George Colbert — 2023 Louisville City Council Candidate Questionnaire

0

Yes/No Questions:

1. Are you a homeowner? Yes

2. If the City police force was fully staffed, would you advocate for adding more officers? Yes

3. Do you believe there’s a need for more housing in Louisville? Yes, I believe we need to focus on affordable housing first. 

4. Do you believe the City should spend more money on homelessness services? Yes

General Questions (no more than 300 words):

1. Why do you want to be a council member? 

I moved to Louisville because I believed it was the best small town in America. As a council member, I aim to preserve that charm, while also driving reasonable growth and progress. My motivation is to see Louisville flourish — to revitalize our business sector, ensure safety and security, provide prudent fire mitigation/hardening while protecting open space, and to create a community where everyone thrives.

2. When was the last time you paid rent, and where was that?  

Four years ago in Louisville, CO. 

3. Boulder County has experienced extreme natural disasters over the last decade, including flooding and wildfire. How do you plan to address these challenges? 

I’m committed to establishing comprehensive disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies, working closely with environmental experts and emergency services to ensure an adequate emergency notification system with full proof policies and procedures are in place. From proactive fire mitigation to effective flood control measures, my plan is to make Louisville resilient and ready.

4. How do you think you stand out from other candidates? 

I believe my fresh perspective on current important local topics and problems combined with my leadership experience in technology software, operations, sales, and customer success provide me with a unique view and ability to provide effective, impactful, real world solutions. Additionally, my experience as a competitive athlete and coach has instilled in me a tenacity to face challenges head-on. I’m here to get things done and to be a voice for every resident.

5. What question would you ask a fellow candidate on the ballot? 

“How will you ensure that the decisions you make on the council reflect the diverse voices and needs of our entire community?”

6. What are your solutions for the growing population of people experiencing homelessness? 

Addressing homelessness requires a two-pronged approach: immediate relief and long-term solutions. I propose increasing partnerships with local organizations for immediate support and developing inclusive housing projects and vocational training programs for sustainable outcomes.

7. What’s your plan for creating more affordable housing in Louisville? 

My vision for Louisville includes developing partnerships with property developers, employers, and nonprofits to create permanently affordable housing. By incentivizing affordable housing development and streamlining building codes, we can make Louisville accessible for all income brackets.

8. How will you address climate change? How do you plan to meet Louisville’s climate goal of zero carbon by 2030? 

Continuing Louisville’s clean energy plan is important. However, I’m committed to exploring new, sustainable, and impactful base load green energy solutions without passing costs to our residents or business owners. A large portion of our electricity in Louisville is still generated by burning coal. I believe in the near and long term we can make a significant impact on our carbon footprint by working with energy companies to replace burning coal with Next Generation Geothermal Technologies that provide base load energy. Together, we can innovate and implement strategies that benefit both the environment and our wallets.

9. What are your goals for transportation and how will you achieve them? 

Within Louisville I aim to improve transportation safety, especially for children, and expand green transportation options. Collaborating with local experts, I plan to upgrade infrastructure, continue to create pedestrian-friendly zones, and promote eco-friendly commuting solutions.

10. How do you plan to engage non-English speaking constituents? 

Effective representation requires understanding all voices. I will advocate for translation services, create multilingual communication materials and feedback channels needed, and engage community liaisons to bridge any language gaps.

11. How does diversity factor into your policy making? 

Diversity is strength. In every policy I craft or support, I will ensure inclusivity, equity, and representation, ensuring that Louisville remains a welcoming home for all.

12. How will you reach residents who have different lived experiences than you? 

By fostering open dialogues, hosting regular community forums, and actively seeking feedback from diverse groups, I aim to understand the myriad of perspectives within our community and make decisions that are in the best interest of all residents.

13. Rank your top 5 issues in priority: 

  1. Disaster Preparedness and Environmental Resilience
  2. Business Revitalization and Economic Growth
  3. Affordable Housing 
  4. Protecting Open Space, Trails, and Parks
  5. Transportation Efficiency and Safety

Other Louisville Candidates:

City of Louisville Mayor (4-year term) (Vote for One)

Sherry Sommer

Chris Leh

Josh Cooperman

City of Louisville City Council Ward 1 (4-year term)

Caleb Dickenson

City of Louisville City Council Ward 2 (4-year term) (Vote for One)

Deborah Fahey

George Colbert

City of Louisville City Council Ward 3 (Vote for not more than Two)

The candidate with the highest number of votes will serve a four-year term. The candidate with the second highest number of votes will serve a two-year term.

Dietrich Hoefner

Barbara Hamlington