INDEPENDENTS4LAKECOUNTY
Request for Proposal
The link for this information is on the Home Page -Assessor record W 3rd and Oro Drive, transfer $500,000 and $0.00, Deeds and RFP West 3rd and Oro Drive. Hopefully this will provide and clarify the information out on the streets.
Questions sent from the candidates forum
Contact Info: None Given
Question: How do you intend to create a collaborative environment for all stakeholders?
First and foremost, the County Commissioners need to follow and adhere to the Colorado Revised Statutes 30-11-101, regarding the duties and responsibilities of a commissioner. Some changes in making a difference and fostering a collaborative environment are to be transparent, have more public involvement, change the public meeting times so constituents can attend, listen to the public working to find that middle path. I will be a full-time commissioner with an open-door policy, willing to meet with constituents when convenient for them. I believe in working with the other entities and coming together for the benefit of our community. As small as our community is, there is no reason we cannot meet and discuss how and what services are needed to be sustainable. It is very important to meet with the local businesses, listen to their issues and concerns regarding tourists, race series and what they would like to see happen. I do not have a personal agenda; I am concerned where our county is going. We need to focus on our elderly, veterans and children making sure they are provided with resources when the need arises and when economically feasible to do so.
Contact Info: None Given
Question: It seemed like you didn't choose the right words in all of your herald answers. Is there anything you'd like to clarify? It may be very difficult for some to believe, but as I stated on Facebook, growing up we didn’t deal in racism. Now we are a nation divided, and it is time to change. I am a person who sees character and respects you for who you are and not by whatever identity you may choose. I do not abide in identity politics, and I do not believe one group should be favored over another; for in doing so, you continuously circle back to the same issue repeating the pattern endlessly. Two wrongs do not make a right. We were all put on this earth; we each have a purpose in life, and we need to make sure there is equity in opportunity between ALL. Just as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., fought for the rights of black people, his desire was for them to be treated fairly and equally; that the “minority” would be afforded the same opportunities as the “majority.” His desire was not to elevate one people group above another and that is what identity politics seeks to do. I do not play that game, and I will not promise favoritism of one group over another. I abide in the famous quote from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” I see individuals’ characters and not their skin color, nation of origin, gender identity or any other way you may wish to divide and segregate people.
Contact Info: None Given
Question: It’s important for candidates to address representation and support for diverse communities. What specific programs or services do you propose to implement for the Latine community?
Again, please refer to my comments in the preceding question. Continuously watching county public meetings, on 8-20-24, C4 made a request to the BOCC to transfer $100,000 in the deed restricted fund into the energy assistance fund to further address deferred maintenance on housing stock. The money was disbursed in January 2024 and depleted in August 2024, having 5 families on the waiting list. As the meeting continued, it was expressed this money helped more Latinx/Spanish-speaking people than originally planned. It also referred to 47% of Latinx/Spanish-speaking people vs 1% white people live in mobile homes. The individual speaking stated this program was for the Latinx/Spanish-speaking people only. I want equity spread amongst everyone, most especially when it is taxpayer funds being spread around. These are hard times for everyone, and the actions taken were based upon only a certain group receiving benefits. We held an unaffiliated town meeting, and someone brought up how people are struggling and need help. It wasn’t until that meeting, Emily Olsen, Director of C4 turned and told the audience, if you know someone who needs help, tell them to come see us. We have money to help. That was a statement appreciated as constituents are not aware there are resources available to help when in need. It was also mentioned by a community member, kids in school say there are Latinx, Hispanics, and Whites. They stated the kids would tell them no-one would play with them because they are White. Is this the way we want the next generation to be raised? I strongly believe in focusing on our whole community and not playing identity politics. We can come together to appreciate one another, respect, and put all our talents to work in making this a better place to live.
Contact Info: None Given
Question: Transparency seems to be something you would like to persecute people over. Yes you have been a part of inappropriate contracting while you worked under the Sheriff's Office. In the beginning of this forum you stated that the county rented a home for $3,500, which is simply not accurate. It is $1,500. How can you point a finger when you do not understand or spread facts yourself?
