Questionnaire for Boulder County Commissioner Candidates 2008
If you would like to seek endorsement by the Sierra Club, the following
questionnaire must be completed.
Please return your response to these questions no later than 5:00 p.m. on
June 2. You may email them to HYPERLINK "mailto:davidconley@gmail.com"
davidco
nley@gmail.com in either a Word document or a PDF.
1. What are your major environmental achievements as an individual.
I have been a volunteer for many conservation groups including VOC
(Volunteers of Outdoor Colorado), and WRP (Wildlands restoration
volunteers). My most significant and consistent effort has been to the
Colorado Department of Wildlife.
As a hunter along with the other noble hunters, we hunters have helped in
the task of wildlife management on a scale that the Department of Wildlife
cannot perform alone. This necessary ecological management is done at no
expense to the taxpayer; but, instead, by efforts and monetary contributions
of citizens like myself. In fact, the Department of Wildlife is almost
completely funded by the sale of hunting licenses.
I would also like to point out that I have dedicated myself to sustainable
living in harmony with nature. My home is completely off the grid. I
generate my electricity using the sun. I purify my own water and compost my
waste. The all-stone house I have built used local lumber and recycled
fixtures.
2. It has become an informal custom in recent years that Commissioners
specialize in certain aspects of Boulder County operations. Do you see
yourself with a specialty, and, if so, what is it? What environmental
issues related to that specialty might you pursue during your term of
office?
With College training in Natural Resource Management from Colorado State
University, I believe I can contribute to the operations of the Open Space
Department. As a Masonry Contractor in the Building Trades for 25 years I
can be very helpful in the arena of land use and building codes and
inspections.
3. The Sierra Club is concerned about what we regard as an excessive
reliance on chemical pesticides to control nuisance and West Nile-bearing
mosquitoes, noxious weeds, pine bark beetles and real or perceived animal
pests on County lands. Would you support the formation of a new scientific
advisory board, with a balance of agronomic and ecological experts, to
advise the Commissioners, the County Health Department and County Parks and
Open Space on these management issues?
Absolutely! This is of major importance not only to the environment but
also to the health of the citizens within the county. In particular, with
respect to the question of West Nile virus (which I have had) there is
evidence that the chemical application of pesticides has no impact
whatsoever on curtailing it.
4. What can the county do to better protect wildlife? For example would you
support an ordinance regulating trash collection to reduce the number of
"nuisance bears?"
The best use of tax money in this arena would be to educate citizens of the
value and need for better trash disposal techniques and how to perform it.
But this can be done far more effectively and efficiently by non-government
organizations such as the Sierra club!
5. As a County Commissioner how would you support the regional transit
expansion? How could the county improve its local transportation structure
in order to best complement the FasTracks build-out and improve transit
rider-ship? Would you be in favor of a ballot initiative for trails and
transit similar to the one that failed in 2006? How would it differ from
the 2006 initiative?
The Public has voted for the tax regarding the FasTracks and it seems to be
moving forward. In the unincorporated County -- and I hope the affected
municipalities will follow suit -- I would push for an exemption from PUC
restrictions so as to allow the free market to encourage the use of taxi's,
jitney's, and mini-buses; allowing these private vehicles to bring people to
and from mass transit stops. It would also be advantageous to help fund the
project by the sale of land along the route as it becomes more valuable
instead of giving away these windfalls to insiders.
6. How can the Sustainability Program be implemented effectively? Do you
consider the goals realistic? What leadership role do you see for yourself
in increasing energy efficiency? Would you favor the county signing on as a
Sierra "Cool County"? Do we need more funding to provide local incentives,
e.g. lowered permit fees, rebates, low interest loans, to encourage
residential and commercial solar electric, solar thermal and wind as well as
more educational programs for the public? How would these monies be raised,
if needed?
The current BOCC Sustainability program has nothing to do with
Sustainability and has more to do with reducing or stopping development and
building in Boulder County. It is, sadly, a complete misuse of government
to achieve the personal agenda of a few individuals. It not only does not
fit within the perimeter of powers outlined in the constitution but it
tramples on individual and private property rights; which is the very
purpose of government to uphold.
Once again, the people are the ones to decide. It is their choice and I
believe -- with education -- they will make the right choices in what
building materials and how big to build their personal homes. Making
detailed regulations in regard to this is not only shortsighted but can
impede progressive and innovative ideas and solutions from happening.
One of my running mates, Ralph Shnelvar, says: Unnecessary rules force
extraordinary people to do ordinary things.
