One of the things that sets us apart as a nation is the opportunity to cast our vote and have our voice heard each election. In an effort to help educate local voters for the upcoming town election, we asked each candidate some questions to better understand their stance of local issues. Each candidate is listed alphabetically for the office they are seeking.
On the Ballot
For Mayor:
Josh Rivero
Jeff Toborg
For Town Council:
Brian Carruthers (no response submitted)
John Diak
Michael Drennan
Laura Hefta
Todd Hendreks
Timothy Lynott (no response submitted)
Abdulla Zubair (no response submitted)
John Diak
Born: Philadelphia PA – lived 41 years in the Parker area
Neighborhood: Bradbury Hills
Family: Wife (Noelle) and three children (Justin – 22, Tyler – 20, Mikaya – 16)
Occupation: Financial Planner, Oatley & Diak, LLC
Why are you running for office?
Parker has been my home for the last 41 years and I feel a sense of duty to utilize my knowledge and skill set to further the interests of the community. Being a Councilmember for the last 12 years, I look to continue the leadership roles within regional organizations providing Parker’s voice to the region. I desire to fulfill my leadership commitments and be a mentor to the next generation of elected officials to ensure continued local and regional success.
What is your greatest strength? Your greatest weakness?
My greatest strength is my diverse work experience that lends itself to civic service. My greatest weakness is my inability to say ”no” – I’m always willing to assist if someone is in need.
How do you plan to help small businesses?
I would look to continue what Parker is doing and look for opportunities to expand our effort to create outreach to the small business community. The Town supports organizations that provide services to small businesses such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Alliance. The Town’s Economic Development Department does business retention visits throughout the year to check in on businesses and work through any Town challenges as well as to educate/inform the small business owner on various programs that could assist the small business.
This is a divisive time in our country. How will you inspire unity in our community?
I like to focus on the positive aspects of our community. Growing up here gave me a great perspective on how we became a special place but it was the simple things – being kind, giving and polite yet understanding when bad things happen but continuing to be positive and give back to the community in their own way to make it a little better for everyone. I try to model this type of behavior and invest myself in activities that make our community a little better for others.
What is the most underrated thing about Parker?
Sense of community. Being a Parker area resident since 1983 and seeing how our community has grown, I still feel the sense of community – or hometown feel – I felt growing up in Parker. Whether it’s walking down Mainstreet or going to the summer concert series – I enjoy seeing familiar faces and creating new relationships.
How do you plan to involve residents in decisions?
Citizen engagement is fundamental to the civic process. The Town utilizes open houses on master plan revisions and major projects, public comment at Council meetings, citizen surveys to collect citizen data and feedback, and Councilmembers engage citizens directly to discuss Town matters. I would be open to additional opportunities to solicit citizen comment and feedback on Town matters.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I’m very familiar with the Town’s operational process and the many boards, committees and commissions I would be asked to sit on to represent the Town. My strong financial background and diverse land use knowledge provides the competency to understand and participate in resolution of complex local and regional issues. My collaborative approach within my Council duties and external Board assignments have achieved uncommon results. My leadership ability has been recognized by my peers – being unanimously selected by politically diverse Boards to assume leadership duties to oversee organizations of regional significance.
Michael Drennan
From: Chicago, Illinois
Neighborhood: Anthology
Family: Wife and 3 Children
Occupation: CPG Management
Why are you running for office?
I am running to serve others, improve communication, and lower taxes. As the elected President of the Anthology West Board of Directors Metropolitan District No. 4, I’ve led initiatives that have successfully reduced costs for our community. One key achievement under my leadership was lowering the Debt Service Mill Levy Tax from 41 mills to 29.4 mills, leading to significant savings for homeowners over the next five to ten years. My goal is to give back to every household in a meaningful way.
What is your greatest strength? Your greatest weakness?
