EPC Commissioner Candidate Criticized

Don Schley delivered a packet to KRDO Newschannel 13 on Friday containing a letter and documents which he says proves that Karen Magistrelli is not qualified to run for the El Paso County District 3 commissioner’s seat.

In the letter, Schley described himself as a concerned resident. He expressed a belief that Magistrelli’s history as a foster parent and the housing she presently provides to some registered sex offenders make her a questionable candidate.

“She … should never be put in a position of overseeing Department of Human Services, the sheriff or the district attorney budgets,” Schley wrote.

Magistrelli and her husband ran the High Winds Youth Home for five years on their property in Crystola. In 1995, authorities raided the home and removed the children after the couple was accused of child abuse. Magistrelli said the accusations were unfounded and no charges were filed, but she closed the home after the raid.

“When (authorities) took (the children) out, when (the children) were succeeding for the first time in their lives, that was abuse,” she said. “The state of Colorado should be held responsible.”

In 2001, the Magistrellis opened a home on their property to shelter up to four registered sex offenders. The offenders pay rent when possible and learn skills to make them more employable. Magistrelli said helping the offenders fits her conservative political philosophy, and provides a service that no one else is.

Magistrelli also said she doesn’t believe Schley’s concerns will damage her campaign.

“I believe that we have a population, voters, who care about people. That’s what we do, we care about people. I think (voters) will see beyond the attacks.”

Magistrelli is running against incumbent Sallie Clark, who’s seeking a third term.