Last week the towns of Winter Park and Fraser held Candidate forums for upcoming elections.  Winter Park Town Council has 7 people running for 4 seats. The Fraser Board of Trustees has 5 people running for 3 seats.  The elections for both towns are scheduled for April 3rd, 2018.

Both events were attended by 25-30 citizens and questions were submitted anonymously at the event or in advance by email.  The candidates each had 3 minutes for open remarks and then the following questions were posed by a moderator in a random order with time limits for each question.

After the event, we sent the questions from the event out to the candidates for written response.  We included the questions and responses we received from each of the candidates in the next few pages of the paper. These responses are only a small portion of the actual event responses.  We encourage you to contact the candidates if you would like further explanations or clarification.

Winter Park Times recorded the Fraser Board of Trustees forum Live on our Facebook Page however we were not able to record the Winter Park event, if you want to watch the Fraser event goto Facebook/WinterParkTimes.

 

 

Andy Miller

1)  Where do you see Fraser in 5 yrs?  10yrs? Beyond?

The key to a successful Fraser future is to maintain the unique personality of our community. We don’t need super-stores, we do need to support and encourage local shops and businesses.  If we facilitate realistic methods to get visitors here without their cars (hey – what about those train tracks in town!) we won’t need wider streets.

My passion is the planning, advocacy and construction of non-motorized recreation amenities.  More huts (my company lead the construction of the Broome Hut) and trails will help maintain the Fraser Valley’s leadership in the number of unique recreation amenities present in our exciting community.

2)  Discuss your thoughts on Public Transportation, current system, investments and improvements you think are important.

We have maxed out the bus service based on the current revenue stream. We should recognize the actual community impacts of driving, i.e. the need for wider streets, new parking lots and degradation of the environment. Durango recognized this reality by utilizing parking fees to help pay for their transit system.

3)  What are your thoughts on the best way to coordinate with the Town of Winter Park?   …Ski Area?

We have been having joint meetings between both town governments. We must communicate to short-circuit any differences which can lead to increased costs to taxpayers. We are all in this together.

The ski area is our largest local business and our main economic driver. Fraser can help in their efforts by facilitating the building of affordable housing and by contributing innovative ideas to enhance the ski area guest experience.

4)  Describe why you think affordable housing is important?

I was a founding board member of the Grand County Housing Authority in 1977. I built my first home from material salvaged from the Winter Park train station in 1975. I am currently a General Contractor. I have the background to find innovative and realistic solutions to our housing crisis.
We have, during my term on the board, made concrete regulatory steps to make the building of small homes on small lots affordable. Tap fees for water and sewer are now based on square footage.  Minimum lot sizes in the old part of town have been halved.

Long commutes have real impacts on the quality of life, both for employees and for the environment.  

5)  Discuss your thoughts behind annexations. If developers continue to make deals with the County, do you believe it will have a negative impact on the Fraser community of the future?

 

As a former community journalist I became very familiar with critical questions concerning annexations and development.  Bottom line, development must pay its own way. Fraser will not have any hope of being an affordable place to live if we can’t maintain this bar.

There is a cost to maintaining community control over residential developments. Studies show commercial development reaches the point of tax income being higher than actual expenses, a reality most often not true for a residential neighborhood. This is especially true in a community where mill levies (property taxes) are low and sales tax rates are high – a description which fits Fraser exactly.  

6)  The town of Fraser has explored the possibility of a solar project, but so far has not moved forward.  How would you work with Mountain Parks Electric to bring more renewable energy?

Fraser is advocating for a solar array to help feed the power needs of the consolidated sewer plant – our single largest public infrastructure electric consumer.  We need the buy-in of Grand County Water and Sanitation #1 – serving the town of Winter Park and the Winter Ranch Water and San. District – serving the Meadow Ridge area.  Three districts share in this plant.

Community solar arrays can also be established; I toured the Solar Gardens run by the town of Breckenridge. Utility users can take advantage of the option to buy into these gardens. We have allies in two board members with a Fraser bent helping to govern Mountain Parks Electric, former Mayor Peggy Smith and former Trustee Liz McIntrye both sit on the board.

