[spb_accordion widget_title=”Click on the questions to see the candidates’ answers.” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [spb_accordion_tab title=”What is the biggest environmental concern facing Colorado Springs and why?”] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]

What is the biggest environmental concern facing Colorado Springs and why?

Lathen:Long-term sustainability of our groundwater resources is fundamental to our City and entire region. Although we have some of the most stringent groundwater rules in the state, we must be ever vigilant in protecting this vital resource.
Makepeace:Our over-reliance on automobiles presents a great threat to our quality of life. When our air quality becomes such that we can’t see Pikes Peak anymore, we won’t be able to forgive ourselves for not addressing the issue sooner.
Miller: The biggest environmental concern is the long-sustained drought conditions and wildfires in the wild land urban interface. This threat has been deadly for our citizens and has destroyed over 1000 homes in the city and the county.
Suthers: Stormwater drainage is a major environmental concern for Colorado Springs.  The issue must be addressed to preserve private infrastructure, to maintain necessary water quality and to avoid potential environmental litigation.
[/spb_text_block] [/spb_accordion_tab] [spb_accordion_tab title=”What are your one or two top investment priorities for making Colorado Springs a more livable city? “] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]

Livability issues like transportation, parks and open space and access to healthy food impact quality of life for individuals and community well-being – economically, environmentally and socially. What are your one or two top investment priorities for making Colorado Springs a more livable city?

Lathen: Investment priorities must begin with core infrastructure, specifically transportation, which supports all other aspects of our community and the ability for citizens to live safely and productively. Our parks also impact our quality of life as well as public safety and our competitiveness.  They must be prioritized.
Makepeace: Our transit system is inadequate. I will work toward a multimodal transit system that includes buses bikes, pedestrian corridors, etc. Council Member Jill Gaebler has begun great work with citizens to address our city’s food deserts. As Mayor I look forward to seeing how I can join them in that work.
Miller: I am firmly committed to the core roles of government: public safety, public works, parks and creating an environment in which the free market can flourish. I believe all contribute to the quality of life. All investment priorities should relate to those core roles.
Suthers:  More people living and working downtown and the development of amenities for them would make Colorado Springs a more livable urban environment.  Improving public infrastructure and public transportation will also contribute greatly to our city’s livability.
[/spb_text_block] [/spb_accordion_tab] [spb_accordion_tab title=”Would you support an increase in the parks budget and how should we begin to address the 180 million dollars in parks capital needs?”] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]

General Fund support for parks, trails and open space continues to lag behind 2008 levels, even though the overall general fund is now significantly higher. Would you support an increase in the parks budget and how should we begin to address the 180 million dollars in parks capital needs?

Lathen: I have supported budget increases for county parks when possible because I believe in prioritizing our parks.  Many aspects of the budget are still lagging behind, and allocation of resources requires difficult decisions.  Discussion about more revenue to address such a budget shortfall must begin with the public.
Makepeace: As Mayor I would work with City Council to get the fees for watering reduced or eliminated as many other cities in our region do. I would work closely with the Parks Department to ensure they have what they need to continue to care for our city’s greatest assets.
Miller: Parks fall within the role of government. Through two budget cycles on City Council. I have supported additional general fund dollars for our parks. Citizens expect their city government to take care of our parks and it’s a big reason why people like calling Colorado Springs home.
Suthers: Some of the parks capital needs can be part of a public infrastructure proposal.  A portion of increased revenues as our economy improves and grows should also go to parks.
[/spb_text_block] [/spb_accordion_tab] [spb_accordion_tab title=”Do you believe trails and open spaces are economic drivers for our community and what would you do to support the goals of the new master plan?”] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]

Colorado Springs is home to America’s Mountain and one of the world’s greatest parks, Garden of the Gods. Our new parks master plan plans for anticipated population growth and doubles our urban trail system while adding 20,000 acres of open space.  Do you believe trails and open spaces are economic drivers for our community and what would you do to support the goals of the new master plan?

Lathen: Yes, as I have articulated, I believe strongly in well-rounded, balanced community infrastructure, which absolutely includes a vibrant parks and trails system.  I will work with the new master plan as we bring together MANY regional initiatives in order to truly bring mutual, regional goals to fruition.
Makepeace: According to City Parks Alliance, “High-quality parks also spur economic development by attracting homebuyers and boosting residential property values by as much as 15 percent.” I would look to our staff as experts in this field and ensure they know these goals are a top priority for my administration.
Miller: I supported the master plan as a member of City Council. That said, there are areas that need tweaking. First, I believe the plan is lopsided in investment in areas near downtown when much of our population lives elsewhere. Parks are a huge reason that people want to live here.
Suthers: Trails and open spaces are an economic driver for our community and a key amenity for young professionals.  The master plan is an excellent product of broad based community effort and I will seek to implement it as city finances and grant funding permit.
[/spb_text_block] [/spb_accordion_tab] [spb_accordion_tab title=”What do you think Colorado Springs should do to become more bicycle and pedestrian friendly and what role would you play in that?”] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]

Many communities along the Front Range are realizing notable economic, health, and environmental benefits through the retrofit of their transportation networks to better accommodate walking and biking for everyday trips. For us to realize these benefits what do you think Colorado Springs should do to become more bicycle and pedestrian friendly and what role would you play in that?

