Election 2021 Q&As: Candidates for Castle Pines mayor and council

Colorado Community Media
Posted 10/6/21

Castle Pines residents are voting for mayor and three city council seats in the election that ends Nov. 2. Ballots go out to voters beginning Oct. 8. In the mayor's race, Tara Radloff is seeking …

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Election 2021 Q&As: Candidates for Castle Pines mayor and council

Posted

Castle Pines residents are voting for mayor and three city council seats in the election that ends Nov. 2. Ballots go out to voters beginning Oct. 8.

In the mayor's race, Tara Radloff is seeking re-election. Challenging Radloff are current councilmember Tracy Engerman and Castle Pines North Metro District President David McEntire.

Council seats are also on the ballot in District 1 (the far northwest part of the city), District 2 (northwest and west Castle Pines) and District 3 (south and east areas, including The Canyons east of I-25). In District 1, Councilmember Chris Eubanks is running unopposed as Melissa Coudeyras opted not to seek re-election. In District 2, incumbent Ben Price faces challenger Chuck Lowen. And in District 3, incumbent councilmember Roger Hudson is challenged by Merri Sheh.

The News-Press sent questionnaires to each candidate to help voters learn more about them. Here are their responses, edited for clarity.

MAYOR

Tera Radloff

Occupation: Self-employed — consultant

Years living in Castle Pines: 18 years 

Campaign website: www.teraforcastlepinesmayor.com

Why do you want to serve as mayor?

I love this community and am passionate about continuing to serve my neighbors and businesses as mayor of Castle Pines.Many things from my 2017 Tera's To-Do List have been accomplished:Castle Pines transitioned to a home-rule city and recaptured lost sales tax; we've worked cohesively with our partners like the Metro District and Chamber of Commerce; we've prioritized repair and maintenance of the roads that are past their lifespan; and we've actively guided responsible growth and diverse development. 

I have especially enjoyed advocating for our community at a local and regional level through my service in leadership positions in Douglas County and at the Metro Mayors Caucus.It is such an exciting time.We are truly creating the community of Castle Pines and there is still more to achieve.

What would you say are your most important qualifications for the office you're seeking?

As the sitting mayor, I am currently serving in this role on behalf of the people of Castle Pines with integrity, honesty, and passion for the place we all call home.  I came into this job with an extensive professional background, successfully managing complex infrastructure projects with strict financial constraints and two terms on city council.  As mayor, I have certainly grown.  I have a better appreciation for the complexity of our community.  Success depends on “we” not “me”. I have made so many new friends and have learned to listen carefully to all our residents, including those that are new and those that have been here longer.  The relationships I have formed in the last four years will serve me well should I be honored with another term as Mayor. 

If elected, what would be your first priority in office?

The city has the strongest financial standing in our history.  It is an imperative that we maintain this excellent financial position to ensure a strong and cohesive future for Castle Pines while providing our citizens with recreational, business, and civic amenities that complement and enhance our community's character. 

What in your view is the greatest single issue facing Castle Pines and how would you address it?

Executing our plan for replacing and maintaining our roads in a timely manner with no increased taxes for the citizens of Castle Pines.  We are well underway with this effort.

Tracy Engerman

Occupation: Systems analyst and solutions engineer.

Years living in Castle Pines: Over 12 years.

Campaign website: www.Engerman4Mayor.com

Why do you want to serve as mayor?

I wish to serve as The City of Castle Pines mayor because we need strong solutions-oriented leadership to move the city's future from good to world class.I can offer that necessary leadership based on my background in business and raising a family of six with my spouse. I also believe community service and positive community engagement is paramount to the success and unity of a healthy community. I want to instill this belief in my children and future generations by leading by example.

What would you say are your most important qualifications for the office you're seeking?

Integrity, leadership, collaboration, team building, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, budgeting, and the curiosity to learn more and ask questions.

If elected, what would be your first priority in office?

Fix the roads

What in your view is the greatest single issue facing the city and how would you address it?

