Boulder Progressives Announce 2021 City Council Candidate Endorsements
31 Aug, 2021, Boulder, CO — Boulder Progressives are excited to announce that they are endorsing four candidates for the 2021 Boulder City Council election. These candidates were selected after consideration of their public service, education, career and life experience, and alignment with progressive values and initiatives. Consideration was also given to participation in the June 23rd Raucous Caucus candidate forum, written responses to questionnaires, interviews, and input from other organizations and leaders, who share our vision for a progressive future.
Human rights and social justice, climate change, housing, and transportation are the most critical issues affecting not only Boulder, but Boulder County and beyond.
Not only are these issues inextricably linked, but so are their solutions. Honoring Boulder’s humanistic values and envisioning a more diverse and accessible community will require creating smart housing initiatives to invite people in instead of keeping them out. We see shelter as a basic human need that can be met through a variety of housing types and attainable, affordable price points. We can address climate change and our local air quality through the reduction of car dependence and incommuting. We can enhance our community as a whole by better investing in social infrastructure like our public libraries and creative spaces.
We also advocate for the city to provide more humane, consistent, and accessible services for members of our community suffering from a lack of housing. We look to the 2022 city council to do a better job of setting cultural and behavioral expectations for a police force that will work for and with all of the people of Boulder, regardless of race or socio-economic status, and in ways that show empathy and compassion.
The following four candidates have distinguished themselves among their peers as being most aligned with these vital goals and criteria. All have shown a level of empathy we believe is required in honorable and progressive city councillors.
Lauren Folkerts– Lauren is an architect, sustainable design specialist, and president-elect of the Colorado Green Building Guild. Additionally, she chairs the Design Advisory Board for the City of Boulder. We are excited about her passion for combating climate change and her deep understanding of the connections between community, land use, infrastructure, beautiful design, and our environmental impact. We look forward to her helping Boulder align our green values with green policy.
Lauren Folkerts: For Boulder Folks!
Dan Williams– As a volunteer for the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, Dan has experience championing the rights of the people. He has represented victims of sexual assault and defended citizens against the overreach of powerful government. We are thrilled for Dan’s empathetic leadership and ability to put forth a shared understanding that carries us all forward. We believe Dan will be a voice for equity, for all Boulder citizens.
Dan Williams: Boulder for all of us
Nicole Speer– Nicole is a scientist and mother who is committed to equity and justice. We’ve witnessed her advocacy with the Boulder County NAACP and civic engagement through the First Congregational Church of Boulder, and know first hand her dedication to our city. Her candidacy began with the question: “how can I be of service to the community?”. Her core issues include housing and racial justice, addressing homelessness, and climate resiliency.
Matt Benjamin – Father, scientist, and consensus builder, Matt bridges the progressive and business sides of the aisle. We love his involvement at the city level the last few years, including a previous council run, organizing The Boulder Coalition, and successfully leading the Our Mayor Our Choice ballot measure. We anticipate his understanding and insights on issues ranging from flood protection, to citywide land use and zoning will lead to forward-looking outcomes.
Please join us in supporting these candidates through the campaigning period and the election this November, just two short months from now. Thank you!
