Hoffmann says he listens to citizens

By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News

Long-time community volunteer Roger Hoffmann said his strength is listening to citizens' concerns.

"I will not represent special interests or those who feel payback is due," said Hoffmann, 57, of Loveland.

This is the Democrat's second try for the District 3 seat on the Board of County Commissioners. Four years ago he lost to Republican incumbent Glenn Gibson. This year his opponent is Tom Donnelly, the county surveyor.

Transportation is one of Hoffmann's passions. He served on the committee that attempted to put together a regional transportation funding package last year, but disagreed with the final proposal, saying it diverged from the original guiding principles. If elected county commissioner, he would continue to work on a transportation solution, Hoffmann said.

"We're growing a perfect storm of conditions which if left unaddressed could hamstring the economy," he said. "The county has a role in trying to push for a solution that is regional in nature."

His concerns include air pollution, congestion, oil prices and a growing senior population that needs alternative transportation. "People think it's crazy you can't get from downtown Fort Collins to downtown Loveland by public transportation," he said.

Hoffmann also is an advocate for affordable housing, including senior housing.

In stating his budget priorities, Hoffmann said that public safety and public health are the "absolute essentials" for emergency preparedness as well as the top priorities for citizens.

County commissioners have a demanding job in allocating the county's resources, he said, and "they can't let the squeaking wheel get most of the grease."

Hoffmann said he would look for efficiencies in county government and consult with employees themselves, who are the most able to see redundancies of effort. He would also look at whether county services are cost effective and scrutinize the revenue side of the county budget.

"County revenues are not keeping pace with growth," he contended.

No matter the issue, Hoffmann said he believes in approaching problems from a "basis of principles."

"It's easier to work from there and get agreement on specific details," he said. "It matters to have a county commissioner who believes that and will work on that."

Hoffmann said he supports the 0.25 percent sales tax for mental health treatment and substance abuse programs. "The economics of that are too hard to ignore," he said. "It could defer the need to expand the jail for a significant amount of time."

Hoffmann said he agrees with many of the county's comments on the Northern Integrated Supply Project, which if permitted would build a new Glade Reservoir northwest of LaPorte.

The argument that NISP would prevent drying up farmland is not supported by facts, he said. He contended that "the Weld County communities which want the Poudre's water would have to pave over vast amounts of farmland to get the development fees needed to pay for the project."

"I don't think it is in the county's interest to support this," Hoffmann said. "The commissioners' first responsibility ought to be to Larimer County residents.