It’s been years since there were more people interested in running for the Green Mountain Falls Board of Trustees than seats available. Yet that is exactly what’s happening this year!
Although Mayor Todd Dixon will run unopposed, two seats are being vacated (by the much appreciated members Katharine Guthrie and Nick Donzello) on the board. Four candidates are contending for the two seats to join the mayor and board members Sunde King and Sean Ives.
The four candidates for the two open seats are John Bell, Ann Speir Esch, Brandy Moralez and Don Walker.
“We have had a lot of interest in this election. That is a really good thing,” said Bo Ayad, GMF clerk/treasurer.
Recently, interest has grown regarding local issues and proposals. Proposed enhancements to the gazebo bridge, the stilling basin, local trails and to the pool’s operations and pool park have drawn people out of the woodwork.
The new nonprofit Building Ute Pass Community has its ear to the ground to build upon the area’s special events. And Green Box Arts continues to bring special events and art installations into the small yet mighty town.
At the same time, ongoing issues around fire mitigation and road conditions continue to demand attention while also fueling residents’ interests.
The candidates participated in a Meet the Candidates Forum and Reception on Feb. 28, moderated by Darlene Avery. About 30 town residents were in attendance to hear introductions along with candidates’ answers to questions provided.
Mayor Todd Dixon recapped his first year in office during the forum. His highlights included: better communications with the residents, town hall hours with mayor and admin staff, and setting a steady and professional tone for the town.
“Probably one of the best things that I was able to accomplish was the FEMA disaster declaration, which will get us, hopefully, over $125,000,” he said.
“Another thing that has gone really well is building relationships with the regional elected officials.” He concluded, “Future projects include the dumpster blind, the gazebo bridge, more town bridges, and … roads roads roads roads roads.”
The voting process will take place by ballot only. Ballots will be mailed to GMF residents by March 18. Registered town voters can also pick up a ballot at Town Hall, 10615 Green Mountain Falls Road.
Mail or drop your sealed ballot into the ballot box in front of Town Hall. All ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2. Signatures will be checked and election judges will tabulate the ballots.
The ballot will include a question about whether to move town elections to November, thereby saving the GMF several thousand dollars.
Find out more about the candidates at facebook.com/groups/gmfpolitics, where you can find bios of and comments from each candidate.
Quotes from the GMF Board of Trustees candidates:
John Bell
“We (residents of Green Mountain Falls) like to be social yet independent. There is a social spirit that exists here.”
“GMF is a community with a great deal going for it. There’s a great deal pushing us forward in a positive direction.”
“I’d really like to see more transparency with the budget. We have to continue to work toward transparency (in all areas of town governance).”
Ann Speir Esch
“Local government is the foundation of our country.”
“Currently I feel the roads (should be a board priority). Road safety is a big problem, in my heart.”
“The trail ambassadors and all these people who work on trails (Friends of Ute Pass Trails) are our eyes and ears. Keeping the town safe is where our money should go.”
Brandy Moralez
“I want to help make our community better. It already is great, and we want to continue that trend.”
“Important qualities of a board trustee (are) service to our town, service to the community and making sure that the needs of our town are met. Simply that.”
“Our main priority should be safety.”
Don Walker
“I want to promote a ‘common sense government’ through accountability, transparency and integrity.”
“We create a ‘common sense government’ through a strong board governance.”
“Professional conduct of the people we’ve hired to work for us and to take care of our assets (is critical to the integrity of our town governance), as is retaining those hired.”
Understanding grief
Pikes Peak Bulletin staffers have made a mindful effort to support the health of Pikes Peak region residents. Supporting mental health in our communities is a core component. To that end, you or a loved one may find comfort and assistance in the exemplary assistance from Voices of Grief Support and Education Center.
Voices of Grief strives to transform the way people encounter grief, creating supportive spaces to honor its natural process and educating our communities in healthy expressions of grief and mourning.
Key values include the ideas that: grief is a normal, natural aspect of the human journey; grief is not a disease to be treated or a problem to be solved; no one should have to grieve alone; we live in a grief-avoidant culture, but we can choose to honor our grief through acceptance, acknowledgement and validation; and we begin to reconcile our loss through mourning, the outward expression of our grief.
Registration is open for grief support and education groups starting this spring. “Understanding Your Grief” is an eight-week journey that will take place 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays from April 9 through May 28 at the Woodland Park Public Library, 218 Midland Ave. Registration cost is $80. Register by April 2. (A Colorado Springs group meets 9-11 a.m. Mondays, March 11-April 29, at the Inn at Garden Plaza.)
The facilitated group offers compassionate, companioning support as it works through “Understanding Your Grief,” Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s book.
To register or for more information, contact Sarah Lee at 719-505-2257 or Kathy Sparnins at 719-659-0447, or email info@voicesofgriefcenter.org or visit voicesofgriefcenter.org.
Send news and/or photos to judypiazza@gmail.com.