2013 Election Guide by The UNC Mirror Student Newspaper

ELECTION 2014

The Mirror—Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE MIRROR Election guide 2014

About this guide While it may not be a major election year, the city of Greeley has ballot initiatives and candidates to address this year. The students in Professor Lynn Klyde-Silverstein’s Reporting Contemporary Issues class covered several stories related to the local elections this year and wrote stories on several of the candidates for Greeley mayor and city council. Klyde-Silverstein and her students offered to provide their stories to The Mirror to assist in its mission to educate, inform and entertain the students, staff and faculty of the UNC community.

The 2014 elections Greeley will elect a mayor and several city council members Nov. 5. Seven people make up the city council: the mayor; four members who represent various “wards,” or districts; and two at-large members, who represent the city as a whole. The UNC campus lies in Ward II.

Mission Statement The Mirror’s mission is to educate, inform and entertain the students, staff and faculty of the UNC community, and to train the staff on the business of journalism in a college-newspaper environment.

October 28, 2013

The Greeley Budget

Greeley politics and UNC students

Candidates for Greeley mayor

5-7

Candidates for Greeley City Council—Ward II

Candidates for Greeley City Council—At-large Serving the University of Northern Colorado Since 1919

THE MIRROR

City puts emphasis on arts and culture with 2014 budget Biz Gilmore

Special to The Mirror

Image may not be everything, but in a city with a reputation as long-suffering as Greeley’s it’s starting to matter more. “Image” is one of the priorities in the city of Greeley’s preliminary 2014 budget. as youth success, healthy neighborhoods and community promotion and marketing. The Culture, Parks & Recreation department is responsible for the majority of the programs and actions associated with the city’s image campaign. Greeley Unexpected, the marketing campaign that garnered

national attention by highlighting some of Greeley’s most interesting citizens last summer, will be funded until 2017 as part of Greeley’s baseline budget. “Greeley Unexpected really got my attention as a marketing campaign,” said Mariah Foster, an organizer for Art Space Greeencourages local artists. Foster has lived in Greeley her whole life. “People tend to look down on arts in the community here,” Foster said. “Like, oh it’s a cow town, what could really be done? But there is much happening in the community right now. Greeley Unexpected really highlighted that for a lot of people.”

Culture, Parks & Recreation is seeing a budget increase of 2.4 percent from $17.4 million in 2013 to $17.8 million in 2014. This seems like a modest increase after the 2013 budget, when the department budget was increased 10.1 percent. The Public Art Fund, a new fund proposed for the 2014 budget, exists for Greeley to commission town murals and the acquisition of art. The fund is budgeted for $257,724. Foster, a student at Aims Community College, said she also favors budget initiatives like the Public Art Fund but says she is concerned about how the art is selected.

“You see these sculptures around town and they’re not from around here. Why wouldn’t the city spend that money on local artists?” Foster said. “Say Cheese,” a sculpture in downtown Greeley’s 9th Avenue Plaza, got a lot of attention when it was vandalized over the summer. That sculpture was commissioned from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design graduate Justin Deister. Deister’s Linkedin page lists his location as “Greater Denver area.” For more information about the image campaign, the university district and how arts are funded in Greeley, go to the city

Ben Stivers | The Mirror

A sculpture called “Say Cheese” devoid of noodles on its spot in the 9th Street Plaza on Sept. 1. The city of Greeley added an art fund to its 2014 budget.

ELECTION 2014

October 28, 2013

The Mirror—Page 3

City continues to work to reach out to university students Alexandria Adair Vasquez Special to The Mirror For many students at the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley is nothing more than the city in which they chose to attend college. Not much attention is paid to the inner workings of the city, except to gripe tickets or to complain about the lack of late-night hangouts. What students may not realize, however, is that members of the Greeley City Council are working hard throughout the year to ensure that UNC is con-

nected to the rest of the community. With elections for the city council coming up Nov. 5, it’s time that students know exactly what council members do for them – and why they should care. “I only know that this council includes the mayor and other members that represent the area of Greeley,” said Jeri Salas, a senior social science major. “I don’t know much else other than they have meetings every other week, like the school board, downtown.” tive of a certain disconnect between students and

the city of Greeley, which council members have attempted to bridge in recent years. One such example of an attempt to better connect UNC students with the city is work being done by the Greeley Creative District, a board on which Robb Casseday actually served before being elected as council member three years ago. “One of our biggest initiatives is working on turning the area around the UNC campus into a creative district, which is our attempt to try to enhance the experience of all the students at

