6 candidates selected for interviews to fill the open seat on the City Council
How to watch and submit input and questions
This seat is open due to the unexpected passing of Councilor Briggs. This post explains the process that must be followed.
At their Monday, November 6th meeting the city council selected the following 6 candidates to interview to fill Councilor Briggs's seat.
David Fridland ( Fridland was also running for a council seat and was elected, he will not be interviewed)
Joannne Kaufman Graham
Riley Hager
Annette Rausch
Saul Tapia Vega
Richard Welty
NEXT STEPS
Nov. 13, 2023, 5:30 pm- Special City Council meeting: City Council will interview the applicants and will hold a public input session immediately following the interviews. Council intends to appoint one of the applicants that same evening.
They can wait to make the decision but it must occur by November 17, 2023
HOW TO PROVIDE INPUT OR SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE NOVEMBER 13TH INTERVIEWS
Provide input by attending the meeting in person or by phone
Call in remotely by calling toll-free at 1-877-853-5247
You will be asked for the meeting number: 869 1163 2580
Press # after entering the number
Press *9 to raise your hand to speak during Public Input. When it is your turn to speak, your microphone will be unmuted and you will be asked to share your comments.
Provide written public input at any time prior to the November 13 City Council meetings using the Public Input Form. Any input provided before 1 pm on the meeting date will be included in City Council’s materials for that meeting.
Write to City Council any time using the Contact Us form. This input will be emailed to City Council but not included in a City Council materials packet.
HOW THE CANDIDATES WERE SELECTED TO BE INTERVIEWED
At the beginning of the council discussion, Mayor Mangat announced that based on an idea from Mayor Pro Tem Wong, they had created a secret ballot checklist for the council which limited to five the number of candidates moving on to the interview process. This is not how I have seen this done in the past. There is no reason to have a secret ballot. The residents should be able to hear the council’s thoughts as they make this important decision to appoint a councilor rather than the voters making the selection.
Thanks to pushback by Councilor Walton, with help from Councilor Barnes, the plan for a secret ballot with no council discussion, as well as limiting the number of candidates to be considered upfront was dropped. The council went through the list of candidates one by one, with the opportunity for each of them to make comments before the mayor asked for a thumbs up or down poll on moving the candidate forward.
David Fridland
Years residing in Lafayette 4.5
Are you a registered voter? Yes
Please answer the following questions.
Why are you interested in serving on the Lafayette City Council?
I feel that I have the knowledge and expertise to serve on council. In my educational and professional experience, I have wrestled with and solved complex and multi dimensional local, regional, and even national issues.
I believe I can help our community in this function and look forward to doing so.
In what ways have you been an active and/or contributing member of our Lafayette community? (Participation on boards, committees, volunteering, etc.)
I currently serve on SRAC, and previously served on WRAC. I am also a coach of the local HS ultimate frisbee team (which includes kids from Centaurus, Peak 2 Peak, and some homeschoolers.)
What unique perspective will you bring to the Lafayette City Council?
With a bachelors in political science and a masters in public policy, I am comfortable and familiar with a number of topics important to our community. Additionally, I have lived all around East Boulder County and can saw that Lafayette is the best community in the county, and I want to help keep it that way.
I also work in sustainability and bring a large amount of experience in that realm, especially in Air Quality, Climate action, and Waste Diversion.
Joanne Kaufman Graham
Years residing in Lafayette 38
Are you a registered voter? Yes
Please answer the following questions.
Why are you interested in serving on the Lafayette City Council?
I have long been interested in serving my community in areas where I have a strong interest and passion. Being on City Council would allow me to do this. I am very interested in the future of the City of Lafayette, especially in ensuring that this is a safe and equitable place where people from all backgrounds can raise a family, send their children to school, retire, and be active members of the community. I am particularly interested in how Lafayette can maintain the lovely culture that it currently has while ensuring we advocate for safe streets, clean air and ground water, continued development of affordable housing, the best possible senior services, an excellent library; as well as maintaining and aquiring open space. Of key importance as well is ensuring that the affluence that is now part of all of Boulder County does not become a reason why people of all backgrounds do not feel welcome, feel pushed out, or are not able to afford to live in this beautiful community.
