Thornton Ward 1

Kathryn Henson

Self employed choreographer/director

http://www.HensonForThornton.com

Please describe your leadership style in three words

Listener. Collaborative. Transparent.

Describe the skills that make you the best candidate for the job

I'm a problem solver who listens and listening to the community and staff members is how to identify issues/needs and the first step to finding solutions. I will use data and the welfare of the city to guide my decisions and I expect transparency and accountability of myself and others. I have been tracking city issues and work with members of the community to advocate for Thornton Shopping Center redevelopment.

Please list your top three priorities if elected

1. Revitalization of south Thornton - redevelopment of retail areas, new and updated amenities/parks. 2. The Water Project - ensuring we access the water we own and provide it to our residents to allow for a secure future for our city. 3. Smart long-term planning - as our city grows, we must plan communities that are livable, walkable, economically secure and help neighbors connect with each other.

What issue do you see shaping the city the most through the next decade and how we should respond?

Our water supply /pipeline. That will affect how much and in what ways our city can grow. It will determine how we landscape all areas of the city and what our recreation areas look like, and this affects every resident of Thornton. We will have to consider our water supply in most of our decision making as our city moves into the future.

Thornton Ward 2

Jessica Sandgren

Seniors Real Estate Agent

www.jessica4ward2.com

Please describe your leadership style in three words

Compassionate, Engaged, Thoughtful

Describe the skills that make you the best candidate for the job

As your representative, I believe it's important that we invest in Thornton's future and I will continue to do that by supporting and promoting critical services and resources that are vital to our community's health and well-being. Since elected in 2017, I have been active, engaged, and committed to representing my community, and by having a collaborative mindset and can-do attitude, I've brought forward many new opportunities and resources throughout Thornton.

Please list your top three priorities if elected

My top priorities for re-election are water infrastructure, transit/mobility, and strengthening our city's economy by supporting our business community and keeping our finances stable.

What issue do you see shaping the city the most through the next decade and how we should respond?

Infrastructure and growth will shape our city the most over the next decade. Maintaining a balance between new development and aging infrastructure is important to ensure we are able to support all of our residents. Additionally, by expanding existing amenities such as parks, recreation and trails, as well as attracting stable high paying employment to Thornton, our residents are able to live, work, and play without having to leave the city.

Roberta Ayala

Student Success Coach, Guild Education

www.robertaayalaforthornton.com facebook.com/Roberta4ThorntonCityCouncil

Please describe your leadership style in three words

listening, collaboration, empowering

Describe the skills that make you the best candidate for the job

I have lived in Thornton for over 30 years. I have worked in mental health, labor organizing and education and led large contact campaigns and negotiations. I've worked in educating children and adults in many capacities. I am the best candidate for the job because I am a skilled negotiator, collaborator, community organizer, and listener. I understand the struggles that working families in Thornton face and will be the best to advocate for their needs.

Please list your top three priorities if elected

I want to take a holistic approach to public safety and use our resources wisely with a variety of programs to solve issues with crime, speeding, housing and food insecurity.

I would like to enact a board that will address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion comprised of appointed residents of our city.

I will balance revitalization in south Thornton with development in north Thornton to ensure that we have opportunities for working families.

What issue do you see shaping the city the most through the next decade and how we should respond?

Growth will be the biggest issue facing our city. Our demographics are changing and we need to make sure we have representation for our diverse population. We need to have water available to grow our city and we should do this in partnership with our neighboring towns and counties. We should be thoughtful of how we develop our city so that we can minimize transit and resource access issues as much as possible. We also need to be sure we have attainable housing options available.

Thornton Ward 3

Kate Miya

Teacher

https://www.kateforthornton.com/

Please describe your leadership style in three words

Diplomatic, Community-Focused, Passionate

Describe the skills that make you the best candidate for the job

As a teacher, city board member and advocate I'm well-versed in the challenges facing Thornton families. I have the analytical skills, collaborative capacity, and enthusiasm to help find real-world solutions for those challenges and bring them to fruition with dynamic, compassionate, methodical diligence. I grew up in Thornton and chose to continue to serve Thornton into adulthood; I am invested in the long-term wellbeing of this community. I will fight for our prosperity.

Please list your top three priorities if elected

Facilitate responsible growth in our city that represents the interests and values of our community.

Bring back the community spirit of Thornton to ensure that we rise to challenges together as an interconnected community.

Take crucial action to protect our residents from the growing threats of climate change and the growing divisiveness observable in national to local politics.

What issue do you see shaping the city the most through the next decade and how we should respond?

Ward 3 is the most apt for development. Over the next decade, we will decide who we are as a city. We must make sure infrastructure, small businesses, housing needs, parks/rec,culture, utilities, and our environmental impacts are taken into consideration. The decisions we make now will have lasting impacts beyond any one councilmember's term and as an educator, by approaching these, among other issues in an integrated fashion, we can build a better Thornton.

Tony Unrein

Retired - 36 Years Small Business Owner

TonyforThornton@gmail.com

Please describe your leadership style in three words

Honest, Listen, Positive

Describe the skills that make you the best candidate for the job

Denver Colorado Native. Married 52 years to Barbara and a 46-year Thornton resident. Have lived in three different Wards. Raised our family of ten in Thornton and they continue to live in Thornton. Participated on several committees. Given hundreds of volunteer hours to different City departments. We will call Thornton home for the rest our lives.

Please list your top three priorities if elected

Public Safety - Police and Fire providing all support they need protecting our lives,

Infrastructure - Water, Roads and Utilities, for today and the future.

Quality of Life - Parks, Recreation and open space, continue to enhance our quality of life.

What issue do you see shaping the city the most through the next decade and how we should respond?

Providing the necessities of Life - Water, Transportation, Quality living choices. Encourage business that will providing good jobs, necessities and luxuries for comfortable living.

Thornton Ward 4

Karen Bigelow

Marketing & Communications

www.karenbigelow.com, https://www.facebook.com/Karenbward4

Please describe your leadership style in three words

Inspirational, Collaborative, Visionary

Describe the skills that make you the best candidate for the job

I am the best candidate for this position because I listen, look at both sides of issues and will advocate for residents. I am a community organizer and volunteer with many local non-profits. I have the leadership experience, a deep understanding of economic development and will bring transparency and accountability. I would also like to bring a co-responder program to Thornton like I helped do for the Adams County Sheriff's department.

Please list your top three priorities if elected

I will work on infrastructure issues from road quality to bike lanes/paths and work to have our infrastructure match up with the pace of development. I will be strategic about the type of development we bring to our city and to bring mixed-use developments with good quality big business and more locally owned small businesses. I'll work to have plenty of lighted open spaces, parks, dog parks and more for our residents to enjoy.

What issue do you see shaping the city the most through the next decade and how we should respond?

Our biggest issues are really tied together in water rights and usage and development. We need to re-address our water issue in a more effective way to gain access to our water rights up the Poudre River. Until we can get this pipeline built, it will effect development and water usage. I'd like to make sure we address water usage by allowing options for lawns from artificial turf to xeriscaping.