidated Buckingham Square, which everyone would agree is not acceptable. Second, Steven Roberts Original Desserts would not have brought hundreds of primary jobs to Aurora without an incentive. The two main reasons I support incentives are 1) jobs are created or retained and 2) the City receives tax revenue from the project. Otherwise, if an incentive is not offered and the project doesn’t move forward, the City receives zero revenue. Readers should be cognizant that incentive payments are made from revenue generated by the project, not from taxpayers’ pockets as some opponents of incentives have alleged.
Capital projects
Do you support Mayor Hogan’s recent announcement that the city should plan for more recreation centers, cultural arts centers, active adult centers and road improvements? Would you support a bond proposal to voters to pay for all of that in the future?
There is a great need for at least one new recreation center in Aurora. Aurora voters should be given an opportunity to approve or disapprove the use of tax dollars to finance it. The city budget is already very tight. Part of serving on Aurora City Council is prioritizing our hundreds of millions of dollars of capital needs against maintaining our quality of life.
Parking
It’s estimated that future light rail stations in Aurora will be strapped for parking and may spill over into city streets or business lots. Would you support a citywide plan to address parking? Does RTD have a responsibility for parking?
The City has already estimated the parking requirements along the I-225 Light Rail line, which is much higher than the number of spaces RTD is providing. We will need to enter into partnerships with the private sector to provide adequate parking. We have tools that can assist developers with constructing additional parking.
Marijuana
A majority of voters in Aurora legalized marijuana in last year’s election. However, city council members are still sorting out which types of marijuana businesses they want to allow in the city. Do you support recreational pot shops in Aurora? If not, would you support other types of marijuana businesses?
I believe recreational marijuana retail stores will need to be regulated so that each one is an adequate distance from schools and day care centers. I also support requiring a specified distance between the stores and capping the total number of stores. We also need to keep in mind that in addition to retail stores, we have the ability to regulate marijuana cultivation, manufacturing and testing facilities.
Red Lights
Some Aurora residents are peeved by photo-red light cameras because they say the city is profiting from them and acting like big brother. What’s your opinion? Would you vote to extend the annual contract to continue operating the systems for the cameras in Aurora?
I believe the primary purpose of photo-red light is to improve traffic safety. Our Police Department has data that says severe accidents have been reduced at intersections with photo-red light. Because it increases safety for our drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, I voted in favor of extending Aurora’s contract with the vendor.
What book would you most recommend to a friend?
Straight from the Gut by Jack Welch.
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure movie?
Forrest Gump
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Hamburgers and French fries
Are you a dog person or a cat person?
I am a dog person. We got our dog B.J. (Brad Jr.) from the Aurora Animal Shelter
Which city would you prefer to visit – Portland, Las Vegas, Kansas City or New York City?
New York City, because I have never been there. And I have been to Portland, Las Vegas and Kansas City
BARB CLELAND – Incumbent
Barb Cleland was elected as an at-large council member in 2009 and previously served on Aurora City Council between 1983 and
Barb Cleland
2003. She has been the community relations, legislative and compliance director for the Aurora Mental Health Center since 1995. She’s the chairwoman of the Aurora Housing Authority and serves as a victim services advocate for the Aurora Police Department and is the past chairwoman of the Colorado Municipal League. She has lived in Aurora since 1969.
Q&A: BARB CLELAND
Tax Rebates
Over the past couple of years, city lawmakers have offered tax rebates to several businesses to lure them to the city. Do you support tax incentives as a way to recruit new businesses? Why/why not?
Tax incentives are a tool the city uses to create jobs and generate much-needed tax revenue. While I like the idea in principle, I do not support financial incentives for every development project. Using the dual criteria or jobs and tax revenue, I believe Aurora City Council must evaluate each applicant for tax incentives on its own merits.
Capital projects
Do you support Mayor Hogan’s recent announcement that the city should plan for more recreation centers, cultural arts centers, active adult centers and road improvements? Would you support a bond proposal to voters to pay for all of that in the future?
While I appreciate the Mayor’s vision for more cultural and recreational facilities in Aurora, I would not support a tax increase to pay for them at this time. As we have seen with the flooding in recent weeks, to bond that much money for capital improvement projects could hurt the city financially. I don’t think we should use the city facilities as collateral.
Parking
It’s estimated that future light rail stations in Aurora will be strapped for parking and may spill over into city streets or business lots. Would you support a citywide plan to address parking? Does RTD have a responsibility for parking?
The most significant aspect of the soon-to-be-realized I-225 light rail stop, is the work RTD put in to build the Aurora line faster. For that, we look forward to less vehicle traffic on I-225. While I would like RTD to provide parking structures at each stop, the funds are not available. I am confident the City and RTD will work together on a plan to provide adequate parking at the major stops.
