Questions from Erie Residents
Why are you running for Town Council?
I'm running because my family chose Erie to be our home, and I want to give back to the community that's given us so much. As a mom, Planning Commissioner, and Certified General Appraiser specializing in land and water, I believe I can bring practical experience to the decisions that will shape Erie's future. I want to help Erie grow thoughtfully, spend taxpayer dollars wisely, and preserve the character that makes this community so special.
I'm running because I think Erie is worth protecting. Erie has given my family so much, and I want to use my experience to help make sure the decisions we make today preserve what makes this community special for years to come.
What are your top three priorities?
My priorities can be summed up in three words: Protect. Preserve. Prioritize.
Protect Erie's water future by making long-term investments in the infrastructure and planning needed to support our community.
Preserve the small-town character that makes Erie special by protecting our open spaces, supporting local businesses, and ensuring growth enhances (not replaces) the community we love.
Prioritize responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars by investing in what matters most to our community, rebuilding our reserves, and ensuring new growth pays its fair share rather than shifting those costs onto existing residents.
What makes you different from other candidates?
I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do believe in asking the right questions.
Before making a decision, I want to understand the long-term impacts, listen to different perspectives, and make sure we're leaving Erie better for the next generation. That's the approach I've taken on the Planning Commission, it's the mindset I've developed through my career as a Certified General Appraiser, and it's the perspective I have every day as a mom raising two young children here in Erie.
I'm not interested in politics for the sake of politics. I'm interested in thoughtful planning, responsible stewardship, and protecting what makes Erie feel like home.
What experience do you have with water?
Water has been a major part of my entire career. As a Certified General Appraiser specializing in farms/ranches/water rights, I've spent years analyzing and valuing water assets across Colorado. My work has involved NCWCD (aka CBT) units, surface water & groundwater, augmentation plans, and conservation easements. I've also worked with municipalities, developers, brokers, attorneys, and landowners to understand how water availability affects property values, development, and long-term planning.
That experience has given me a practical understanding of something every growing community faces: without a secure water supply, growth eventually reaches a limit.
Water is one of the Town's most important long-term assets.
I'll bring that perspective to every major decision. My goal is to help Erie make thoughtful, long-term investments that protect our water portfolio, support responsible growth, and ensure today's decisions don't create problems for future generations.
Where does Erie's water actually come from?
Water is one of the most important issues facing Erie, and one of the least understood. Many people assume our water comes from a single reservoir or pipeline in the mountains. The reality is much more complicated. Erie's water portfolio is built from multiple sources, including:
Colorado-Big Thompson (CBT) Water
Windy Gap Water (currently unavailable due to elevated uranium levels)
Water Reuse
Groundwater
Future participation in the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP)
Each source plays a different role, and each comes with its own opportunities and challenges. There is no single solution. Responsible water planning means building a diverse and reliable portfolio, investing in treatment and reuse infrastructure, and making decisions with the next several decades in mind (not just the next few years). As a Certified General Appraiser specializing in farms, ranches, and water rights, I've spent years studying how water shapes communities across Colorado.
One lesson has become incredibly clear: Water isn't just another utility. It's the foundation for every home, business, school, park, and neighborhood we hope to build. That's why I believe every major planning decision should start with one question: Does our long-term water supply support it? If the answer isn't yes, we should slow down, plan carefully, and protect Erie's future.
What do you mean by "protecting our water portfolio"?
Protecting Erie's water portfolio means ensuring we have a reliable, diversified water supply to support our community for generations to come, while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. I support Erie's decision to remain in the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) while we continue evaluating its long-term financial implications. Water is one of our most valuable resources, and walking away from a potential future supply without fully understanding our alternatives would be shortsighted. However, we must take a serious look at the project's rising costs, the potential impact on existing residents' monthly water bills, and whether the benefits justify that financial burden.
I also believe we should continue exploring opportunities to acquire permanent water rights, diversify our supply, and protect the assets Erie already owns. New development must pay its fair share rather than shifting the costs of growth onto existing residents.
Ultimately, protecting our water portfolio means securing Erie's future without compromising the affordability of living here today.
What is your opinion on the current oil and gas issues facing Erie?
I understand why residents have concerns about oil and gas development, particularly the Draco Pad project. Protecting the health, safety, and environment of our community must always be a priority, and I support holding operators to rigorous standards. If I had been serving on Town Council when the agreement with SM Energy came before them, I would have voted yes. Here's why:
The Draco Pad received state approval despite the Town of Erie's objections. The decision before Council was not whether to approve the project itself, but how to responsibly manage the mineral interests Erie owned within the proposed drilling area.
Colorado law gave Erie meaningful negotiating leverage over its mineral interests, but declining the agreement did not necessarily prevent drilling beneath other portions of Erie. I supported using that leverage to secure tangible benefits for residents, including $4.5 million in cash, approximately 158 acres of land, a 3% share of production revenue, additional Town inspections, and the plugging and abandonment of 17 existing wells. Following a successful referendum petition effort, SM Energy terminated the agreement in August 2026, and Council subsequently repealed the authorizing ordinance. SM Energy has since submitted revised drilling plans excluding Erie's unleased mineral interests. The negotiated benefits and protections are no longer in place.