Bottom line, an annual average of 300 days of high altitude sun (PV is a rare animal which works better at altitude) means we are ideally situated for solar power.

I built and maintain the off-the-grid High Lonesome Hut, solar powered since 1995.

7)  What will you do to inforce town ordinances?

Town trustees do not enforce town ordinances. As a town trustee, and recipient of a town letter informing me I was in violation of our “junk ordinance”, I do pay close attention to the impact our regulations have on citizens.

I did clean up much of my yard (a commitment to the salvaging of building materials does entail a bit of an on-going mess). I believe our town must be a pleasant and attractive place to live.  But I also believe Fraser is a working town; a huge part of affordability is having the option to make income off your main investment – your home.

8)  What does smart growth mean to you?

Growth should, at the very least, pay its own way and should also enhance the quality of life for current – and future – town residents.  

9)  In a closing remark, why should we vote for you?

We are facing an uncertain climatic future.  Economic up and downswings have always hit our mountain town hard. Our challenge is to build a sustainable community which takes advantage of our natural resources – the Colorado River headwaters, astounding mountains and a cool climate.

My diverse 4 decade Fraser Valley career has ranged from building the Child Care Center founder and director to serving as a community journalist.  I hope you agree my depth of understanding of the intricate workings of our mountain refuge leaves me ideally suited to serve another term as your Fraser town representative.

 

Barry Young

1)  Where do you see Fraser in 5 yrs?  10yrs? Beyond?

In last year’s Fraser resident survey it became clear our residents want to have more opportunities to meet, play, socialize, dine and shop right in Fraser, and I share that vision. I see Fraser in 5 years moving toward a walkable town where we can take a short drive, bus or bike ride, and for many a walk to meet friends and do these things. Longer term, I see Fraser having more of its own identity with people coming from out of town TO Fraser specifically. I see all of this happening with Fraser retaining its unique character we love and continuing the sound finances the town currently has.

2)  Discuss your thoughts on Public Transportation, current system, investments and improvements you think are important.

The current system is a vast improvement over the prior system; as revenues allow, it can be improved by having more routes going off of US 40 and moving more routes to twice a day on weekdays. As we evaluate changes we should keep in mind our workers that may not own a car.

3)  What are your thoughts on the best way to coordinate with the Town of Winter Park?   …Ski Area?

As we all progress, we need to improve our communications to our mutual benefit. It may be that a small team of newer individuals from Fraser, Winter Park, and the Ski area may start a fresh approach that may yield new results. In my prior career of 38 years as a retirement plan consultant (actuary), I met with countless groups to work through complex long term retirement and employee benefit issues and have developed a team approach to solving problems.

4)  Describe why you think affordable housing is important?

In order for our Town to provide the services our residents depend on and for our businesses to succeed, we need qualified employees; the availability and cost of housing is becoming a major roadblock. I believe that individuals that work in Fraser should be able to live in Fraser. This is clearly one of the most critical issues to focus on in the next Board term.

5)  Discuss your thoughts behind annexations.

If developers continue to make deals with the County, do you believe it will have a negative impact on the Fraser community of the future? When I look at the map of the area in and around Fraser my reaction is annexation can make sense under the right conditions. My 38 years as a retirement plan actuary has taught me to take a very long term perspective on important decision making. If on the Board, I would take a very careful look at any developer deal to insure it is in the long term benefit of Fraser residents (impact on roads, traffic, water, sewer, etc.) and the developer. In many cases, we may find by annexation we have more control over a development in our back yard than if that control is shifted to the county.

6)  The town of Fraser has explored the possibility of a solar project, but so far has not moved forward.  How would you work with Mountain Parks Electric to bring more renewable energy?

I am a big believer in the long term benefit of alternative energy by solar and wind, and we are the beneficiaries of a lot of sunlight! I have read about solar and it appears the cost is declining at a rapid rate and the cost is quickly declining to be less than coal. I would evaluate the long term cost implications and work toward a solar solution when we can become comfortable the time is right.

7)  What will you do to inforce town ordinances?

The role of the Board is to establish and monitor ordinances but not to enforce them. I would work with residents, the Board, and staff to insure ordinances are fair and appropriate and support staff in their enforcement.

