Municipal politics in Erie used to get compared to the Wild West quite a bit—with gun-slinging cowboy candidates firing shots will nilly, and pro-growthers and anti-growthers fighting like rival tribes.

Then, over several years, Erie’s elections became more mild than wild. Life in this fast-growing former mining town seemingly went on happily and domestically.

However, the imagery of the shoot out at the OK Corral is once again relevant—as metaphorical bullets have been fired. With residents angered over contentious issues like the Bonanza Drive extension and the closure of an airport runway, the April 6 municipal elections seemed to explode onto the once peaceful shire of Erie.

Red, white and blue candidate signs were everywhere—perching on greenbelts, on public property, scattered across front yards, even hanging from buildings and heavy machinery. Facebook pages were set up to oppose ballot item 2E, the Bonanza Drive extension, and became soapboxes for angered residents. One of those pages was started by former mayor pro-tem Glenn Massarotti. In one post, Massarotti calls then-mayor Andrew Moore a liar.

One trustee candidate actually ran a campaign even as he was involved in a lawsuit against the town and board. Rumors and truth were bandied about like a shuttlecock in a badminton game. Campaign spending soared—with businessman and now-Mayor Joe Wilson spending more than $8,000.

Wild West, indeed.

Still, Moore, who handed over the mayoral reign to Wilson in mid April, calls it politics as usual. The controversies that he theorizes sparked this tenuous election are what happens “when you work to get things done,” he said.

“That’s the way politics is,” Moore said.

While Moore’s three terms were mostly filled with successes—heck, the town now has a community center and a library—the last several months of his time in office were mired in conflict: mostly involving the residents of the airpark neighborhood.

Last year, the Erie Board of Trustees opted to remove the second runway at the Erie Municipal Airport. Residents of the airpark neighborhood found fault with the move, saying it violated an agreement from 1987, which stated that the airport’s owner would not “materially diminish the total surface of the runways.”

The issue is currently tied up in lawsuits. And while numerous candidates wouldn’t talk in depth about it during election debates—because of ongoing litigation—the issue was still omnipresent.

Especially with the Bonanza Drive extension on the ballot.

Bonanza Drive could arguably be considered the issue of this election. Simply put, ballot item 2E asked voters to approve the extension of Bonanza Drive, a road in south Erie that some believe could help the town develop a prime retail destination on Highway 7. The extension of the road could also impact the residents of the Erie Municipal Airport’s airpark neighborhood, with increased traffic and activity.

So, the same residents angered about the runway changes at the airport then became angered with the Bonanza Drive issue, which made for a small group of very vocal voters. The residents made clear, in letters to both this publication and in other local media, their frustration with Moore and Cheryl Hauger, who lost her bid for mayor but who will retain her current position as trustee.

“The Bonanza issue stirred up the airpark crowd a lot and that really hurt me. If Bonanza had not been on the ballot, I really believe it would have been a different type of election. It would have been much closer,” Hauger said. “The issues during the election were the airport and Bonanza Drive. That’s not what is best for the entire town. Erie is more than those two issues.”

Hauger also realizes now that because she received support to run from Moore, she was also adopting his opposition. Especially after Moore posted on his blog the campaign contributions to candidates from airpark residents or airport-related entities, as well as the candidates who he supported financially, including Hauger. While that incited critics, Moore defends his actions, saying he wanted to show the contributions because no one else would.

“I felt like it was important,” he said. “Ten years ago, I would not have printed it because 10 years ago the media would have already reported it.”

With Wilson at the helm and Joe Carnival, Mark Grubber and Ronda Grassi all joining the board of trustees as first-time political representatives, Erie truly has a new face and a new focus. In interviews prior to his win, Wilson said he was setting his sights on the town’s budget.

“The people voted overwhelmingly for a new direction in their town that mandates fiscal responsibility, establishing our borders for commerce, a strong employment and business sector and a new era in community accord,” Wilson wrote in an email to Yellow Scene. “These principles are all honorable and essential to our very bright future.”

Still, the Bonanza ballot item had only an 11-vote difference. That means the community is divided and the issue will likely not rest. And neither will the drama.

Relevant leadership or community experience:

Choice Hotels International, franchise owners group vice president. Director and past president of Vista Ridge homeowners association. Multi-location business operator and employer.

What are the three top issues for Erie in the coming years? What will be your plan for fixing/solving/dealing with those issues?

1) Budget deficit – Both distinct challenges and terrific opportunities await Erie’s future. For the first time in memory, the town of Erie will outspend its projected income, and do so by a hefty $1.3 million dollars. The published 2010 numbers are: $12.3m in projected revenue and $13.6m in expenses. Average citizens call this a budget deficit, and a net operating loss. So do I.

In his recent state of the town speech, the mayor forecast that we can suffer these Budget losses for up to 6 years before exhausting the $7.6m reserves in our “rainy day fund”. This situation, (taking reserves to cover losses), is being defended by some as a “balanced “Budget. In reality, balanced budgets can be sustained indefinitely, this situation cannot.
I have an optimistic alternative; let’s balance the budget now, (spend less than we take in), since we’ll be forced to eventually, anyway. In so doing, we’ll save what’s left of our cash reserves, allowing them to be used for shaping and investing in a positive future for our town.

We did this in the Community where I live, eliminating $200k in unnecessary and inefficient expenses from a $1 million budget, while maintaining or improving virtually all services. Those of us in the private sector operate like this in our private and business lives every day, government can too.

Here’s a ‘win-win’ proposal that can have our budget running a surplus by the end of the year; the “Erie efficiency incentive” will allow town employees and citizens both to profit while managing our costs down. Participants recommend methods to a) increase efficiency. b) Eliminate waste. c) Invest in future efficiencies that will cut costs in the near and long term. If their Ideas are chosen and employed, the participant will receive 10% of the savings realized for up to 3 budget years. Example; A town employee’s suggestion results in $100,000 savings a year in operations, she receives a check for $10,000 each of the first 3 years the idea is applied, ($30k total), the townsfolk save $270,000 net. Such incentives are very effective in the private sector and could work wonders in government.

2) Economic development
-A) Find and model strategies from similar communities that have proven successful in the past. Concentrate on bringing in employers, businesses and retailers to the already developed and approved sites in town, requiring no further public spending for roads or infrastructure.

