For immediate release, Sept. 17, 2007

For more information contact Jeff Wasden at (720)628-4787

Wasden calls for Repella to resign from planning commission, return contributions to developers

Douglas County Commissioner candidate Jeff Wasden expressed concern today about the conflict of interest Jill Repella has put herself in by continuing to serve on the Douglas County Planning Commission while also campaigning for a seat on the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.

"I am concerned about a member of the planning commission currently involved in ongoing and active decision making who wants to be elected. It is not possible to expect her to maintain the kind of independence and impartiality that members of the planning commission must bring to their role as stewards and guardians of the county's master plan while meeting with developers," Wasden said.

Also Repella should return all campaign contributions that she has received from developers, or through fund-raisers organized by developers, while she serves on the planning commission, Wasden said.

"Accepting financial support for a political campaign from a developer would put any member of a planning commissioner in a difficult position when it comes to making decisions regarding that developer," Wasden said. "It's not fair to expect Jill to work in that environment, and it's not fair to expect the residents of Douglas County to trust on blind faith that those contributions aren't having some influence."

"Conflict of interest, whether real of perceived, needs to be avoided at all costs" states Wasden.

As a strong advocate for personal property rights and maintaining the rural areas of the County, Wasden wants to make sure each area of Douglas County has some local control and say in maintaining the quality of life all residents deserve.

Wasden is a strong proponent of the County's leadership and vision in purchasing open space, creating conservation easements, and applauds the Commissioners for their efforts.

"We must fight to protect the rural and historical areas of Roxborough, Sedalia, Louviers, Perry Park, and Franktown. What I love about Douglas County is the diversity between urban and rural areas and I do not want to loose that."