Stephen’s strength is that he has approached life and its’ challenges from many different perspectives throughout his career. ü Stephen has created small businesses; ü Stephen is an economic development specialist; ü Stephen has experience in state level environmental policy administration; ü Stephen knows nonprofits, has led non-profits, and served on many of their Boards; ü Stephen is family man who owns a ranch and has owned suburban homes; ü Stephen has worked for homeowners in multiple capacities; and, ü Stephen understands both urban and rural Larimer County. Stephen has the most varied, relevant, and extensive experience in the Commissioner race, which allows him to naturally envision how county issues interconnect. He truly gets how: ü Growth impacts water resources; ü Water resources shape agriculture; ü Transportation influence housing; ü Housing development decisions alter affordability; ü Behavioral health affects public safety; and, ü Economic development can change quality of life. Stephen’s experience allows him to understand how these issues relate to one another – and why County Commissioners must consider that interconnectedness before making decisions
Stephen will carefully deliberate growth-related proposals related to land use, housing, transportation, roads, infrastructure, agriculture, property rights, economic development, and regional planning. When considering all growth-related proposals, Stephen will prioritize those that promise to make Larimer County stronger in 20 years. While growth itself isn't necessarily the problem, typically poor planning and decision-making related to growth is the problem. Development proposals that will strengthen and improve Larimer County deserve careful consideration. For those that don't, Stephen will have the courage to stand up for Larimer County and say no. Stephen's stance will never be anti-development, it will always support responsible leadership behind development that uplifts Larimer County.
Water supply, availability, and quality are at the center of almost every important government decision in Larimer County, in Colorado, and in the Mountain West. Water is a major factor in Larimer County agriculture, natural resource and wildlife management, wildfire prevention, resilience, and control, open space management and acquisition, and environmental stewardship. Stephen has a long-term vision for Larimer County that will prioritize protecting what makes our County a place with extraordinary natural spaces to be valued and protected for generations to come.
Stephen understands that while County government does not directly influence inflation in the costs of daily essentials like groceries and gasoline, it can create an environment where families and businesses can succeed. Stephen appreciates that housing affordability, small business and workforce development, responsible budgeting, efficient permitting, entrepreneurship, and fiscal stewardship are all priorities that County leadership should support and encourage. Stephen's goal for Larimer County isn't just economic growth, it is to create an environment that builds lasting opportunity for business and residents in Larimer County.
Stephen believes that healthier communities are safer communities. Rather than fear-based conversations about crime and public safety, Stephen supports a broader approach that improves behavioral health services, addresses the root causes of homelessness, honors veterans, and supports senior citizens and emergency preparedness. Alongside that, Stephen believes that trust in government is earned through transparency, accountability, ethical practices, and honest communication. To Stephen, being a trustworthy public servant means respectful dialogue, genuine public engagement, fiscal responsibility, and being there for Larimer County residents even when decisions are difficult. The Rotary Four-Way Test guides everything he does.
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916 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274