Three candidates are running in the El Paso County Commission District 4 primary election this year, each vying to replace term-limited Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez.

Fountain City Councilman Cory Applegate, Colorado Hispanic Republicans chair Raymond Garcia and political newcomer Brenda Delgado Miller each will appear on the June 25 Republican Primary ballot.

The winner will face sole Democratic candidate Detra Duncan, a Fountain City Council member, in the November election. The position is a four-year term.

District 4 includes southeast El Paso County, including Fountain, Security-Widefield, Fort Carson and rural communities to the county line. 

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

Cory Applegate

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

Yes. I was asked awhile back if I would run a ballot initiative if it funded the El Paso county roads. I said no. I do not want to burden the taxpayers of this county anymore. However roads are a priority and should be better funded out of the existing budget.

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

The easiest solution is proper fire mitigation. Whenever you can have fire districts, do controlled burns. Fire lines near highways or main thoroughfares will serve as a good break, as well.

How can the county better handle growth?

I have worked in construction as a blue-collar, journeyman electrician and I understand you should make sure you have the water, utilities and emergency services in place before building. The neighborhoods need to match. We shouldn’t put apartments and townhomes in neighborhoods where citizens have 5- to 40-acre lots for their homes in the same zoning proximity.

What sets you apart from opponents in the race?

I have more legislative experience than anyone in this race. I have been on Fountain City Council for almost three years. I have experience helping constituents and getting things done to help Fountain. Before I was on City Council, I was a planning commissioner for the city. The majority of what we did was land annexation. About 40% of what our county commissioners do right now is land annexation. I have the experience I need to do this job to help El Paso County.

Raymond Garcia 

Garcia had not replied to The Gazette’s questionnaire as of publication time.

Brenda Delgado Miller 

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

All someone needs to do is drive on our roads to know how much they are in need of repair. Even with a $40 million budget, the commissioners must reevaluate their targeted road projects. By focusing on essential projects, we can maximize the value of taxpayer dollars. By balancing fiscal efficiency with an excellent road maintenance plan, we can maintain our standing as the county with the lowest tax base in the state.

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

The most crucial part of any development is ensuring that fire mitigation and evacuation routes are in place. We must collaborate with the various relevant agencies to ensure adequate planning.

How can the county better handle growth?

We must balance housing needs, infrastructure, and environmental impact. El Paso County has a robust master plan that considers land use, transportation and water resources. We must collaborate with experts at both the state and local levels. And the County Commission must take taxpayers’ input seriously. In summary, El Paso County must balance growth with responsible planning, ensuring a thriving community while preserving its natural beauty and resources

What sets you apart from opponents in the race?

I bring skills to the job that no other candidate has:

• A doctorate in homeland security; expert in emergency management planning.

• A certified project management professional, managing multimillion-dollar budgets.

• Supported all declared emergencies at Northern Command for seven years.

• Volunteered for seven years in the County Office of Emergency Management.

• Over 10 years budgeting experience, a key function of the Board of County Commissioners.

• Retired Army, Bronze Star recipient.

• The only candidate who served in combat.

• Member of Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition.

• Division and precinct leader.

• Lifetime VFW and DAV member.

• Colorado native.