We've had a lot happen in the 2+ months since I was sworn in on December 2. My intent is to do a newsletter update every 30-45 days so this installment will be a little longer.

For 2020, I'll be serving on the following Council Policy Committees:

Chair - Parks, Foundations & Quality of Life

Vice Chair - Public Safety, Courts & Civil Service

Member - Management & Finance

I am excited about the opportunity with each of these committees. In addition, I made my appointments to the Citizens' Advisory Budget Committee & the Business Advisory Board, and was also elected by my colleagues to serve on the Board of the Aurora Economic Development Council.

December 2019 Council Meetings and Study Sessions

In December, we reviewed a proposed targeted picketing ordinance. After much consideration, I did vote to support this proposal. While protecting the right to peacefully protest is important to me, I also believe we need to protect the right of Aurora residents to feel safe in their homes. Ultimately, the sponsor pulled this item so no action was taken by Council. 

January 2020 Council Meetings and Study Sessions

In January, I introduced a proposed ordinance to clean up our existing financial disclosure rules to protect Council members and appointees from security threats associated with the release of sensitive information. While it is important to be transparent, it's also important to protect against potential identity theft and other risks. I feel like my proposal does that - you can read more about it here.

February 2020 Council Meetings and Study Sessions

Our February 3 meeting was cancelled due to snow, so that agenda was moved to February 10. We had several things on our agenda worth mentioning.

1. Healthy Kids Meal Ordinance: This proposal would create a new law in Aurora requiring restaurants to make Water or Milk the default drink options on kid's meals. While I think we should make healthy choices, this isn't the role of local government and has a disparate impact on family owned restaurants with the costs to update menus.

2. Resolution Supporting APD policy of non-enforcement of immigration status: This wasn't a debate on the policy of APD, but rather a statement that council supports that policy. We are restricted by law on the enforcement of other jurisdictions, in this case Federal immigration law. This action was unnecessary and not the role of Council.

3. Police Task Force: The intent of this proposal is to have resident input on police activity and policies in Aurora. I proposed what I considered a common-sense amendment - asking the task force to also look at recent gang activity and violent crime in Aurora. While many of my colleagues indicated they agree that gang activity and violent crime is a problem, they'd like to see a separate task force for that issue specifically. To me, that's the wrong approach and not an efficient use of government - I don't agree with creating another task force that will use more resources to study an issue that could have been included in this proposal. Ultimately, I voted to support the resolution as I take public safety very seriously. I want a seat at the table to ensure our law enforcement officer's interest are protected and that resident's safety concerns are addressed.

4. Civil Service Commission: We voted on 5 potential candidates for the Civil Service Commission. I am disappointed that several of my colleagues voted against well qualified candidates for what appears to be political party reasons. I voted for 4 candidates from various political affiliations because we need to do what's best for Aurora.

As you can see, we've had a very busy 2 months. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions:

Email: cgardner@auroragov.org

Cell (text or VM): 720-505-4312

Please visit my website at www.curtisforaurora.com to sign up for future updates. Also, please forward this to anyone you think might be interested.

Curtis