Candidate Survey: Frank Teunissen (Ward 2)
Frank Teunissen
LAKEWOOD WARD 2 Candidate survey
- Name: Frank Teunissen
- Occupation: Bank Manager
- Length of Ward 2 residency: 11 years
- Website: www. FrankTeunissen.com
- E-mail: Frank@FrankTeunissen.com
- Campaign phone number: (720) 299-2265
- Family: Wife Victoria, Sons Rodney (22), Nathan (12) Isaac (5)
Q: The largest issue in Ward 2 is the effect of Light Rail on surrounding neighborhoods. What specific safeguards would you like to see in place to protect public safety and private property?
A: There is no question that FasTracks will have an impact on the community in Ward 2, and in some ways will even separate neighbors from each other with permanent road closures. I feel confident that RTD in conjunction with the city have jointly worked on addressing safety issues and the impact that FasTracks will have on surrounding private properties. My attention would be to ensure that we have road guards in place, bridges in areas with high street traffic, and public walkways and pathways that allow safe accessibility to the stations and surrounding businesses.
Q: The city is dipping into its savings account (the reserve fund) to overcome a $2.7 million revenue gap this year and an expected $2.5 million shortfall next year. Although the reserve exceeds Council-mandated levels, it can stretch only so far. What can be done to bring the city’s budget back into balance other than hoping for an economic upturn?
A: The city’s reserves are 24%, totaling more than $23 million dollars, very much like you and I have savings account to shelter us from unforeseen events. The city’s reserves far exceed the 10% reserve requirements that the city council originally approved. The purpose for this reserve is to shelter the city through difficult times, such as what we are facing now. If this trend continues, it will be the responsibility of city council to look at areas where cuts can be made and opportunities can be expanded on that have the least amount of impact to the community. Having been in banking for more than 20 years, I have the experience of setting budgets and making sure that expenses don’t exceed revenues.
Q: Because of the recession, many homeowners are unable to maintain their home’s curb appeal, which can affect the value of homes in the surrounding neighborhood. What would you do to encourage upkeep of deteriorating properties?
A: I pose the question of “By whose standards or determination do we hold property owner’s accountable to?” We already have zoning requirements in place. We simply need to ensure the existing laws are abided by to keep the neighborhood safe and the community presentable. I am more concerned with bank owned properties and foreclosures that sit vacant without regular maintenance. I am convinced that even in these difficult financial times, homeowners take pride in their residence and work diligently to maintain the values of their home.
Q: What is the first issue you will bring before council if you are elected?
A: The first issue that I would address after being elected to council is review the City’s finance and determining where adjustments or eliminations can be made. I have studied the current budget and do believe that the City is conservative in their spending, but if the revenue continues to shrink then it’s our responsibility to make some tough decisions in shrinking the expenses as well. I would be careful not to cut services that affect those individuals that rely in these services the most.
Q: Elections, including the upcoming City Council election, are expensive and special elections outside the General Election cycle are even more costly on a per-vote basis. City Hall wants to schedule all special elections resulting from petition drives to be on November ballots. The exception would be those elections on issues Council deems more important. What is your stance on the issue, which itself could become a ballot question next year?
A: We should only hold general and primary elections to keep the expenses at a minimum. All petitions regardless of qualifications should fall within these election cycles. The mayor and city council should have the power to make vacancy appointments on a temporary basis until the next election cycle. I am in opposition to holding special elections that cost the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
