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PVA 2001 Election/Candidate Information ~ Broomfield
This page contains candidate respnses to PVA's candidate questionnaire for a municipal election.

Please note that responses are given exactly as they were written. Spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors were not corrected.

Candidate questionnaire scores
1a. Did you grow up with animals? Yes/No
1b. If so, what kind?

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes/dogs and cats
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Yes/dogs - mostly golden etrievers
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes/cats & birds & fish (tropical)
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson No/We lived in inner-city apts. in Battle Creek, Michigan
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Yes/dogs, hamsters
Ward 4 Robert Davis Yes/Dogs & Cats
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


2a. Does your family have animals? Yes/No
2b. If so, what kind?

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes/dogs, cats, fish, lizards, sugar glider
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Yes/dog - black lab
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes/2 dogs, 2 cats & 2 bunnies
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Yes!/A chubby 2-yr old cat: "Darcy"/A six-yr old Maltese: "Disney" - very pampered critters
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Yes/dog, fish
Ward 4 Robert Davis Yes/Dog
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


3a. Do you feel that animal control issues are within the purview of the City Council? Yes/No/Undecided
3b. Would you be likely to support related humane legislation at the municipal level? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes/Yes - "I'd like to see more options for wildlife relocation within the city - skunks, racoons, prairie dogs."
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Yes/Undecided - "not sure what legislation that is"
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes/Yes
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Yes/Yes
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Yes/Yes
Ward 4 Robert Davis Yes/Undecided - "Depends on the legislation & cost to city"
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


4a. Do you feel that animal protection issues are within the purview of the City Council? Yes/No/Undecided
4b. Would you be likely to support related humane legislation at the municipal level? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes/Yes
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Yes/Undecided
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes/Yes
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Yes/Yes
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Yes/Yes
Ward 4 Robert Davis Undecided/Undecided
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


5. Were you aware that animal abuse is often a precursor of child abuse? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Yes
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes - "I worked at a battered women's shelter & we educated people about the connection."
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Yes
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Yes
Ward 4 Robert Davis No
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


6. Would you be willing to meet from time to time with representatives of one or more animal-protection groups to discuss their concerns? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Yes
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Yes - "would love to"
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Yes
Ward 4 Robert Davis Yes
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


7a. Were you aware that almost all baby chickens and ducks purchased as Easter "gifts" die within a year? (PVA mistake - no answer choices were given for this question)
7b. Would you be likely to support legislation prohibiting the sale and purchase of baby animals as Easter "gifts"? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes/Yes
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown No/Undecided
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Yes - Pets as "gifts" is so wrong! Taking in a new pet is akin to adopting an additional family member. It would be a hard law to enforce, however ... clarifying whether an animal is a gift. And why is Easter any different than a Christmas morning puppy?
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens No - "Possibly supply buyer w/information where to take animals/if they can't provide adequate care"
Ward 4 Robert Davis Undecided
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


8a. Which statement is closest to your position on the use of animals in entertainment (racing, circuses, etc.)? Please select one:
(a) Animals should not be used in entertainment.
(b) It's OK to use animals in entertainment but they should be protected from cruel treatment, regardless of the money that might be brought into the state by such an event.
(c) I think the status quo is all right.
(d) Wild animals, such as elephants and tigers, should not be used in entertainment but it's OK to use domestic animals, such as horses and dogs. The animals should be protected from cruel treatment, regardless of the money that might be brought into the state by such an event.

8b. Would you be likely to support a city or county ban on acts, such as circuses, that use wild animals? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart (b)/Undecided - "probably. Many circus animals are raised in captivity for generations"
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown (b)/No
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser (a)/Yes
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson (a)/Yes - "Zoos are okay. Never circuses! Don't do anything to animals that you aren't willing to do to people."
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens (b)/No
Ward 4 Robert Davis (b)/No
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


9. Would you be likely to support a city ordinance to require dog and cat owners, except licensed breeders, to spay and neuter their cats and dogs? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Undecided - "probably - it would need $ - while spaying and neutering is preferrable, there must be a financial means to do so - working poor, shut ins & elderly have little discretionary money to pay for this cost."
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Undecided
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson No - "I wouldn't force sterilization on people - my critters are neutered and spayed (never having reproduced) but again, how are you going to enforce this law?"
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Yes
Ward 4 Robert Davis Undecided
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


10. Would you be likely to support a city ordinance specifying a maximum amount of time animals are to be tied or chained per day? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes - "I don't believe animals should be tied or chained at any time unless a threat to human safety - a chained fence is preferrable. Pet ownership means responsible companionship too."
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Undecided - "I wouldn't support unenforceable ordinances"
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes - "Cruel & unusual punishment. Should be outlawed!"
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson No - "#10 is difficult - what about spacious and shaded tied up animals on a clothes line run?"
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Undecided
Ward 4 Robert Davis No - "It would be almost impossible to enforce."
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


