Who Cares? Apparently Not All of Our State and National Candidates

Over the last eight months, we have asked various elected officials (beyond Parker Town Council) to get involved in finding better solutions than Xcel has proposed. As they say, the silence has be deafening.

We also reached out 10 days ago to many of the candidates who are running for state and national offices. (We haven't written to all candidates, and we apologize to any who didn't get a chance to respond.) Below we've listed the responses we've received to date, so you can consider their responses and responsiveness as you consider who you'll support in the election.

The list of folks we've reached out to includes at the State Governor level John Hickenlooper and Bob Beauprez; at the US Senate level, we've written to Mark Udall and Cory Gardner; at the US House level, we've written to Ken Buck and Vic Meyers; and at the state house level (district #44), we've reached out to Karen Jae Smith, Kim Ransom and Halt the Power Line activist and Rowley Downs resident Lily Williams.

Their answers or summaries of our interaction with them follows in reverse alpha order by office. Some answers are cobbled together from responses to Halt the Power lines and those sent to HTPL supporters.

Candidates for Colorado House Seat #44:

Lily Williams (Resident of Rowley Downs and active supporter of Halt the Power Lines)

"I am a long time resident of Rowley Downs. I am the Libertarian candidate for HD44. I have been involved in the grassroots halt the power line project in our community and went to the PUC public comment meeting in Parker to express my opposition to Xcel's proposal to install ultra high power lines cross the very dense residential areas. The residents have legitimate concerns about the health impacts and property values but they are not adequately addressed. I hope PUC judge will delay the project and order Xcel to work with us to come up with a better solution. People's voices need to be heard. ...You can find out more details about me on my campaign site: www.lily4liberty.com or FB: Lily4Liberty. I am the only candidate for State House lives in Parker."

Karen Jae Smith

No Response

Kim Ransom

"I've done some reading about potential health risks of high voltage transmission lines, although I was made aware of the Xcel proposal you've described just this week. Research exists that goes back 30 years, and at least some of the results include recommendations that certain power lines be buried. There are other options as well, such as re-routing. More homework is needed on my part before I can provide a definitive opinion or answer to your question. I can certainly commit to doing my homework and listening to both sides.

"I reviewed the website you provided: www.haltthepowerlines.org. It appears somewhat outdated, so I'm hoping to get a current project status once the site is updated. The most recent post is from July. I'm not aware of any pending legislation, either local or state-wide, that would change existing regulations. I've not been notified of any scheduled hearings,  nor whether a permit has been applied for.

"In general, I support local control wherever possible, allowing cities, counties, and municipalities to choose a level of regulation that works well in their specific area. I'd like to research whether regulations in Parker differ from those in unincorporated Douglas County. Zoning regulations may require a USR, but as I mentioned, I've heard about this very recently."

Candidates for US House:

Vic Meyers:

Question: "'What is your position on Xcel's proposal?'  A: I'm not yet familiar with Xcel's proposal."


Question: "At this point, what do you believe you could do as a representative of the people to mostly effectively influence the final outcome of this proposal and ensure it meets the needs of Colorado neighborhoods? A: A primary issue in my campaign is for us to fight for investment in a 21st Century infrastructure.  Part of this infrastructure investment needs to be in a new, 21st Century smart grid for electricity transmission.  The lines you describe in your email reflect 20th century technology.  We need new lines that allow for two-way transmission, large enough to carry today's power needs and buried.  By replacing our current grid with a buried system we cut down on power losses due to mother nature.  We also give ourselves the capability to simultaneously install the infrastructure for digital communications to every corner of the country.  This investment will create jobs that pay well and are long lasting.  If we don't start paying for it today, our future generations will have to pay significantly more when they do it.  As a Congressman, I'll be working with other future-looking members of Congress, Republican and Democrat, to make these investments."

"I will be your congressman, not a corporate congressman.  But I'm underfunded (Washington Dems haven't been helping me) and an underdog in this race.  If you want a Congressman who puts you ahead of corporate sponsors then please share this message with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and email.

"For more information about me and my positions, please go to my website www.vicmeyersforcongress.com.  I am personally answering this email, you're not hearing from a staff member.  I answer all emails that come to this email address.  Feel free to send more questions.  I am grateful to anybody who wants to go to my website, www.vicmeyersforcongress.com,  and make a contribution to help me get radio and mail advertising in these final days of the campaign."

