MORE ELECTION NEWS
Jan Kulmann
Candidate for City of Thornton Mayor
Contact: JanK4Mayor@gmail.com
What motivated you to seek a seat on the City Council?
I have truly enjoyed my time on city council and as mayor and continue to be inspired by what we’ve accomplished and our untapped potential. My goal has been to make Thornton a great place to live, raise a family, find a career, and recreate on our trails and lakes. We’ve made Thornton one of the safest cities in the metro area. We’re competitive with other areas for attracting and recruiting new employers and new jobs to our city. And we’re not done yet.
We’ve witnessed incredible challenges as a city from a recession to a global pandemic, which have altered the trajectory of our jobs and our lives. We still face some economic uncertainty going forward but none of these dampen my hope for Thornton and our future. There’s still more I want to do for this city and our residents to help shape the future for our city, our families, and our small businesses.
Name something that the current City Council has done that you would have done differently, and explain why and how your solution is better.
Thornton is one of the only cities in the area that does not have a planning commission. Planning commissions give the community a bigger voice in the development and zoning of our city and are an important group that we’ve been missing. We are in the process of adding this role to our community boards, but I believe we should have done this much sooner. It took a few years of working with my fellow council members and our staff to show the value and to take that important step of creating the board. I’m excited now that we’ll have another voice from the community as we continue to grow.
What makes you the best choice for this City Council seat?
I’m an engineer with more than 24 years of experience in energy & utilities. I’m a mom of two teenagers who keep me grounded with my husband of more than 21 years. And I am honored to be the current Mayor of Thornton. Over the past 10 years, the last 4 years as Mayor, I have had the privilege of serving this thriving community on our City Council, and I am proud of the progress we have made together. Thornton is the 6th largest city in Colorado and with our growth and immense potential, I firmly believe that our strong economy is the foundation for our flourishing community. Throughout my tenure, I have worked tirelessly to foster an environment that attracts new businesses, encourages entrepreneurship, and creates job opportunities for our residents. I’ve worked tirelessly to support our first responders – adding police officers and firefighters to our staff to decrease crime across our community. I’ve supported the construction of our new police training center, the rebuilding of Fire Station #1, the building of Fire Stations #6 & #7, and the planning of Fire Station #8, all to address the needs of our growing community.
Do you favor City Council campaign reforms, such as contribution limits, more frequent candidate finance reports and bans on special interest, union and corporate donations?
This question has already been addressed by the state legislature. While I have yet to hear this is an issue from residents, I believe that disclosure is important, but we have to make it user-friendly for residents to review.
I hear most often from our residents that public safety is their top concern. I have always supported our police department in ensuring we not only have the officers we need to address public safety but also to ensure they are the best-trained officers in the state. I worked with city staff to build a new police training facility that keeps our officers in the City during their training and the program is now recognized state-wide and will add training for officers in other municipalities (bringing high-quality training and additional revenue to our community). In fact, during my tenure as Mayor, crime in Thornton has dropped 18% across the city and car thefts have decreased by 39%. To dig a little deeper and look at crime across districts, District 1 (South Thornton) has seen a decrease in overall crime of 27% and District 2 (North Thornton) has seen a decrease in overall crime of 5%. But when you see a neighbor experiencing a crime, or have your own car stolen, statistics become cold, and we don’t feel like it’s enough. We must continue to work across our community to ensure our residents feel safe and know that our police department will be there for them.
Should Thornton build a performing arts center?
Most people know that I’m an engineer in my day job. However, I’m also a student of music with a minor in music performance. I have a passion for the arts. Math feeds my brain, but music feeds my soul. Just over two years ago, I began the process of collaboration with a business owner who was looking for a place to bring a theater. This is something that Thornton has been trying to do ourselves for several years. And here was this incredible opportunity to bring in a business that would save the taxpayers from footing the entire cost, while creating a cultural space that we could partner with and be extremely proud of. When COVID came, the project slowed but I never gave up. Today we’ve announced this project and Candlelight Theater will begin construction on a new 900-seat theater in the round right here in Thornton later next year. Not only will this theater draw in performances of professional groups but the owner agrees that the partnership with the city to utilize the space for the community is a key component of their willingness to join our city. The theater will be able to accommodate performances of our Community Band, our Community Choir, and when we’re ready, even community theater. It will also be a space for our local dance troops to perform and compete. It’s truly amazing what this relationship that I’ve worked on for years has become.
