Wellington candidates respond to questions

Wellington residents who head for the polls on Tuesday, April 1 have several opportunities to make themselves well-informed voters. The two candidates for mayor and ten candidates running to fill four trustees positions have responded to some tough questions posed by the Chamber of Commerce, the League of Women Voters and the North Forty News. Their answers can go a long way toward helping voters make thoughtful and informed decisions.

The League of Women Voters candidate questionnaire is at www.VOTE411.org.

The Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce questionnaire is at www.wellingtoncoloradochamber.net.

The North Forty News candidate profiles can be found at www.northfortynews.com.

Most candidates are in basic agreement regarding the need for improved communication among Wellington residents, businesses and government. Some feel it’s important for the town council to pay attention to the needs of all community members and to foster a sense of cohesion that does not currently exist. A local weekly newspaper, increased use of electronic media and collaboration with the daily newspaper in Fort Collins are suggested.

With minor exceptions, the candidates favor revitalizing downtown, bringing new businesses to the area and at the same time maintaining the small town atmosphere that encouraged many people to choose Wellington as their home. Auto parts, retailing clothing stores, restaurants, a bowling alley and a large outdoor sports store are mentioned frequently.

A high school in Wellington is favored by many candidates. One suggests the possibility of establishing a local school district to make it happen. A new town hall is favored by a majority but some feel a recreation center is not in the cards until the population has grown. The possibility of establishing a private corporation to own and maintain a large recreation center attractive to surrounding communities was mentioned. Making public use of an existing pool and developing a swim club might reveal the level of local interest in an indoor/pool complex.

None of the candidates oppose speedy completion of Wellington Community Park and most see it as much needed and a unifying factor for the community. Only one candidate placed the need for a new town hall above the completion of the park.

Several candidates asserted the importance of addressing drainage issues on the main street of town and the increased need for utilities and water treatment facilities for a growing community.

Every candidate expressed, in one way or another, their pride in their hometown and their commitment to seeing it prosper while maintaining its uniqueness.

Candidates are largely undecided regarding the establishment of a local police department, beleiving that more information is needed. One suggested hiring someone to interview area communities to learn about the results of consultants they hired to address the issue.