8)  What does smart growth mean to you?

First, in order to provide our residents with the services we need and desire, growth is critical. The recent needs to repair a water main and the bridge on County Road 8 are good examples. To me, smart growth means doing so in a manner that leads to continuing development of our business corridor and residential areas in a financially responsible manner while retaining our strong conservative financial position and unique Fraser character.

9)  In a closing remark, why should we vote for you?  

I think our town is best served by having a Board with a broad range of backgrounds and skills; my economic and business background will be a good compliment to other board members. We are building our business, the new distillery and restaurant, in Fraser because we truly love the Fraser character and community.  I would apply my 38 years of experience helping companies make difficult financial decisions to working with our Board in analyzing issues and making the decisions so important to our future. Actuaries are trained to take a very long term perspective in solving problems and making decisions. I want to contribute my passion and experience to work hard to help in the exciting future of Fraser and would appreciate your vote!

 

Katie Soles

1)  Where do you see Fraser in 5 yrs?  10yrs?   Beyond?

WOW – there’s a lot going on. I see a walkable community with a vibrant downtown and river walk arts district. I see families and individuals thriving in a community that feels like home.

2)  Discuss your thoughts on Public Transportation, current system, investments and improvements you think are important.

Additional funding sources = more service. Possibly save dollars by good guest forecasting and using the smaller busses during slow times. Make the Ride Hop Ap more user friendly. Keep Fraser at the table with the Town of Winter Park and W P Resort.

 3)  What are your thoughts on the best way to coordinate with the Town of Winter Park?   …Ski Area?

Tough one – everyone is super busy. Try for 2 or 3 joint meetings per year. Ongoing sub-committee meetings where representatives from each entity participate. If stalemates or hostilities arise, use the help of a trained mediator to help facilitate constructive conversations.

4)  Describe why you think affordable housing is important?

Workforce & families can’t afford to live here.

The County and Municipalities need to work together on mandates for long term deed-restrictions on a percentage of new residential units.  Consistency here is vital to the health of attainable, workforce housing.

5)  Discuss your thoughts behind annexations. If developers continue to make deals with the County, do you believe it will have a negative impact on the Fraser community of the future? 

Annexations have short term benefits and long term costs. 

I don’t believe the County “make deals”. Approval of developments is a public process with well-defined regulations. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION during the hearing process makes a difference. I hope that with enough public input the adjacent developments will only benefit Fraser.

6)  The town of Fraser has explored the possibility of a solar project, but so far has not moved forward.  How would you work with Mountain Parks Electric to bring more renewable energy?

The Town is moving ahead with a solar project to provide power for the solid waste treatment facility.

 7)  What will you do to inforce town ordinances?

If someone is in violation to a point where it effects public safety or the integrity of our infrastructure I /we (the Board) would instruct staff to peruse enforcement. Private property rights prevail.

 8)  What does smart growth mean to you?

A balance between new business, housing, adequate infrastructure and environmental health while retaining our history, views & funky Fraser feel.

 9)  In a closing remark, why should we vote for you?

I am a very good listener and a peace maker. Fraser is my home of 42 plus years. I love the Town, Valley, Community and our many gifts from Nature. I am dedicated to helping (as best I can) steer our “smart” growth in this time of expanding population and tourism.

 

Kim Daniels

1)  Where do you see Fraser in 5 yrs?  10yrs? Beyond?

I see Fraser having a sustainable water and sewer system that supports both new and existing businesses and homes and a plan for responsible growth. A trail system that individuals can easily and safely bike or walk to get from one end of town to the other. Growth is inevitable, but I think we can grow while holding on to our unique charm with proper planning.  

2)  Discuss your thoughts on Public Transportation, current system, investments and improvements you think are important.

I am glad to see that we have a public transportation system! Although, I would like to see smaller buses during slower times and bike racks on the buses. I would like to look into “pay as you ride” to fund more stops.

3)  What are your thoughts on the best way to coordinate with the Town of Winter Park?   …Ski Area?

I would like to see a committee formed to discuss what is happening in each community and to keep an open line of commutation.   

4)  Describe why you think affordable housing is important?

