All five seats on the Estes Valley Fire Protection District Board are open in tomorrow’s election. Three seats are for four-year terms and two seats are for two-year terms. In all there are nine candidates.
The candidates for the 4-year term are Scott Dorman, Steven Ferrante, Jeff Robbins, and Jon (Hippy) Smith. Candidates for the 2-year term are Christopher Buser, Robert H. Foster, Ryan S. Leahy, Joshua Leeds, and Sandra Ellen Smith.
Candidates standing for election were asked if they wanted to provide a final written statement to voters. If additional candidate statements are received by the Estes Valley Voice before the election, this article will be updated.
Voting will take place on the lower level of the Community Center, 600 Community Dr. The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Christopher Buser (two-year term)
I have a Bachelor’s Degree and Business Degree completed in Germany, comparable to a master’s degree. Throughout my career working for a global company which specializes in transformers and power supplies, I have acquired over 25 years of expertise in areas such as financial analysis, human resources, and strategic planning.
I want to sit on the board to keeping Estes Valley, the people, the wildlife, and the vegetation safe is my top priority. This includes reducing the risk of fire outbreak and wildfire and fire prevention; a most important element to protecting our community and environment. Operationally, having the best trained firefighters with the best equipment to tackle any kind of fire is a key pillar as well.
As a more recently appointed incumbent board member, I have insight into the EVFPD and an in-depth understanding of the role of the board withing the organization. My interests in being a EVFPD Board member are altruistic. I have no financial gain, there is no conflict of interest. It’s all about keeping Estes Valley safe. I am dedicated to ensuring that the EVFPD continues to thrive and serve our Estes Valley community with excellence and integrity.
Robert Foster (two-year term)
Why vote for me? Because as a Board Member, I will be dedicated to serving the Estes Valley public and the Fire Department, with full transparency.
I have the kind of broad range of experience the Fire Board should have in a Member:
- Lifetime interest in fire safety and suppression,
- Firefighting experience – US Forest Service
- Experience working with agencies – US Department of Defense, Department of the Interior
- Legal experience – active attorney for 41 years
- Board experience – Estes Valley Planning Commission
- Business merchant experience – part owner of Peak to Peak Stitching on E. Elkhorn
My priorities (subject to consultation and development with the Fire Department) are:
- Fire prevention, suppression, and education
- Responsible funding allocation
- The challenge of working with a part-volunteer, part-paid agency.
My Roles as a Board Member:
- To support the Fire Department and its personnel in their mission to protect the Estes Valley
- To ensure that Fire District funds are spent wisely
- To ensure that the public is fully informed and has the ability to provide input to the maximum extent regarding the activities of the Fire Department and its Board
- To ensure that the public has confidence that the Fire Service is doing everything it can to ensure the public’s safety.
Final statement: We have a great Fire Department here. As a Board member, in addition to the above, I want to bring the Fire Department closer to the Community by regular informative communications that explain what we’re doing, what services are available, what benefits we have provided, what challenges we face, and how the public can be involved.
Ryan Leahy (two-year term)
Estes Park has been my home port for more than 40 years. I grew up here, raised my family here, and have spent the better part of my adult life working to serve and support this community. That calling led me to join the Estes Valley Fire Protection District as a volunteer firefighter eight years ago, and it’s what drives me now as I seek to serve on the Board of Directors.
I’m running for a two-year seat on the EVFPD Board because I believe in public service, accountability, and stability—and I believe now is the right time to step up. After years on the operations side of the department, I have seen firsthand what strong leadership, clear priorities, and a united vision can accomplish. I have also seen how the effects of turnover and uncertainty can ripple through an organization. I want to be part of the solution, helping to steady the course and support those who serve.
To be eligible for this board position, I will be stepping away from operational service as a firefighter—a decision I don’t take lightly. It means putting a pause on the work I love, and it comes with the personal challenge of maintaining my skills and qualifications. It shows how serious I am about serving in this new way. If elected, I will focus on balance, clarity, and long-term direction. That includes supporting our volunteers and staff, managing public resources responsibly, and helping ensure the district is equipped for the future—both in leadership and in service.
I have also spent the last five years on the Estes Park Sanitation District Board, where I have gained hands-on experience with budgets, meetings, compliance, and long-term planning. I have had the privilege of learning alongside some of the most dedicated and experienced board members in the valley, and I bring that same mindset of conscientious stewardship to this role.
My leadership style is direct, fair, and focused on teamwork. I don’t seek titles—I show up to do the work. I believe in clear communication, listening more than talking, and making decisions that reflect both community input and operational realities. A stable, positive work environment comes from good communication, realistic workloads, and a board that supports—not micromanages—the people doing the work.
EVFPD has earned a strong reputation nationally for good reason—our volunteers are skilled, our staff is committed, and the work we do matters to everyone in this community. I want to help ensure that continues. If elected, I will work hard to represent your trust with honesty, humility, and a steady hand.
I would be honored to earn your vote.
Jeff Robbins (four-year term)
A friend of mine urged me a couple of months ago to run for this board, and my first thought was “well maybe.” After giving it some thought, looking into the EVFPD website, talking to people about some of the issues going on with the organization, I came to a conclusion of “Heck yes, I can make a difference with this board.”
Frankly one of the biggest attractions for me to run is being a part of supporting an organization so vitally important to Estes Park’s safety, well-being, and survival.
My background is mostly in oil and gas construction management and real estate investment.
I pride myself on talking straight to people and have been successful managing employees, subcontractors, and large corporate customers for many years. I am committed to bringing a straightforward, open and honest approach to supporting and empowering the EVFPD team to be the best they can be for themselves and for us. I would appreciate your vote and the opportunity to do that.
Sandra Ellen Smith (two-year term)
My name is Sandra Smith. I am an attorney with over 30 years of experience, a full-time Estes Park resident, and a local business owner. I am running for the Estes Valley Fire Protection District Board because I care deeply about the safety, strength, and future of our community.
After first visiting Estes Park in 1995, I fulfilled a longtime dream by becoming a full-time resident and opening my law office in downtown Estes Park. I have made Estes Park my permanent home, and I am committed to helping protect and strengthen the community I love.
Professionally, I have served as Director of Litigation for Apple Computer, litigation attorney in large and small firms, and a board leader for multiple public and private organizations. I have chaired governance committees, led strategic planning efforts, and worked to promote transparency, accountability, and strong governance in every organization I have served.
Personally, I have been privileged to parent 11 young people — some biological, some formally or informally adopted — often in collaboration with their biological families. This experience has taught me the importance of humility, service, teamwork, flexibility, and perseverance — qualities that are critical in Board service as well.
The Estes Valley Fire Protection District is at a pivotal moment. In the past year, the Board has faced serious challenges, including a court finding of Open Meetings Law violations and full turnover of Board seats. My priorities as a Board member will be:
- Ensuring strong, transparent governance that restores and deserves public trust.
- Supporting a positive, stable work environment for our fire district staff and volunteers.
- Advancing wildfire preparedness and community education efforts.
- Maintaining sound fiscal stewardship of public funds.
- Strengthening collaboration with community partners and residents.
- Promoting clear communication and public involvement in Board decisions.
- Ensuring compliance with all open meeting and transparency laws.
I believe my professional background, combined with my personal commitment to this community, uniquely position me to serve effectively at this critical time.
You are welcome to reach out to me with any questions. I can be reached at 166 Virginia Drive, Estes Park, CO 80517, by phone at or by email at sandi@smithwillett.com. I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote. I want to serve our community.