Navigating the Future of Superior: Voices from the Board of Trustees
October 14, 2024, 4:32 am
Location: United States, Colorado, Lakewood
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1861
In the small town of Superior, Colorado, the aftermath of the Marshall Fire still lingers. The community is in a delicate dance of rebuilding and renewal. Two candidates for the Board of Trustees, Mike Foster and Sandie Hammerly, are stepping into the spotlight, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. Their visions for the town reveal a tapestry of hope, resilience, and the pressing need for action.
Mike Foster, a newcomer to the political scene, has lived in Superior for seven years. His background is a blend of local government and private sector experience. He’s a man of the community, having served on the Town’s Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability and the Home Rule Commission. Foster’s focus is clear: rebuilding after the Marshall Fire. He highlights the impressive statistic that 77% of the destroyed buildings have received building permits. This is not just a number; it’s a sign of a community coming together. The issuance of 258 occupancy permits is a beacon of hope. Foster believes in making the return process seamless. He advocates for continued rebates on permit fees and town use tax until every resident who wishes to return can do so.
Sustainability is another cornerstone of Foster’s platform. He envisions a town that leverages outside funding to meet its environmental goals. His strategy includes incentivizing homeowners and businesses to transition from gas to electric appliances. This shift is not just about energy; it’s about creating a culture of sustainability. Foster sees town-owned facilities as testing grounds for innovative climate solutions. This approach not only showcases new technologies but also educates the public, fostering a community that embraces change.
On the other side of the political spectrum is Sandie Hammerly, a seasoned veteran with over 40 years in nonprofit leadership. Hammerly has deep roots in Superior, having lived there for 22 years. Her experience as a trustee and her involvement in various community committees give her a unique vantage point. She echoes Foster’s sentiments about the Marshall Fire recovery but emphasizes the need for aggressive action in securing federal funds. Hammerly believes in a collaborative approach, urging partnerships with organizations like Wildfire Partners to create safe spaces around homes. Her focus is on inclusivity, ensuring that resources reach both single-family homes and multi-family units.
When it comes to sustainability, Hammerly champions regional collaboration. She highlights a significant federal grant awarded to the Denver Regional Council of Governments, aimed at reducing climate pollution. This grant represents a collective effort to tackle environmental challenges. Hammerly’s vision includes practical steps, such as improving trash collection contracts and xeriscaping medians. These actions are not just about aesthetics; they are about conserving resources and protecting the environment.
Both candidates share a common concern: the noise and safety issues stemming from the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. Foster points to alarming statistics from the town’s Noise Levels Report, noting over 14,000 audible aircraft operations in a single month. This is not just background noise; it’s a disruption to daily life. He calls for community action to pressure Jefferson County for change. Foster understands that the board alone cannot solve this issue; it requires a united front from the community.
Hammerly echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for ongoing advocacy while legal actions unfold. She recognizes the potential risks posed by flight schools operating at the airport. The lawsuits filed by the town and concerned residents are steps in the right direction, but Hammerly believes that proactive measures are essential. The community must remain engaged and vocal, ensuring that their quality of life is not compromised.
As the election approaches, the stakes are high. The town of Superior stands at a crossroads. The scars of the Marshall Fire are still fresh, but the spirit of resilience is palpable. Foster and Hammerly represent two paths forward. One emphasizes innovation and sustainability, while the other leans on experience and collaboration. Both candidates are committed to rebuilding and enhancing the community.
The future of Superior hinges on the choices made today. Will the town embrace new technologies and partnerships? Or will it rely on tried-and-true methods of community engagement and advocacy? The answer lies in the hands of its residents. They must weigh the visions presented by Foster and Hammerly, considering what they want for their town.
In the end, the heart of Superior beats in its community. The voices of its leaders will guide the way, but it is the collective action of its residents that will shape the future. As they navigate the challenges ahead, one thing is clear: the journey of rebuilding is not just about structures; it’s about people. It’s about coming together, supporting one another, and forging a path toward a brighter, more sustainable future. The road may be long, but with determination and unity, Superior can rise from the ashes, stronger than before.
Mike Foster, a newcomer to the political scene, has lived in Superior for seven years. His background is a blend of local government and private sector experience. He’s a man of the community, having served on the Town’s Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability and the Home Rule Commission. Foster’s focus is clear: rebuilding after the Marshall Fire. He highlights the impressive statistic that 77% of the destroyed buildings have received building permits. This is not just a number; it’s a sign of a community coming together. The issuance of 258 occupancy permits is a beacon of hope. Foster believes in making the return process seamless. He advocates for continued rebates on permit fees and town use tax until every resident who wishes to return can do so.
Sustainability is another cornerstone of Foster’s platform. He envisions a town that leverages outside funding to meet its environmental goals. His strategy includes incentivizing homeowners and businesses to transition from gas to electric appliances. This shift is not just about energy; it’s about creating a culture of sustainability. Foster sees town-owned facilities as testing grounds for innovative climate solutions. This approach not only showcases new technologies but also educates the public, fostering a community that embraces change.
On the other side of the political spectrum is Sandie Hammerly, a seasoned veteran with over 40 years in nonprofit leadership. Hammerly has deep roots in Superior, having lived there for 22 years. Her experience as a trustee and her involvement in various community committees give her a unique vantage point. She echoes Foster’s sentiments about the Marshall Fire recovery but emphasizes the need for aggressive action in securing federal funds. Hammerly believes in a collaborative approach, urging partnerships with organizations like Wildfire Partners to create safe spaces around homes. Her focus is on inclusivity, ensuring that resources reach both single-family homes and multi-family units.
When it comes to sustainability, Hammerly champions regional collaboration. She highlights a significant federal grant awarded to the Denver Regional Council of Governments, aimed at reducing climate pollution. This grant represents a collective effort to tackle environmental challenges. Hammerly’s vision includes practical steps, such as improving trash collection contracts and xeriscaping medians. These actions are not just about aesthetics; they are about conserving resources and protecting the environment.
Both candidates share a common concern: the noise and safety issues stemming from the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. Foster points to alarming statistics from the town’s Noise Levels Report, noting over 14,000 audible aircraft operations in a single month. This is not just background noise; it’s a disruption to daily life. He calls for community action to pressure Jefferson County for change. Foster understands that the board alone cannot solve this issue; it requires a united front from the community.
Hammerly echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for ongoing advocacy while legal actions unfold. She recognizes the potential risks posed by flight schools operating at the airport. The lawsuits filed by the town and concerned residents are steps in the right direction, but Hammerly believes that proactive measures are essential. The community must remain engaged and vocal, ensuring that their quality of life is not compromised.
As the election approaches, the stakes are high. The town of Superior stands at a crossroads. The scars of the Marshall Fire are still fresh, but the spirit of resilience is palpable. Foster and Hammerly represent two paths forward. One emphasizes innovation and sustainability, while the other leans on experience and collaboration. Both candidates are committed to rebuilding and enhancing the community.
The future of Superior hinges on the choices made today. Will the town embrace new technologies and partnerships? Or will it rely on tried-and-true methods of community engagement and advocacy? The answer lies in the hands of its residents. They must weigh the visions presented by Foster and Hammerly, considering what they want for their town.
In the end, the heart of Superior beats in its community. The voices of its leaders will guide the way, but it is the collective action of its residents that will shape the future. As they navigate the challenges ahead, one thing is clear: the journey of rebuilding is not just about structures; it’s about people. It’s about coming together, supporting one another, and forging a path toward a brighter, more sustainable future. The road may be long, but with determination and unity, Superior can rise from the ashes, stronger than before.