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Election 2009

Visit www.steamboatpilot.com/election2009 for complete coverage of this year's races and issues.

Bio

Name: Ken Solomon

Age: 62

Occupation: Semi-retired

Prior political experience: Steamboat Springs Tax Policy Advisory Board, 2004-2005; Routt County Board of Adjustment, 12 years

Hometown: Steamboat Springs; born in New York City, escaped New Jersey in 1964

Years in Steamboat: 38

Family: Wife, Susan; stepchildren Jada and Andy

Civic involvement: "The Dock" teen center, 1988(?); Timbers Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors, 2002-2006

Questions (candidates asked to limit answers to 100 words)

The city has had to make drastic budget cuts recently. Does this speak to a need for changes to the city's tax structure? If so, what changes? If not, why is the current tax structure appropriate?

It may be safe to say that our ability to raise additional income through the current sales tax structure may be limited. Since 1994, our operating expenses per resident have steadily increased. If city resident numbers continue to increase, the current tax structure may fall short of a balanced budget. If the community does not want to see a reduction in community support and the addition and/or the maintenance of amenities reduced, we will have to explore another revenue source. The most stable and equitable source of revenue may be a property tax dedicated to basic services.

Should the city delegate affordable housing efforts - and remit fees collected through the city's community housing ordinance - to the Yampa Valley Housing Authority? Why or why not?

No. This effort should not be exclusive. We need to see who can bring the best deal to the table.

Is it OK for the city to require money instead of new water rights from projects seeking annexation into city limits? Why or why not?

No. It is very challenging for the city to establish a value for water rights in a constantly changing market place. The only way the city can protect the current residents is to have those seeking annexation bring additional water rights to the city.

Is growth in west Steamboat - and the annexation of projects such as Steamboat 700 and 360 Village - necessary for the long-term health and vitality of the city? Why or why not?

It has long been accepted that the only available direction of growth would be to the west of town. The original West of Steamboat Area plan recognized this and was accepted by the community. The present annexation plans on the table may be too large, too fast and counter to the long-term economic health and vitality of the city with the present infrastructure. Additional growth must be demand based and presently, with the number of living units available on the market, I do not see that demand.

What in your mind, should be the long-term future of Triple Crown in Steamboat Springs?

For a certain segment of our community, Triple Crown has become an important element. On the other side, many members of our community find Triple Crown to be an intrusion to their life style, a loss of use of their parks and disrespect for our community values. These concerns must be balanced for the continuation of Triple Crown. What is challenging to accept is when one of the stakeholders comes to the table with an "either/or" attitude. Triple Crown will be welcome in our community as long as we can maintain our values.

How should the city mitigate ever-growing conflicts between users of the Yampa River, including tubers and fishermen, and the impact those users have on the health of the river?

When I first moved to town, the Yampa River was a flat, featureless river. I believe the first action to change this was by a group of kayakers who built the kayak course through what is now Dr. Rich Weiss Park. Fishermen discovered that this enhanced the fishing opportunities and expanded these improvements. Subsequently, tubers recognized the recreational opportunities and several local businesses seized this idea to derive an economic benefit. The city should take an active role through Parks and Rec to balance the river usage in such a manner as benefits all the players.

Given the current economic climate, should developers be allowed more than the standard three years before they must pull a building permit and begin construction on their projects? If yes, how long is appropriate? If no, why not?

No. If you don't have a three-year plan, you do not have a plan.

Do you agree that the base of the Steamboat Ski Area needs to be more dense, with buildings as tall as 105 feet? Why or why not?

Yes. I agree that the base of the Steamboat Ski Area needs to be denser, but height does not determine density. If you had only one or two living units per floor, that does not increase density.

Open-ended (200-word limit)

I have lived continuously in this community for 38 years. I graduated from CSU with a degree in Business Finance. Until recently I ran a small but successful construction contracting business for 25 years. Over the years, I have volunteered my time with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; helped organize the "Dock" teen center; spent 12 years on the Routt County Board of Adjustment, with a portion of that time as chairperson; was on the Timbers Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors; and co-chaired the Steamboat Springs Tax Policy Advisory Board, where we produced a 110-page comprehensive report on our city's tax structure. What I bring to the table is:

- A lifetime of experiences that will translate into rational, consistent, caring, sensitive, and open representation

- An understanding of past failures and successes of previous councils

- An understanding of this community's values

I am here to be a voice of the people of Steamboat Springs. I can tell you that I will do my research and I will listen to the community before taking a course of action. I will be a voice that will represent this community, its citizens and its values.