Residents in Manitou Springs will vote for mayor and three at-large city council council members in the 2023 municipal elections. Read more about each candidate here.

MAYOR, 2-YEAR TERM

Nancy Fortuin

NANCY FORTUIN

Campaign phone: 607-725-2906

Campaign email: fortuinformanitousprings@gmail.com

Campaign website: www.fortuinformanitousprings.com

Mailing address: 521 Crystal Hills Blvd., Manitou Springs, CO 80829

What are your top three priorities for this office?

1. Establishing sustainable sources of revenue to improve infrastructure, prevent fires, continue our sustainability initiatives and increase parking and mobility options while reducing congestion.

2. Establishing priorities that focus the council’s efforts on a shared vision of the future. We need to have a shared understanding of what it is that makes Manitou Springs great and what we love about it to preserve our unique culture.

3. Finishing what we have started and maintaining the momentum we have achieved over the past six years. Significant projects include but are not limited to the Carnegie Library, Hiawatha Gardens, Soda Springs Park, maintenance for our roads, fire training facility, energy efficiency audits, acquisition of electric trams, and an additional water tank.

What do you think the city’s largest challenge is, and how do you plan to address it?

The council sets priorities for the city and the budget reflects those priorities. A fire, pandemic, or national legalization marijuana can cause us to quickly rethink priorities. I think a stable and sustainable source of revenue and attention to economic development is our largest challenge. We need to actively work with our current business community to learn about their issues and how the city can assist. We also need to look at development/redevelopment opportunities. The east side of the city is an ideal location for this, and the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) has financial tools to help attract development as well as the knowledge and skills to help ensure developer’s projects meet the values of our city. Lastly, we need to look closely at our Land Use Development Code to see if we are unnecessarily restricting development that would be a good fit for Manitou Springs.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

It’s time for a change! The past few years have been characterized by the council being in a reactive mode to stabilize the city. We are now poised to transition our attention from reactive to proactive. We need to shape the future of our amazing city when change is all around us. We need to have a clear vision and political will to manage inevitable change and not let outside forces define us. My experience in leading organizations through transitions make me the most qualified candidate for the Mayor of Manitou Springs.

TYLER GRAEFE

No information available.

John Graham

Courtesy of Stacy Carosa

JOHN GRAHAM (incumbent)

Campaign phone: 719-400-8106

Campaign email: jgraham@manitouspringsco.gov

Campaign website: None

Mailing address: 9 Dudley Road, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

What are your top three priorities for this office?

1. To leave the city in better shape, with a reinvigorated citizenship to face the future. Long-term solutions go beyond the term of a single mayor or City Council. The real mark of victory is a vibrant, undaunted citizenry who will be passionate stewards into the future.

2. Develop a better balance between the needs of residents versus those of visitors. The answers aren’t simple, but the residents’ quality of life should be at the forefront. I am deeply committed to enhancing our quality of life.

3. Cultivate a broad-spectrum sense of stewardship: environment, financial, cultural. Let us be a community that defines itself and its future with deliberation and passion.

What do you think the city’s largest challenge is, and how do you plan to address it?

The biggest challenge is that “everybody wants everything, and they want it now.” The community has a lot of problems with differing ideas about what is most important. When I took office, the city was suffering from “priority paralysis,” without a clear idea of what to do or in what order.

We have used budgeting and planning to systematically fix things. Since then, some projects have been completed, some are in progress or are on the drawing board, while others are waiting their turn. Overall, the work will be extensive, but we need to continue with unrelenting resolve.

The good news is that we are well-positioned. City staff is solid. We saved money up to work big problems.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I have nearly four years’ experience as mayor, coupled with a great appetite to see projects done. I have worked hard to save money and get projects shovel-ready: the Library, a new auxiliary water tank, upgrades to the water treatment plant, remodeling at City Hall and a new fire training facility.

The next several years will be critical. The city will negotiate a 20-year franchise agreement with Colorado Springs Utilities. Done correctly, we should use this to bury overhead utilities, neighborhood by neighborhood.

We need to make environmental stewardship a cultural value, led by the city. Let us consider redeveloping the west end and making downtown user-friendly with an eye to what serves us best.

