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“When you start to pick people, by people, by category, it’s important to talk about qualifications first.”- Howard Dean
Being the first Latina elected to city council is an achievement in and of itself; it doesn’t merit being the sole criteria for election to public office, if that were the case then the person with the bluest eyes, or the straightest teeth or the softest hair might warrant the election to office under these standards.
Rather, who has the most experience as a policymaker, has basic experience with city government achieved by serving on any number of city boards and commissions. Who has external policy-making experience by serving on national and statewide municipal government boards/organizations such as the National League of Cities, or the Colorado Municipal League?
A leader should have experience and ties to basic community groups such as art groups, music groups, non-profit groups such as Boy Scouts, the Red Cross, United Way, or community fraternal groups like Rotary, Kiwanis, or the Lions. Much can be learned by being an active participant in one’s community or much can be learned about basic qualifications from the lack of these experiences.
The role of ward representative calls for being the constituent’s advocate for their needs, desires, and concerns. Opportunity to display leadership must be demonstrated when issues arise that impact the ward. Such a missed opportunity occurred when the discussion of a new rec center was being discussed; no mention was made of the needs of Ward III in terms of recreation needs and the desire for locating a rec center at Garden Acres Park, or a branch library, or police substation being included in that site at the park.
Over the last four years, the residents of Spencer Street have long petitioned their council members and city staff for traffic mitigation devices such as bumps, traffic roundabouts, and signage with warning indicators; all their pleadings have fallen on deaf ears.
Finally, the responsibilities and duties of a council member call for a commitment of time and resources that I am not sure the incumbent can meet. There are only so many hours in the day. If one has a full-time teaching commitment, is vice-president of the local teacher’s union, and has a personal family situation that is fraught with mental health and other issues; what time is left for constituent services or fulfilling your role as the ward’s advocate? The evidence is she is not
fulfilling her duties and obligations to the ward.
So despite the ringing endorsement for Susie Fahring for re-election called for by Shari Malloy, I say she doesn’t warrant or deserve a vote for re-election.
I am a registered Republican but can support Ron since he is fair and even-handed and strives to do right.
