Armed with 1 1/2 inch binders chock full of critical information about election details, dates and deadlines, official forms that must be filed on time at risk of daily fines, state laws, 50 pages of town policies, and a pep talk from term-limited Mayor Pro Tem Marie Cenac, about 15 interested, and perhaps curious, residents took time Tuesday night to hear what it takes to run for a seat on the Estes Park Town Council in the upcoming April 7 municipal election.
Of those who attended the meeting hosted by Jackie Williamson, the Estes Park town clerk and director of administrative services, only six individuals picked up the binder of candidate information. Obtaining the formal information compendium is not a requirement for seeking election.
Those seeking office must file nomination forms signed by 10 eligible Town of Estes Park residents no later than Jan. 26 for the all-mail election.
Of the six who did obtain the material on Tuesday, both incumbents have already announced their candidacies.
Kirby Hazelton was first up with a post on her “Kirby Nelson-Hazelton, Town of Estes Park Trustee” Facebook page on Tuesday night, stating, “I am eligible for a second term and plan to submit my candidacy in the coming weeks.”
“I am looking forward to another great election process and I am excited to see a good slate of candidates come before the community,” Hazelton said.
In announcing his plan to seek election, Bill Brown said in a post on Wednesday morning on his Facebook page, “Bill Brown Estes Park Town Trustee”, “Last night I picked up the materials to put my name in nomination to run again for the Estes Park Town Board. I have served on the board for the past two years and I look forward to the opportunity to serve another term as a Trustee.”
“I am interested in seeking the input of Town residents about the future of Estes Park and their concerns about local issues.” Brown has already scheduled two open-table meetings to meet with residents. The first will be Friday at 3 p.m. at Kind Coffee, and the second will be at The Barrel at 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12.
Three seats are up for election. Cenac has already served eight years on the Town Board and is term-limited. If elected by eligible voters, Hazelton and Brown are eligible to serve another term.
Eligible electors are individuals who live in the Town of Estes Park and are registered to vote. Individuals who were registered voters but have not voted in the past two or more elections may not be listed on the current voter rolls and may need to reregister. Voter rolls are available from the Larimer County clerk and recorder for a fee, according to Williamson.
Residents can hold office if they have resided inside Town limits for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the election. The filing deadline for nomination petitions is Jan. 26 at 5 p.m.
More election information can be obtained at estes.org/elections or by contacting the Town Clerk’s office at 970-577-4777 or emailing the Estes Park Town Clerk. To register to vote, click here. townclerk@estes.org. Register to vote at govotecolorado.com.