3 AT-LARGE CITY COUNCIL, 4-YEAR TERM

Judith Chandler

JUDITH CHANDLER (incumbent)

Campaign phone: 719-464-4679

Campaign email: judithcnp@msn.com

Campaign website: not available

Mailing address: Manitou Springs City Hall, 606 Manitou Blvd., Manitou Springs, CO 80829

What are your top three priorities for this office?

My first priority is the health, safety, welfare and quality of life for all residents and visitors. My voting record includes bringing ambulance service in-house, passing the wildfire mitigation and evacuation plans, approving the fire department training facility, new water tank, and infrastructure and road improvements.

The effects of climate change on our environment must be addressed with a robust commitment to sustainable development, protecting our precious water resources and tree canopy, decreasing vehicle traffic and emissions, and adopting drought-tolerant landscaping.

Completing the vast number of initiatives already approved including the Carnegie library remodel, Hiawatha Gardens mobility hub, Creek Walk plan, police department remodel, Soda Springs Park remodel, Higginbotham Flats Park plan, and fitness center improvements.

What do you think the city’s largest challenge is, and how do you plan to address it?

The largest challenge Manitou faces is traffic congestion, lack of adequate parking, and associated environmental pollution from vehicle exhaust emissions. We must balance the needs of our residents with the business community and tourists to provide a well-planned vision for connectivity citywide. I will continue to advocate for free, easily accessible electric buses that service all areas of town. I co-authored the e-bike voucher plan, mimicking the state program, that provides funds for Manitou residents to buy an e-bike. Completing the Creek walk trail through town and the Hiawatha Gardens mobility hub will increase safe and fun routes to homes, schools, work, parks, businesses, and open space trails.

 What makes you the most qualified candidate for the position?

Three generations of my family live in Manitou Springs. I think very carefully on how every decision made today will affect generations of residents, business owners and visitors long into the future. After 26 years as a nurse-practitioner, massage therapist and owner of two successful businesses, I retired to devote my time to the community I love. I have served on city council for almost four years as a transparent and approachable leader who respectfully listens and looks for common ground in finding solutions. I have a proven record of prioritizing the needs of residents while supporting the business community. The experience I gained governing through a global pandemic helped me in making difficult decisions, prioritize needs, and think proactively.

Mark Lee

MARK LEE

Campaign phone: not available

Campaign email: leemark@gmail.com

Campaign website: not available

Mailing address: 413 Washington Ave., Manitou Springs CO 80829

What are your top three priorities for this office?

1. Community engagement: ensuring that every resident’s voice is heard, and their concerns are addressed.

2. Sustainable local economy: Working collaboratively to find a balance between the tourism economy and preserving the character of our town as an arts community while prioritizing the quality of life for residents.

3. Inclusivity and diversity: striving to make Manitou Springs a welcoming place for everyone from all backgrounds, identities, and economic circumstances.

What do you think the city’s largest challenge is, and how do you plan to address it?

The biggest issue impacting our vibrant tourism economy and the quality of life of our residents is parking/traffic/mobility, which are interrelated and must be a priority for City Council going forward. I would look carefully at revising the current parking strategy, to include ensuring that residents are able to park at their homes and employees are able to park near their jobs, going back to offering free parking in the east end of town while continuing and potentially expanding free shuttle options to incentivize tourists, Incline users, and Cog Railway patrons to easily and comfortably shuttle to their destinations in town.

I believe that every person on the ballot for City Council this year cares deeply about Manitou, and the fact that voters will have so many options this election is a testament to the strength of our community. That said, I will bring a fresh perspective, and will actively communicate with residents to listen to their ideas and concerns, study the facts, and make data-driven decisions that prioritize the greater good for all residents.

Anthony Mogck

ANTHONY MOGCK

Campaign phone: not available

Campaign email: a.mogck@gmail.com

Campaign website: not available

Mailing address: not available

What are your top three priorities for this office?

Promote responsible tourism and destination stewardship, improve council transparency and communication so residents have a better opportunity to be engaged and bridge the gap between our business and residential communities.

What do you think the city’s largest challenge is, and how do you plan to address it?

There is a clear separation between residents and businesses/tourism, making it difficult for Manitou to move forward.

