On May 6, the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District will hold an election to fill two open seats on its board of directors. Each position carries a four-year term. Voters in the district will choose between six candidates. The following presents their answers to three questions the Times posed about their qualifications for the job and thoughts about recreation in the valley. These email responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Adam Shindler
What specific experience do you have that would make you an asset to the MetRec board?
Having worked across the spectrum of the hospitality service industry for 25-plus years in a variety of roles encompassing financial analysis, hotel and restaurant management, destination resort development and master planning, I’ve been responsible for engaging with multiple stakeholders (e.g., age, race, gender, religion, politics, etc.) to find reasonable and rational common-ground solutions that address a variety of complex challenges.
Specifically, these challenges have included, but not limited to: fiscally-driven matters related to long-term strategic planning and budgeting, capital raising and investment decision-making, personnel management pertaining to day-to-day operations, brand awareness campaigns for (new hospitality-focused) product launches, and sustainable community impact assessment(s) tied to regenerative tourism focused on emerging markets’ growth throughout the Americas.
The word “recreation” covers a lot of ground. What are your personal priorities for rec funding and development in the valley?
My recreation priorities are focused on these core tenets: public accessibility, county-wide connectivity, active participation, sustainable growth and mental and physical wellness (including spirituality). As such, I would desire to apply fiscal responsibility to the distribution of resources, focusing the efforts of MetRec toward long-term strategic planning that focus on the needs of the entire community while addressing generational needs both up- and down-stream for maximum beneficial impact to our residents, young and old(er). I believe we need a cohesive vision for the future and a corresponding plan that supports responsible growth for the community, including programming that can benefit all residents of the county.
The future of MetRec over-the-air TV service is currently under discussion. What is your position on that topic?
Based on the research I’ve conducted, including reviewing materials prepared by MetRec, it would seem prudent to address the enormous capital commitment required to bring aged-out technology up to modern-day compliance standards. In looking to the future of the technology and the functional users within our community who utilize the service, deploying large sums of limited capital may not be the most prudent use of district funds for the long-term prosperity of our community. I believe we need to maintain the FCC licenses that MetRec currently holds under all scenarios to preserve the county’s ability to address future technology for TV connectivity and distribution systems/methods. These aren’t likely to be retrieved if MetRec allows for the expiry of any license, so it’s a safeguard to protect the system’s underlying value.
Sheila Davis
What specific experience do you have that would make you an asset to the MetRec board?
I have lived in the Gunnison Valley for 26 years. I am an attorney, but probably more important, I have an accounting background. My undergraduate degree is in accounting and I have a Master of Accountancy from the University of Denver. I am also a CPA, although my license is not renewed. My background is important because there is a great financial demand to provide services to the people of Gunnison and limited resources. My experience as an accountant and an attorney makes me uniquely qualified to help analyze the resources and demands for recreation in the Gunnison Valley. Dollars are limited, but there are other sources of revenue to help provide recreation and television services that will be acceptable to all the citizens of Gunnison Valley.
The word “recreation” covers a lot of ground. What are your personal priorities for rec funding and development in the valley?
When I moved to Gunnison, recreation was limited. I was disappointed there was not a community swimming pool for my children to enjoy, especially since outdoor pools are impractical. Since then, we have developed the recreation center, both for young people and the elderly, improved and expanded the ice rinks and established multiple bike and hiking paths. All the while, we have had over-the-air television service. I would like to see this development continue. I do not believe they are mutually exclusive.
The future of MetRec over-the-air TV service is currently under discussion. What is your position on that topic?
MetRec was established to provide over-the-air television to the Gunnison Valley community. It seems that we have lost that focus of why MetRec was created and how our tax dollars are spent. I realize it is a financial outlay, but if the infrastructure is destroyed, there will be no way to resurrect it. The goal should be how to save the television services if at all possible. Many people depend on that service and, without it, it will be like living in a third-world country.
Dave Wiens
What specific experience do you have that would make you an asset to the MetRec board?
Having lived in the Gunnison Valley for 40 years, I have a solid understanding of the opportunities and challenges living here presents. As a board member, I work to understand, from various perspectives, the topics and issues that MetRec is tasked with, and make decisions that I feel are in the best interest of the taxpayers.
The word “recreation” covers a lot of ground. What are your personal priorities for rec funding and development in the valley?
Based on excellent participation from the citizens of the valley, MetRec assembled a detailed recreation master plan that accurately identifies recreation needs in our community. Highlights include rec path expansion valley-wide and more indoor recreation opportunities in the North Valley. My support will lean heavily on what the citizens of the valley told MetRec during the master planning process and the recreation amenities identified by them in the master plan.
