Lafayette Council

Gustavo Reyna 

“We have to think about our energy dependence,” says Gustavo Reyna, Intel Corporation’s global marketing manager. “How do we want this city to sustain itself?” Besides being chair of the Lafayette’s Latino Advisory Board for the past year and a half, this marks Reyna’s first stab at politics, but it’s in a community he’s committed himself to “remain healthy and viable.” He supports continuing Xcel’s franchise agreement, and sees great potential in attracting the right businesses for Lafayette. Reyna will bring a pragmatic viewpoint to city council. As he puts it, “The willingness to listen to results in a healthy dialogue.”

Brad Wiesley (i)

Brad Wiesley, a resident of 33 years, is up for reelection. He’s been part of a council that’s seen several things through along the lines of open city space going towards things like the new fire station, Thomas Open Space—a farm-to-table space for the community—and the improvements along Highway 7 (which “will go on for a couple of years ‘till it’s fully funded). “We’ve also made really good strides with Art Night Out,” Wiesley says. When it comes to this year’s ballot issues, he is in favor of the Xcel franchise agreement. “I’m not opposed to the alternative,” he says, mentioning the solar panels on his roof, “it’s just the agreement is a better deal.” He also points out that although he has “no sympathy for oil and gas,” he believes that controls need to be worked out with the state.

Tom Dowling

A retired mathematics professor at Ohio State, Tom Dowling has lived in Lafayette for the past six years and has helped with grassroots movements as well as state and national campaigns since 1992. He has a strong position on the ballot issues regarding the utility occupation tax and banning oil and gas as he is part of East Boulder County United, a group of activists that received over 10 percent of Lafayette voters signatures on the anti-fracking petition. He plans on furthering the grassroots mentality by continuing to go around door-to-door with local businesses and residents. “I would encourage a moderate increase in what the city can do for developers,” he says. “As long as we preserve green space somewhere in there.”

Steve Kracha 

As a council member for the past 2-and-a-half years and member of public art committee, Steve Kracha wants to work on “building a new vision for downtown”—one that is diverse, creative and eclectic, “making it more of an arts community.” In regards to banning oil and gas, the 15-year Lafayette resident believes the state may sue the city. “I don’t think we want to face that legal obligation,” he says. “It would cost us six figures easily.” Kracha points out that a 3-year moratorium is already written and ready to be enacted upon when oil and gas companies come with a permit. He also supports continuing the Xcel franchise, as spending the money towards green technology solely will have “a negative impact somewhere else.”

 Merrily Mazza

A transplant from Chicago, Merrily Mazza was an executive for McGraw Hill in their educational publishing division, and brings over 32 years of business experience. She’s undaunted when it comes to handling large amounts of money and making important decisions. As  a member of East Boulder County United, she supports efforts towards renewable energy and will be a strong, business-minded voice in city council when it comes to such issues. “Local government takes an interesting mix of people with different backgrounds,” Mazza says. “If everyone thinks along the same lines, you’re rubber stamping.”

Clifton Smedley 

No interview

YS votes Yes for: Gustavo Reyna, Merrily Mazza, Brad Wiesley, Steve Kracha