Our town often feels as if it is being pulled in conflicting directions, I believe that by prioritizing transparency in council activities, using data and best practices from other cities facing the same issues while championing responsible tourism, we can forge a sense of unity within our entire community. This approach will help move all of Manitou forward in a positive direction.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

Over the past decade, my family and I have been heavily involved in our local community. We not only call Manitou home, but also own and operate a thriving local business. I serve on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce, while my wife serves on the Housing Advisory Board. With our son benefiting from Manitou’s outstanding school system, every facet of this town carries great importance to us. As well as graduating from the Manitou Citizens Academy, this uniquely equips me to contribute to the future of Manitou Springs, ensuring that it evolves in a manner that truly represents the interests of all of Manitou.

Charlotte “Susan” Presti

CHARLOTTE ‘SUSAN’ PRESTI

Campaign phone: 719-685-0302

Campaign email: Susan4manitou@SusanPresti.com

Campaign website: SusanPresti.com

Mailing address: P.O. Box 672, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

 What are your top three priorities for this office?

My top three priorities are:

1. infrastructure investment.

2. economic vitality.

3. public safety.

I will champion investment in upgrades and maintenance of our water, wastewater, and storm water systems and continued repair of our public roads to ensure resilient and reliable systems.

I will pursue ways to reduce regulatory barriers to business and seek creative solutions to improving access to our world class attractions, charming hospitality and retail establishments.

I will support funding for our police and fire departments to ensure they can recruit sufficient qualified officers and firefighters and provide equipment and training to prepare them to protect our community. I will support increased fire mitigation and work to coordinate with surrounding land managers.

 What do you think the city’s largest challenge is, and how do you plan to address it?

Ensuring a sustainable economy is the largest challenge in the coming years. Balancing critical funding needs with sufficient revenue is a special challenge for a small town with tourism as the primary industry. The additional element of congestion in the Manitou Valley is an integral issue in this challenge. Congestion inhibits tourism revenue as well as impacting the quality of life for residents. I would look for ways to extend the tourism season for our business as well as support the Urban Renewal Authority’s efforts to bring new business into the east end of Manitou. I will support the city administration’s efforts to identify and leverage grants and state funding sources to extend the impact of the city budget.

 What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I am a longtime resident of Manitou Springs with extensive experience in municipal government operations. During my 20 years working for Colorado Springs Utilities, I worked with city councils, served on interagency task forces, and facilitated public participation processes. I build and maintain effective relationships which enable me to achieve partnerships in solving issues.

I am not afraid to make decisions based on quality information and consideration of options. I value and respect the many volunteers who give of their expertise to address our community issues. I will make decisions that consider the best interests of both businesses and residents. I am focused on creating a vibrant future for our community while respecting our historic culture and character.

 JOHN SHADA

John Shada

Campaign phone: 719-504-6462

Campaign email: john.shada.4council@gmail.com

Campaign website: bit.ly/john-shada-4council

Mailing address: 606 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829

 What are your top three priorities for this office?

Manitou has by some estimates over 2 million visitors per year, which means a crushing number of visitor cars during the high season and weekends, this for a small community of 5,000 people. I have listened to what the community wants and is committed to building through our parking and transit operations an excellent visitor experience that is centered around parking once — in satellite parking areas, then enabling visitor mobility by using quiet electric trolleys to experience downtown, the Cog and Incline. Manitou’s residential neighborhoods need new pavement and traffic calming which can be funded without increasing taxes, funded by using parking meter dollars. I’m dedicated to updating our infrastructure and believe in creating a sustainable community.

 What do you think the city’s largest challenge is, and how do you plan to address it?

Manitou’s basic community infrastructure needs updating. Over two-thirds of our community has overhead utilities wires, which create a hazard for fire in increasingly dry, windy years. These above-ground utilities need an underground plan that will require a substantial community investment. The Ruxton corridor undergrounding is slated to start next year. Our water, sewer and storm-water systems also need updating. Our residential neighborhoods also need new pavement. I am determined to dedicate large portions of our parking meter dollars toward updating our roads and storm-water system. Last year with my leadership, Council took the step of refocusing the retail marijuana dollars toward citywide infrastructure projects. I would continue to focus those dollars toward updating our citywide infrastructure.

 What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

My track record of getting results for Manitou since 1979 brings the qualities to City Council that are needed for the next four years. As an engineer with an MBA in project management, I am experienced at listening, and work to bring tangible solutions to problems I hear. I have been mayor pro tem for six years; treasurer of Ute Pass Preservation, which spearheaded saving Waldo Canyon from a gravel mine; and was spokesperson for Citizens Opposed to Gambling With Manitou, which worked to keep organized slot-machine gambling from overtaking Manitou. I believe in creating a sustainable community, championing Manitou’s parks, trails and open spaces, and would be honored to continue serving Manitou as an at-large councilmember.

