Making Democracy Work

LWVPPR Youth Council member Anna Fedoruk interviews newly elected D11 School Board member Michelle Ruehl. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Ms. Ruehl’s goals for her tenure on the board.

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region (LWVPPR). Th...

LWVPPR Youth Council members Anna Fedoruk and Tyler Peak interview newly elected D11 School Board member LeAnn Baca Bartlett. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Ms. Bartlett’s goals for her tenure on the board.

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pi...

LWVPPR Youth Council members Anna Fedoruk and Tyler Peak interview re-elected D11 School Board member Charles Johnson. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Mr. Johnson's goals for his tenure on the board.

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region...

LWVPPR Youth Council members Anna Fedoruk and Maxx Vega interview newly elected D49 School Board member Holly Withers. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Ms. Withers’ goals for her tenure on the board.

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Re...

LWVPPR Youth Council members Anna Fedoruk and Maxx Vega interview newly elected D49 School Board member Lori Thompson. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Ms. Thompson’s goals for her tenure on the board.

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Pe...

Hear about the Caucus Process from Ken Davis, Chair of the El Paso County Republican Party about party process over the coming months. He chats with Shelly Roehrs, your host, on Making Democracy Work.

Donate Today! League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region: https://lwvppr.org/

Candidate Forums: http://vote411.org/

El Paso County Republican Party - https://www.gopelpaso.com/

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways...

Hear from Conner Roderick, Chair of the El Paso County Democratic Party’s Permanent Organization about party happenings and process over the coming months. He chats with Shelly Roehrs, your host, on Making Democracy Work.

Donate Today! League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region: https://lwvppr.org/

Candidate Forums: http://vote411.org/

El Paso County Democratic Party: https://epcodemparty.org/

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to ma...

This forum features all candidates for Colorado Springs School District 11 School Board in the Fall 2025 election. The forum was hosted on October 28, 205 by the LWVPPR Youth Council and the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region.

View video of the forum: https://youtube.com/live/gQhf6MOFpbE

The League is non-partisan and does not endorse, support or oppose candidates or political parties. We work to educate voters in every election via candidate forums (not debates), our candidate survey (VOTE411.org), candidate meet and greets and podcast interviews, to name a few, where ALL...

This forum features candidates for mayor, city council and school board, plus pro and con discussion of ballot issues in the Manitou Springs Fall 2025 election. The forum was hosted on October 20, 205 by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce at the Cliff House.

Forum sponsors include Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Pikes Peak Bulletin, the Cliff House, the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region, and Studio 809 Podcasts.

1:50 School board candidates

5:49 School bond referendum

20:05 Natalie Johnson, mayoral candidate

Learn what measures are on the November, 2025 ballot and get pro and con views. This forum was presented by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region.

The forum took place October 18, 2025 at Brookdale Skyline.

The League is non-partisan and does not endorse, support or oppose candidates or political parties. We work to educate voters in every election via candidate and issues forums (not debates), our candidate survey (VOTE411.org), candidate meet and greets and podcast interviews, to name a few, where ALL candidates on the ballot are invited to participate. Learn more...

Get acquainted with candidates running to represent School District 12 on their school board. This forum was presented by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region in collaboration with the students of the Cheyenne Mountain High School U.S. Government and Politics Class. The forum took place October 15, 2025 at Cheyenne Mountain High School.

The League is non-partisan and does not endorse, support or oppose candidates or political parties. We work to educate voters in every election via candidate forums (not debates), our candidate survey (VOTE411.org), candidate meet and greets and podcast interviews, to name...

Hear from Vickie Tonkins, Republican candidate running for El Paso County Commissioner – District 5.

Links:

Donate to the League & help our efforts to Empower Voters & Defend Democracy -https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=5696

Non-partisan candidate information - http://vote411.org/

Candidate Forum Calendar - https://www.lwvppr.org/

Candidate Page - https://www.vickietonkins.com/

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to m...