Affordable housing is important to the community because it allows a sustainable work force and for individuals and families to plant roots in the community.

5)  Discuss your thoughts behind annexations. If developers continue to make deals with the County, do you believe it will have a negative impact on the Fraser community of the future?

Every request for annexation is different, each one should be considered and reviewed. I do believe the County does have the best interest in mind of the communities that will be affected by their decisions. It is hard to say if their “deals” will have a negative impact in Fraser in the future.

6)  The town of Fraser has explored the possibility of a solar project, but so far has not moved forward.  How would you work with Mountain Parks Electric to bring more renewable energy?

I am not up to date on this project. I would have to look into why it has not moved forward, and if it is still viable.

7)  What will you do to inforce town ordinances?

The town’s staff is responsible to enforce town ordinances.

8)  What does smart growth mean to you?

Sustainable infrastructure and a responsible plan for growth in the community.

 9)  In a closing remark, why should we vote for you?

I feel that I can a have a positive and respectful voice in the community. I want to see our community thrive. After all its not about me, it is about all of us.

 

 

Ryan Barwick

1)  Where do you see Fraser in 5 yrs?  10yrs? Beyond?

Economic patterns of cyclical growth and recessions are to be expected – good things are happening now with investors, developers and new business opportunities.  I think it is important to position the town for the next downturn. We need to be ready when we come out of the downturn to make things happen. We need to have the housing available for workers. We need infrastructure  and community assets in a financially stable position.


2)  Discuss your thoughts on Public Transportation, current system, investments and improvements you think are important.

We have made great improvements. Headed in the right direction, but it is not perfect. Like it or not, large part of growth is Grand Park and there is no bus service. Our people take a bus to Murdochs then have to walk to our trail system a half mile away. We need to analyze the gaps in coverage and improve the system routes to provide coverage to all of the high traffic areas.

3)  What are your thoughts on the best way to coordinate with the Town of Winter Park?   …Ski Area?

Communication between the Resort and each of the towns is critical to our success as a community. Unique opportunity with Winter Park Resort and I feel like the attitude has changed.  It is important to realize that what happens in Fraser impacts Winter Park and vice versa. There will always be differences but it gets down to the basics. Communication. Have the conserversations and find common ground.

4)  Describe why you think affordable housing is important?

Housing is really three components; seasonal workforce, year-round/starter house and upper end market. Most builders are building on the upper end. We need more starter housing. High end homes bring more people that want to vacation but there is limited housing for staff or starts. No place for staff. The towns have made strides to address the issue but we have a long way to go.

5)  Discuss your thoughts behind annexations. If developers continue to make deals with the County, do you believe it will have a negative impact on the Fraser community of the future?
Annexation should be a case by case basis. I have a fiscal background. If we are going to annex the revenue generated should offset the services. There should be a minimum of a net zero or plus to the community.

6)  The town of Fraser has explored the possibility of a solar project, but so far has not moved forward.  How would you work with Mountain Parks Electric to bring more renewable energy?

Is it appropriate? Is a net positive?  I don’t know much about it. We need to assess costs – we have an abundance of natural resource(the sun), if it reduces rates and creates cleaner environment. I am all for it.

7)  What will you do to inforce town ordinances?

Ordinances are in place for a reason. Up to the town to work with citizens rather than punish them. I think if there is a problem we should communicate the needs and resolve the problems.

8)  What does smart growth mean to you?

Smart Growth means not just saying yes. Don’t just rubber stamp it.  Fraser has a unique history unique culture. We want to maintain that culture.  Choosing the right projects is critical. Recognizing and working with community and business to choose right projects. Projects that are important and viable to our future.

9)  In a closing remark, why should we vote for you?

Having a wide angle lens is important, not just a narrow view. I bring that to the table. Some will be happy with decisions and some not so much. I think it is important to keep perspective and make the best decision possible. Board allocates money so financial stewardship is really important and a I have strong financial background. Really look forward to this opportunity. I bring different vantage point. Lived and visited many countries around the world. I bring a different vantage point. Those experiences can be leveraged in different ways.  I plan on being here for a long time and raising a family here. This is home. Look forward to a very interesting time for our valley.