Erie Elections Q&A: Cheryl Hauger, mayoral candidate

Name: Cheryl Hauger

Relevant leadership or community experience:

Trustee, April, 2006 to present; Vice Chair – North Area Transportation Alliance; Treasurer – Weld County Positive Partnerships; Town Representative to Denver Regional Council of Governments – servicing on the Administrative, Metro Vision Issues and Regional Transportation Committees: C-DOT’s North I-25 EIS Regional Coordinating Committee; Board Liaison to the Erie Area Senior Advisory Committee (2006 to present) and Historic Preservation Advisory Board (2006 to 2008)

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

The top three issues for Erie in the coming years are: 1) diversifying our revenue stream; 2) securing our place in the region and 3) insuring adequate infrastructure for the future.

In order to solve these issues Erie must aggressively implement the Marketing Plan and the Erie Municipal Airport Economic Development Master Plan adopted by the Board last fall. Many parts of these plans are in various stages of completion; however, much work still remains. I will work diligently to enhance the viability and attractiveness of our primary commercial areas along Highways 7, 287 and 52 as well as I-25 and at Erie Municipal Airport. All of these areas have challenges including competition with neighboring communities, infrastructure and ease of access. I will continue my work with the regional groups (DRCOG, NATA, etc), our neighbors, governmental agencies (C-DOT, RTD, etc) and our state and federal elected representatives to ensure Erie’s voice is being heard and needs are being addressed. I will continue diligent oversight of the completion of the North Water Reclamation Facility to ensure the project is completed on time and on budget. This vital project will help tremendously in insuring Erie’s future infrastructure needs will be met in the northern and eastern parts of town.

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

Successful economic development involves not only attracting new primary employers and retail establishments but also enabling our existing employers and businesses to thrive. The Board has some good road maps that have been adopted over the past few years with the Economic Development Master Plan, the Marketing Plan and the Airport Economic Development Master Plan. As these plans are fully implemented, Erie’s success in economic development will be greatly enhanced. The Board; however, must remain flexible and able to quickly adapt to changing economic conditions. Current town policy allows for the offering of ‘market maker’ incentives and I will continue to support these types of incentives when it make sense for Erie in the long term.

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 am very concerned that, as Erie continues to grow, we will lose sight of our history and what makes Erie such a unique and wonderful place. As such, I am proposing a stakeholder process be undertaken that involves Old Town business owners, residents, other interested individuals and town officials. This group will be charged with identifying the challenges that Old Town faces and proposing solutions to those challenges. As this process unfolds, we will be able to better determine what role, if any, that the town needs to play in the Old Town area.

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

Our continued involvement in regional groups such as DRCOG, NATA, Upstate Colorado and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce are vital if Erie is to be a strong player in the region. Additionally, Erie must continue to build relationships with our neighbors through strong Inter-Governmental Agreements that will help the entire North Metro region to thrive in both the near and long term.

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?

As this matter is currently under litigation, my ability to comment is limited. However, Erie has and will continue to abide by any and all court rulings and FAA regulations.

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

Erie needs to increase the multi-modal options available to our citizens. As such, I have been successful, through my work in the North I-25 EIS project, in securing a multi-modal transit station to be located in the vicinity of I-25 and Erie Parkway. This station will serve as a Commuter Rail and Express Bus link from Ft. Collins on the north and the FasTracks system. With RTD’s purchase of the railroad right-of-way that runs through Erie, we will be well positioned to take advantage of any eventual expansion of commuter rail service into Boulder. The expansion of bus service is, and will remain, a top priority for me. Additionally, the expansion of our trails and bike lanes must continue. I will continue to work with DRCOG, C-DOT, NATA and others to expand our transportation options. I will continue to look for opportunities to secure outside funding for our transportation needs similar to what I was able to successfully secure for Erie on both the County Line and Erie Parkway bike lanes.

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

I believe that in order for Erie to thrive in the long term, it is necessary for us to continue to grow. However, that growth must occur responsibly. The UDC (Uniform Development Code) has done a great deal to insure that Erie will be a high quality community. That document; however, needs to be viewed as a ‘living’ document that can and will be changed as future conditions warrant. I believe that there are areas where high density, transit oriented development can and should occur. One of the prime areas for this type of development is the multi-modal station area on I-25 mentioned above. I also believe very strongly that growth must pay its own way. It is this philosophy that enabled Erie to pay cash for the new Erie Community Park.

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

I believe that, in order to be responsible environmental stewards, it is imperative that the recycling be increased. I do not; however, believe that the Town should go to a single hauler. I am supportive of setting some minimum standards regarding waste collection such as requiring that the trash hauler offer single stream recycling or smaller trash receptacles at a reduced cost to customers

9. What’s your stance on the Bonanza Drive connection?

I believe this connection is necessary for two main reasons. First and foremost is safety. While the residents of the Airpark may have willingly taken the risk of increased emergency response time, the rest of the Town has not. If responders are at a call at the Airpark and get called to another part of Town, their response time is unnecessarily delayed if the connection is not made. That additional three to four minute delay can easily make the difference in some one’s home burning down or someone surviving a serious medical emergency. The other reason I support this connection is that I believe it is imperative that Erie do everything possible to enhance the competitiveness of the Highway 7 commercial areas. Making this connection sends retailers the right message that Erie welcomes their business in our town.

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

I will continue Mayor Moore’s semi-annual State of the Town addresses. I will also schedule regularly meetings with the HOA leaders. I will continue regular email communications similar to Mayor Moore’s MooreInfo. I also believe very strongly in face to face dialog. I will be regularly scheduling, probably every other month initially, times where citizens can come to a specified location and bring up their suggestions, concerns, and questions.

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