Colorado Community Newspapers shares this feature to give voters a chance to meet those candidates who face opposition in the November general election. Ballots are due by 7 p.m. Nov. 2, at the Douglas County clerk and recorder’s office. Voters who live in Castle Pines North, Parker and points south face a choice in the races for Douglas County treasurer, coroner, clerk and recorder, assessor, county commissioner, District 1 and surveyor and the Colorado House of Representatives, District 44. We hope you find these candidate profiles helpful as the deadline to cast your vote approaches.

Colorado House of Representatives, District 44, candidates

Chris Holbert, 49, is the Republican candidate for House District 44. Holbert lives in Parker and has been a county resident for seven years. He has been married to Diane Holbert since 1986 and the couple has two sons, Victor, 15 and Carson, 11. Colbert has a Bachelor’s degree from Loretto Heights College and works as a business consultant.

What is your professional background?

I am a self-employed business consultant (10/2008-Present); business trade association president & executive director (2000-2008); marketing and communications director (1992-2000)

What is your previous experience in public service?

I was president, Meridian Hills Homeowners Association (2004-2009); at-Large Director, Habitat for Humanity of Colorado (2004-2008); District Captain, Douglas County Republicans (2005-2009); Precinct Leader (2004-2005)

Why are you running for state representative?

I'm running for State Representative because I am the best-qualified candidate for the job and I'm frustrated with liberals on both sides of the political aisle who constantly raise taxes and limit freedom in order to grow government. I bring to this race a thorough understanding of the legislative process, the people, and the powers that influence our State Capitol. Too often, people are elected only to discover that the State legislature isn't a business; it's a battleground of principle. George Washington offered at the birth of our nation that "Government is not reason, it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." I've learned the truth of Washington's wise counsel by standing against liberals on behalf of law-abiding business people. It would be an honor to serve and I would be grateful for your vote.

What qualifications do you bring to this position?

I know long and tedious the hours are and how brutal the liberals and their friends in the press can be. People are often shocked to learn that our State Representatives are paid $30,000 per year, have one part-time assistant, and have no private office. I know that our State Constitution prohibits members of the state legislature from voting themselves a raise. I know that we have term limits of eight years in a given chamber. We have a single issue that prevents "pork barrel" spending in bills passed by the legislature. We don't have "earmarks," travel accounts, or gifts from lobbyists. In Colorado, we truly rely on citizen legislators, not full-time "career politicians." In business, I've had to meet a bottom line, manage to budget, and motivate a team to exceed expectations. I've known the joy of hiring and promoting people and the pain of laying off some of those same people when the going got tough. Public speaking is a passion of mine and it represents a significant part of the job. It would be an honor to represent the people of House District 44 and it would be a joy to carry our conservative message the people of Colorado.

What are your primary goals in this position?

If elected, the first bill that I would introduce would require proof of citizenship in order to register to vote in Colorado. Many people assume that such a common sense standard currently exists. Next, I would work aggressively to repeal the unconstitutional tax increases passed by the Democrat legislature and signed into law by Governor Bill Ritter. Those would include the repeal of "FASTER," the unconstitutional tax increase to the annual cost to register a motor vehicle, and the "Dirty Dozen" tax increases caused by the elimination of business tax exemptions. Next, I would join with State Senator Mark Scheffel to repeal the business personal property tax. Finally, we must push back on job-killing business and environmental regulations. Fundamentally, we must stop putting the welfare of government before the interests of the people.

What is the greatest economic challenge facing Douglas County and what is your proposed fix?

Our current liberal Governor and State Legislature pose the greatest economic challenge to the people of Douglas County. My proposed fix is to win back majority control so that the people of Douglas County are no longer targeted as the source of wealth that liberals constantly seek to redistribute.

In your opinion, what can be done to support small businesses in this struggling economy?

Business investment has stagnated under a cloud of economic uncertainty. The State government should provide tax, fee, and regulatory relief to encourage business investment here in Colorado. As a State Representative, I would help lead that effort by sponsoring the repeal of the business personal property tax. Our next Governor and members of the General Assembly should operate under a standing question to the business community, "What can we do that would enable you to hire more people?" Prosperity does not come from the government, it comes from hard-working people in the private sector who, in turn, pay taxes to support government. If you want more money for education, infrastructure, public safety, or some other fundamental government service, then our state government must encourage more business to be done, not tax people out of business.

How will your decisions and actions at the state level benefit the residents living in House District 44?

If elected, my decisions and actions as State Representative for House District 44 would allow you to keep more of what you earn and to escape the liberal's false accusation that you aren't 'paying your fair share.' Indeed, Douglas County boasts one of the highest per-capita income levels for any county in the nation. Let's work together to see that it stays that way.

What is your opinion about the proposed tax reform initiatives, Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 & 61?

It is a good thing that the three measures are on the ballot. The Taxpayer's Bill of Rights ("TABOR") is respected when We the People get to vote on tax increases - or decreases. Voters should ask tough questions and vote from an informed position. Tax cuts have proven to be an effective means of stimulating the economy, growing business, and reducing unemployment. So, would passage of one, two, or all three of these measures lead to such positive outcomes? For example, would reducing property taxes attract people to Colorado and lead to higher demand for housing, rising property values, and home construction? Yes, those results could occur. OK, so could a 5, 10, or 20% cut in property tax rates actually result in greater revenues over a given period of time? Yes, at some level of reduction, a net increase in property tax revenues could occur. OK, so how much growth would need to occur if, as proposed under Amendment 60, property taxes are reduced by 50%? The same is true for rolling back vehicle registration fees to $10 per year. Why $10 rather than $9 or $11? I'm happy to support tax cuts as a way to stimulate the economy, but supporters must 'show me the data!' Finally, I question why supporters point to deficit spending by the federal government as a reason to restrict how local government would finance development projects. Please, whether you are for or against the measures, do not confuse the federal deficit with our state government. The Colorado Constitution requires that our state government operate on a balanced budget. Taking out your frustration with Congress and the federal government by punishing your local government would be less-than-smart. Ask tough questions and vote from an informed position.

