Contact: Pat Shanks, 303-819, 3315, or Thom Krueger, 303-440-0952

Oct. 1, 2007

(Boulder, CO)—PLAN-Boulder County announced its endorsement of seven candidates to fill the seven seats in contention in the upcoming Boulder City Council race, as well as county ballot issues pending in the election on November 6th.

"PLAN-Boulder County is endorsing a well, rounded slate of candidates who would bring an outstanding combination of experience and knowledge of environmental and city planning issues to the City Council, while also adding some fresh blood and new ideas," stated Pat Shanks, Chair of PLAN-Boulder County. "An important quality in all of our endorsees is a commitment to maintaining Boulder's treasured open space program, high quality of life for all residents, increasing affordable housing, reducing our environmental impacts, and pursuing sound growth management."

Specifically, the Board of PLAN-Boulder County endorsed the following seven candidates:

• Macon Cowles, an environmental lawyer and recent leader on Boulder's Planning Board, for his excellent environmental credentials and land use experience.
• Crystal Gray, an incumbent Boulder City Council member, who has been a strong supporter of PLAN-Boulder County planning and open space issues; Crystal is also a strong advocate for neighborhoods, parks, and schools, and an important council leader in reestablishing strong ties between the City and CU.
• Lisa Morzel, a former eight, year City Council member, for her determined spirit and her extensive knowledge and leadership on environmental, sustainable land, use, alternate, mode transit, and under, represented resident issues; Lisa also shows new willingness to build bridges in the community, as evidenced by the diversity and depth of her supporters.
• Susan Osborne, current co-chair of Historic Boulder, who oversaw the vision and construction of the Boulder Creek Path, and was an early leader for Boulder's energy conservation policies; Susan has great knowledge and advocacy experience on historic preservation, parks and recreation, and city planning issues.
• Eugene Pearson, a recent CU student and current employee at Boulder County Aids Project, for his strong commitment to social services and environmental issues; Eugene will also provide a valuable bridge to the Boulder student population.
• Susan Peterson, for her lively spirit, critical thinking and analytical skills, and ties to the business community; Susan also has a clear set of values and strong positions on environmental, planning, and growth issues (and rode her bike to all of our forums!).
• Ken Wilson, an incumbent City Council member, who has served since the July special election, for his diligence and careful consideration of water issues and development impacts on neighborhoods; Ken's recent efforts include working closely with neighbors and city staff on the Burke Pond water issues.

"In addition to selecting candidates that embody the principles and positions of PLAN-Boulder County, we also placed a premium on individuals that believe strongly in listening to and representing the citizens of Boulder," explained PLAN-Boulder County board member, Thom Kruger. "We think participatory democracy is a critical aspect of good government."

PLAN-Boulder County endorsements requires a two, thirds majority of the board, based on the criteria that a candidate stands firmly for PLAN-Boulder County's principles, understands municipal issues, is experienced in city government (either in elected office, on city boards/commissioners, or with volunteer groups), and shows a clear ability to assume a leadership role on the council.

"Election of these candidates, along with returning Council members, would result in a balanced council with a great depth of city knowledge and expertise," noted PLAN Boulder County board member Gwen Dooley.

During regular municipal elections, PLAN-Boulder County makes endorsements of city council candidates based on a rigorous inquiry by the board into candidate qualifications. To that end, PLAN-Boulder County hosted a series of four Friday candidate forums during September and distributed an in, depth questionnaire focused on growth and environment issues to the 22 city council candidates. The candidates' responses to PLAN-Boulder County's questionnaire are posted on the group's website at www.PLANBoulder.org.

In addition to candidate endorsements, PLAN-Boulder County is also endorsing two county ballot initiatives:

• Boulder County Initiative 1A, which would extend Boulder's current open space sales tax for 20 years to continue preserving, improving and maintaining important open space lands around the county; and
• Boulder County Initiative 1B, which would extend Boulder's current transportation sales tax for 15 years to pay for a mixture of projects including roadway reconstruction, safety and maintenance; bicycle shoulders on county roads; pedestrian underpasses and sidewalks; transit funding and countywide EcoPass program; and completion of our regional trails system.