“If we elected three conservatives, and every citizen voted for the three most conservative people, we could at least get a 5-4 majority on council,” he said.

If elected, Klingenschmitt said his first priority would be working to reduce Colorado Springs’ sales tax, which sits at 8.25 percent, to “at least” match Denver’s 7.65 percent rate.

Another issue, Klingenschmitt said, is the recently approved stormwater fees that property owners must pay. Homeowners are now billed $5 each month while nonresidential property owners are charged $30 each month.

The fees were resurrected after a push by Mayor John Suthers to establish a dedicated funding source for 71 projects to mitigate floodwaters and pollutants that might harm downstream communities. 

The fees are expected to raise about $17 million a year for the city, but Klingenschmitt said churches and nonprofits, such as his own Pray in Jesus Name Ministries, should be exempt.

“Charities and churches should not be paying thousands of dollars when we already give away our money to the poor,” he said.

If those organizations are made exempt from stormwater fees, Klingenschmitt said the city’s lost revenue can be made up by reducing waste within its operations.

Some savings could come from eliminating the annual stipend of $6,250 that council members receive, Klingenschmitt said.

“For 100 years it was a voluntary position,” he said.

Many others have argued that the low stipend – compared to the $113,490 salary for El Paso County commissioners – prevents those who are not already retired or independently wealthy from holding a seat on the council.

Klingenschmitt said he plans to hold fast to his conservative values if elected, despite what others argue.