Sean Waddell promised Wednesday he would bring business sense to the Durango City Council if elected in April.
Waddell, a Durango native, made his formal announcement at the Fort Lewis College amphitheater surrounded by supporters.
Waddell is the fourth contender to enter the race for two at-large seats. Mayor Sweetie Marbury, Councilor Dick White and Dave McHenry already have started their campaigns.
He worked in the financial industry for about 23 years, and assured the crowd he would be a voice for the business community.
“I want to be your voice and be your advocate on City Council,” he told the business people present.
Waddell worked for Fiserv ISS, TD Ameritrade Institutional, The Bank of New York Mellon and Swan Wealth Advisors, a Durango company. He is now a property manager in Durango.
The city’s infrastructure needs, including a potential expansion of the airport terminal and $55 million in sewer plant upgrades, are some of his biggest concerns.
“There is not a sense of urgency in prioritization,” he said of the council’s current approach.
He said he wasn’t sure which airport expansion plan he supported yet, but he sees investment in the airport as key because it is an economic driver.
The City Council and the La Plata County commissioners are considering three options for airport expansion. Voters would ultimately have to approve the project.
Waddell would also like to see all the infrastructure in the city evaluated because there are so many needs that have not been proactively managed over the years.
There is still time for more candidates to join the race. Petitions with 25 valid Durango voters’ signatures are due to the City Clerk’s Office March 3, and election Day is April 7.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