In your dream scenario, what would the Thornton Shopping Center be turned into?
I want something that makes the community proud, that highlights the uniqueness of the original parts of Thornton while encouraging continued revitalization. I am looking forward to the ideas that the residents have as we partner together to find the best solution for the city.
Would you have voted for or against taking Jacque Phillips off council?
It is unfortunate that the city council had to take a vote on this situation. The charter is clear that you must be a resident of the city to represent it. As we saw with Aurora, Colorado Springs, Commerce City, and even Northglenn, when a council member moved out of the city for a job or a new home, they resigned. That should have been the case here as well.
It’s been over a year and frankly, the community has not asked about this. Public safety, traffic congestion, and road maintenance are items that are on everyone’s mind every day.
Traffic congestion has become a significant issue in our state and especially in our city as we touch Interstate 25. In fact, there was a recent news story that showed the commute from Thornton is the 8th worst in the nation. I know my daily frustration driving to and from my day job along this road is one that many of our residents face every day. As a member of the North I25 Coalition I have built relationships across the region with other representatives as well as CDOT and RTD. Together we are addressing this situation as we finalize a safety study with CDOT for the I25 corridor that will be the first step in fixing the span of I25 from 84th to 104th, or as we call it – the crash corridor. The work we’ve done is just a start in the regional collaboration to improve public transportation.
Should Thornton raise their standards on fracking within city limits?
My 24 years of experience in the energy industry, including the oil & gas industry, has given me a unique perspective to not only understand the technical parts of the oil & gas industry but to know how to work to ensure our community is protected. I helped re-write the regulations in the City several years ago to ensure that residents’ needs were addressed first when looking at the industry. I will continue to use my skills in this area to ensure that all projects from any industry put our community first.
Julia Marvin
Candidate for City of Thornton Mayor
Contact: julia.s.marvin@gmail.com
What motivated you to seek a seat on the City Council?
I decided to seek a seat on the City Council four years ago because I am deeply committed to making Thornton a better place for everyone. Thornton is growing, and requires a thoughtful approach to its development to ensure the well-being and inclusion of all its residents. My tenure on the City Council has been dedicated to this mission – breaking down barriers, fostering a city that prioritizes listening, and putting the community in the driver’s seat.
Throughout my time on the City Council, I’ve witnessed the incredible potential of our city and the challenges that many of our working families face. I believe that my experience and dedication can help bridge the gap between these two realities. Thornton deserves leadership that is responsive to the needs of its diverse population, and I am committed to ensuring equity and inclusivity in all our city’s endeavors.
I have also been inspired by the strong sense of community in Thornton. My interactions with residents, businesses, and local organizations have shown me the immense talent and resources we have at our disposal. By leveraging these assets, I am confident that we can address critical issues like affordable housing, neighborhood safety, and improved infrastructure.
My goal has always been to create a brighter future for Thornton, where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. I am excited to continue this mission as Mayor.
Name something that the current City Council has done that you would have done differently, and explain why and how your solution is better.
One key area where I would have taken a different approach than the current City Council is in addressing affordable housing. I believe that Thornton needs a more proactive and innovative strategy to tackle this pressing issue, especially for low and middle-income families.
First and foremost, I am committed to expanding our housing inventory while developing a Housing Strategic Plan. This strategy will guide our efforts to increase the availability of affordable housing throughout Thornton, ensuring that families of all income levels have access to suitable homes.
Additionally, I am a strong advocate for inclusionary zoning policies. I will actively promote regulations that mandate developers to allocate a percentage of new housing units for affordable housing. This approach not only adds to our affordable housing stock but also promotes diverse and inclusive neighborhoods.
Furthermore, I recognize the importance of homeownership in building wealth and stability for families. I would facilitate homebuyer assistance programs, down payment assistance, and low-interest loans to help low and middle-income families achieve their dream of homeownership.
Community Land Trusts will play a pivotal role in providing long-term affordable housing solutions. By creating and supporting these trusts, we can ensure that affordable housing remains accessible and stable for generations to come.
