KRCC News sent detailed surveys about some of the most critical issues facing city leaders, to the candidates running for the Colorado Springs mayoral seat. The short biography below is gleaned from the candidate’s responses (if submitted), their websites and other sources.
Tom Strand is the current president of Colorado Springs City Council. He's a retired military officer and lawyer. His public service extends to serving as vice president and president of the District 11 Board of Education.
Candidate did not respond to survey.
Role and vision
What is your elevator pitch for why voters in Colorado Springs should choose you as the next mayor?
Candidate did not respond.
What do you see as the role and/or function of city government?
Candidate did not respond.
What is the number one challenge facing the next mayor of Colorado Springs, and how would you address it?
Candidate did not respond.
What is your vision for Colorado Springs in the next 25 years, and what realistic policies do you propose to get us there?
Candidate did not respond.
Law enforcement / Public Safety
What is the most pressing public safety issue facing the city and how would you address it?
Candidate did not respond.
What is your response to the findings from the audit on how the Colorado Springs Police Department uses force? What, if any, changes need to be made to the way CSPD operates?
Candidate did not respond.
What do you think of the current relationship between the Colorado Springs Police Department and the public? Is it acceptable or should more be done, and if so, what?
Candidate did not respond.
What do you think of the Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission (LETAC)? What would you do differently with this commission or its purpose if given the chance?
Candidate did not respond.
Emergency officials are implementing new notification software and other measures in the case of a wildfire or other hazard, but some residents say that isn’t enough. How would you address their concerns?
Candidate did not respond.
Growth
How do you define sustainable and responsible growth, and is the city successful in growing responsibly and sustainably?
Candidate did not respond.
What different approach would you take, if any, to help address housing affordability?
Candidate did not respond.
Infill is identified in the PlanCOS master plan as a key strategy for the city moving forward, and yet, council is currently debating annexations. How do you define infill and how do you balance it with annexations?
Candidate did not respond.
What do you think of the recent water service extension ordinance passed by council and signed by the mayor aimed at limiting annexations based on water supply? What would you have done differently?
Candidate did not respond.
How do you balance maintaining the character of Colorado Springs with the need for development? What is the character of Colorado Springs?
Candidate did not respond.
Transportation / Infrastructure
What is the most important infrastructure project needed in Colorado Springs right now, and how would you address it?
Candidate did not respond.
How do you feel about the transportation options currently available in Colorado Springs? What plans, if any, do you have to increase options for reliable public transportation?
Candidate did not respond.
What are your thoughts about expanding the use of active transportation like bicycles or walking? Should it be a primary focus and if so, what should be done?
Candidate did not respond.
Parks & Open Space, Economy & Other
General Palmer's original vision for the city of Colorado Springs was that of a planned community, built around its natural beauty and environment. Do you agree with that vision, and if so, how do you plan to stay true to it?
Candidate did not respond.
What do you see as the current state of economic diversity, and where does the city have the opportunity to grow?
Candidate did not respond.
Is the city doing enough to address the issue of people experiencing homelessness? What, if anything, would you do differently?
Candidate did not respond.
What is your stance on if and when to ask voters to retain funds that exceed the cap imposed by the Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR)?
Candidate did not respond.
Who are your top three campaign donors?
Candidate did not respond.
Quick responses
Would you support city councilors receiving a living wage or salary as opposed to the annual stipend of $6,250?
Candidate did not respond.
Do you support the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado Springs?
Candidate did not respond.
Would you support creating an independent board for Colorado Springs Utilities, rather than having council serve as the board?
Candidate did not respond.
Do you support Front Range Rail?
Candidate did not respond.
Do you support extending Constitution Avenue?
Candidate did not respond.
Is the city adequately addressing climate change and adaptation?
Candidate did not respond.
Do you support the ballot measure that extends the TOPS sales tax?
Candidate did not respond.
