Election Day is Here - Election Night Event!

Please join me for an election night tradition of gathering at Cannon Mine coffee in downtown Lafayette, at the corner of Cannon & Public Roads (210 South Public Road or visit http://www.cannonmine.com/). I plan to attend between 7:00 and 8:00 at Cannon Mine. Cannon Mine serves some food and a variety of drinks, including beer and wine and it is a wonderful social gathering place with a great community atmosphere.

Where the Magic Happens

Today, I stopped by the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder's office for an open house they hosted to talk about the election procedures. This had been scheduled for last Wednesday, but was cancelled due to the snowstorm. Boulder County Clerk & Recorder, Hillary Hall, was there to walk me through the process and answer questions. Here we are, standing in front of the Ballot Scanning room:


I was surprised to find that of the 75,ooo expected ballots (for ALL Boulder County elections), between 25,000 and 30,000 will be delivered to the offices today. Voters can go online NOW to make sure their mail-in ballot has been received, and the signature verified & accepted by going to http://www.voteboulder.org/ and selecting the link at the top of the page marked "Check Your Voter Status" or use the direct link here: Verify Voter Information and Ballot Status.

All election results will be posted at http://www.voteboulder.org/, started at 7:00 pm Mountain time. I will post results here and on my website as soon as possible.

Watch Kristin on TV!

Tonight, between 7:30 and 8:00, watch Kristin on CCTV 54 on the show "East County Live" in a round table discussion with several of the Lafayette candidates and producer, Len Houle. For more information about CCTV54 and East County Live, please visit www.cctv54.org, and read more below.

Cable Channel 54 (CCTV54) is a Boulder County, Colorado, group of volunteers who produce original, local TV shows. We welcome new members from our viewing community of Louisville, Lafayette, Erie and Superior, Colorado. Our goal is to support independent, commercial-free, citizens TV. We believe free speech for everyone, is the basis for democracy!

Current shows include art, politics, music, culture and community activities on the local, state, national, global levels.

What is the Community Access Channel? Run by volunteers like you, we're a local community-supported TV studio. Volunteers create and produce programs independent of big media corporations. We facilitate programming ranging from east Boulder County to the globe on news, people, issues, events, groups, music, poetry and the arts. We cablecast programs from independent media sources.

Yard Signs are here!

Greetings everyone!

My yard signs have arrived, please contact me at kristin.richeimer@gmail.com if you'd like to display a yard sign in support of my candidacy. Thanks again to all my supporters!

Candidate Night

Candidate Night was hosted by the League of Women Voters to educate Lafayette residents about the upcoming election and candidates. The evening was a great opportunity for residents to ask questions of the candidates and get a sense of what we stand for. I'll be posting some excerpts here and on my website soon.

Each candidate was granted two minutes to introduce themselves and a two-minute closing. In between, each candidate had 1.5 minutes to answer the question posed by the residents in attendance. I still have some research to complete on the affordable housing question that was asked of the candidates. While I'm reasonably familiar with the programs, I definitely need to find out more to answer the question of whether Lafayette has adequate affordable housing. Please check back and I'll post a response to that question.

I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend and to watch on TV or online. The entire evening's broadcast is available at the link below. Just click on the October 15th meeting video under the City Council heading.

Candidate Night Streaming Video

For more information on the League of Women Voters, click here.

Endorsed by yellowscene!

Text of the endorsement is below:

Kristin Richeimer: Kristin Richeimer is a newcomer to local politics, which is exactly why we like her. She’s a smart cookie with a fresh outlook, a propensity for walking-the-walk and an ambitious, positive vision of Lafayette. She’s ready to take on the challenges that Lafayette will face in the coming years, everything from potential redevelopment and business retention to issues of trails and open space. Plus, Richeimer has a number of ideas about bringing community engagement and council communication into the 21st century.

For the complete article and other city & county ballot endorsements by yellowscene, click here.

Daily Camera Candidate Q&A and Video

Please take a moment to view my candidate profile from the Daily Camera. These items seem pretty hidden on their website unless you search by name, but use the link below. Included in the profile is the 2 minute video I completed at the Daily Camera studio. Thanks to Paul Aiken for filming and produce the segment and thanks to the Daily Camera for providing a forum for candidates in the local elections.

Daily Camera Profile & Video

Endorsed by WUFPAC!

6 for 6: WUFPAC Endorses Six Candidates in Six States

Washington, DC-- Women Under Forty PAC, a nonpartisan political action committee that supports young women candidates, announced a second round of endorsements for federal, state, and local candidates running for office in 2009 and 2010. The candidates are running in California, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Maine, and Maryland.

