http://krcc.org/post/district-6-candidates-prioritize-infrastructure-environment-and-economic-growth Melanie’s 19 minute interview with NPR. Download the MP3 File.
Melanie at CSU Forum 03-16-2017
Here is Melanie Bernhardt speaking at the CSU Forum held March 16, 2017 at the Antlers Hilton
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More on the Money Flowing in Colorado Springs election
http://www.csindy.com/TheWire/archives/2017/03/15/nearly-73000-in-dark-money-flows-into-colorado-springs-city-election CSIndy.com article disclosing where the money is coming from and how much is being spent on our City Council elections. District 6 voters can rest assured I am not taking part in the spending frenzy. I am seeking small donations from small donors, but together we can move forward with a sensible policy on City Council. See my Donations Page for more information on donating to my campaign.
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Election profile on ballotpedia
https://ballotpedia.org/Melanie_Bernhardt You can find my profile now on Ballotpedia.org
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Compare the Candidates
http://onyourballot.vote411.org/race-detail.do?id=15992665 Here is a great resource for letting you compare two of the candidates in the race for District 6. It lets you select two of the candidates to compare their answers side-by-side so you can make an informed decision. Use it to compare Melanie Bernhardt with each of the other candidates. 
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Follow the Money
Look who’s getting all of the developer money and vote against them. Melanie Bernhardt is not beholden to the developers and will vote your choice on the issues that mean the most in this election.
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Gazette Article March 10
This just in, the Gazette.com has published an article about Melanie Bernhardt On the Gazette.com website . And also published on Colorado Springs.com
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Fox 21 News Interview with Melanie
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Fox 21 News Coverage of Melanie
http://fox21news.com/2017/03/05/race-for-city-council-melanie-bernhardt/
In less than a month, voters will get to choose the next Colorado Springs City Council members.
A former child TV star known for her role on “Different Strokes,” Melanie Bernhardt is seeking a seat in City Council District 6 because she wants to be a voice for those who feel voiceless.
“I want to hear,” she said. “I want to hear those votes. I want to hear from that person that says I don’t count. Well yeah you do. I’ll be at the local coffee shop and you can come tell me what you want.”
At the top of her list is resolving the city’s stormwater issue. Bernhardt said if elected, she’d like to find a way to get the project done without costing taxpayers.
“I’m going to work out of the box to try and find a way not to gouge the taxpayers for all this and try to find ways to subsidize the paying for this project, but either way it’s got to get done,” she said.
Bernhardt was forced to retire early due to her disability. She has osteogenesis imperfecta, often referred to as brittle bone disease, but she believes that gives her an edge.
“Because everything I do has to be adapted, then I think that anytime I’m given any kind of a challenge, I’m going to make an attempt to adapt it, to make it work,” Bernhardt said.
With no political experience and as the only woman running in her district, Bernhardt acknowledges the odds aren’t stacked in her favor, but she’s hoping the voters will at least give her a chance.
“I want to make the city a better place, so I believe in this, and if I didn’t I wouldn’t be talking to you right now,” she said.
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Gazette Voter Guide
Here is an excerpt from the Gazette.com’s voter guide regarding Melanie’s response to questions. Source: Click Here
Melanie Bernhardt
Occupation: Exchange Student Local Coordinator
Age: 48
Website: https://melaniebernhardt.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COS.District.6/
Email: melaniedistrict6@gmail.com
Video: Gazette video of candidate
Education:
Dana Hills High School, High School Diploma Catherine College, BA in Computerized Accounting Penn Foster College, Vet Tech License
Experience:
I was the Executive Director for a non-profit service dog organization in California. I had a $495,000 per year budget & met my goals, yearly. I also maintain a household & take in host kids from all over the world. This takes good communication, dedication, and the ability to think out of the box.
Endorsements:
What is the most important issue in the city today and why?
It is very tough to choose one issue. Two issues which affect our citizens the most are the Drake Power Plant and the Storm Water run-off issue. Both problems are directly affecting the health and quality of life for our citizens. With the looming governmental changes and EPA changes, this could greatly affect what we know and do now, verses what may come to pass in the future to maintain a healthy environment in Colorado Springs. It concerns me most that both problems will manifest themselves further in the health of our children. This needs resolution now! Not “when we get to it.”
What kind of board should govern the city-owned Colorado Springs Utilities, a $2 billion enterprise? If appointed or elected, by whom should they be chosen?
While the current board is the city council, it is my belief that those educated in the area of “utilities,” should be the board of directors for CSU. City Council educates themselves as much as they can in this area, but there is always more to understand and know when making decisions that will affect the residents now and in the future. I’ve read EPA findings that some newer developments’ are negatively affecting our storm water runoff. The health and welfare of the citizens is falling to the wayside in many cases. A board of such importance should be voted on by the citizens.
What type of mechanism, if any, would you recommend to address the city’s long-term stormwater needs?
This issue cannot wait for everything to be litigated. We are all being affected by this problem. There is a plan in place for this, and the city has collected funds for this. However, it seems developers have slowed progress and now the city is caught in a web of litigation which grows daily. The city needs to be accountable to this. While many will oppose a storm-water fee added to their utilities bill, we may need to go in this direction so we can provide clean water to the citizens. This should be voted on, immediately. It needs to be presented to the citizens in a way they’ll understand.
What’s the best way to rev up the city’s economy?
The best way to rev up the economy is to get the citizens to want to invest in their own future. Its human nature to take pride in ones own work. Offer tax-breaks to smaller businesses willing to conduct business here, with the understanding that in X amount of time, they will be brought to the current tax standards of other small businesses (timed incentives). Have venues the entire city of constituents can take part in. Utilize volunteers more with the probability of jobs in the future. More family oriented venues would really bolster revenue.
What do you think should be done with the coal-fired Martin Drake Power Plant?
There is a plan in place at this time, and it looks like CSU is ahead of schedule in their obligations of decommissioning this power plant. Efforts are being made to utilize renewable energy. However, this must be cost effective to the citizens. As the power plant moves forward towards shutting down, rigorous clean-up must take place to ensure nothing harmful seeps into the environment. Due to the need for electricity, power will need to be purchased from “the grid.” While not an “optional” answer, it does keep this city lit. Again, a board of those educated in this area would be invaluable.
View the Complete Voter Guide on the Gazette.com
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