The Town of Fowler is set to hold a Municipal Election April 6, 2010. Fowler voters will be electing four trustees (three four-year seats and one two-year seat) as well as a mayor. Trustees who have terms set to expire are Chuck Hitchcock, Randy McKown, Jim Baldwin and Jack Hobby. Mayor Ray Wards' two-year seat is also up for vote. Trustees Monie Stites and Pat Christensen each have two years left on their terms. However, Pat Christensen is running, unopposed, for mayor. Upon securing that position, his vacant seat on council will need to be filled. That vacancy will be dealt with after Christensen is sworn in. At that time remaining trustees will appoint someone to fill his seat.
All four trustees up for re-election; Hitchcock, McKown, Baldwin and Hobby are running as well as four new candidates; Jan Wards, Joan Vibber, Travis True and Jason Hagerman.
Jim Baldwin
Current job: Otero County District 3 Foreman
Family information: Married Janelle McCuistion 31 years ago, raised three children in Fowler, and have two grandchildren.
How many years have you lived in Fowler?: 40 years
Favorite thing about the community: Hardworking, caring people live here.
Previous town government experience?: Currently serving trustee position and have served on utility board.
What skills, qualifications, or talents do have that will benefit the town?: Knowledge of infrastructure, work with the public well and I have good common sense.
What issues faced by the town do you feel most strongly about?: Drainage, streets and sidewalks, and water quality.
What do you see for Fowler in 5-10 years?: Improvements and solutions to the above stated.
What do you think voters need to keep in mind as they go to the polls in April?: Vote for the persons that you know will serve your needs the best.
Last word, piece of advice, or favorite quote: Vote!
Jason Q. Hagerman
Current job: K.R. Swerdfeger Construction
Family information: I have been married to my wife, Holli, for 10 years. We have three great daughters, Jayde, 11; Jordan, 9; and Jacelyn, 5.
How many years have you lived in Fowler?: I have been a resident of Fowler for almost 25 years. I am currently 31 years of age.
Favorite thing about the community: It is hard to say what my favorite thing is about Fowler because there are so many things that I love. Being in construction has allowed me to work in many different towns and states and, Fowler will always be where I call home. This is a very helpful and caring community that has treated my family and I with great respect which is why I feel it is my duty to try and give back.
Previous town government experience?: Currently I am on the town utility board.
What skills, qualifications, or talents do have that will benefit the town?: Being on the utility board has taught me a lot about the workings of the town and has allowed me to give and receive important information in helping the town's well being. Also, I feel that some younger input would mix well on the council. I plan on retiring here and living with the decisions that are made. My parents have taught me to work hard and fight for what I believe in, and the well being of this community is what I believe in.
What issues faced by the town do you feel most strongly about?: The infrastructure of the community is very important to me because it is the unseen ticking time bomb that is easily overlooked. Also, helping with the security that will help protect the citizens, and most important the children.
What do you see for Fowler in 5-10 years?: I see Fowler on the front seat of technology in becoming a greener and stronger community as a whole.
What do you think voters need to keep in mind as they go to the polls in April?: I have taken time to go to the council meetings to listen in and see what is said, which makes me want to say thank you to the council, Wayne Snider and all the town of Fowler's staff for all of you do for this community. Also if I am elected I would like to see more community members expressing their concern making it easier for the problem to be addressed.
Last word, piece of advice, or favorite quote: My number is in the phone book if anyone would like to ask any questions, but please call in the evenings and not after 9 p.m. because my daughters love their beauty sleep.
Charles R. Hitchcock
Current job: Trustee for the Town of Fowler, Representative for Signs by Scott
Family information: Married to Kathy Hitchcock for 27 years (She's my strongest political opponent, and strongest political supporter). Three children; Shannon Chambers, Gloria Hitchcock and Shawn Hitchcock. I also have a son-in-law, Aaron Chambers; grandson, Michael Chambers; grandson, Julian Maes; and granddaughter, Savanna Maes.
How many years have you lived in Fowler?: Grew up in Fowler, graduated from Fowler High school in 1977. Joined the Navy January 1978, retired 1998, returned to Fowler and have lived here since January 1998.
Favorite thing about the community: Diversity of the People. I once heard the citizens described as “Survivors.” No matter what the rest of the world is doing, no matter what economic struggles the nation faces, people from Fowler know how to survive. We know how to take care of each other and our community. Fowler is truly a positive community, despite what some would say.
