There’s nothing more important to me than ensuring Longmont residents are safe in our community, at home, in school, and at our parks. Until May 2025, Longmont had no laws restricting where offenders could live. I heard residents’ concerns over public safety after a group home for registered sex offenders was set up in northeast Longmont. Then I worked with councilmembers, police, and city staff to identify and understand policies that make us safer. That's why I voted for a new law restricting offenders from living within 500 feet of schools, daycares, and public parks, and setting a maximum of 3 registered sex offenders who could live together. 

City Council considered setback distances ranging from 300 to 1,000 feet from schools, daycares, and parks. However, larger setbacks make Longmont less safe. Law enforcement, victims’ advocates, judges, and other experts, including Colorado’s Sex Offender Management Board, conclude that residency restrictions are harmful because they increase the likelihood that offenders will reoffend. Specifically, greater restrictions increase barriers to stable housing for offenders, decrease offenders' access to essential rehabilitation programs and support services, and make it harder for authorities to supervise them. This threatens community safety. 

That’s why I proposed an amendment to reduce the distance from 1,000 to 500 feet, supported by the majority of City Council. However, my opponent, Teresa Simpkins, argues that because of this change, I don’t care about the safety of our community and our children. That’s wrong. Her position actually threatens public safety and is contrary to the evidence and the consensus among dedicated professionals working daily with offenders and communities. If she were truly interested in making Longmont safer, she would’ve shown up and spoken up in May. Instead, at the October 11th League of Women Voters forum, Ms. Simpkins claimed that 1,000 feet is considered the standard nationally. This is false, and it’s an arbitrary threshold. She chose to remain silent and waited until the final moments of her campaign to politicize the issue.

Ward 2 needs a leader who fights for us when it matters with evidence-based strategies to improve public safety. That’s what I’ve done and will continue to do on City Council.