by Shane Clouse
LA VETA — With the elections for the La Veta town board deemed unnecessary, the Huerfano World Journal takes a look at not only the board members qualifications, but also their positions on current issues. With this intimate look at the individuals on the board, we can have a better understanding of the decisions they make.
The new board was sworn in this week, and will have to appoint another person for the final open position.
Mayor Jerry Fitzgerald
What do you do as your day job?
Retired businessman
What is your background and education?
B.S. in business administration from the Colorado State University. Have been on the Huerfano County Economic Development Board and the Spanish Peaks Library District Board. Currently a trustee on the La Veta Town Board.
Why do you want this highly needed, under appreciated job?
To contribute to my community and give back.
What is your #1 priority as Mayor?
Keep La Veta financially sound while planning for long-term water and sewer improvements.
What will you do for law enforcement in La Veta?
Communication and support are very important.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing La Veta?
Long-term water and sewer improvements.
What are some of La Veta’s biggest strengths?
The people and how very diverse they are.
What is most important to La Veta’s economy?
Tourism is obvious, but I’d like to see the tourist season lengthen to see more tourists in the off season. I also like the idea of the Creative District.
How many hours per week are you willing to devote to this position?
As many as it takes, I expect 100+ hours per month.
What would you like to see La Veta like 5 years from now?
50% less “for sale” signs in front of homes.
Trustee Dale Davis
What do you do as your day job?
“Whatever RoseMary Tells me to do.”
What is your background and education?
Retired from the State Highway Department after 25 years and Rancher.
Why would you want this highly needed, under appreciated job?
“I’ve been asking myself that same question. The people of La Veta have failed to support the town board. I wish people would come to work with the board, people need to be involved, not just come to complain. I live here, I’m invested here, this is my home. La Veta has been good to me and I owe it.”
What is your #1 priority as a town board trustee?
“To do the best job I can, be fiscally above the board, and to promote positive growth.”
What would you do for law enforcement in La Veta?
“We need to have the best for this town.”
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing La Veta?
Water issues 2) sewer issues 3) street issues
What do you think are some of La Veta’s biggest strengths?
“ The people in this town. I mean everybody: old, new, has been’s and want to be’s. Let’s not change it.”
What is most important to La Vetas’s economy?
“We need industry, if it’s done right in a positive way. And working together.”
How many hours per week do you devote to this position?
From 24-40 per week.
What would you like to see La Veta like 5 years from now?
“Happy, with community unity.”
Trustee Nancy Dick
What do you do as your day job?
“Semi-retired politician, and a realtor with Bachman & Associates.”
What is your background and education?
“I have a Bachelor Degree from Michigan State University and the University of Denver Law School. I was in the Colorado State House of Representatives for four years, and Lieutenant Governor of Colorado (the first woman in that position) for eight years.”
Why would you want this highly needed, under appreciated job?
“I believe I could offer some expertise that would be helpful to the Town of La Veta.”
What is your #1 priority as a town board trustee?
“My number one priority would be to promote town board synergism.”
How many hours per week do you devote to this position?
“As many as needed.”
What would you like to see La Veta like 5 years from now?
“A town that is looking ahead, accomplising new goals and living in harmony, accepting that everyone, by human nature, does not agree.”
Trustee Dave Molyneux
What is your day job?
Entrepreneur.
What is your background and education?
I’ve been in La Veta since 1965 and graduated here in 1976. I serve on the tourism board and have served on the RE-2 school board.
Why do you want this highly needed, under appreciated job?
Because I owe the people that were here before us, this is my home. You can’t have a community thinking of the individual.
What is your #1 priority as a board trustee?
There is no #1 priority; my main concern is the operation of the infrastructure of the town.
What will you do for law enforcement in La Veta?
Without having the information from both sides, I cannot make any decisions.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing La Veta?
First is the maintaining of the infrastructure, and second is the well being of the community itself.
What do you think are some of La Veta’s biggest strengths?
This is God’s country.
What is most important to La Veta’s economy?
Cooperation.
How many hours per week are you willing to devote to this position?
Whatever time is necessary in a productive manner.
What would you like to see La Veta like 5 years from now?
Better than when I started.
Trustee Ken Sajdak
What do you do as your day job?
I’m a musician and host a weekly radio show on 92.5 KCRT
What is your background and education?
DePaul University School of Music in Chicago.
Why do you want this highly needed, under appreciated job?
I’ve been vocal and someone needs to do it. It is my civic responsibility.
What is your #1 priority as a board trustee?
To restore the faith and transparency of the government in this town.
What will you do for law enforcement in La Veta?
Good question, I’ve got a lot to learn. But, I’m willing to listen to those that have been there and understand the issues.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing La Veta?
Managing water resources is an ongoing, long-term issue. Also, repairing the infrastructure, (sewer and regular maintenance), in a fiscally responsible way.
What do you think are some of La Veta’s biggest strengths?
Human resources. The community is very diverse with a lot of very good people. Also the natural beauty of the area, it hasn’t been exploited as other towns have been.
What is most important to La Veta’s economy?
Tourism is a big part and we should attract more. Keeping local money here is important; we should encourage consumption of local goods and services.
How many hours per week are you willing to devote to this position?
Whatever it takes, the amount depends on what needs to be done.
What would you like to see La Veta like 5 years from now?
Faith in government by people participating at board meetings, and the diverse people of La Veta co-existing comfortably.
Trustee Bill Stark
What do you do as your day job?
Owner operator doesn’t feel right, I like Inn keeper. (For The Inn at the Spanish Peaks)
What is your background and education?
Bachelor of Science for project administration and finance at the University of Colorado. I’ve also sat on many boards in and around La Veta.
Why do you want this highly needed, under appreciated job?
I care deeply for La Veta. The folks here have been very good to us and have no problem stepping up for the job.
What is your #1 priority as a board trustee?
To maintain the fiscal integrity of the town while concentrating on the expensive projects. (Water and sewer)
What would you do for law enforcement in La Veta?
In most small towns, police are exempt from overtime pay. But, I’m willing to evaluate a given circumstance for other financial considerations.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing La Veta?
Water maintenance issues as well as the water rights for the Mexican Ditch.
What do you think are some of La Veta’s biggest strengths?
Community involvement. The Creative District is a good example of how this community comes together.
What is most important to La Veta’s economy?
The economy is tourist based, but the retirement community is growing. So is the need for the services for those people.
How many hours per week are you willing to devote to this position?
I’ll do what it takes. A good team can get a lot done in a relatively short period of time.
What would you like to see La Veta like 5 years from now?
To be in a sound financial position to be able to take advantage of any economical potential that may be available.
