The Durango Telegraph concludes its coverage of the race for City Council this week. Mail-in ballots are due by April 1.

Name: James Sloan, 38

Occupation: Corrections case manager

If a tape got stuck in your car stereo what would it be?: Pink Floyd, “Dark Side of the Moon”

Famous figure you most identify with: Phocion (Though it could come across as elitist, he felt a duty to tell the truth despite the fact that demagogues would trash him)

Your dream vacation: Outings in the Alaskan bush (already been fortunate enough to have done three times)

Favorite book: The Story of Civilization, by Will and Ariel Durant

Favorite local restaurant: Tequilas

Hobbies: Backpacking, hiking, fishing, most outdoor activities

Type of car you drive: ’98 Toyota Tacoma/’80 Yamaha 1100

Why should you be elected to City Council?

“Voters should research the candidates’ opinions as to the problems facing Durango, the candidates proposed solutions and each candidate’s skill and expertise that he or she would harness to accomplish these goals. I have experience in wading through legalese and have worked with the county, state and federal governments. I studied environmental law under the gentleman that is currently the CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. Various jobs I have held have familiarized me with the specifics of many issues confronting Durango. I would utilize my abilities to preserve those aspects of Durango that brought and /or keep us here.”

Name: Sidny Zink, 51

Occupation: Certified public accountant

If a tape got stuck in your car stereo what would it be?: KD Lang

Famous figure you most identify with: I just don't identify with anybody famous

Your dream vacation: Tandem cycling on gently rolling terrain in 70 degree sunshine

Favorite book: Roget's Thesaurus

Favorite local restaurant: Sweeney’s (a very hard choice)

Hobbies: Maintaining physical fitness

Type of car you drive: 1997 Ford Explorer

Why should you be elected to City Council?

“The City Council should be made up of a cross section of the community. I will bring a different background and set of experiences to the table. At the same time, the council should be thinking and acting with the best interests of the entire community at heart, not just one segment of the community. I will not be representing any single interest group. I think I have a good base of career and community experience to help me be a good decision maker. I know I don't have all the answers and that makes me willing and eager to hear from all points of view.”

Name: Dale Garland, 45

Occupation: Durango High School social studies teacher

If a tape got stuck in your car stereo what would it be?: Because I own a music business, it might be anything from Alison Krauss to ZZ Top.

Famous figure you most identify with: As a history teacher I can think of two: Franklin D. Roosevelt and Peter the Great

Your dream vacation: In 1988, I was one of the group of four to be the first to run the entire Colorado Trail from Durango to Denver. Ever since then, I’ve dreamed of doing something similar with a longer trail – probably it would be the Continental Divide Trail.

Favorite book: Almost anything by Kurt Vonnegut and I can relate to Stephen Covey’s ideas in Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and Priniciple – Centered Logic.

Favorite local restaurant: Any of the local eateries where the food is good and it’s served with a smile.

Hobbies: Listening to and enjoying music, organizing athletic events and as a former long-distance trail runner, I still enjoy getting out on the trails and doing outdoor activities.

Type of car you drive: 1997 GMC, 1992 Trek (the two-wheel type)

Why should you be elected to City Council?

“As someone who has lived here for over 25 years, I have seen Durango through a variety of viewpoints: as a FLC student, a U.S. Army veteran, a member of the athletic community, a member of civic organizations, as a small business owner and as a teacher. I have a good perspective of where Durango has been. Durango also has an exciting and dynamic future; I feel I have the energy and the skills necessary to shape that future. I realize that the decisions made by people on this council will impact the people of this area for a long time to come. As someone who deals with citizens of that future I want to help do what’s best for them.”

Name: Michael Rendon, 30

Occupation: Director of the FLC Environmental Center

If a tape got stuck in your car stereo what would it be?: Rain Dogs by Tom Waits

Famous figure you most identify with: Gary Snyder

Your dream vacation: Outer Mongolia with a good rucksack, empty journal and lots of time.

Favorite book: Ringolevio by Emmett Grogan

Favorite local restaurant: Carver's Restaurant & Brewery

Hobbies: Gardening, walking, violin, juggling, reading, chopping wood

Type of car you drive: Size 8 boots

Why should you be elected to City Council?

“I should be elected to City Council because I care about the future of Durango and think long term. Thinking ‘outside of the box’ and providing vision are two leadership qualities I possess. I work hard at the opportunities before me, and I look fairly at all sides of an issue. I value and practice honesty and am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in. I believe in Durango. I will represent the ideals and concerns of its people.”

Name: Lee Goddard, 62

Occupation: Owner of Goddard Enterprises

Famous figure you identify with: Secretary of State Colin Powell. I saw him in Denver as part of the Colorado Cares presentation. He embodies a bearing, simplicity, authority, etc. You just wanted to reach out and touch him.

If a tape got stuck in your car what would it be?: Willie Nelson, however, I seldom listen to CDs, or tapes.

Your dream vacation: Alaska, with my bride and kids.

Favorite book: Anything by Michener.

Favorite local restaurant: Probably the Diner.

Hobbies: Feeding the birds, gardening (however, it’s a struggle).

Type of car you drive: Ford F-150. Truck person and business necessitates.

Why should you be elected to City Council?

“My motivation is to build an even better Durango. I'm ready to work hard on your behalf – to build a Durango where all our children will want to return. To a place where they will have jobs, roofs over their heads and a bright future for THEIR children.”

 

Name: John Gamble, 55

Occupation: Social worker

If a tape got stuck in your car stereo what would it be?: BB King

Famous figure you most identify with: Jimmy Carter

Your dream vacation: Southern Mexico, Pacific side, small beach village

Favorite book: Old Man and the Sea

Favorite local restaurant: Too numerous to mention

Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, hiking, horses, gardening

Type of car you drive: Ford F250 four-wheel-drive pickup

Why should you be elected to City Council?

“I have been honored to serve for the past four years, currently as mayor. I know the ropes. I work really hard and bring heart to that work. I am committed to listening to all interested parties with objectivity. My interests lie in the protection and promotion of the city of Durango and not the promotion of any particular group. I would appreciate the opportunity to serve the residents of Durango in this capacity for another four years.”