As I meet more Thornton citizens while running for Mayor, there is one concern that many are beginning to voice: property values. For example, at least week's Ward 3 ice cream social one very concerned lady spoke of her family's inability to sell their home. Less anecdotally we all have seen the increase in foreclosures and the many for sale signs in yards throughout the city.

With so many homes on the market it is no wonder our home values are flat are declining, but what can we do about it? Short-term it would be difficult for any government to immediately increase home values, but I believe there are some long-term strategies that can inoculate us against further downturns in the market. This is the next step in my Blueprint for Thornton

First, we must create public-private partnerships that encourage home renovation. We can create tax incentives for fix and flips and provide grants to companies that engage in such activities. We could even create an agency, a Thornton redevelopment corporation that buys distressed properties, remodels and resells them. The profits could be used to redevelop future properties in a self-sustaining model.

Second, many of the streetscapes in the city are in need of a facelift. The fences along portions of Colorado Boulevard are in serious need of updating, and much of the area on south Washington Street also could be refreshed. I believe that if we were able to improve the visual aesthetic of some parts of the city, it could be a catalyst that encourages individual property owners to purchase homes in the city. Aurora has had a similar strategy on East Colfax and Denver in LoDo, and they have been successful.

Third, some changes must be made in code enforcement. It is ridiculous that if graffiti hits your personal fence, it is your responsibility to clean it up. Not only is this blaming the victim, but it may mean graffiti sticks around longer than it should, further blighting neighborhoods. A few years ago we adopted new regulations to clean up former methamphetamine labs, but these homes are still allowed to sit abandoned for far too long.

I have chosen Thornton as the town to live and raise my family. Every neighborhood in Thornton is safe; every area is full of happy families. It is important we keep it that way by taking proactive steps to ensure Thornton continues to be a great place to call home.

Erik Hansen

Thornton City Councilman and Candidate for Mayor