My opening statement for this campaign

My name is Todd Cohen, and I’ve had the honor of representing Ward 5 since 2021.

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I grew up in Kansas, where the motto is ad astra per aspera—to the stars through difficulties. I mention that because it means progress isn’t easy. It takes grit. In Broomfield, we have had a challenging term in the wake of the pandemic. But we met the moment.

 

We didn’t let problems fester—we fixed them.

 

We didn’t hoard power—we delegated it.

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We took bold steps to build a better future.

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We stopped pouring millions into the failed First Bank Center—we recycled it and are looking for something new.

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We won’t face another pandemic without expertise—we created a Board of Health.

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We no longer rely solely on private development to build affordable homes —we built a Housing Authority. We have constructed 500 affordable homes, with 1,000 more in the pipeline, including 40 for adults with IDD.

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We approved ADUs, tiny homes, and higher-density zones to meet demand.

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We didn’t let trash trucks clog some of our streets—we adopted universal waste collection and expanded recycling and cut GHGs.

 

We didn’t let oil companies run wild—we create housing buffer zones and monitored operations to keep our air clean.

 

We didn’t neglect public safety—we added 35 officers, launched special enforcement units, and created an in-house co-responder program that protects cops and residents from harm. Now we’re the safest city in the metro with the lowest per capita crime rate.

 

We didn’t let the gun lobby intimidate us—we banned open carry and ghost guns.

 

We didn’t ignore homelessness—we launched a hotel voucher program for when the weather is freezing and a threat to life.

 

We didn’t settle for less green space—we added 335 acres.

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We didn’t let our water infrastructure crumble—we bit the bullet and invested in it. It was painful, but responsible. We will do our best to mitigate the pain especially for those most in need.

 

We didn’t raise taxes. We didn’t bust the budget. We adopted a debt policy, built strong reserves, and earned stellar credit—just ask Moody’s.

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This council and mayor met the moment. But all of it is at risk. The opposition slate wants to reverse our progress. 

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We can’t let that happen. So please—help us get out the vote"