Margie Brown, 50 is the Democratic candidate for House District 44. Brown lives in Littleton has been a resident of Douglas County for five years. She has one son and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, with one year of law school. She is a small business owner, operating a sandwich shop with four employees.

What is your professional background?

I am a retired 911 Dispatcher for the City of Vallejo, CA. One year working as a Probation Officer, U. S. Coast Guard Veteran. Musician as a hobby.

What is your previous public service?

Worked for the government for 20 years.

Why are you running for state representative?

Because I care about the way the economy is moving for people and businesses. I am a tell it like it is kind of person and have always stood up for people in my job and personal life. I think we have to come together and do what is right for society not what is right for special interest.

What qualifications do you bring to this position?

My life experiences as a union rep, 15 years of law enforcement, Military time and now a private business owner. I think in some cases age truly does give you knowledge you don't have when you are younger. I can now see the big picture.

What are your primary goals in this position?

To help get our state on the right track for the economy. Ensure we bring in business that hire people and pay living wages.

What is the greatest economic challenge facing Douglas County and what is your proposed fix?

It is jobs and job creation. I believe one of the best ways to provide incentives for a business to open is a renewal program. Offer a tax credit or a program that helps with the start up cost for a business that is thinking about opening in one of our towns or cities. Also, a program with the landlords to make the leases reasonable for a business owner to be profitable.

In your opinion, what can be done to support small businesses in this struggling economy?

Small businesses need customers. If people are not working then a small business cannot survive. They will simply close up shop and create more unemployment. We need to bring manufacturing back to this country and not ship them overseas. There should be tax credits for any manufacturing jobs that open in this country.

How will your decisions and actions at the state level benefit the residents living in House District 44?

My decisions will create jobs and ease up on the stress of everyday life worrying about how to pay bills and get by. I would like to see things get back to normal where everyone can live a comfortable life.

What is your opinion about the proposed tax reform initiatives, Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 & 61?

My opinion is vote NO. Tax cuts means Job cuts. Plain and simple. We need a certain amount of taxes to function as a government and a society.

County Commissioner, District 1

Andrew Byars, 19, is the Democratic candidate for county commissioner, District 1. He lives in Parker and has been a county resident for 19 years. He is a full-time college student at Arapahoe Community College, where he is a pre-med student studying biology and vice president of the Arapahoe Community College Honors Society.

What is your professional background?

I am a full time student and Vice President of the Arapahoe Community College Honors Society.

What is your previous experience in public service?

None this is my first and most likely last adventure in politics.

Why are you running for county Commissioner?

I am running for County Commissioner because I believe we need integrity and responsibility in county government. I can't sit by anymore as the commissioners become more and more corrupt.

What qualifications do you bring to this position?

I bring a wealth of knowledge about local political issues, and I've lived all my life in Douglas County. I'm a political outsider I have nothing to gain from this office but strengthening my community.

What are your primary goals in this position?

To truly stand up for the citizens of Douglas County with responsible growth, lower taxes on small locally owned businesses, explore new sources of renewable water, protect the water rights of local citizens and keep our budget balanced. My number one goal is to represent the people of Douglas County to the best of my ability.

If you are elected, what changes to your department, if any, can residents expect?

Immediately residents will have a commissioner who is not in the pockets of big out-of Douglas County development issues. I will actually listen to the input of citizens and the local business community and make decisions that are best for Douglas County.

What is the greatest challenge or shortcoming facing the commissioner's office and what is your proposed fix?

The possibility of Proposition 101, Amendments 60&61 passing. The county budget is already strained to the limit and if any of the measures pass Douglas County will be in severe fiscal trouble. Outside of 60, 61 and 101 still the county budget due to falling revenues will be the biggest challenge. As a community we will have to make some difficult financial decisions in the next four years. We have to look for ways to continue doing more with less.

What is your opinion on the proposed tax reform initiatives, Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 & 61?

Disaster waiting to happen. I urge a no vote and agree with the County Commissioners resolution opposing it.

Jack Hilbert, 58, is the Republican candidate and incumbent county commissioner, District 1. He lives in Parker and has been a county resident for more than 30 years. He has been married for 39 years to his high school sweetheart, Pat and the couple has two grown sons. Hilbert attended the University of Southern Colorado (Behavioral Sciences); Drew University (Theology); University of Phoenix (Business); George Washington University (Project Management); and Ball State University (Technology Fellowship).

What is your professional background?

I have held a variety of Management and Leadership Positions with AT&T and Avaya (Sales, Product Marketing, Capture Management, Information Technology). I retired with 30 years of service. I owned a small business that my wife and I sold.

What is your previous experience in public service?

I was on Parker Town Council; Metro District Boards; HOA President and am currently the Douglas County Commissioner, District 1.

Why are you running for county commissioner?

I firmly believe that if experienced leadership is not at the table representing the taxpayer, the taxpayer dollar is on the menu. That is why I am asking you to let me continue serving the taxpayers of Douglas County. I want to be at that table bringing my leadership, expertise and passion to the service of Douglas County communities as their public servant.

What qualifications do you bring to this position?

I bring more than 30 years of proven business leadership and experience to this position. Also, as an experienced, effective public servant, I understand the value of establishing and maintaining effective partnerships at the local, state, and federal level on behalf of Douglas County citizens and taxpayers. I am a fiscal conservative focused on effective stewardship of the taxpayer dollar. As such in my first term as Commissioner, I have been recognized and elected by my peers to serve in leadership for a variety of organizations including: President, Metro Area County Commissioners, President, Front Range County Commissioners, Board of Directors, Colorado Counties Inc., National Association of Counties (NACo) presidential appointment to NACo Board of Directors and more. I am proud of my record as a Douglas County Commissioner.