The future of MetRec over-the-air TV service is currently under discussion. What is your position on that topic?
I understand the value of over-the-air TV to many citizens in our valley and am aware that for some, this is the only connection to the outside world for entertainment, news and sports. However, I also understand that delivering over-the-air TV all around our valley is full of challenges. Aging, damaged or completely destroyed infrastructure and technology at numerous remote sites around the valley need attention in the form of financial investment. Uncertainty around tower leases and locations present additional challenges, also requiring financial investment. Technology is constantly changing and adapting to these changes is costly. I will be looking closely at the cost to bring the system up to modern standards and what it will cost to operate the system in the years ahead. I will look closely at the estimated cost per user for the main chain (Gunnison and Crested Butte) as well as the remote chain that serves the small outlying communities. Based on these factors and information, I will consider the costs and requirements of continuing to offer over-the-air TV and if it is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
Sharon Mills
What specific experience do you have that would make you an asset to the MetRec board?
I have high ethical standards and act with honesty and transparency. I served as the secretary of Habitat for Humanity and as secretary/treasurer for Boomers and Beyond. I am currently president of the City of Gunnison Senior Center Advisory Board.
The word “recreation” covers a lot of ground. What are your personal priorities for rec funding and development in the valley?
Involving the residents in the planning and development of recreational programs for ensuring they meet the needs of the community.
The future of MetRec over-the-air TV service is currently under discussion. What is your position on that topic?
I disagree with discontinuing over-the-air TV. Yes, recreation is important, but TV is important to people that can no longer participate in physical activities. Those people are equally as important and both types of recreation need to be continued. It shouldn't be one, or the other.
Sean Patrick
What specific experience do you have that would make you an asset to the MetRec board?
I’ve been a business owner for over 20 years, involved in community organization for over 10 years, served on the Buckhorn Ranch HOA board for eight years and as the president for three; and I’m on the Planning Commission for Gunnison County. My strength as a leader is my ability to see a project through from idea to result (for example, Buckaroo Park and the pickleball courts in Buckhorn Ranch). Plus, I’m personally invested in the area’s recreation. I’m the guy who takes it upon himself to go out to Strand and Deer Creek with a saw and cut down trees that are on the trail in the late spring. Not because anyone is paying me or telling me to, but because I like solving those problems.
The word “recreation” covers a lot of ground. What are your personal priorities for rec funding and development in the valley?
As the father of two elementary-aged kids, developing the rec path from CB South to town is my main priority. It’s currently unsafe to ride a bike down Hwy. 135 and it’s our responsibility to provide a better option for our kids and for all community members.
The future of MetRec over-the-air TV service is currently under discussion. What is your position on that topic?
I want to do what best meets the needs of the community, and for me, that means learning more about the issue. It seems that the community is trending away from broadcast TV, which would mean reallocating funding toward the reason most of us are here — the amazing recreation opportunities that Gunnison County provides.
Shawn Cooper
What specific experience do you have that would make you an asset to the MetRec board?
My experience in working with many different and often conflicting interest groups in an effort to arrive at a mutual understanding and resulting in a community benefit will prove to be tremendously beneficial, as the MetRec faces ever increasing challenges coordinating and appeasing the many different needs and interests of the community. I have 30-plus years of experience in the parks and recreation industry planning and developing parks and facilities as well as planning and budgeting for future needs.
The word “recreation” covers a lot of ground. What are your personal priorities for rec funding and development in the valley?
The meaning of the term recreation continues to evolve and expand as our recreation possibilities expand with technology and our experiences. There are numerous aspects of a community which are proven to be extremely valuable, but are frequently not regarded as a priority such as preservation of viewsheds and open spaces, while other major projects demand the spotlight. This is common and necessary while planning recreation opportunities in a community. The trend over the past many years and throughout almost all communities is the creation and maintenance of a strong and usable trail system, the Gunnison Valley is no different. Trail system development will continue to be a high priority as well as more accessible neighborhood recreation opportunities and improved multi-seasonal facilities.
The future of MetRec over-the-air TV service is currently under discussion. What is your position on that topic?
MetRec has long been the provider of an over-the-air TV service and continues to demand a significant portion of the annual appropriations of the annual budget. I personally cannot access the service. However it does provide important access for some portion of the population in the valley. I am very hopeful that the recent survey will provide valuable information and insight so the board and community will be able to discuss the future of the service and explore alternatives.
(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@gunnisontimes.com.)
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