It is important to me that Lafayette remains focused to an extent on business development and ensuring that its tax base can support infrastructure and all of the amazing programs. I also feel strongly that there must be balance in the kinds of developments we allow moving forward. Ensuring that Lafayette continues to promote local small business development is a key to this. I am interested in ensuring that the proliferation of big box stores and chains along 287 does not begin to encroach on other areas of our community, thus stripping away the unique feeling one has in Lafayette, especially in Downtown. I understand the need, and I frequent some of those businesses, but I am interested in helping to ensure that we strike the right balance. I am also concerned about how we can compete for tax dollars with surrounding communities who seem to be willing to forfeit any sort of community feel for the allure of more dollars.
I have a very strong business background with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a Masters Degree in Non-profit Management. I spent 30 years working at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) as a high-level administrator. I am interested in using my skills and education to better my own community.
In what ways have you been an active and/or contributing member of our Lafayette community? (Participation on boards, committees, volunteering, etc.)
Since raising children in Lafayette, both of whom attended their neighborhood schools, I was involved in school-related volunteer work; from helping in the classroom, to raising money for different initiatives, to volunteering at events. As a full-time, working mother this was limited to what I could do while working in a world long before flexible work schedules and workplace.
I do have a strong volunteer spirit. I was a volunteer ski instructor for the National Sports Center for the Disabled at Winter Park for over 15 years. As well, I have volunteered for several events in Grand County. I did some volunteer work related to the Marshall Fires as well.
I am currently an active participant in the Democratic Women of Boulder County. I help with get out the vote initiatives every chance I get.
I served on the Board of Directors for the YWCA for two years, serving as the Vice President for one year.
I always have the feeling that I could do more, and there is so much more I want to do. I left my job at NCAR two years ago in order to seek new passions and take care of my aging parents. While cargiving took up the better part of my time, I am now free to dedicate myself to work in my community. I am loyal, fierce, and committed. I look forward to the opportunity to serve.
What unique perspective will you bring to the Lafayette City Council?
I am an absolute newbie to this kind of work! I would arrive as a beginner and learn how the system works. While I do have strong and progressive ideals, I am a good listener and a person who likes to balance ideas and engage in good discussion. I am not easily swayed, but I care deeply about being a representative voice, not a decider of all things. In this way, I listen to issues and ideas from all affected people as well as experts to ensure my direction is well-formed, especially where voting or decision making is concerned. For me this would be a key part of being a Councilor.
I have been told that I am a very patient person and in this way I would want to make sure that decisions were made in a thorough and objective manner. Voices must be heard and experts must be questioned before big decisions are made. As a leader in my career, my work style was almost always collaborative and I rarely felt that I was *the* expert on a given issue. Rather, I value and would want to engage otherwise missing voices to better understand the broader issues that a City Council would be charged with. And whether through formal process or on my own would seek to ensure that I understand broader issues and impacts on decisions that the Council makes. I feel that this is the most important way to ensure that good progress can be made.
I would come to Council with the perspective that so many of our citizens do not know how they can be involved (I for one only stumbled on this opportunity) to actively have a stake in the future of their City. I would want to find ways to bring more citizen participataion in order to ensure we were making the best decisions based on our community wants and needs. I believe this is important as not all people feel emboldened to attend meetings or fora.
Thank you for this opportunity!
Riley Heger
Years residing in Lafayette 20
Are you a registered voter? Yes
Please answer the following questions.
Why are you interested in serving on the Lafayette City Council?
I am applying to express my deep-seated passion and unwavering commitment to our wonderful city of Lafayette, Colorado. Born and raised here, Lafayette is not just my hometown; it is an integral part of my identity and my life's journey. I attended Escuela Bilingue Pioneer, Angevine Middle School, and Centaurus High School, which provided me with a strong foundation in our community's values and a unique perspective on our city's growth and development. It is this deep connection and understanding of Lafayette that has fueled my desire to serve on the Lafayette City Council.
Lafayette has been my home, the backdrop to countless childhood memories, and the place where I have witnessed the incredible transformation and growth over the years. These experiences have instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and commitment to give back to the community that has given me so much. My interest in serving on the City Council is rooted in my passion for local politics and a genuine desire to contribute to the betterment of Lafayette. I believe that a strong, thriving community is built upon the active involvement of its residents, and I am eager to play a significant role in shaping our city's future.