Ken Buck:

No response.

Candidates for Senate:

Mark Udall:

Automatic email response only.

Cory Gardner:

We wrote to the congressman earlier as Rowley Downs HOA. His office called for details. We presented our concerns on the phone and then made comments and provided background material directly to him during a meeting sponsored by IREA. We have received no response since.

Candidates for Governor

Govenor Hickenlooper:

He did not respond to our most recent query, however his office did respond to an earlier:

"Thank you for taking the time to contact Governor Hickenlooper's office. We understand your concerns with children health and the possible dangers of the power lines. Unfortunately, the Governor cannot intervene in changing the plan for Xcel, that is controlled by the Public Utilities Commission. As you said, you have already sent them your concerns which is what we would highly recommend you to do."

An email following up their response went unanswered.

Bob Beauprez:

"Thank you for contacting our campaign. Bob has asked me to help with the large volume of mail we have received.

"We have received several letters from your organization. As you well know we are 20 days out from election day and our candidate is completely booked, as is our policy consultant. We would like to more fully research this proposed project and then give you an informed opinion.

"May I offer this, would you like to come to our office at 4201 East Yale, Suite 130, Denver, 80026, bring your information and sit down with me."

Parker Town Council Candidate Power Line Positions

On September 30, we reached out by email to Parker, CO, Town Council Candidates, asking each his or her position on Xcel's controversial and neighborhood-destroying transmission line proposal.

The following is a compilation of the responses we and/or Halt The Power Lines supporters received. We are not in the business of endorsing candidates, and leave that up to you to consider their responses on this topic, along with your concerns on other issues. However, we have noted mildly our significant concerns with one response.

We believe non-response is a significant indication about the candidate. The following candidates have not yet responded to Halt the Power Lines or, to our knowledge, to any HTPL supporters: Dustin Jensen and Mark Malsam. (If anyone knows either, you may want to encourage them to share their thoughts with us, as it may only indicate missed communication. If they do give us info., we'll update this post.)

Our next post will address candidates for other offices.

The responses appear in order of receipt:

(September 30) Josh Martin (current member of town council)

(He wrote to us and several supporters, adding bits of information along the way. We are cobbling together his position from several different emails.)

"As a sitting Councilmember, due to significant legal constraints, I cannot take a position on the power line issue.  As you know, since there is not an application in front of the Town at this point, for me to state an opinion would be considered prejudicial, and potentially open the Town to legal prosecution. That being said, the Town has engaged an independent 3rd party to complete a top to bottom review of the potential impacts of the proposed additional power line."

(Note: One supporter reports Josh wrote to him that town council has hired Tom Ghidossi, an exponential engineer, for an independent review, with results are expected in 60 days.)

"As a resident of Canterberry crossing, I am very familiar with the current power line and Xcel easement through both of our neighborhoods."

"I have spent probably 10-15 hours researching the topic, including websites, etc. from all sides of this issue, as well as what other communities have done when proposals like this have come in front of them.  Also, the Council has received a number of emails both in support of and against this project. I've read all of them and have taken both the support and concerns under advisement."

"I have not spoken with any representatives of Xcel.  I have had (mostly email) feedback from a number of citizens that support the project." [Editor's Note: Refers only to his communication he's had with project supporters. One wonders what would motivate anyone to support this project at this point unless they have a vested interest in its outcome or a relationship with Xcel. Many of the letters sent to the PUC (remember the school board) are provided by "friends" of Xcel. That's why the company maintains such an extensive community and government relations organization.)

"The study will be made public and it will be presented and discussed in a Council Study Session, like anything else of it's type would be."

(Note: Another supporter--a realtor--reported that he included the following in his response to her/him, "I see the 'Godzilla Towers' from my back deck, and having been a VP for a mortgage company for 9 years in a past life, I certainly understand the impacts things like this can have on property values.")

(October 6) Renee Williams

"I appreciate you for bringing this concern to my attention.  The emails I received on September 30 were the first I heard of this topic....  Since becoming aware of the issue, I have started to educate myself on it.  I have reviewed your website and joined your email list.  Please feel free to forward me any additional information you have.  At this time, I do not feel I have enough understanding to respond to your questions...."

