Metro District of Highlands Ranch Board of Directors candidate Victoria Starkey

Age- 52

My famliy: Husband-Rick
Children- Jenny, Dana and Michael

Education:
Candidate-Master Public Administration, University of Colorado, Denver, December 2008
Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Northern Arizona University

Employment:
Douglas County Government- Facilities Manager- 14 years

Favorite place in town- I love to walk the open space trails in Highlands Ranch for exercise.

What I like most about living here- Moved here 25 years ago because we thought it would be a great place to raise a family and it has turned out to be just that.

Interests and Hobbies- Anything outdoors, ATVing, camping, walking, hiking, skiing, racquetball and civic activities.

Favorite thing to cook- Penne pasta with chicken and artichokes.

People who inspired me:
Professional- When I moved to Highlands Ranch in 1983, I became involved in the Highlands Ranch Community Association as a delegate and then on the Board. I worked with Joe Blake, who at the time was the board representative from Mission Viejo Company (the developer). He instilled a lasting sense of civic duty in me that still lasts today.
Personally- My two sisters, also residents of Highlands Ranch. They have been supportive of my community involvement and been there when I needed advice.

Contributions to the Community:
I was a Delegate and President of the HRCA Board of Directors, member of the Douglas County Board of Education (1994-2004), member of Douglas County School Facilities Trust Fund Foundation Board for seven years, member of the Douglas County School District Long Range Planning Committee for six years and on the DARE Board of Directors. I am currently on the Metro District Advisory Board, having been elected in 2006.

Biggest Issues facing Highlands Ranch:
The overall sustainment of the quality of life within Highlands Ranch needs to be on the front burner for every resident. We as a community must ensure that adequate revenues at both local and county level are available to fund ongoing maintenance of the infrastructure that supports our quality of life. I am not a proponent of higher taxes however; I do realize that the dollars must come from some source to pay for services. The services that we currently receive are important to each of us and we must weigh the benefits versus the cost to determine the value of a particular service to the community.

Why I am Running:
During my 25 years in Highlands Ranch, I've been actively involved in the community. I view service, as a Metro District Director, as an opportunity to continue contributing to the community I call home. Highlands Ranch faces critical decisions in the future; I welcome the challenge of assisting in making those decisions. I serve on the Metro District Advisory Board and would enjoy extending my service as an elected representative.