Marijuana
A majority of voters in Aurora legalized marijuana in last year’s election. However, city council members are still sorting out which types of marijuana businesses they want to allow in the city. Do you support recreational pot shops in Aurora? If not, would you support other types of marijuana businesses?
Aurora voters approved the legalization of adult use of recreational marijuana, so I feel I have to respect their decision. The City has the task to make sure that we have an appropriate number of marijuana stores and that those stores are bound by the same rules and given the same privileges of other Aurora business.
Red Lights
Some Aurora residents are peeved by photo-red light cameras because they say the city is profiting from them and acting like big brother. What’s your opinion? Would you vote to extend the annual contract to continue operating the systems for the cameras in Aurora?
I don’t like the red light photos. Although it is important to note that running red lights is dangerous and illegal. However, because Aurora sits in three counties and those county governments don’t provide us with much money, the red light program should stay in place. The fund it creates pays for several important services and programs.
What book would you most recommend to a friend?
Here be Dragons
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure movie?
Pride and Predjudice
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Cherry tomatoes,
Ranch dip
Are you a dog person or a cat person?
Dogs
Which city would you prefer to visit – Portland, Las Vegas, Kansas City or New York City?
Portland
MATT COOK – Challenger
Matt Cook is a lifelong resident of Aurora and has served as a member of the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education for the
Matt Cook
past eight years. He spent five years as president of the board. He is also the president of the Colorado Association of School Boards. He has been a member of several voluntary organizations including the Aurora’s Citizens Budget Advisory Committee. In 2010, he was named Man of the Year by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Q&A: MATT COOK – challenger
Tax Rebates
Over the past couple of years, city lawmakers have offered tax rebates to several businesses to lure them to the city. Do you support tax incentives as a way to recruit new businesses? Why/why not?
I support tax incentives only when they are based on the project being completed and any tax rebates coming from the city are based on the revenues earned by the project. I do not support any sort of pre-paid tax incentive. Do I wish that tax incentives weren’t necessary? Yes I do. However, in order to compete with other municipalities Aurora needs to thoughtfully use all of the tools available.
Capital projects
Do you support Mayor Hogan’s recent announcement that the city should plan for more recreation centers, cultural arts centers, active adult centers and road improvements? Would you support a bond proposal to voters to pay for all of that in the future?
I whole heartedly support this proposal. A city the size of Aurora needs to provide quality recreational, cultural, and artistic opportunities. The city needs to have a plan to build, operate and equip these types of facilities. I would support a bond campaign only if voters are involved from the beginning. The City Council would further need to commit to supporting the campaign. During my time on the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education the District worked with voters to pass two bond elections. These monies allowed the district to improve every building and construct new much needed facilities. All projects were built on time and under budget.
Parking
It’s estimated that future light rail stations in Aurora will be strapped for parking and may spill over into city streets or business lots. Would you support a citywide plan to address parking? Does RTD have a responsibility for parking?
Yes, there needs to be a plan for parking at Light Rail stops as the impacts from increased traffic and noise on surrounding business and neighborhoods have the potential to be large. The city needs to work with RTD to ensure that parking is part of the master plan for Light Rail through Aurora. The impacts of Light Rail to the Aurora economy have the potential to be huge, however we need to make sure that the project is something we can all live with.
Marijuana
A majority of voters in Aurora legalized marijuana in last year’s election. However, city council members are still sorting out which types of marijuana businesses they want to allow in the city. Do you support recreational pot shops in Aurora? If not, would you support other types of marijuana businesses?
The voters have spoken on the subject of legalized marijuana and now it is up to the City Council to work with citizens to determine the types of businesses that we want here in Aurora and what type of rules and regulations should apply. I believe any retail establishments would need to be tightly regulated for zoning, signage and hours of operation. For example I would not want a retail marijuana shop next to a school. The wholesale and growing operations present their own challenges and thoughtful rules and regulations would need to be applied to them as well.
Red Lights
Some Aurora residents are peeved by photo-red light cameras because they say the city is profiting from them and acting like big brother. What’s your opinion? Would you vote to extend the annual contract to continue operating the systems for the cameras in Aurora?
From the data I have seen it would appear that traffic safety has been somewhat improved with the installation of these cameras at some intersections. However, I have concerns about the privacy questions involved in general with the proliferation of cameras recording every aspect of our daily lives. I would want to hear the input of Aurora citizen’s along with the current data from the Aurora Police and Traffic departments before making a decision regarding a contract extension.
What book would you most recommend to a friend?
The Lords of Discipline
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure movie?
Sixteen Candles
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza
Are you a dog person or a cat person?
Dog person, have been a life-long dog owner
Which city would you prefer to visit – Portland, Las Vegas, Kansas City or New York City?