B) Establish and secure the remaining prime intersections and parcels on our perimeters before they, too, are absorbed by surrounding cities to become revenue streams for their projects and residents.

C) Develop a long-term advertising and outreach strategy to develop Erie’s reputation as a welcoming partner to the types of employers and businesses we want to attract. Let the business community know about the fantastic quality of life, strategic location, recreational opportunities and great schools that are available in our town.

3) Community unity and involvement.- most other candidates agree; -Community unity and a involvement in affairs of the town can and should be a focus in the future. We must ignore those who seek to pit neighborhoods and citizens against each other, – It’s not productive.

As our forefathers envisioned it, the more public input we have in government, the better it will serve them. Here’s another proposal to help our town government to be more responsive to its citizens needs; the ‘E-trustee’ program would allow citizens who volunteer for the program to receive some of the same information and proposals that the board of trustees get in advance of town meetings, and do so in the comfort of their homes via e-mail. Participants would be asked to respond to an online survey to be used by elected officials to better serve the public in the town boardroom. I suggest a goal of 500-1000 citizens who would agree to participate, giving us 10 – 100 times more citizen input than at present. We have the technology, let’s use it.

What does future successful economic development look like in Erie? What is the board’s role in making that happen?

A sustainable economy, with local employment and tax revenue to lessen the load of citizens is the goal.

The Board will either gear up for the long haul of seeking regional Clean, tech and green jobs players by being more competitive than our neighbors, (see 2-c above), or continue to be reactive and let life be handed them by surrounding cities.

What role should the town take in supporting and attracting business downtown? Do you believe the board should do more to support the business of Old Town area? If so, what?

1. Be a never ending cheerleader and fan of the historic center of Erie.

2. Keep promises made by previous boards

3. Be flexible on building standards in the old town business area so new tenants don’t have excessive rebuild situations that penalize them to move in.

4. Come to decide that old town has a unique charm and markets well to Street fairs,
Artisans, galleries, farmers markets etc, and that it needs to issue fast inexpensive permits
to promote such events specifically.

4. Clean up the Park and define it’s edges.

5. Have regular meetings with the old town business community to promote ideas and
Events.

What actions —if any—should the board take to make the town a stronger regional player?

Seek a position as a clean energy center, parlaying our location in the most productive natural gas county in the world! Let’s go.

Once that’s established let’s seek and offer sensible ‘no negative’ incentives to green jobs industries distributors and manufacturers who seek our quality of life, education standards and higher quality work force.

As far as the airport is concerned, what is your stance on the skirmish and how the board has handled making changes there? What are future steps the board needs to take?

Currently under advisement of the court. It would be inappropriate to speculate as such.
It will clearly be set on it’s path after the case is decided, anyway.

Give me your philosophy on growth in Erie? In your vision, what does future growth look like and how is it managed?

Not too controversial. Erie is already set to grow with neighborhoods at its center and commerce at the periphery, -the ideal situation.
Erie should be aggressive in attracting and securing the kinds of jobs and business partners that we determine are good for our town. Also see 2-B above.

What action—if any—would you like to see the town take on waste collection or recycling?

None. Stay free market and encourage people to make the right choices.

What’s your stance on the Bonanza Drive connection?

It’s a shame the town saw fit to offer an initiative with no costs, engineering or design, while voting to keep public comment out of the process.

Once you are elected, how will you stay in tune with the ideas, issues, concerns and questions of your constituents?

Constantly seek knowledge from the media internet and Yellow Scene especially, to stay out front, learning and on the cutting edge, baby!

Back to main elections page.

Head to yellowscene.com/erieelection10 to see our endorsements and read our Q&As with the candidates to make your decision.

My fellow candidates and I have spent four nights in two weeks answering questions from “why are we running?” to “should we open Bonanza Drive?”

I’m proud of the people of Erie for their intelligent concerns about our town’s growth. Local media has been supportive by keeping readers informed both in print and online. People’s ears have perked up and folks are paying attention.

The town has been given choices by intelligent, experienced professionals who want the town to continue growing using sound business decisions, but without animosity and division. It just doesn’t get any better than that!

It’s become pretty clear to me: If you want Moore of the same, vote for Cheryl. If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. If you’re ready for change, vote for Paula.

*Any candidate who does not fill out the Yellow Scene election questionnaire or participate in an in-person Q&A is not eligible for endorsement. All candidates were informed of this when the questionnaire was sent.

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Relevant leadership or community experience:

Volunteering for the past 4 years I have been Treasurer and am now President of our HOA. I was part of ESAP, the Erie Stakeholders Project which helped the Town set its goals and vision and recently I’ve been involved in the formation of the Erie HOA Coalition which helps HOA leaders communicate with each other to solve issues.

In business for 23 years, I own and operate a small company called CADCO. My office is right on Main Street in old town Louisville and this location gave me an opportunity to get involved in the Louisville community. I have participated in the review process for new development, long term planning and historic preservation.

For the past 10 years, I have been a Board of Director of the Downtown Business Association in Louisville. Our volunteer efforts have created the Street Faire and Winter Skate. I am responsible for fundraising and the week to week operation of the Street Faire. These events helped Louisville receive the distinction of being the best place to live in the USA in 2009 according to CNN. The Street Faire also won the Governor’s award for excellence in a downtown event.

What are the three top issues for Erie in the coming years? What will be your plan for fixing/solving/dealing with those issues?

1. Economic Development: The key is stakeholder involvement and tapping into the productive energy that exists throughout our community. We need to develop relationships with current business leaders and be in places like trade shows and conventions to meet the potential new business looking to move or expand its operations.

2. Erie Airport: The new Board needs to meet with stakeholders, address safety issues and find common ground to start to solve problems there. The Airport is a major asset to all Erie and should be recognized as such. There are unique economic development opportunities here. I remember having dinner at the Convair!

3. Finances: I believe in fiscal responsibility. Our Town has saved money in good times and that will get us through this slow down in the short term but we need a long term vision. Retail will come with rooftops but we can do things now to improve our bottom line. We can educate residents about the importance and benefit of spending money in local retail and restaurants. We should explain what services and events are supported through the sales tax dollars collected locally.

What does future successful economic development look like in Erie? What is the board’s role in making that happen?

