Article Contributed on: 10/6/2006 10:04:51 AM
Name:
Maritza Carrera
Running for: Assessor
Age: 48
My family: Husband,
Christian, and two daughters:
Janna, 16 a junior at ThunderRidge High School, and
Chloé, 10 a fifth-grader at Coyote Creek Elementary. Our pet,
Starlet, a 6-year-old Samoyed.
What I do: I am a real estate broker at the RE/MAX Professionals Highlands Ranch Office. My prior experience is as a systems administrator in the mortgage industry. I was asked to run because my private sector, real estate and information technology backgrounds make for an ideal resume for the county assessor job.
Favorite place in Douglas County to hang out: Walking along the ridge in Daniels Park and hiking in Roxborough Park with my family and my dog Starlet are among my favorite activities.
What I like most about living here: The beautiful environment, the great schools and the wonderful friends I have throughout the community.
My interests and hobbies: Riding my mountain bike throughout Douglas County and the foothills, Hiking and Walking. Entertaining and Traveling are also very high on my list of favorite things to do. But above all I like to be involved in my daughters' activities.
My favorite thing to cook: Paella. I also like to try recipes from around the world such as Thai or Indian specialties. But the most important part for me is the friends I share these meals with. So a simple grill on my deck with good friends is just fine by me.
People who inspired me:
Martin Luther King Jr.,
Gandhi,
Mother Teresa,
Audrey Hepburn, for her work for children with UNICEF, and my Grandmother for her family values. People who inspire me are people that have a vision for the betterment of others; People that are willing to dedicate their lives to greater causes.
How have I contributed to the community: I am presently a board member of the Coyote Creek Elementary PTA. I am also a charter member of the Southridge Toastmasters. I am always an active leader in the various Girl Scout Troops that my daughters join. I have also been a team volunteer and assistant coach for my daughters' various sports activities. I am one of the founders of the Highlands Ranch Democrats and the current elected Highlands Ranch district captain for the Douglas County Democrats.
What are the biggest issues facing Douglas County now: Beyond water, growth and the environment, I think the most important issue is the single party rule that all our county government has been under for as long as we can remember. Single party rule is detrimental to Democracy anywhere -- in China, Washington or Castle Rock. Our county government is in dire need of a change in leadership to restore fairness for all our citizens and accountability for all our elected officials.
Fairness and accuracy need to be restored in the assessment process in Douglas County. From a policy point of view, all property owners must be treated equally whether they are prominent members of the community or not. From an operational point of view, taxpayer money must be saved by consolidating departments, being proactive with the "protest" process and bringing in better technology.
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