Dave Auburn said he has a job to finish.
Appointed as county commissioner in March 2005, Auburn said he has spent the past 19 months working hard to improve Jefferson County. If elected in November, Auburn would continue his mission to move Jefferson County forward, he said.
“The job is not done, and I am committed to staying here and working hard for the people of this county,” Auburn said.
Auburn, a Republican, faces Democratic candidate Kathy Hartman in the November election.
Securing high-paying, stable jobs in the county and making it easier for small businesses to thrive are goals of Auburn — goals he said he would continue if elected.
“That promotes a stable economy so our citizens have a chance to live and work here and enjoy a steady quality of life,” Auburn said. “Business is the crux of our future, and being a small-business owner, I can understand some of the hardships in surviving.”
Jeffco’s transportation woes concern Auburn, who currently serves on several committees focused on solving transportation problems. If elected, Auburn said he would continue to work in DRCOG and other groups to determine what should be done in the future regarding transportation.
“Transportation is probably the biggest issue we have,” Auburn said. “If we are going to promote jobs and growth, transportation is a vital component.”
Dave Auburn
Age: 60
Residence: Unincorporated Jefferson County
HOW LONG: 25 years
Family: Wife, Linda; one son
Profession: Independent small-business consultant, former small-business owner
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, University of Phoenix – Denver
Kathy Hartman
Kathy Hartman doesn’t like shadows.
She wants a government that operates in plain, illuminated view, and holds few closed-door meetings.
“I decided to run because I was concerned by the level of closed-door meetings, lack of public input and special interest control over county activities,” Hartman said. “I thought it was time for a change.”
Hartman, a Democrat, faces incumbent Commissioner Dave Auburn, a Republican.
Hartman wants to move the Board of County Commissioners’ public meetings to the evening so more people can attend, she said. She’d also like to create a county-based public access TV station on which meetings and Sheriff’s Office information could be broadcast.
“That just adds to public trust, and I think public trust in county government is at an all-time low,” Hartman said.
Dealing with the county’s budget is an ongoing struggle, but Hartman said her experience as a nonprofit executive director makes her the best person for the task.
“I have done real budget cuts; it is not fun, it involves pink slips,” Hartman said. “But I do understand how you go about doing that and some of mechanics you use to spread the pain.”
Enhancing the partnerships between Jeffco and the surrounding city and state governments is another goal of Hartman’s — which would lead to increased development and business in Jefferson County, she said.
Kathy Hartman
Age: 56
Residence: Unincorporated Jefferson County
HOW LONG: Seven years
Family: Husband, Bill Field
Profession: Private fundraising management consultant for nonprofits
Education: Master’s degree in business administration, Wayne State University; bachelor’s degree in psychology, University of Michigan