UNC,” Casseday said. Since most students’ experiences in Greeley are limited to time spent on or near campus, Casseday said the city council seeks to create programs like Friday Fest and the “Go-Cup” – an event in which open containers of alcohol are allowed out on the street – that help turn the downtown area into a hangout spot for university students. Sandi Elder, another member of the Greeley city council, said that students should be personally invested in the city they reside in. “Many are here for the

years they earn their education. Others decide to stay. Greeley, for however long or short their stay, this is their home for a time being,” Elder said. Live music performances in the 9th Street Plaza may be a perk for students living in Greeley, but Elder said the connection between students and the city runs much deeper than that. Elder said that from the police department’s work with UNCPD to ensure a safe campus to collaborating with the university’s annual Martin Luther King celebration, the city does its

best to make itself accessible to UNC students. She also encouraged students who want their voices heard to take more interest in the Greeley city council, whose public meetings are and third Tuesdays of every month, in the Council Chambers of the Lincoln Park Annex Building at 919 Seventh St. “If you care how much you are charged for a speeding ticket, parking issues, safety, image, economics or life in general, you want someone to represent you with more than a personal agenda,” Elder said.

Being informed on happenings in city council important for students Sean O’Leary Special to The Mirror day of each month, the seven members of the Greeley City Council deliberate and make decisions that affect the city of Greeley. Students from Greeley and other places are affected by what happens in city council meetings. While the students who have a permanent home in Greeley are considered residents, the students who are not residents of the city must still be informed of the changes made. “It’s important for students to know what happens at city council meetings because city council

determines what happens in our communities,” said Benjamin Acosta, a sophomore theater education major. The city council members make an impact on what is allowed and what isn’t allowed within the city limits of Greeley. Their job, aside from determining in what direction to take the city, is to run the city. The council enacts decisions, and the city staff, led by City Manager Roy Otto, implements those decisions. While the city council members are elected by residents, the staff members are appointed. City council is led by the mayor, Tom Norton,

and six other members who represent various parts of the city. During the regular meetings, city council members allow time for the members of the public to provide their opinions on issues. “Students must get involved if they want change,” Acosta said. Acosta is a transfer student from Pikes Peak Community College who is in He said it is necessary for students, regardless of where they are from, to get involved with their community if they do not like the way things are going. He also said it is important to be informed of decisions from the council, even if

there are no problems with the government. “City council is the ing yourself about what is happening in your city,” said Jesse Marez Padilla, a freshman vocal performance major at UNC. “City council gives us an understanding on what we can make a change on: the good things, bad things and things we don’t know about.” Not many people attend the meetings; however, the events of the meetings do not go unnoticed. “I don’t exactly have the time to go to the meetings, but when I do have time, I research what happened at the meetings,” Acosta said.

Acosta said he does research two or three times per week. Marez Padilla said he thinks the meetings are important and knowing what happens at them is equally as important for the people in the city. However, he doesn’t believe he can affect change by going to the meetings. “The meetings are for people who want to be there,” Marez Padilla said. “The people who have something important to say to their city council can go, but there is no guarantee that they will listen to you.” In order to affect change, according to Acosta, students have to make the ef-

fort to create it. Students seem to care about what happens at the city council meetings, but they don’t want to spend the time to go to them or to participate and make any changes they want to see in their community. Greeley City Council meetings are held at 6:30 Tuesday of each month in the Council Chambers of the Lincoln Park Annex Building located at 919 Seventh St. For more information about city council meetings visit www.greeleygov.

cil members.