My greatest strength is my ability to build consensus among teams and stakeholders through a common-sense approach to problem-solving.As for my greatest weakness—ice cream! Just kidding. I tend to be a perfectionist, which means I sometimes spend too much time refining details. However, I’ve learned to balance this by setting clear priorities and managing deadlines, ensuring that projects move forward while maintaining high standards.
How do you plan to help small businesses?
I plan to support small businesses by being accountable and driving up household incomes through tax cuts on essential items like groceries and diapers. I will also reduce red tape by organizing monthly "lunch and learn" meetings to hear directly from business owners about their concerns and solutions.
This is a divisive time in our country. How will you inspire unity in our community?
I believe in working collaboratively with fellow council members and fostering open discussions, even about difficult topics, to promote better understanding of different perspectives. Respecting others and recognizing different communication styles—such as facilitating, controlling, advocating, and analyzing—can help create more effective and respectful dialogue.
What is the most underrated thing about Parker?
The Sulphur Gulch Bike Trail.
How do you plan to involve residents in decisions?
I will prioritize accountability and active listening. My plan is to launch a monthly survey to give all residents the opportunity to share their input on council performance, key issues affecting the town, and our accomplishments. This will ensure residents have a voice and feel included in decision-making.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
One key accomplishment that sets me apart is my leadership in reducing the Mill Levy Tax for our community. As President of the Anthology West Board of Directors Metropolitan District No. 4, I spearheaded the effort to reduce the Debt Service Mill Levy Tax from 41 mills to 29.4 mills. This initiative will save homeowners significant money over the next several years, demonstrating my commitment to financial stewardship and delivering results that benefit every household.
Laura Hefta
Born: East Coast
Neighborhood: Horseshoe Ridge
Family: Husband and 2 Sons
Occupation: Attorney
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to continue to serve the residents of Parker, Colorado. From my legal, business, military, and government background, I know how to propose policy, collaborate with colleagues and accomplish key objectives. I learned these skills in the Army as a Judge Advocate and from my civilian attorney positions with the Department of Defense, The Comptroller of the Currency and my own law firm. During these past four years on Town Council, I have created policy, approved budgets, and analyzed complex legal/business matters regarding land usage, infrastructure issues, land development matters, financial issues, business law matters and environmental issues.
What is your greatest strength? Your greatest weakness?
My greatest strength is my ability to engage in problem solving, look deeply into difficult issues facing our town and propose solutions. I understand the issues from a legal/financial perspective and how to create balanced/strategic policy to solve matters fairly. My greatest weakness is that I can overestimate how much I can get done in one day. I would appreciate more hours in the day to work on issues!
How do you plan to help small businesses?
At present, the Town of Parker has nearly 6,000 active business license holders. Since I was elected in November 2020, I have written Special Certificates of Commendation for some small businesses/non-profit organizations in my role as a Town Council member. In addition, I voted to approve an ordinance during the Oct. 17, 2022, council meeting that eliminated an existing fee for entities that hold a Town of Parker business license. Moreover, the Town of Parker, in partnership with the Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF), created the Parker Business Loan Fund to provide access to capital and business coaching for start-up and existing Parker small businesses that are unable to secure traditional bank financing, which I fully support. This fund has helped over many local businesses with $50,000 in loans and created approximately 60 new jobs in our community. I am helping small businesses thrive through direct communication, and strategic partnerships/programs they can avail themselves to in Parker. I am a member of the Parker Chamber of Commerce and Friends of the Downtown Business Alliance.
This is a divisive time in our country. How will you inspire unity in our community?
In my leadership roles over the last three decades, I have inspired unity by respecting all people in our community, and focusing on simple principles for all: serve your constituents, provide selfless service to them, honor their input, stand on integrity, and have the personal courage to make tough decisions. I learned these values in the Army, during my twenty-eight years of service to my country. We are stronger as a nation when we build upon the strength of our diversity and support one another.
What is the most underrated thing about Parker?
