Arapahoe County District 4: Leslie Summey and Sonda “Sunny” Banka
The Sept. 17 Villager printed questionnaire answers from District 4 incumbent Leslie Summey and Sonda “Sunny” Banka.
Freda Miklin ·
Arapahoe County District 4 covers the northern part of the county, including Glendale, part of Aurora, and nearby unincorporated areas. Both candidates answered the same printed questionnaire in the Sept. 17 Villager.
Leslie Summey
Incumbent Leslie Summey, current commissioner for District 4 and Chair of the Board, said a unique skill is “the ability to see an issue through the lens of my constituents, empathize with what’s wrong, celebrate what’s right, and lead the charge for a resolution.” She cited service as liaison to the County Attorney, the Director of the Commissioners Office, and Human Resources, and membership in NACo and the Veterans and Military Services Advisory Council.
She noted Arapahoe County does not have a county manager; the five commissioners are liaisons to departments. Over the next four years, she said, “my goal is to rid the unincorporated areas of the county of nuisance properties.” She described spearheading a first-of-its-kind county parking ordinance after residents called about parted-out or wrecked cars. Asked what makes her a better choice, she said she campaigned on removing the revenue cap of TABOR in 2022 and “in 2024 we went to the ballot and passed 1A with 71% of the vote.” She said the first term added deputies and DA staff, 700 affordable housing units, and the county’s first affordable housing fund.
Sonda “Sunny” Banka
Sonda “Sunny” Banka said Arapahoe County has been her home for 50 years. “I have been a realtor for over 40 years in Arapahoe County and have owned my real estate company since 1998.” She said the most important skill she brings is listening. She has served on Aurora’s Planning Commission and Citizen Advisory Budget Committee and held leadership positions in local, state and national trade associations.
She said she is best suited to oversee Public Works & Development and Finance. Four-year goals she listed: safe communities, responsible government, responsible growth, and economic opportunity. District issues: affordability — “Over regulation and spending need to stop at the County level” — and public safety. Asked what makes her a better choice, she said, “I am in touch with the community!” Her campaign focuses on three ideals: Safe Communities, Responsible Government, and Real Results.
Print source: The Villager, Vol. 44 No. 43, Sept. 17, 2026, page 7. Issuu edition.