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Month: January 2020

Golden’s Unexpected Bridge Closure

First… Thank you!

I appreciate everyone who has emailed or caught up with me on the trails, at the gym or attending Golden events with encouragement for my candidacy, as well as sharing your thoughts on how to preserve and enhance our city!

Last week City Council approved Golden’s first Transportation Master Plan to codify our community values. In part this aims to ensure the reliability of bike and pedestrian connections (so they remain open during construction).

On the very same day, the City suddenly announced the unexpected and immediate closure of the priority pedestrian and bicycle trail and bridge over Highway 58 from the North neighborhoods into downtown Golden.

Not only was the bridge closed without warning… the closure will last more than 30 days!

The trail is arguably the most heavily trafficked north-south route for non-motorized commuting and recreation in the City, including for Mitchell Elementary students.

This isn’t simply an inconvenience, it’s a critical safe route to schools for our families!

As residents, we have clearly prioritized the opportunity to not only have good streets for cars, but also reliable options for residents and students to get across Golden safely on foot and bicycles – for work, school and recreation.

Pedestrian trail is closed

Core Values

It feels legitimate to ask whether this action is consistent with our core values.
  • Where is the accountability to ensure our City government lives by our stated values?
  • Why wasn’t appropriate notice given to the community?
  • Why can the Developer close this trail at minimal cost with major disruption?
  • Why are the Developer and City not required to consider alternative safe routes to school and work for residents?
  • And was this closure truly necessary at all?

I have shared my thoughts with City Council and encourage you to do the same. (CouncilComments@cityofgolden.net)

If elected I commit to represent all Ward 4 residents and engage in thoughtful, respectful, and critical questioning about how the City thinks of transportation and other issues important to us.

Regards,

BilFish

—William “BilFish” Fisher – Candidate for Golden City Council Ward 4

Special Election Reminder: Ballots will be mailed out starting April 6th for this mail-in ballot only election and must be returned before April 28th.

Email me at bill@williamfisher.com and visit www.WilliamFisher.com to learn more and get involved.

Ward 4 Election | April 28th, 2020

I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Golden City Council Ward 4. A special Mail Ballot election has been called for April 28th, 2020 as Mayor Laura Weinberg assumes her duties and vacates the Ward 4 seat.

After a year engaging residents during the recent Golden Mayoral race, it is clear there are a number of pressing issues facing us in Golden. It is time for vision, advocacy, leadership and representation in our city governance.

Update: The onset of COVID-19 sweeping the Globe and into Golden and bringing with it an unprecedented economic crisis make it more important to have experienced leadership ready to hit the ground running on day one in office. Please find resources at COVID-19 Resources for Goldenites and more on Masks, Masks, Masks!

For many of us Golden remains a unique, safe and vibrant hometown to live and raise our families. And yet we are in a time of increasing flux and pressure on the unique, historic and vibrant character of our home.

Voting now! Turn in by April 28th at 7pm at Golden City Hall ballot box. Read more of Bill’s Plan for Golden here.

The next several years will prove pivotal in directing and managing growth, development and crowding consistent with our small-town values.

I believe my unique experience, positive vision and independent voice will again benefit residents in Ward 4 and across Golden – and I am ready to hit the ground running on day one in office.

Integrity, passion and performance are hallmarks of my previous service that I will bring to City Hall. In the coming weeks I’ll share more about key areas we can focus on to best preserve and improve our community.

What are neighbors concerned about?

  • Economic stability – and just staying afloat.
  • Health and COVID-19.
  • Controlling Growth.
  • Safety & Livability.
  • Traffic and calming Highways 93 / 58.
  • Historic Character & Charm.
  • City and Council Communication and Responsiveness.
  • Affordability.
  • Local Schools.
  • Diversity.
  • School of Mines.
  • Coors Property (Purchased by the City) and Heart of Golden 2020 project.
  • Community Health: COVID-19, Vaping, Smoking, Radon Mitigation, Rocky Flats, pollution
  • And… impacts from outside including JeffCo, highway commuters, tourism and Clear Creek protection, air pollution, and more.

See my Vision and Values for more details. Sign up for the Ward 4 Email Newsletter to stay in touch & visit me on Social Media (links below).

Most importantly: What is on your mind?  I look forward to learning more about your thoughts regarding Golden and how we can move forward and work together – and I ask for your support to keep Golden Golden! 

Cheers,

William Fisher signature

—William “BilFish” Fisher, Golden Ward 4