It speaks volumes about what kind of a community Aurora has become by the caliber of candidates running for public office.
With few exceptions, voters have only good and better choices to elect people to run the daily government machines and act as their representatives in the state Legislature.
Our advice to voters comes from touchstones about government that is responsive, transparent and willing to protect the civil rights and public safety of all residents.
In Arapahoe County, voters should return both incumbent commissioners for another term: Nancy Sharpe in District 2 and Nancy Jackson in District 4. Sharpe has been a staunch supporter of joining forces with the district attorney’s office to ferret out a variety of fraud and abuse problems, which are growing across the metro area. A former mayor of Greenwood Village, she’s well aware of county issues in that region and southeast Aurora, and provenly responsible to constituent concerns.
Likewise, Commissioner Jackson is a reliable advocate for issues affecting Aurora residents in Arapahoe County. She’s keenly aware of how badly needed state-pass-through resources are to the city’s diverse population, and a regular champion of common causes between Aurora and the county.
Arapahoe County Sheriff Dave Walcher has been an innovative and outstanding custodian of the county jail, chief of what is essentially a large police department, and leader in public safety. He’s badly needed to carry on as a sheriff who balances public safety and public need. He should be especially lauded for work done to deal with rampant drug abuse among inmates as they enter the jail and for recognizing the potential to save lives by implementing a red-flag gun control law at the state level.
County Clerk Matt Crane has been an exemplary public servant, molding the office of clerk and recorder into a model of transparency, efficiency and accountability. He serves not only as a shining example of election governance, but more public officials should strive to reach his level of competence and enthusiasm.
Likewise, Assessor Marc Scott has created an office that is both responsive and progressive. Despite running commercial and residential assessments for one of the largest, most diverse counties in the state, a low level of assessment appeals and controversies speak to Scott’s expertise and success.
Adams County
In Adams County, District 4 Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio has done a commendable job in bringing honesty and accountability back to a county mired in scandal and corruption. O’Dorisio has raised the level of professionalism and transparency to make Adams County a player in calling the regional shots. His direction on growth and regional collaboration have been a boon to county residents as well as all those in the region.
An open seat in District 3 should undoubtedly go to Westminster Councilwoman Emma Pinter. Pinter has long understood the danger of a strained relationship between the county and municipalities and will be a strong advocate of cooperation. She’s long understood the importance and practicality of open space and her expertise will serve the commission well in the future.
Like in Arapahoe County, Adams County sheriff Mike McIntosh has created an important role for himself in the county, and should be returned to make further progress. McIntosh immediately after being elected ended a futile war between the county and its municipalities, trying to charge city taxpayers for hosting jail inmates that were already paid for.
McIntosh has elevated the departments police aspects as well as creating a jail that is safe and respectful of inmates.
Like others who came to Adams County four years ago, County Clerk Stan Martin has worked hard to turn around an elections office. In the past four years the office has gone a long ways to accommodate voters and others using the vast public records systems. Martin rightfully boasts an “off-internet” elections county system that is impervious as any to unscrupulous attack. More than anything, Martin has worked hard to gain important feedback from the public and to market important changes he’s been able to make.
The Sentinel was unable to endorse in the race for county coroner at press time.