Regarding the question on transparency and “persecuting people” ; I knew at some point during my campaign this was going to be brought up. I had to really think hard about this, realizing how this might affect some of the players if I chose to respond. I did not sign a gag order when I settled with Lake County, and I was told by my attorney I could talk about it; I just couldn’t take the County back into court. I have and have continued to protect my character, and by that I will present the facts to the community. (Documents-MEMORANDUM, CBI Report of Investigation, letters written by initials, letters of paid leave, termination, unpaid leave, and letter from Lake County Attorney).
The information I provided at the forum concerned affordable housing and I asked, “What is affordable housing?” So often, nebulous terms are used without ever defining what it actually means. On December 14, 2023, Finn McNally, Reporter for the Herald Democrat, reported the rent for the properties at 619 will be $1,120 per unit and at 631 will be $3,500. I made the comment “How is this affordable rent?” I believe what you are referring to in your question is regarding the County renting a house for the undersheriff and paying $1300 per/month to Giffens. These are two entirely different subjects that should not be conflated with each other.
On March 16, 2022 the Leadville Herald Democrat reported:
On March 11, 2022 Lake County closed on 10.494ac parcel located at Harrison Avenue and Monroe Street. On the same day, the county was awarded more than $4m in federal funds to put towards the project (Justice Center and Jail) as part of the 2022 congressional budget.
My campaign focuses on finances, checks and balances, implementing internal controls and this is just one of my concerns.
I started researching and in 2015 a document between Lake County and Anderson Hallas Architect was recorded and an Amendment to original Agreement: “Due Diligence” for Lake County Justice Center.
Moving forward to 2022, several more documents are recorded. These documents are vendor contracts working with this project.
Asbestos Professionals, LLC-project jail
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc-coordination of plans to issue Certificates of Participation to finance county facilities ($7.00 per $1,000 of COP’s)
Reilly Johnson Architect-FCI Constructors-Lake County Justice Center $33,000,000 based on $660sf for a 50,000sf building
FCI Constructors-jail cell renovation with Anderson Hallas Architects
FCI Constructors-Justice Center-Dynamic Program Management, Landmark, Martin & Martin, Becket Hinson VP Wyoming Operations and FCI Constructors of Wyoming LLC
Yeh & Associates, Inc with Geotechnical Service-Lake County Justice Center
Kutak Rock LLP-Kutak Rock Bond Counsel-Certificate of Participation for justice center-$35,000,000.
Going back since 2022, the amount paid so far is $1,271,689.78, however, there is more to look into. After spending this amount of money, knowningly we could not afford a new center, we are now going to do a renovation of the jail costing us $12M (25-40 years) using the courthouse as collateral. Not a wise decision putting up the courthouse for collateral; if it is even legal to do so.
The BOCC continues to waste money on feasibility studies, once again, knowlingly we could not afford it. The price ranges from $17m to $40m for a new recreation center including a swimming pool.
Looking through documents pertaining to the pool, nowhere did it say we needed to close the pool. The pool had more life to it. It needed some TLC but not requiring a lot of money to fix it. Meanwhile our roads, infrastructures, recreation are put on hold as the BOCC have not figured out how to operate our county and managing our money.
The BOCC has violated Colorado Revised Statutes. One would think having an attorney on county payroll would provide good advice preventing the BOCC from doing anything illegal.
Where did the $4m go to, because we don’t have anything to show for it.
Why Vote Tekansik?
If elected as county commissioner, this is what I stand for and will commit to:
Honesty, Integrity, Accountability, Respect, Trust.
Adhere to Colorado Revised Statutes 30-11-107, duties, and responsibilities of commissioner and will
follow and adhere to all State and Federal Laws.
Open door policy, transparency, keep the public informed, change meeting times for
public involvement and input, meet anytime to accommodate constituents.
