Wil Armstrong, a candidate for U.S. Congress, addresses CPN residents at the Candidate Forum hosted by the city on July 22. (photos by Tim Gamble)

by Lisa Crockett

The summer time temperatures were not the only things heating up during July in Castle Pines North (CPN.) This year’s primary election, already one of the most-watched contests in recent history, is kicking in to high gear and CPN residents are at the forefront of the action.

More than 100 people attended at a candidate forum, hosted by the city of Castle Pines North at the Community Center, to hear candidates for U.S. Congress, Colorado House and Senate, and County Commissioner share their political views and ideas.

Questions were taken from the audience, with topics ranging from energy policy to prison sentences. Mirroring the concerns of citizens nation-wide, oil prices came up repeatedly, as did ideas regarding alternative fuels and new energy sources. Health care costs, the war in Iraq, immigration policy and taxes also came up in resident’s questions for the candidates.

Most of the candidates who were in attendance are Republicans and are seeking a win in the upcoming primary election in order to obtain a spot on the ballot in November.

Holly Gorman, who is running for House District 45, was the lone Democratic candidate at the event.

“I really like the ‘town hall’ aspect of a meeting like this,” said Gorman. “It helps to give us perspective and connection with people, and lets candidates like me know what issues people think are important.”

CPN Mayor Maureen Shul coordinated the event to provide a forum for discussion and as a venue for voters to obtain first-hand information from the candidates themselves.

“I think it’s incredible that we had such a great turn out – candidates and residents -- at this event,” said Shul. “It’s really important that we be well-informed voters in a primary election this important.”

Shul is planning another forum prior to the general election in November.

Candidates in attendance included: 6th Congressional District candidates Wil Armstrong, Mike Coffman, Ted Harvey and Steve Ward. Candidates for House District 45 Carole Murray, Mark Sievers and Holly Gorman. Mark Scheffel and Bob Denny, candidates for Senate District 4 and Steve Boand for Douglas County Commissioner in District II.