Hear from Lauren Nelson, Republican candidate running for El Paso County Commissioner – District 5.

Links:

Donate to the League & help our efforts to Empower Voters & Defend Democracy -https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=5696

Non-partisan candidate information - http://vote411.org/

Candidate Forum Calendar - https://www.lwvppr.org/

Candidate Page - https://www.electlaurennelson.com/

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to mak...

Learn more about Ranked Choice Voting, how it's done, the benefits and how we can make this happen, in this Community Conversation hosted by NAACP Colorado Springs and the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region. It was recorded in front of a live audience at Stompin’ Grounds on September 20, 2025. At the mic: NAACP’s Angela Stevens and RCV4CO’s Linda Templin.

Donate Today! League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region: https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=301&club_id=750758 

NAACP - Colorado Springs Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NAACPCol...

Hear from candidates running to represent District 6 on Colorado Springs City Council in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and Citizens Project. It was held on March 18, 2025 at the CSPD Stetson Hills Subdivision Community Room. All Colorado Springs City Council District 6 candidates were invited. Representatives from LWVPPR and Citizens Project moderated.

 Candidates Present:

Host: Shelly Roehrs for LWVPPR

Moderator: Chris Davis for Citizens Project

The League is non-partisan and does not endorse, support or oppose c...

Hear from candidates running to represent District 5 on Colorado Springs City Council in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and NAACP-Colorado Springs. It was held on March 13, 2025 at Temple Beit Torah. All Colorado Springs City Council District 5 candidates were invited. Representatives from LWVPPR and NAACP-Colorado Springs moderated.

 Candidates Present:

Host: Tammy Harold for LWVPPR

Moderator: Angela Stevens, President, NAACP-Colorado Springs

The League is non-partisan and does not endorse, support or oppose candidates or political parties. We work t...

Hear from candidates running to represent District 1 on Colorado Springs City Council in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and College of Public Service at UCCS. It was held on March 5, 2025 at Helen Keller Elementary School. All Colorado Springs City Council District 1 candidates were invited. Representatives from LWVPPR and UCCS College of Public Service moderated.

Candidates:

Host: Tammy Harold for LWVPPR

Moderators:

Dr. Regina Winters, Associate Dean, UCCS College of Public Service

Diana Starkus, student, UCCS College...

Hear from candidates running to represent District 4 on Colorado Springs City Council in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and RISE Southeast. It was held on March 4, 2025 at Stompin' Groundz coffee and community café. All Colorado Springs City Council District 4 candidates were invited. Representatives from LWVPPR and RISE Southeast moderated.

 Candidates Present:

 Not Present:

Host: Shelly Roers, Spokesperson for LWVPPR

Moderator: Chineta Davis, RISE Southeast

The League is non-partisan and does not endorse, supp...

Hear from candidates running to represent District 3 on Colorado Springs City Council in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region & Hillside Advisory Team. 

The event was held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Hillside Community Center. 

The League is non-partisan and does not endorse, support or oppose candidates or political parties. We work to educate voters in every election via candidate forums (not debates), our candidate survey (VOTE411.org), candidate meet and greets and podcast interviews where all candidates on the ballot are invited to participate. Any videotape or...

The League of Women Voters is celebrating 105 years of Empowering Voters & Defending Democracy. On February 16, 2025 we gathered for Love the League 2025, Honoring Women Making A Difference! This is our annual fundraising event. We’re proud to share a replay in this episode.

League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that empowers voters and defends democracy! Your donation helps League pay for our efforts, including candidate forums, voter registration drives, and more! Donate at https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658

Please become a member: https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?pa...

We chat with BJ Campbell, Love the League 2025 Honoree, Retired Educator & Administrator from Academy District 20 and passionate advocate for our unhoused neighbors.