Implement internal controls, checks and balances, monitor accounts payable, put an end to
feasibility studies and frivolous spending, limit the usage of p-cards (charges on government
credit cards), oversee county departments (not elected officials)
Address and assess infrastructures, the pool, and stop affordable housing at Lake County
Harrison Field (Recorded documents on file in the Lake County Clerk & Recorder’s Office-
covenants and meeting minutes reveait is to kept as a recreational site)
Solve language barriers by purchasing translation recorders (all languages)
Stop funding Lobbyists.
Address and assess policy and procedures, non-profit organizations, telephones, cellular phones,
internet providers, county manager position- (commissioner salary $80,000 plus fringe
benefits), long- and short-term commitments, grants, audit reports, building and land use codes,
and services provided to the community.
Examine county involvement in real estate: (a county does not have blanket authority to deal in real estate,
and a county has no power to acquire real or personal property as a speculation or an investment)
Open all bids in a public meeting.
Work with all entities, coming to the table and strategizing how we can work together and
improve Leadville, Lake County.
Focus on the elderly, veterans, and our kids
Responding to emails and telephone calls.
I have 14 years serving as Lake County Treasurer/Public Trustee. I understand county government and have 40+ yearsworking with financial statements, accounts payable, accounts receivables, administrative assistant, legal assistant, title research, Motor Vehicle Admin Tech.
In the last four years, as a private citizen monitoring the county expenditures, I have been concerned about the financial status of our government. Some would say that I am already doing some tasksassignedto county commissioners. The county expenditures are on the county website or published in the Herald Democrat. One expenditure in question (p-cards): first quarter of 2024-$192,341.22; second quarter-$186,087.43 and thru July 2024-$74,554.76 totaling $452,983.41. What did they purchase? Other charges of concern are Airbnb, airfares, Amtrak, hotels, Mt Princeton Hot Springs, architectural fees, lawyer fees, CenturyLink, Verizon, internet service providers and the list goes on. All county expenditures are public information by completing a (CORA) Colorado Open Records Act request; however, the county attorney has made it difficult to attain. Let us come together and work for the betterment of Leadville, Lake County. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any concerns, issues, or questions.
Thank you.
Tina Tekansik
ttekansik@gmail.com 719-293-1998
The Time Has Come To Take Back Our County
Are you worried about the future of Lake County or more precisely do you worry that you have a future in Lake County? Do skyrocketing property taxes, omnipresent mill levies and harsh regulations to private property rights keep you up at night? Regardless of whether you own or rent, these issues affect you and your future if you call Lake County home, and they definitely affect you if you consider yourself a free American.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Although we only hear one side of the story; there are two sides to every story. The bridge on CR11 is going to impact the residents who live south of the bridge getting to and from their homes. I did something in hopes of coming to an agreement with one of the current landowners. Rumors are told making someone out to be the bad guy. I had a hunch there was more to this issue with the bridge/culvert than what was told. I reached out to Mr. Somerville and we had a lengthy conversation. It was never his intention to stop the bridge/culvert from being replaced. He had valid concerns and as I suspected at no time was he contacted/invited by the County to meet and discuss the project. Instead, the County sent a packet consisting of drawings, how they will use his property to cut a road, they have a ROW, and then reclaim it. He has some valid points as he wants to be a good neighbor, but did not appreciate the way it came about. The County does not have a ROW on his property. His concerns also involves the R&B crew doing the work and when it snows, they will be pulled off the project to plow. It isn’t going to be 8 weeks especially if it snows. In our discussion, I asked if it was to be contracted out would that be a possibility. He responded yes. There was talk also of taking the curve out and straightening the road and making it wider over the bridge/culvert. Both landowners on both sides have had problems with cars going off and taking out their fences. There is also the issue when the county is plowing the maintainer takes out the fence. He asked if something could be done to prevent this from happening.
We are in this together and all it takes is discussion, listening, and communication to reach an agreement. If there is any way to get the BOCC to hold off on this project, it needs to be now. I urge all of you who are involved to contact the BOCC and ask it to be put on hold until next year. That open communication is what it takes to make things right.