Previous town government experience?: Served as a Trustee to the Town of Fowler since November 2004, re-elected in April of 2006 for a 4-year term. In that time I have represented the Town as a member of the Action 22 program, attended several Colorado Municipal League Programs, Governor's Blue Ribbon conferences, represented the Town of Fowler with the Southeast Water Conservation District and the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservation District, chairman of the Fowler Utility Board, served on several different committees for the Town, and a member of our Community's Master Plan group.
What skills, qualifications, or talents do have that will benefit the town?: Willing to listen. I may not be able to act on all the concerns citizens bring forward, but ave always been open to others' opinions. May not agree with all opinions but do respect them and, for the most part, understand why some opinions are what they are.
What issues currently facing the town do you feel most strongly about?: The Town faces many challenges in the near future as well as the distant future. Water, even though it plays a significant role in our day to day lives, as issues are resolved at higher levels of government, we will see an impact on our community. As water is transferred out of the green belt of the Arkansas Valley, we will see economic challenges, growth challenges, and the ability to sustain the strong agriculture base for which the town relies on. Economic development is another issue, recruiting industry which fits our community, industry which will have minimum impact on the existing economics of our community. New industry should compliment or enhance what we already have.
What do you see for Fowler in 5-10 years?: Some growth realistically. As Pueblo grows and adds jobs, Fowler will get some of the growth. Not everyone wants to live in a major city center. I believe we were realistic in our projection of 1% growth annually as we defined the Master Plan. There are many issues which Pueblo County is working on which could benefit the Town of Fowler. Even though the projects wouldn’t be built here, because of our proximity to Pueblo County we could still benefit. Part of the purpose of the Town’s Master Plan was to set objectives for growth and control the type of growth as we grow. So, I truly anticipate some changes with growth. As the Town experiences growth there will be infrastructure issues, opportunities to take advantage of and other challenges to face.
What do you think voters need to keep in mind as they go to the polls in April?: VOTE. We have come a long way in the last few years; I truly believe we have a good council and there have been some exceptional people who have served the citizens over time. Be careful of promises. The only political promise I can make is that I will listen to the voters opinions. May not agree but I will listen.
Jack Hobby
Current job: Emergency Medical Technician, Parkview Hospital
Family information: Wife (Kristi) of 21 years, 3 children (Heather, A.J. and Brianna) and granddaughter (Deliliah).
How many years have you lived in Fowler?: 18 years
Favorite thing about the community: Safety and security, everyone knows each other and looks out for the well being of the community.
Previous town government experience?: I served a previous term on council and was forced to surrender the position due to work schedule and the amount of time that the town needs from its trustees.
What skills, qualifications, or talents do have that will benefit the town?: I have previous trustee experience in the town, I currently serve, and have for the past 8 years, as the police Reserve Captain and have a special interest in the law enforcement in our community especially now that we are in the building stages of getting a department that suits the community as well as upholds the law. I also have spent numerous hours with the Park School transition and look forward to seeing it through, with the next project of hopefully being the relocation of the pool off the highway.
What issues faced by the town do you feel most strongly about?: I feel that getting a police department geared toward the small town life style, having officers that the community is not afraid to say hello to, is imperative. We are here to not only enforce the law but to serve the community in all aspects. You can't rule a small community like Fowler with a iron fist.
What do you see for Fowler in 5-10 years?: I see moderate growth. The town manager has been working on getting businesses interested in coming to the industrial park. With jobs come families, hopefully long term to become a part of Fowler like I have. I love the town and care about the people in and around it. There isn't much I would not do for anyone.
What do you think voters need to keep in mind as they go to the polls in April?: Look toward Fowler's future, don't be hesitant about approaching any of the candidates and talking with them, express your opinions and concerns.....after all....we are here to represent the public.
Last word, piece of advice, or favorite quote: Treat others as you wish to be treated is my favorite quote and the best advice for the community is be a part of it. If the problems and concerns are not voiced they will never be fixed.
Randy A. Mc Kown
Current job: I became disabled in May of 2005, and retired from then on. Past work experience gave me 13 years as a respiratory therapist and 30 years as a physician assistant. I practiced in Kansas, North Dakota and Colorado thru those years. I was involved in hospital work for many years, and then private practice (Family Medicine) and Correctional Care; both for the State and private corrections for many years, until I finally had to give it up for health reasons. I taught respiratory therapy and surgical assisting for years. Practiced medicine and surgery, trauma and emergency care throughout my career. Also mentored university students in both respiratory therapy and physician's assistant educational practices.
