Saul Tapia Vega appointed to fill Councilor Briggs' seat
This is a two year term
Watch the council discuss the candidates and make their selection
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.