On April 2, 2024, ballots are due for Nederland’s municipal election. On March 4, six of the seven candidates running for the Board of Trustees and the two candidates running for mayor attended a Meet the Candidates Forum, hosted by The Mountain-Ear, during which they answered questions collected from the community.

Candidate Riley McCallister was unable to attend the forum due to prior commitments, but despite traveling abroad McCallister kept in communication and provided his answers to the five general questions, submitted by the public, asked of all candidates.

The first question: “How have you, and/or how will you, operate with transparency and honesty in your role as Mayor and/or Trustee?”

“Being transparent and honest as a Trustee is super important,” McCallister answered in an email to The Mountain-Ear. “I'll make sure to communicate openly, share information, and be truthful in all my actions. It's all about building trust and keeping everyone in the loop. Transparency is key.”

The next question asked for candidates to disclose any current personal or professional relationships with Nederland Central Business District Redevelopment LLC, which represents Ron Mitchell and his proposal for redevelopment of Nederland’s downtown.

The question also asked each candidate to explain why they were in favor of or opposed to Mitchell’s proposal.

“I don't have any personal or professional relationships with Nederland Central Business District Redevelopment LLC,” McCallister answered. “I don't have a specific stance on it since I don't have any personal involvement. It's essential to consider all aspects of the proposal and weigh the pros and cons before forming a final plan for the future of Nederland.”

Asked to state approval or opposition to the Bobcat Ridge project, which proposes that the Town of Nederland annex land for the creation of housing and an “early outdoor education facility,” McCallister responded:

“I don't have a personal stance on the annexation of land and the condo development proposed for Bobcat Ridge since I don't have any direct involvement in that project. I believe that it's crucial to look at all the details, potential impacts, and community feedback before forming a decision.”

Would he “support or oppose the use of tax dollars to subsidize mortgage loans so that those who qualify for affordable housing could better afford to purchase existing homes in Nederland”?

McCallister first admitted that it was a complex issue. “It's essential to weigh the benefits of helping people afford homes against the impact on the community and the effective use of public funds. I would like to hear more community opinions on the matter.”

Finally, he was asked to express his view on the tabled Big Springs egress project, as well as the possibility of a second bridge across Middle Boulder Creek, and to address how he would prioritize these projects.

“When it comes to the Big Springs egress and the need for a second bridge across the river, it's crucial to consider the points and the community's needs. These infrastructure projects can have a big impact on safety and accessibility in Nederland. It's important to evaluate the priorities and benefits for the town as a whole. I believe that the safety of the town and surrounding areas is a very high priority, and that action is going to be necessary in the future.”

McCallister and all of the candidates were featured in Candidates Profiles in previous editions of The Mountain-Ear, which can be viewed online at https://www.themtnear.com/category/government/.

The Meet the Candidates Forum was held at the Nederland Community Center on Monday, March 4, and was featured in the March 7 edition of The Mountain-Ear. The article can be read on the newspaper’s website, and a recording of the Zoom presentation can be viewed on The Mountain-Ear YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/zz_ePJo59NQ?feature=shared.

With more than 60 questions submitted by the community, and only five questions asked at the forum, there are plans to reach out to candidates with more questions later in March. These questions hit on hot button issues like the dwindling enrollment numbers in Nederland schools, disaster preparedness, and wildfire mitigation.

Keep reading The Mountain-Ear for more updates on Nederland’s 2024 municipal election as they develop.