Salida residents voted in November to elect a mayor, three city council members, and a treasurer. Dan Shore was reelected to a second two-year term as mayor; Alisa Pappenfort was elected to Ward 3 for a second four-year council term; Suzanne Fontana was elected to Ward 1 for a four-year council term; Aaron Stephens was elected to Ward 2 for a four-year council term; and Ben Gilling was elected to a four-year term as treasurer. Current City Council Member Justin Critelli was appointed to serve as mayor pro tem.
Soon after new and returning elected officials took office, we asked each of them to answer a simple question: What do you love about Salida? Get to know each of them through their answers below.
Mayor Dan Shore
"I love the sense of community in Salida. I have never experienced anything remotely like the Salida vibe in the many places I have lived. And to top it off, having access to the river, mountains, and trails is the icing on the cake!"
Council Member Dominique Naccarato, Ward 1
"Salida is home. I've been here so long that I feel like the landscapes, streets, buildings and views are imprinted on my cellular memory, and I enjoy serving the community that helps this place feel like home."
Council Member Suzanne Fontana, Ward 1
"Salida celebrates community and people of all ages; the stories, families and life experiences make Salida a true hometown. Our unique town has an abundance of locally owned businesses with each member of the community creating its character. Knowing and supporting our neighbors is our way of life. The views are incredible and outdoor activities are abundant year-round. I love Salida with all of the opportunities it presents for every age."
Mayor Pro Tem Justin Critelli, Ward 2
"What I love most about Salida is Salidans. The people of Salida are what make our community so complete, unique and incredible. Here is where outdoor adventurers, adrenaline junkies and avid travelers meet creative thinkers, art purveyors and passionate leaders collide to devise magic. Here is the epicenter of which folks from all walks of life are emboldened to come together to make our community more vibrant. Salida is the magnet that attracts the weird, funky and radical as well as the prudent, judicious and vigilant to create a special balance. Salida is the result of many worlds colliding and the aftermath is a place that stands out extraordinary against all the rest, a place worth fighting for, a place I am proud to call home."
Council Member Aaron Stephens, Ward 2
"25 years ago, I made the decision to move to Salida to become a raft guide. Since then, the river community has become an integral part of my life. It's where I met my wife while working at the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, and where our children spend their summer days in the downtown river corridor. For me, it's not just about rafting/kayaking/paddle boarding - it's the sense of community that the river fosters. The powerful bonds formed from our experiences on the Arkansas River have persisted well into my adulthood, and every year new friendships are formed at “the river”. I love that about Salida."
Council Member Harald Kasper, Ward 3
"I love Salida for its places to meet. You bike through town to get to a music venue and drop in at another venue just because the music coming out of it drew me in. I love that I can run out of my door and get into pure nature in any direction in a couple of miles. I love that Salida's gay pride attracts almost 5% of its citizens. I love that I can cool off in the river all summer long. For the last 6 years, I have loved Salida for its civility in discussing all the important issues that matter and it is so small that you can bike anywhere and never have to worry about parking."
Council Member Alisa Pappenfort, Ward 3
"I love Salida's magnificent mountainous surround, our river that runs mild to wild, fascinating people, dedicated musicians providing dance opportunities, nearby skiing and abundant trails to access the woods. I love our parks, pool, the SteamPlant and the Riverside stage. I appreciate the opportunity to serve with Council and staff, a second family of wonderful professionals."
Treasurer Ben Gilling
"I love the Heart of Salida - it’s not just a marketing term. The “Heart of the Rockies” truly lives in the community and is visible through the actions of our citizens. From our communities’ multiple non-profits, our citizens who give back, and the way our town cares for its own, all provide evidence of Salida’s Heart!"