Carey Storm

CAREY STORM

Campaign phone: not available

Campaign email: carey@elwersfamily.com

Campaign website: not available

Mailing address: not available

 What are your top three priorities for this office?

First, I would like to help to develop a more proactive approach to wildfire mitigation and preparation for our community. Second, move the city away from dependence on marijuana taxes and develop alternative income streams, such as creating incentives to fill vacant store fronts. Third, continue to support the infrastructure remediation that is in the works.

 What do you think the city’s largest challenge is, and how do you plan to address it?

I am very concerned that with climate change our little city has the potential to burn without additional proactive steps being taken to remediate wildfire risk. I support empowering the fire department to be very proactive and actually inspect each property in the city for hazardous conditions, and to require remediation where appropriate.

 What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I believe I am one of several well-qualified candidates running this year. I feel that my experience in construction, real estate, emergency management and business continuity can be useful in many of the challenges the city faces. I enjoy finding solutions for challenging issues and helping to find a middle ground where appropriate.

Julie Wolfe

JULIE WOLFE

Campaign phone: not available

Campaign email: julie@jwolfelawfirm.com

Campaign website: not available

Mailing Address: 606 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829

 What are your top three priorities for this office?

Quality of life for residents without tax increases; reasonable land-use and development laws; preservation of the unique and quirky vibe of Manitou.

We are on the verge of major capital improvement and economic development decisions that will forever change our city. My constituents do not want Manitou to look like Breckenridge or downtown Colorado Springs. I have the fortitude to resist the intense pressures from developers and other special interests when they push for law changes that allow development that doesn’t fit with Manitou.

We need less traffic on Ruxton and downtown. I advocate purchasing an outlying parking area, and transporting people downtown, to the Incline and the Cog on free electric buses.

What do you think the city’s largest challenge is, and how do you plan to address it?

A major challenge facing Manitou City Council is how to get the best “bang for our buck” with our city funds.

I support using marijuana sales taxes to fund projects citywide. More than $1.5 million is generated in these sales taxes annually. Some members of Council believe those funds should continue to be used exclusively for the east end of Manitou Avenue, leaving insufficient funds for our essential projects. I advocate that we avoid raising taxes and obtaining loans, and instead use those tax revenues now and in future years to fund the Carnegie Library renovation, Hiawatha Gardens Mobility Hub, the pool and fitness center renovations, and much-needed renovations to city hall, the police station and the fire station.

 What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I’ve lived in Manitou for 38 years, raised my children here, participated in our schools and numerous neighborhood concerns, and served on nonprofit boards, including the Manitou Education Foundation. I have served in Manitou government for the past 14 years: 10 years as planning commissioner and the past four years as city councilor.

I’m ready to hit the ground running for a second term, without wasting precious time for on-the-job training. As an attorney, my background provides a solid foundation for proposing fiscally responsible and creative solutions to our city’s challenges.

You can expect the highest level of passion and commitment from me to respect your input, and to advocate for solutions that improve our quality of life and sustainability. 

ALAN DELWICHE

No information available.

 STEVEN HART

No information available.

Colin McAllister, candidate for Manitou Springs City Council

Jeffrey M Foster

 COLIN MCALLISTER

Campaign phone: 719-255-5134

Campaign email: colinlmcallister@gmail.com

Campaign website: www.mcallisterformanitou.com

Mailing address: 43 Crystal Park Road, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

 What are your top three priorities for this office?

I’ve been serving on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for the past two years. I plan to continue the work towards making our city a more vibrant place to live and visit by improving and promoting our beautiful outdoor spaces, parks and trails.

I will work to ensure a variety of reliable income streams for our city by supporting local businesses, while working to attract new and diverse investments. I would like to see a greater variety of dining and retail options attractive to local residents that would help us move toward a more year-round economy.

I’m running for City Council to help intelligently balance the needs of our residents, businesses, visitors and the environment.

 What do you think the city’s largest challenge is, and how do you plan to address it?

Balancing the needs of our many stakeholders through attentive listening and careful decision making.

 What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I will move city government forward by promoting harmony and advocating for a balanced, reasonable decision-making process based on facts, not opinions.

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