Here are some specific reasons why I am interested in serving on the Lafayette City Council:
Local Expertise: My lifelong connection to Lafayette has provided me with a unique perspective on our city's history, challenges, and opportunities. I have witnessed the changes and growth that have taken place, and I understand the values and aspirations that define our community.
Responsive Governance: I am a strong advocate for transparent, accountable, and responsive governance. I believe that our local government should be accessible to all residents, and I want to work towards ensuring that everyone's voice is heard.
Sustainable Growth: Lafayette is experiencing a lot of growth and development, and it is crucial to manage this in a way that preserves our unique character, green spaces, and quality of life. It is no secret that climate change is one of the greatest threats to humanity, and Lafayette is not immune to the negative effects of it either. I am dedicated to fostering responsible, sustainable growth that benefits all residents that pays mind to the climate crisis.
Housing affordability: This is a pressing issue in this community, like most in Colorado. I have a few ideas for how the city of Lafayette should address this crisis.
1. Affordable Housing Initiatives: to explore and implement affordable housing initiatives. This can include incentivizing the development of affordable housing units, encouraging partnerships with nonprofits and private developers, and promoting mixed-income neighborhoods. We must work to create more affordable housing options for low and moderate- income families.
2. Housing Density: Responsible housing density can be part of the solution. By allowing for increased housing density in a thoughtful and well-planned manner, we can make more efficient use of land and create more housing options. This must be done while respecting the character and aesthetics of our community.
3. Incentives for Local Businesses: Supporting local businesses and providing incentives for them to create job opportunities can help alleviate the housing crisis. When more job opportunities are available locally, it can reduce the strain on housing affordability by reducing commuting distances.
4. Workforce Housing: Lafayette should consider workforce housing programs that cater to those essential workers who may not qualify for traditional affordable housing but still face housing challenges. This includes teachers, firefighters, healthcare workers, and others who are vital to our community.
Water Issues: Water issues are among the most pressing challenges facing our community. Lafayette's water resources, their sustainability, and their accessibility are crucial factors that directly impact the quality of life for our residents. It is this fundamental concern that has fueled my desire to serve on the Lafayette City Council. I have a few ideas on how I plan to address this complex issue.
1. Water Sustainability: We face the challenge of ensuring a sustainable water supply for the future. Climate change, population growth, and increased demand all pose threats to the availability and quality of our water. I am committed to exploring innovative and environmentally responsible solutions to secure our water resources for generations to come.
2. Infrastructure Investment: Aging water infrastructure can lead to water quality issues and leaks. As a City Council member, I will work to prioritize infrastructure investment to ensure that our water delivery system is reliable and up to date.
3. Collaboration: Water issues often extend beyond city boundaries. I will actively seek collaboration with neighboring communities, local water authorities, and environmental organizations to address water challenges collectively, making use of collective knowledge and resources.
I am eager to serve on the Lafayette City Council because I see it as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the vital issue of water sustainability. I believe that by addressing water challenges effectively, we not only safeguard our environment but also ensure a high quality of life for our residents. I am committed to working collaboratively, advocating for responsible water management, and ensuring equitable access to clean water for all Lafayette residents.
Youth Engagement: Having been educated in Lafayette, I am particularly interested in engaging and involving our youth in local government. I want to inspire the next generation of leaders and ensure that their voices are valued. For too long government has been inaccessible to people my age and younger, and I hope to change that.
Inclusivity and Diversity: Lafayette is a diverse and inclusive community, and I am committed to promoting equality, celebrating our differences, and making sure that every resident feels represented and heard. This is especially important given the divisive national and state political landscape.
A Vision for the Future: I have a vision for Lafayette's future that includes smart development that addresses the housing crisis, a thriving local economy, environmental sustainability, and a strong sense of community. I am eager to work with fellow council members and residents to turn this vision into a reality.
