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The people behind the posters
This week concludes the final episode in the Telegraph’s three-part series on getting to know your City Council candidates. With eight candidates vying for three open spots, Durango voters are faced with a difficult challenge in deciding whose oval to fill in come April 3. If you, like some of us, are still wrestling with your ballot, we offer a final glimpse into the personal lives of your council candidates to aid in your decision-making. Turns out they’re regular people, just like the rest of us, complete with a few Jethro Tulls and Ratts in the closet. Again, answers are listed in the order they were received. Name: Tom Howley Age: Old enough to know better Occupation: VP of D. Hodgson Assoc. (international investigation and security company) Hobbies: Fishing, walking, sports, reading Favorite local restaurant (or bar): Seasons, Carvers, Francisco’s, Red Snapper, Ore House Last book read: The Shattered Sword, a technical analysis of the battle of Midway; reread The Physics of Weather by W J Humphrey First concert: Don’t recall If a tape/CD/I-tune got stuck in your tape deck/CD player/I-pod, it would be: Classical Spanish guitar Famous figure you most admire: My five children Dream vacation: Marlin fishing in Hawaii Favorite thing about Durango: Everything Least favorite thing about Durango: A very few people What sets you apart from the other candidates: I may give the impression that I am more pragmatic than some people, however, I make thoughtful, realistic decisions based on my vast and varied experience with added factual evidence and public input, and apply a dose of logic. I do not chase the popular slogans because I always ask myself, “What do you mean by that and how do you expect to make it happen?” In many cases, slogans sound great but are really not immediately realistic because of financial and other constraints. If I say I will do something, it will happen. I love our Durango community and ask for the opportunity to continue serving all our citizens while on the City Council. Name: Scott Graham Age: 46 Occupation: At-Home father, writer, author Hobbies: Outdoor stuff – backpacking, hiking, mountaineering, skiing, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing Favorite local restaurant (or bar): El Rancho Last book read: The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan First concert ever attended: Jethro Tull, McNichols Arena, Denver If a tape/CD/I-tune got stuck in your tape deck/CD player/I-pod, it would be: “I Will Not Be Broken,” Bonnie Raitt Famous figure you most admire: MLK (Cliched answer, yes. Unsurpassed courage, yes as well.) Dream vacation: Mountaineering in the Bolivian Andes above the town of Sorata Favorite thing about Durango: The terrific people of Durango, with whom I consider myself fortunate to be spending my life. Least favorite thing about Durango: Nothing. (Seriously.) What sets you apart from the other candidates: I’m the only candidate raised in Durango. I attended Needham Elementary, Miller Middle and Durango Senior High. I’ve seen and experienced what Durango was, and I know what Durango can be. I am as representative of all Durangoans as it is possible to be. I am raising my two sons here with my wife, an emergency physician, while living next door to my parents, retired Fort Lewis teachers Reg and Bev. I believe strongly in representative democracy and in giving back to my community. I look forward to representing you and giving back to Durango as your city councilor. Name: Peter Tregillus Age: 56 Occupation: Programs developer (grant writer), Southern Ute Community Action Programs, Inc. (SUCAP) Hobbies: Learning jazz piano, growing tomatoes Favorite Local Restaurant (or bar): Himalaya Last book read: 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann. Working on In the Belly of the Green Bird by Nir Rosen. First concert ever attended: Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in the Park, age 5. OK, I know what you want: Allman Brothers, Boston Tea Party, 1969. If a tape/CD/I-tune got stuck in your tape deck/CD player/I-pod, it would be: Eddie Palmieri, “Arete” Famous figure you most admire: Paul Wellstone (late senator from Minnesota) Dream vacation: Summer-long slow tour of Greek villages Favorite thing about Durango: You can have a rewarding social life while grocery shopping Least favorite thing about Durango: Failure of developers and landowners to build homes for ordinary people who work here. What sets you apart from the other candidates: Since 1974, my working and volunteer life has a consistent theme: helping ordinary people establish and keep a financially secure life and a stake in the community. I was the first candidate to show that the housing crisis affects established homeowners because it’s pushing their adult children out of Durango. My understanding of housing finance and policy has helped me sharply question city actions in key areas: failure to require “ordinary people” housing units in annexations (see www.tregillus.com on Rocket Drive-In) or the Silver Peaks 130-unit condo conversion by Hillcrest, and the shamefully inadequate housing element of the Comprehensive Plan. Name: Linda Geer Age: 58 Occupation: Graphic designer Hobbies: Skiing, hiking, cooking/baking, gardening, knitting Favorite Local Restaurant (or bar): Chez Grand-mere Last book read: Women to the Rescue by Duane Smith. Before that, it was Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. First concert ever 4 attended: Peter and the Wolf If a tape/CD/I-tune got stuck in your tape deck/CD player/I-pod, it would be: Natalie MacMaster or Bach Famous figure you most admire: Jimmy Carter Dream vacation: Month-long trip to New Zealand Favorite thing about Durango: Unique sense of community Least favorite thing about Durango: Spring allergy season What sets you apart from the other candidates: My dad is a former Goodyear blimp pilot, so my birth announcement was shaped