Seasons are not the only things changing this November; change is also stirring up the Greeley City Council. Longtime at-large council member Brett Payton is stepping down from his position. The open seat has attracted a diverse group of people to run. These residents from all over the city are ready to make their voices heard.
There are four running for one open seat: Antonio Molina-Haro, a political science student at AIMS Community College, Rachelle Tabor, the owner of Natural Wellness, a small business in Greeley, Ryan Roth, a UNC alumnus and PR specialist and Kendall Boots, the write-in for this race.
Molina-Haro hopes to bring a new eye to the issues the city council faces while focusing on younger residents. He believes that his background in student government and political science classes gives him the education needed for such an important role.
“I know a lot of people my age are affected by politics,” Molina-Haro said.
During his campaign, he ran into controversy. Cameras caught him cursing at an officer after a woman was detained in the council chambers. The police body cam footage was obtained and posted on Facebook by many sources.
“When I walked out, I saw her being handled badly. I got scared and pissed off, and I cussed the cop out," Molina-Haro said. "I was not nice to the cop. Everyone has an issue with me now. I am not totally against cops. We need them for society."
While Molina-Haro appeals to younger generations with fresh ideas, Tabor focuses on experience, stability and her deep ties to Greeley’s small-business community. Her campaign highlights the importance of resident connection, affordable housing, economic growth and youth support. All themes she speaks about are with clear passion for caring for others.
“We need to take care of each other and our city,” Tabor said. “Our old, sick and young. I mean, older people are being cited because they cannot mow.”
Tabor’s stance on the Cascadia project mirrors her beliefs. Development plans should include the voices of the people. She believes openness on future projects can strengthen trust and unity within the community.
Like Tabor, Roth stresses the importance of community connection. He hopes to see Greeley grow into a city where residents feel both safe and supported, prioritizing improvements in housing, infrastructure and public safety to make Greeley a destination people are proud to call home.
“There wasn’t much to do when I was a UNC student. So we would go home or go to Denver or Fort Collins,” Roth said. “We need to keep kids in Greeley so they don’t go home or go to Denver or Fort Collins.”
While Roth’s campaign leans on growth and professional experience, Boots is taking a “grassroots” approach, believing that the city council should feel closer to the residents.
Their campaign, which they describe as “neighbors helping neighbors,” focuses on connection rather than traditional campaigning. Boots has spent their time going door to door and talking with neighbors.
“I didn’t want to wait for permission to make change, so I chose to step up as a write-in,” Boots said.
It is unclear where they stand on the Cascadia project.
With election day approaching, conversation on campus is starting to pick up. Yet, despite growing curiosity, many students are unfamiliar with the city council races and the candidates running.
“I know there is an election, but I don’t know much about it,” UNC senior Deirdre Martin said. “I think that they could do events on campus so we know what they stand for.”
Despite their different backgrounds, most of the candidates agree that the Cascadia project should have involved more public input and clear communication from the start.
Ballot drop-off and in-person voting are available until 7 p.m. on Nov. 4.
Colorado Voters to Decide the Fate of Free School Meals with Propositions LL and MM
Ward IV Candidates Hope to Change Greeley for the Better, in Their Own Ways
