On a snowy Tuesday, April 5, 2022, candidates for the 2022 Nederland Municipal Election eagerly awaited the results from home.

Town Administrator Miranda Fisher told The Mountain-Ear at 2 p.m.: “The election judges are counting ballots as we speak. We anticipate that we will have the results around 8 p.m., assuming we don’t get a flood of ballots at the last minute.”

The Mountain-Ear reached out to all the candidates for a statement on their thoughts as ballots continued to roll in.

Mayoral Candidate Julian Taylor: “I’m not really a candidate. I’m a foregone conclusion. No one else is running for Mayor and that is the real source of concern.

“After becoming a candidate, I lost my job. I need to move to the East Coast in a few months. Will anyone respond to my public calls to participate in their governance? It is crucial that they do.

“I have discussed a special election to fill the Mayor’s seat with the Town Administrator, but Colorado statutes require that I actually vacate the seat first. That poses a number of possible problems unless I take the position and do a little organizing first. My plan is to occupy the seat and perform the duties of Mayor while working to assure a smooth transition after my exit. I am hoping to see at least three stalwart residents running for that position.”

Trustee Candidate Karen Blakemore: “As a candidate for this election, I set a goal to walk all the streets in Nederland knocking on doors as I did so and introducing myself to the residents. Yesterday I met that goal, finishing in the Caribou Ridge neighborhood. I spoke with over 300 people. I feel I have a much better understanding of the neighborhoods and the people who live in town, as a result.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting residents over the last few weeks and have appreciated their willingness to talk about their experiences and desires for the town. If elected, I will continue to work closely with the residents of Nederland to represent their needs and desires.”

Trustee Candidate Tania Corvalan: “Regardless of the election results I plan to stay involved with other various volunteer boards and be informed of the town’s agenda so I don’t lose touch with the decisions that affect us all. My hope is that more residents get involved and stay informed and voice concerns to the mayor and town admin and BOT representatives.”

Trustee Candidate Tom Mahowald: “No matter who wins, we’re a “green” board with many years of experience rolling off this term. We have a lot to learn, and even more to do. My top focus areas will be infrastructure, safety, water security, wildfire planning, a second bridge, traffic flow, business district upgrades, and municipal code streamlining, including deciding on our IGA.

“I’m looking forward to our new board, whether I’m elected this term or not. We are blessed with great candidates; I only wish more had stepped forward to run and serve.”

Trustee Candidate Riley McAllister: “I will be awaiting the results from the comfort of my home with good friends and family!”

Trustee Candidate David Sites: “I don’t have any idea who will win and wish the best to whoever does.”

The unofficial abstract of votes was posted by town officials at 9 p.m. with a total of 425 eligible ballots received. Mayoral Candidate Taylor received 293 votes. The three eligible seats on the BOT will go to Blakemore with 285 votes, Mahowald with 235, and Corvalan with 228.

“I will do my best for the citizens of Ned now that they have placed their trust and confidence in me,” Trustee Elect Blakemore told The Mountain-Ear.

On Ballot Issue No. 2A, regarding the continuance of a small sales tax being allocated to the Nederland Community Center, 370 citizens voted in favor, with only 32 opposed. This 0.42% sales tax amounts to 42 cents collected from every hundred dollars spent in town and directly funds improvements, repairs and renovations to the Community Center as well as its continued operation and maintenance.

The official results for Nederland’s 2022 Municipal Election will be posted on Friday, April 15, 2022.