Voters to choose from 10 candidates

We were fortunate to spend time with eight of the ten candidates for Vail Town Council (the others didn’t respond to our outreach). Each candidate brought passion, unique skills, specific areas of expertise, and an ability to lead.

The job of a Town Council member isn’t related to partisan politics. The issues before our local towns are hyper-local and a partisan ideology doesn’t neatly fit over the wide range of issues they tackle. What does conservative or liberal ideology have to say about potholes? Or workforce housing, early childhood, transit & transportation, supporting local businesses, protecting our natural environment, and ensuring continued economic resiliency?

The way candidates should approach a nonpartisan race is to show themselves as an individual. Explain who you are, what your decision-making process is, and what you think about the issues facing the city today. That’s what voters here respond to.

There are big challenges ahead for the next town council in Vail. We need candidates who have track records of independent thought yet are willing to focus on collaboration and common goals. We need leadership that knows how to develop and trust staff to implement visionary projects such as the Civic Area Plan, and to manage local and regional relationships.

Vail would be best served to elect those who bring a confident optimism to the job. This is important as the community needs to move forward and needs a council that can lead by example, whether that is around regional collaboration for housing projects and transit operations or statewide land use issues. Elected officials spouting off on “those bastards in Broomfield” is the antithesis of the kind of leadership we need moving forward. We must do better.

Sam Bizantz brings town board experience and a focus on collaboration and community vitality. As a small business owner, she has an important voice. Christine Santucci has extensive municipal finance and workforce housing experience which would benefit the town in many ways and would bring this background to the council as it addresses big issues. Sam and Christine would also offer gender balance to the council.

Dave Chapin previously held office and helped lead Vail through the pandemic and has a track record of pragmatism and thoughtfulness. His business background and calm leadership are needed. Brian Sipes previously served on Avon Town Council and has a long track record of community engagement and involvement. Their history of service and knowledge of how town governance works makes them attractive candidates.

Reid Phillips and John Rediker also have town board experience and are raising a family/have raised their families in Vail. Many past successful town council members have followed a similar path through the Planning Commission. Reid and John have put time and effort into serving the town, and the next council would benefit from their experience.

Dave Tucker and Scott McBride would bring fresh perspectives and a new view to the town council. Dave is both a small business owner and a renter, two constituencies that need a strong voice. As an attorney, Scott brings a process-driven approach to community challenges. New and different perspectives often benefit a town council.

Voters will have many options when their ballots arrive next week. We encourage voters to consider a focus on diverse candidates who are committed to collaboration, bold leadership, and who articulate a positive inclusive vision. We must move past divisiveness and focus on shared goals.

The town would benefit from the service of leaders who can find ways to identify shared goals, be problem-solvers, and believe in bigger things. We encourage voters to use this lens when voting for the town council.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com