Meet candidates running for three Board of Trustees seats
Ahead of Firestone’s April 2 election, the Times-call asked each candidate running for a seat on the town’s Board of Trustees what they think the most pressing issue facing the community is and what they would do to address it if they are elected.
The candidates are listed below in the order that they appear on the ballot, which was determined by lot draw on Jan. 31.
Nine candidates are running for three available seats on the town’s Board of Trustees.
Lorna Morton
Occupation: I was director of benefits for Cobank before I retired in 2015.
How long have you lived in Firestone: In June of 2015 my husband and I moved to Firestone.
Candidate website/social media: lornamorton.com
Hello, my name is Lorna Morton, and I am running for Firestone Trustee. Growth is the most pressing issue in our community. It will bring more housing, infrastructure, safety and water concerns. Planned growth benefits all of us. Firestone has master plans that project growth over the next 20 years. These plans should be periodically reviewed and updated. Communication is critical to eliminate misinformation. Infrastructure, and technology and manpower for public safety require planning and budgeting. Water is a commodity that will become more expensive. Firestone
has made this a priority and should continue to do so in the future.
David Whelan
Occupation: 401(k) plans senior communication strategist
How long have you lived in Firestone: 14 years
Candidate website/social media: whelanforfirestone.com
In 20 years, Firestone’s population grew by 14,483 — what will the next 20 years bring? The most pressing issue I continue to face, which affects and informs my policy making, is balancing responsible growth for those that want to make Firestone their future home, with the need to continue providing affordability, access to services, amenities and quality infrastructure for current residents. To that end, as the incumbent trustee, I will continue building our water portfolio, create community gathering spaces and budget for infrastructure repair and expansion, while analyzing and providing input for future land use in the Comprehensive Master Plan update.
John Damsma
Occupation: I’m retired after a 25-year career at UPS.
How long have you lived in Firestone: I moved to Firestone in 2008.
Candidate website/social media: facebook.com/damsma4firestonetrustee
The lack of accountability, transparency and responsiveness to citizens’ concerns by the current Board of Trustees have weakened the reputation of and the confidence in the board.
One goal of my candidacy is to restore the community’s confidence in the Board of Trustees by focusing on what the citizens need and want. The current trustees, with one exception, appear to be following the town staff’s lead rather than actively directing the staff in a positive direction. Asking probing questions to get accurate and honest answers when making decisions will be my trademark.
Linda J. Haney
Occupation: Retired How long have you lived in Firestone: 8 years
Candidate website/social media: nextdoor.com/profile/01fntdpcr7yh7wGwz/?initsource=search&is=search&query=Linda%20haney
The most pressing need is to repair mechanisms of checks and balances. Town leadership chose financial sources for major projects which bypass resident approval, like the water plant and Central Park. They ignore our responses to studies.
The Board’s power trumps that of committees, making them impotent. Without a town treasurer there is no independent party for residents to report financial concerns. I would pause major spending until concerns are resolved transparently including the process behind procuring private funding for Central Park, budgetary inconsistencies, open records issues and salary equities. Audits may be necessary.
Steven Wostenberg
Occupation: entrepreneur and Army veteran
How long have you lived in Firestone: 11 years
Candidate website/social media: www.linkedin.com/ in/swostenberg
My most pressing issues for the town of Firestone are transparency and community. Currently, the communication between Firestone leadership and Firestone residents is lacking. I’d like to see a lot more direct interaction between residents and town leadership. How? First, a more proactive communication of board meetings where the public can give direct feedback and stay on top of issues. Second,
a community newsletter that is sent to residents once a month via mail updating them on town events and issues. Third, a quarterly town hall meeting that is a casual meet and greet and moves between different restaurants or public venues that want to sponsor it.
Scott Franks
Franks did not reply to the Times-call’s question. A candidate profile is also unavailable for Franks on the town’s website.
Trent John
Occupation: Home builder in northern Colorado.
How long have you lived in Firestone: 23 years.
Candidate website/social media: Trentjohnforfirestone2024.com
One of the most pressing issues for the town is strategic growth opportunities. With the town having control over its own water now, we are positioned to bring in additional retail and homes to grow Firestone and increase revenue that benefits our families. Those steps in growth will be critical for sustained growth and wellness of our families here in Firestone.
Ray Byrd
Occupation: Vice President of Transportation & Distribution for Pioneer Landscape
How long have you lived in Firestone: 5 years
Candidate website: www.raybyrdforfirestone.com
According to Firestone’s Transportation Master Plan, our town’s population is expected to double by 2040. That’s exciting news and it also creates one of our most pressing issues. How do we build an infrastructure that can accommodate new growth, while not overburdening our existing residents. We can do this while maintaining our small-town charm through a balanced growth approach of infrastructure investment (private and public funding), economic diversification and community engagement. As your trustee, I am dedicated to working collaboratively with residents, local businesses and experts to navigate the challenges that come with our community’s growth. Together, we can move Firestone forward.
Bobby Matthews
Occupation: I am retired. I spent seven years in the Army, then I spent 48 years working in the electric power industry.
How long have you lived in Firestone: 46 years
Candidate website/social media: On Facebook and Nextdoor as Bobby Matthews
I feel that water rates and water debt are the most pressing issues facing the citizens of Firestone. Our water rates have increased 59% in just four years. This is not sustainable for our citizens. The payment on our 2020 water bonds is $2.8 million a year until 2049. Also, the communication between the citizens and the town government is terrible. When you ask a question, you get nothing but silence. If elected, I would call for an audit of Firestone’s water fund using forensic auditing methods. I would open up communication and treat all citizens’ questions with equal importance.
Where to vote
Firestone has mailed 11,821 ballots to residents, a town spokesperson confirmed in an email Thursday. Information as to how many ballots had been returned so far was not yet available. Residents may vote three different ways in the upcoming election:
BY MAIL >> Include proper postage of a first-class or Forever stamp on the provided envelope and mail it. The town encourages residents who have not mailed their ballot in by March 26, to drop it off or bring it in.
DROP IT OFF >> A 24-hour election drop-box is available inside the front doors at Firestone Town Hall, 9950 Park Ave. A ballot drop-off box is also available at the Weld County Southwest Service Complex, 4209 County Road 24.5, in Firestone.
BRING IT IN >> Ballots may be returned from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Firestone Town Hall, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, April 2. Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day. The town’s mayoral race between incumbent Mayor Drew Peterson and Trustee Don Conyac also will happen April 2.