What are your primary goals in this position?

In my first term I have been primarily focused on government transparency and transportation infrastructure improvements. Today, all land use applications and actions, other County projects, and budget transactions and more are available on the County website. Citizens and taxpayers have a right to petition their government and to know what their government is doing. Complete transparency. Regarding transportation, we successfully leveraged and invested taxpayer dollars in a variety of vital transportation projects through a number of partnerships. Projects include: Hess Road, Ridgegate/Mainstreet Extension, C-470/Santa Fe flyover, Waterton Canyon, Lincoln Avenue improvements, Broadway and many more, that will relieve congestion.

If you are elected, what changes to your department, if any, can residents expect?

I have two specific areas of focus. 1) Continued tightening of government spending. In the past three years, Douglas County has reduced spending by more than $12 million and cut more than 75 positions; and 2) An elevated focus on economic development - including job creation. The need for additional private sector jobs for citizens is critical.

What is the greatest challenge or shortcoming facing the county commissioners and what is your proposed fix?

We must work closely with water providers and rural water users to identify a renewable and sustainable, long term water supply for Douglas County. The cost of water and associated infrastructure is tremendous and we need to continue to work closely with providers and users to identify resources to solve this problem. Counties are in a unique position to offer financing options that will allow us to successfully move forward.

What is your opinion on the proposed tax reform initiatives, Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 & 61?

While I understand the concerns that are at the root of the proposed ballot measures, the proposed approach is too extreme. If approved, these measures will cause drastic cuts in critical services such as cuts in road maintenance, reduced snow plowing services, shutting down of vehicle registration centers resulting in long lines, and more. There would be no local control nor citizen choice.

Douglas County Clerk and Recorder

Charles C. (Chuck) Patrick, 67, is the Democratic candidate for clerk and recorder. He lives in Lone Tree and has been a county resident for 15 years. He has been married to Bette Davis for 29 years and the couple has two sons, Justin and Skyler. Patrick has two more children, a son, Chuck Jr., a daughter Margot, and six grand children. He has a Masters degree in Computer Science from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelors degree in Mathematics & Physics (double major) from the University of Missouri.

What is your professional background?

I have experienced a wide variety of professional achievements, accomplished in small and large companies, as a U.S. Navy civilian employee, across multiple disciplines, and in commercial and Federal government markets. I have built my career on business analysis and organizational performance improvement, and have founded and run several successful small businesses. I am passionate about running business organizations efficiently while producing exceptional services to my clients.

What is your previous experience in public service?

In 2008, I volunteered to support the Technology Subcommittee of the State of Colorado Election Reform Commission. My efforts consisted of studying Colorado Election Law and Election Rules promulgated by the Secretary of State, and developing a business process model of the election process. I also reviewed the voting procedures followed by the Office of the Douglas County Clerk and Recorder. In addition, I developed a business process model of voting machine certification in Colorado.

Why are you running for county clerk and recorder?

I have had a very busy professional and personal life, and have neglected my responsibilities to my community. I love Colorado and Douglas County, and want to give back to my fellow residents, utilizing the professional skills I have developed in my career. I want to ensure that election systems and processes are secure and that all services provided by the county clerk and recorder are cost effective, efficient, and totally satisfactory to the residents of Douglas County.

What is the primary role of the clerk and recorder?

The county clerk and recorder is the chief election official of the county, responsible for developing and distributing ballots to registered voters, promoting voter registration, managing periodic elections, counting and reporting votes, and keeping voters informed of any issues pertaining to elections. Another important role of the clerk and recorder is to staff and manage the facilities in Douglas County that provide services on behalf of the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles—issuing and renewing driver’s licenses, titling and registering motor vehicles, etc.

What qualifications do you bring to this position?

The functions of the county clerk and recorder require a leader with proven skills in business management. I have started and managed several successful small businesses, and have run business operations of large companies. The challenge of leading the office of the county clerk and recorder is largely a managerial challenge. I am expert in running such organizations, controlling and reducing costs, understanding the needs of staff and clients, and delivering superior cost-effective services. I am also expert in going into a business organization, meeting and interviewing the staff, understanding the organization’s business processes, and identifying areas for performance and cost improvement.

What are your primary goals in this position?

My primary goal is to have the residents of Douglas County tell me that they are thrilled with the level of service they are now receiving from the office of the county clerk and recorder and are confident that our election process is secure. “Thrilled” is a high bar to which I aspire for my office’s services to the residents of Douglas County. I want to achieve no less.

If you are elected, what changes to your department, if any, can residents expect?

This is always a challenge for the non-incumbent—how can you know what changes you would make before you can look inside the organization? However, I anticipate that I will find, by working closely with the office staff and leadership, performance and cost improvements that will result in smoother elections, shorter waiting times at the DMV office, greater use of modern and emerging social networking technology, and better communication to you of urgent matters, such as “You are about to incur a large fine for late re-registration of your car: here are your options….”

What is the greatest challenge or shortcoming facing the clerk and recorder’s office and what is your proposed fix?

I see the greatest challenge to be the way elections are conducted in Douglas County and what technology is employed. I see the current emphasis on mail-in ballots to be short-sighted. This is a labor-intensive and mistake-intensive approach that sends us back in time and encourages the “hanging chad” problem we saw in Florida. It’s time for us to recognize that we are in the 21st century. For example, we all rely on ATMs, automated express check-out lanes in the super market, and the internet every day. We carry out our most sensitive financial transactions by relying on computers. However, we all know there is risk in relying on computers and data bases. I understand computer security—I work for a company dedicated to understanding computer security within a business context and am very concerned about the possibility that your sensitive personal information might be compromised, stolen, or destroyed. I will carefully examine this issue of “how to vote”, giving fair attention to all points of view. I do not have a proposed fix for this issue. I will solicit the opinions of the residents of Douglas County, integrate that input with my own professional experience, consult with my office’s experts and my fellow county clerks, and design and implement a long-term solution that will be the best for the residents of Douglas County. The solution may range from and include paper ballots, voting machines, voting by internet. Let’s work together to decide this important issue.

