1. Briefly tell us a bit about your background.

Silverthorne resident Darrick Wade moved to Summit County on Valentine's Day of 1988. The Austin, Tex., native is married and has four children, ages 15, 19, 22 and 25. He received his bachelor's degree in architecture from Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

“I love cycling — road biking and mountain biking — hiking, camping, snowshoeing, snowboarding,” Wade said. “There aren't many things I don't like.”

Wade is a licensed architect and certified planner. He served on the Silverthorne town government staff for 10 years, as community development director from 1990-1997 and as town manager from 1997-2000. He opened his own planning and architecture business in 2000, and he has headed that ever since.

2. What is the main reason you want to be on the council?

“I like Silverthorne, I've lived there a long time, and it's home. I feel like I have things to offer, and I'd like to be part of the town's future.”

3. What do you see as the top three issues for your town?

Wade said he doesn't think Silverthorne has a “laundry list of problems” that need fixing. In the 1980s, the town went through a process to develop a vision for itself, and Wade helped to implement it during his tenure on the town staff. He said he is excited about the possibility of returning and immersing himself in that process again.

“The Blue River is also something we need to focus on and take care of. We need to be stewards of other resources, too, like the people and the businesses — all the things that make a town a community.

“Embracing a long-range vision together helps us with the day-to-day decisions like project reviews, development of neighborhoods and our approach to recreation.”

4. Do you have the time and flexibility required to be a truly engaged council member?

“I have a really good feel for what's required, and I'll make whatever sacrifices I need to.”

5. How do you see the role of a town council member, in relating to both the town staff and the community?

With regard to working with town staff, Wade said the town council's role is to set policy, thereby defining the parameters of the staff's work.

As for the relationship with community members, Wade said the council's job is to listen.

“Communication is a big key. There's no doubt about that. I also think leadership plays a big role. Anybody can be elected, but town council members need to be leaders, and that doesn't always make you popular. The best interests of the town may not be the best interests of every single individual.”

6. What organizations have you been active in?

Wade is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, the American Institute of Architects and the American Planning Association. He's also involved with the Boy Scouts of America, and he teaches two architectural drawing classes at Summit High School.

7. How do you feel about the town's reliance on sales tax for the majority of its revenues?

“I think it creates challenges, but it's not unusual for resort communities,” Wade said. “If we have a collective vision about what the town of Silverthorne wants to be, assuming that vision includes the soul of the community, decisions along the way will help us get there.”

Wade said it then falls to decision makers to determine how and whether various projects fit into that vision.

“To think that I'm against development wouldn't be true. We depend on development to help us get where we want to be. If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't have the business I do.

“We need to be careful of whatever comes our way, because our future is at stake. We need to maintain our town's value as a community.”

8. What is your vision for the Silverthorne town center?

“Having a town center is extremely important. There are places in our county that, when you arrive, you know you're there. That's a possibility for Silverthorne, too.

“Silverthorne is a younger town, and we have the opportunity to create a sense of place, a sense of home and a sense of community. It's well within our grasp. And I think the skills I bring to the table can help with that.”