As a Trustee, we have many tools available already to help guide us when considering growth and development. The Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Plan are great guidelines that have been through a very public process. We should work with the Chamber and the EEDC to create an advertising packet, in print and on line, about Erie. Erie has different areas available now that will appeal to many business personalities. We can offer choices like our I-25 corridor with easy access to Denver or DIA, the quaint charm of Briggs Street the exciting and unique airport opportunities or the community aspect of our 4 corners area. As a Trustee, I would like to be at some of the Trade shows and conferences that allow us to meet and mingle with businesses looking to relocate or expand. We should be courting retail businesses. We know Conoco Phillips is building a state of the art research facility in Louisville. What kind of businesses will support that facility? How can we get Erie in their minds as a great place to be?

What role should the town take in supporting and attracting business downtown? Do you believe the board should do more to support the business of Old Town area? If so, what?

The heart of Erie is its old town! The Town should take an active role in supporting and attracting business here. My experience with the Street Faire in old town Louisville is a perfect example of what can be done. We should use our HOA coalition to educate our community about old town, help current businesses get the word out about specials and events, create a story night at local restaurants and find some “seed money” to establish the Arts Coalition of Erie here. A little investment now can provide the energy old town needs to thrive.

What actions —if any—should the board take to make the town a stronger regional player?

We have done much to secure our borders and negotiate IGA’s with our neighbors. Unfortunately, the state is set up so that every Town is pitted against each other for sales tax dollars. Erie should be very aggressive and fight for its right to compete for employers and retail establishments.

As far as the airport is concerned, what is your stance how the board has handled the recent situation? What are future steps the board should take?

The current Board is not unanimous in its thinking so there is lots of room for improvement and new ideas. When a Town is trying to sell itself and create a unique identity, it should tout the things that make it different from its neighbors. Many surrounding towns can say they have a library, a rec center and even a golf course but the Airport makes us different and is a wonderfully exciting and fun place. Again I will say the new Board needs to meet with stakeholders, address safety issues and find common ground to start to solve this problem. The Airport is a major asset to all Erie and should be recognized as such.

What is Erie’s biggest transportation need in the coming years?

Most Erie residents use their personal vehicle to get where they want to go. I don’t see that changing any time soon. It is financially prudent to maintain streets well throughout the years and avoid letting them deteriorate to a point where they need to be replaced. We have a long term vision for commuter rail connections and a good foundation has been laid to achieve that goal.

Give me your philosophy on growth in Erie? In your vision, what does future growth look like and how is it managed?

Erie already has big developments approved and ready to move forward. Certain property rights have been established for years. We will continue to appoint thoughtful and knowledgeable residents to the planning commission, give attention to open space and trails and grow with a sense of community as a whole. We should investigate new energy technologies, water conservation and fiber connections and upgrades throughout our existing community and new projects. I believe in leading the way.

What action—if any—would you like to see the town take on waste collection or recycling? T

he Town should not take any action except to state that the citizens of Erie are aware of the environment and engaged in recycling efforts. Right now, every carrier providing service offers recycling to its Erie customer. HOA’s have taken the lead and realize their strength in numbers when negotiating contracts. We have a free market system that provides choice and competition and it should stay that way.

What’s your stance on the Bonanza Drive connection?
This ballot issue was rushed to the voters with little to no information available to the average Erie citizen. We have no need to rush this through and call it a mandate by the people, regardless of which way the people vote. We need to examine the actual need, costs, impacts on the surrounding area and overall benefit if any. The discussion about the connection has not been through any public process yet so the people can’t actually make an informed decision. It’s a shame it’s on the ballot.

Once you are elected, how will you stay in tune with the ideas, issues, concerns and questions of your constituents?

As part of the HOA coalition and a current Board member in my own HOA, I know how to communicate directly with individual neighborhoods and I’m able to reach out to areas that don’t have a formal HOA. I believe the Town should have a cooperative attitude when addressing HOA issues. We can do so much more together if we foster an overall community spirit.

Back to main elections page.

Relevant leadership or community experience:

I have many years of experience leading large teams of people and high profile projects. These experiences have taught me to set high expectations, lead by example, work as a team, and to create a clear vision. In addition to these experiences, I’ve led many high profile projects where effective communication and stakeholder management were critical elements to the completion of a project. Lastly, as a Workforce Analytics Consultant, I work with other leaders on a daily basis to help them better manage their workforce based upon the analysis of data. I believe my extensive experience in working with teams, analysis of data, project management, and people management will help me to be an effective trustee for the town of Erie.

What are the three top issues for Erie in the coming years? What will be your plan for fixing/solving/dealing with those issues?

1. The top issue facing Erie is to create sustainable sources of revenue. Through creating these sustainable sources of revenue we can bring more jobs to Erie. My plan to address this issue is to begin by improved the marketing of Erie’s current businesses, next is to develop the necessary infrastructure to attract new sources of revenue, third is to continue residential development so businesses can operate profitably in Erie.

2. The next issue facing Erie is the perceived divide between different parts of the town. While I realize that everyone will never agree on what the right solution is to a problem, I believe we need to strive to work together more and find equitable solutions to our problems. If elected, I will listen to and work with people on all sides of the issues. I will encourage people to work together and to find compromises to solve the issues facing our town.

3. The third issue facing our town is to manage change. Erie is a special place and has a unique character. Over the next decade the town will continue to grow. The challenge will be not losing touch with the things that make Erie what it is today. As a trustee, I will be an advocate for development which enhances the quality of life for Erie residents and will never make short-term decisions which will compromise our long-term values or quality of life.

What does future successful economic development look like in Erie? What is the board’s role in making that happen?

The keys to economic development in Erie are:
1. Erie must have enough consumers to make it profitable for retail developers to locate in Erie.

2. Erie must create the right infrastructure to attract businesses to the area. This includes water, sewer, and roads.

3. Erie must create an environment of being pro business with clear steps for developers to follow.

4. Erie must support its current businesses through increased marketing to Erie residents and the surrounding communities.

5. Erie should provide incentives to large retailers that will help us capture the sales tax revenue generated by them choosing to locate in Erie.

6. Continue sponsoring events which bring the town together. I believe these types of events help us to showcase what an amazing place Erie is and indirectly will help drive economic growth.

The board’s role is to create an environment where businesses can operate successfully and create jobs. This can be achieved through executing on the items above and through partnering with organization like the Erie Chamber of Commerce, EEDC, and the EAEDC.

