Five candidates running for three city council seats
Electors residing within the city limits will get to vote for three of the five candidates in the November 5 Coordinated General Election as managed by the Phillips County Clerk’s office.
City Council candidates were each given an opportunity to respond to three questions posed by The Holyoke Enterprise staff. Their submitting a photo was optional. The questions, each with a specific word count limit for equitable coverage, were: Why do you want to serve on the City Council? Why do you think you are qualified to serve on the City Council? Do you believe the City is facing any particular challenges or priority issues and if so, how would you address them?
Below are the candidates’ entire responses. They appear in alphabetical order by last name.
GENE BITTNER
Why serve?
I would like to serve on the city council because we got some streets to pave that have been in the planning stages for over 20 years. We finally got a dog pound approved by the State of Colorado. Holyoke hasn’t had a dog pound for over 30 years. Now code enforcement can and will be enforcing dogs running loose in the city.
Why qualified?
I have served on the council for eight years.
Challenges/Priorities
We need to work on our electricity supply to see if we can install solar panels for extra energy to offset the city usages. Also look at installing electric charging stations
SHAWN DALTON
Why serve?
When I graduated from Colorado State University,
I was offered a job in Holyoke in February 1989. I had visited Holyoke many times before I moved here and was always impressed with the community and the people. Holyoke is known for pride and progress, and we need to continue to strive and surpass this motto.
Why qualified?
Living in a small community there are a lot of opportunities to serve the community. I was elected to the Holyoke Coop board in 2000, was president from 2005 to 2007. In 2012 I was elected to the Haxtun Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors, served from 2012 to 2020. Served on Board of Elders at Zion Lutheran. I gained a lot of experience in college serving in various leadership positions and continued to serve when I moved here.
Challenges/Priorities
In a small community I personally believe if you’re running for a board, council, etc. personal agendas should take a back seat, otherwise you will miss the big picture which is the community. You need to listen, learn, and then apply. Keeping and attracting quality people is vital. A lot of talent and knowledge has been lost due to retirements in the last couple years. We need to make sure we continue to fill the pipeline with people that strive to be better. I appreciate this opportunity to serve this community.
GARY HERR
Why serve?
Having visited Holyoke for 43 years and having lived here for the past 4 years, I want to make a difference for our great citizens of Holyoke. This is where my wife Jill and I have decided to retire. Serving on the City Council will enable me to positively influence present and future progress of our town of pride and progress.
Why qualified?
I want to share my extensive experience in administration (budgeting and coordination) and Information Technology (database design and PC deployment) acquired while working at Amoco Corporation for 19 years. Also, I was a Realtor for 18 years where I learned to couple people skills with contract writing and enforcement. My skill set will be an asset to the Council and Holyoke.
Challenges/Priorities
As a council member I would help create a 5–20 year plan to support the ongoing upkeep and protection of the city’s infrastructure, water supply, streets, facilities, etc. I would continue to pursue the plan to implement the restoration of city owned recreation areas such as the tennis and basketball courts. I also support the enforcement of our city ordinances to ensure Holyoke is a beautiful and safe community. As a council member I will publish my phone number so you can share your concerns and ideas.
ASHLEY SULLIVAN
Why serve?
I would like to continue serving on the city council because I want to make a difference and help effect change that’s good for the betterment of the whole city. I hope to offer diversity in representation and perspectives among the members of the council and to have a positive impact on Holyoke residents’ quality of life as we deal with issues like housing, infrastructure, budgeting, recreation, economy and sustainability.
Re: Why qualified?
After my first four years of serving on the city council, I have learned a lot about local government policy, procedures and processes – although I’ll admit I still have a lot more to learn. Having lived here for all of my 37 years of life, I’m very familiar with the history of our city and its residents. I am involved in and invested in a number of groups within the community and have strong community ties.
Challenges/Priorities
I’m glad we finally got the ball rolling on the child care issue, having just approved a contract for the construction of the Holyoke community child care facility, but I think the other huge issue we’re facing is housing. The lack of child care facilities and affordable housing in our city makes it difficult for local businesses to recruit and retain employees. There are a number of programs that offer grant money and other forms of assistance to promote solutions to affordable housing, as well as incentives that the city could offer to people looking to build housing
BEAU WALN
Why serve?
It will by my honor and privilege to serve the People of Holyoke, who have given so much to me and my family over the years. If elected I look forward to working for the People.
Why qualified?
My military service, working for some of the largest corporations in America, such as Bud Weiser and Home Depo and currently working for Phillips County Road and Bridge. I feel these jobs have given me some insight into key areas, such as infrastructure and budget management.
Challenges/Priorities
As far as particular challenges or issues, if elected, I look forward to learning from those currently in office and those in the community, which issues take precedent. I would address these issues by working with my fellow council members to come to the best solution that benefits everyone.