ELECTION 2014

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October 28, 2013

Norton brings experience to office Resendiz seeks change in Greeley representation Angel Archuletta

Special to The Mirror

Q: What is your favorite thing about Greeley? A: I’d like to say Greeley is the best kept secret in Colorado. It is a nice and clean rural community, and still has a sense of arts and culture. Q: On your website it says you are a “dedicated public servant.” Why should students get involved and volunteer? A: Volunteering is as rewarding to an individual as it is to a community. It joins us all together. It is important to dedicate our capabilities to others, it is fortunate to share what we have with those who may not have the same. Q: What is one thing you want UNC students to know about you? A: I am actively involved with the university and its involvement with the community. I stay involved with the UNC community by making gestures like purchasing season tickets to sports. UNC students make up 15 percent of Greeley and they have as much right and access to me as the rest of Greeley’s residents. Q: What has been done for UNC students in your time as mayor? A: A few things that have been done include the Boomerang Shuttle, which is an expansion on the bus system in Greeley. It is free for students to take the bus anywhere in Greeley. Another thing I helped introduce is Bear Biz. It helps build a relationship with the local businesses and the UNC community. Q: What will be done for students if you are re-elected? A: There will be more downtown development, meaning more activities for students in that area. Most things that will be done will be done out of private investments and the involvement of local businesses. Q: How have you been able to utilize social media for your re-election? A: I decided I needed to be more avail-

younger population. You need to be able to communicate with people no matter the method. They say to never give a speech unless you know your audience. It’s the same thing with social media, it reaches a certain audience. Q: Why should UNC students in particular vote for you? A: Experience. Experience is important and it allows getting the job done, it allows more coordination for activities. I will be able to expand on the University District, downtown and the creative district that all serve UNC students. Q: How can city council help UNC?

Tom Norton

Candidate for mayor

Age: 73 Education: Graduated from Colorado State University. Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Master of Science in Environmental Engineering Occupation: Mayor of Greeley Previous government experience: Served as local state representative and senator for 12 years, President of the Colorado Senate for 6 years, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Transportation for 8 years. Greeley Resident for 49 years Website: http://www.norton4greeley.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Norton4Greeley

A: It depends what UNC students want. We help with the necessities such as water and sewage. There is also the bus system that we approved. Six percent of public safety is centered on the UNC campus which is why there are the campus police. If students have concerns, wants or needs I suggest they contact the city administration and they can arrange for a hearing at a city council meeting. Q: With you being the mayor and your wife the president of UNC, do you ever give each other advice? A: She runs her university very well, she doesn’t need my advice. We communicate with each other but it’s general. Q: in Greeley? A: My view is, it is a public service. I don’t do this because I’m important, but because the people are. I tell people who elected to an important job, but you are not important.” We must look at our jobs as public service. I would be uncomfortable feeling all powerful. Q: What is some advice you would give students? A: Students don’t think big enough. They don’t think about how far they can go and what they can do. There is such an opportunity to learn not only from going to college but from the community and by being social. Be involved. Do work study, go abroad and learn to be a continuous learner. Think as broadly as possible. Learn as you progress and embrace change. You young people are remarkable.

Tessa Byrns

Special to The Mirror

Q: Why are you running for mayor? A: I genuinely think that Greeley needs leadership that is willing to work and bring Greeley together. I came from a community that my role was to bring people together. noticed that there was a lot of apathy here. We had to make thousands of calls and knocked on doors. I wanted to understand where the apathy was coming from. I came from LA, where the bus system was still accessible. I want to bring that to the people in Greeley. I want people to have other options and opportunities. There was a study that said people have decreased their use (sic) in cars. I want to accommodate that trend. Q: What’s your motivation for wanting to be mayor? A: As mayor it will make my job to bring people out and let the disengaged demographics like minorities, women, and young people to come to the table and impact their local community. Q: What is your stance on fracking? A: My stance lies with the people. Our duty is to address the people’s concerns and listen to them. The oil and gas industry is like the tobacco industry. People say it was good for you. I think the oil and gas industry should work with us more. We have 695 wells in Greeley, 20,000 in Weld County. There is technology that exists that would allow our air to be cleaner. There are conversations that I would like to have with the oil and gas industry. I’m not anti- oil and gas industry. We know that it brings a lot of revenue for the city. I just want to keep people safe. I think there are also other things that we can do. Now that we’re at a surplus, let’s look at other things we can do to ensure that we stay on top. Q: Why should students vote for you? A: I believe that students, the younger generation, are the future. I think that grassroots leadership is also the way to get the voice of the young people out there. I think young people want to be heard, they don’t want to be held back. I want to get the older generation to get new ideas out there. I want to work with young people. Q: What do you think are the issues