What role should the town take in supporting and attracting business downtown? Do you believe the board should do more to support the business of Old Town area? If so, what?

I support the decision of the town’s current leaders to partner with private organizations like the EEDC to improve economic development in Erie. The town should continue these partnerships but never manage these types of organizations. Through these partnerships I believe we can better market the businesses in Erie including Old Town. I would also like to explore options to improve street access to Old Town businesses. Finally, I would like to continue to see our community events be shared between the new community center park and old town.

In terms of my overall philosophy, I believe in free enterprise and allowing businesses to be governed by supply and demand. If Erie creates a pro business environment, we will see increased revenues and job growth. Both of these things will lead to economic stability for our town. Government’s role should be to help optimize the environment which allows business to flourish and not to actively manage free enterprise.

What actions —if any—should the board take to make the town a stronger regional player?

As a student of history, I believe we need to learn from the past. History has shown us that if Erie does not pursue economic growth opportunities our neighboring communities will. I believe Erie must take steps to make itself attractive to business. These steps include marketing what the town has to offer and creating the right infrastructure for businesses to be successful. Erie has tremendous potential and could double in size over the next couple decades. With this amount of growth leaders will be challenged to maintain the high quality town we enjoy today.

With regard to becoming a stronger regional player, transportation is the key. Erie’s proximity to Denver, DIA, Boulder, and the planned north metro light rail line provide us with a unique opportunity to become the northern gateway to Metro Denver. Finally, we should maximize the economic potential of the Erie Airport. I believe the airport has tremendous potential and is a key part of our town future.

As far as the airport is concerned, what is your stance how the board has handled the recent situation? What are future steps the board should take?

I support the current town leaders and believe they work to make the best decisions for the town of Erie as a whole. I’m a strong believer in the potential of Erie’s airport. I believe the airport is a positive piece of our town and a key part of its economic future. As a trustee, I would work with and listen to citizens and experts who are knowledgeable regarding airport operations and development.

What is Erie’s biggest transportation need in the coming years?

Erie’s biggest transportation need in the immediate future is to create viable intersections to maximize the town’s growth opportunities. Erie’s biggest long term transportation need is to maximize the I-25 corridor including the north metro light rail line.

Give me your philosophy on growth in Erie? In your vision, what does future growth look like and how is it managed?

My philosophy is for Erie to create an environment where companies can easily do business in our town. Erie should leverage is proximity to become the northern gateway to Metro Denver. Growth within Erie should not be at the expense of losing our town’s history and character. We should manage growth from a long term perspective but not be afraid to take the rights steps in the short term. Finally, we need to attract more primary employers who will bring jobs to Erie. Primary employers will provide the tax revenue and jobs which will bring economic stability in the long term.

What action—if any—would you like to see the town take on waste collection or recycling?

I’m for free enterprise and letting businesses compete. However, I do realize that allowing several different trash companies work within the same neighborhood can damage roads and result in trash cans being out three or four days per week. I would support letting the HOA’s manage trash service within each neighborhood but am opposed to the town mandating a single trash service.

What’s your stance on the Bonanza Drive connection?

There is so much in misinformation on this hotly debated issue. First of all, voters should not cast their vote on 2E based on the signs throughout the town. If you listen to the people who are opposing this issue, they will lead you to believe we don’t understand the design, we don’t have a guarantee from a retailer, and the town may not be reimbursed for the cost.

Well here is what I think, if you look around the town and you will notice there are lots of roads, I have full confidence our town staff can determine how to connect two roads across a short span of dirt. Furthermore, all we are currently talking about is connecting two roads. The question of expanding it, lighting, and possible expansion are not answers we need to solve at this time. Those issues can be addressed when we have more clarity on possible development. I have read the agreement with the developer and have full confidence the town will be reimbursed for the cost of making the connection between Bonanza and Vista Parkway.

Ultimately, there are no guarantees in life and the stars never perfectly aligned. I have friends who say we are waiting for the right time to start our family. Guess what, there will never be a perfect time. Make no mistake there are risks in life and in town government. I ask you to put yourself in the shoes of a retailer looking to locate your next store along highway 7. It’s a very competitive marketplace and the economy is showing only slight signs of recovery. Your options are to work with Erie who wants all of the stars perfectly aligned and is unprepared for your development. Your other option is to talk to Broomfield who will welcome you with open arms in into one of its many areas ready for development. Having Bonanza Drive connected with Vista Parkway makes the decision much easier for a retailer to develop in Erie. Please note, I said easier and I freely admit there are no guarantees.

Our neighboring communities have proven they are not going to sit back and wait for the stars to align. Erie cannot afford to sit back and endlessly debate this issue. I want to bring retail to the highway 7 and Bonanza intersection. I believe by passing ballot issue 2-E Erie voters will enable Erie to better compete for tax revenue that will ultimately go somewhere. By capturing that revenue, we can better fund our police, community services, and town maintenance. If we do not increase our tax revenue, the money to fund these services will need to come from somewhere which ultimately could include raising taxes. I don’t want to see more Erie dollars drive tax revenue in our surrounding communities. I ask the voters to see through the hype and not wait for the stars to align. We must do what we can to compete for tax revenue and this opportunity will not always be around.

Once you are elected, how will you stay in tune with the ideas, issues, concerns and questions of your constituents?

If elected, I plan to stay in touch with constituents through attending periodic meetings with other town leaders and citizens. I would also leverage the use of electronic communication via online blogs, chat rooms, and email. I believe using electronic communication can maximize the use of my time and allow me to stay in touch with as many people as possible.

Back to main elections page.

Relevant leadership or community experience:

Served on a homeowner board years ago; served 4 years on CU Alumni Association Board of Directors; 21 years as a volunteer firefighter in Eagan, Minnesota, ranks held: E.M.S. coordinator, Lieutenant, Captain and Commander (dealt with budgeting and long and short range planning)

What are the three top issues for Erie in the coming years? What will be your plan for fixing/solving/dealing with those issues?

1. I think the number one issue is careful strategic growth planning. We need to be very careful that we look 10, 20, and 30 years down the road and be sure that we are going in the direction that the citizens want the town to go. I pledge to help craft a careful, well thought out long term plan that addresses parks, housing and business development in a carefully balanced manner taking into account the desires of the majority of the citizens first.

