The Platform

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As a long time resident of the area I want to see responsible development. Recognizing the need for housing for our local service employees as well as the needs for financial recovery for the community businesses.  The concerns over resources, egress, building structure and size, population and services are all serious conversations that are being held at each level of governance.  While I want the fire department to continue to be involved with Planning and Zoning, Elk Creek Fire Protection District is not in the business of land use.  Our number one priority is to that of the emergency response needs of the community.  Chief Ware and his staff know the limits and capacities and they have been very open and honest about our ability to serve those developments.  My intention is to continue to support the District as a whole and address each development as it comes. 

2020 took a toll on communications.  It presented us with new opportunities to test the ever changing landscape of technology and to close the distance during social distancing and safety protocols.  I believe that we can now look at merging both the in person and the tech.  My first goal is to ensure that the board meetings are held in person, while simultaneously broadcasting on zoom.  I feel like opening the doors to the public will serve our generations that prefer face to face, and providing that online option will allow our generations who prefer remote sessions to both participate.   In addition, I plan to help the department leverage its resources with the Special District Association of Colorado, SIPA (Statewide Internet Portal Authority), and the Special Districts Pool (of which Elk Creek is a member) to ensure the Board and staff have access to training and we are engaging the community as frequently as possible.

I think the department has done a great job and I would love to see them continue and enhance what they have been doing.  Ultimately, the management of the District is the responsibility of Chief Ware and his team.   Utilizing our website, social media and our wonderful community events, like the Town Hall Meetings.  I would love to see the district partner with organizations like the Chamber and the VFW to enhance those communications as well as working with the local schools to engage the youth and community.