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Changing of the guard in Eagle

Kathy Heicher

At least one conclusion can definitely be drawn about the pending April 6 Eagle Town Board election: there’s not a lack of interest.



Three term-limited Town Board members – Paul Gregg, Tom Ehrenberg and Bruce Hasbrouck, will step down from the board in early April.

Nine candidates have filed petitions for the three open seats. The contenders, all men, vary from life-long residents to relative newcomers. One candidate lives on a rural acreage up Brush Creek; a couple live in what could be termed “old Eagle,” and the remainder are residents of some newer subdivisions in town.

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Some have political experience, having served on various boards or volunteered in the community; others are new to local politics.

Incumbent Town Board member Jon Stavney is the only candidate for the office of mayor. He’ll step into that seat in early April when term-limited Mayor Roxie Deane steps down.

The Enterprise recently sat down with each of the candidates to glean some opinions about their stances on local issues, ranging from management of open space to downtown re-development to philosophies on big box stores. Each candidate studied a questionnaire, than sat down for an interview.

Candidates were asked to offer their opinions on the following topics:

– Most important issue facing the town

– Downtown redevelopment

– Big box store development

– Management of open space

– Growth policies

– What makes you a good candidate for the job?

The town election will be held on April 6. The polling place is the Eagle Town Hall.

The first candidate is Jay Bryant, the other interviews will be published over the next eight days.

Jay Bryant, 43 (44 on election day)

– Distributing manager, Copy Plus

– Resident of Eagle 15 years

– Lives in Terrace subdivision

– Most important issue: Keeping pace with growth and development. “I’m not against growth, but let’s make sure it doesn’t impact what is already there.” Infrastructure must be up-to-date to support the development that is coming on board. For example, the Brush Creek Meadows development has had an effect on water pressure in the terrace.

“Don’t take the town in new directions until the current directions are fulfilled. Otherwise, the town starts spreading too fast. Existing services need to be taken care of. Let’s take care of the projects that are already started.” Downtown infrastructure, including water and sewer, needs attention.

– Downtown redevelopment: The town has already decided where businesses will be located. The Chambers Avenue area is industrial, downtown is professional.

In the downtown area, the water and sewer system needs to be replaced. We need to get the infrastructure in the street. If businesses see the infrastructure improved, they will come on board.

Would like to re-visit the issue of historical designations on specific buildings; perhaps with brass plaques marking historical sites.

The Chamber of Commerce and local businesses could work on beautification efforts … the town wouldn’t have to be (solely) responsible. The Chamber of Commerce will be able to assist with downtown redevelopment efforts.

– Big box development: “I don’t feel it is feasible. It detracts from the community.” We are a small town, bedroom community. The town does well with small, independent businesses. Big box development will likely settle into the Airport Commercial Park (in Gypsum). A lot of traffic would go through Eagle.

– Open space management: Would explore the uses currently in place and what else is out there that the town could do. Trail construction should continue.

– Growth policies: “I’m a very big proponent of growing from the inside-out. I don’t want to see flagpole-style development.” Supports adequate public facilities requirements. “We do need to control growth, and this is one way to do it. Lot’s of developers want to come in, do what they want, then get out, and you never see them again.”

– Why I’m a good candidate: “Having lived in the town since 1989, I have a vested interest in preserving the small town feel, and the close knit community Eagle was when I first moved here. I don’t want to lose what we’ve got.

“I have no political agenda. I just want to make sure the town takes care of what is needed.”


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