Travis’ Vision for Erie
I am a proud Colorado native, and I’m grateful to raise my family in such a wonderful town. Our community is diverse, compassionate, and embodies the kind of neighborly spirit many Americans long for. Let’s celebrate the vibrant culture we already have by hosting more community events that bring people together, face to face, to learn from one another.
I believe our 4th of July celebration should be the envy of the surrounding communities. Let’s bring back the rides, the carnival atmosphere of yesteryear, and make it a true celebration of both our community and our independence. As a council member, I will champion this vision to strengthen our growing diversity and culture.
Community Pride
Are we doing enough to ensure our infrastructure is in the best possible shape? Over the past 14 years, I’ve watched our community grow, but our roads haven’t kept up with that pace. Erie Parkway, County Line Road, and Arapahoe are major thoroughfares, and the growth around them has only highlighted the lack of attention to our roads.
Living in Erie Commons, we recently learned that our splash pad will be abandoned—no plans for a replacement, no alternative, just abandoned. Why? What other parks will face the same fate when something breaks? My priority is ensuring proper maintenance and upkeep of all existing parks, as well as continued expansion.
Infrastructure
Finances
One of my top priorities is ensuring Erie’s finances are well-managed. Right now, we're spending money at an alarming rate while neglecting essential infrastructure like parks and road maintenance. I will propose prioritizing funding for these critical areas over non-essential spending, ensuring our children have safe, clean places to play and that our roads are properly maintained and replaced when needed.
In addition, we must reinstate a rainy-day fund in the budget. This fund would be reserved for unforeseen repairs or urgent issues. It’s also vital in the event of another economic downturn, ensuring Erie can weather difficult times without sacrificing essential services. A recent example of why this is needed is the splash pad at Lehigh Park in Erie Commons, which the town abandoned due to budget constraints. When pressed, the explanation was that “it didn’t make sense financially” and that “it’s in an awkward location anyway.” A rainy-day fund would prevent situations like this and safeguard Erie’s future.
Economic Development
Commercial development is essential to ensuring Erie’s continued growth and prosperity. To keep our town thriving, we need to strategically develop areas that enhance both our economy and quality of life for residents. One of the greatest opportunities lies along the eastern edge of Erie, particularly on the I-25 corridor, a prime location already attracting interest from neighboring communities. Developing commercial areas on the outskirts allows central Erie to maintain its small-town feel while benefiting from increased economic activity. By seizing this opportunity, we can drive growth, create jobs, and boost revenue, ensuring Erie remains competitive and vibrant for years to come.
Commitment to Erie
I am committed to actively listening to and working with my neighbors to understand their concerns and ensure their voices are heard at the Council level. By fostering open communication and collaborating with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders, we can address issues more effectively and create solutions that reflect the diverse needs of our town. Together, we can build a more inclusive and responsive local government that truly represents the interests of all Erie's residents.