Six candidates have left the
gates in the race to be the next members of the Durango City
Council. The terms of John Gamble, Durango’s current mayor,
and Amos Cordova will expire April 15. Seven people took out
petitions, and six were returned and validated on Wednesday,
Feb. 26. Cordova’s name was not among them. The election
takes place by mail-in ballot April 1, and the two highest vote-getters
will be sworn into office April 15 to serve four-year terms.
The Durango Telegraph introduces the candidates this week with
a statement of why they are running for council and an explanation
of Durango’s biggest challenges. In the subsequent weeks
leading up to the election, the candidates will be asked to
answer additional questions.
Name: John Gamble, 55
Occupation: Social worker, director
of local Volunteers of America programs
Why have you chosen to run for council?
“I’ve spent 20 years in Durango, and I chose this
community purposely. I want to serve on the council because
I want it to continue to be a community I want to live in.”
What do you see as the biggest issues facing
Durango?
“New development and growth. I do not believe we can
simply stop growth and make it go away. We need to grow through
management, not by default...We also need to address resources
that an expanding community needs, such as water and a library.
I hope new growth will incorporate affordable housing and work-force
housing for people like government employees, teachers, police
officers and firefighters. I’d like them to live here
and be a part of the community they serve... also, addressing
ridgeline development and dark sky issues.”
Name: Lee Goddard, 62
Occupation: Owner of Goddard Enterprises,
buyer and seller of used construction equipment
Why have you chosen to run for council?
“I was on the council from 1992 to 1996 and mayor in
1996. I was on the Planning Commission before and after that
and am now on the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee...I think
the council has lost sight of everyday operations of the city.
We need to bring balance to the council.”
What do you see as the biggest issues facing
Durango?
“Determining what the boundaries are going to be for
the foreseeable future – it seems that the county is in
a better position now to talk with the city about growth patterns...also
fiscal matters and treating tax money as a public trust. I feel
we’re spending a lot of money somewhat indiscriminately.”
Name: Michael Rendon, 30
Occupation: Director of the Fort Lewis
College Environmental Center
Why have you chosen to run for council?
“I bought a house here a year ago, and at that point,
I made a commitment to Durango. Because of that, I have a vested
interest in the future of this area.”
What do you see as the biggest issues facing
Durango?
“Affordable housing and responsible growth are huge ones.
I think there is going to be a lot of debate about water issues
in the future. I’d like to secure a permanent funding
source for open space. I’d also like to see the city start
recycling plastics and put more emphasis on the recycling program.”
Name: Dale Garland, 45
Occupation: Durango High School social
studies teacher
Why have you chosen to run for council?
“There are two reasons. The first is that I’m in
a good position in my life to do this. It’s something
I’ve always been interested in doing. Secondly, as a teacher,
I’ve always told students to be involved in local affairs.
I thought that now is the time to be the example.”
What do you see as the biggest issues facing
Durango?
“Other than growth, I see affordable housing and the
need to have responsible growth in appropriate areas. I also
would like to see continued development of parks, open space
and trails, and work on providing and fostering economic opportunities
that provide livable wages...and since I’m a teacher,
I would like to continue fostering educational opportunities
for the community. Part of what makes this community is access
to the college, a viable library and a community TV station.
I would like to continue to develop them and provide these opportunities
to people who want them.”
Name: James Sloan, 38
Occupation: Corrections Case Manager
at Hilltop House
Why have you chosen to run for council?
“I believe that I have the ability to serve our community.
Based on educational and community experience.”
What do you see as the biggest issues facing
Durango?
“I believe the largest issue is controlling growth. I
believe growth is almost certainly inevitable, but we can do
a good job of managing it. I believe that in particular, water
issues will come to the forefront, considering we’re still
having quality issues based on last year’s fire and drought.
Name: Sidny Zink, 51
Occupation: Certified Public Accountant
with FrederickZinkElliot
Why have you chosen to run for council?
“My hope is that I will add a better balance to the council.
My background is in business, and I think that I can provide
a little different perspective that will help round out the
council as it deliberates over some very tough far-reaching
issues. I am by no means a single-issue candidate or doggedly
‘pro-business’ no matter what. I’m always
willing to learn.”
What do you see as the biggest issues facing
Durango?
“I think the biggest issues are growth and affordable
housing. Growth is a huge issue because it really encompasses
economic development, annexation issues, water and more. Affordable
housing is inextricably tied to growth as well. I’ll be
looking for a balance between naturally competing forces.”