ANGELA LAWSON – Challenger
Angela Lawson was born in California and moved to Colorado in 1978. She has lived in southeast Aurora for 12 years. She has a
Angela Lawson
bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California at Berkeley. She has masters’ degrees in public administration and social science from the University of Colorado at Denver and a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University. She has worked at the Colorado Secretary of State’s office since 2005 and this is her first run for office
Q&A: ANGELA LAWSON- Challenger
Tax Rebates
Over the past couple of years, city lawmakers have offered tax rebates to several businesses to lure them to the city. Do you support tax incentives as a way to recruit new businesses? Why/why not?
I support tax breaks for new and existing businesses because they are a major tool in attracting jobs to the city. However, when tax incentives are sought, there needs to be an objective, comprehensive assessment to determine if the tax recovered over time, after incentives, and the increase in jobs will justify a loss of revenue. They must also weigh against infrastructure expenditures, net increases in tax revenue and, in every case, fairness to existing businesses. This process should be a win-win for new businesses and the taxpayer without penalizing existing businesses.
Capital projects
Do you support Mayor Hogan’s recent announcement that the city should plan for more recreation centers, cultural arts centers, active adult centers and road improvements? Would you support a bond proposal to voters to pay for all of that in the future?
The recreational options available to Aurora residents is limited and many of the existing facilities are small and outdated. Before I would support any bond proposal asking voters to pay for these types of projects, it would be important to assess current recreational centers to see if they could be upgraded at less expensive costs and explore possible opportunities to see if private companies or developers would be interested in investing in these types of projects with the city.
Parking
It’s estimated that future light rail stations in Aurora will be strapped for parking and may spill over into city streets or business lots. Would you support a citywide plan to address parking? Does RTD have a responsibility for parking?
I would support a city wide plan to address the parking issue along the I-225 rail line because it is important that individuals have options in public transportation. If parking options are not available to transit users then it limits people from using the service, so it is very important that all parking options be researched and discussed. The parking shortage issue should be a collaborative effort between RTD, the city, private companies and land owners. Currently RTD plans calls for providing 1800 parking spaces at many of the stations along the I-225 rail line, I think it would be a great opportunity for the city to partner with private companies, developers and land owners that are interested in building parking structures along the I-225 line to see how they can work together to provide viable parking options for transit users.
Marijuana
A majority of voters in Aurora legalized marijuana in last year’s election. However, city council members are still sorting out which types of marijuana businesses they want to allow in the city. Do you support recreational pot shops in Aurora? If not, would you support other types of marijuana businesses?
There are a lot of unknowns on this issue. The moratorium ordinance is giving city council members the time they need to learn more about the issue so a sensible decision can be made. Because Aurora does not have any marijuana dispensaries in place, the idea of the sale of recreational marijuana does present new challenges to the city. I’m not opposed to recreational pot shops, but it may be important to establish in the city first medical marijuana dispensaries that would allow the opportunity for them to sell both medical and recreational marijuana and then move towards a plan to allow recreational pot shops with continued efforts in creating a regulatory structure, enforcement policies and practices that are both meaningful and responsive to our specific cities needs.
Red Lights
Some Aurora residents are peeved by photo-red light cameras because they say the city is profiting from them and acting like big brother. What’s your opinion? Would you vote to extend the annual contract to continue operating the systems for the cameras in Aurora?
I think that that the red light cameras are counter-productive and they do not really achieve the advertised goal which is to decrease accidents at some of the cities busiest intersections. The drawbacks that I see with the cameras is that a red light camera cannot make a judgment call so officers have that discretion ability to analyze the case at hand and make a judgment call on who will get ticketed. Who is making that decision and what criteria is it based on? Although the cameras make people stop to avoid a ticket, it also increases the potential of getting rear-ended by the car behind them. If the purpose of the red light cameras is to promote safety first, then I think that the city should explore the feasibility of implementing a community-service program that allows red-light runners to volunteer in the city if they are unable to pay the fine. I would not likely vote to extend the contract of operating cameras in Aurora but would support the implementation of more speed cameras at some of cities busiest school zones.
What book would you most recommend to a friend?
Pride and Prejudice
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure movie?
27 Dresses
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steak Fajitas
Are you a dog person or a cat person?
Cat person
Which city would you prefer to visit – Portland, Las Vegas, Kansas City or New York City?
New York City
P.S. Kaiser – Challenger
PK Kaiser
PK Kaiser has lived in Aurora for 10 years and emigrated from Pakistan. He’s an accounting technician for the Community College of Aurora. In 2011, he ran for Aurora City Council’s Ward VI position, which currently belongs to Councilman Bob Broom. He is a husband and father of three children. He studied agricultural economics and economics and business administration in college
Q&A: P.K. Kaiser – Challenger
Tax Rebates
Over the past couple of years, city lawmakers have offered tax rebates to several businesses to lure them to the city. Do you support tax incentives as a way to recruit new businesses? Why/why not?
