In this year’s primary election for El Paso County Commission District 2, one candidate is challenging an incumbent commissioner on the Republican ballot. 

Paramedic and political newcomer Kristopher Guido is hoping to replace current District 2 commissioner Carrie Geitner, a Republican first elected in 2020.

The winner will face sole Democrat Bernard “BJ” Byers, a bank manager and community volunteer in the November election. The position is a four-year term.

District 2 encompasses part of east Colorado Springs as well as the northeast El Paso County communities of Cimarron Hills, Falcon, Peyton, Calhan and Ramah.

The candidates answered questions for The Gazette’s primary election voter guide about roads funding, growth and wildfire concerns, and what makes them stand out from their opponents.

Kristopher Guido 

Do you think funding for roads for the county is adequate? Why or why not?

Yes, I feel funding for county roads is adequate. There is enough state and federal funding in combination with tax revenue allocated to county road projects. However, I do feel that a review of current contractors and existing agreements needs to be conducted and perhaps revised to include a minimum guarantee for long-term sustainment of the road integrity and ensure that selected materials and schedules of road repair are appropriate for the environment, climate and the elements, in order to uphold over time.

How do you plan to balance growth and development with wildfire concerns?

I am and always have been passionate about ensuring that adequate and accessible fire mitigation and evacuation plans exist in all commercial and residential areas. This is a life safety issue. Colorado, specifically Colorado Springs and surrounding areas, has been the unfortunate recipient of its fair share of wildfires. The Board of County Commissioners should be effectively communicating with local fire chiefs, wildland fire teams, other subject-matter experts and the Planning Commission, to evaluate these proposals and plans for development, to ensure that everything related to fire safety and fire mitigation is being implemented prior to approval or breaking ground. This is a serious topic and one that should be prioritized when making these decisions. It demands the time, effort and research in advance of the project, with annual reviews to ensure ongoing safety.

How can the county better handle growth?

Responsible growth is paramount, and planning is critical to ensure adequate and reserve resources are available for existing and new, incoming residents. There is so much forethought that needs to go into growth and development projects: water, sewage treatment facilities, road and highway infrastructure, fire mitigation and egress routes, emergency services (stations and personnel), landfill and waste management, electricity, maintenance of existing roads, schools and the list goes on. I feel strongly that the key to handling growth is to take the time to research, review and investigate all of the aforementioned before all of this commercial and residential neighborhood development can take place. It’s also incredibly important to solicit the input and feedback of the existing residents in the area, as they will ultimately be impacted by the growth.

What sets you apart from other opponents in the race?

I feel strongly that my professional and personal experience are relevant to the office of the commissioner. My extensive background in emergency services, small business owner, project manager and life dedicated to the service of others illustrates my desire to serve people and to be a servant leader. That same experience arms me with the necessary knowledge to address the issues the residents are saying are of the greatest concern to them. I just genuinely want to bring this office back to the people of District 2.

Carrie Geitner 

Do you think funding for roads for the county is adequate? Why or why not?

The county budget, including the portion for roads, is determined on an annual basis by the Board of County Commissioners. Over the past several years, I have voted to add millions of additional dollars to road projects without raising taxes.

The result is improved pavement quality index overall, however, there is still significant improvement that needs to happen. Our roads didn’t degrade overnight, and it will take fiscally conservative leaders dedicated to core government priorities, not pet projects, to stay on this path and reach our goals.

In addition, PPRTA contributes significantly to the improvement of El Paso County roads through voter-approved projects.

The bottom line is our roads are improving with the current allocated funding. As a strong supporter of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights I believe the government has a responsibility to work within the budget that taxpayers set.

How do you plan to balance growth and development with wildfire concerns?

During the development application process, a variety of public safety and infrastructure standards must be met. As a current commissioner, I rely on our Office of Emergency Management, firefighting professionals and engineers to advise on safety for our community. The county is currently working on updating the Land Development Code that every development is required to adhere to for approval. As we revise those codes, I plan to focus on feedback from public safety professionals to ensure our code ensures a safe and thriving community. This process must be data-driven and focus on proven standards so that bureaucratic red-tape doesn’t overwhelm common sense.

How can the county better handle growth?

The county has already taken strides to make sure that new development costs do not fall on the backs of current residents. Road impact fees are used to improve roads that see more use when new homeowners arrive.

Since commissioners only evaluate new development in unincorporated areas outside of Colorado Springs and other municipalities, we primarily see projects that rely on Denver Basin water. This is an entirely different approach than communities like Colorado Springs that rely heavily on surface water. Water courts determine how much water can be used, and that decree is provided to commissioners to prove water sufficiency. We are currently in the process of evaluating conditions in the Denver Basin so we have accurate data to inform future decisions.

The recently approved Falcon sheriff’s substation is another good example of increasing services for our growing areas.

What sets you apart from other opponents in the race?

As a current commissioner, I understand the job and what’s needed to continue to implement plans and improvements that are already in motion.

I am a patriotic military spouse that understands the unique needs of our veterans and military families, and will always stand up for American values.

I have a record of standing up for the values of our community, including leading the charge to declare we would not be a sanctuary county. I voted for, and the board agreed unanimously, to file a lawsuit against unconstitutional state policies that prevent our sheriff from working with federal immigration authorities.

I am endorsed by Sheriff Joe Roybal, the local Fraternal Order of Police, and District Attorney Michael Allen because of my commitment to public safety.