Family information: Married to Kay, who is medical records supervisor at Fowler Health Care for the past 15 years. We have raised six children, four of mine and two of Kay's. We now have seven grandchildren, and our kids are all out and doing their own things, scattered around the the country. I enjoy bow hunting, muzzle loading, fishing, camping, and about any outdoor activity from gardening to swimming. I was very active in sports; softball and basketball throughout the years, but now just enjoy watching. I only wish I'd taken better care of my body through the years, then I could still enjoy those activities even more.
How many years have you lived in Fowler?: We moved here in 1987 and lived south of town in a farm house belonging to Tom and Pat Fedded, for several years, until we moved into town in 2000. We have spent our time fixing up our house and making it modern to Kay's specifications.
Favorite thing about the community: I believe that not only does this community have a very strong school system, but we are a friendly community. We were welcomed when we moved here and it has been most rewarding for us to watch Kay's kids grow up and finish their schooling here in Fowler, developing long lasting friendships in the process. We have grown to like the small town atmosphere and family values which are prominent within this community. What draws me the most is the people. I have taken care of a lot of these people and their children through the years and enjoyed all of it. I still get compliments from time to time about what I did on someone's kids or some procedure I have performed. I have tried to be part of the recruitment of a Medical practitioner through the years since I left, but finding someone with just the right personality has proven harder then any of us thought. Now through time most people go one direction or the other for their own medical needs.
Previous town government experience?: I have spent the last four years on council as a trustee. It hasn't been all roses, but it has been eye opening to see how government and politics seem to take time and a lot of fortitude. It isn't easy as one thinks but we have, over the past four years, started to improve our infrastructure and make progress; even though some may say baby steps, but I feel and hope we continue to show stamina to improve long term goals within our master plan.
What skills, qualifications, or talents do have that will benefit the town?: Some may say I don't have any skills or special talents for city government, and they maybe right, but I do listen and have some common sense. I try to research ideas and concepts to see how they would benefit and/or advance our overall long term plans for the community. This isn't always easy in our small, predominately agricultural town, which has been severely devastated with the poor economy and rising prices and failing stock market. But, we will survive and continue to make advances for the benefit of our community. Whether I am sitting on the council or someone else is, I hope we can continue to make improvements and growth for a unified community and city council. Obviously my expertise and talent was in medicine, but I have gathered myself and committed to make a difference in and within our community from my business experiences and educational background.
What issues faced by the town do you feel most strongly about?: My prime concern has been with water issues over the past four years, as well as development of a council with unity and a progressive attitude for improving and looking for what can make us all prosper and continue to grow. When I first started it was extremely frustrating, because everything seemed to move at a snails pace. But, we have made strides to improve with a city manager(administrator) who is active and very progressive. Not only does he want to make advances for the benefit of the town and himself, but basically looks for more and more ways of economic development. Our police department has, as history has shown, not been without some faults, but we are making every effort to get on top of it and improve the department and its standing with in the town as well as in the county. Trust me, throughout the years this department has taken a lot of criticism. We intend to fix some, if not all, of those inadequacies. Also important are the Park School renovation, a more centrally located swimming pool, and improving our youth program, and advancement in the walking trail and growth and improvement in our golf course. Gerard Park renovation is complete and an not an eye sore any longer. We can be proud of the completed improvements. Improvement of the back feed water line and sewer is progressing, and progress will be coming for storm water and flooding situations. We currently have a lot on the table, and with due diligence we will continue to improve in those directions. We need to focus on continued grant writing and looking for available monies wherever possible.
What do you see for Fowler in 5-10 years?: I hope for all of us, that we have continued developing infrastructure, strong city government, and a police force and department that we can be proud of. Hope to see advancements in going green, improving water quality, economic development, and progress in our master plan. I would like to see improvement in census and development of utilities to help defray costs for all departments, as well as advancement in storm drainage and population growth.
What do you think voters need to keep in mind as they go to the polls in April?: Boy, what a question? We have approximately 1100 citizens within our community and surrounding area, that means we have the same number of issues and mind sets. I just want to see a turnout that we can be proud of, regardless of the outcome. We have eight people petitioning for four spots on the council. Each one has their own thoughts and ideas. I feel confident that the community will make appropriate decisions about who and what they want on the council.