Government should team up with non-profit associations like the Sierra Club
to educate and inform people of alternatives and encourage the blazing of
new trails. With my own personal journey to off-the-grid sustainability, I
would have been much better served by this kind of public-private education
as opposed to the stringent regulations and guidelines that I had to meet
that, in the end, only increased the cost of building my home.
7. What steps can be taken to strengthen the Super IGA and how does that
impact the boundaries of cities in the county that may annex adjoining land?
The IGA is an agreement entered into by sovereign municipalities. It is a
commendable effort to stop urban sprawl. It is however an agreement that
can be withdrawn by future representatives should the people decide it no
longer serves them well.
The idea of strengthening this agreement might be better reified through
constant dialog and cooperation. We cannot know the future and some
growth -- say linear along mass transit lines -- may be beneficial for
reasons stated before.
There is a definite need for regional planning and open discussion. LAND USE PLANNING AT EVERY LEVEL.IS DOMINATED BY POWERFUL LAND
OWNERS AND DEVELOPERS, THE VERY PEOPLE WE HOPE TO MANAGE. IF INSTEAD WE
DEFINE HARMS AND NEEDED PROTECTIONS BETWEEN NEIGHBORS WHEN THEY DISAGREE,
THE NEEDS OF OLD AND NEW RESIDENTS WILL BE CONTINUALLY FILLED WHEREVER THEY
ARE WANTED -WITH INCREASING IMAGINATION AND LOWER COSTS. THE RESULTS WILL
INCLUDE OPEN SPACE SPACES AND PARKWAYS WITH ROADS AND UTILITIES - ALL
WITHOUT PUBLIC EXPENSE.
8. There is an increasing conflict between using open space tax monies to
manage existing properties and acquiring new properties as availability of
property diminishes and recreational demands grow. Where do you place
yourself on this spectrum of management verses acquisition? Similarly,
there is a conflict between buying lands to preserve prime farm land and
agricultural potential and buying lands chiefly for recreation or wildlife
habitat. Where would you place yourself on that spectrum?
Opens Space now has three taxes and is supported by the people. The
question really is how it should be purchased and administered.
The current zoning of agricultural land is sufficient to maintain the
"rural" flavor that is important to the majority of citizens. Why then
should the people -- at great expense --purchase this land and-take it off
the tax roles where it provides revenue for schools and local fire
departments (which have to fight fires on the very same property) and then
lease it back to the very same farmers for penny's on the dollar to farm as
they always have; at the same time allowing no public access to this
publicly purchased land?
This does not make a lot of sense economically or otherwise. I would much
more favor the purchase of riparian areas and wildlife corridors and
maintain trails and facilities for the public who own it. I would also stop
the use of park personnel as police by carrying firearms. This job is
already allotted to the Sheriffs department, which is already trained and
funded for this purpose.
9. Do you see a role for the County to influence the development (public
transportation access, housing, 'green building') of the Conoco-Phillips
property?
This property is under the jurisdiction of the City of Louisville and I do
not see that changing. Any influence by the County should be suggestive
only.
10. In light of increasing precious metals prices and pressures to reopen
old mines and milling operations, and in light of potential threats to water
supplies posed by (for example) cyanide-based ore milling, would you support
a County ordinance to ban such operations in Boulder County, as Summit
County has done, below?
(3812.04: Open Mining/Use of Cyanide or Other Toxic/Acidic Ore Processing
Reagents. Any mining or milling operation that utilizes cyanide or other
toxic/acidic ore processing reagents in heap or vat leach applications shall
not be allowed in any zoning district.)
Mining has not only been a historical business in this county, you could
actually point to it as the original reason for Boulder County to exist.
I would support the efforts of any entrepreneur to work this trade. As in
any case or situation they must do this without infringing on the rights of
other citizens including exposing them to hazardous material.
11. What is your stance on house sizes in Boulder County?
Given that there are very few build-able lots left within the unincorporated
County, if a private land owner met the setback requirements currently in
place, it is not the business of government or anyone to determine the size
of their house.
I believe we all have a sense of fairness and if we couple that with open
communication, most, if not all, issues of difference of opinions can be
resolved without legislation or litigation that are all costly to the
taxpayer.
From the time of my youth growing up in Boulder, I have been active in
fighting for the health and well being of the environment.
The first time I became involved in environmental issues when I was in high
school and it concerned the damming of the Dolores River.
The perimeters of Government set forth in the Constitution are clear and the
purpose of government to uphold and defend the rights of the individual
against the tyranny of the majority or special interest groups creates a
fine line to be walked. That is why the partnership of government and non
profit groups like the Sierra club to keep the populace informed of
environmental issues is so important. Keep up the good work.
