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A look at candidates for Boulder City Council: Denise Elizabeth Ashurst

Denise Elizabeth Ashurst, 68

Occupation: Retired USAF, Retired DOE

18 years in Boulder City

What single issue most influenced your decision to run for council or seek re-election?

Inflation. I live comfortably with two retirements under my belt, and I still struggle with high and increasing prices, for food, gas, and taxes. I’m also aware of my less-fortunate neighbors and their financial struggles. It is for this reason, controlled spending is paramount, and transparency in our local government must be a priority. Lawlessness abounds in so many areas—if spending is curbed, other issues will subside, such as petty crime, etc.

Why do you feel you are the best person for the position?

I don’t know that I’m the “best” person for the position, but I know I am more than qualified, having served in the United States military for twenty years, and government service for over 15 years. I also concur with the City Council’s mission and vision statements, preserving our conservative and traditional way of life.

What’s the biggest issue facing Boulder City today?

After talking to residents and taking a short survey, folks have expressed a need for a second grocery store, especially since the 99 Cents Only store is closing. And the increasing need to control homelessness.

At potentially $42 million, the proposed replacement for the pool comes out to about $2,800 per resident. Do you feel this is the best use of Capital Improvement funds?

Cons… From the same survey, I was surprised that there’s a good amount of residents who are opposed to a new pool, citing the cost and the lack of interest/numbers of current users.

Pros… If funding is not coming out of the pocketbooks of the residents and passes the ballot initiative this fall, then most are OK with it, but still asked, can those funds go to more pressing issues?

Many, especially in the business community, would like to see Boulder City become more than just a day trip, with visitors spending multiple days here. But some recent decisions, such as banning short-term rentals, would seem to discourage multi-day visits. How does the city balance the needs of its residents with that of encouraging tourism?

Per capita, Boulder City has more than enough hotel rooms to accommodate visitors who desire to stay for a few days. Current events/activities, continue to ensure that Boulder City has no shortage of visitors or “lack of lodging” complaints. Short-term rentals has been addressed to the community, and the majority of residents have voted to ban it. Unless it’s revisited, Boulder City residents have spoken.

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Back in March 2024, Councilwoman Sherri Jorgensen said, “I can’t even imagine what it would cost in 2028.”

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Kevin Hickey, of the Nevada Rural Housing Authority, has been making pretty much the same presentation to the council annually thanking the city for transferring nearly $1 million in bond capacity to the group he represents.

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Three statements — notably, none of them from members of the city council — best illustrated the difficulties residents (both dog-loving and not) have had for at least four years when it comes to the issue of off-leash dogs in public parks.

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Unlike the discussion later in the meeting Tuesday night in which the city council appeared determined to make sure no one was angry at them about the issue of off-leash dogs, they directed staff to take very strong action on the issue of pet breeding.

Lifejacket donations aim to save lives

Greg Bell’s memory lives on by way of a generous donation that may saves lives.

Huge crowd turns out to honor Patton

It was brought up during Saturday’s unveiling of the Shane Patton Memorial Monument as to why Shane’s statue stands 11 feet tall.