Randall Reitz, a candidate for the Grand Junction City Council, emphasizes open communication and community engagement. He prioritizes mental health, affordable housing, and effective transportation while advocating a balanced approach to homelessness. Reitz expresses confidence in fulfilling the demands of public service as he seeks to secure a brighter future for the community’s youth.
As the Grand Junction City Council election approaches on April 8, The Daily Sentinel has reached out to candidates for insights. One respondent is Randall Reitz, a candidate for District E who reflects on his commitment to the community and the pressing issues facing its residents.
Randall Reitz, at the age of 52, serves as the Director of Behavioral Medicine. He values Grand Junction as an ideal place to raise his three children, highlighting its excellent public schools, vibrant cultural activities, and outdoor recreational opportunities, such as skiing, hiking, and paddleboarding.
Reitz emphasizes his focus on fostering open communication with residents, city staff, and fellow council members. He actively engages with the community through various platforms to ensure transparency and responsiveness, viewing these factors as vital to effective governance.
He identifies suicide and addiction as critical health issues in the area, especially following the closure of West Springs Hospital. Under his leadership, the city has supported mental health initiatives, including funding for a nonprofit organization and a student loan repayment program for social work graduates, advocating for further improvements in these areas.
Reflecting on past council decisions, Reitz expresses strong support for the collaborative approach established in the wake of a previous adversarial process involving development fees. The current stakeholder committee has contributed valuable insights, enhancing both business viability and affordable housing access in the city.
On transportation infrastructure, Reitz advocates for maintaining a focus on quality roads for vehicular traffic, while also recognizing the importance of multimodal transportation solutions. He suggests a well-balanced allocation of funds to both car and alternative transportation needs.
Regarding the unhoused population, he believes in a collaborative approach with nonprofit organizations to provide necessary services while ensuring that public spaces remain hospitable and accessible for all community members.
Despite the departure of Mayor Abe Herman and Council Member Dennis Simpson from the reelection race, Reitz expresses confidence in his ability to handle the demands of public service. He remains passionate about his role, underscoring the importance of governance in securing a promising future for the community’s children and grandchildren.
In summary, Randall Reitz’s candidacy for the Grand Junction City Council is marked by his commitment to open communication, mental health advocacy, affordable housing, and balanced infrastructure development. He seeks to engage constructively with nonprofits to address homelessness, emphasizing a community-centric approach in his governance strategy. Reitz demonstrates a strong willingness to continue serving the public interest thoughtfully and vigorously.
Original Source: www.gjsentinel.com
