August 27th, 2007 - It's time to improve our local environment, and I think that the changes necessary to accomplishing that goal must begin with the City of Thornton itself.

When I am elected mayor, I will make it a priority to set a minimum of LEED Silver standards in all new city construction. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the national standard for rating green buildings. According to the U.S. Green Building Council's website "LEED-certified buildings have reduced operating costs, healthier and more productive occupants, and conserve our natural resources". I will implement a policy that requires the City to meet those standards. The City of Thornton should be displaying leadership in energy conservation and environmental design as an example to its citizens. These standards would apply to not only new construction but also to the remodeling of city buildings.

At the same time that we set an example of conservation for our citizens, we must encourage commercial entities to use our resources wisely. Part of my environmental platform is the development of an environmental shopping list. Currently, our development standards are mostly cosmetic and superficial. By offering incentives to our businesses, we can encourage the efficient use of energy and water. By encouraging LEED standards for the city, we will work together to make Thornton more environmentally friendly, reduce maintenance costs, and save the city money.

While mass transit such as RTD buses and FasTracks is welcome and encourages, the use of alternative energy sources can and should begin immediately by converting and replacing of city vehicles with environmentally friendly vehicles. Using E85 and bio-diesel fueled cars and trucks, as well as hybrid vehicles will reduce long-term costs for the city. This will allow us to spend those savings in other areas.

The state of Colorado is already becoming green; the City of Thornton should be leading the way, not being left behind.