Sustainability. With our city's growth trajectory our needs will outpace our city's revenues if we do not focus on strategic plans to increase economic vitality. We must strengthen our economy by revitalizing our existing assets, grow and diversify our economic base to create local jobs; respond to residents' consumer needs keeping the dollar local; and stimulate investment in our commercial, all to boost revenue. We must maximize every tax dollar, fiscally challenge every budget decision, focus on strategic implementation over speed, and factor every decision's impact to future budgets and obligations. This to ensure our future remains solvent and sustainable.

David McEntire

(Saying they are running as a team, mayoral candidate David McEntire and District 2 council candidate Chuck Lowen submitted the same answers for questions posed).

Occupation: Homebuilder.President of the Castle Pines North Metro District. Family man.

Years living in Castle Pines: Purchased my home lot in 2015; our daughter, Brooke, started school at Timber Trail Elementary in 2016; we finished building our home and moved in March 2017.

Campaign website: www.VoteMcEntireAndLowenToFixOurCityStreetsNow.com

Why do you want to serve as mayor?

To fix city streets.The reform team of McEntire & Chuck Lowen object to incumbent city leaders' strategy of waiting for a federal or state government bailout to fix our streets.We're also running to give the people of Castle Pines the opportunity to vote on becoming in-district residents of South Suburban Parks & Recreation District and thereby enjoy the recreational facilities, amenities, opportunities, and programming that South Suburban offers its residents at less cost. We want to apply a fiscally conservative/responsible discipline to city spending and align city spending with resident priorities.

What would you say are your most important qualifications for the office you're seeking?

As highly successful entrepreneurs with lifetimes of owning/managing our respective companies (David McEntire as a homebuilder and Chuck Lowen as a commercial property manager), the reform team of McEntire & Lowen offer decades of direct, private-sector budgeting and finance expertise.That expertise informs and enhances our public decision-making as metro district directors and city leaders.

If elected, what would be your first priority in office?

Priority #1: Implement the plan on our website to fix city streets immediately and without raising taxes.Priority #2:Give the people of Castle Pines the opportunity to vote next year on becoming in-district residents of South Suburban Parks & Recreation District, and thereby enjoy the recreational facilities, amenities, opportunities, and programming that South Suburban offers its residents at less cost. Priority #3:Apply fiscally conservative/responsible discipline to city spending, while aligning city spending with resident priorities. Priority #4: Deliver a slightly lower mill levy (property tax rate).

What in your view is the greatest single issue facing the City of Castle Pines and how would you address it?

Responsibly funding the reconstruction/rehabilitation of city streets.Opportunity costs associated with the city's failure to allow Castle Pines voters to join the South Suburban Parks & Recreation District and enjoy its extraordinary recreational facilities, amenities, and opportunities at less cost. The seven-point McEntire & Lowen plan (on our website) to fix city streets will generate $20 million in street funding next year without raising taxes, and give Castle Pines residents access to the full complement of outstanding recreational facilities, amenities, programming, and opportunities South Suburban offers its in-district residents (at less cost, and lower the mill levy (property tax rates).

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1

Chris Eubanks (unopposed)

Occupation: Senior workforce business consultant for a major technology organization.

Years living in Castle Pines: 8.5 years.

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/chriseubankscastlepines

Why do you want to serve on the city council?

As an 8+ year resident of Castle Pines, I've seen tremendous change in the community, but I also know there is opportunity for improvement.Rather than sit on the sidelines as a spectator, I'd be the advocate for, and the voice of, the residents of District 1.What's important to the residents is important to me.My mission is to listen to the needs and wants of the community and transform those thoughts into actions benefiting not only District 1 but the entire City of Castle Pines. 

What would you say are your most important qualifications for the office you're seeking? 

I've held various senior leadership roles in my career where decisions are based on fact with desirable outcomes through my own knowledge and expertise as well as guided by the knowledge and influence of subject matter experts from every level.  I've been responsible for a $200 million+ labor budget as well as capital and expense budgets that consisted of improvement projects, maintenance, and technology during my career at a multi-billion-dollar organization while staying within the confines of the budget and within the communicated timeline.

If elected, what would be your first priority in office? 

My first priority would be to entice business owners to fill the occupancy of our shopping centers with diversified retail stores and restaurants to enhance the dining and shopping experience with a local community feel for the residents of Castle Pines as well as driving revenue for the city.  

What in your view is the greatest single issue facing the city and how would you address it? 