What is your opinion on the proposed tax reform initiatives, Proposition 101 and amendments 60 and 61?

Adamantly opposed. I dread the prospect of the negative impact these initiatives would have on our educational system in particular. Our children and their education are the future of Douglas County and our nation. Many other aspects of our economy would also be devastated by these terribly misguided ideas. It is very important that you vote against these ballot measures that were initiated by people who refuse to identify themselves.

Jack Arrowsmith, 60, is the Republican candidate and incumbent clerk and recorder. He lives in Castle Rock, is a Colorado Native and has lived in Douglas County for 26 years. He has been married to wife Joan for 35 years and the couple has one daughter, Krystal, who lives in Lone Tree. Arrowsmith graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. His post-college education includes numerous courses in management and election administration.

What is your professional background?

I started as a high school teacher and later joined a travel company specializing in student travel, eventually becoming the Vice-President and General Manager of the organization. In the winter of 2002 I was asked by Governor Bill Owens to become Douglas County's first appointed Public Trustee. I served in that position from 2003 to 2006. Carole Murray, the current County Clerk, was term limited and a number of citizens convinced me to run for that position, my first time at running for public office. I was elected and have been serving in that office since 2007.

Since taking office I have been appointed, first by Bill Owens and again by Bill Ritter, to the Statewide Internet Portal Authority where I currently serve as Vice-Chair. I was appointed by the Director of Revenue to CSTARS (Colorado State Title and Registration System) that oversees registration processes for motor vehicles in Colorado. I have been appointed by the Colorado County Clerks Association to the position of co-chair of the legislative committee that works with the State Legislature on all legislation affecting the clerk’s office. I was elected as a National Director for NACRC (Nation Association of County Recorders, Election Officials and Clerks).

What is your previous experience in public service?

As a citizen volunteer I was appointed to the Douglas County Economic Advisory Committee and served as committee chair for three years. I was appointed to the Douglas County Planning Commission and served in that capacity for five years - two years as vice-chair and my final year as chair.

Why are you running for county clerk and recorder?

We have accomplished a significant number of things since my taking office four years ago. We opened a new Drivers License Office in Castle Rock. We worked with the Department of Revenue to develop an on-line renewal process for motor vehicles. Our Recording Office started offering Passports and Colorado State Parks passes as well as on-line marriage license applications. We hosted the largest election in Douglas County with the 2008 election and had no problems or lines of any kind.

While I am proud of these accomplishments, there is still much work to do. In the area of elections, Colorado must establish a long-term, sustainable vision for the election process. Every year elections become more complicated and expensive. We need to solidify this process and bring costs under control. As the legislative co-chair for the Clerk's Association, that will be my number one election priority in 2011.

Identity theft has become an increasingly difficult problem. I sit on a committee from both the private and public sectors that will be working on this problem and hope to develop both legislation and a series of "Best Practices" that will reduce the risk of identity theft especially on public records.

What is the primary role of the clerk and recorder?

The Clerk and Recorder's Office employs 58 people in four separate offices with an annual budget of $5.8 million. The divisions include Elections, Motor Vehicle, Recording, Driver's License and the function of Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. Certainly during elections, much of my attention is diverted to that process, but when a citizen has a problem with a DMV registration or getting an important recorded document, that takes precedence over anything else. The primary role of the Clerk and Recorder is to provide the citizens of Douglas County with the highest level of customer service at the lowest possible cost. Since taking office I have been under budget every year and have reduced the size of the staff by almost 10 percent and yet our customer survey responses give us a positive rating in the high 90s.

What qualifications do you bring to this position?

A proven track record of success. We have used technology, planning and hard work to meet every challenge thrown at the office. The moment I took office, the Secretary of State decertified all of our election equipment. We worked fiercely to prove why the process we used met the perceived challenges and were able to get the decertification lifted. When the Revenue Department determined that they were never going to reopen the Drivers License Office in Castle Rock, we decided to open our own office. We handled every challenge and continued to reduce staff and stay under budget.

What are your primary goals in this position?

Regardless of the service we provide to our citizens, my goal remains to provide the highest level of service at the lowest possible cost. Customer service is a primary focus and we set very high expectations with our staff. Our goal in Motor Vehicle is to assist our citizens within 20 minutes of walking into our office on the busiest day of the year. With very few exceptions we meet that goal month after month. We work for the Citizens of Douglas County.

If you are elected, what changes to your department, if any, can residents expect?

The Citizens of Douglas County want government to be available 24/7 not just during normal business hours. I will work to put more functions on the web and will continue to improve our web-site. Much of the notification we do in both elections and motor vehicle has been in the paper world and I will work through legislation and out-reach to make electronic communication permissive.

What is the greatest challenge or shortcoming facing the clerk and recorder’s office and what is your proposed fix?

We are in difficult economic times and most predictions see difficult times for several years to come. Government can not be immune to the challenges. Government MUST continue to provide a high level of service with fewer resources. Partnerships are a great way to handle some of these challenges. We have trained the phone bank at the Douglas County Library to answer general election questions during the election and they can provide this service at a lower cost than if we hire temps to do the job in house. This is just one example of how partnerships and shared resources can help us meet these difficult times we face. Just like the average family, government must stay within their budgets. We have met these budgetary challenges by cutting our expenses and reducing staff and will continue to do so.

What is your opinion on the proposed tax reform initiatives, Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 & 61?

