Peck humbled to be Longmont mayor, puts deadline on FasTracks involvement

Joan Peck today said she is grateful and humble that voters this week elected her the new mayor of Longmont, praising her campaign staff for their hard work and her opponents in the campaign.

Peck also said in her Saturday statement if RTD cannot bring the long-awaited FasTracks rail line to Longmont in two years, the city should consider dropping out of the FasTrack program. She also vowed as mayor to tackle the problem of housing affordability in the city.

Peck edged out a victory over fellow city council member Tim Waters for the mayor’s seat. The two ran a tight race after polls closed Tuesday, with Waters leading Peck early Wednesday morning. Peck pulled ahead after a Thursday count of voters. 

Peck also defeated construction executive Gregory Harris, who ran a distant third. She praised both men in a statement she released Saturday afternoon.

“Greg Harris and Tim Waters were worthy, honorable opponents with different perspectives than mine but with Longmont’s interests at heart,” Peck said in her statement.

She said Longmont has a “tremendous” city council which includes the newly elected Shiquita Yarbrough. “I am but one of seven and believe that we have councilors who will respectfully listen to opposing viewpoints, address each other with dignity and work toward consensus on issues that will move Longmont forward and into the future,” Peck said. 

Peck also called city staff outstanding. “They are hard-working, dedicated employees and are some of the best in the states,” she said. “This is a great team to take us forward and Longmont should be proud.”

She said she will continue efforts to bring the long-promised RTD’s FasTracks commuter rail line to Longmont. “With so many dollars available from different sources, I know we can do this. “If not achievable in two years, we need to rethink our participation in the FasTracks program,” Peck said.

The city also needs to do a better job with the “homeless or unhoused population in our city,” she said. “I have been working with staff on how to make a difference in our approach to homeless residents. I’m excited about the conversations and the possibilities.”

“There are many avenues we can take in approaching affordable and attainable housing without putting the burden of the development on the residents,” Peck said.

“My responsibility, with council and staff,” Peck said, “is to represent and further the interests and prospects of the city, and represent everyone, from all comers, who live here.”

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