11. Would you be likely to support a city ordinance requiring cat licensing? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart No - "If it would require tags on a collar it is too dangerous to cats because they can inadvertantly hang themselves while jumping & climbing"
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown No
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Undecided - "need more info"
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson No
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Yes - "limit # of cats/household?"
Ward 4 Robert Davis Yes
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


12. Many people object to cats' running loose off their owners' property, because of (1) the dangers to the cats themselves from vehicles, other animals, and human beings and (2) the fact that cats often kill birds on other people's property, defecate in other people's yards and flower beds, and defecate in children's sandboxes. Some other cities have enacted ordinances requiring that cats, when loose outdoors, be kept on the property of the person responsible for them. Would you be likely to support such an ordinance here? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Undecided - "I question whether this is possible"
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown No
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser No - "Should we cage birds & squirrels too? No way!"
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson No - "Again - don't pass an ordinance you can't enforce"
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens No
Ward 4 Robert Davis Undecided - "Since cats so easily climb fences it would be difficult to enforce."
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


13. It is well known that being in a parked, unventilated vehicle can lead to brain damage and to fatal heat stroke in animals. Several cities have passed legislation protecting animals from this abuse. Would you support such an ordinance here? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Undecided - "Probably - children & animals should be well cared for"
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes - "of course"
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Yes - "certainly"
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Yes
Ward 4 Robert Davis Yes
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


14. Do you think more public education should be provided about dog and cat over-population in our area? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Undecided
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Yes
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens No
Ward 4 Robert Davis Yes
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


15. Would you be likely to support legislation prohibiting the sale, purchase, and keeping (other than in a rescue context) of traditionally "wild" animals (e.g., rabbits, ducks, chickens, pot-bellied pigs) as pets? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Undecided - "So many rabbits are domesticated now & 4H classifies them differently"
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown No
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Undecided - "Depending on residential zoning. In general, "wild" animals should be kept wild & free."
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Undecided - "I need more information. In some cases they (critters) are provided a safe, nurturing home."
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Yes & No - "depends upon zoning were residents live"
Ward 4 Robert Davis Undecided
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


16. Would you be likely to support a city, county, or state ban on greyhound racing? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown No
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Undecided
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens No
Ward 4 Robert Davis No
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


17. Would you be likely to take animal-protection issues to county and state officials? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown No
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Yes
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Undecided
Ward 4 Robert Davis No answer selected
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


18. Are you in favor of making cruelty to animals a felony, as opposed to a misdemeanor? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Undecided
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Undecided - "Punishment should be more severe!"
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Yes & No - "depends on the severity"
Ward 4 Robert Davis Undecided
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


19. Would you be likely to support a city, county, or state ban on dogs' riding in open beds of trucks? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Undecided - "I cringe when I see dogs in truck beds but some are restrained"
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown No
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes - "This is a REAL problem in CO."
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Yes - "Omigod!!! Don't you HATE that!!! Call me when I'm elected!"
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Yes
Ward 4 Robert Davis No
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


20. Would you be willing to consider factual documentation supporting PVA's position on a specific issue? Yes/No/Undecided

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Yes
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Yes - "Of course - always interested in peoples views"
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Yes - "of course!"
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Yes - "please send to me"
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens No answer selected
Ward 4 Robert Davis Yes
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond


Please add any other comments ...

Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart "I am married to a veterinarian and so am probably biased in my opinion. I have seen dreadful things done to animals by stupidity, cruelty and carelessness."
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown None given
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser "I support all prairie dog efforts & relocation. Against poisoning & vacuuming. Please ADD questions about prairie dogs to your next survey. Thank you."
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson "Greetings! I'm delighted to answer your Political Voice for Animals 2001 Candidate questionnaire. I've been a vegetarian for nearly twenty years. I am the proud owner of an adorable (sometimes naughty) six-year old Maltese, "Disney" and a chubby and snobby two-year old cat "Darcy." I live in Broomfield with my husband and our two teenagers. I think you can judge a society by how it treats its animals."
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens None given
Ward 4 Robert Davis None given
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond
Candidate questionnaire scores
Mayor Gwen Schneider Did not respond
Mayor Karen Stuart Overall Questionnaire Response Score = 66%
Ward 1 Kathleen Brown Overall Questionnaire Response Score = 21%
Ward 1 Brenda Fraser Overall Questionnaire Response Score = 85%
Ward 2 Clark Griep Did not respond
Ward 3 Bette Erickson Overall Questionnaire Response Score = 65%
Ward 3 James Martinez Did not respond
Ward 4 Randy Ahrens Overall Questionnaire Response Score = 51%
Ward 4 Robert Davis Overall Questionnaire Response Score = 31%
Ward 4 Walter Spader Did not respond
Ward 5 Ralph Johnson Did not respond

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