I have said that it is inappropriate for the clerk to comment on candidates or questions on the ballot. Having stated that, it is very important for every citizen to research these questions and understand the sweeping ramifications, should they pass. Proposition 101 will have a dramatic affect on the Clerks Office. People need to understand that when we register a vehicle in Douglas County more than 140 taxing entities receive some of those dollars. This includes Fire and Water Districts, Municipalities and a host of others. The single largest recipient of ownership taxes in Douglas County is Douglas County Schools who get nearly 24 cents out of every registration dollar. Please study the issues carefully before voting on these questions.

Douglas County Treasurer

Diane Holbert, 45, is the Republican candidate for treasurer. She lives in Parker and has been a resident of Douglas County for seven years. She has been married to Chris Holbert since 1986 and the couple has two sons, Victor, 15 and Carson, 11. Her personal interests include daily Bible study and walking Sherman, her black Lab. Holbert has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics with a Minor in History from the University of Colorado at Denver.

What is your professional background?

I am currently a self employed Compliance Investigator. I previously worked as a District and Regional Underwriting Manager for MetLife Home Loans, from 1997-2009.

What is your previous experience in public service?

I was Precinct Leader, Douglas County Republicans. I am a first-time candidate.

Why are you running for county treasurer?

I'm running to serve the people of Douglas County. I have been blessed in the private sector and was raised to give back to the community. This is an appropriate time for myself and my family to make this sacrifice. Serving as Treasurer, a position for which I am well qualified, allows me to do so. Teamwork, combined with an uncompromising level of mutual accountability, is crucial to delivering the best possible service to the people of Douglas County. I so appreciate the endorsements of Commissioner Jack Hilbert, Sheriff Dave Weaver, Coroner Wes Riber, and Assessor Terri Cox. It would be an honor to serve with them and for the people.

What qualifications do you bring to this position?

County Treasurer is an administrative office, not one of politics or policy-making. Management and leadership experience are the necessary skills to perform the duties of Treasurer efficiently. I’ve managed a staff of twenty in a high demand, high quality environment. Under my leadership, the Treasurer’s office would focus on serving the people of Douglas County because we work for you, not the other way around. I hold a bachelors degree in Economics with a minor in History from the University of Colorado at Denver. My ‘masters’ so to speak comes from over two decades of being responsible for lending decisions of up to three million per transaction and for a total of approximately $4 billion. In addition to my endorsements from county-elected officials, I am proud to have the endorsement of State Senators Ted Harvey and Mark Scheffel, along with State Representatives Mike May, Frank McNulty, and Carole Murray. Please consider that those who know both candidates and the requirements of the job have so uniformly endorsed our campaign for County Treasurer.

What are your primary goals in this position?

I’m running to serve the people of Douglas County. If elected, I would strive to instill character, integrity, and excellence among the staff, in our interactions with the County Commissioners, and with the citizens of Douglas County. It would be an honor to help “set the standard of excellence in local government,” as is the slogan of our county government. The safe keeping of your assets is critical. The foremost objective is safety. We will limit credit risk and minimize interest rate risk. We will maintain liquidity. The next objective is yield-based on existing investment policy. State Statute will be followed to the letter, and the checks and balances currently in place, will remain. New legislation allows for electronic tax notification. Public service announcements encouraging citizens to opt out of mailed tax notices has the potential of significant tax savings to Douglas County. All relationships with servicers and vendors will be reviewed to ensure efficiency.

If you are elected, what changes to your department, if any, can residents expect?

The current anti-incumbent sentiment and demand for “change” doesn’t apply here in Douglas County; we’re blessed with what the rest of the nation yearns for: good government. It is my expectation to continue the excellent example of leadership, and customer service that currently exists in the Treasurer’s office. The first budget for which I would be responsible would not come into effect until January 2012. Therefore, the current budget would be inherited, reviewed, and managed with great care.

What is the greatest challenge or shortcoming facing the treasurer’s office and what is your proposed fix?

The current anti-incumbent sentiment and demand for “change” doesn’t apply here in Douglas County; we’re blessed with what the rest of the nation yearns for: good government. It is my expectation to continue the excellent example of leadership, and customer service that currently exists in the Treasurer’s office. The first budget for which I would be responsible would not come into effect until January 2012. Therefore, the current budget would be inherited, reviewed, and managed with great care. I have specific plans to initiate the use of web-based software to replace out dated methods of transacting business. Technology will be a focus to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

How will you raise or maintain the level of service in your department in the face of possible budget cuts from Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 & 61?

The three measures are intended to affect significant cuts in the size and scope of local government, not to raise or maintain the level of service provided by government. While it is incorrect to claim the three measures would “bankrupt” the County, significant cuts would be required if all there were to pass. Amendment 60 is of particular interest to the Treasurer’s office, as it would affect how property taxes are raised and collected. To its credit, Amendment 60 would overturn the mill levy freeze that was passed with the support of Governor Ritter. However, the Amendment would also cut mill levies in half by 2020, which would reduce funding for our schools. We’re in the second consecutive year here in Douglas County of having no tax increases on our ballot. Voters here get it: don’t raise taxes during a recession. The question raised by 60, 61, and 101 is whether voters are prepared to significantly reduce funding for schools and local government.

Dianne E. Bailey, 61, is the Democratic candidate for county treasurer. She lives in Parker and has been a resident of Douglas County for 12 years. Bailey has been married to Ray Nyce for 18 years. Her daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren live in Centennial. Bailey’s daughter and grandchildren are all Colorado natives. Her husband is a former adventure racer who competed in the ECO Challenge in Borneo the same year ECO Challenge producer, Mark Burnett, was filming the first "Survivor." Bailey’s husband has traveled to all seven continents and she has traveled to all except Australia and Africa. Bailey has a M.A. from the University of Colorado Denver in Political Science with emphasis in Public Policy, an M.A. from Northern Arizona University in Psychology with emphasis in Research and a B.S. from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in Psychology.

What is your professional background?

I went to work for Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph (now Qwest) in 1972. My career path took a non-traditional turn and I ended up moving to New Jersey to work for Bell Labs in 1982. The portion of Bell Labs that I worked for become Belcore and is now Telcordia. I have 25 years IT experience as a systems analyst. Other employers include Cendant Corporation, and Evolving Systems, Inc.