In Parker, the most underrated thing is our beautiful open space and parks! The Town of Parker takes great pride in the ability to offer this amenity to residents. The Forestry and Open Space division is responsible for maintaining the Town’s 1,144 acres of open space. A recent example of new open space is Ray J. Harvie Open Space (December 2023). Harvie Open Space is a beautiful 72-acre site, with a walking trail, picnic shelters, tables, benches, one rest room facility, and historic structures.
How do you plan to involve residents in decisions?
I proactively meet with our residents through various outreach events over the past four years. Residents also have many opportunities to interact with the Town of Parker elected officials through outreach meetings with the Homeowner’s associations, various meetings for economic development matters and numerous town events. Town residents are able to continuously give their input on matters through public forums at meetings, residents’ surveys/questionnaires and contacting the town.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I have the experience, education, and knowledge in local government and proactively serve our residents now on Town Council. I understand the legal, financial and business issues that come before Town Council to serve proficiently as a member. I examine all the facts, analyze the data, listen to our residents/applicants/experts, and promote strategic solutions for our town. I am an action-oriented person who makes measured and balanced decisions on all matters before Town Council. I will work to ensure Parker residents’ voice is heard and respected when serving them as a Town Council member. Keep Parker Beautiful and thriving! For more information see: https://laurahefta.com/
Todd Hendrecks
From: Houston, Texas
Neighborhood: Hidden River
Family: Wife and 2 Children
Occupation: Information Technology
Why are you running for office?
I am re-running for Town Council as I feel I have more to give to Parker. I am running again because I feel it is a special place where I wish to maintain and improve the home town feel that still exists today and improve the quality of life not only for my family, but yours and your neighbors.
What is your greatest strength? Your greatest weakness?
One of my greatest strengths is my level of obligation to volunteer for the Community, which lends itself from my Rotary motto "Service Above Self." As far as greatest weakness, I don't view life like that but rather there is room for improvement. Thus, flossing my teeth nightly still needs some more work.
How do you plan to help small businesses?
When re-elected I will continue educating the residents on the importance of #shopLocal as it helps the small business owner and the Town to help fund all our services that the citizens enjoy. I will also continue efforts that the Town works with The Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Alliance to help foster small business relationships.
This is a divisive time in our country. How will you inspire unity in our community?
I don't look at the role of a Town Councilmember as a Politician. My mindset is of a "super volunteer" that exists to help spread knowledge and build community. I just happen to get a name tag with that position on it.
What is the most underrated thing about Parker?
Despite our growth we still have that small Hometown feel due to the citizens that help create our community.
How do you plan to involve residents in decisions?
My history of getting citizens involved goes back for several years now, starting over half a decade ago. Along with sharing news, facts, events about Town matters on social media, I created a Facebook group called Parker Data Hub that focuses on getting residents involved. When elected I will encourage more involvement of residents by attending Town Council & Planning Commission meetings, Town Staff led Open Houses and other avenues, just like I did many years ago.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I feel my community volunteer experience sets me apart from the other candidates. Duties included Town of Parker Planning Commissioner and Cultural & Scientific Commissioner, Parker Hawks Youth Lacrosse Coach, Parker Task Force Volunteer, Downtown Business Alliance Board Member (Community Representative), COPPS (Citizens Offering Parker Police Support), Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club of Parker Treasurer & Fundraiser (Parker Brewfest), St. Baldrick's Fundraiser, Hidden River III HOA Social Chair and Parker Data Hub (Community Facebook Group) Creator. In summary, I am the candidate that has a long, proven history of education, service and is active in the community between election cycles.
JOSHUA RIVERO
FOR MAYOR
From: California
Neighborhood: Idyllwilde
Family: Wife and 2 Kids
Occupation: Business Owner
Why are you running for office?
Parker needs and deserves a mayor that represents the entire community. Not someone who is focused on party politics and status but someone who is vested in their community and cares about every constituent.
What is your greatest strength?
