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MY VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF TELLER COUNTY
"I came to the conclusion that in order to protect the character and freedoms we enjoy in Teller County, the role of county commissioner was going to have to change. It's not enough to just be constitutionally and fiscally conservative. We're going to have to do more to form new coalitions with other counties to protect the Teller County we all love. I've done that with our local Republican Party, making connections across the state, putting Teller County on the map. I want to do more for Teller County. " - Erik Stone in 2020
In 2023, Teller County is facing new challenges, along with a few old ones that we need to resolve in the coming years. The first major challenge is the spike in property values across Colorado. When I learned in 2022 that property tax valuations would spike, along with a corresponding increase in property taxes, I explored what authorization we had as commissioners to address temporary spikes in property valuations. I decides we needed help from the legislature to deal with unexpected spikes in the real estate markets, so I authored and worked with Senator Mark Baisley to introduce and pass SB23-108, a law which allows commissioners to temporarily lower property taxes on an annual basis. We will use that clarified authority to refund over $2 million to Teller County property owners in 2024.
Next is we have to eliminate what I call "Rent Debt". Since the 2000's, Teller County traded publicly owned buildings for the Catamount Open Space, immediately putting the county in the situation of needing to rent building to house about half of our space we need for required services. Since then, Teller County has paid millions of dollars in rent, which is an endless cycle of debt. I have, since being elected, led a planning effort to fund, design and build a Teller County Central Service Center in Divide. This would be a "one-stop-shop" for residents seeking services in the County, all in one, convenient location. This would have a multi-generational impact on how services are provided in Teller County, while simultaneously eliminating the lodestone that "Rent Debt" has on the county's budget.
Core Principles
Priorities in Teller County
Too often, the priorities of the government don't match up with the priorities of the taxpayers. Look at our state government! In Teller County, I will stay focused on your priorities - Safe, well-maintained roads and support for our sheriff's department.
In order to keep those priorities in Teller County, it will be crucial to plan for the future, so that Teller County can withstand the ups and downs of the economy while maintaining consistent and professional services that taxpayers should expect.
Proper Role of Government
Teller County has been blessed with a history of commissioners that understand the proper role of government and staying in their lane! The job of government is to provide infrastructure that supports transportation and commerce and insure the health, safety and welfare for it's citizens.
Government exists to protect your natural and property rights and provide the services demanded by taxpayers in the smallest and most efficient way possible. I pledge to be a loyal and faithful steward of your tax dollars and maintain a small and solvent county government that is void of debt.
Natural Resources
We live in perhaps the most special place in Colorado. Soaring peaks, an abundance of public lands and tremendous opportunities for all to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year.
We need to continue our efforts to promote forest fire mitigation and pursue grants to continue our wildfire mitigation efforts throughout the county. We also need to continue our efforts to educate property owners on mitigation to protect their homes and property and that of their neighbors.
Our Constitution
As a graduate of the Leadership Program of The Rockies and as a descendant of signers of both the the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, I have great reverence in the wisdom of our founders. My oath that I will take to protect and defend our State and Federal Constitution is unwavering.
Economic Development
What is the proper role of government for our county government in regards to economic development? In short, limited. It is not the proper role of government to pick winners and losers and award tax breaks or government assistance to industries interested in Teller County. We have a role in protecting our industries from forces outside the county, insuring the the gold mine and gaming industries have the opportunity to grow and develop without crushing regulations from the state or federal governments.
That's where my relationships with our state legislators, congressman Doug Lamborn and Senator Cory Gardner will be of great benefit. I'll work with our representatives to insure our industries are allowed to thrive.
