Name: Ray Fox
Age: 48
Telephone: 970-739-0819
Email: [email protected]
Website: Not listed
1. How do you define freedom of the press?
The 1st Amendment guarantees freedom of the press without government restriction. But it has to stay free of libel and obscenity and other laws. So if it is not breaking any laws and not causing harm you have the right to write what you want, I do support slander and other laws that protect people from untrue accusations and character attacks. But otherwise if you do not want to see it, don't read or watch it you do have the option to turn it off.
2. List three action items you'd introduce to guarantee the people's right to know?
1. Continue to upgrade the web site and technology. 2. Announce meetings and acquire community involvement. 3. Make the Sanitation District more visible to the public.
3. Describe the biggest mistake of your professional career. What lessons did you learn?
Not finishing my Bachelors Degree. I managed to get an Associate's Degree from CNCC in Rangely, Co. I learned that being informed and educated will set you apart from the crowd. It does not make you better it makes you more marketable.
4. Describe the greatest accomplishment of your professional career. Who is your mentor and why?
So far I would say my biggest accomplishment was being hired by Triad Western Constructors as the Safety Director. Being responsible for the health and safety of a company's biggest assets (its people) is serious and something I am proud of. I would say my mentor or mentors are my parents, Charles and Eleanor Fox. They gave me the moral direction and the work ethic to succeed.
5. If elected, what would be your top priorities?
Building a good working relationship with the other municipalities in the area. The Sanitation District is and should not be an island in this venture. Water is vital and there should have a partnership with the water source.
6. In examining the district's total budget, which line items would you support for greater funding and which line items would you recommend be cut? Why?
In support of greater funding I would say Capital Improvements. Old lines cost in repairs and maintenance. A schedule of upgrades that could be kept ongoing. I am sure that a plan is in place but stepping it up as much as possible is a place to start. In looking to cut an item I think it needs some looking at as the budget that I have seen looks to be lean as is. I really did not see too much fat to trim.
7. What are your thoughts on the newly adopted rate structure, and what measures would you propose to ensure customers were billed fairly and accurately?
I definitely think a more structured rate for businesses should be considered. A flat rate system really limits the small business, not saying a large business will not be hurt also. A tiered and consumption based structure would be helpful.
8. Is working and partnering with outside agencies important? Why or why not?
As stated in answer to question #5, I think working together is paramount to success for any agency within a community such as ours. I think the Public Works Department should be a working partnership of all the community support systems, including the Sanitation District. The different Districts need each other to keep the community healthy and moving forward.
9. List the district's top three needs, and what steps would you take to address those concerns?
1. A better working relationship with other agencies. I would take the time to build those relationships to ensure success of the District. 2. Community trust. Let's set rates that are fair and of equal burden. 3. Employee safety. The District has a good record but it can always be improved.
10.List your expertise and/or qualifications that set you apart from other candidates.
I have been working construction most of my adult life in some capacity. I have installed all types of underground utilities including sewer mains. I understand the importance of budget constraints. I do not have a personal agenda to get on this Board of Directors. I simply feel it is our duty to serve and it is my time to get involved. As a Marine I believe in "for the good of the whole". "Service to God, Country and Corps" was often used to define our service. Now as a civilian and community member I can say that as "God, Country and Community". Do your part.