2. We need to bring in the kind of retail development that the residents want and that will help grow Erie into a place people want to live and spend their time and money. We need employers with quality jobs so that people can live and work in the community. I promise that I will do everything I can to promote Erie to potential businesses and grow Erie in a careful manner so that we all retain the feel of the town that we all came here for while bringing in the best retail and commercial development to bring in quality jobs and shopping.

3. We need to have a town government that the people of Erie trust will do the right things and will listen to them when they want to address the trustees with an open mind. I promise to respond to all correspondence and to ALWAYS take the interests of all the citizens into account before making any decisions.

What does future successful economic development look like in Erie? What is the board’s role in making that happen?

I think that does not look like a strip mall on every corner, or big box store set wherever they want. I think it takes careful zoning and a comprehensive guide plan that is strictly adhered to that will create a few areas of prime retail and commercial development that will enable our residents to shop, dine and enjoy entertainment right here in Erie rather than needing to travel to Boulder or Denver. This will also attract shoppers and diners from other communities as well. Retail spending generates much needed tax revenue for the town to allow us to keep our tax base as low as possible. The boards role is to carefully generate that plan with citizen input and to ensure that plan is followed. We need to plan for the future generations right now, or we may find that we have waited too long.

What role should the town take in supporting and attracting business downtown? Do you believe the board should do more to support the business of Old Town area? If so, what?

The town needs to determine what we want the “Center of Town” to look like and work to craft that now. Old Town is a unique area that needs to be nurtured and tied into the development of the newer area on Erie Parkway. We need to create the feeling of a central business district that brings people into the area for multiple needs, like going to the library, community center, shopping and eating all in a few block area. We need sidewalks and ways to make folks feel like they can park once and take care of all their needs.

What actions —if any—should the board take to make the town a stronger regional player?

We need a presence on regional boards and utilize our I-25 frontage to increase the visibility of Erie and stress the convenience of our awesome location. We are close to Denver, close to DIA, close to Boulder, and close to the mountains. We are uniquely located along the front range and need to market that effectively. People sail by and don’t even know where Erie is. We have great amenities and are adding new ones all the time, and we need to get the word out that we have it all for families and folks just looking for a great place to live or just spend time on our trails or golf course!

As far as the airport is concerned, what is your stance on the skirmish and how the board has handled making changes there? What are future steps the board needs to take?

The airport is an important asset and needs to be developed as such. I do not feel that tearing out the crosswind runway is a good idea. We may not have the funds to upgrade it right now, but removing it is a permanent thing and I fell that would be a big mistake. The board has basically bullied the airport and has been imposing it’s will on the businesses and residents there.

What is Erie’s biggest transportation need in the coming years?

Better highway access to Boulder and freeway frontage and access. We need rail connections to both Boulder and Denver.

Give me your philosophy on growth in Erie? In your vision, what does future growth look like and how is it managed?

I think I covered that with my responses to question 1. Careful long term strategies with input from the community.

What action—if any—would you like to see the town take on waste collection or recycling?

Better recycling of yard waste and keeping the current practice on allowing each person or association to choose their own waste hauler. We need to encourage the landfill to be better neighbors and to re-route the trash truck traffic away from residential areas.

What’s your stance on the Bonanza Drive connection?

Should not be on the ballot, and I see no immediate pressing need for it. I think we need to strive to keep neighborhoods intact and not change things without a pressing need. This proposal creates safety issues for increased traffic on Bonanza.

Once you are elected, how will you stay in tune with the ideas, issues, concerns and questions of your constituents?

Listen, listen, listen!!! Respond when people send e-mails or call. I am annoyed at the lack of respect that citizens feel that they have gotten form the current board. Send out surveys and then ACT on the results!

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Relevant leadership or community experience:

Two years as Chairman of The Erie Planning Commission, four years as an Erie Planning Commissioner. Three years as President of The Vista Pointe HOA Board of Directors, four years as a VPHOA Board director.

What are the three top issues for Erie in the coming years? What will be your plan for fixing/solving/dealing with those issues?

A. Establish adequate retail in Erie to generate the sales tax base we need to support our growing public service needs; and support the infusion of primary employment. A career business leader, I know what it takes for business to succeed, so I will influence my colleagues to provide the incentives that business needs to locate here. Our new waste water treatment plant is the key to the I-25 corridor becoming our primary regional employment center. Continued investment in the Erie Airport’s infrastructure will allow that location to become our local primary employment center.

B. We need to keep up the quality planning that I have been involved with on The Planning Commission that maintains our small-town character, and historic topography, but limits urban growth.

C. Improve public services; enhance snow removal, provide clean & safe streets. We need to keep Erie a place people want to move to. Prospective home buyers should not see trashed arterial roadways when choosing Erie for their new homes.

What does future successful economic development look like in Erie? What is the board’s role in making that happen?

Erie should become the regional commercial center for the surrounding communities. This will occur if we can coordinate and leverage the resources of The Chamber of Commerce, The Erie Economic Development Council, The Old Town Business District working group, The Erie Airport Economic Development Council, and The Board of Trustees as partners in the effort to promote and draw business to Erie. We all need to get on the same page, with the Board of Trustees in the lead.

What role should the town take in supporting and attracting business downtown? Do you believe the board should do more to support the business of Old Town area? If so, what?

Town government should make every effort to pave the way for the developers of the approved but yet to be built Morgan Hill and Bridgewater developments moving toward construction of the homes that will provide the local customers that Old Town businesses need to thrive. In addition, the town should continue to provide sponsorship for NGO run Old Town events that draw people into Old Town such as Biscuit Day.

What actions —if any—should the board take to make the town a stronger regional player?

Erie community leaders need to be involved promoting our merits with the NGO’s outside of our borders. The Town government along with its NGO arm The EEDC should maintain membership in the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and like minded business development groups.
Further, we need to market the Town’s public events regionally, as well as promoting our new recreational facilities both regionally and nationally for regional and national sporting competitions.

As far as the airport is concerned, what is your stance how the board has handled the recent situation? What are future steps the board should take?

There are several great businesses that rely on the Airport for the jobs and revenue they generate. If elected, I want to help them thrive.