In conclusion, my diverse background in federal government and community healthcare, my deep love for Lafayette, and my dedication to the principles of community engagement, responsible governance, and sustainable growth make me an ideal candidate to serve on the Lafayette City Council. I am ready to commit my time, energy, and passion to work tirelessly for the betterment of our beloved city. I hope to have the honor of working alongside the City Council and the residents of Lafayette to make our community an even better place to live, work, and raise our families.
In what ways have you been an active and/or contributing member of our Lafayette community? (Participation on boards, committees, volunteering, etc.)
My journey of community involvement began during my high school years when I actively participated in volunteer activities that have left an indelible mark on my commitment to community service. Two notable experiences during that time stand out: my involvement with Sister Carmen and my extensive volunteering at local school food drives.
Volunteer Activities at Sister Carmen: Sister Carmen is an invaluable community resource, and my participation as a volunteer years ago allowed me to contribute to its mission of helping those in need. My experiences there taught me the significance of community support networks and reinforced the importance of providing assistance to those facing challenging circumstances. I had the privilege of working directly with individuals and families, which deepened my understanding of the issues they face and ignited my passion for giving back.
Local School Food Drives: Volunteering extensively at local school food drives was another formative experience. These initiatives aimed to address food insecurity among students and their families. It was both heartening and humbling to witness the generosity of our community as we collected and distributed essential supplies to those in need. This experience instilled in me the importance of fostering a compassionate and supportive community.
My involvement in our Lafayette community is rooted in a deep-seated passion for voting rights and civic engagement. As an engaged member of our community, I have sought opportunities to make a positive impact and uphold the democratic values that are at the heart of our nation. One of the most significant ways I have contributed to our community is through my involvement with Democracy Volunteers, a non- profit organization dedicated to ensuring the integrity of elections and promoting voter access, where I have been a Volunteer since 2021.
International Election Monitoring: I have been part of international deployments with Democracy Volunteers, where I had the privilege of monitoring elections in various parts of the world. These experiences have given me firsthand insights into the critical role that transparent and accessible elections play in shaping a thriving democracy. My international experiences have deepened my understanding of the importance of voting rights and the significance of safeguarding the electoral process.
Local Engagement: Democracy Volunteers brought its mission to Colorado, and I eagerly seized the opportunity to contribute to our local community. In Boulder County, I actively supported the organization's efforts to visit polling stations during elections. Our goal was to ensure that our community was not only following voting guidelines but also to make the voting process as accessible and equitable as possible for all residents.
Through these volunteer experiences, I cultivated a profound sense of responsibility and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I have carried this commitment with me as I've grown and evolved, and it continues to be a driving force behind my desire to serve on the Lafayette City Council.
Lastly, my journey of community involvement extends beyond my high school experiences and includes my active participation in various boards and committees during my collegiate years at UNC (University of Northern Colorado). These experiences provided me with invaluable opportunities to develop leadership skills, work collaboratively, and contribute to initiatives that have a positive impact. While these contributions were outside of the Lafayette community, they have equipped me with the skills and mindset needed to be an effective advocate for our city.
Collegiate Board and Committee Service: During my time at UNC, I had the privilege of serving on various boards and committees that addressed a range of issues, from student governance to community engagement. These roles taught me the value of teamwork, open dialogue, and informed decision- making. The skills I honed in these positions have become essential assets in my commitment to Lafayette's progress.
Leadership and Decision-Making: Serving on boards and committees required active leadership and a dedication to making decisions that are in the best interests of the communities I represented. These experiences have molded my ability to weigh complex issues, prioritize diverse perspectives, and make informed choices—skills that are essential in governing Lafayette effectively.
Applying Collegiate Experiences Locally: While my collegiate contributions took place beyond the Lafayette community, the skills, values, and perspectives I developed during those years are fully transferrable. I am enthusiastic about bringing my leadership experiences and decision-making skills to address local challenges and promote community well-being.
In conclusion, my collegiate years at UNC offered me invaluable experiences serving on boards and committees that have uniquely prepared me to be an active and effective member of the Lafayette City Council. I am eager to apply the leadership skills, commitment to community engagement, and collaborative mindset I developed during that time to the betterment of our city. I am confident that my background equips me to make informed and thoughtful decisions that benefit our diverse community and strengthen our shared values.
What unique perspective will you bring to the Lafayette City Council?