Tina
WRITE-IN CANDIDATE
STEVE MERCADO
DISTRICT 2
Just so everyone is aware, Steve Mercado was not able to get on the ballot as and independent or by write in. This election system has been nothing but a complete disaster. It seems like those who were running unaffiliated were met with roadblocks. Steve changed party affiliation in 2022, and when he went to register for commissioner, he was informed by Clerk & Recorder he was a democrat, and provided him with the wrong district. Several communications went back and forth. He missed the deadline to get signatures because she couldn’t figure out what his party affiliation was and then told him he had to go as a write in candidate. Steve filled out the paperwork and I notarized it. He turned it in and Clerk & Recorder claimed she couldn’t find it. Steve was later contacted by Tamira of the Raceseries telling him he could not participate in the Candidates forum, but could attend as a citizen.
Andrew Lee and Kristina Koenig also had issues with the Clerk & Recorder regarding the petitions. Andrew stood up and pushed forward.
Please watch your ballots carefully. There are fraudulent ballots in fraudulent envelopes, documents being sent from the Colorado Department of Revenue stating your address has been changed. All documents relating to this issue are on Facebook. This is happening here in Leadville. Safecard the one thing you have-the ballot. This issue was resolved by the voter in person at Lake County Clerk & Recorder.
STEVE MERCADO
Write-in for District 2
County Commissioner
My name is Steve Mercado, a long-time resident of Lake County and running as an unaffiliated candidate for County Commissioner District 2 as a write-in, you will not see my name on the ballot, registered voters on your ballots will need to write my name in (Steve Mercado).
Most of you know me for my dedication to our community, volunteer work, and focus on maintaining our amazing mountain town.
In my 40+ years living off and on in Leadville I have seen growth, failures, financial struggles, businesses moving in, and out and many longtime residents having to leave due to the lack of long-term care health facilities or home health care programs. Budget cuts impacting our Senior community as well as new residents and families seeking housing for themselves and growing families landing a new or change in a career opportunity and not having the ability to afford housing for themselves or family.
I am a member of the Elks Lodge, Lion’s Club, Eagle’s Lodge and an alternate member of the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Dolly Pardon Imaginary Library.
I have a Telecommunication and IT background, and a BA in Finance from Arizona State University. I am a Lake County Graduate. Past Board member St. Vincent Hospital Foundation, Victims in Prevention.
Assisted with Leadville Main Street, Trick or Treat Street, Ski Joring, Christmas, and Boom Days parades. I currently am employed by the County as the IT Manager and see a need for our Internet infrastructure as a rural community.
I enjoy helping our community and have strong ties within; I am well aware of our challenges, issues, Short-term, and Long-term issues, goals, and insight into what is needed to help move the county and community into the next decade.
Housing, Property taxes, insurance, utilities, budgets, living expenses, community growth, groceries, fuel, interest rates, upgrading our infrastructure with the monies approved specific to this cause, street repair and seasonal opportunities, and home purchase challenges.
We need more indoor and outdoor facilities to help our community of all ages maintain health and wellness, learn to swim, and available and affordable programs for all ages.
I appreciate what our living at 10,200 feet means and all the valuable assets it brings. I am up to the challenge and uphill battle we as Leadville and Lake County Residence face every year, vote for me and I will ensure to work hard for the residents, business owners, government, and private entities residing in Leadville and Lake County.
Steve Mercado
Write in candidate Lake County Commissioner District 2
mercados53@yahoo.com
WHY I AM THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR COMMISSIONER
In less than fifty days, the first time in Leadville-Lake County’s history, we will elect three new commissioners. Multiple candidates within different parties: Democrat, Republican and Unaffiliated are campaigning to win your support. Candidates will base their campaigns on why they are running, what they perceive are issues Leadville-Lake County is now facing and their vision for Leadville-Lake County’s future.
My story began as a Leadville native watching Lake County boom, bust, and grow. Lake County known as a mining town, the highest unincorporated city in North America, has been discovered attracting second homeowners and vacation rental investment properties. We now realize our current infrastructure cannot accommodate new growth. This has become a national issue and what works for some counties may not work for us.
