I want to share a few actionable policies I intend to revisit if elected.
Repeal
When Mayor Brooks signed Ordinance 017-2023, he created a developer loophole whereby staff can approve high-density apartments without public input! I will work to close the loophole because residents deserve a voice.
Mayor Brooks pushed through an ultra-high-density growth plan by adopting the town's most important growth document, the Comprehensive Plan. This happened weeks before an unprecedented Erie election where residents select every representative on the Council. The updates increased the densities for medium and high by over 50%. The unprecedented density increases must be rolled back in the Comprehensive Plan to maintain Erie's small-town feel.
Mayor Books signed an Ordinance requiring fire suppression sprinklers in every new home, which adds $11,000-$20,000 to the cost. Housing affordability is a big issue, so we need leaders who will drive down housing costs for residents and not send costs soaring. Ask your representative if they plan to pay $20,000 to add sprinklers to their house.
ReThink
Did you know Erie has more employees per resident than similar-sized cities like Lafayette, Brighton, Wheat Ridge, and Littleton? Why is that? Perhaps we have hired too many too quickly. Let’s rethink the balance, knowing budgets will be getting tighter.
We need to support and expand our community events that we all love, from our flagship events like Independence Day fireworks to events that celebrate our town and each other. I sweat the details so events representing Erie traditions, like Biscuit Day, can’t be missed due to sloppy coordination. Let’s rethink how we keep Erie the place to live and raise a family in Colorado!
The outdoor internet in Old Town can’t keep up with our vendors who come to sell at Erie events, including the Farmers Market. Let’s re-think this challenge and form a public-private partnership with Allo or Xfinity to provide adequate internet so everyone at our community events can access the internet when needed.
ReEngage
Old Town is our heart and soul and needs to be supported proactively to keep the incredible vibe the businesses help generate to attract customers from Erie and beyond! Engaging with small business owners on what is working and what is not is a priority for me.
Town Center will be the place we congregate to shop, eat, and play. We must proactively engage with the multiple developers to ensure development promotes the placemaking and experiential intention Mayor Jennifer Carroll set when it was envisioned five years ago.
Erie is a welcoming community; we need proactive, engaging leaders who walk the walk. I will lead the change to “Ensure Erie’s Future” and would appreciate your vote.
Thanks! Andrew
Comments