Candidates for the Jefferson County Board of Commission debated their visions for the county’s future during a lively forum at the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden. The candidates offered differing approaches to issues such as spending, affordable housing, and public safety.
In District 1, candidates vying for the seat currently held by Tracy Kraft-Tharp included Republican Charlie Johnson, Democrat Rachel Zenzinger, Libertarian Orion Schalhamer, and Unity Party member Eric Bodenstab. Each candidate brought unique perspectives, with Johnson calling for sensible spending on essential services, Zenzinger emphasizing collaboration and transparency, and Bodenstab proposing to expand the commission to 11 members for proportional representation.
In District 2, incumbent Andy Kerr faced off against Republican Natalie Menten. Kerr highlighted his advocacy for education and renewable energy, while Menten focused on advocating for taxpayers and increasing government transparency by making government meetings more accessible and publishing the county check register online.
The candidates also discussed issues such as the county’s projected budget shortfall, affordable housing, and crime prevention. Zenzinger focused on wildfire issues, Johnson on addressing crime, Kerr on balancing the county budget, and Menten on affordability.
The forum was co-hosted by the Jefferson County League of Women Voters and Colorado Community Media, providing voters with an opportunity to hear from the candidates and make informed decisions on Election Day. As Jefferson County faces significant challenges ahead, the candidates offered competing visions for how to address these issues and move the county forward.
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Photo credit denvergazette.com