As far as the airport is concerned, there has been far too much rancor over it. Members of the Board of Trustees are volunteers; I am not going to criticize anyone who volunteers their valuable time and effort to help govern, plan, and grow Erie.

I too am one of Erie’s few volunteer community leaders. But, as an Erie Planning Commissioner, I have stated repeatedly that the biggest threat to the Airport is high density residential development adjacent to the Airport. I oppose it in order to ensure the viability of the Erie Airport.

What is Erie’s biggest transportation need in the coming years?

Rapid commuter transit to Denver, Boulder, and the 36 business corridor will become essential as the Front Range population continues to grow. Erie is perfectly situated geographically to be in the right place when that future infrastructure becomes centered in our back yard.

Give me your philosophy on growth in Erie? In your vision, what does future growth look like and how is it managed?

In 2005 The Town implemented a new Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code. For the past four years as an Erie Planning Commissioner, these documents have been the framework for my guiding principals of development.

First, I want to maintain our small-town character and historic topography, and control residential dwelling unit density.

Second, I want to maximize the dedication of open spaces for the enjoyment of all.
Third, we need to focus special planning attention on our Town Gateways, as these arterials and the development that will take place there will be the first views of Erie’s qualities to prospective home buyers, and businesses.

Fourth, we need to utilize density gradation, whereby higher residential densities appear at the center of new developments, with lower residential density appearing around the perimeter.

Fifth, Erie Airport needs to be protected from high density residential housing on adjacent properties.

Finally, we need to continue to strive for neighborhood connectivity via trail, bike lanes, new roadways and pedestrian useable open spaces.

What action—if any—would you like to see the town take on waste collection or recycling?

Promote recycling, but let the free market rule competition and contracting for services. This is the prevue of individual homeowners and/or HOA management. If citizens of The Town feel compelled to recycle, recycling will flourish without governmental interference.

What’s your stance on the Bonanza Drive connection?
A connection of Bonanza to Vista Parkway will have little impact on the 18,000 residents who do not live on Bonanza, unless a big box retailer locates at the corner of Bonanza and Highway 7. If we are fortunate enough to land a substantial retailer or two at that corner, the sales tax revenue generated for the Town should be substantial, and the convenience of local shopping for many of our residents shall be achieved.

Once you are elected, how will you stay in tune with the ideas, issues, concerns and questions of your constituents?

Ever since graduating five years ago from Erie Citizen’s Police Academy, I have been active in community events. Whether it was serving beer at The Town Fair, making the gravy for Biscuit Day, leading the racers around the course of the Eerie Erie 10K race, or judging the floats at the Erie High School homecoming parade; these events present crucial constituent listening posts, and are a great place to spread the word about The Town’s initiatives and direction. I intend to continue my involvement in these community activities.

Along the same vein, an ongoing regular liaison with the Towns NGO’s will keep the dialogue open. A regularly scheduled quarterly meeting between the BOT and all the members of all the HOA Boards of Directors, for information gathering and dissemination should be implemented.

And it goes without saying that in today’s fast paced information age; you have be tuned in via Blogs, Twitter, or Facebook.

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Relevant leadership or community experience:

Active with HOA, Erie Economic Development Councils and I Chair the town’s AWG working group. In addition, I am a member of the Optimist Club of Erie. My wife and I have always been involved with community events and charity when possible.

What are the three top issues for Erie in the coming years? What will be your plan for fixing/solving/dealing with those issues?

My top three issues for Erie, CO are:

Creating economic development and sustainable revenue for our town.

Creating an open, honest, responsive and efficient government that keeps it promises.

Creative a service-oriented government who listens to its people.

All three of these items can be accomplished through leadership in asking people to refocus while making sure staff understands they work for the board and the board works for the people.

What does future successful economic development look like in Erie? What is the board’s role in making that happen?

The board can be very instrumental in be successful at economic development. The board needs to build trust and respect with the current businesses first but then the board can attract new business as well. Being responsive will go along way with creating a reputation for being business friendly and helpful. The board can also pull together its most talented representatives to meet and greet to show the incredible amenities and assets that Erie has. In addition, Erie’s proximity to DIA, Denver, Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont and Ft. Collins is unsurpassed putting Erie, CO right in the middle of the action. The board can help leverage the incredible advantages that Erie, CO has.

What role should the town take in supporting and attracting
business downtown? Do you believe the board should do more to support the business of Old Town area? If so, what?

Old Town should be a focus and number one priority. First we must help our own and we must keep our promises. We have the ability to leverage our history and arts to help revitalize Old Town. We should go after federal grants to help with redevelopment. I envision a day when Old Town Erie has new sidewalks full of people, new street lights and lights strung across the street much like Larimer Street in downtown Denver, CO. I think it would also be great to have a small train to give small children rides. We could paint the side of this train with “Erie Coal Train 1871″ to play up our history. I see many more restaurants, art galleries, coffee shops and shops. It might sounds like a dream but I know it is within our grasp.

What actions —if any—should the board take to make the town a
stronger regional player?

Erie is in the middle of DIA, Denver, Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont and Ft. Collins. In addition, we have incredible views, great schools and talented people. We are already in the middle of the action and can automatically be a strong regional player if we are responsible and if we create a reputation for being business friendly and helpful. We need to take care of our own and other national prospects will come naturally.

As far as the airport is concerned, what is your stance how the board has handled the recent situation? What are future steps the board should take?

Past boards have not maximized the value of the airport. They have seen the glass as half empty instead of seeing that they are are already reaping great rewards and returns form the airport that will only grow. The airport already has 20+ businesses and visitors that are creating $12.5M in economic activity for the local community and it is capable of producing more. It is unfortunate that past boards have summed up the airport as being the air park when the air park has 130 homes and only about 10% of those homes have airplanes whose payments are less than a Honda Civic. 90% of the air park people do not mind the airport next door but they invested more for the views and beauty of Erie. The airport is made up of 20+ businesses who cater to people from all over the world. There is an economic study underway but I believe it will show that the airport is the second largest employment base in Erie next to the town so it is unfortunate that some see the airport as a private airplane club when 90% of the air park homes have nothing to do with airplanes.

What is Erie’s biggest transportation need in the coming years?