What is your previous experience in public service?

My public service record started in 1999 after moving to Parker. It all began when I answered an ad to serve on the Derby Hill HOA Board of Directors. This is where I met Jack Hilbert and David Casiano. Jack is now a County Commissioner and David is Mayor of Parker. I am still an active member of Derby Hill Board. I also volunteered to serve on various Parker citizen groups including the Salisbury Equestrian Center task force and the Parker Greater Downtown District task force. I was appointed to serve on the Parker Planning Commission when Mike May was on Town Council. I have been an active member of the AAUW (American Association of University Women) since 2002, currently serving on the Public Policy Committee. I am also an active member of the Douglas County Democratic Party, working to bring choices and balance to Douglas County. I was elected Treasurer of the party for two terms and Vice Chair for one term. In 2007, the Governor appointed me to manage the Douglas County Public Trustee's office.

Why are you running for county treasurer?

I am running for County Treasurer because I believe the County deserves a manager in the Treasurer's office with experience. In smaller counties, the Treasurer and the Public Trustee are the same person, that's because they have similar responsibilities in terms of banking, record keeping, auctions, following statutes, budgets, and managing staff.

What is the primary role of the county treasurer?

I believe that the primary role of nearly all the county elected officials is managing their respective office. The elected official sets the temperament of the office. If you elect an official who listens to everyone and treats everyone fairly and with respect you usually end up with an entire office that maintains that same disposition. In my current office, we are known for our willingness to help and our fair treatment of property owners and investors. We are a team. We hold weekly meetings to discuss unique cases and office policy so that all of us have the answers when someone calls. I consider myself to be part of the team. Anyone may request to speak to me directly for any reason. I would bring this same team approach to managing the Treasurer's office.

What qualifications do you bring to this position?

In addition to county managerial experience and education, I bring 25 years of IT experience. This is an extremely important asset in Douglas County since we achieve great efficiencies and accuracy as we utilize more and more computer power. Each department seems to be striving towards a paperless office. With my background, I look for opportunities to enhance our systems so this goal can become a reality.

What are your primary goals in this position?

First, I want to make sure that the costs for running the office are kept as low as possible not just in times of a down economy, but all times. Next, I want to make sure that the County's investments are protected. Right now the county is over 20 percent invested in Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Bank of America. I would like the County to considered reducing these positions. Next, I would like to start a program I call "double-duty investing." This is an economic stimulus program for banks and small businesses in the county. Details about this program are on my website at www.DianneBailey.com. I would also like to bring the Annual Tax Lien Sale to the Internet. State law now allows the county to send property tax bills to owners via email.

This is part of the movement towards a paperless office, reducing printing and mail costs, saving thousands of taxpayer dollars, so I would work hard to promote email billing. The County is also installing a system that links the Treasurer's office to the Assessor's office to reduce or eliminate redundant data entry and record keeping. I will look for more ways to reduce costs using technology.

If you are elected, what changes to your department, if any, can residents expect?

First, I think it would be a mistake to make any changes in personnel. The staff is knowledgeable and has already been reduced in size as a result of normal attrition. Second, if there are going to be any changes, it would be in improved service. I would talk to each staff member individually, get their assessment of office service, and then hold a team meeting to discuss improvement options. The options that seem the most practical will be implemented immediately.

What is the greatest challenge or shortcoming facing the treasurer’s office and what is your proposed fix?

The biggest shortcoming I have seen is the use of antiquated software systems that can no longer be updated to support new features such as email billing. These systems are already in the process of being replaced, but I would like to be involved to ensure that details are not overlooked. Sometimes, if you don't get a feature into a system at the very start, it can take months or years before you see that feature. In the meantime, staff and customers experience the deficiency.

What is your opinion on the proposed tax reform initiatives, Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 & 61?

I stand with the Board of Commissioners and local businesses against 101, 60 and 61. Excluding libraries and schools, these ballot issues would eliminate over 25 percent of all other county services. On top of the cuts the county is already making from the reduction in property values, 101, 60 and 61 will only make a difficult time, much, much worse. In a recent survey over 70 percent of the respondents said they liked the levels of county services they are getting now and believe the county is managing their tax dollars appropriately. If that is true, then there is no reason to vote in favor of 101, 60 and 61.

Douglas County Assessor

Teri Cox is the Republican candidate and the incumbent Douglas County assessor. She lives in Castle Rock and has been a Douglas County resident for 32 years. She is married and has two children. Cox has a Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University.

What is your professional background?

I have private sector experience in real estate, office management, surveying and drafting, graphic design and bookkeeping. I have been a secondary school teacher, GIS conversion coordinator, Colorado Division of Property Taxation Instructor, International Association of Assessing Officers presenter and expert witness on property legal descriptions and chain of title.

What is your previous experience in public service?

I have been with the Assessor’s office for 23 years, with experience in every position in the office including eight years as deputy and four years as assessor.

Why are you running for county assessor?

I am running to ensure that the Assessor's office continues to maintain its high degree of professionalism and accuracy.

Please describe the role of the county assessor.

The assessor is charged with discovering, listing, classifying and valuing all real and personal property within the county with the goal of producing the tax warrant with fair and equalized values. In order to do that, the assessor maintains property ownership, land use and improvement characteristics, parcel maps, exemptions, and taxing authority boundaries; values all property following valuation criteria as stipulated by statute and procedures issued by the Property Tax Administrator, sitting to hear protests to the valuations and testifying at higher levels of appeal; certifies values to taxing authorities for determining mill levies; produces an abstract of assessment for the state legislature's use in determining the assessment rate; and finally produces the tax warrant and forwards it to the Treasurer for collection of taxes. Plus other duties too numerous to mention!

What qualifications do you bring to this position?