I am always approachable and available for my entire community. Your greatest weakness? Overfilling my plate regardless of my capacity. I have been known to sacrifice personal time in order to serve.
How do you plan to help small businesses?
As a successful small business owner myself for the last 16 years no one is more in tune to the needs of our businesses than I am. As mayor I will work with Town Council to ensure that the Town’s Economic Development Department is not just focused on recruitment of new businesses but also the retainment of existing businesses. Secondly, we will work hand in hand with the Chamber, DBA and other business organizations to ensure we all have the tools we need for success.
This is a divisive time in our country. How will you inspire unity in our community?
By simply reminding Parker of who we are. We weren’t always this way. Partisan politics at the local level is relatively new, within the last eight years for Parker. That’s not us, we have always worked together to build the town of our dreams. I am a former Republican married to a Democrat and I was raised by a San Francisco hippy who married a Department of Defense employee. Differences are what make us Americans. It’s about listening to learn, not listening to win.
What is the most underrated thing about Parker?
All the independently owned businesses, the Mom and Pops. I don’t know of another community that is so well represented by small businesses as Parker is. All slices of our business community, restaurant, retail, services, etc… are dominated by successful independent ownership.
How do you plan to involve residents in decisions?
Through education and transparency. When I am mayor I am looking forward to hosting Town Hall events where citizens can learn more about how their community operates and how to best optimize their representatives.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
All of the above. I’m not red, I’m not blue, I am Parker.
JEFF TOBORG
FOR MAYOR
From: Lemoore, California
Neighborhood: Preston Hill
Family: Wife and 3 Kids
Occupation: Government Healthcare
Why are you running for office?
I am running for re-election as mayor to continue the good work we are doing in the Town of Parker as we continue to grow. I will continue to be the voice for a safe community through my support of the Parker Police Department. I will continue to focus on Economic Development and bring jobs to Parker in the areas of high-tech, bio-science, medical and aerospace while we continue to attract quality service businesses. I will continue to seek opportunities to expand our parks and recreation offerings, including more ballfields. And, as important, I will continue to ensure that infrastructure precedes growth as development continues in the southwest area of town.
What is your greatest strength? Your greatest weakness?
My greatest strength is that I am a man of action. I say what I do, and I do what I say. My greatest weakness, like most of us, is finding the time to do all the things I want to be involved in. In addition to my family, serving the citizens of Parker will always be a top priority.
How do you plan to help small businesses?
I strongly believe that free markets and individual achievement are the primary factor behind economic prosperity. The role of government is not to pick winners and losers; our job is to incentivize entrepreneurs and ensure an economic environment where business can thrive. We have been, and will continue, to attract new business and make maintaining a business in Parker advantageous and less burdensome and still be responsive to the needs of Parker residents.
This is a divisive time in our country. How will you inspire unity in our community?
As mayor, I recognize the importance of unity in our community during divisive times. I believe inspiring unity starts with fostering open dialogue and understanding. I will continue to promote volunteer opportunities that address local needs so that we can work together toward common goals. Ultimately, it’s about highlighting what we have in common and reminding everyone that we’re stronger together. Our Parker hometown spirit remains very much alive.
What is the most underrated thing about Parker?
The most underrated thing about Parker is our hometown spirit of community, volunteerism and our dedication to supporting our neighbors, friends and local businesses. Parker continues to grow, but we continue to maintain that small-town feel.
How do you plan to involve residents in decisions?
As your mayor, I am accessible by email, phone, and social media. I will continue to listen and engage with our citizens as I have done for the last four years and talk about challenges facing individual neighborhoods or town-wide issues.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I was elected mayor in 2020 because my fellow townspeople wanted change and needed a fighter for personal rights. They wanted someone who supports our neighborhoods and stands up for our town. I am committed to continuing to listen to what Parker residents have to say and will always support and promote THEIR best interest. As your mayor, I work for the people of Parker and will continue to do so.