Last word, piece of advice, or favorite quote: To be quite honest I am not sure I have any favorite quotes or last words. My advice for whoever is voted into these spots, is keep an open mind and make every effort to have a cooperative and unified city council who collectively can work together and continue to show our community we intend to make more progress. Change takes time! Good luck to all the candidates.
Travis True
Current job: Mill Electrical Technician
Family information: Wife, Annie and two boys, Cael and Brock.
How many years have you lived in Fowler?: Off and on for about 19 years
Favorite thing about the community: Quiet and Safe
Previous town government experience?: none
What skills, qualifications, or talents do have that will benefit the town?: I have experience in heavy industrial equipment and facilities.
What issues faced by the town do you feel most strongly about?: I believe the most important issue is to keep working on the town's infrastructure.
What do you see for Fowler in 5-10 years?: I see a more efficient town.
What do you think voters need to keep in mind as they go to the polls in April?: Just to vote.
Joan Vibber
Current job: I am a retired educator from Fowler School District R4J. During my tenure, I served as Media/Library Director and taught social studies, physical education and art for both high school and junior high. I coached volleyball and track when it became legal for interscholastic competition for girls. It has been very rewarding to see the growth in girls' sports in Colorado since I was the deciding vote in Colorado High School Activities Association extending this opportunity to our young ladies. I enjoyed sponsoring classes and the activities that were part of other extra-curricular assignments. Currently my time is spent with the CSU Master Gardening Program and volunteering at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center and Hospice. Most recently, I have joined the Southern Colorado Tea Party and enjoy those activities.
Brief family information: I am the widow of Larry Vibber. We have two children and one foster daughter. Son, Greg, is currently stationed at Fort Jackson, SC and is a Lt. Colonel career Army officer. He and wife, Elora, have a 14 year old son, Alex who attends Blythewood Middle School. Daughter Leslie Clemensen lives in Parker, CO and is Crisis Director for Douglas County Schools; she is married to husband Chris and has twin 18 year old daughters, Rachel and Lindsey. Denise Oxley is my foster daughter and lives in Holts-Summit, MO with husband Derek and sons James, nine and Michael, two.
How many years have you lived in Fowler? I have lived here more than 40 years.
Favorite thing about the community: Fowler has several positive characteristics, but one unique characteristic is Pride; Pride in community, schools, roots and identity. We have so many great things to be proud of and I would like to be a part of extending this identity. I would continue to keep this characteristic paramount.
Previous Town government experience? Sunshine Committee; Tree Board.
What skills, qualifications or talents do you have that will benefit the town? I have skills in a variety of administrative boards: Colorado High School Activities Association Board on Girls' Sports, Chair; Colorado State Library Board; Arkansas Valley Regional Library Services Board, Chair; Trinity Lutheran Church Board; BOCES Library Board, Chair. and the afore mentioned background as an educator and coach. My experiences with libraries, grant writing and school relations are some of the strengths I can bring to the table.
What issues faced by the town do you feel most strongly about? We need to maintain or establish where necessary, integrity, fiscal responsibility and openness to all citizen priorities. There's a need to re-establish a stable and a professional community focused police department where the citizens can be proud of the men and women serving the community, representing their values and priorities. We need a higher priority on beautifying the cemetery, and providing adequate water for the present and future of the city. Water quality and conservation are the responsibility of each citizen. The Fowler City Council needs to encourage and support volunteering for the Community. Fowler is known for its volunteer groups and the Council, should support their efforts because they are working for the good of all. Great examples include; the Fowler Rural Fire / Ambulance and Rescue Department with its outstanding quick response teams. Not to be overlooked, the Fowler Historical Society, individual church groups, Ministerial Alliance, women’s clubs, 4-H/ and rodeo clubs and others who give unselfishly of their time and talents are part of the very backbone of Fowler. Volunteering, what an asset! On my own behalf, Thank You! We need a better focus on the streets and sidewalks, including the alleys. Creating an atmosphere of openness to citizen needs and ideas is needed.
What do you see for Fowler in 5 – 10 years? Fowler should remain stable with some growth. Since the town has so many strong qualities, there are folks in area towns, including Pueblo who want these qualities. We have so much to offer. We already have a large number of students who live in outside school districts who attend our schools because of the high quality of education they receive here. As a town with a wide range of available real estate, we should attract people from many walks of life. Our proximity to Pueblo for medical services and shopping is an asset to attract future residents who don’t want to live in a large metropolitan area but find Fowler within close proximity for them to seek residents in our community. We provide a town in the Arkansas Valley where the citizens live in harmony and have opportunities for business, church going and schools.