Thorough knowledge of Colorado statutory requirements; 11 years Colorado Registered Appraiser; 20 years of leadership experience; 23 years hands-on assessment experience including four years of authority and responsibility for the assessor's office

What are your primary goals in this position?

To fairly discover, list, classify and value all property within the county while maintaining exceptional customer service and the efficient, effective government that Douglas County citizens expect and deserve.

If you are elected, what changes to your department, if any, can residents expect?

That will depend on the results of the election on Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101.

What is the greatest challenge or shortcoming facing the assessor’s office and what is your proposed fix?

Understanding how the economy affects the Assessor's office. My experience gives me the understanding as to how to coordinate personnel and technology to solve those problems.

What is your opinion on the proposed tax reform initiatives, Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 & 61?

While each has a provision or two with merit, I believe that they are all too drastic.

Maritza Carrera, 52, is the Democratic candidate for county assessor. She lives in Highlands Ranch and has been a resident of Douglas County for 12 years. She is married to Christian and the couple has two daughters, Janna, 20 and Chloe, 14. The family has a 10-year-old Samoyed named Starlet. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and is a Microsoft Systems Certified Engineer (MSCE), Certified Technical Instructor and Licensed Real Estate Broker

What is your professional background?

I am a small business owner, Broker/Owner Progressive, Realtors.

What is your previous experience in public service?

Politics have been a passion for me, and I have been very involved in my community. I served for four years as the elected Highlands Ranch District Captain for the Douglas Democrats.

Why are you running for county assessor?

As a Real Estate broker, I think I am the perfect fit for this position and will bring relevant, private sector experience to the assessor’s office

Please describe the role of the county assessor.

The role of the Assessor’s Office is to establish fair market value for all property in Douglas County for tax purposes. All values are required to be fair, uniform, and equitable. Market value is the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller under ordinary circumstances. The Assessor sets policy for the use of multiple sales of comparable properties and neighborhood trends to establish a property's market value.

What qualifications do you bring to this position?

As an experienced Real Estate broker, I will bring practical, private sector experience to this office. On a daily basis my job is to establish the market value of homes and closely monitor market trends

What are your primary goals in this position?

To restore fairness and accountability to the assessment process in Douglas County by putting an end to generations of a single party rule and rampant preferential treatment of some prominent Douglas County residents

If you are elected, what changes to your department, if any, can residents expect?

To level the playing field for ordinary residents. A typical example is the current Property Tax appeals process, which is a complete sham. A homeowner is asked to provide three comparables on three lines of a short form. The homeowner is then met by a professional appraiser armed with a thick booklet with many more comparables and sophisticated price adjustments complete with pictures. A mediator hired by the assessor's office then supposedly renders an impartial decision… I would reform the appeals process to restore fairness and equity and give a better chance to the average homeowner.

What is the greatest challenge or shortcoming facing the assessor’s office and what is your proposed fix?

Falling property values are lowering county revenues. However decreases in home values are not evenly distributed across all home sizes. The current process takes into account neighborhood trends but not price range trends once again disproportionately shifting the tax burden towards smaller property owners. I would work with neighboring County Assessors to restore fairness to the appraisal process.

What is your opinion on the proposed tax reform initiatives, Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 & 61?

Amendment 60 will affect property values indirectly, as the school system would be faced with the loss of millions of dollars of funding per year. The lure of lower property taxes is another empty promise, further crippling our schools and other vital services.

Amendment 61 effectively eliminates the county's ability to build or expand any new infrastructure. It is a risky experiment that would eliminate any practical means for state and local governments to make capital improvements

Proposition 101 Would severely impact everything, from roads to schools, with no regard for the actual cost of providing these vital services.

Douglas County Surveyor

William “Bill” Buntrock, 42, is the Democratic candidate for Douglas County surveyor. He lives in Littleton and has been a resident of Douglas County for eight years. He has been married to wife Jennifer for 16 years and the couple has two children, Ashley and Owen. In his spare time he enjoys fly fishing and collecting old land survey equipment. He has an Associates Degree in Applied Science – Land Surveying & Mapping.

What is your professional background?

I started land surveying 22 years ago with the United State Army as a field artillery surveyor, today I’m licensed to practice land surveying in Colorado, Kansas, Arizona, Idaho and Utah. I received each of my five land surveying license by individual state exams. My licenses and experience have been verified with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. I have specialized experience in right-of-way surveying and have completed over 400+ miles of right-of-way determination for water, power and transportation projects. Also, I have been the surveyor in charge of countless numbers of Land Survey Plats (property surveys).

I have surveyed many miles across Douglas County including all or portions of the following roads: Elati at Red Rock Drive, Shrine Circle at Tenderfoot Drive, Douglas County 16 over Plum Creek, Titan Road, Noe Road, Dahlberg Road, Flintwood at Singing Hills Road, Douglas County 105, Spring Valley Road, Lorraine Road, and Arfsten Road.

Currently I am the President of TRUE NORTH Surveying and Mapping located in Douglas County. In the past I have held the position of Director of Survey for V3 Companies of Colorado, and the position of Survey Division Manager at J.F. Sato and Associates.

What is your previous experience public service?

In 2008 I was the President of the Central Colorado Professional Land Surveyors which is a chapter of the Professional Land Surveyors of Colorado. Currently I’m on the Land Survey Monitor Panel. This panel is part of the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Engineers and Surveyors. My appointment ends in 2010. I have also been a member of the Advisory Committee for Westwood College’s Surveying and Mapping Program. For the last 9 years, I have performed pro-bono land surveying services on a case by case basis, which brings me tremendous enjoyment. Also, since 2007, my family and I have adopted and kept clean a portion of a Douglas County road in the Roxborough area. I proudly served our country as a field artillery surveyor in Schweinfurt Germany, 3rd Infantry Division, United States Army (1988 to 1992 Cold War/Gulf War Era) and the Colorado Army National Guard (1992 to 1994).