As many know, Erie has great trails and Erie has been informed and awarded of a future light-rail station and bus station. This is welcome news and will help Erie’s future. The has come about by having a person dedicated to be present for the DRCOG (Denver Regional Council of Governments). As a Trustee, I would recommend maintaining this presence with DRCOG. This is mostly formula monies based upon size and population, etc. but it is important to stay engaged and present. Being that we are in economic challenging times with stimulus money and fund-able shovel ready projects possibilities, we must maintain our presence and engagement to convince the power to be that Erie is a great place to invest. In addition, I see a great opportunity in helping the Senior Center with getting a new shuttle that is easier board and that can travel in snow. I think we might be able to use this bus for economic development as well when it is not being used at the senior center.

Give me your philosophy on growth in Erie? In your vision, what
does future growth look like and how is it managed?

I am still learning in this regard. I know that we have 48 square miles of Erie and there is plenty of room to grow while maintaining open space but there is no doubt that growth must be measured to maintain our quality and character.

What action—if any—would you like to see the town take on waste collection or recycling?

So far, from what I know, I am for letting the free markets work. I personally have Waste Connections with the 96-gallon recycling bin. My neighbor uses Deluxe because he takes pride in using an Erie based company which makes sense. I think HOA’s can negotiate a deal with somebody and can offer that deal to their HOA members if they choose. I am open minded to learning more if there is an advantage to another method but from what I have seen thus far, free markets probably yield the best deal for our citizens.

What’s your stance on the Bonanza Drive connection?
I believe Bonanza should go through if the numbers, benefit and return on investment make sense for all of the citizens of Erie but thus far we have no information to support it. As of now, I will vote no on 2E because I believe in fiscal responsibility. This project could easily blow through $1.5M-$3M of the town’s rainy day savings funds with the hope of being reimbursed if and when development might happen. I am personally for Bonanza if the numbers show a benefit and return on investment for our town. At this point, we do not have a design or cost estimates that could run into the millions. We also do not have a Safeway or Vitamin Cottage or anything else yet. I will personally vote NO on 2E but once we have the cost and design and understand the benefits and return on investment then I would vote to put the issue on the next ballot to approve. Anybody who says the Bonanza project is paid for fully by developer commitments is either uninformed or is spinning citizens. In the current economic climate, there is no guarantee that the developer who might help pay for the project will be able to proceed. In addition, the annexation agreement says that the developer is to pay for the connection but does this include the road improvements that were promised for children’s safety or does it include home or front yard purchases necessary to make the road functional(no it does not). We will have all of these answers soon and we need these answers. Being that I am for fiscal responsibility, I cannot vote to write a blank check out of our town’s savings account with the hope that we might get some of it back someday. There are also moral issues and property rights issue on this so I would tend to move slower rather than faster but if the road connection is best for the town then I would find a solution to make it work for all parties involved.

Once you are elected, how will you stay in tune with the ideas,
issues, concerns and questions of your constituents?

I will always maintain an open door and an open mind on issues. I will always allow public comment until some of our former leaders. It is always best to allow more public comment than too less. It is best to have fewer executive sessions not more and we must get our board packets a week in advance so that the board has time to read and understand and share the details with their neighbors and constituents. I will also maintain a website with all the latest technologies, including a blog where I will post all the pro’s and con’s of issues. If somebody writes to my blog, I will post their comments even if it is the opposite of the way I am currently leaning. I also love Joe Wilson’s idea of an E-Trustee program where there are representatives from each subdivision and perhaps from each school and economic development council who are an extension of the board so that they can stay in tune with issues and who can give input to the process.

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Relevant leadership or community experience:

For the past two years I have been involved with the Grandview HOA, serving as president for the past 15 months. I’ve owned my own business for nine years; the past four here in Erie.

What are the three top issues for Erie in the coming years? What will be your plan for fixing/solving/dealing with those issues?

Smart Economic Growth – Erie, Colorado will see much economic growth in the near future. I believe that smart growth, maintaining Erie’s unique personality and sense of community offers many more long term benefits than promoting any growth for the sake of tax dollars in the short term. I believe the board should provide incentives for businesses who are deemed likely to help Erie expand its tax base and who have the potential to attract other businesses to Erie.

Community Development – We have an amazing internal network of “trails” in Erie. As a community, I would like to see us focus on connecting our network with those of Lafayette, Louisville, Broomfield, and even Longmont and Boulder. This would unite Erie with the surrounding areas in a more personal way than roads can facilitate. I believe that in addition to recreation, trails provide another transportation option and promote a sense of community.

An Airport Solution – For many years Erie has struggled with how to best operate the Erie Municipal Airport. Many approaches have been tried, but the proper solution has not yet been implemented. I think it is time we give the airport the attention it deserves and find a better way to manage this unique asset.

What does future successful economic development look like in Erie? What is the board’s role in making that happen?

A successful economic landscape consists of locally-owned businesses that cater to Erie’s demographics; larger retailers that help provide a tax base, attract other businesses and generate revenue from surrounding communities; and primary employers who can bring careers to Erie. I believe that it is the role of the Board of Trustees to create the economic environment that will facilitate this growth. Larger retailers who are likely to draw other businesses to Erie need to have an incentive for choosing Erie. The board needs to actively seek out businesses that would be a good fit for our town. The Old Town and Briggs Street areas need to be the focus for us to grow local businesses. The larger arteries, I-25, HWY 7, HWY 52 and HWY 287 need to be developed for national retailers and primary employers.

What role should the town take in supporting and attracting business downtown? Do you believe the board should do more to support the business of Old Town area? If so, what?

Old Town provides the charm and sense of community that people feel when they come to Erie – it is an asset that needs to be preserved. I believe a comprehensive advertising package that could be used to promote Erie to potential businesses would be a great project for the next board to work on. Such a package would feature the different areas of town and identify the positive aspects and unique personality of each. Additionally, I think the board could help in the formation of an Old Town business development group – a similar concept to Downtown Boulder, the merchant group that promotes Pearl Street

What actions —if any—should the board take to make the town a stronger regional player?

The primary function of the board is to make Erie a “stronger regional player”. Whether it is developing a Community Park, getting grant money for a new trail, or approving a new business license, every action the board makes should support making Erie a better community.

As far as the airport is concerned, what is your stance how the board has handled the recent situation? What are future steps the board should take?


