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T__�; dad mayoral candidates agree growth a critical issue http: / /www.chieftain.com/ print /wednesday /news /articles /`nil3.htm <br />The Pueblo Chieftain Online <br />Select file then print to print this article. <br />Publish Date Wednesday October 31, 2001 <br />Trinidad mayoral candidates agree rroowth a critical issue <br />By MIKE GARRET T <br />The Pueblo Chieftain <br />TRINIDAD - All three mayoral candidates recognize the critical nature of growth issues. W ,rp <br />City Council incumbents ElpILPlant, Ted Maartiliez and Joe Ruda know that as Trinidad mayor, they <br />will have to be visionary on how the city should control its growth during the next two to four years. <br />All three have long histories in Trinidad. Martinez's family goes back more than 100 years. Reorda is <br />a Trinidad native with 44 years' experience as an educator and school administrator. Plant, an <br />independent insurance agent - owner, has lived here 15 years. <br />Finishing up his first four -year term, Martinez has the most City Council experience. Plant served two <br />years before resigning his seat in August to run for mayor. Reorda completed the 14 remaining months <br />of former City Council Mark Ritz's term after Ritz was elected county commissioner. <br />Martinez said he is seeking balanced ced growth for Trinidad. <br />"That means for the community to grow, everything has to grow in proportion - the sc„hols, the <br />infrastructure, fire�andd police departments - so one doesn't get out of hand or get ahead of the other," <br />said Martinez. "We need more medical personnel and facilities here and there is grant funding <br />available for that." <br />Plant, a member of the Southern Colorado Economic Development District board, also considers <br />growth a high priority. He also wants to address traffic congestion and Downtown par_ king problems <br />that will be created by future growth. <br />"We need to explore additional traffic routes in and out of our Downtown area and look at extending <br />Elm Street down to Linden Street," said Plant. "In doing so, we need to exercise care not to infringe <br />on histo� ric preservation efforts and ultimately strike a balance between growth and historic <br />preservation. <br />"In the next year, the city needs to play a more active role in our erg dical community. We need to <br />make a self - assessment and make the necessary changes and improvements that will allow us to <br />recruit and retain medical professionals," he said. <br />Reorda said he also supports growth issues, developing the city's historical district and sound bind et <br />management. <br />"But I would like to talk more about what makes everything work for all of us. Nothing can be done or <br />accomplished without a team effort," Reorda said. <br />"If we want growth with a purpose, increased tourism, to develop our historical area and provide <br />1 of 2 10/31/01 3:12 PM <br />