Why are you running for county surveyor?

Primarily I’m running as the county surveyor because I have the experience that the county commissioners, county attorneys, ranchers, farmers and property owners need and can depend on. Secondarily, with my experience surveying in the county, I can provide key information to other surveyors and engineers who are working in the county. And lastly, I have a strong desire to be of service and give back to the community.

Please describe the role of the county surveyor.

The primary duties of the county surveyor are to represent the county in boundary disputes and to notify the county attorney of any unsettled boundary disputes or boundary discrepancies within the county. Additionally, the county surveyor reviews the surveys performed by other land surveyors who have performed work in the county to ensure that their surveys meet current Colorado law before the surveys are deposited with the Douglas County clerk and recorder’s office. Furthermore, the county surveyor is available to provide historical survey related information to other land surveyors working in the county. Here are a few more tidbits: The county surveyor is elected for a four year term, and it is not a political position. The county surveyor has a salary of $5,500/yr, and does not maintain an office in the county building. The county surveyor may receive additional compensation for specific survey related work as requested by the county commissioners. The county surveyor may engage in private survey practice, if such private practice does not interfere with the performance of their official duties.

What qualifications do you bring to this position?

I am a Professional Land Surveyor, who practices my profession in some manner every business day. My practice is not a secondary job, it is how I make a living and support my family. I have been practicing land surveying for the past 22 years. In those 22 years I have worked on projects that include right-of-way surveying for water, power and transportation projects, large scale projects for commercial and residential developments, and private land surveys for ranchers, farmers and homeowners. I have performed land surveys all over the county including: Castle Rock, Decker’s, Franktown, Greenland, Highlands Ranch, Larkspur, Parker, Perry Park, Roxborough and many of the dirt roads in-between. I have extensive experience working with today’s surveying technology and the technologies of the past which enables me to review the work of both past and current surveyors. I have been endorsed by fellow surveyors, engineers and architects who live in or work in the county.

What are your primary goals in this position?

I have two primary goals, one for individual property owners and the other is for surveyors working in the county. For the property owners, I would like to enforce State Statute 18-4-508, C.R.S. which states “Any person who knowingly removes, alters or defaces any public land survey monument or land monument or accessory, commits a class two (2) misdemeanor”. What does this mean to a property owner? One example would be if a contractor destroys your property pins, the contractor would be fined. If this law was enforced, the contractor would safeguard the survey monuments or hire a land surveyor to locate and then replace them if they were destroyed. Why should the property owner have to pay a surveyor to replace their survey corners when another individual or company has destroyed them? I have worked in subdivision where all the front offset corners have been destroyed by contractors and all the rear property pins have been destroyed by fences. It was a disaster.

For the surveyors working in the county, I would like to re-densify the existing Douglas County Control Network. Many of the existing corners have been destroyed, but are still needed to do work in the county.

If you are elected, what changes to your department, if any, can residents expect?

The county surveyors department is not like the county assessors, treasures or clerk and recorders departments. The county surveyor does not maintain an office in the county building, and does not maintain a staff. But the residents of the county can expect to see me attend county meetings as required along with attending meetings of the Colorado Association of County Surveyors.

What is the greatest challenge or shortcoming facing the surveyor’s office and what is your proposed fix?

As I mentioned, the county surveyor does not maintain an office, and has a small salary, therefore the department is much lower on the priority list for any funds which can be used to improve the county surveyor’s website, re-densify the existing control network, or even set up a permanent operating base station tied into the Leica SmartNET or Trimble VRS networks. One solution, for this issue is to ask surveying and engineering firms working in the county to notify me where control points are existing and where they have been destroyed. With this database of information, I can petition the county for funds for the survey related materials, and then ask local surveying firms and chapters of the Professional Land Surveyors of Colorado to donate their time to set these monuments. This approach will not set all the missing control points, but it will be a start.

What is your opinion on the proposed tax reform initiatives, Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 & 61?

The county surveyor position is non-political, therefore this position can’t influence or change laws or rules. However, as a resident of Colorado, I feel it would further hurt the States already stressed budgets and prolong its recovery.

Delmer (Dale) Hamilton, 81, is the Republican candidate for county assessor and lives in Larkspur. He has been a resident of Douglas County for 40 years. Hamilton is a land development engineer and owns Hamilton Enterprises, Ltd. Hamilton is married with two daughters and two grand daughters. He has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies Boston University Online; Boston, Massachusetts.

What is your professional background?

I hold engineering licenses and land surveying licenses from the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Texas and Missouri. He is founder and president of Hamilton Enterprises, Ltd., Larkspur. This Civil Engineering and Land Surveying company is in its 46th year of providing professional services to land developers. From 1964 to present, the company has planned, designed, and supervised the construction of over 75,000 acres of subdivisions—nearly 6,000 acres of which is located in Douglas County—Bannockburn, Deerfield, Hidden Village, Russellville, and The Pinery.

What is your previous experience in public service?

Honorable Discharge, U.S. Navy, Honorable Discharge, U.S. Air Force, City Engineer, Aurora, County Engineer, Elbert County, County Planner, Elbert County, Land Use Administrator, Elbert County and Deputy County Surveyor, Park County.

Why are you running for County Surveyor?

Most County Surveyors are seldom, if ever, called upon to settle a “boundary dispute.” And that is the only duty assigned to his/her office by state law. If authorized by the County Commissioners, the County Surveyor may be assigned other surveying tasks, but boundary disputes are the only duties and obligations imposed upon the Surveyor’s Office by the state.

Here, we are talking “boundary disputes” involving the public rectangular survey system—not the property line between your lot and your neighbor’s lot next door.

To start their work, on any given survey, surveyors have to plow through a lot of public records at the courthouse searching for evidence. The County Surveyor’s website could become a “one stop” shop for surveyors. Most of this information already exists in the county’s computer systems. It’ a mat