Open Space

Protecting the Larimer County Open Space program is a top priority.  The revenue source that funds this program passed by an overwhelming majority of the vote – this shows that preservation of our Western heritage and environment is very important to the citizens of Larimer County.  I will vigorously oppose any attempts to shift Open Space dollars to roads or the jail.

I will also fight to prevent the mining of mineral deposits in Open Space lands.

Uranium Mining

In situ and open pit uranium mining has no place in Larimer County, especially above the Laramie – Fox Hills aquifer.  I have testified on behalf of House Bills HB-1161 and HB-1165 to protect Northern Colorado from becoming a testing ground for in situ uranium mining, and to protect my right as a commissioner to make decisions on local issues and promote transparency in the exploration process.

Healthcare

I am a supporter of Universal Healthcare. I do not believe a system where insurance companies pay ridiculous CEO salaries and maximize profits by minimizing claim payments is in our best interests.  There is no reason why a country as great as ours should ranks # in the world in healthcare (according to the World Health Organization).

The burden for healthcare should not be carried on the backs of business.  Today, more and more companies are dropping their healthcare benefits, and are making hiring and firing decisions based on healthcare costs.

There are those who feel that the county should not spend taxpayer dollars on healthcare coverage for its employees.  I will fight to prevent any policy that reduces the coverage we provide our employees.

Domestic Partnership Benefits

I introduced the domestic partnership benefit coverage policy to Larimer County.  I believe domestic partners should be afforded the same healthcare and leave benefits afforded all county employees.

Growth and Population

People will always be drawn to Northern Colorado.  We need a balanced approach to new development and to preservation of the resources that define our region.  Proper densities and sustainable communities should be encouraged to make transit more economically feasible, and to promote bike and pedestrian use.

It is important to maintain the safety of our existing roads.  We should not take a short-sighted approach that results in allowing our county roads to deteriorate, leading to much greater replacement costs.

Water is the limiting resource for development.  We need to promote balance between the needs of new development and preservation of water flows, agricultural irrigation and riparian habitats.

The community of the future will also need to address transportation, electric power generation, local food sources and high-speed internet connectivity as the major concepts of development.

Economic Development

Larimer County needs to do its part to return the $30k-$70k jobs to our region.  We have a serious underemployment problem – the average worker in our county makes $130 less a week than the average state worker.  I support the efforts of CSU in developing clean energy clusters, and the promotion of our region as the clean energy development center of the country.

The Local Living Economy concept should be encouraged for our long-term economic vitality.  Incentives, if any, should be offered to homegrown businesses, not big box stores.  Local businesses use local resources (the neighborhood bank, a nearby accountant or attorney, for example) keeping more dollars in our region.

I support methods to allow farmers and ranchers to diversify their businesses by modifying land use code to allow more agri-tourism and agri-business.  Our region is ripe for promotion in areas of historical, agricultural and culinary tourism.

Choice

I believe in a women’s right to choose.  The young men and women of our county need to be educated about sex issues – this education should be comprehensive and include the topics of birth control and abstinence.  You cannot address issues of unwanted pregnancies without addressing the economic factors that pregnant women face.

Randy Eubanks for County Commissioner - Jon Slater, Treasurer