Comments
Questionnaire for Boulder County Commissioner Candidates 2008
If you would like to seek endorsement by the Sierra Club, the following
questionnaire must be completed.
Please return your response to these questions no later than 5:00 p.m. on
June 2. You may email them to HYPERLINK "mailto:davidconley@gmail.com"
davidco
nley@gmail.com in either a Word document or a PDF.
1. What are your major environmental achievements as an individual.
I have been a volunteer for many conservation groups including VOC
(Volunteers of Outdoor Colorado), and WRP (Wildlands restoration
volunteers). My most significant and consistent effort has been to the
Colorado Department of Wildlife.
As a hunter along with the other noble hunters, we hunters have helped in
the task of wildlife management on a scale that the Department of Wildlife
cannot perform alone. This necessary ecological management is done at no
expense to the taxpayer; but, instead, by efforts and monetary contributions
of citizens like myself. In fact, the Department of Wildlife is almost
completely funded by the sale of hunting licenses.
I would also like to point out that I have dedicated myself to sustainable
living in harmony with nature. My home is completely off the grid. I
generate my electricity using the sun. I purify my own water and compost my
waste. The all-stone house I have built used local lumber and recycled
fixtures.
2. It has become an informal custom in recent years that Commissioners
specialize in certain aspects of Boulder County operations. Do you see
yourself with a specialty, and, if so, what is it? What environmental
issues related to that specialty might you pursue during your term of
office?
With College training in Natural Resource Management from Colorado State
University, I believe I can contribute to the operations of the Open Space
Department. As a Masonry Contractor in the Building Trades for 25 years I
can be very helpful in the arena of land use and building codes and
inspections.
3. The Sierra Club is concerned about what we regard as an excessive
reliance on chemical pesticides to control nuisance and West Nile-bearing
mosquitoes, noxious weeds, pine bark beetles and real or perceived animal
pests on County lands. Would you support the formation of a new scientific
advisory board, with a balance of agronomic and ecological experts, to
advise the Commissioners, the County Health Department and County Parks and
Open Space on these management issues?
Absolutely! This is of major importance not only to the environment but
also to the health of the citizens within the county. In particular, with
respect to the question of West Nile virus (which I have had) there is
evidence that the chemical application of pesticides has no impact
whatsoever on curtailing it.
4. What can the county do to better protect wildlife? For example would you
support an ordinance regulating trash collection to reduce the number of
"nuisance bears?"
The best use of tax money in this arena would be to educate citizens of the
value and need for better trash disposal techniques and how to perform it.
But this can be done far more effectively and efficiently by non-government
organizations such as the Sierra club!
5. As a County Commissioner how would you support the regional transit
expansion? How could the county improve its local transportation structure
in order to best complement the FasTracks build-out and improve transit
rider-ship? Would you be in favor of a ballot initiative for trails and
transit similar to the one that failed in 2006? How would it differ from
the 2006 initiative?
The Public has voted for the tax regarding the FasTracks and it seems to be
moving forward. In the unincorporated County -- and I hope the affected
municipalities will follow suit -- I would push for an exemption from PUC
restrictions so as to allow the free market to encourage the use of taxi's,
jitney's, and mini-buses; allowing these private vehicles to bring people to
and from mass transit stops. It would also be advantageous to help fund the
project by the sale of land along the route as it becomes more valuable
instead of giving away these windfalls to insiders.
6. How can the Sustainability Program be implemented effectively? Do you
consider the goals realistic? What leadership role do you see for yourself
in increasing energy efficiency? Would you favor the county signing on as a
Sierra "Cool County"? Do we need more funding to provide local incentives,
e.g. lowered permit fees, rebates, low interest loans, to encourage
residential and commercial solar electric, solar thermal and wind as well as
more educational programs for the public? How would these monies be raised,
if needed?
The current BOCC Sustainability program has nothing to do with
Sustainability and has more to do with reducing or stopping development and
building in Boulder County. It is, sadly, a complete misuse of government
to achieve the personal agenda of a few individuals. It not only does not
fit within the perimeter of powers outlined in the constitution but it
tramples on individual and private property rights; which is the very
purpose of government to uphold.
Once again, the people are the ones to decide. It is their choice and I
believe -- with education -- they will make the right choices in what
building materials and how big to build their personal homes. Making
detailed regulations in regard to this is not only shortsighted but can
impede progressive and innovative ideas and solutions from happening.
One of my running mates, Ralph Shnelvar, says: Unnecessary rules force
extraordinary people to do ordinary things.
