The political landscape in Adams County has changed more in the past four years than during its more than 100-year history. A widespread scandal four years ago prompted numerous changes, including the expansion of the board of commissioners from three to five seats. Here are our choices among a bevy of political newcomers.
Both candidates for Adams County Sheriff bring county department experience and integrity to job. And both candidates understand the burden that previous jail-space caps on Aurora have caused, and both have promised to make changes. Republican Michael McIntosh is a county department division chief with deep understanding of the department. Democrat Rick Reigenborn is a local police veteran that has had a role in just about every department, and he has been lauded numerous times for his work as a policeman and a leader. Neither would be the wrong pick, but we recommend Reigenborn, who would most easily win the allegiance of deputies as he makes changes to the growing department.
Voters have two, experienced, thoughtful candidates for Commission District 3. Longtime Commerce City resident and community activist Manuel Solano, a Democrat, brings a lifetime of local legal experience to the board. But we recommend Republican Erik Hansen, the incumbent. Hansen has brought credibility and honesty back to the county commission, establishing himself as a thoughtful and accountable voice on the board. As a former Thornton City Council Member, he understands the problems city governments face and the need for county cooperation. He’s probably the best thing to happen to the Adams County commission in decades.
Adams County deputy DA Steve O’Dorisio is the clear choice for the District 4 county commission seat. A lifelong resident and community activist, his tenure as a county prosecutor, experience on the Adams County Planning Commission and his community involvement make him an ideal candidate to move Adams County away from its murky past. As Denver continues to try and renege on past Denver International Airport commitments, his depth of county and legal experience will be vital. He runs against longtime family businessman Joseph Domenico.
Both candidates for Commission District 5 bring a strong sense of community activism, cooperation and integrity to the race. Both are former Brighton city lawmakers, Republican Jan Pawlowski was Brighton mayor. Even though Democrat Wilma Rose would be a strong voice for local interests, Pawlowski has a proven track record for knowing how to get things done, and we recommend her for the job. Brighton and much of the northern part of the county has been all but forgotten by regional government agencies, something the county commission has a chance to rectify and Pawlowski has the best chance of helping to make that happen.
Erik Hansen is saying things that just aren’t true. Back in 2009 while serving as mayor when Erik Hansen was busy shoving a storage facility down the throats of the citizens of Ward 1, during public comment there was a time I personally called Erik Hansen out for using the mayoral seat as a way to climb the political later. He insulated me and called that and I quote “a tongue and cheek comment.” Now where does he sit today? If you don’t want to take my word for it you can ask commissioner Henry who told him insulting a citizen during public comment was unacceptable. It’s also on video along with his comments that he claims are not true about him saying Thornton would never get a fast tracks and that the FASTER bill was hurting our city. It’s all public record on file with the Thornton city clerks office look it up!
My name is Manuel Solano, candidate for county commission district 3. There are errors in the body of the endorsement I feel compelled to reply to. First, my name is not Michael Solano…it is Manuel Solano. I am not a resident of Commerce City. Chaz Tedesco is the commissioner that represents Commerce City. I am a resident of unincorporated Adams County in the North western part of the County which is in district 3.( I am proud to say that I grew up in Commerce City and graduated from Adams City high school).
Second, I guess you could say I’m a community activist if within that definition you include the fact that I graduated from C.U. and C.U. law school. I have practiced law in the county for 38 years. I have tried cases in state and federal courts and have argued at the state supreme court and the 10th circuit U.S. court of appeals.I taught law courses at Metro State that included municipal and county law. I represented the whistle blower in the paving scandal that brought to light a theft of 1.8 million from county tax payers. My client, D.A. Don Quick and the Adams County sheriffs office are the ones that brought the case to justice. It was obvious how the theft was committed and reforms had to be made at the Commission level.
Third, I hope that you include this request for clarification in your next issue.
Respectfully, Manuel Solano
Commissioner 3: His name is Manuel Solano, and he lives in Thornton (district 3 doesn’t cover Commerce City); Erik Hansen also served as Thornton’s Mayor in addition to being a former council member.
Kevin please see what Manuel said below, he does not live in thornton.
My name is Paul Solano the current RTD Director for District K. I ran against Jan PawIowski in 2012. Jan was for increasing the RTD tax and so was the other candidates. I was against any additional tax increase because Adams County already paid approximately $343 million in taxes and we were not receiving our fair share of services. I won the 2012 RTD District K race, and a endorsement of Jan Pawlowski over Wilma Rose is twisted to say the least. Paul D. Solano RTD Director District K, which consists of Commerce City, Thornton, Brighton, Henderson and Lochbuie.