Priscilla Resendiz Candidate for mayor

Age: 37 Education: Loyola Marymount University in California. Majored in communication studies and graduated in 1998. Occupation: Community organizer for the Previous government experience: Part of the West Los Angeles neighborhood council, which works as a liaison to the Los Angeles City Council. Resendiz was also a board member and outreach chair for that council. Website: http://www.peopleforpriscilla.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeopleforPriscilla

facing UNC students? A: There is a lot of effort to keep students local. We want to keep them from going to Boulder, Denver or Fort Collins. We presence on campus. We want to embrace them and grant them the opportunity to stay in Greeley after they graduate. We want to cultivate the young people’s new ideas and grow with them. We want to keep them in Greeley so it will improve Greeley. Q: Did you ever see yourself running for mayor when you were a college student? A: No, not at all. I didn’t get involved in the political process until 2010. I didn’t think it was possible to have a black president. I was jaded. I started to help with Obama’s campaign in the midterm elections. I was just sorting through data. I had to help build teams that helped with voter registration. Q: What do you think about the Weld County residents who want secede from the union and have Weld County become the 51st state? A: Weld County makes up 5 percent of Colorado’s population. Greeley has more of a voice than people think. Everyone has a valid concern and a good argument. I just don’t think that Weld County becoming the 51st state is the right way to go about things.

ELECTION 2014

October 28, 2013

The Mirror—Page 5

Chikawaza seeks to expand, diversify city’s economy Nick Evans

Special to The Mirror

Q: Why should UNC students vote for Neil Chikazawa? A: “The real truth is I’m willing to actually listen and learn. I’m always looking for the objective evidence to verify my decision,” he said. Chikazawa will run for the Greeley city council position of Ward II. He said that the most important trait an eryone’s opinion. “I don’t want people to tell me something is bothering them as much as to why they feel that way,” he said. Q: If elected to represent Ward II, what does he want to accomplish with his position? A: Chikazawa said he wants to diversify Greeley’s economy. Because of past

business owning experience, he said he believes different sources of income are vital to a city’s success. He emphasized that a strong economic base must be established before expanding it. “If there is a varied revenue stream, it provides a cushion just in case one source fails,” Chikazawa said. Q: What does Chikazawa value in A: “When it comes to politics, what you believe and the ideas you bring forward are the most important factors to success,” he said. Q: How did he get involved in politics? A: Greeley, he attended a city council meeting where they discussed the potential loss of the Greeley Stampede. A narcotics company wanted to sponsor its name on a billboard and offer free

chewing tobacco. festival almost lost its funding. Chikazawa defended the company because of its “One sad truth to life is everything costs money,” he said. Q: What kind of businesses did he own? A: Originally, Chikazawa specialized in selling pagers. Technological progress led him to branch out into music accessories, used CD’s and cellphones. “If I only relied on one source of income, I would not have had the opportunity to sell my business. Instead I would just lose it,” Chikazawa said. Q: Why does Chikazawa value education? A: Chikazawa began his career as a paid musician. He said his music degree

Neil Chickazawa

Candidate for Ward II Age: 56 Education: degree in music from the University of Hawaii Occupation: Former business owner, landlord Previous government experience: Greeley Human Relations Committee

taught him how to absorb information. Chikazawa demonstrates strong entrepreneurial skills while also appealing to the people. “I keep learning to this day. Everyone should learn how to learn,” he said.

