COURAGE
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2025 District Board election Candidate profiles:
Sara Standing:
1. How does your background relate to being a WFPD board member.
I have been attending board meetings since 2017 so I am familiar with the challenges that the fire department has faced over the past 8 years. I have a heavy background in Colorado taxes and government budgets I have 22 years’ experience in researching the laws in Colorado as pertains to taxes and special districts. I have been directly involved with the budget process for the WFPD for 2 years. I have witnessed a mismanaged WFPD and would like to be a part of that never happening again.
2. Is there expertise or experience that you can bring to the WFPD board.
I have an accounting and auditing background that has been invaluable when reviewing purchases for the WFPD. I also have budgetary experience which is a major function of the board to create and approve. I think it is important to have someone with a financial background to be on the board to keep spending controlled.
3. What are the most important issues facing the WFPD?
The most important issue is the funding of the WFPD. The department was fortunate with a large infusion of cash due to the property tax increases in 2024. This is allowing the department to dig out of the financial crisis it was in. There is still much work to do in preparing reasonable budgets and keeping a close handle on spending. I would like to see a 3-, 5-, and 10-year plan put together to guide the Chief and board to work towards not having to operate or purchase equipment with loans. The WFPD has been facing staffing challenges due to low pay which has gradually increased as the budget has allowed. But the WFPD is still not competitive with surrounding districts. Due to staffing issues, community and firefighter safety has been at risk. If staffing drops too far the WFPD is unable to keep 2 stations fully staffed at all times. This is unacceptable in a district that is 288 sq. miles and includes both 1-25 and Highway 287 from Wellington to the Wyoming state line.
4 What is your vision of the future of the WFPD?
I see a gradual replacement of safety equipment to keep our firefighters safe when responding to emergencies. I would like to see the WFPD spend conservatively in order to build a capital asset fund to replace aging vehicles, construct a training unit, and an additional fire station if warranted. I would like to explore additional streams of revenue for the fire department.
5. How would you approach decision making in a roll like a special district board member?
I would use the input of the Chief, the needs of the district, and conservative spending of the citizens tax dollars to make decisions for the WFPD. As individuals must, so must a fire department live within its budget. This includes planning for the future of those funds and common-sense spending in the present.
6. What else should voters know about you.
I am a 4th generation Coloradan and have lived in the Wellington area for 23 years. I live outside the town limits so I bring a different point of view as to the unique challenges faced by the WFPD to provide emergency services as quickly as is possible to the full district. I have both an accounting and auditing background. I believe it is important to have at least one board member with a financial background when being charged with overseeing a budget the size of the WFPD.
Matt Walker:
1. How does your background relate to being a WFPD board member?
My diverse background in sales, strategic planning, relationship building, and financial oversight aligns well with the responsibilities of a fire protection district board member. I bring a combination of business acumen and community-focused leadership that would help the WFPD thrive. These experiences provide me with a well-rounded skill set. As a WFPD board member, I bring practical experience in firefighting, community service, governance, and strategic decision-making, which will be invaluable as the board works to meet the fire protection needs of the community while maintaining fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency. The unique combination of technical, leadership, and community-focused experience makes me a strong candidate for the WFPD board.
2. Is there expertise or experience that you can bring to the WFPD Board?
Yes, I bring a diverse set of expertise and experiences that would contribute effectively to the WFPD Board. My background spans across firefighting, business development, and board leadership, all of which are directly applicable to the needs and responsibilities of the fire protection district. My combination of hands-on firefighting experience, board leadership, financial management, and community-focused strategy makes me well-equipped to contribute effectively to the WFPD Board.
3. What are the most important issues facing the Wellington Fire Protection District?
There are challenges the Wellington Fire Protection District (WFPD) currently facing they include Financial Stability, Staffing and Resources, Infrastructure Development, and Community Engagement. Addressing these issues requires strategic planning, transparent communication, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility to ensure that WFPD continues to provide high-quality emergency services to the community.
4. What is your vision for the future of the WFPD?
My vision for the future of the Wellington Fire Protection District (WFPD) is one of financial stability, community growth, and operational excellence. In the coming years, I see WFPD prioritize fiscal responsibility and transparency. With a focus on eliminating debt and streamlining operations, I believe the district will regain financial health and become better equipped to meet the growing needs of the community.
As the population of Wellington and surrounding areas continues to expand, WFPD must enhance its staffing levels and ensure that its resources are effectively allocated. My vision includes not only maintaining adequate personnel to ensure quick and efficient emergency responses but also investing in infrastructure, such as expanding fire stations and a training center to accommodate the area's growth.
Moreover, fostering strong relationships with the community will be key. I see WFPD becoming a trusted partner in local safety, with an emphasis on education, outreach, and engagement. By informing residents about fire safety, emergency procedures, and available services, we can create a more resilient and prepared community.
In summary, my vision for WFPD is a financially stable, well-equipped, and community-focused organization that continues to provide high-quality emergency services for years to come.
5. How would you approach decision making in a role like special district board member?
As a special district board member, my approach to decision-making would be grounded in transparency, collaboration, and a focus on long-term sustainability. I would prioritize gathering all relevant information from experts, staff, and community stakeholders to ensure well-informed decisions. This involves actively listening to the needs of the community, evaluating the potential impact of each decision, and considering both short-term and long-term outcomes.
