My history of advocacy for Colorado Springs long term water resources is well-known, going on 20+ years when long time Mayor Robert (Bob) Isaac served as my mentor on water issues. While in Washington D.C. as a councilmember, I met with then U.S. Senator Wayne Allard to discuss the importance of the Colorado Springs Southern Delivery System and the future of the Arkansas Valley Conduit Project (now some 20 years later, finally being developed through the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation), which was a critical component to developing collaboration with Pueblo and our downstream neighbors. As a councilmember, I worked on the first partnership water principles agreement with Pueblo City Councilmembers in early 2001-02 where we worked on downstream concerns for reassurance of Colorado Springs’ commitment to Pueblo on water quality issues.

As a county commissioner, I led the two-year+ planning and facilitation efforts to establish the Fountain Creek Watershed, Flood Control and Greenway District and the initial Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City of Colorado Springs, the City of Pueblo, Pueblo County, the City of Fountain and other water-related advocates. This IGA was presented and passed on December 15, 2008 which created the foundation for the eventual pipeline expansion and today’s Southern Delivery System, providing critical water resources for Colorado Springs.

I testified and led the presentation at the State Capitol in 2009 which created the formal Fountain Creek Watershed, Flood Control and Greenway District. The established Fountain Creek Watershed, Flood Control and Greenway District was, and is, an important foundation which built multi-jurisdictional relationships to solve the barriers of the 1041 permitting and legal issues that then existed between the City of Colorado Springs and Pueblo County. I served on the initial Fountain Creek Watershed board and continued my commitment for many years as a county commissioner. This was an important collaborative effort with our southern partners, including the lower Arkansas Valley, to improve Fountain Creek and expand the recreational and water quality opportunities for both El Paso and Pueblo counties.

I have a proven record as a strong champion for water in our region and Colorado Springs. I would encourage anyone with questions to contact me directly. I am proud to have a history of supporting projects that protect our most precious asset, water, and will continue that track record as Mayor.