Garcia hopes to narrow economic gap between East and West Greeley Gina Gresko

Special to The Mirror

Editor’s note: Several attempts were made to contact Frank Garcia, but he did not reply. Frank Garcia has spent a decade watching Greeley grow into the city it is today. ing tourism in recent months, and Garcia, if awarded a seat on City Council, hopes to make small changes to the city to make Greeley more hospitable to its current residents and overall more prepared for the tourism rush residents have been yearning for. According to the Greeley Tribune, Garcia has voiced several disappointments with how Greeley has been operating. He said he is saddened about the rift he sees between east and west Greeley. Garcia told the Tribune the west side is favored over the east when it comes to funding. Janette Ruiz, a Greeley native and a senior English major at UNC, says she can sympathize with the view that the two are

“The difference between east and west Greeley can be seen simply by driving through the different neighborhoods,” Ruiz said. Rachel Stice, a senior human services major from Fort Collins, agrees with Ruiz and Garcia that the west side is favored. “I believe there is a large economic gap between east and west Greeley. The east side tends to have less economic opportunities,” Stice said. Garcia has also said he hopes to bring grants and refugees that he believes is at play in the city. well. exists in all societies, but in Greeley it is targeted especially on Hispanics,” Ruiz said. Stice said she agrees with Garcia wholeheartedly. “As an intern for the Global Refugee Center, I do see a lot of social stigma associated with members of the refugee and immigrant community. I hear about it all the time,” Stice said.

Additionally, in regards to the Greeley out laws with too little knowledge of their Stice is a bit more optimistic, but acknowledges a potential lack of cultural awareness. “I do believe the police are well trained in Greeley but perhaps could be improved through cultural competency,” Stice said. Ruiz, who works in residence life at UNC, speaks with a similar conviction about her encounters with the police. “In my experience with Greeley PD, I feel that they are not fully trained to handle every situation they encounter, but that they still try to handle situations to the best of their knowledge,” Ruiz said. The election would likely affect any relationship city council has with UNC. There are several ideas bouncing around on how relations between the city and UNC could be made stronger. “I think that the council should consider measures to lower cost of living for college students if possible. Rent in Greeley can be extremely pricey, and considering a good majority of Greeley is college students, the

Frank Garcia

Candidate for Ward II Age: 62 Education: University of Colorado, University of Northern Colorado and Aims Community College Occupation: Retired construction worker Previous Government Experience: None found

wards UNC students,” Ruiz said. Stice said she would like to see more interaction between the city and the university. “I feel as though more town hall style meetings and open communication to the UNC community would help bridge the gap between the community and UNC,” Stice said. As of yet, Garcia has released no statements about how his election would affect UNC.

The Mirror—Page 6

ELECTION 2014

October 28, 2013

Wardell places emphasis on students and education DeVaughn Morgan

Special to The Mirror

Q: What was it that made you want to run for city council? A: “My son, Justin, 16 years old, served a year on the Greeley Youth Commission. Afterwards he came to me and said, ‘It’s time to do your part.’” Q: Is there anything you like that current Ward II representative Donna Sapienza did and would like to continue if you become a member? Or what would you like to see change? (Sapienza is not running for reelection.) A: “She’s battling cancer just like I did. respect for her and anyone battling cancer. I know exactly the pain that she goes through.” (Wardell underwent two surgeries for thyroid cancer and three surgeries for colon cancer. He has been healthy for three years.) “Last thing I thought I would be is a

writer. I try to lift people up. My poetry is very important to me.” “I’m a poet. I want to spread my message across to everybody.” (Wardell started writing when his friend died of cancer two years ago.) “Started writing and haven’t stopped.” (He has written more than 1,000 poems in two years.) Q: What is the biggest issue Greeley is facing and how do you plan to face it? A: “The biggest issue now is the education of our young people and I want to be an asset to the community by promoting their agenda at city council.” Q: How can city council help UNC students? A: “I will provide transportation. Find a way to get students to school. Promote the life that is in their eyes and help it grow. Find a way to teach and to build them up and to make them go for their dreams and aspiration. “Kids are our future. I want the kids to

win. The university is the greatest asset that the city has.” Q: Why should student vote for you? A: “I believe in the light of the students, their energy. I believe in their hearts and their dreams. “They are the most amazing kids in Greeley - beyond amazing - and the sky is the limit for all of them. It doesn’t matter who students vote for, it’s just their responsibility to vote. People died for that vote.” “They need to care and know that they are the future. They need to know there is a huge deal coming in November. Patrick Wardell is a huge advocate for UNC students. I want students to live and not take a day for granted and grow as much as they can.” Q: What are your interests? A: “Future WSOP main event [World Series of Poker] champion. I’ve been playing poker for 10 years. I just need to

Patrick Wardell Candidate for Ward II Age: 48 Education:

Occupation: Independent writer Previous government experience:

will give them a three poem poetry reading and a hug.” Wardell also writes movie scripts.“I lins. The title is still in work but it’s written and being produced.”

