A former Colorado Springs City Councilwoman is running against an incumbent for a position on the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners.
The commissioners oversee county services and have jurisdiction over unincorporated El Paso County. District 5 encompasses much of central Colorado Springs. Incumbent Lauren Nelson, a former member of the School District 11 Board of Education, is a Republican who was originally appointed to the board due to a vacancy. She later won a vacancy election among Republican and unaffiliated voters last year.
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Lauren Nelson, incumbent candidate for El Paso County Commission District 5 (Submitted photo)
Yolanda Avila, a Democrat, previously served on the Colorado Springs City Council.
Lauren Nelson
Email: [email protected]
Website: electlaurennelson.com
Education: Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition, Colorado State University
What is the first program/policy you plan to enact if elected?
As the current County Commissioner, I make principled decisions that advocate for limited government, keeping taxes low and lowering cost of living. I believe all people are created with inherent value, and freedom is essential for us to express our unique gifts and talents. The role of government is to protect taxpayers, respect private property rights and safeguard individual freedoms.
What do you think are this office’s top 3 needs?
El Paso County needs leadership that will protect the freedoms our country was founded upon. Colorado continues to increase government regulation, making it difficult for businesses to operate and more expensive for families. It is important that at the local level we minimize the size of government to alleviate the stress residents feel from a state that will not prioritize its budget needs and instead continues to pass costs on to residents. I will maintain El Paso County’s balanced budget.
What do you think should be the county’s top 3 spending priorities?
The county should prioritize:
Infrastructure – roads/bridges/stormwater.
Support the Sheriff’s, District Attorney’s, and Coroner’s offices.
Core functions that serve our residents, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, secure elections and services that support the most vulnerable in our community. I support TABOR refunds and believe government should be small, keeping costs low. We must be intentional and strategic in allocating tax dollars appropriately to meet the needs of our community.
Yolanda Avila
Phone: 719.357.8726
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://yolandalavila.com/
Mailing address:
Yolanda L. Avila For All
PO Box 15452
Colorado Springs, CO 80935
Education: B.A. in International Political Economy
What is the first program/policy you plan to enact if elected?
Access and transparency are critical. There appears to be a firewall between the constituency and the County Commissioners. I will ensure that there is easy access to County Commissioners via the website, front reception and town halls. I will also create a culture of discussing and making decisions out on the dais instead of behind closed doors.
What do you think are this office’s top 3 needs?
The county is developing at an unprecedented rate. This office needs to secure that we are developing smartly and protecting the rights of all citizens, not just developers. At the same time, we need to ensure that there is affordable housing for those who live, work and play here. Three, it is important to have a very robust, fluid and safe multi-mobile transportation system to get people where they need to go.
What do you think should be the county’s top 3 spending priorities?
One, affordable housing, so many people are priced out of the market. Two, the Department of Human Services coupled with the El Paso County Board of Health. El Paso County is one of the wealthiest counties and it is important that we maintain a high quality of life for all of our residents. Three, the fire season is year long. It is important to shore up our first responders to mitigate fires in the county. Especially in the WUI.