The biggest challenge to me is managing the growth of the City of Castle Pines, while at the same time, investing in and improving upon the current infrastructure benefiting the residents as well as visitors making Castle Pines a destination.  To address the challenge, I would listen to the voice of the residents to understand what's important to them and collaborate with fellow city council members to garner their support for new initiatives that can be implemented in a productive and fiscally responsible manner.

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2

Ben Price

Occupation: I'm the CEO of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, a nonprofit professional certification board. 

Years living in Castle Pines: We moved with our three daughters to Castle Pines in 2014. 

Campaign website: www.ben4castlepines.com 

Why do you want to serve on the City Council

Castle Pines is a great place to live, and I'm seeking reelection to continue the work we've already started. I feel like we've made great strides in Castle Pines in the last four years, while maintaining that great small-town feel we all love so much. But there's more to be done.In particular, we need to focus on finishing the fixes to our roads, enhancing our restaurant and retail areas, and ensuring basic things like safe, clean water to our homes.  

What would you say are your most important qualifications for the office you're seeking? 

I offer experience, and have served with honor, integrity, and commitment to the city we all love. I've been running non-profit organizations for decades and have the business savvy it takes to make smart fiscal decisions for a city like Castle Pines, and it has shown in the work I've already done in the last four years. I'm in touch with our residents, and love bringing their concerns to the table, finding solutions that work for everyone.   

If elected, what would be your first priority in office? 

My first priority would be fixing the roads here in Castle Pines.We have a beautiful, quality community, and our residents deserve roads to match. 

What in your view is the greatest single issue facing the city and how would you address it? 

The most pressing issue is and has been the condition of our roads. I believe the citizens made it clear last year when they voted down a ballot measure to pay for the roads that they want a different solution. I think we can find ways to partner with the county and other stakeholders to achieve our goals in a short period of time, and I'm committed to that. I think we can continue to provide all the services a city needs and still solve this problem if we are good stewards of our resources.

Chuck Lowen

(Saying they are running as a team, mayoral candidate David McEntire and District 2 council candidate Chuck Lowen submitted the same answers for questions posed).

Occupation: Commercial property management, leasing & development. Castle Pines North Metro District director. Family man.

Years living in Castle Pines: Seven years.

Campaign website: www.VoteMcEntireAndLowenToFixOurCityStreetsNow.com

Why do you want to serve on the City Council?

To fix city streets. The reform team of McEntire & Chuck Lowen object to incumbent city leaders' strategy of waiting for a federal or state government bailout to fix our streets.We're also running to give the people of Castle Pines the opportunity to vote on becoming in-district residents of South Suburban Parks & Recreation District and thereby enjoy the recreational facilities, amenities, opportunities, and programming that South Suburban offers its residents at less cost. We want to apply a fiscally conservative/responsible discipline to city spending and align city spending with resident priorities.

What would you say are your most important qualifications for the office you're seeking?

As highly successful entrepreneurs with lifetimes of owning/managing our respective companies (David McEntire as a homebuilder and Chuck Lowen as a commercial property manager), the reform team of McEntire & Lowen offer decades of direct, private-sector budgeting and finance expertise.That expertise informs and enhances our public decision-making as metro district directors and city leaders.

If elected, what would be your first priority in office?

Priority #1: Implement the plan on our website to fix city streets immediately and without raising taxes.Priority #2:Give the people of Castle Pines the opportunity to vote next year on becoming in-district residents of South Suburban Parks & Recreation District, and thereby enjoy the recreational facilities, amenities, opportunities, and programming that South Suburban offers its residents at less cost. Priority #3:Apply fiscally conservative/responsible discipline to city spending, while aligning city spending with resident priorities. Priority #4: Deliver a slightly lower mill levy (property tax rate).

What in your view is the greatest single issue facing the City of Castle Pines and how would you address it?

Responsibly funding the reconstruction/rehabilitation of city streets.Opportunity costs associated with the city's failure to allow Castle Pines voters to join the South Suburban Parks & Recreation District and enjoy its extraordinary recreational facilities, amenities, and opportunities at less cost. The seven-point McEntire & Lowen plan (on our website) to fix city streets will generate $20 million in street funding next year without raising taxes, and give Castle Pines residents access to the full complement of outstanding recreational facilities, amenities, programming, and opportunities South Suburban offers its in-district residents (at less cost, and lower the mill levy (property tax rates).