like a blimp — that’s probably where my sense of humor and creativity got its start. And I have actually piloted a blimp several times (no, that’s not hot air, and yes, I have been accused of having my head in the clouds). Our 110-year-old home was the first to be designated in Durango’s Historic Register. Jon and I have spent the last 16 years restoring it ourselves. And I hand-dug a full basement under the back porch so we could expand the kitchen and bathroom. Name: Jerry Swingle Age: 59 Occupation: Thermographic inspector (just ask) Hobbies: Biking, hiking, skiing, boating, flying, reading, film and music Favorite local restaurant (or bar): Christina’s Last book read: Maestro by John Gardner First concert ever attended: Tom Rush If a tape/CD/I-tune got stuck in your tape deck/CD player/I-pod, it would be: “Cool, Clear Water,” Bonnie Raitt Famous figure you most admire: Ghandi, who spoke truth to power, enacted change through nonviolence and who truly walked his talk Dream vacation: Extended camping, hiking, biking and float trip Favorite thing about Durango: Sense of community (where every third or fourth face is familiar) Least favorite thing about Durango: Lack of affordable housing What sets you apart from the other candidates: Among the current candidates, I may have the most eclectic experience. I have managed small businesses and been involved in the fields of telecommunications, transportation, energy conservation, audio-visual, skiing, restaurant and construction. For most of my 28 years in Durango, I have been both a leader and a grassroots community activist, working alongside others of diverse interests and backgrounds for more representative government, social justice and environmental protection. Having previously campaigned for City Council as well as county commissioner (twice), I understand both local citizens’ concerns and the responsibilities of civic leadership. Name: Sidny K. Zink Age: 55 Occupation: Certified public accountant and business owner Hobbies: Tandem cycling Favorite local restaurant (or bar): Depends on my mood Last book read: Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris First concert ever attended: James Brown If a tape/CD/I-tune got stuck in your tape deck/CD player/I-pod, it would be: Norah Jones Famous figure you most admire: Rosa Parks Dream vacation: Sunny days, warm nights and gourmet food shared with my husband Favorite thing about Durango: A sense of community Least favorite thing: People who move here and want to close the door behind them, complaining all the while What sets me apart from the other candidates: I am the only candidate who has served on City Council for four years; who has traded leisure time for time studying issues and attending meetings. I have been an employee, a self-employed person, and now an employer. My family background ingrained in me self-reliance and personal responsibility. I am logical and analytical, but I am also caring and anxious to make others feel heard and respected. I rarely claim that I have “the answer.” I want Durango to thrive and be home to positive, enthusiastic people. Name: Michael Rendon Age: 34 Occupation: Bookseller at Maria’s Bookshop Hobbies: Violin, hiking, gardening, reading, traveling Favorite local restaurant (or bar): Carvers Last book read: The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan First concert ever attended: Ratt (Out of the Cellar Tour with Bon Jovi) If a tape/CD/I-tune got stuck in your tape deck/CD player/I-pod, it would be: Gogol Bordello, “Gypsy Songs for You” Famous figure you most admire: Vandana Shiva Dream vacation: Yucatan Peninsula with Minna studying bees and butterflies Favorite thing about Durango: Friends, mountains, rivers and cultures Least favorite thing about Durango: It has already become unaffordable for most people. What sets you apart from the other candidates: In addition to my proven record of getting things done coupled with a common sense progressive vision, I have spent my entire life serving my neighbors as an environmental and community leader. I am the only person of color running for City Council and have literally been around the world. I have championed local sustainability policy and have marched in the streets to protest injustice. I have toured with an activist punk band, planted gardens every year I have lived here, and I have climbed most of the local peaks. I understand what it is like to work three jobs to make ends meet. I offer an important perspective and have the record to back-up my words. Name: Leigh Meigs Age: 47 Occupation: Attorney Hobbies: Watercolor, reading, hiking, rafting, horseback riding Favorite Local Restaurant (or bar): East by Southwest Last book read: Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See First concert ever attended: Asleep at the Wheel If a tape/CD/I-tune got stuck in your tape deck/CD player/I-pod, it would be: “One Giant Leap” Famous figure you most admire: Gandhi Dream vacation: My dream is to take a summer off of work with my family and friends and explore more of the mountains and deserts of Southwest Colorado Favorite thing about Durango: The people! Least favorite thing about Durango: High cost of living, unaffordable homes What sets you apart from the other candidates: Twenty-two years ago, Steve and I chose Durango to raise a family. Durango enjoys more “big city” luxuries these days. That is great! But the role of City Council is not to create luxury, it is to say “yes” to our quality of life: • Yes! Prevent gridlock before it happens. • Yes! Pass city policy for affordable, energy-efficient housing. • Yes! Pass a ridgeline protection ordinance. • Yes! Use open space dollars for public enjoyment of natural lands. • Yes! Support local, independent businesses. • Yes! Create public processes that include and respect YOU. As an attorney with judicial experience, I know how to get the job done. •
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The Independent Weekly Line on Durango and Beyond