Collaboration with fellow board members would be key. I believe in open communication and constructive debate to ensure that multiple perspectives are considered. This approach allows us to make decisions that reflect the values and goals of the district while ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively.
Financial responsibility would also be a cornerstone of my decision-making process. I would strive to balance the needs of the community with the fiscal health of the district, ensuring that we maintain high-quality services without compromising financial stability.
Lastly, accountability is essential. I would ensure that all decisions align with the district's mission and that our actions are transparent to the community, maintaining their trust and confidence in the board’s leadership.
6. What else should voters know about you?
I have called Wellington, Colorado home since 2013, after moving to Western Colorado in 2005. I am a dedicated father of four and balance my professional life with a strong commitment to my family, ensuring quality time together despite our busy schedules. Over the year I have dedicated much of my time and as a family to serving and helping our friends and neighbors in many capacities.
With a career spanning across prominent roles, I have successfully managed pipelines, coordinated marketing strategies, and led initiatives that resulted in increased business. My history of exceeding targets and building strong cross-functional teams has consistently delivered exceptional results. With a background in managing multi-million-dollar revenue streams and driving market strategies, I am well-equipped to contribute to the success of the WFPD and our community.
I look forward to getting to know more of my neighbors in our wonderful town.
Mike Amicarella:
1.How does your background relate to being a WFPD board member?
I participated in strategic and tactical planning with a diverse group of people from various warfare specialties in regional conflicts for over 20 years during my military career. I also participated in both Incident Management Teams and national level planning for interagency wildfire suppression actions. These included defining goals, setting priorities and problem solving in a cooperative team effort.
2. Is there expertise or experience that you can bring to the WFPD Board?
I have a solid understanding of group dynamics in stressful situations that include clear communication, customer identification and teamwork. I also have 25 years of wildland fire fighting experience from initial attack to supporting the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise for major fire suppression activities.
3. What are the most important issues facing the Wellington Fire Protection District?
Critical issues include continuing NFPA standards for our fire fighters, and our department, while providing quality training, purchasing required equipment, and ensuring fire fighter safety and health. We should focus on retention and continue to gain quality personnel at all levels to provide the best emergency services that this district deserves.
4. What is your vision for the future of the WFPD?
My vision is to provide the best emergency services to the district that the budget will allow. It will be critical to maintain vigilance on the budget while ensuring we pursue competitive salaries, training and equipment purchases needed to meet higher retention rates and the highest quality of emergency services for the taxpayer.
5. How would you approach decision making in a role like special district board member?
In making decisions, I plan to research all available resources, share this information with fellow board members and enter discussions as needed. I value and respect the elements of effective teamwork which includes cooperation, collaboration, and acceptance of majority decisions.
6. What else should voters know about you?
I am married to Jane Lopez. We have three adult children and four grandchildren. We are both from Colorado and have lived in the district, Waverly area, for 11 years. I am a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, appointed from Colorado. I served 20 years as a Navy helicopter pilot and retired as a Commander (O5) at 42. I then spent the next 25 years as a wildland fire fighter and Helicopter Inspector Pilot for the Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service. My wife and I are semi-retired, we grow hay, raise cattle on the western slope and participate in Waverly and Buckeye Community activities.
Denny hodgson:
1. How does your background relate to being a WFPD board member?
I’m a Colorado native for 65 years and I spent all my life in Northern Colorado, all my time here has been related to agriculture and later working with Water resources for over 40 years for Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. We have used fire in our farming operations to maintain our ditch banks. At work, we had to reclaim areas along the canal systems from wildfires that had burned on our right of ways. This all helps me understand what is needed for local fire departments to keep both property and firefighters safe.
2. Is there expertise or experience that you can bring to the WFPD Board?
My experiences of working for a board of directors for over 40 years as well as being on several boards throughout my life. I am currently president of the Shamrock irrigation company, currently on the Lambert County Stock Growers Association board and was on the Larimer County 4-H junior livestock committee for a long time serving as vice president and president.
3. What are the most important issues facing the Wellington Fire Protection District?
Some of the issues I see facing the Wellington fire department now are maintaining and keeping both firefighters and their equipment needed to succeed. Also, with our growth in the area, we will need to be able to expand with more personnel and updated equipment. All this takes money so new sources of revenue will need to be looked at for the future of the Wellington fire department.
4. What is your vision for the future of the WFPD?
I see growth in equipment personnel, and maybe a training facility which is greatly needed.
5. How would you approach decision making in a role like special district board member?
Most of my decision-making has always been as a team member, everyone has an idea and it’s best to look at all those and then decide as a group. What best fits those needs. If I feel strongly on something, I will try to present supporting facts to the other members and listen to their thoughts and then decide together what is best.
6. What else should voters know about you?
I think I would make a good board member as I am committed to fulfilling the duties place before me and working with other board member, fire department, staff, and listening to local community members on their thoughts and ideas. Also, I have no special interest or agendas that will sway my way of thinking or voting.
Date of election:
May 6th, 2025
Polling Place:
Station 1, 8130 3rd St, Wellington CO 80549