After a tumultuous year, Forest Lakes Metropolitan District residents are ready for the upcoming elections: 10 people are on the ballot vying for three open seats on the board of directors – an unusually large showing for a special district election.
The subdivision north of Bayfield, one of the largest in La Plata County, has seen staff turnover and contention among board members and with the community. On May 5, residents will choose their next leaders from three incumbents and seven newcomers.
During a community meeting Sunday, almost all the candidates highlighted an upcoming office relocation as a key issue for the community.
The district rents office space in Bayfield, and some community members believe the district will save money by moving it to Forest Lakes. The board voted to approve the move but disagreed about how to pay for it and whether the relocation committee completed sufficient financial research. After months of debate, the current board decided to put the issue to a vote on the May 5 ballot.
“I think that’s in our best interest, but I think we need to look at that and make sure we get the best value out of that,” said Mark Rushfeldt, a newcomer candidate.
Several candidates said $5 million in upcoming water and sewer treatment plant renovations is a key issue. Some said the district would need to prepare for a recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Shauna Unger, an incumbent candidate, said the district needs to manage its budget to keep fees down for residents.
“We need to protect our funds. We need to protect our people,” Unger said.
Candidates also mentioned illegal dumping at the Forest Lakes trash facility, upgrading parks, developing a strategic plan and paving the front entrance of the subdivision as key issues.
Looking toward the future, most candidates said the district needed to add more community amenities and improve infrastructure in preparation for expected population growth in La Plata County.
During the meeting, the candidates made the case for why they should be elected. Here is what they said:
Bates, retired, has served on an HOA board and has the time to serve the community, she said. She graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and supervision. She has an associate’s degree in human resources.
Dvojack, who first purchased Forest Lakes land in 1983, is a former foreman at a mine and current president of the Pine River Senior Center in Bayfield.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes here, and I’d like to see some of these things come back if possible,” he said, like a dock at Lake Simpatico and other amenities.
Fouts works as a planner in the La Plata County Planning Department. She has also worked in real estate as an operations manager. From those experiences, she said she has dealt with budgets, managed large groups, resolved conflicts and understands rules and government tied to district boards.
Before moving to Durango in 1992, Itter worked for homebuilding companies. She is currently a real estate agent and mortgage broker in the Bayfield area. She said she loves the Forest Lakes community and wants to be part of changing it – particularly the “stigma” attached to it.
“I would like to see Forest Lakes become a highly sought (sic) community,” she said.
Before joining the board in 2019, Kissell helped with the 2018 election and volunteered with fire mitigation events. She spent 28 years working with the Colorado Department of Transportation, during which she served on several boards and held leadership positions. She was director of the Rocky Mountain Hazardous Materials Association and a deputy with the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office.
Martin works for the Bayfield School District and has served on homeowners association boards. Based on this experience, he said he understands the local, state and federal regulations that drive board decisions. He also emphasized his ability to find consensus while working in groups.
Rushfeldt served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from the Air Force Academy with an engineering degree. He has 27 years of supervisory and management experience, during which he developed a collaborative management style.
A Forest Lakes resident since 2006, Sheetz is the vice president of the board of directors. He joined the board in 2018 and has served on several committees, including the relocation feasibility committee and personnel committee.
Unger, a real estate agent with the Wells Group, has been on the board for 1½ years and has worked with other boards in past positions. During that time, she developed problem-solving and negotiating skills, and an understanding of factors that affect property values.
Webb owns and operates CW Development, a La Plata County construction company. He is an Eagle Scout and Fort Lewis College graduate.
Denis Stratford, a write-in and newcomer candidate, did not present his candidacy at the meeting.
Residents should return ballots to the Forest Lakes Metro District Administration Office in Bayfield by 7 p.m. May 5, election day. A postmarked date of May 5 will not be accepted, according to the district website.
smullane@durangoherald.com