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3

Roger Hudson

Occupation: I am the Director of Programing for several growing nontraditional news channels. I also continue to manage communications for two dozen or so clients.

Years living in Castle Pines: We made Castle Pines our forever home eight years ago. But honestly, it feels like we have lived in Castle Pines for many happier years.

Campaign website: https://HudsonForCastlePines.com

Why do you want to serve on the Castle Pines City Council?

As with my first term, I hope to return to city council so that I might do as much good for as many as possible. I won most of the battles I took on these last four years — but there is so much more we can do to improve the lives of our neighbors:

Complete rebuild of our aged-out roads — on time and under budget.

Revitalize Safeway business district — reimagine with multi-use

Complete deal to bring top notch family fitness center to our city

Create more healthy outdoor options for residents — Pickleball, hiking, paddle board, hockey, etc.

What would you say are your most important qualifications for the office you're seeking?

While I believe my fellow council members might say, my most useful qualifications would be my 25+ years working as a journalist or as the attorney general's spokesman. But for me, a successful city councilman can be judged by how he or she resolves the day-to-day problems of his district. Can a councilman easily connect a homeowner with the solution that makes their day easier? I seem to have this talent — this qualification.

If elected, what would be your first priority in office?

I'm a little uncomfortable with the premise of only resolving one priority at a time. There is never a moment that I'm not weighing multiple priorities at the same time. That said, top of my list is of course completing my plan to rebuild the aged-out crumbling roads of Castle Pines — and to establish a funding mechanism for ongoing maintenance and repair.

Additional priorities include: city-wide reliable inexpensive highspeed internet, complete deal to bring top notch family fitness center to our city, and revitalize Safeway business district — reimagine with multi-use.

What in your view is the greatest single issue facing Castle Pines and how would you address it?

A poorly thought-out long-term plan for a Castle Pines' economic future. The city has made no plans, as of yet, to create economic drivers for the next generation of empty nesters. What amenities will Castle Pines residents in 2050 need or want? And, are will doing all we can now to prepare for the future?

Moving towards a better more productive future, I'm going to push for a Castle Pines effort to reimagine a city-wide highspeed internet utility that is both reliable and inexpensive. We can't move forward without being competitive and without the necessary tools.

Merri Sheh

Occupation: Owner/founder, En Masse Coworking

Years living in Castle Pines: One year

Campaign website: None

Why do you want to serve on the city council? 

Castle Pines is a city like no other. My family and I moved here to become forever residents. We chose this amazing community for its welcoming atmosphere and natural beauty. These are exciting times, and with the future visions and growth plans in place, I would like to be part of the governmental body that creates the right balance. I want to be a part of strengthening this community by preserving what attracted all of us here while integrating the inevitable growth of the city in a way that enhances the charm and quality of life for all of us.

What would you say are your most important qualifications for the office you're seeking?

Building a strong community takes experience, effort, and teamwork. As a successful business owner, parent, and socially conscious resident, I bring decades of knowledge, strong listening skills, and deep empathy for others. I am a current member of the Castle Pines Community of Excellence team and hold a seat on the Board of Directors for the Douglas County Community Foundation. Both positions provide me with many local and county perspectives that I can utilize as strengths and opportunities in my role as your City Council member.

If elected, what would be your first priority in office?

My number one priority is to be a voice for the residents of District 3 within the city government. I am a proud resident of Castle Pines. We are a community of diverse perspectives and opinions and as a representative, I will be obligated to listen to concerns or ideas and take all into consideration before casting votes on specific issues.

What in your view is the greatest single issue facing the city of Castle Pines and how would you address it? 

Maintaining the premiere quality of life as a family community is of utmost importance and a personal passion of mine. Responsible growth is paramount. Balancing the integration of new with existing commercial, retail, residential and community development will define the future of our city.I plan to work collaboratively with other city officials, local investors, residential/commercial developers, and most importantly — the residents.Effective bridges of communication built by your city council will help foster strong and flourishing relationships within our city. 

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