Few people showed up at the March 22 FAIR (Falcon Area Issues Roundtable) meeting at the Falcon fire station. However, those who did attend heard new El Paso County Board Commissioner Amy Lathen and Rep. Marsha Looper talk about the issues affecting Falcon and the eastern plains.Lathen first talked about her background and political philosophy. She said she is a “strong fiscal and social conservative” and added that she is pro-life and supports gun ownership and the Second Amendment. Lathen said she favors “limited, effective government” and believes that education should be based on the free-market as opposed to a monopolistic approach.Although this is her first time in public office, Lathen said she has previous experience with the political process. Because she was elected mid-term to Douglas Bruce’s vacated seat, Lathen is eligible for two more terms as a county commissioner. She said she’s already begun campaigning for re-election.As the county commissioner, Lathen serves on the Fourth Judicial Nomination Committee – an appointment made by former Gov. Bill Owens. She also will be involved with the liaison process between county departments and the commissioners. All of the departments have a liaison to the board, she said.Lathen also talked about county funding. She said 10 percent of state property taxes are returned to the county. Property taxes in El Paso County amounted to about $245 million in 2007, she said. Of that, more than $100 million is restricted for mandated items. She told the audience the largest budget in the county is the sheriff’s department.Of the issues facing the county, water is “huge,” Lathen said. She said the county requires a guarantee of a 300-year water supply before a permit for development is granted. However, Lathen said the county does not require proof of the 300-year water supply when the developer submits the plans. She said she would like to see that changed.Looper addressed upcoming legislation on water issues. She said there is a bill in the Colorado Legislature that will prevent developers from severing water rights from a development and selling the water. Looper also said there are state laws coming up regarding water quality. Looper mentioned House Bill 1141, which requires that developers prove sustainability of water for a project and pay for a water engineer to review the plans.Lathen also brought up zoning issues. She said she understands the need for zoning laws but would like to see the current laws pared back.FAIR attendee John Seetch asked Lathen if she thought land-use codes are subjectively applied. Yes, Lathen said. “We have to remember that developers are property owners, and we have to represent everyone,” she said, adding that she believes the code has gone too far and has become a burden on business owners.Lathen also addressed public safety issues in the county. She said growth is adding to the problem of shortages within the criminal justice system. Lathen cited a recent report showing that 58 prisoners sentenced to federal prison on felony charges were held at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center while they awaited transport to a federal facility. The county is paying for this as well as the detainees (87 listed on the particular report) that are held on illegal immigration charges, she said.Shortages also plague the health department.One audience member questioned a recent TV report highlighting personnel shortages within the county health department. Lathen verified the report and said the population increase has warranted additional staff at the health department.The increased population and TABOR restrictions make it impossible to handle state mandates, she said.Lathen then discussed the proposed ordinance concerning abandoned buildings. She said it was redundant, unenforceable and too subjective. She said the issue of old, abandoned trailers could be addressed with current laws that cover rubbish. Looper said, instead of an ordinance, it would be better to help people discard their trailers. She said it had been suggested that people receive a tax credit if they sold the trailers for scrap.Looper also said it could be illegal to seize a building that might have value or historic significance.Regarding the controversial OHV (off-highway vehicle) park proposed for an area adjacent to the Banning Lewis Ranch, Lathen said she is listening to both sides, although she is concerned about property values and quality-of-life issues. There are several sites that could be more appropriate for the park, she said. “We must exercise due diligence in the face of the opposition to the site,” Lathen said.Looper concluded the meeting with more of her perspectives on the issues. “Government works best when it is local,” she said. Looper also favors extending the senior homestead tax exemption and supports unemployment insurance for military spouses who have paid into the unemployment system. When military men and women are transferred and their civilian spouses accompany them, they don’t often find work right away.For Looper, water also is a big issue. “Water is my passion,” she said. Looper said she is a proponent of a water disclosure bill currently on the governor’s desk. She said the bill requires that anyone who develops a piece of property must register a well.Looper also informed the FAIR attendees about a statewide program that would allow temporary work permits for people from other countries. The permits and recruiting efforts would be funded by the employers who hire them. The employers also would be responsible for reporting the whereabouts of their temporary workers to the state. Employers would be required to report an absence within a 48-hour period or face a $5,000 fine. Looper said this is not a path to citizenship but a way to provide workers so that Colorado maintains a viable economy.The next FAIR meeting will be held in April and posted on the Web site at www.falconroundtable.org.
