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I enthusiastically support Aren Rodriguez and Shiquita Yarbrough as at-large candidates for city council. Fellow council members chose Aren to be mayor pro tem for the past two years in light of his demonstrated leadership skills, integrity, common-good values and civility. A Longmont native, Aren understands the local culture. He is consistently well-prepared for council meetings and respectfully listens when the public speaks. Aren is an independent thinker, carefully weighing the merits on both sides of issues.
As our first black woman to run for city council, Shiquita will bring a diversity and equity lens to local issues. She currently serves on the boards of Longmont Housing and Human Services Advisory, the League of Women Voters of Boulder County and KGNU radio. She “believes in a Longmont where everyone can thrive” and specifically hopes to engage youth as future leaders.
The Sierra Club recently endorsed both Aren and Shiquita, along with Joan Peck for mayor. With Longmont’s intense development threatening to cause irreparable harm to our natural habitats, combined with the ever-worsening effects of climate change, we need candidates who understand how to balance environmental and economic needs. We're fortunate to have three qualified candidates who will use their leadership to protect the common good, for people and the planet.
