Scott James

Environment / Energy In 2020, I was honored to work on and vote for an updated Weld County Comprehensive Plan and changes to Weld County’s land-use code that further protects agriculture and prime farmland. I also recognize and am supportive of land use policies that allow landowners to develop mineral and energy resources that allow them to continue agriculture production on their property. Infrastructure / Transportation Weld County is incredibly diverse and I recognize that the needs of the land owner living near New Raymer is vastly different than the needs of the property owner in the rapidly urbanizing southwest portion of our county. Through a consistent application of the county code and an understanding of our subdivision, change of zone, and use by special review processes, I am confident my experience brings consistency and certainty to Weld County property owners and those with development interests in our county. Environment / Energy Weld County is the number one producer of oil and gas in the state with 89% of all crude oil production and one-third of all natural gas production in Colorado coming from this county. I fully support domestic energy exploration and production and the utilization of safe and proven technologies to maximize energy production. I respect and honor subsurface property rights and the owner of that property to exercise their associated rights within the confines of Weld County code and Colorado statute. Immigration Immigration is a federal issue, and a County Commissioner has absolutely no authority pertaining to the securing of borders and the repairing of a broken immigration system. With that said, I recognize that the porous borders of the United States have become the nation’s largest source of drug traffickers, human traffickers, fentanyl, and other drugs that are poisoning our children and our culture. It is paramount that we prioritize the safety and security of our own citizens. Infrastructure / Transportation My track record is one of creative solutions. Moving forward, governments must look to partnerships to fund transportation needs. Local, county and state governments must form partnerships with one another and the private sector to fund our ever-growing transportation needs. Governments must work with developers to ensure new growth is held accountable for the impacts it has on the total transportation system. Weld County is an active participant in regional transportation planning endeavors including the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Denver Regional Council of Governments, and the Upper Front Range Transportation Planning Region. Weld County needs to continue to work with and maintain leadership roles in these organizations and foster positive relationships with other governments to ensure creative and efficient transportation outcomes. Taxes / Budget At the very core of my belief is my ultimate respect for the taxpayer’s – FOR YOUR – dollars. I am an unabashed fiscal conservative and with every expenditure, I ask, “Is this truly needed,” “can we afford it,” and “is this expenditure the proper role of government?”. Infrastructure / Transportation Our transportation system is often referred to using terms that also apply to the human body: Major arterial, minor arterial, flow, system, etc. These similarities are warranted: just as the circulatory system is vital to a healthy body, the transportation system is vital to a healthy regional economy. Environment / Energy I also embrace the renewable energy future and am excited about technological advancements in wind, solar, bio, and other renewable energies. I believe Weld County should have an “all the above”energy strategy and should reflect this strategy in land use planning, county codes, and economic development opportunities. Taxes / Budget For governments, the budget is where the rubber meets the road. Governments set their priorities with their budgets and priorities should be determined with people at the core. Budgets should be set within available funds and ensure that basic services are funded at normal levels. Revenue estimates should be realistic. Public safety and roads and bridges should be a priority. Employee compensation should be realistic, fair, and comparable to the salary levels found in the private sector. Establishing reserves should be a priority as they provide protection and stability for the future. TABOR limits must be adhered to. Efficiency and productivity should be a priority. Growth should pay its own way, be planned for and accommodated. Immigration I will use these pages to offer my opinions on what has become the nation’s top issue, provide information, and offer suggestions on how we can act and with whom we should engage and advocate. I will be a constant, loud advocate for the securing of our borders and the repairing of our immigration system. Additionally, I will act using the authority I am granted by statute, charter, and ordinance to place Weld First. Environment / Energy I am a proponent of policies that support the agriculture industry and protect the rights of private property owners to convert their lands to other desired and appropriate land uses while protecting and honoring the rural lifestyle and heritage of Weld County. Criminal Justice / Public Safety I will do what is #RightForWeld to fully fund and support the Weld County Sheriff’s Office. I will continue to lift my voice in Weld County and at the state capitol against bad legislative ideas and for efforts and ideas that will better train officers, better recruit and retain officers, bring down the crime rate, and bring safety to our neighborhoods.