NAOMI’S PLAN
As a PRAGMATIC LEADER, I understand the importance of listening, empathizing, and then acting with informed judgment. These skills are crucial in leading with integrity, and I am prepared to use them to effectively represent all of you.
It's time to break the over 50-year streak of unchallenged leadership in El Paso County. I am committed to being a respected voice for our historically unheard neighbors, demonstrating REPRESENTATIVE LEADERSHIP of the true diversity of our district.
We need government leaders who bridge divides and focus on solving real issues that impact our daily lives. I will bring a COMPASSIONATE STRATEGY that listens and responds to the needs of its most vulnerable citizens, ensuring they receive the support they need. I will advocate for policies and initiatives that consider all aspects of community well-being, ensuring a balanced and inclusive approach to problem-solving.
Through this HOLISTIC APPROACH I will focus my efforts on the following pressing issues.
Promoting Thoughtful, Planned Growth
El Paso County is projected to grow by a quarter of a million new people by 2045. Therefore, the question isn’t whether we should grow, but how we can grow in the best way possible. I will promote smart growth policies that balance environmental protection, affordable and attainable housing, and economic development that benefits our entire community. Local government has a responsibility to work for the benefit of all people, and I am committed to building an El Paso County that works for everyone.
As a County Commissioner, I will advocate for:
Responsible Land Use: Ensuring development respects our natural resources and preserves its benefits for future generations.
Environmental Stewardship: Focusing on conservation efforts and responsible use of the Denver and Dawson aquifers
Natural Disaster Preparedness: Proactively identifying risks and providing timely notifications for evacuations.
Balanced Urban Development: Promoting growth that harmonizes with environmental preservation.
Green Spaces: Creating and maintaining parks and green areas to enhance community health and environmental balance.
Renewable Energy Projects: Supporting initiatives that reduce our environmental impact.
Collaborating with Experts: Partnering with specialists in each field to ensure informed and effective decision-making.
Accepting State and Federal Monies: Utilizing state and federal funds allocated to address these critical issues.
My commitment is to thoughtful, planned growth that enhances the quality of life for all residents of El Paso County. Join me in building a sustainable and prosperous future for our community.
Solutions for Community Health and Safety
As a people-centered leader, I am committed to addressing the pressing needs of our community. El Paso County Government has a key role in administering programs that promote public safety, mental health, address poverty and homelessness, and improve the criminal justice system. Our county jail has the highest number of detainee deaths, year after year. Many El Paso County residents report facing challenges such as housing and food insecurity, inadequate access to medical and mental health services, substance use issues, and unreliable transportation.
As your County Commissioner, I will:
Collaborate with Experts: Work proactively with professionals in addiction, poverty, domestic violence, suicide prevention, restorative justice, transportation and workforce training to bring meaningful solutions to those most in need.
Enhance Community Health Programs: Expedite processing times with increased staff and develop comprehensive solutions to homelessness that address mental health, addiction, and robust transition services. Secure funding for targeted programs for high-risk groups, including youth, veterans, and elders.
Increase Mental Health Support: Allocate funding for de-escalation and mental health professionals to assist first responders, homeless outreach teams, and jail staff, ensuring they are equipped to handle mental health crises effectively. Advocate for UC Health and Community Health Foundation to increase their funding for mental health facilities and care.
Ensure Adequate Care for Detainees: Continue working with the Sheriff's Office to monitor the effectiveness of the county’s new medical health-care provider contract with VitalCore. Focus on diversion programs, transition housing and work programs, timely crisis care, and protecting detainees’ civil rights.
Increase Affordable and Attainable Housing: Explore tax and zoning adjustments to enhance housing attainability and address the shortfall in affordable and workforce housing units. Examine the effectiveness of various infill housing projects.
Effectively Address Homelessness: Collaborate with individuals experiencing homelessness to create permanent supportive housing and integrate rapid rehousing programs with wrap-around services for the chronically homeless.
Promote Increased Transportation Options: Support the development of the Front Range Passenger Rail. Advocate for more public transportation services to rural parts of our county and for low-carbon imprint transportation options.
Together, these initiatives will drive positive outcomes for our most vulnerable citizens, guided by compassion and a deep understanding of our community’s needs.
Building a More Welcoming Community
El Paso County is a welcoming community, and I am committed to fostering a government that reflects this to both visitors and newcomers. Unfortunately, some people may feel that El Paso County does not always embrace its diversity. I believe that most people in El Paso County recognize the importance of loving our neighbors and rejecting hate. As local elected officials, it is our duty to ensure that our public statements and actions reflect a commitment to being welcoming and inclusive to all.
Creating an environment that attracts a diverse workforce will also yield economic benefits. As a County Commissioner, I will adopt policies and engage in public communication that clearly convey El Paso County’s welcoming and accepting nature. I will listen to and advocate for those in our community who have felt ignored and unseen for decades. I will champion an El Paso County where diversity in thought and contribution propels our residents toward a prosperous future for all.