MARTHA KARNOPP
Party: Democrat
Website: www.karnopp4commissioner.com
Biography
Martha Karnopp, 62. Attorney in private practice, emphasizing estate planning and probate. Member of the Aurora Bar Association, Colorado Bar Association, the Solo/Small Firm Section. Received a BA with honors in mathematics and a Juris Doctorate with honors from the University of Wyoming. Community activities include the Girl Scouts, Beyond War, The Foundation for Global Community, the Hunger Project, RESULTS, Aurora Chamber Public Affairs Committee, County Budget Review Committee and County Ethics Committee.
What do you consider to be the four most important issues facing Arapahoe County?
- Comprehensive planning for growth. The County's master plan must include affordable housing, a "green" building code, and improved traffic patterns.
- Adequacy of our court and jail facilities. Current facilities are inadequate, and piecemeal remedial measures do not provide for optimal administration of justice.
- Maintaining government services in a declining economy. The needs of our most vulnerable citizens and costs of government are simultaneously increasing, and county income based on property values is likely to decline.
- Cooperation between county government and city governments. Where the jurisdictions overlap, cooperation can lead to most efficient use of resources.
If elected, how to you plan to address such issues?
- Review master plan and adjust to include "green" building code, noise ordinance, adequate provision for affordable housing and traffic patterns which minimize fuel costs.
- Maximize efficient use of current facilities and outline long-term plan for future needs which meets federal standards. Support programs which reduce recidivism.
- Cooperate with non-governmental organizations which also serve the most vulnerable citizens including GPS locations of facilities and resources, and minimize administrative costs though efficiency measures.
- Consultation with city officials, particularly with respect to needs and planning, and flexibility in working together to meet those needs.
What do you see as the County's role in the future?
County government plays several important roles in the functioning of our everyday lives. First, it is the agent of the federal government in administering federal programs such as Medicaid, food stamps, TANF, etc. Second, it guides the development of the county, to see that new development meets the needs of all citizens, including business, industry, labor, public education, environment and consumers. Third, county government must protect the public from common dangers and nuisances, and empower citizens in providing the infrastructure necessary to conduct their business. County Commissioners must plan for citizens' needs in the future based on accurate information.
Are there other items you plan to address if elected?
To maximize citizen input on proposed ordinances and development, electronic communication of that input should be available to those who cannot attend public hearings and included as part of those proceedings. Citizen input needs to be encouraged by publication of notice by as many means as possible, including awareness of vacancies on public committees and boards. I want to listen to all sides of an issue and bring parties together for optimum solutions. Flexibility in sharing facilities and resources and having various groups meet each other's needs can maximize efficiencies. Changing demographics may require additional senior centers, park facilities, etc.