What do you think the voters need to keep in mind as they go to the polls in April? The importance of their vote is the top line. This is just one way that they can put their opinions known. I will insist on fiscal responsibility with no hidden agenda. Citizen priorities need to be addressed with dignity, openness and professionalism. Each citizen’s concerns are my concerns! I have the time and interest in our town with good ideas and openness and dedicated to serving all citizen concerns.
Last word, piece of advice, or favorite quote: It would be my pleasure to serve every citizen in Fowler. I feel confident the voter’s selections will speak for quality leadership. They will exercise their vote as a democratic process that we cherish as a part of our American heritage. On this questionnaire most questions are about our past, which is good background information, but we need to look to the future based on previous experiences. A quote from George Bernard Shaw comes to mind that expresses my philosophy; “We are not made wise by recollection of our past, but by the responsibility of the future.”
Jan Wards
Current job: My husband and I own and operate Bushy's Blue Sky Motel. I also own and operate Hair Designs by Jan located at the motel and I'm currently the Municipal Court Clerk for Judge Dan Casias.
Family information: Married to Ray 'Bushy' Wards, have two grown children, three grandchildren and one dog. I grew up in a small eastern Kansas town with one younger brother.
How many years have you lived in Fowler?: We bought the Motel in 2003 but I wasn't able to move until 2004. The Federal Government physically transferred me to Pueblo Chemical Depot in July 2004.
Favorite thing about the community: It reminds me of my home town where everyone knows each other and cares about each other. When anyone is in need of help the whole community turns out. For the most part, the people of Fowler are happy and living well into their 90s. There must be something here that's good for longevity. It doesn't take long to get acquainted since about everyone is related in some way or other. If you want to get involved with the community everyone is glad to have you join. Fowler is a pretty friendly town with the ability to take care of itself.
Previous town government experience?: Before moving from Kansas it seems like I was always involved with the town, from serving on the town council for two terms, being on the volunteer fire department and neighborhood watch, to being the city cemetery clerk and sexton.
What skills, qualifications, or talents do have that will benefit the town? I'm willing to listen and provide an honest answer. The answer may not be what you want to hear but I will give you an honest answer and my opinion not someone else. For 27 years I served as a civilian Army employee as a Contracting Officer for the Federal Government. I have a B.S. in Business Administration and Management and I hold a Certificate of Professional Contract Management with the Federal Government. I pride myself on honesty, integrity and accountability. You could describe me as a straight forward no frills kind of person. After being with the Federal Government for so many years I've learned to be a team player and to cooperate and compromise for the good of the majority. In my position of Contract Administrator I was responsible for oversight of a billion dollar contract; Contract negotiations and budgeting as well as property management. In current economic times these are good qualifies to have on your city government. I have no preconceived agenda, not looking for personal gain, just want to do a good job for the people of Fowler.
What issues faced by the town do you feel most strongly about?: Our infrastructure must be improved (roads, water, sewer lines, drainage, etc.) if Fowler is going to grow or even maintain. As a business owner it is essential to attract the outside public to our businesses as well as keeping the patronization of the local residents. Without our business owners Fowler will not grow. Attracting diversified businesses to Fowler is a 'must have' for longevity. I would also like to see the hiring of a working chief of police and not just a desk jockey. We need someone who is out among the people doing police work. Although Fowler is a small quiet town there are many incidents in town that most people never know about. We need to continue being that quiet safe town.
What do you see for Fowler in 5-10 years?: That depends on the people of Fowler. The town council cannot force progress on the citizens unless they want progress. Everyone needs to take pride in their community, take an active part, clean up you own messes, think about how we look to those outside our community. We need to make Fowler a community where you would want to raise your family and retire. We have to attract young families who are willing to make Fowler their home. Without young people Fowler will continue its struggle for growth.
What do you think voters need to keep in mind as they go to the polls in April?: First, be sure to VOTE!! The next would be to vote for someone who is willing to listen and consider your opinion. The council isn't always able to do what one person wants but you should elect someone who will at least take your concerns before the council.
Last word, piece of advice, or favorite quote: Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
