Examine the regulatory environment of Arvada with an eye toward simplifying the code where possible.

Always judge resolutions and ordinances which come before the City Council with the questions:

• Is this really necessary?
• Will it benefit all of Arvada?
• Can it be done better in the private sector?
• Are there secondary effects to consider? In other words, will it create problems or costs that outweigh the good of the original goal?

Who picks up your trash is your business. The city has a responsibility to have safe vehicles on the roads, but not to choose your trash hauler.

Urban planning is vital so that we can build in our city in a consistent and organized way.

Be a cheerleader for urban renewal without being the banker. We must avoid the temptation to encourage projects that are not strong enough to stand on their own. If a project is valid, it can be financed in the private sector. By offering subsidized financing or tax easements, we place the city at risk for the loss if the project fails to meet its goals. Private sector financing is a good test of a project's value.

The budget surplus should be held until the economy turns around. Arvada is enduring the same economic slump as the rest of the country. Until that improves, like your family, we should husband our resources to weather the uncertain year ahead. We don't want to go into debt, and we don't want to raise taxes!