Moreover, preventing homelessness is equally critical. I am committed to investing in homelessness prevention programs and services that keep families from losing their homes in the first place, ultimately reducing the strain on our community resources and enhancing the well-being of our residents.
What makes you the best choice for this City Council seat?
Thornton is growing quickly, and you deserve a seat at the table to build the city you want. When I was first elected to City Council, I saw the needs of working families like ours being ignored.
That’s why I’m running for mayor because things need to change. I believe I’m the best choice for Mayor because I’m committed to bringing fresh, positive leadership to Thornton. I understand the challenges our community faces, and I’m dedicated to addressing them head-on.
My vision for Thornton includes tackling big issues together. I want to bring more local small businesses to our neighborhoods, enhance our recreational opportunities, and ensure that our city is clean and safe for everyone. This means cleaning up our water, our neighborhoods, our roads, and even our city hall.
I know that our residents want a life they can afford, a healthy environment to raise their families, and services they can trust. My experience on the City Council has shown me the importance of listening to the concerns of our community and taking meaningful action to address them. I’m ready to lead Thornton into a brighter, more prosperous future where every resident’s voice is heard, and their needs are met.
Together, we can shape the future of Thornton into a city that we can all be proud to call home.
Do you favor City Council campaign reforms, such as contribution limits, more frequent candidate finance reports and bans on special interest, union and corporate donations?
Absolutely, I am a strong advocate for City Council campaign reforms. During my time on the City Council, I worked closely with engaged residents to bring forth a proposal aimed at enhancing campaign finance transparency and integrity. Unfortunately, our efforts faced significant resistance from the current council majority, making it clear that change was necessary.
Undeterred by the initial setback, we continued to push for reform through various avenues. We embarked on a grassroots campaign to gather support for a ballot initiative. While we weren’t successful in this endeavor, our dedication to creating a fair and accountable political process remained unwavering.
Recognizing that this issue transcended our city’s boundaries, we collaborated with our state legislators to advocate for campaign finance reform at the state level. Through community organizing and persistent advocacy, we were able to make progress, ultimately leading to the passage of meaningful campaign finance reform legislation that will be in place for our next municipal elections.
I firmly believe in contribution limits, more frequent candidate finance reports, and bans on corporate donations. These reforms are crucial to ensure that our local politics remain accessible and accountable to the people of Thornton. Our successful journey in achieving these reforms at the state level is a testament to the power of community engagement and collaboration. As your mayor, I will continue to champion transparency, fairness, and ethics in our local politics to uphold the integrity of our democratic processes.
Should Thornton build a performing arts center?
Thornton has taken a significant step in exploring the potential for a performing arts center through a comprehensive study. This study has allowed us to better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with such a facility. It’s clear that we should be thinking outside of the box when envisioning what a performing arts center could look like in our city.
While considering the possibilities, it’s important to emphasize that a performing arts center should not only serve as a venue for entertainment but also as a creative hub. To truly nurture our city’s artistic talent and identity, we need to ensure that the center provides ample space for artists and creators to work, collaborate, and innovate. This approach can help cultivate a vibrant and dynamic arts scene that contributes significantly to our city’s culture and identity.
The arts play a vital role in defining a city’s character and enriching the lives of its residents. They have the power to bring people together, foster creativity, and promote cultural diversity. Therefore, it is crucial that we invest in and support initiatives that strengthen our arts community.
Thornton has the potential to create a unique, multifaceted performing arts center that not only entertains but also nourishes the creative spirit of our city. This approach can solidify our position as a cultural destination and enhance the quality of life for all Thornton residents.
In your dream scenario, what would the Thornton Shopping Center be turned into?
In my dream scenario, the redevelopment of the Thornton Shopping Center would be a holistic project. One of the most vital considerations is ensuring that the redevelopment does not push people out but rather embraces existing communities and invites them to actively participate in shaping the future of their neighborhood.
To achieve this, resident input would be integral from the very beginning. We would embark on an inclusive community engagement process, allowing residents to voice their ideas, concerns, and aspirations for the redevelopment. This collaborative approach ensures that the project reflects the true needs and desires of the people who call Thornton home.