I decided to run for commissioner because I care about my hometown, and I’m not in agreement with the changes our current leaders are allowing. Payroll has increased 138% (2022-2024)from $7,492,364.67 to $10,338,710.14, not including benefits.
If I am elected commissioner, my goals are:
1. Instituting checks and balances regarding finances,
budgets, short-and long-term commitments, investments,
grants, and ending frivolous spending;
2. Adhering to the Colorado Revised Statutes and abiding
by the county commissioner’s duties and
responsibilities of management and administration;
controlling the county budget and expenditures;
representing county interests at the state and federal
levels; participating in long range planning and
pursuing the best interests of our community;
3. Working with all agencies for the betterment of our
community, earning back the trust of our constituents;
and,
4. Ensuring open communication, transparency, open door
policies, and establishing convenient public meeting
times.
I have concerns regarding affordable housing, particularly rezoning properties without public input, continuing with expensive feasibility studies while realizing we do not have the money to move forward and maintain new facilities. My specific concerns and issues I have regarding new development follow:
1. Lake County School District and St. Vincent Hospital
are struggling to stay afloat and can’t provide
adequate services; (LCSD mill levy override while
student enrollment is down; hospital’s presence yet
many still must seek care out-of-county);
2. One grocery store is not sufficient to handle new
growth and tourism;
3. Parkville Water and Leadville Sanitation District
continue to raise fees passing down to us
infrastructure costs caused by new development. Are
current facilities able to accommodate new growth, and
if not, are there alternative plans in place;
4. Currently law enforcement can’t adequately patrol the
county (short staffed), how do we expect to handle new
growth;
5. What recreation can be offered to newcomers (no pool,
no activities for the kids without having to pay).
Although growth might seem logical, other avenues must be addressed. Commercial business is needed to sustain growth. The County funds the Economic Development Corporation and I ask what the EDC plans are moving forward and what have they done to promote Lake County.
With change, remember it takes three commissioners to make decisions.
Thank you,
Tina Tekansik
I appreciate your support. I hope to serve as the next County Commissioner for District 3.
Candidate for County Commissioner District 3
Meeting 9/14/2024
The Unaffiliated meeting held on 9/14/2024 addressed issues and concerns within the community.It was a good meeting as those present were able to provide information and discuss how/what needs to happen in order to make changes.
We discussed law enforcement not responding to calls, returning calls or the issue was not important. Lack of communication with reporting of incidents. The Judicial System is broken. Probation isn’t doing surprise visits or checks for compliance, therefore, offenders have figured this out. Red Flag Law regarding Domestic Violence. Why aren’t these repeat offenders flagged in the system? Why PR bonds instead of bonding out.
The school threats-law enforcement needs more training for these types of incidents. School Resource officers at each building during school hours and interacting with the students. County funding 4 SRO’s with input from the School District. Diversity is splitting the community. Students say there is Hispanic, Latinos, whites and they won’t play with you because your white.
Lack of communication within the community. All entities need to meet and work together. Everyone is doing their own thing and in order to be productive its going to take all of us working together. Places to post public information-Post Office
What our plans are if elected. Infrastructure, more recreation areas for HOV’s, affordable housing,the budget, open communication advising the public, adhering to Colorado Revised Statutes.
The Day Has Officially Arrived!!!!
On September 6, 2024, the Unaffiliated Candidates, will begin handing and putting their campaign signs out. If interested you can request signs through their email accounts.
ABOUT US
WHO ARE WE
Andrew Lee District 1
Steve Mercado District 2
Matthew Bullock District 2
Tina Tekansik District 3
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Please help us achieve our goals for a new future for Lake County, a true grassroots movement, as we challenge Lake County government and aim to:
* Stop the frivolous spending and gain control of the budget.
* Close the open checkbook and review and approve ALL expenditures.
* Implement internal controls and eliminate the use of P-cards.
* Adhere to the Colorado Revised Statutes.
* Open Door Policy.
