Election 2021: An early look at what seats are open, who we know is running, and what you can expect to see on the Greeley ballot
Photo by element5digital via Unsplash.
By Kelly Ragan
It’s easy to get caught in the flair and the drama of presidential elections. But local elections are important too. This year, you’ll have the chance to help shape the local municipal landscape with your vote.
It’s still early in the process. We’ll learn more about the finalized list of candidates and ballot measures closer to the end of August, and as we know more, we’ll add it to the Elections 2021 page on our website to help you keep track of the important stuff.
But this is a good chance for you to think about what you want or need to know to make an informed decision. We can help you do that. If you have questions about how something works, what someone does, what the impact of something could be, etc., chances are someone else has those very same questions. Feel free to reach out at TheNoCoOptimist@gmail.com. Your question could be our next story. (Hint: This is also a good chance for you to send any interesting tips you have our way.)
Seats up for election on Greeley City Council
Mayor: currently held by John Gates
Ward II Council Member: currently held by Brett Payton
Ward III Council Member: currently held by Michael Fitzsimmons
At-Large Council Member: currently held by Kristin Zasada
As it stands, we know Payton is running for the at-large city council seat currently occupied by Zasada.
Gates is running for reelection in what would be his third term as Greeley’s mayor.
Deb DeBoutez is running for Ward II.
What could be on the ballot for Greeley voters
City council has yet to vote on approving the ballot measure, but it’s likely the Keep Greeley Moving Tax, a historically popular item, will make an appearance this year.
Want to run for office? Here are the qualifications
To run for office, you must:
Be a citizen of the United States
Be at least 21 years old
Have no other elective office
Have no felony convictions
Be a resident of Greeley for at least one year prior to the election, and if running for a ward-based office, must be a resident of the ward for at least 90 days.
For more information on how to become a candidate and how to file, go here.
Seats up for election on Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education
Four school board directors are set to have terms expire this year including those held by School Board President Michael Mathews, director John Haefeli, director Rhonda Solis, and director Ray Talley.
Mathews and Talley have announced they will run for reelection.
Araceli Calderon, Clyde Norwood, and John Schuttler have also announced their candidacies.
What do school board members do?
Seven volunteers make up the Board of Education. Together, they:
Act as a bridge between the community and the school district
Hire and supervise the superintendent
Provide the district with high-level guidance/direction
Create and revise board policies
Interested in learning more about how to run?
Email Kristina Crain at kcrain@greeleyschools.org or call (970) 348-6012.
Interested in running for office? Have tips to share this election season? Let us know at TheNoCoOptimist@gmail.com.