AURORA | Three candidates are vying for Aurora’s Ward IV seat, which is due to be vacated by term-limited Councilwoman Molly Markert at the end of her term.
Two candidates —Charlie Richardson and Arnie Schultz — are familiar faces at City Hall. The third, Joe Lewis, is a longtime resident but a newcomer running for office. With two of the city’s eight future light rail stations located in Ward IV, all three candidates are focused on attracting the best transit-oriented development projects while mitigating resident concerns of overcrowding and increased traffic.
Richardson, who served as Aurora’s city attorney for 38 years before he retired in 2014, said he believes his insider knowledge of city government will benefit residents as they feel the impacts of the light rail line opening next year.
“I’ll be able to quickly determine whether the city’s response to citizen outreach is sufficient,” he said. “I will differentiate between what the city is incapable of doing versus what it is unwilling to do.”
Richardson said he would be effective at making sure residents have a voice when it comes to TOD projects such as the new Iliff parking garage set to open near the Iliff light rail station next year.
“The challenge is to work with your colleagues on city council to broaden that opposition if the developer is being unreasonable. If the developer is unreasonable, it will be my chore to convince the majority of council that a project needs to be amended,” he said.
According to Richardson, his priorities for the council would include the redevelopment of Regatta Plaza, opposing attempts to raise taxes, and obtaining the maximum amount of funding for parks and recreation.
Schultz, who has served for several years on the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, said he is focused on promoting infill and transit-oriented development.
“I will work to ensure that the Regatta Plaza redevelopment meets the needs of the community,” Schultz said. “The commercial space on the west side of Peoria Street is also included in the urban renewal area, and we can expect to see improvements there as well. I will continue to work with the Havana Business Improvement District to complete The Gardens on Havana project and continue to work with the stakeholders to develop the vacant parcel on South Havana Street between East Jewell and East Colorado avenues into a high-quality retail development.”
Schultz said he is excited about the new TOD-developments coming to his ward, such as a 424-unit apartment complex slated to be built next to the future Iliff Station light rail stop.
Schultz also lauded city council’s recent approval of an ordinance intended to make it tougher for homeowners to sue builders over construction defects.
He said the ordinance, when finalized, will likely be amended to help homeowners by allowing for arbitration and mediation in resolving any construction defects.
“I will also fight to reopen a library in Ward IV, improve our parks and recreation centers, and improve the conditions of our roads that are currently resulting in damage to vehicles and traffic jams on outdated system of roads in areas of the city,” Schultz said.
Schultz added that he would like to see a task force comprised of police and fire chiefs, city staff, unions, and citizens work on a sustainable plan for the future of the city’s police and fire departments. On his campaign website, Schultz said he supported more local control over fracking, an issue that has been controversial for Aurora residents who live on the city’s eastern edges, where drilling operations have been most prevalent.
Joe Lewis, a mortgage banker and longtime resident, said he is running for the seat for the first time because he said city council needs new faces and the city needs better marketing.
“Aurora has an image problem, and it’s getting worse,” he said. “I would like to see Aurora become a destination.”
He said attracting quality businesses to Regatta Plaza would help Aurora’s image, and would increase revenue for the city. He said that’s a better solution than raising the city’s sales tax.
All of the candidates lauded incumbent Molly Markert’s work as council member. The term-limited councilwoman, who is vacating the seat this November, is well liked by Ward IV residents for her outspokenness and accessibility.
With Markert in mind, Schultz said he will do one thing differently than her.
“I will follow in Molly’s footsteps by properly preparing for meetings and ensuring my constituents voices are heard. And I promise I will not take up knitting,” he said.
Which one is not a fascist and will not suppress the citizen’s natural rights?
Aldo, time for your meds!
Arnie Schultz is the candidate who will work for all of the people. He’s not in the pocket of the mayor, and he’s not a lawyer. He won’t owe “debts” to his fat-cat contributors. He’s a real person: a volunteer, a neighbor, a friend, and an energetic, passionate, intelligent representative of all of the people in Ward IV. Arnie will indeed make Aurora a better place. And here’s an added bonus, rarely found in a politician: Arnie has a heart! And a wonderful mind, too! And ears that listen and actually hear! And he can’t be purchased! He’s a great gift to us.
I’ve known Charlie Richardson since he was a law student and watched him work his way to the top. In my opinion, he would be be the best choice. He would have my support, but we’ve moved out of the state. I wish you the best of luck, Charlie!
Charlie’s “insider knowledge” is a two edged sword. This knowledge was used to maintain his position as City Attorney for 38 years.
If Charlie’s “insider knowledge” will so helpful in reigning in “unreassonable builders and developers” , why didn’t he do that while he was the City Attorney?
I’ve met Charlie several times since he started his campaign and have been nothing short of impressed. He is always ready to answer questions and understand my concerns and the concerns of Ward IV residents including, and especially, Regatta Plaza. This guy has it together!
His time as City Attorney wasn’t wasted, either. I appreciate that he spent his time protecting the city from frivolous law suits and protected the tax payer. Charlie has a solid grasp on how to work with local development experts to make Ward IV a hub for business without raising taxes or imposing “statist” policies.
He’s got my support!
As I recall, Charlie was the architect for the enhanced taxing district for Gaylord. The enhanced taxes were over and above what the City of Aurora can collect. A tax increase voted on by a single Denver resident. A tax increase that a District Court found in violation of the State Constitution.
So, ShooStrings94, I agree with you, Charlie does know how to work with developers.
I’ve know Charlie for 25 years! He’s always been extreamly helpful and devoted to making the city of Aurora a great place to live. He is in NO one’s “Pocket”! When you hold a position like City Attorney you know that there is always a spotlight on you so honesty and integrity are mandatory. I know that Charlie is the best possible choice for Ward IV City Council.
On the photos, it would be nice if the sentinel told us who was who for those of us who don’t know.
Charlie Richardson understands how to get things done for Ward 4. He’s a common sense person who has devoted many years in serving Aurora, has made tough decisions for the good of Aurora citizens and is very smart. We would be foolish not to tap this resource. He has my vote because I believe a person who wants to continue to serve Aurora in another capacity and won’t raise taxes for any cause that comes along deserves a chance. Charlie knows how to look at issues from many angles and put Ward 4 first. Team Charlie Richardson!
I will be voting for Joe Lewis. He has been active in Aurora’s business community for many years. He has shown himself to be thoughtful and independent. On the other hand, I do not believe that the City Council should be the “final resting place” for former city officials — whether they be City Managers or City Attorneys.
I know all three and do happen to have an opinion about who is best suited to serve the residents of Ward IV with my level of commitment, enthusiasm and ability, and that would be Joe Lewis. I will always applaud Arnie for his dedicated detail oriented compassion, and there is not doubt that Charlie is an “insider”. Joe is who will speak with your voice. He has a “servant heart” and is not doing this for his own ego or benefit.