* Change public meeting times allowing for more public input and involvement.
* Fix, repair and maintain all county infrastructure.
A group of hard-working, concerned and dedicated citizens has come together to run as Independents for all three districts in Lake County’s Board of County Commissioners race for the November 2024 election. As unaffiliated voters, they swear no allegiance to any party, but rather to you the citizenry of Lake County. They pledge to honesty and truth, to true transparency in governance, slashing bloated budgets, living within reasonable means without adding more weight to the backs of the taxpayers of more taxing and spending. Are you tired of the extreme demands placed on we the taxpayers? If so, let your voices be heard by voting in November.
It all begins with CORA Requests.
Unless there is an agreement in place, all documents are public information. I speak soley for myself. Taxpayers are allowed the right to understand and question where tax dollars are being spent. As I continue to monitor all expenditures reported on the Lake County website and published in the Herald Democrat, I have concerns. This is one reason I am running for commissioner. Over the years I have done several CORA Requests, paying out of my own pocket, only to receive copies blacked out,information I requested not provided, or told it was attorney-client priviledged information.(This was regarding myself and the SO)
Previously I did a CORA Request and attached the file to the Home page. Not satisfied with the response I received, I did an amended request changing the date and blacking out documents I did not want. I was provided documents costing me $31.03, however, I asked for all invoices, receipts, contracts, agreements, documentation and copies of checks. Knowing I was going to be railroaded once again, I have decided not to pursue CORA requests as its a waste of my time and I refuse to throw money away for nothing. This is one of the ways Lake County does not have to answer. I hope you will look over the monthly expenditures and question the BOCC if you find something questionable.
If you have questions regarding the documents I am sharing, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you
Tina
Make it stand out
Questions,
Concerns,
Issues
from the Community
Community members reached out to me with their questions and concerns for Friday nights meeting.
1. What stance will the Independents take regarding the animal shelter?
2. Would like to see possibly limiting the number of competitors for the Race series. They said 2000+ bicycles is too many.
3. All the money that seems to go to consultants and nothing gets done.
4. Does Lake County no longer have property code enforcement? There are 8 rubbish lots starting with the old Ossman Ranch Hwy 91 to the storage sheds 5 miles South on Hwy 24.Two of these property owners have people living in RV’s without proper sanitation disposal. Where is the waste going? These RV’s havent been moved in months and are becoming their own junk yards.
5. Properties next to the South car wash, and heading further down South some homes are cluttered with junk cars, travel trailers, and other things. They ask why Lake County does not enforce these problem areas and Leadville, Lake County is not very appealing when driving through.
Recorded documents
Re: Harrison Field.
It has been communicated by a commissioner the Deed for the Harrison Field did not have the Covenants attached, therefore, the county could do what they wanted.
There are recorded Restricted Covenants. It is seperate documents that does not have to be attached to the Deed.
This property is zoned industrial mining. Not sure if it should be zoned as industrial mining.
The documents are attached in the Home page-Commissioner Meeting Minutes, Harrison Field,and Assessor records.
For most communities, Colorado law states that covenants can be amended with the affirmative vote or agreement of at least 67 % of the votes in the association. This type of approval can be achieved through a vote at a special meeting, through written approvals obtained via mailing, or through door to door solicitation.
Lake County has 18 new job listings.
Accountant $65,000-$75,000
Animal Control Officer $50,000-$61,441
Appraiser I $44,000-$49,000
Benefits Case Manager $53,000-$57,000
Child Welfare Intake Caseworker III5300 $60,000-$65,000
Detentions Deputy $51,00-$61,000 (forgot to proofread on county website)
E911 Authority Director $75,000-$85,000
E911 Operator $49,000-$59,000
Finance Director $90,000-$100,000
Landfill Operator $43,000-$47,000
Mechanic $44,000-$46,000
Motor Vehicle Technician $45,000
On Call Interpreter $24.00-$45.00 per/hour
Patrol Captain $102,795-$112,326
Patrol Deputy $66,990-$80,598
Patrol Sergeant $92,400-$100,968
Public Works Deputy Director $80,000-$90,000
Senior Center Assistant $22-$24 per/hour
Newly created positions:
Animal Control Officer
Patrol Captain and
(Accountant is questionable).