(October 12) Al Bollwerk

"I personally am opposed to having the new Xcel Power Lines being planned to be constructed across Rowley Downs.  I am not sure at this time if the Parker Town Council has plans to try an impede or delay the progress of the building of the High Power Lines.  I heard that Xcel proposed plans now lies with a PUC judge to decide where the plan needs to go from here for the next step of approval. If elected to the Parker Town Council in the Nov 4th election, I would oppose any passing of the plan and vote for delaying it as long as possible. Putting the high power line underground would be probably make the most sense."

(October 13) Amy Holland (current member of council)

"As a responsible citizen and Councilwoman, I can assure you that I am staying on top of all of the literature, presentations, videos, newspaper articles, e-mails, letters and social media to ensure I am gaining the most accurate and detailed information regarding this issue.

Meanwhile, to maintain the ability to serve in the best interest of the citizens of Parker, I must uphold my responsibility to all concerned by adhering to the current legal constraints at this given time.

I certainly hope that you are able to respect me and the position I hold and take very seriously as a current Councilmember. Please know that I am not taking this situation lightly by any means."

(Follow up question not yet responded to: Have you ever discussed this project in a meeting or otherwise with an Xcel representative or anyone supporting this project?)

(October 14) Mark Schmitt

(Cobbled together from two different responses.)

"I share your concerns as I am a resident on Sagewood Lane [Hidden River] in Parker. My boys and I play in the parks on the circle too. I have lived here for the last 7 years. I drive under the unsightly lines twice a day. I too prefer the sky to be beautiful and clear. ...Comments must be very cautious in nature but [that] doesn't mean [you] can't say at least a stand or opinion."

(October 14) Mark Lane (Mr. Lane gives the most complete answers, but it seems most of his "facts" come from Xcel.)

The answers to the following questions will explain my views on the (not yet) proposed Xcel project...

·       What is your understanding of the Xcel proposal?
Xcel Energy is predicting that due to the growth of Douglas County and areas south that the demand for electricity will increase and that they will need to supply another 550 MW (Mega Watts) in the next 6 years to meet this demand. The transmission lines will run adjacent to the current lines in the existing right-of-way. The new poles will range from 70' to 150' in height. As the existing poles are right at 140', not much of a difference.

·       What have you done to understand the proposal and process?
I have spent many hours on the phone gathering information. Many more researching online and reading the reports and talking with both Xcel and Douglas County. The only comment I can get from the Town of Parker is that an application has not been submitted so they cannot offer any specifics on what the proposal may look like. It is my understanding that this project will be submitted in the fall of 2015.

·       What have you done to understand constituent concerns related to the proposal?
I have received many comments and concerns from my fellow constituents on this project. Mainly from residents who live closest to the existing lines. I do understand their concerns and have researched them. The two links below show photos of what the additional line will look like. I have also researched the electromagnetic effects it may have and there is no research I have found that determines that power lines cause adverse reactions to those living near by. As far as real-estate values, I have learned that there may be a 2-9% decrease in property values. However, as this is an addition to existing lines I don't see it to be a factor.
     http://www.sb100transmission.
     http://www.sb100transmission.

·       From town staff, we understand the mayor and town administrator have met with Xcel representatives to discuss the proposal. Have you ever discussed this project in a meeting or otherwise with an Xcel representative or anyone supporting this project?       Of the many meetings I have attended, this project has not been discussed. As I stated, it won't even be proposed until fall of 2015. In fact, most of the residents I ask about this project don't even know about it. If the PUC determines that the transmission line is needed, than I don't see it not happening. I do believe that running it next to the existing line would have the least impact on the 5.5 mile run through Parker

·       What have you done or plan to do to engage the interested parties in a search for a solution that works for all parties?
When it does get proposed and becomes an issue that can be worked on then I believe being informed on the issues and getting input from our residents we will be able to come up with the best case option. I do know that to run a transmission line is approximately 1.8 million per mile where as burying the line cost 40 million per mile! Do you realize the huge increase we would all be burdened with? Now that will be a very hard sell.

·       What is your position on Xcel's proposal?
As I stated earlier, if this is deemed to be needed for future needs, then it is going to happen whether we want it or not. All we can really do is to make the project happen with the least impact to our community.

·       What do you believe the Town Council can do to most effectively influence the final outcome of this proposal and ensure it meets the needs of the Parker community? If I am elected to serve, I will do everything I can to ensure the project will have the least amount of impact.