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I urge you to vote for Ashley Stolzmann for Boulder County Commissioner to serve in the seat I now represent.
When Ashley was elected Mayor of Louisville on November 5, 2019, our world was a vastly different place. During Ashley’s tenure as Mayor, a pandemic has ravaged the planet, taking over a million American lives while upending our way of life in Boulder County. Ten beautiful lives were lost at the hand of a 21-year old man wielding an AR-15 style rifle at the Table Mesa King Soopers. On December 30, 2021, a wildfire roared through Boulder County, destroying over 1,000 homes in Louisville, Superior and unincorporated Boulder County.
There are no textbooks for crisis management. For Ashely, the past 2 ½ years have been quite literally baptism by fire. As Mayor, Ashley has provided, strong and compassionate leadership during the most turbulent and tragic time in Louisville’s history. She is a proven leader whose wisdom and experience make her the clear choice to be Boulder County Commissioner. In my 16 years as a county commissioner, state senator and representative I have not seen a candidate so imminently qualified for the job as Ashley Stolzmann.
Leading a city is very similar to leading a county. As mayor and council member, Ashley has proven to be an effective listener who works well with both government officials and everyday citizens. Her grasp of the issues is unparalleled. Ashley tenaciously stands up for those she represents. Ashley’s recent election to be Chair of the Denver Regional Council of Governments is a testament of her collaboration with others to find solutions to problems in the Metro area.
Here are more examples of her proven leadership that she will continue to fight for you on as County Commissioner.
Gun safety – Ashley will continue to lead the fight against gun violence. As mayor, she recently pushed through a Louisville ordinance that bans the sale and possession of assault weapons. At the June 7th hearing, the Daily Camera reported that Mayor Stolzmann fought back tears. “Just to have such small children experiencing so much violence because we have failed to act year after year after year — I’m sorry,” Ashley said at the hearing. “It’s incredibly emotional because this violence leads to the end of human life.”
Climate Champ - Ashley Stolzmann is the only candidate with real-world experience leading during a climate crisis disaster. In Louisville, she has successfully worked to decarbonize and reduce greenhouse gas and air pollution from both buildings and cars. She will continue her climate action work taking Boulder County to the next level.
Disaster Response and Preparedness – Ashley will continue to help Boulder County heal and rebuild from the devastating Marshall Fire. In its aftermath, she has provided emotional support and fought for resources to help fire victims rebuild. As county commissioner, Ashley will bolster the county’s recovery team, work to fix the disaster notification system, and advocate for more resources for people to rebuild.
Equity – Ashley is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion action. In Louisville, she has taken a leadership role in matters of racial equity and has passionately participated in Black Lives Matter marches and Louisville’s Juneteenth celebration. You may have heard of how Ashley worked with Out Boulder members to replace stolen Pride flags at a major Louisville intersection.
Housing - Ashley will continue to be a champion of affordable housing. In Louisville, she worked to pass an ordinance requiring 12% of new units to be permanently affordable. She has also fostered a partnership with the County to build 200 permanently affordable homes at Louisville’s Kestrel Housing. She supports setting a countywide target of 12% permanently affordable housing.
You have a clear choice. Please vote for Ashley Stolzmann, a proven leader.
Matt Jones is a Boulder County Commissioner, District 3, who is writing in his individual capacity. Previously he served in the State Senate and House.
