Article Contributed on: 10/10/2008 4:15:34 PM
Shirley Francis-Fraser is running for Douglas County Commissioner District 3 and answered a questionnaire for YourHub.com. To read all of the candidate questionnaires,
click here.
Name: Shirley Francis-Fraser
Seat you are seeking: Commissioner, Douglas County; District 3
Age: 40 plus
Family: Husband Allen Fraser
Occupation: Labor Relations and Human Resources Consultant
Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Your Web site: www.Francis-Fraser.com
Favorite local place to hang out: Barnes and Noble bookstore
What do you like most about living here? I love the beautiful mountain vistas
Interests & hobbies: Violin, Gospel Music and Singing with the Colorado Mass Choir, horseback riding, cooking and sewing
Favorite TV show: "24"
Favorite Web site: In addition to www.Francis-Fraser.com , I enjoy
abc.com
People who inspired you (and how): I am inspired by my parents, William & Dorothy Francis and Dr. Martin Luther King. They are people of integrity and conviction who, despite obstacles, set goals, worked hard to achieve them and assisted many.
How you have contributed to the community: In Providence RI, Pennsylvania and New Jersey I wrote and implemented various educational programs that empowered youth to achieve educational and professional goals. I served on the Board of Education, Commission(s) of Higher Education, created, implemented and directed a church non-profit youth program for at-risk youth that was chronicled by the New York Times. My work resulted in the establishment of a magnate school program that fostered early college entrance and advanced placement opportunities for junior and senior students. Also, thousands of internship opportunities were created system wide for high school and college students with the New England Patriots, Bank of America, Textron and other fortune 500, business and professional entities RI in PA and NJ. Additionally in each of my corporate roles I championed and created internship and business educational opportunities for students, This work spanned 20 plus years.
In Rhode Island I served on the Capitol City Planning Commission for two and one half years. In this capacity I approved (or rejected) proposals, plans and contracts for land use, infrastructure, transportation, construction, water relocation and business implementation. The Commission was responsible for the governance, negotiation and update of a Master Plan which was expanded at each strategic planning phase. The Commission worked in conjunction with legislative, agency, corporate, public and executive partners via meetings and hearings.
My husband and I have served in various capacities in faith based organizations in Colorado for the past twelve years. For the approximately past three years, my husband and I serve as Life Group Leaders at the Word of Life Christian Center in Lone Tree, CO. In this role, we assist families and the public in meeting various needs. We are particularly happy to have written and implemented "a Get Employed Stay Employed "program for the Denver Rescue Mission. This program allows us to assist individuals challenged by homelessness to transition to employment.
What are the biggest issues facing your constituency now:
1) Water-The issue of water management and conservation has historically been and continues to be of concern for Douglas County and Colorado. Although steps have been taken by the various regional water authorities and consultant CHM2Hill to ensure and improve adequate water supply to the region, the Commissioner must carefully monitor to ensure that the public's water interests are best served now and in the future.
2) Economy- Despite recent Census data that lists the median income for a Highlands Ranch household as highest in the state, citizens of Douglas County still have challenges. Wall street unrest that threaten investments, layoffs, foreclosures, high energy and food costs each serve as formidable challenges economically. As Commissioner, I will work hard to maintain the prosperity of Douglas County by attracting new businesses and economic stimulus solutions for Douglas County residents.
3) Energy-It is no secret that the price of gas and other energy resources has become most exorbitant. Moreover, America's reliance on foreign energy resources makes our economy and society venerable. However, Douglas County resident are well positioned to capitalize and economically benefit from cutting edge energy research. Colorado is a national leader in energy research. With recently passed cutting edge energy legislation by the General Assembly, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in close proximity, Vestas and other cutting edge energy resources literally in our back yard, I would work hard to attract and secure clean green businesses and alternative energy resources for Douglas County. Such initiatives would expand economic resources for the County and improve alternative energy resource availability.
4) Urban vs. Rural- It is my understanding the over a period of time, the Planning Commission has generated a Master Plans that purports to balance Colorado's natural resources with expansion. Supposedly, this document harmoniously balances the interests of those who desire to maintain a "rural" lifestyle with those who desire to build in the open spaces of Douglas County and expand to "urbanization." As I walk the campaign trail, constituents continually tell me that the Master Plan often excludes the interests of "rural" constituents. As Commissioner I would truly represent ALL people without exclusion. I look forward to reviewing this matter and making Master Plan revisions where necessary.