I believe my diverse background and experiences set me apart as a candidate uniquely positioned to contribute to the Lafayette City Council. My journey, spanning 40 countries and various professional roles, equips me with a wide range of insights and skills that I'm eager to leverage for the betterment of our city.
International Experience: Having traveled to 40 countries and holding a Master's degree in International Relations from the University of Edinburgh, I have cultivated a global perspective. This international outlook can be invaluable in our increasingly interconnected world. I can bring ideas and strategies to the council that draw from successful approaches in other parts of the globe.
Youth Advantage: Youth often bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table. As young woman in her late 20’s, I can offer a distinctive viewpoint that can be a valuable asset to the City Council. As a representative of the younger generation, I can bring a unique insight into the issues facing our youth, ensuring their voices and concerns are heard and addressed.
Cultural and Language Proficiency: My near fluency in Spanish is not only a testament to my commitment to intercultural understanding but also a practical skill that can help bridge language barriers within our diverse community. This skill enables me to bridge language barriers and communicate effectively with a substantial portion of our community. This is vital for ensuring that every resident has access to city services and can actively engage in the civic process.
Healthcare Expertise: I am currently working at Boulder Community Hospital, the last non-profit hospital in Colorado as a liaison between the care team and patients. I understand the importance of accessible healthcare. I can offer insights into healthcare policy and advocate for the health and well-being of our community members.
HR and People Management: My prior experience in HR and people management has honed my skills in team leadership, conflict resolution, and creating inclusive and supportive work environments. I possess the ability to mediate and resolve conflicts, ensuring that the concerns of both individuals and groups are addressed in a fair and equitable manner. This skill is crucial in facilitating constructive discussions and reaching consensus on city matters.
My experience in HR has taught me to optimize resources and allocate them effectively. This perspective can be instrumental in managing the city's budget and resources to address the needs and priorities of Lafayette.
Military Service: As a potential Air Force Reservist and a former Army ROTC Cadet, I will bring a unique perspective on veteran issues, which are an important component of our community. I am committed to supporting our veterans and ensuring they receive the respect and resources they deserve.
Diplomatic Experience: My stint of work at the U.S. Embassy in Belgium allowed me to witness diplomacy and government operations in action. I gained insights into how the federal government functions and the importance of collaboration at various levels of government. This experience equips me to navigate complex governance challenges. I also gained comfortability working in a high-stress and fast-paced environment.
Education and Analytical Skills: My extensive educational background in International Affairs and Economics equips me with critical thinking and analytical skills that are essential for making well-informed decisions for the city. This background provides a unique and multifaceted perspective that can significantly contribute to the Lafayette City Council. As a dedicated and versatile professional, I've honed my educational skills to include a deep understanding of international dynamics and their relevance to our local community. International Relations inherently involve understanding global interconnections and the impact of international events on local communities. I can bring a global perspective to local issues, fostering an inclusive and forward- thinking approach.
In conclusion, my unique perspective, rooted in my extensive international travels, language proficiency, healthcare experience, HR and people management skills, military service, diplomatic insights, political connections, and strong educational foundation, positions me to be a council member who can navigate the complexities of local governance with an open-minded, globally informed, and community-focused approach. I am committed to bringing my experiences and skills to work for the betterment of Lafayette and its residents.
Thank you for considering my application.
Annette Rausch
Years residing in Lafayette 26
Are you a registered voter? Yes
Please answer the following questions.
Why are you interested in serving on the Lafayette City Council?
In April of this year, I started my own consulting business to help companies save on the amount of money that they pay their vendors. I also joined the Lafayette Chamber and in doing so have met several people within Lafayette through networking and ribbon cutting events. I have lived here for 26 years and didn't realize to the extent I do now of what makes a community a community. In just these few short months of networking within Lafayette it is evident to me our community is comprised of the interaction of the residents and the visitors with the businesses throughout our community. These businesses, our downtown, our parks, and our activities bring people together. I want to become more involved in our city to ensure these businesses have growth opportunities and that residents and visitors are insured a safe, fun, welcoming and diverse place to live and visit.
In what ways have you been an active and/or contributing member of our Lafayette community? (Participation on boards, committees, volunteering, etc.)