I respect that residents have strong and differing opinions about oil and gas development. However, elected officials have a responsibility to evaluate the specific decisions before them based on the facts, the Town's legal authority, and the realistic alternatives available.
As a Certified General Appraiser specializing in land, water, and property rights, I understand the importance of responsibly managing publicly owned assets. I would have voted yes because I believed the agreement offered meaningful protections and financial value for Erie under the circumstances. Moving forward, my priority remains protecting residents, requiring strong environmental oversight, defending the Town's interests, and making informed, practical decisions, even when the issues are controversial. For additional background and project updates, visit the Town of Erie's official mineral rights information page.
How should Erie grow?
I believe growth should be intentional, not automatic. Just because Erie has the ability to grow doesn't mean we should rush to reach a certain population. Every new neighborhood should be supported by the infrastructure our community needs to thrive.
Before approving additional growth, we need to make sure we have the capacity to support it. That means planning for long-term water infrastructure, investing in our roads, parks, schools, and public safety, and ensuring our budget keeps pace with the services residents expect. Growth should strengthen our community, not strain it.
We also need to be thoughtful about the type of housing we're approving. Growth should reflect the needs of Erie residents and the long-term vision for our community, not simply add more rooftops. My goal is to make decisions that protect the quality of life families enjoy today while planning responsibly for the generations who will call Erie home tomorrow.
What does "small-town feel" actually mean?
When I talk about preserving Erie's small-town feel, I'm not talking about limiting our population to a certain number. Erie is a growing community, and to me, "small-town feel" is about something much more meaningful than a population count. It's walking the trails in my neighborhood and running into familiar faces, heading downtown for dinner with my family, cheering on our kids at youth sports and see our neighbors, attending parades and community events together, and watching hot air balloons fill the sky right behind our home. It's our mountain views, parks, open spaces, locally owned businesses, and the connections that make Erie feel like home.
Preserving that character also means being intentional about how we grow. I believe we need to prioritize protecting open space, supporting our existing small businesses, and encouraging thoughtful commercial development that creates local jobs, expands our shopping and dining options, and strengthens our tax base. A stronger commercial sector can help fund the services and infrastructure residents rely on without placing as much of the financial burden on homeowners.
At the same time, residential growth should follow infrastructure, not outpace it. We need to ensure we have the water, roads, schools, and essential services necessary to support new neighborhoods before continuing to expand at a pace our infrastructure cannot sustain.
Protecting Erie's small-town feel doesn't mean resisting change. It means making thoughtful decisions about what we preserve, what we encourage, and how we grow. I want Erie to remain a place where families can put down roots, local businesses can thrive, and the sense of community that makes our Town special continues for generations to come.
How will you balance the budget?
I believe the Town should live within its means just like families do. That starts with prioritizing core services: public safety, roads, water infrastructure, and maintaining our parks and open spaces. I'd carefully evaluate discretionary spending, look for efficiencies, and make sure every major expenditure has a clear benefit to Erie residents.
I also believe we should be proactive in attracting commercial development and supporting our local businesses to grow Erie's sales tax base. A stronger commercial sector can diversify Town revenues, reduce our reliance on residential growth, and provide additional funding for essential services and infrastructure without placing more of the burden on existing homeowners. My goal is to rebuild the Town's financial reserves while continuing to invest in the infrastructure that supports our long-term future.
How do you define “fiscal responsibility”?
Every dollar the Town spends belongs to someone who worked hard to earn it. To me, fiscal responsibility isn't about saying "no" to every project—it's about making thoughtful decisions with taxpayer dollars. That means prioritizing our core responsibilities first, like infrastructure, water, roads, public safety, and long-term planning, before committing to new spending. It means understanding the long-term costs of today's decisions, maintaining healthy financial reserves, and making investments that provide lasting value for residents. When we manage our finances responsibly, we put Erie in a position to continue investing in the things that make our community special, from parks and trails to parades, community events, and our Third of July fireworks. Good stewardship isn't about spending less; it's about spending wisely.
What do you think about supporting local businesses?
Supporting local businesses means more than encouraging people to shop local. It means listening to the people who have invested their livelihoods in Erie and creating an environment where they can succeed.
I'm fortunate to call many of Erie's small business owners close friends, including hardworking local moms balancing businesses and families. I've heard firsthand about the challenges they face, from rising commercial rents and limited available space to the time and complexity of navigating Town processes. These are the businesses that sponsor our youth sports teams, support local fundraisers, create jobs, and contribute so much to Erie's character. I believe we should build on the great work of our Town's Economic Development team by exploring fiscally responsible incentives, removing unnecessary barriers, and actively attracting new commercial development. Expanding our commercial sector means more places to shop, dine, and work locally, while strengthening our sales tax base and helping fund essential Town services and infrastructure.
As a Councilmember, I want to strengthen communication with our business community, streamline processes where possible, and ensure we're supporting both existing businesses and new opportunities. A thriving local economy is essential to preserving Erie's small-town character while building a financially sustainable future.