Lathen: This is a matter of master planning and a philosophy that includes this type of connectivity in our engineering and traffic design systems.  I view this as both a quality of life and economic development tool and will incorporate it into specific planning and building processes.
Makepeace: As Mayor I would require collaboration between City departments (including CSU) so we can take a “while we’re at it” approach. While we’re paving and striping we should be considering road dieting, where possible, to allow for safer bike lanes. I will also work toward a comprehensive bike system.
Miller: I believe that PPRTA funds have been and could continue to be used to put in bicycle lanes throughout the City. The non-motorized transit plan conducted by the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments should be a good start as to where to prioritize those dedicated PPRTA funds.

Suthers: The best ideas to promote walking/biking alternatives typically come from engaged citizens, not from government.  The Mayor’s job is to facilitate and promote them.  I’m a big fan of the Legacy Loop proposal and other master plan ideas as a means of making our city more pedestrian/bicycle friendly.
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New economic data indicates bicycling related expenditures has a 27 million dollar impact on our region. What do you see as the place of cycling in our city’s future both as a form of everyday transportation and a form of recreation? Specifically, are there any key programs, policies, or projects that you see as pivotal for advancing bicycling and walking in our community so that we can grow this impact in the coming years?

Lathen: Again, this is a matter of philosophy—supporting planning and systems engineering with an accessibility and multi-modal transportation mindset.  Bike lanes, bike accessibility, awareness and opportunities to realize joy and potential of bicycle transportation (plus walking) through large-scale events, on-street bike rental facilities and more, must be supported and highlighted.
Makepeace: One of the most exciting events to come to Colorado Springs has been the Pro Cycling Challenge. I’ll support the work that allows us realize the largest economic impact possible from cycling, supporting the Bankers Lunch Loop Urban Single Track project, and maybe a Valmont Park Mountain Bike Park.
Miller: I believe our environment has been a huge factor in the growth of the bicycle industry. The same things that will make us attractive to all businesses, would make us attractive to growth in this industry. I have addressed how I will work with businesses at JoelMillerforMayor.com.
Suthers: We need to continue to attract events, such as the USA Pro Challenge, as a means of promoting bicycling as a form of transportation and recreation.  I will work with experts and advocates in identifying programs, policies and projects that promote cycling.
[/spb_text_block] [/spb_accordion_tab] [spb_accordion_tab title=”What would you do as Mayor to help the community maintain its silver Bicycle Friendly City designation?”] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]

Many of our peer communities along the Front Range have achieved notable distinction through the League of American Cyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Program. Specifically, Denver is currently silver and is pursuing gold this year. Fort Collins is platinum and going for diamond in 2016. Boulder is currently platinum.  Colorado Springs is silver and was informed last year that we risk losing that designation and becoming a bronze-level community.  What would you do as Mayor / council member to help the community maintain its silver designation?

Lathen: Incorporating long-term planning for bike lanes and trail connectivity is critical.  Bike facilities, bike transit hubs, bike lanes, route signage, intersection improvements, racks, stations, etc., all should be considered in our planning and ultimately made available to citizens to encourage and inspire the use of alternate forms of transportation.
Makepeace:The No. 1 thing I can do as mayor is declare it a priority. Once it is a priority, then all of our infrastructure discussions must include the cycling component. We will take a holistic look at our infrastructure to ensure we don’t pave our way to a “bronze” status.
Miller: I would have to review the criteria and the specific points of concern raised in the report and then determine where addressing those issues fits into the greater picture of infrastructure in the City. We should also be leveraging and applying for GOCO and other grants to that end.
Suthers: I will support the efforts of cycling experts and enthusiasts as to how best to maintain and improve Colorado Springs as a pro-cycling city.
[/spb_text_block] [/spb_accordion_tab] [/spb_accordion] [spb_text_block title=”A Note on our City Council e-Forum…” pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
The Trails and Open Space Coalition in partnership with Catamount Institute, Livewell Colorado Springs, Colorado College Sustainability Department and Pikes Peak Sierra Club provided Mayoral and City Council Candidates a list of questions on topics important to the Conservation and Healthy Living Community.
Candidates were asked to respond in 50 words or less. Not all candidates chose to participate, but all were contacted and provided with the questions.
As a 501c3 non-profit, TOSC is not allowed to endorse candidates. These candidates’ answers are your opportunity to become better educated and decide if your values and their priorities share common ground.
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We selected some questions to feature that we felt would be of interest to our members. You can read all the questions and the full answers by downloading a pdf document at the following link: Mayoral candidate answers
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