I have never put pen to paper of my involvement in the Lafayette community so as I sit here and begin to think about all the things that I have done in the last 26 years I am proud to say I have done a lot within the community, I have seen a lot of change, and I have been part of that change. My children were born and raised in Lafayette. As a parent I have spent the last 19 years and many hours at Escuela De Pioneer, Angevine, and Centaurus cheering on and supporting our future generations. I have attended soccer games, baseball, football games, musicals, and plays at all these venues. I was a coach for girls’ softball at the Lafayette Recreational center. I was a coach for Little League baseball. My children, spouse and I would pick up trash monthly at Escuela De Pioneer and the Lafayette Cemetery just to ensure our community stayed clean. I have volunteered at Sister Carmen, Oatmeal Festival, Community Food Share, Peach Festival, July Fireworks, the community gardens. I have stood with our community on marches for MLK, graduations, garden tours, political rallies, art night out, finding the elves, Easter Egg hunts. I have participated and learned about Lafayette via the Ghost Tour, the 911 Tour. I encourage people to visit our awesome town, our restaurants, our festivals, and our shops. I watched our town grow from Public Road being the main throughfare to the creation of HWY287 to the west of town. I remember where HWY287 ended at Baseline and there was only a tiny liquor store in the field. I watched as our downtown changed with the coming and going of coffee shops and restaurants and the ever-changing face of Lafayette Florist. I have spent hours at the Lafayette Library attending activities both with my kids and spouse. I have seen the creation of The Great Dog Park, Josephine Commons, the flood of 2011, C470 displace the swans, trailer courts being removed and replaced with townhomes pushing out lower income families. I have done a lot in our community and will continue to do so over the many more years I plan to still be here.
What unique perspective will you bring to the Lafayette City Council?
I am a 26-year resident. I am part of the LGBTQ community. My children were born and raised in Lafayette and plan to return, if they can afford it. I embrace change and have seen a lot within the Lafayette community from buildings to roads to housing to open space. I value different cultures and embracing them in our community. I have over 20 years in leadership, negotiations and business acumen and used those skills to grow the company I worked for from $40M to over $540M. I understand business, technology and problem solving. I am a team player. I am a collaborator. I choose small business over big box in our community. I love what our town offers residents and visitors but feel the cost of living will drive out and/or prevent diversity in age, cultures, religion, orientations. I want to be part of the solution to find equitable ways of keeping the Lafayette community what we have built it up to be over the years.
Saul Tapia Vega
Years residing in Lafayette 26
Are you a registered voter? Yes
Please answer the following questions.
Why are you interested in serving on the Lafayette City Council?
As a lifelong Coloradan and as someone that grew up in Lafayette, I am very interested in taking part in the work being done by Lafayette City Council. I am passionate about public service, and my desire to serve on the City Council is rooted in my commitment to strengthen our city, as well as promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our local community.
Throughout life, I have learned that collective work is the greatest way to uplift marginalized voices and address systematic disparities. The State of Colorado, Boulder County, and Lafayette have all undergone a demographic shift which has created a more diverse community; government officials that represent these diverse communities are necessary, as it not only gives them a voice, but also creates a fair and inclusive society where every member of the community thrives.
Local government has always been the cornerstone of society; city council and local boards and commissions are the frontline in the efforts for a stronger and more inclusive community. These groups are tasked with effecting change by crafting policy, listening and advocating for underrepresented communities, and helping bridge the gaps between government and the people.
I believe there is a genuine responsibility that comes from holding public office, as you have been entrusted to contribute to policy that strengthen your local community. My experience and passion make me eager to serve on City Council, as I am committed to listening to the concerns of constituents and working tirelessly to improve the city that I love. Further, I believe that the demographic shift creates an exciting opportunity for these decision-making bodies to create and refine new city programs and initiatives that help us adapt to the new, more diverse community we now live in.
The role of City Council feels like a natural extension of my dedication to public service and of my commitment to a better community for all. Lafayette has always been my home and I would be honored to serve on City Council.
In what ways have you been an active and/or contributing member of our Lafayette community? (Participation on boards, committees, volunteering, etc.)
