Residents Turn Out to Hear Ward 2 Candidates at Second Forum

by Lane Roberts

The cold and snowy weather did not stop Ward 2 residents from attending the second candidate forum for city government candidates held on Wednesday, January 30, at the Community Center.

The forum was presented by Business in the Pines (BIP), a coalition of businesses in Castle Pines North (CPN) and surrounding areas.  The forum was hosted by Paul Arvidson, BIP chief executive officer, and Daniel Cook, BIP treasurer. 

After a brief opening statement, at large candidates were asked their opinions regarding future developments in and around CPN, examples of other city start ups, efficiency of CPN as a city and future taxes.

City council candidates at each forum are being presented with questions from five key topics including:  water, city start up, economic growth and development, traffic and safety, and public recreation and amenities.  Candidates received five questions from BIP including: 

• What do you consider to be the three most important components in starting a new city?
• How do you see the new city council working with the Metro District to secure renewable water?
• The Douglas County Library’s mill levy proposal failed.  How do you think this impacts CPN and what should we do now in regards to the CC-20 development?
• What do you consider to be the key traffic issues in CPN and what solutions would you propose?
• How do you perceive the state and county modifications at Daniels Park and Daniels Road impacting CPN directly?

Following the questions, a “Q&A” session was held to allow residents to pose questions to the candidates.  Resident questions centered on bringing light rail to CPN, what legacy candidates would like to leave if elected, what strategies would be implemented to ensure communication with residents is two-way, and what priorities or boards/commissions would they set up if elected.

To obtain a list of emails for candidates in Ward 2, please send a request to .

The candidate forum for Ward 3 is scheduled for Wednesday, February 6, at 7 p.m. at the CPN Community Center, 7404 Yorkshire Drive.