Yes, I support business incentives: start-up incentives for new businesses and performance-based incentives for existing businesses.
Capital projects
Do you support Mayor Hogan’s recent announcement that the city should plan for more recreation centers, cultural arts centers, active adult centers and road improvements? Would you support a bond proposal to voters to pay for all of that in the future?
I support community recreation centers, cultural arts centers, and active adult centers, but more than that, I support the mandate of the voters. The flood-damaged roads and infrastructure of Aurora should be fixed immediately.
Parking
It’s estimated that future light rail stations in Aurora will be strapped for parking and may spill over into city streets or business lots. Would you support a citywide plan to address parking? Does RTD have a responsibility for parking?
Yes and yes.
Marijuana
A majority of voters in Aurora legalized marijuana in last year’s election. However, city council members are still sorting out which types of marijuana businesses they want to allow in the city. Do you support recreational pot shops in Aurora? If not, would you support other types of marijuana businesses?
Yes, I support the vote of the people. We need to respect the people’s choices.
Red Lights
Some Aurora residents are peeved by photo-red light cameras because they say the city is profiting from them and acting like big brother. What’s your opinion? Would you vote to extend the annual contract to continue operating the systems for the cameras in Aurora?
I would ask the people of Aurora and respect their opinion.
What book would you most recommend to a friend?
The Prophet
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure movie?
Any John Wayne movie
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I am a vegetarian, and I enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables – the spicier, the better
Are you a dog person or a cat person?
I love to have a family cat sitting beside me on the sofa, and to take a dog for walks. Companion animals are integral members of our family who have taught my children responsibility as well as the wonderful affection that is shared between humans and animals. I encourage people to adopt homeless dogs and cats from local shelters or rescue groups
Which city would you prefer to visit – Portland, Las Vegas, Kansas City or New York City?
New York City because of its vast diversity and cultural richness and vibrancy .
MAYA WHEELER: Challenger
Maya Wheeler was born in Texas, raised in Boulder with her brother and single mother, and has lived in Aurora for 18 years.
Maya Wheeler
She works with families in need and helps them navigate through the health care system. She holds a master’s degree in health administration, business, and information management from Webster University. She worked for Union Pacific Railroad for four years and was a member of the Transportation Communications Union.
Q&A: Maya Wheeler: Challenger
Tax Rebates
Over the past couple of years, city lawmakers have offered tax rebates to several businesses to lure them to the city. Do you support tax incentives as a way to recruit new businesses? Why/why not?
Yes, I support tax incentives as long as they primarily benefit the city and its residents instead of special interests. Some types of projects attract good paying jobs to Aurora, which strengthens our tax base and in some cases increases property values. However, we can’t just give money away. There must be strong protections built into contracts with such businesses that guarantee specific benefits, such as a certain number of jobs at certain minimum salaries. If businesses accept our tax incentives and fail to deliver on their economic promises, the contract must call for a refund to the city.
Capital projects
Do you support Mayor Hogan’s recent announcement that the city should plan for more recreation centers, cultural arts centers, active adult centers and road improvements? Would you support a bond proposal to voters to pay for all of that in the future?
The goal of our city government should be to improve our quality of life. I think the city needs all the projects that the Mayor identified, and if elected, I will support them. But I will not be a rubber stamp. I will scrutinize each project to make sure that it fits our community’s needs and that our money is being used wisely and well. If these projects are properly designed, then yes, I would support a bond proposal.
Parking
It’s estimated that future light rail stations in Aurora will be strapped for parking and may spill over into city streets or business lots. Would you support a citywide plan to address parking? Does RTD have a responsibility for parking?
Yes, we need a citywide plan to address parking. The whole idea of light rail is to make our transportation system better, not worse. RTD has a responsibility to be part of the solution.
Marijuana
A majority of voters in Aurora legalized marijuana in last year’s election. However, city council members are still sorting out which types of marijuana businesses they want to allow in the city. Do you support recreational pot shops in Aurora? If not, would you support other types of marijuana businesses?
Yes, because I support what voters approved and nothing more.
Red Lights
Some Aurora residents are peeved by photo-red light cameras because they say the city is profiting from them and acting like big brother. What’s your opinion? Would you vote to extend the annual contract to continue operating the systems for the cameras in Aurora?
I think our traffic enforcement should be based on what makes us safer, not what generates revenue. Some research suggests that red light cameras create a safer environment for both drivers and pedestrians, so I’m inclined to support the annual contract.
What book would you most recommend to a friend?
Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure movie?
Pirates of the Caribbean
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
German Chocolate ice cream from Baskin Robbins
Are you a dog person or a cat person?
I am an animal person. I love all pets including backyard chickens
Which city would you prefer to visit – Portland, Las Vegas, Kansas City or New York City?
New York City
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