The redevelopment would be guided by a comprehensive master plan, meticulously designed to integrate with the surrounding neighborhoods seamlessly. This plan would address concerns about traffic flow, access to public transportation, and the preservation of green spaces. It’s essential that we provide housing options that allow long-time residents to stay and newcomers to join our community without facing displacement due to rising costs. Additionally, we would prioritize the creation of spaces that foster a sense of belonging and cultural enrichment. Sustainability would remain a guiding principle, incorporating eco-friendly design and sustainable practices. We would also seek to promote local businesses and entrepreneurship, supporting economic growth within the community.
In summary, the redevelopment should be an inclusive, resident-led effort that carefully considers the surrounding neighborhoods and prioritizes affordability, community integration, sustainability, and economic vitality while preserving the unique character of Thornton
Would you have voted for or against taking Jacque Phillips off council?
I firmly voted against removing City Councilor Jacque Phillips from office. In my view, the decision about her residency should be made by the people she represents, the very residents who elected her to the position.
While we must respect our city charter and its requirements, it’s equally crucial to ensure that we uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and due process. Jacque Phillips presented evidence indicating her continued ties to Thornton, including her home, law practice, voter registration, and vehicle registration. These are critical factors in establishing residency.
Moreover, the absence of a specific, rigid definition for determining residency underscores the need for a careful and objective evaluation of the available evidence. We should avoid making decisions based on personal conflicts or political motives.
Ultimately, decisions regarding elected officials’ qualifications and service should rest with the residents of Thornton. If there are concerns about a councilor’s residency, it should be a matter for the community to decide through a recall election or similar democratic processes.
I firmly believe that the power to remove an elected representative should reside with the people, not a select few. Therefore, I voted against removing Jacque Phillips and advocated for a process that respects the rights of both the councilor and the community she represents, allowing Thornton residents to have the final say on her continued service.
Should Thornton raise their standards on fracking within city limits?
Absolutely, Thornton should raise its standards on fracking within city limits. We must prioritize the health, safety, and environmental well-being of our residents and our community’s future. The evidence linking fracking to groundwater contamination, air pollution, and other environmental and health risks is undeniable. I believe it’s our moral obligation to take bold steps to protect our environment and public health. Raising standards on fracking is a crucial part of that commitment.
When SB 181 passed, returning control to municipalities, it was a significant opportunity to prioritize our community’s well-being. Unfortunately, the current council has favored oil and gas interests, putting industrial facilities in our neighborhoods, which is simply unacceptable.
I am committed to ensuring increased oversight of oil and gas operations. This includes monitoring air and water quality, emissions, and wastewater disposal to hold these operations accountable. Moreover, I will support initiatives to transition Thornton to cleaner and renewable energy sources, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. This transition not only safeguards our environment but also creates opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
In summary, my approach to fracking and oil and gas activities in Thornton is rooted in strong regulation, vigilant monitoring, and an unwavering commitment to protect our environment and public health. We can work towards a future where Thornton is a leader in clean and sustainable energy practices, benefiting both our community and our planet.
Love Julia Marvin’s responses. She answered every question & didn’t try to redirect or avoid answering questions. Besides that you can see she is a thinker who cares about our community.
It’s important to take a close look at the response given for each candidate. As you can see there are two very, very different responses here. The newspaper asked specific questions to Jan and you will notice she quickly provided an out of touch response and quickly deviated from the original questions (campaign finance & Jacque Phillips).
To say that no citizen has made these two issues a priority or issue on the campaign trail clearly shows she is an expert politician, giving an expert political response that is out of touch with the people of Thornton and lacks merit.
As you scroll through this website you will see campaign ads directed for Eric, Angie, Jan, David, and Nicole. When you click on them it directs you to their website. Please be aware these are not ads placed here by these candidates themselves or paid for by them. These digital ads are funded my the special outsider intrest money that seeks to trick you into voting for these candidates so that they can continue to avoid campaign finance requirements, and take away the citizens voice at the table and rather replace it with their own. When these ads are ran its saves the above candidates money so that they can spend their own money on targeting you the voter while their mega donors do their dirty work for them.
Thornton has a chance to make a change and it is so desperately needed, not because of party affiliation, but because it is in the name of democracy!
Vote for a champion of the citizens, vote for Justin M, Roberta A, Julia M, Mark G, and Chris R. We need to elect at least 4 out of these 5 people to help move city council into a different direction.
Vote and vote early!