Either Town Council takes control of the metro districts, or the metro districts take control of Dillon. Dillon voters, the decision is yours. New council members who are willing to regulate this situation are needed now. Please choose community and quality of life over money. Vote for recall and three successor candidates.

This recall election is crucial to the future of Dillon. Right now, there is a disconnect between what the community wants and what Town Council approves for development projects and policies. We cannot wait another year for change because there is intense development pressure on the town right now, and the community must be heard.

Many of us sense that there is a threat to Dillon’s quality of life and its small, mountain-town character. There is clearly an imbalance of power between how outside forces want to develop the town and how the community wants the town to be redeveloped.

I am willing to use the power of town government to get what the community wants.

The people must answer the question “What is Best for Dillon?” — not outside interests.

I believe deeply that Dillon stakeholders — voters, residents, second-home owners, students, businesses — need to determine the size, scope and scale of redevelopment through a full informal public process built to engage as many people as possible. 

Getting this public process starts with new leadership that is willing to schedule and hold these meetings. I am ready to take this action.

We are not desperate

Dillon’s incredible location plus land and cash incentives for developers is very enticing. If we are willing to do a deal with one developer, we can make similar offers to others.

The Metro Districts are not the only way to complete new development. From the Denver Post and CBS News, we have learned that Metro Districts often are the most expensive and least accountable ways to fund public infrastructure and facilities. They can be riddled with waste, abuse and fraud.  

For those businesses and residents that will eventually be located in the Triveni Square metro districts, they could pay almost three times the property taxes that everyone else pays in Dillon. It is unclear to me if this additional layer of government is actually needed and how it improves Dillon.

The metro districts now want to amend the service plan approved in 2023. The town has its own work to do before any amendment is finalized. A town hall where all concerns can be voiced must happen, and a full financial and risk analysis must be completed before any council vote is taken.

There is no reason to rush this — the town is in charge, not the metro districts. It is our timetable, not theirs. Council must be willing to stand up for its current and future citizens. I am willing to negotiate the best deal for the community.

The Triveni Square metro districts were formed backwards. Typically, metro districts are not created until development projects are approved. These metro districts were formed on conceptual plans only and therefore the service plan must be amended. The 2023 decision was rushed. We can now take the time to fix this.

Key concerns that also must be addressed

A workforce housing policy is imperative. We need to find the best solutions and weave them into the community. Developer workforce housing promises must be submitted in writing — they cannot just be verbal.

We must pursue financial growth through redevelopment and small business incubation. Just bringing more big chains into town may not be the best solution. We need a mix of small dining, retail and entertainment businesses to bring life back to the Dillon core.

A focus on year-round activity and not just summer activities and events is needed. We need steady, creative, daily use of Dillon. What do locals and guests want, and what incentives can we put together to attract those businesses, co-ops or non-profits?

Background

I have lived in Dillon for 27 years. I own a small business that completes business analysis and strategic planning for successful business operations and marketing. I have experience with Dillon restaurants, short- and long-term rentals, retail, HOAs and real estate. Other past experience includes: Dillon Parks and Recreation Committee (12 years), Dillon Valley Elementary PTSA, Summit Historical Society board member. I hold a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Denver, a journalism degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and land use planning and law courses at the University of Colorado, Denver.

Barbara Richard is a candidate running to replace any Dillon Town Council members are recalled after 17 voters triggered a special election seeking to remove three members of the council. More information on the election can be found at SummitDaily.com/dillon-recall-election.