How will you help keep Erie affordable for current residents?
Affordability isn't just about the price of buying or renting a home. It's about being able to afford to stay in that home. Rising utility rates, taxes, and fees directly impact young families, seniors on fixed incomes, and residents already struggling with increasing costs.
I'm particularly concerned about the potential financial burden of the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP). We cannot continue advocating for affordable housing without seriously acknowledging how substantial increases in monthly water bills could undermine that very goal. I support remaining in NISP while thoroughly evaluating its costs, alternatives, and long-term impacts on existing ratepayers.
Growth must pay its fair share, and affordability must include the cost of living, not just the cost of housing. That means responsible Town spending, carefully evaluating development fees, and ensuring today's growth decisions don't become tomorrow's financial burden on current residents.
What is your position on affordable housing in Erie?
I believe families, young professionals, and seniors should have opportunities to live in Erie, but affordable housing doesn't always have to mean government-subsidized or deed-restricted housing. It can also mean creating opportunities for more attainable, market-rate housing. I support encouraging a variety of housing options, including townhomes, condominiums, apartments, and other multifamily developments in appropriate locations with the infrastructure to support them. These options can provide more accessible entry points into our housing market, particularly for first-time homebuyers.
I'm cautious about deed-restricted ownership programs that limit appreciation and can prevent homeowners from building the same equity they might otherwise use toward purchasing their next home. Homeownership should be an opportunity to build long-term financial stability, not simply a way to secure a lower purchase price today.
We also cannot have an honest conversation about affordability without discussing the cost of actually living in a home. Rising property taxes, utility bills, and the potential financial burden of projects like NISP can make even an affordably priced home expensive to maintain. I believe our focus should be on removing unnecessary barriers to development, encouraging a variety of market-rate housing options, and ensuring growth pays its fair share. True affordability means having the opportunity to purchase or rent a home, afford to stay there, and, for homeowners, build equity for their future.
What do you think Erie is doing well?
Erie has a lot to be proud of. One of the things I appreciate most is how safe our community feels. We have an outstanding Police Department and first responders who work hard every day to protect our families, and that's something we should never take for granted.
Even as our community has grown to more than 40,000 residents, Erie has held onto the small-town feeling that makes it so special. I still run into people I know almost every time I'm at the grocery store, grabbing coffee downtown, or attending one of our parades, concerts, or community events. That's not something every growing town can say.
And then there are the views! The mountain views are one of the first things people notice when they visit Erie, but for those of us who live here, it's something we get to enjoy every day. It's a reminder of why so many families choose to call this community home.
My goal isn't to change what makes Erie special, it's to protect it. As Erie continues to grow, I want to make sure we continue investing in public safety, planning infrastructure before development, and preserving the community character that makes Erie feel like home.
What does the Planning Commission do?
Whenever I share that I’m a Planning Commissioner, the next question is always “What Does the Planning Commission actually do?”. It’s a great question. And definitely one I didn’t fully understand myself before I was appointed.
The Planning Commission serves as an advisory board to the Town Council. We review development proposals, consider updates to the Town's land use regulations, and make recommendations on how Erie should grow in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan. While the Town Council makes the final decisions on many major applications, the Planning Commission plays an important role in asking questions, evaluating projects, and ensuring each proposal is carefully considered before it reaches the Council.
Our job isn't to decide whether growth should happen, but to help ensure growth happens thoughtfully. We consider current infrastructure capacities, Erie’s long-term vision and Comprehensive Plan, impacts on nearby residents, traffic, drainage, and benefits to the community. Serving on the Planning Commission has reinforced something I already believed through my career as a Certified General Appraiser specializing in Colorado farms, ranches, water rights, and conservation easements: Every land-use decision has long-term consequences. That's why I believe growth should be guided by careful planning. Our infrastructure, water resources, parks, roads, and public services all need to keep pace as Erie continues to evolve.
One thing I've especially appreciated about serving on the Planning Commission is hearing from residents. Public input matters. Some of the best discussions happen because neighbors take the time to attend meetings, ask thoughtful questions, and share perspectives we might not otherwise hear. Whether you support a project or have concerns about it, I encourage you to stay engaged. Local government works best when residents participate, ask questions, and help shape the future of their community. Thoughtful planning is about asking the right questions, considering the long-term impacts, and making decisions that protect what makes Erie such a special place to call home.
Tell me about your family.
My husband, Dean, and I are raising our two young children (Deano and Liberty) here in Erie, and it's the only hometown they've ever known. We chose Erie because of its strong sense of community, beautiful open spaces, and the feeling that it's a wonderful place to raise a family. Between work, youth sports, community events, and weekends at our local parks, this town has become home. I'm running because I want to help protect what makes Erie such a special place for our family, and yours.
What's something people might not know about you?
I'm probably more competitive than people expect. Whether it's my adult soccer league, a family game of baseball in our backyard, or challenging my husband to an impromptu race, I love a little friendly competition. If you ask my husband, he will tell you I don’t like to lose.
