For the 2021 Voters Guide, we emailed candidates a set of questions on professional experience, local priorities and general issues. We have included those questions and the unedited responses. We have noted when candidates left questions unanswered. We have also provided links to candidate websites, campaign funding reports and other local media coverage when available.
Any questions or suggestions should be sent to: whitmancowatch@gmail.com
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would you describe your current occupation or job title(s)?
I currently work for the Colfax School District as a Para Educator. I work with students from Kindergarten to 6th grade. The main part of my position is working with Kindergarten thru third in small reading groups. We help new and struggling readers gain confidence and comprehension in reading. It has been such a great job! The staff and the community really come together for these kids! I feel truly blessed to be a part of it!
What other memberships or community affiliations would you like to share with voters?
I have been a member of the Colfax Park Board for over four years now. It has been a pleasure working with the city staff and the long term members of the board. Over the years I have also been a Cub Scout Den Leader, Ive worked with the PTO, I’ve assisted coaches and many teachers.
What, if any, charities, political campaigns, or nonprofits have you donated money or volunteer hours to in the past year?
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I would have to say my biggest professional accomplishment came as a stay at home mother. I was so fortunate to have the time with my son. I feel it is such an important and under valued job.
What is your vision for Colfax as a community, and are there any other towns you seeing doing things right or would like to emulate?
Colfax is such an amazing community. I just want to make sure we continue to grow and thrive.
What is your top priority for quality of life and what, if any, changes would you make regarding that issue?
In Colfax we are so fortunate to have a well stocked and high quality grocery store, A hospital and clinic, pharmacy, dental offices, mechanics and restaurants and still have that small town friendly feel. I want to see Colfax continue to have these great businesses so the people here don’t have to leave to get supplies or see a doctor. We can just enjoy our community and each other.
Has the city done a good job supporting local businesses and how do you know? What else could the city council do to help encourage economic growth and development?
I have been told by local business owners that the city is good to work with. I believe that we can promote local businesses through strong communication with the Downtown Business Association, the Chamber of Commerce and any other organizations trying to keep Colfax great. I also think that we need to bring back some community events. Which in turn will bring people here and promote business.
What is the best action the city government or the council has taken in the past five years?
In my opinion, one of the best things the City has done for our community is keeping our pool open. It’s been quite an on going struggle with the age of the pool and location but, I do believe its a great asset for our community. In 2020 the Park Board recommended offering free pool admission to all residents. It provided some much needed fun and camaraderie for our community in the midst of the pandemic.
What is the worst decision or biggest opportunity the council has missed the past five years?
I have to say I was a frustrated with the councils decision on chickens in Colfax. Since I have moved here I have heard of citizen requests on this matter and each time they get shut down. I say if a handful of responsible citizens are asking for them we need to listen. The ordinance the city has put together seems very reasonable and well written.
What do you think will be the most significant challenge or threat the City of Colfax will face in the next five years?
A significant challenge our city faces in the next five years would be loosing out for downtown businesses. The Downtown Business Association the chamber, along with other organizations are working together to keep the downtown area successful. The city needs to be communicating and doing their part to ensure the businesses of Colfax have their support.
As a steward of taxpayer dollars, how do you approach balancing demands for city service against the citizen tax burden?
I am ok with the current tax rate, with that being said I will work hard to keep a balanced budget and make sure those dollars are spent wisely.
What city infrastructure do you think needs the most attention or additional funding, and why?
The city has recently started testing remote read water meters. I believe this is a great idea and with the right equipment it will save our city workers a lot of time. Hopefully we can implement these meters throughout the city. We also need to make sure we take good care of the employees we have. They work hard to keep our city safe and running smooth.
What is your highest priority for city parks and recreation efforts? What, if anything, would you like to see changed?
The parks in Colfax are quite remarkable for the size of our town! I would really like to see the greenway project from each end of the downtown area happen. It would benefit the local residents and would bring in more tourism.
What, if anything, would you change to make the city more transparent or to improve communication with the public?
The city employees do a great job! They work very hard for us and I believe go above and beyond their job descriptions. I think that it has been great to be able to participate in the council meetings as a citizen at home online. I would like to make sure this option becomes the norm for the community.
If you could wave a magic wand and instantly change one thing about Colfax, what would it be and why?
If I could wave a magic wand to change one thing about our city it would be to add the greenway trail. Taking out the old unused tracks and adding a nice walking/biking path through our city would be such a wonderful addition to our already lovely town.