Sleight recieves endorsement from former Ward II council member Dweezil Hernandez

Special to The Mirror

Randy Sleight is running for the Ward II City Council seat. He said he decided to run because he has a passion for public service and wanted to make a difference for the city. “I believe in giving back to the community, and helping Greeley is important to me,” Sleight wrote in an email. Sleight ran for the seat four years ago but lost to council member Donna Sapienza, who currently holds the Ward II seat in the city council. She is now endorsing Sleight to replace her in November. Ward II is located in the southeastern part of Greeley and includes the University of Northern Colorado. Sleight has lived in Ward II for the past 29 years. He and his wife, Beverly, of 36 years have two sons, Ryan and Aaron. He is also a military veteran having served in the U.S. Navy for nine years and later joined the Air National Guard, where

he served 14 years. He said that he developed leadership skills in the military which he uses in his full-time work as an environmental health and safety professional. He is also the Vice Chair of the Board of Commissioners of the Greeley Urban Renewal Authority. He serves as a member of a number of committees and boards including the Greeley Civil Service Commission. Sleight said his professional work and his extensive volunteer work have given him the experience necessary to serve the people of Greeley as a council member. “My career as an environmental health and safety professional has provided the skills needed for me to be an effective decision-maker,” Sleight said. He has furthered his experience by attending city council meetings, reviewing the 2014 budget and having discussions with current council members on the various issues involving the city and to learn how it is governed. If elected, he said he wants to continue to promote the four priorities of the City

Council, which include image, safety, infrastructure and growth and economic health and development, while continuing to work with the council on any issues involving the city. “I expect to continue the spirit of cooperation and teamwork that the current council has developed,” Sleight said. Sleight said that all issues brought to the City Council are important but his focus will be on obtaining water supplies for future growth of the city and how to store and transport them. He also plans to improve the area and the overall quality of life for students around UNC through a community organization called the University District. “If a student is a registered voter in Ward II, I would be the logical choice to represent them,” Sleight said. He said the students of UNC and the residents of the area should vote for him because voting allows students to express their support for issues, stand up for what they believe in and choose their own leaders based on performance.

Randy Sleight

Candidate for Ward II Age: 63 Education: Bachelor

Occupation: Previous government experience: Vice Chair of the Facebook:

“Always keep this in mind: public of“The way you should judge their performances are through elections.”

October 28, 2013

ELECTION 2014

The Mirror—Page 7

Gates running unopposed as councilman for Ward III

Rachel Bailey

Special to The Mirror

Editor’s note: Gates is running unopposed as a candidate for Ward III Q: Originally, what interested you in being a council member? A: “I was recruited by a group of community leaders. I had no interest in politics, none whatsoever. Then, I began to talk with some people that had been in politics that twisted my arm and had to convince me that I know a lot about Greeley, I’ve been here all my life, and I would be a great choice, so I started to develop some interest. “It didn’t happen overnight; it was a long term thing. I initially told this group, ‘Thanks, but I’m not interested. I will help wife said, ‘You would be great at it,’ and I progressed to deciding to run and then ran a campaign.” Q: Why did you decide to run again? A: “Actually, I almost didn’t run. Part of me wanted a little chunk of my life back,

but there was more of me that decided, ‘Okay, I’m going to run again.’ My colleagues on council, three of the four of us, decided we would like to keep the same team together so we made a pact that we were going to run again.” Q: How can city council help UNC students? A: “By continuing to collaborate with UNC in every way possible. We need to accept that UNC students, while they might be a bit seasonal, are a huge part of our population and we need to work with UNC.