The Leadville Herald Democrat headlines, “The BOCC considers options for courts and detention”.
Background: The failed 2016 ballot initiative that would have increased Lake County’s sales tax by 1.5 percent in order to construct a new justice center was voted down. In 2019 the jail was shut down because of unsafe conditions and a task force was formed. The task force, which is co-chaired by Lake County Judge Jonathan Shamis and local attorney Chris Floyd, is weighing a multitude of questions as it begins to examine the potential of a 2020 ballot initiative.
The very first discussion was for a new jail. From there it spiraled off to a larger-scale justice and/or public-safety center. Grant funding (not free money) and our taxes paid for feasability studies, architectural plans, purchase of the Harrison railroad property, attorney fees, environmental testing, costing us an exorbitant amount of $$$. Those who benefited from this were the attorneys, the architectural firm and Lake County is the proud owner of contaminated land. Now what?
As reported, the BOCC is looking to spend up to a maximum of $20M. Where is this money coming from? The BOCC still has not learned. It seems the BOCC doesn’t have an issue throwing money away. Why would they? If they had their own businesses would they throw and waste money like they have done with our tax dollars? They would be bankrupt. Why is it so hard to listen to us? The BOCC works for us! The funding from DOLA should have never been requested, because the task force had no concrete plan of action. The task force discussed doing Certificates of Participation, however, after learning it had to go to the vote of the people it was no longer an option.
The questions worth asking:
How many inmates on a weekly basis are in custody and transferred to another county?
Is there a plan of action regarding the hiring and retaining employees?
Can the county afford additional funding to hire more employees when we are already paying close to $11M not including benefits.
How many scheduled courts are there on a weekly basis?
According to the study regarding the school, the school was in such disrepair, they did a ballot measure to build a new intermediate school and it failed. LCIS is a place of interest for the courts and detention, or other plans the BOCC may have.
The hospital is a prime example of building new. We were told St. Vincent General Hospital needed a new boiler system, and the building was in disrepair. We spent $26M for a new hospital without a kitchen, and before we knew it, the old hospital was revived and St. Vincent Primary Care is back seeing patients.
Why can’t we be told the truth and come out and just say you want new buildings?
The City purchased the old JR High gymnasium. There it sits as well. Where is the funding coming from to remodel and get it operational? Why is it so hard for the City and County to come together along with the constituents and decide how to better spend our tax dollars? It seemed at that time there was discontention and animosity towards each party and it needs to stop. We are a community trying to survive and make Leadville, Lake County a better place. It is not like Leadville, Lake County is a rich community. We need more commercial businesses to come in to offset our taxes.
Maybe its time to focus on one project and complete it before going on to the next.
Tina
ELECT
UNAFFILIATES
Who would have thought a song released in 2013 by Alabama, “All American”, 11 years later would shed light on our country’s current state of affairs? Majority of the time we are feeling a disconnect from our leaders. As a nation including our hometown, Leadville, Lake County you are either the far left or the far right extremist, both having their own views.
Unaffiliates are in the middle not taking a stand with the far left or far right. We are the moderates who are conservatives and will work to bring our community together as one.
Remember for change we need to
Elect the Unaffiliated Candidates.
We appreciate your support and we are looking forward to serving as Lake County Commissioners for the next four years.
As we begin the journey preparing for the November election, the Unaffiliates agree Lake County has issues. Each candidate brings to the table their own strengths; mine is Finance. During my tenure as the Treasurer, I was faced with many challenges. I always reminded myself, “The taxpayers are paying my salary,” I am here to do a service and be held accountable for my actions. Dealing and handling millions of dollars on a yearly basis, balancing at the end of each day, provided me the opportunity to gain knowledge of how county government operates.
