Eight candidates are vying for three positions on the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District Board with issues ranging from maintaining existing amenities to meeting expectations, creating partnerships and promoting programs for youth and seniors.
Candidates for the three, four-year terms include incumbents John K. Ostermiller, Pam Eller, Mike Anderson. Challengers are Tom Wood, Sally Daigle, John Watson, Travis Nicks and Stan Szabelak. Candidates are elected to serve at-large positions and there are no ballot questions.
Daigle said she believes her experience on the Sheridan School Board and depth of knowledge of the board process will make her an asset to the SSPRD board.
Watson, 65, said he is concerned about board transparency, encouraging citizen input and preserving existing facilities while keeping the tax impact low on residents.
Nicks, 37, said some important issues for him are proper administration of park facilities, responsible use of taxpayer funds and open communication with SSPRD residents, taxpayers and users.
Wood, 58, said supporting youth sports programs and promoting activities for senior citizens and maintaining what the district has are important to him.
Ostermiller, 71, said he is concerned with continuing to remain financially strong and maintaining cooperative relationships with partner cities.
Eller, 66, said she is running for re-election to continue what the current board has done to maintain aging amenities while being financially responsible.
Szabelak, 65, said important issues for him in this election include ensuring proper and wise spending of the public’s money and making sure the policies of the district are in line with the public.
Anderson, 70, said he is running for re-election because he believes in the personal and community benefits of promoting recreational activity and that it’s important to maintain the high quality of existing facilities and programs.
This will be a physical election. The following polling places will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 6:
• Littleton Golf and Tennis Club, 5800 S. Federal Blvd., Littleton;
• Buck Community Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave., Littleton;
• Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial;
• South Suburban Golf Course, 7900 S. Colorado Blvd., Centennial;
• Lone Tree Civic Center, 8527 Lone Tree Parkway, Lone Tree.
Goodson Recreation Center is the designated polling place for eligible voters who live outside the district.
Residents can request a mail-in or absentee ballot. For more information, visit sspr.org/board- election-2014.
Clayton Woullard: 303-954-2953, cwoullard@denverpost.com or twitter.com/yhclayton
Updated April 17 at 12:45 p.m. This article has been revised to reflect the following correction. Originally, due to a reporter’s error, the status of candidate Tom Wood was incorrect. This would be his first time on the board.
