It was a packed house yesterday at the Slopeside Hall in Frisco, where 12 candidates for town council talked about priorities, challenges and what they would do with a $10 million grant.
Local housing, wildfire mitigation, regional travel and a diverse economy dominated the discussion. More than half of the candidates are making their first run at public office.
Mayor pro tem Andy Held talked about the upcoming Frisco’s Backyard project, calling it the first and largest fire treatment of its kind. Rather than clear cut the foot of Peak One, the town and U.S. Forest Service have identified more than 100 zones for trimming dead and dying trees. It also authorizes more than 40 miles of new and improved trails.
Local tech pro Thayer Hirsch said he will fight for schools, housing and a resilient economy. His $10 million grant idea would enhance local broadband and cell coverage.
Lawyer Mary Fletcher also pitched a more diverse economy, saying a low-snow winter like this one – and the upcoming low-water summer – make it more important than ever to consider tax streams that do not rely on tourism.
Real estate pro Eric Klein said the town can do more with its most valuable land, like the fruit stand property near the marina. He reminded locals that he helped develop and sell the Peak One deed-restricted neighborhood.
Local doctor Durant Abernethy brought a unique idea: Breck Montessori could be lured to the old Frisco library on Granite Street. Breck Montessori will be leaving its Main Street home next year after losing a lease with the town. The old library has been vacant for more than five years.
Outspoken housing advocate and critic Alex Beach pledged to fight for a housing strategy that works, saying 120 affordable apartments at the old workforce center site is a good start, while reminding the audience that those units are rentals, not for sale. Without a home for locals to plant roots, he said, the town will wither and die.
Defending councilwoman Elizabeth Skrzypczak-Adrian would use a $10 million grant on better regional transit. She currently sits on a transit board, which is pitching Summit towns on new, more reliable bus service to outlying “bedroom communities” like Fairplay, Leadville and Kremmling.
Landscaping pro TJ Paulus called mixed-use development on Summit Boulevard an untapped opportunity, which could address the town’s housing crunch and sales-tax needs. He admitted that $10 million does not go as far as you might think in local government these days.
Returning councilman Zach Ryan, the youngest candidate, also wanted to highlight regional transit and Summit Boulevard, along with the town’s existing Complete Streets plan.
Returning councilwoman Robyn Goldstein touted her experience as a career social worker, reminding locals that changing Federal policies are squeezing the town’s road, water and social program funding. She would use $10 million to pick away at Frisco’s existing 10-year capitol project plan – a wish list worth over $100 million.
Big data pro Brian Randall said he will find balance through outreach, saying his experience with corporate data can translate to better, more streamlined town processes.
Mark Waldman, owner of Summit Vacation Rentals, promised to end the bickering between full-timers, visitors and second homeowners. As onetime owner of Hotel Frisco, he said, he successfully navigated multiple recessions.
Ballots for all four town council elections are in the mail this week. Election Day is April 7.