Donate Today! Love the League 2025 - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658

BJ Campbell - Our People - Academy District 20 - https://fb.watch/xL88aCsAb3/

Salvation Army Friends of Christ Homelessness program - https://coloradosprings.salvationarmy.org/colorado_springs_corps/our-services/ 

Former Helen Hunt Elementary converting to apartments for the homeless - https://gazette.com/news/el-paso-countys-mission-impossible-collective-for-families-in-deep-trouble/article_f05f7538-6178-11ef-8a07-f...

We chat with Chief Jayme McConnellogue, Love the League 2025 Honoree and Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services for the City of Colorado Springs Fire Department. 

Donate Today! Love the League 2025 - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658

Jayme McConnellogue - 

Colorado Spring Fire Department Key Staff - Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services - https://coloradosprings.gov/fire-department/page/key-fire-department-staff 

Ambulance Transition - Emergency Medical Services Enterprise - https://coloradosprings.gov/EMSTransport 

Love the League 2024...

We chat with Angela Stevens, Love the League 2025 Honoree, Colorado Springs NAACP President, LWVPPR Admin Team Member & Events Team Chair and Business Owner. 

Donate Today! Love the League 2025 - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658

Angela Stevens - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-stevens-ma-ed-lpc-43668532/ 

NAACP - Colorado Springs Branch - https://www.facebook.com/NAACPColoradoSprings/ 

Thinking It Through Counseling Services - http://www.thinkingitc.com/ 

Love the League 2024 Tickets - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=750758&item_id=2391384

Making Democrac...

We chat with Phyllis Dunn, Love the League 2025 Honoree, retired from Academy School District 20, and a key volunteer with the Accompaniment & Sanctuary Coalition.

Donate Today! Love the League 2025 - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658

Accompaniment and Sanctuary Coalition - https://www.asccos.org/ 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/coloradospringssanctuarycoalition

Love the League 2024 Tickets - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=750758&item_id=2391384

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and...

We chat with Sallie Clark, Senior Policy Advisor for Government & Military Engagement to Mayor Mobolade & small business owner for over 38 years. Sallie is a Love the League 2025 Honoree.

Donate Today! Love the League 2025 - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658

Love the League 2025 Tickets - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=750758&item_id=2391384

Sallie Clark - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallie-clark-colorado/  

Holden House - 1902 Bed & Breakfast Inn - https://www.holdenhouse.com/ 

Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs - https...

Should citizens give Colorado Springs City Councilors a pay raise? The question was discussed in this Community Conversation hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region. Panelists include Council President Randy Helms, former 4-term Council Member Richard Skorman and former Council Member Tim Leigh. We missed hearing from Council Member Yolanda Avila due to technical difficulties but no worries; this is just the beginning of the conversation.

This conversation was held on January 18, 2025, and included pros and cons, plus how to accomplish this. Stay tuned for what’s next!! 

Check out the...

We chat with Beth Alessio, Love the League 2025 Honoree and Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado.

Donate Today! Love the League 2025: https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658 

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado: https://rmhcsoutherncolorado.org/about-us/ 

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pi...

We chat with Rochelle Kimbrell, Love the League 2025 Honoree and Retired USAF Lt. Colonel, the US military’s first Black female fighter pilot. She has logged over 2100 hours piloting military aircraft and over 975 combat and combat support hours.

LINKS:

Donate Today! Love the League 2025 - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658

Kimbrell Enterprise - http://kimbrellenterprise.com/ and http://rochellekimbrell.com/

Amway hero video - https://youtu.be/N7lVIrCLZyU?si=ZL-bca1rh5_Vvqj7

NFL360 - https://youtu.be/zmbZ9mPO-sk

Making Democr...

Learn about recent voter turnout, ways to increase voter engagement and hear from voters with “What’s Next?” for them after the most recent 2024 general election.

Donate Today!

WVPPR CO Gives Day - https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/League-Of-Women-Voters-Of-The-Pikes-Peak-Region

Love the League 2025 - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced...