The Treasurer is responsible for all monies received from all departments and deposits into the bank account (general fund). From this point it becomes the responsibility of the Board of County Commissioners. It is the duties and responsibilities of the County Commissioners to manage funds accordingly, approving all bills, payroll, and the monthly minutes at regularly scheduled meetings. There are certain restrictions regarding transfers to other departments. There should be a paper trail requiring all pertinent information relating to the transfers in/out. Are there checks and balances in place?
As previously stated, I continue to follow the monthly expenditures on the county website and published in the Leadville Herald Democrat. The County contracted with a third party vendor allowing the payment of invoices to be paid through the vendors software program. I do not agree with this process. Does this allow for checks and balances and verification of legitimacy?
Tina Tekansik
On November 5th, the constiuents will be voting in the General Election. This will be the first time in Leadville, Lake County history where three new commissioners are seated. Now until November 5th, you will be inundated with advertising material, text messages, phone calls, town hall meetings, introducing ourselves and why we believe we should be elected. There are (3) Democrats, (1) Republican, (4) Unaffiliates vying for these seats. No longer should a candidate be elected by party affiliation; it should be based on the one who will work for you.
As a nation, we are faced and challenged with high taxes, inflation, housing issues, raising a family, health insurance costs, prescriptions, daycare….. We must change how government operates and become more involved-(our voices).
The commissioners are bound by Colorado Revised Statutes. Policy and procedures must be followed. The Board of County Commissioners are responsible for overseeing and managing the day to day operations of the county, the budget, apportioning and levying taxes, overseeing the departments, roads, maintaining infrastructures; having no control over other elected officials and has no power to review the discretionary acts of former boards.We must move forward addressing how to proceed.
Serving as newly elected county commissioners, it is going to be challenging. We will make constituents unhappy, understanding it is okay to agree to disagree knowing things aren’t going to change overnight. It is going to take time to sort through the current affairs of the county. Prioritizing the needs vs. the wants, taking small steps, and working towards the best interest of the community, we can do this.
We are looking forward to serving as your county commissioners. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions, comments or concerns you may have.
Contact information:
Andrew Lee: mtn.art77@yahoo.com
Steve Mercado: mercados53@yahoo.com
Matthew Bullock:
MATTBULLOCKCONSTRUCTION@GMAIL.COM
Tina Tekansik: ttekansik@gmail.com
Lake County Board of County Commissioners
On August 6, 2024 the BOCC held their regular meeting. Commissioner Mudge and Commissioner Fiedler passed Resolution #2024-28 authorizing the County Manager to sign off on checks when the commissioners are not around. There is statute addressing who can sign the warrants and it does not mention the County Manager. Attached in the Home Selection is the Colorado Revised Statute.
Also in the same meeting the Leadville Airport applied for a FAA Grant. The grant lists Attorney Floyd and County Manager signing off on it. I question the legaility of their signatures.
Information can be verified on YouTube
https://youtu.be/RqcGaaEeX4Q?si=jvckKnqEbvS2D2z1
Date of meeting: 8.6.2024
WONDERING WHERE YOUR TAX DOLLARS ARE BEING SPENT?
* Feasibility studies
* Lobbyists
* Membership in ICLEI (icleiusa.org) International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives now called ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability: lobbying and policy consultant designed to influence and change local governmental policies to adhere to UN goals.
* Architectural fees and studies
* Untraceable P-card purchases
* Increase in personnel
* Consulting firms and more studies
* Airfare
* Hotels and AirBnB expenses
* Hotel booking fees
* Generous non-profit funding
* Counties and Commissioners Acting Together (coloradoccat.org) lobbying group. Are Lake County goals the same as Denver counties; or the same as Eagle or Summit counties?
* Unspecified PayPal expenses
* Pandora expenses
* Amazon expenses
* Amtrak expenses
* Apple expenses
* Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort expenses
* Rocky Mountain General Counsel expenses
* DEI Training (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) $50,000
We want to hear from you. We appreciate your support, comments, concerns and issues.
Join us in our public forums
Next meeting: TBD Eagles Lodge