In a recent blog post I entitled “Not In the Business of Running a Business,” I outline the reasons why I believe that the Board should look for a company to whom we could outsource the running of the Airport. In short, the reasons are twofold.
First, the current board spends upwards of 50% of their time dealing with airport issues. These issues directly effect less than 2% of the residents of Erie. It’s certainly not that they aren’t important issues, but this dedication of time is imbalanced in relation to the other residents and neighborhoods who also have important issues that need to be addressed.
Second, the board as a whole has virtually little to no experience with running an airport, complying with the FAA, or aviation regulations. As a business owner, it would be impractical to turn over my business for someone else to run who didn’t have any knowledge of or experience in my industry. I feel that with the town trying to manage this valuable asset, we’re doing a great disservice to the airport and the residents who depend on the airport’s success.

What is Erie’s biggest transportation need in the coming years?


I believe Erie actually has two equally large transportation needs in the upcoming years. First, to continue to maintain our sense of community as Erie grows, having interconnected bike trails between neighborhoods and town amenities is extremely important. Trails such as these not only create alternative transportation conduits, but serve to promote a sense of community to residents using them. Along these same lines, I would like to see Erie focus strategically on building sections of trail that will connect with the surrounding municipalities such as Lafayette, Louisville, and even running trails north into Longmont.

Second, Erie’s options for public transportation are currently limited to one RTD bus that leaves from the Community Center. I would like to see expanded bus service into Erie, for instance, from the Community Center into Denver or north into Longmont and Fort Collins. I would also like to see the expansion of our Park & Ride located along I-25 and Erie Parkway.

Give me your philosophy on growth in Erie? In your vision, what does future growth look like and how is it managed?


Erie is a town on the brink of economic change. Over the past five years while I’ve lived in Erie the changes have been mind boggling. We have a Community Center, new residential developments, and Leon A. Wurl Parkway has been rerouted and now renamed. What was once a field now has a host of restaurants and other small businesses.

The ability to continue offering first-rate resources and activities (such as the Erie Community Library, the Community Center, and Concert in the Park), depends on Erie developing an expanded economic base. Thanks to the diligent work done by our current and past boards, Erie is an opportune position to embrace growth. We must be diligent during this transition to not let our growth come at the expense of harming the sense of community in Erie. A sustainable economic base depends on a variety of business types carefully crafted into the ideal mix.

The commercial development surrounding the community center and Old Town defines Erie. The variety of locally-owned businesses; aesthetics of the buildings themselves; and accessibility via trails, roads and sidewalks along with the proximity to resources like the new Erie Community Park make these businesses easily frequented by Erie residents. Making these areas economically attractive to the right kind potential businesses ensures that Erie can grow but still maintain the things that make us unique.

The major corridors that surround Erie provide an excellent opportunity for larger “big box” type businesses to operate. Safeway on the corner of HWY 287 and Arapahoe Road has proven the potential success of this model. Acting as an anchor, stores like Safeway become sales tax multipliers by attracting smaller businesses as well. Larger entities will not only provide services to the residents of Erie, but due to their proximity to major arteries pull in dollars from neighboring communities. Many potential business sites still exist that can support bigger stores with potential development along HWY 7 and on I-25.
Businesses that provide primary employment will be another component to Erie’s ideal economic mix. Accessibility to these businesses will be key since they will likely draw their employees from areas outside of Erie. The major transportation arteries are a logical location for these businesses as well.

I believe this blend of smaller, local companies in the center of Erie, with larger stores and employers surrounding our town will give us a sustainable economic base and preserve our unique personality.

What action—if any—would you like to see the town take on waste collection or recycling?


It seems to be the trend with our surrounding communities to move to a unified waste collection and recycling service on the town level. Erie already has some experience in this area in so much as the town is the provider of water to residents and businesses.
I believe that the town joining together as a whole to employ one trash provider has some positive advantages.

Lower cost to each individual house
Accountability by the service provider
Less wear to town streets due to decreased amount of truck traffic
Increased awareness and participation in recycling programs
Fewer days where trash cans are curbside

The challenge in going with a single provider is ensuring that the town does not jeopardize future negotiations by creating a regional monopoly through awarding a contract. Unified trash service should only be pursued if an acceptable longterm deal can be structured.

What’s your stance on the Bonanza Drive connection?


Ballot question 2E is unquestionably the most polarizing of all issues Erie voters will cast votes for on April 6th. The complexity of this decision lends itself to creating this division. I believe the connection between Bonanza and Vista Parkway is inevitable. It may not be passed in April, but at some point a retailer’s desire to locate on the corner of HWY 7 and Bonanza may very well force the issue.

I do believe, in the short term, the impact of creating a connection would be minimal. Without a business on the corner of Bonanza and HWY 7, there will not be a real catalyst for increased traffic. Should 2E pass, it will likely only affect the residents living nearest the new road in the coming months.

Looking further down the road, having the connection will make the corner of Bonanza and HWY 7 more desirable for a bigger business. However, published articles on the traffic studies indicated little increased traffic projected because of the proposed connection.

My biggest concern if 2E does not pass is that at some point in the future a board may be forced to make the tough decision of either denying a large retailer whose choice to do business in Erie hinges on the connection, or going against the voters by establishing a connection to win the business and the tax dollars that they would bring Erie.
Once you are elected, how will you stay in tune with the ideas, issues, concerns and questions of your constituents?


At a town level I think Erie’s website could be better leveraged to gather feedback and input from the residents. This could take the form of a submission form, a message board, a wiki for HOA board members and re-posting of meetings via a YouTube Channel. Additionally, the power of social media should be harnessed via an Erie Facebook page, an Erie Twitter feed, and an Erie Ning community.

On a personal level, I will continue to post my opinion and gather feedback on my personal blog hankpantier.com. I will do my best to continue to answer any comments that come in and directly respond to all emails. Additionally, I will post a meeting recap after each Board of Trustees meeting.

Technology can never replace the good done by talking to someone, meeting a new resident face-to-face, or discussing Erie to a potential new business. I think it is important for Erie residents to support local businesses, not only does this help our town financially, but it gives residents another opportunity to talk and gives members of the Board another chance to listen. I think it is important that Board members talk to other parents when they drop their kids off at school. I think the Community Center is another location to take the pulse of Erie. In short, simply because of the connection I have to Erie, the fact that my whole family lives, works, and plays right here, I feel I will stay connected to the residents.

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