need to embrace UNC, and we do, because they’re a huge part of our community. We need to get people engaged to be tomorrow’s leaders and that’s where they’re coming from.” Q: Why should UNC students vote for you? A: “Because I care about UNC and I

anybody that UNC is a key part of our community that we need to embrace. UNC is a huge part of Greeley, like CSU is a huge part of Fort. Collins.” “We need to work with leaders at UNC, whether it be administrators, students or student senate. Being engaged with students is rewarding, knowing that I’m talking to tomorrow’s leaders, because we need tomorrow’s leaders.” Q: Why would it be important for UNC students to get involved in the community? A: “They are tomorrow’s leaders and Greeley offers a lot more than people think. There’s a stigma to UNC students, sometimes, that Greeley is unsafe; however, it is a safe community. Our goal is, if you like it here, stay here.” Q: What do you plan to do to make Greeley better for UNC students? A: “To continue the collaboration, which I’m not concerned about, especially if Mayor Norton is reelected. It has been the best collaboration that the city has ever

Then in the late afternoon or evening, go to a neighborhood meeting, or committee meeting such as Airport Board Authority or Weld County Prevention Partners that works with preventing underage drinking in our county. In the late evenings, I read up on oil and gas issues, land use issues and ordinances that will better prepare me for serving or that might come before council. Q: What originally drew you into the at-large position? And what has inspired you to run again? A: I always served on boards or commissions within our city. If you have anything at all to say about our city, taxes, roads, bike lanes, ticket issued, development—get involved. Make your voice heard. I decided to run for reelection again because I feel this council in particular has done a lot for our community. We have many challenges for our city and I'm up for them. I see myself as approachable and willing to continue the strong work I've done for the past four years.

Q: Why should students care about what the city council does? A: Do students care if there is a curfew? Do students care about their livelihood or entertainment? We set policy, ordinances and resolutions that affect where you attend school, live and play. Students care about how they are treated and should care who represents them. Q: How does the city council and UNC work together to better the student experience in Greeley, if at all? A: Our mayor has a unique relationship with the president of the university and I see this as a great collaboration. UNC is a gem in our community and Greeley is here for the student, whether they are just here for their education or want to make Greeley their home. Q: Is there anything you would like to say about your opponent? A: I applaud him wanting to be involved and challenge him to continue to be involved. One stark difference between us is he does not want to dialogue with the oil and

of Greeley and the president of UNC are married, but to me, it brings about lots of

John Gates

Candidate for Ward III Age: 56 Education: University of Louisville –Police Administration Occupation: Director of Safety & Security – Greeley-Evans School District, 2003 to present Previous government experience: City Council member, Ward III – 2009 to present Website: www.GatesforGreeley.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/john.gates.581

had with UNC. It’s really positive and it gets better each year.”

Elder appreciates relationship between Greeley mayor, UNC president Terrell Wallin

Special to The Mirror

Editor’s note: Sandi Elder is running against Mark Schreibman, the story on Schreibman was not availible as of press time. Q: What are the responsibilities of the at-large seat on City Council? A: The city council at-large representative is one of seven individuals that work together as a team to set policy and ensure the smooth running of the city of Greeley. Two at-large representatives, Robb Casseday and myself, and Mayor Tom Norton encompass the entire city. My responsibility is to represent you and all citizens in Greeley, however diverse our socioeconomic background. If you live in Greeley, I represent you. Q: What does the average day look like for you? A: Oftentimes I have a 7 a.m. meeting, either with the police chief, environmentalists, lawyers, commissioner, citizens or one of the many committees I serve on.

Sandi Elder

Candidate for City Council at-large Age: 50 Occupation: City Councilwoman / Medical student Dr. Coordinator Education: An Applied Associates Degree from Aims Community College in Applied Science. Also holds a 2nd degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate earned from the International Black Belt Academy. Previous government experience: Human Relations Commission member / Chair Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandi.elder.5

gas people, many of which live in our community and have their children attend our schools. You cannot have a personal agenda and be elected. You must represent all citizens.

The Mirror—Page 8

ELECTION 2014

October 28, 2013