Government should team up with non-profit associations like the Sierra Club
to educate and inform people of alternatives and encourage the blazing of
new trails. With my own personal journey to off-the-grid sustainability, I
would have been much better served by this kind of public-private education
as opposed to the stringent regulations and guidelines that I had to meet
that, in the end, only increased the cost of building my home.
7. What steps can be taken to strengthen the Super IGA and how does that
impact the boundaries of cities in the county that may annex adjoining land?
The IGA is an agreement entered into by sovereign municipalities. It is a
commendable effort to stop urban sprawl. It is however an agreement that
can be withdrawn by future representatives should the people decide it no
longer serves them well.
The idea of strengthening this agreement might be better reified through
constant dialog and cooperation. We cannot know the future and some
growth -- say linear along mass transit lines -- may be beneficial for
reasons stated before.
There is a definite need for regional planning and open discussion. LAND USE PLANNING AT EVERY LEVEL.IS DOMINATED BY POWERFUL LAND
OWNERS AND DEVELOPERS, THE VERY PEOPLE WE HOPE TO MANAGE. IF INSTEAD WE
DEFINE HARMS AND NEEDED PROTECTIONS BETWEEN NEIGHBORS WHEN THEY DISAGREE,
THE NEEDS OF OLD AND NEW RESIDENTS WILL BE CONTINUALLY FILLED WHEREVER THEY
ARE WANTED -WITH INCREASING IMAGINATION AND LOWER COSTS. THE RESULTS WILL
INCLUDE OPEN SPACE SPACES AND PARKWAYS WITH ROADS AND UTILITIES - ALL
WITHOUT PUBLIC EXPENSE.
8. There is an increasing conflict between using open space tax monies to
manage existing properties and acquiring new properties as availability of
property diminishes and recreational demands grow. Where do you place
yourself on this spectrum of management verses acquisition? Similarly,
there is a conflict between buying lands to preserve prime farm land and
agricultural potential and buying lands chiefly for recreation or wildlife
habitat. Where would you place yourself on that spectrum?
Opens Space now has three taxes and is supported by the people. The
question really is how it should be purchased and administered.
The current zoning of agricultural land is sufficient to maintain the
"rural" flavor that is important to the majority of citizens. Why then
should the people -- at great expense --purchase this land and-take it off
the tax roles where it provides revenue for schools and local fire
departments (which have to fight fires on the very same property) and then
lease it back to the very same farmers for penny's on the dollar to farm as
they always have; at the same time allowing no public access to this
publicly purchased land?
This does not make a lot of sense economically or otherwise. I would much
more favor the purchase of riparian areas and wildlife corridors and
maintain trails and facilities for the public who own it. I would also stop
the use of park personnel as police by carrying firearms. This job is
already allotted to the Sheriffs department, which is already trained and
funded for this purpose.
9. Do you see a role for the County to influence the development (public
transportation access, housing, 'green building') of the Conoco-Phillips
property?
This property is under the jurisdiction of the City of Louisville and I do
not see that changing. Any influence by the County should be suggestive
only.
10. In light of increasing precious metals prices and pressures to reopen
old mines and milling operations, and in light of potential threats to water
supplies posed by (for example) cyanide-based ore milling, would you support
a County ordinance to ban such operations in Boulder County, as Summit
County has done, below?
(3812.04: Open Mining/Use of Cyanide or Other Toxic/Acidic Ore Processing
Reagents. Any mining or milling operation that utilizes cyanide or other
toxic/acidic ore processing reagents in heap or vat leach applications shall
not be allowed in any zoning district.)
Mining has not only been a historical business in this county, you could
actually point to it as the original reason for Boulder County to exist.
I would support the efforts of any entrepreneur to work this trade. As in
any case or situation they must do this without infringing on the rights of
other citizens including exposing them to hazardous material.
11. What is your stance on house sizes in Boulder County?
Given that there are very few build-able lots left within the unincorporated
County, if a private land owner met the setback requirements currently in
place, it is not the business of government or anyone to determine the size
of their house.
I believe we all have a sense of fairness and if we couple that with open
communication, most, if not all, issues of difference of opinions can be
resolved without legislation or litigation that are all costly to the
taxpayer.
From the time of my youth growing up in Boulder, I have been active in
fighting for the health and well being of the environment.
The first time I became involved in environmental issues when I was in high
school and it concerned the damming of the Dolores River.
The perimeters of Government set forth in the Constitution are clear and the
purpose of government to uphold and defend the rights of the individual
against the tyranny of the majority or special interest groups creates a
fine line to be walked. That is why the partnership of government and non
profit groups like the Sierra club to keep the populace informed of
environmental issues is so important. Keep up the good work.