A brief summary of this episode

Learn more about candidates for State Senate District 10 in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region on October 21, 2024. Find video replays of all our forums at https://lwvppr.org/forums2024

Forum host was LWVPPR Spokesperson Shelly Roehrs. Moderators were Felicia Hubbard, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Carolyn Kalaskie, Black and Latino Leadership Coalition. Candidates Larry Liston (Republican) and Ryan Lucas (Democrat) participated in the forum. Candidate John Hjersman did not attend.

Special thanks to these forum co-sponsors:

AARP, https://www.aarp.org/

Black and...

A brief summary of this episode

Learn more about candidates for State House District 21 in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region on October 17, 2024. Find video replays of all our forums at https://lwvppr.org/forums2024.

Forum host was LWVPPR Spokesperson Shelly Roehrs. The moderator was Doriena Longmire,  Longmire Audio Engineering. Candidates Mary Bradfield (Republican) and Liz Rosenbaum (Democrat) participated in the forum.

Special thanks to these forum co-sponsors:

AARP, https://www.aarp.org/

Black and Latino Leadership Coalition, https://www.facebook.com/BlackLatinoLeadershipCoalitionofCOS/

Citizens Project, https://citizensproject.o...

A brief summary of this episode

Learn more about candidates for State Senate District 12 in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region on October 14, 2024. Find video replays of all our forums at https://lwvppr.org/forums2024.

Forum host was LWVPPR Spokesperson Shelly Roehrs. The moderator was Alasyn Zimmerman of KOAA News5. Candidates Marc Snyder (Democrat) and Stan VanderWerf (Republican) attended the forum. John Michael Angle (Libertarian) did not attend the forum.

Special thanks to these forum co-sponsors:

AARP, https://www.aarp.org/

Black and Latino Leadership Coalition, https://www.facebook...

Learn more about candidates for U.S. House Of Representatives, District 5, in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region on October 8, 2024.

Find video replays of all our forums at https://lwvppr.org/forums2024.

Forum host was LWVPPR Spokesperson Shelly Roehrs. Moderators were Kevin Porter, Special Kids, Special Families, and Mike Williams, Citizens Project. Candidates River Gassen (Democrat), Joseph Gaye (Unaffiliated), and Christopher Mitchell (American Constitution Party) attended the forum. Jeff Crank (Republican), Michael Keith Vance (Libertarian) and Christopher Sweat (Forward Party) did not attend.

Special thanks t...

Learn more about candidates for House District 18 in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region on October 5, 2024. Find video replays of all our forums at https://lwvppr.org/forums2024.

Forum host was LWVPPR Spokesperson Shelly Roehrs. The moderators for this forum were Mike Williams, Citizens Project, and Alasyn Zimmerman, KOAA News5. Candidates attending the forum were James R. Boelens, Jr. (Republican) and Amy Paschal (Democrat).

Special thanks to these forum co-sponsors:

AARP, https://www.aarp.org/

Black and Latino Leadership Coalition, https://www.facebook...

Learn more about candidates for El Paso County Commissioner District 2 in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region on October 1, 2024. Find video replays of all our forums at https://lwvppr.org/forums2024.

Forum host was LWVPPR Spokesperson Shelly Roehrs. Moderators were Candace Lehmann, AARP, and Mike Williams, Citizens Project. Candidates who attended the forum were Bernard “BJ” Byers (Democrat) and Garfield Johnson (Republican write-in candidate). Candidate Carrie Geitner (Republican) did not attend.

Special thanks to these forum co-sponsors:

AARP, https://www.aarp.org/

Black and...

A brief summary of this episode

We hear from John Hjersman, Libertarian Party candidate running for Colorado Senate, District 10.

Links:

Donate to the League & help our efforts to Empower Voters & Defend Democracy - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=5696

Non-partisan, candidate information - VOTE411.org

Candidate Forum Calendar - https://www.lwvppr.org/

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is pro...