Adams County Issues

I believe everyone who lives in Adams County should have a chance to succeed and earn a good life. I stand for:

An economy that works for all of us

Despite Colorado’s reported low unemployment numbers, many employed folks in Adams County are not earning a living wage. Corporations and wealthy people shouldn’t keep all of the gains while working people struggle to get a fair shake. You should be able to work hard at a rewarding and good paying job that supports you and your family. A job that allows you to put your child to bed at night clothed, fed, and safe from harm. We need to build an economy for Adams County that leaves no one out and no one behind.

Housing that real people can afford

Finding a place to live in Adams County has become unaffordable and unsustainable. We need housing solutions to meet the needs of hardworking families.

I hear from residents all the time that the cost of housing is crushing their budgets. Adams used to be known as an affordable place to live, we can’t lose that value. A good job is only half the question if housing is unaffordable.

We as Commissioners have a strong role in protecting our housing stock, and making sure the folks who work here can afford to live here.

Protecting our Colorado way of life

Safe, beautiful, and accessible public land and water are Colorado’s treasures. Everyone who lives here has a right to clean air and water regardless of your zip code. We need to ensure that we have clean air, clean water, safe recreation for ourselves, our children, and future generations.

Everyone belongs and has a right to thrive in Adams County. Access to full spectrum reproductive health care for people who can get pregnant is under attack, along with LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and Miranda rights. Protecting our Civil liberties will ensure that everyone can thrive in Adams County. We need to stand strong to protect the Civil Rights we have come to expect in our Colorado way of life.

Projects and Initiatives

Your county government is the glue that hold communities together. Commissioners are in charge of human services, child welfare, public health, economic development, housing initiatives, transportation, land use, parks and open spaces. In general we have been working to respond to the extreme cost of living increases to build a strong quality of life in our community. Here are some of the projects I’ve been proud to work on:

  • Caraway House opened in 2021, which transformed an old Adams County Human Services building into 116 affordable housing units for families and youth aging out of the foster care system.
  • In 2021, the Adams County Human Service department partnered with Work Options, a nonprofit, to open a cafe and free culinary program for residents to jumpstart a career and get on-the-job training.
  • While chairing the Commission in 2020, we were the first county in the nation to distribute $90M of CARES money for food security, housing stability, small business support, and other community needs. It was critical to get this money into the hands of Coloradans who needed it the most, efficiently and transparently.
  • In 2020, I advocated for a $1M donation from Adams County to the Left Behind Worker Fund to provide support for people who lost their jobs but were otherwise ineligible for unemployment.
  • I will always champion workers rights. I supported the contract for Human Services workers with AFSCME in Adams County, and the Westminster firefighters joining IAFF while I was on Westminster City Council.
  • I support policies to promote more use of public transportation, electric cars and bike commuting. Over the last four years, Adams County parnered with RTD to open the N line in 2020 to serve commuters in Commerce City, Thornton, and Northglenn.
  • I strive to make Adams County safe and welcoming for every LGBTQ+ member of our community. One of the most special experiences during my first term as Commissioner was the work to put on Adams County’s inaugural PRIDE event in 2022. I ensured that every contractor working for Adams County Health and Human Services must provide LGBTQ+ inclusive care.
  • The Commission awarded $35 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants to 70 local organizations, nonprofits, and businesses in Adams County. One of these grants went to the Platte Valley Medical Center to fund their workforce development program for new nurses.
  • Adams County expanded the High-Risk Domestic Violence Team in conjunction with District Attorney Brian Mason and the Broomfield County Commissioners. This important program is designed to coordinate responses and resources for survivors of intimate partner violence.

I am running for re-election to continue my work to build a community where our support network is strong, our children are resilient, and everyone has the opportunity to build a good life.