I have been an active member of the Lafayette community my entire life. Starting at a young age, through sports and school programs, I have contributed through volunteer work in local initiatives. Additionally, I have taken part in city and county events as a volunteer, entrepreneur, and as a community member.
In my current position, I have taken the role of cultural broker. I continue to volunteer my time for multiple organizations and initiatives that I believe greatly influence and help our local community. My volunteer work with a county nonprofit has allowed me the opportunity to work with Latino and minority-owned businesses in our city and county; through this volunteer work, I have helped organize and execute community events, as well as lead events in which we educate and guide new or prospective entrepreneurs through all business processes. I was recently elected to serve on the board of directors of this county nonprofit and continue to volunteer my time to their goals of economic development and Latino and minority entrepreneurship.
Within the City of Lafayette, I am a proud member of the Human Rights Commission – a city commission that was created with the goal of evaluating city initiatives with an inclusive lens that pushes for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all city programs and processes.
What unique perspective will you bring to the Lafayette City Council?
My unique perspective has been one of my greatest strengths in all positions and appointments I have taken. As a second-generation American, born to two immigrants, a first-generation college graduate, and a Lafayette native, I have been given a genuine understanding of some of the greater challenges that both the minority community and future communities face in our city. My passion for public service and my commitment to improving my local community have allowed me to grow and understand how the city functions, as well as watch changes in our city from a front-row seat.
My work with local commissions and nonprofit organizations have granted me the opportunity to see our local community from the perspective of immigrants, new entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in our city and state; these stakeholders largely contribute to our local economy and everyday life; working with them and listening to their ideas and perspectives has given me a great new respect for the work being done by local officials and government bodies.
Finally, through my current position at the state level, I have learned to listen and interact with constituents. The position has taught me the effect of government in our daily lives and the importance of understanding the decisions made by elected officials, both from the perspective of the official and the constituent. Listening and advocating for those that you represent is the true essence of being a public official, and I believe my background has given me a very unique perspective that would make me an asset to Lafayette City Council.
Richard Welty
Years residing in Lafayette 26
Are you a registered voter? Yes
Please answer the following questions.
Why are you interested in serving on the Lafayette City Council?
I want to participate in the future of Lafayette. I enjoy being around people and want to listen to our residents and small business owner's ideas, issues and concerns. I want to work with City Councilors and Staff on seeking solutions and taking action to keep Lafayette a great place to live and raise a family, to work and run a small business. I genuinely enjoy challenges and am eager to help make a difference.
In what ways have you been an active and/or contributing member of our Lafayette community? (Participation on boards, committees, volunteering, etc.)
I coached little league baseball for Coal Creek Little League and youth basketball at the Lafayette YMCA. I delivered food for Meals on Wheels.
I served on the board of two youth soccer clubs, one as President, and served as Treasurer of my kids elementary school PTO.
I on the board of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, volunteering at all events, including serving pies and cobbler at the Lafayette Peach Festival, as the Master of Ceremonies at Independence Day Fun and Fireworks, and even cook the oatmeal for the Lafayette Oatmeal Festival.
I'm the Equipment Truck Coordinator for the Centaurus High School Band Boosters, scheduling and organizing equipment truck rentals to transport band instruments, equipment and props to competitions throughout Colorado and across the U.S. I prepare meals and push props and both Marching and Winter Percussion Ensemble events.
I served as a member of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the most recent refresh of the Lafayette Comprehensive Plan.
What unique perspective will you bring to the Lafayette City Council?
I believe everyone is unique and brings a different perspective. My life journey has prepared me to serve my community and i enjoy it. I listen well, actively participate, and pay close attention to detail. I excel in collaborating with people to find solutions and implement them and take action.
I'm the youngest of five children of single mom. I worked to pay my own tuition for college, graduating with a degree in accounting. I worked for 28 years at a large international firm as a consultant, human resources professional and manager. I owned and operated a small business right here in Lafayette, and now work for a small accounting firm, supporting small business owners in Lafayette, Louisville, Longmont and throughout Colorado.
My wife and I are raising two children, both attend Centaurus High School, and participate in numerous school and after school activities.
All of these experiences shape my thinking and how I relate to people, and I think makes me an ideal candidate for this role.
Thank you Karen for the update and all the candidates information. Very helpful 👌