"WUFPAC is honored to support Heather Beaven in her race for Florida's 7th Congressional District, Rosa Scarelli for Governor of Maine, Kate Anderson for California Assembly (53rd District), Tiffany Brown for Mayor of Atlanta, Amanda Haddawayfor Frederick City Board of Aldermen (MD), and Kristin Richeimer for Lafayette City Council (CO), stated Jessica Grounds, WUFPAC President. "These six dynamic young candidates are trailblazers and we are thrilled to support them in their endeavor to become political leaders. We hope these candidates inspire even more young women to run." Below are snapshots of these six outstanding candidates, for the full endorsement please visit the WUFPAC website here. Heather Beaven for Florida's 7th Congressional District "Heather Beaven is an excellent, qualified candidate for Florida's 7th Congressional District. Congress could benefit from a decorated female war veteran serving, WUFPAC is pleased and honored to endorse Heather's candidacy for Congress," stated Piper Nelson, WUFPAC Board member.

The full endorsement can be found here. To learn more about Heather Beaven and to contribute to her campaign, please visit her website at http://www.beavenforcongress.com/ Rosa Scarelli for Governor of Maine "Maine has a long rich tradition of electing women to public office and WUFPAC is thrilled to support Rosa's candidacy for Governor", stated Jessica Grounds, WUFPAC President, "Given these uncertain economic times, Rosa brings proven business experience as the Chief Executive of Maine. Rosa is running an exciting grassroots campaign focusing much of her energy on reaching out to young voters in the state. We're excited to support her in the coming months." The full endorsement can be found here. To learn more about Rosa Scarelli and to contribute to her campaign, please visit her website at http://www.rosaformaine.com/

Kate Anderson for California Assembly 53rd District "We are delighted to support Kate in her race for California Assembly. With her legislative and legal background, we know she will hit the ground running to not only work for serious reform to California's state government, but will be a leading advocate for education for California's children," stated Jessica Grounds, WUFPAC President. "As a hard working, full time mother of twin girls, Kate is setting a great example for her young children and the young women across the country. We want women like Kate representing us in all levels of government." The full endorsement can be found here. To learn more about Kate Anderson, please visit her website at http://www.kateanderson.org/

Dr. Tiffany Brown, Mayor of Atlanta "Atlanta is a vibrant, diverse community, which is clearly facing challenges like most of our cities across the country, however, we believe Dr. Tiffany Brown has the right attitude, experience, and energy to revitalize the City of Atlanta and that is why we are once again supporting her candidacy for Mayor of Atlanta," stated Jessica Grounds, WUFPAC President.
The full endorsement can be found here. To learn more about Dr. Tiffany Brown, please visit her website at http://www.brownforatlanta.com/

Amanda Haddaway, Frederick City Board of Aldermen (Maryland) " Amanda has already proven she is a woman to watch with her successful win in the primary for Alderman representing Frederick City, Maryland. We think Amanda will be an excellent Alderman; her clear dedication to her community is inspiring. In addition Amanda's experience in human resources gives her the background to help her deal with challenges she will undoubtedly face running a city government," said Jessica Grounds, WUFPAC President when announcing the group's endorsement of Amanda. The full endorsement can be found here. To learn more about Amanda Haddaway and support her race, please visit her website at http://www.voteforamanda.com/

Kristin Richeimer for Lafayette City Council (Colorado) "We are so excited for Kristin in her race for Lafayette City Council. We only wished that more women would be so bold as to jump into the political arena," said Piper Nelson, WUFPAC Board member as she announced the Board's endorsement of Kristin, "Kristin's involvement proves that with a strong pipeline of brilliant, young, dedicated women, we can change the gender disparity in political leadership today." To learn more about Kristin and her race for Lafayette City Council, please visit her website at http://www.richeimerforcitycouncil.com/.

Candidate Update Join Krystal Ball, candidate for Virginia's 1st Congressional District, in New York on Thursday, October 15, 2009 for an Avenue Q fundraiser. Information and tickets to the event can be purchased here. Support WUFPAC Today! As of October 8, 2009, WUFPAC has endorsed 11 candidates for federal, state and local office in the 2009 and 2010 election cycles. We need your help, donate today to WUFPAC in support of our mission-- Electing Young Women Leaders.

Lafayette News Profile

Latest media is the Lafayette News profile, view the profile here.

Celebrate Lafayette Parade & Festival

Well, the parade went off with only a few minor hitches! I was joined by friends & supporters, including an Eagle mascot and two basset hounds. I think Dudley and Gracie Mae Smith (the bassetts) really stole the show, but it was a lot of fun and everyone told me they want to do it again next year, even though it won't be a City Council election year!

We made t-shirts for the walkers, had candy for the kids, and I picked up some red "Celebrate Lafayette" tote bags offered by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce (6 for $5) a great deal to carry the candy in. With the Hollywood theme, I figured the red shoes and sparkly earrings would be appropriate.

Following the parade, we refreshed the dogs with water and ourselves with coffee at the Cannon Mine Coffee and then took to the candidate booth, which the candidates shared. It was great to speak with so many Lafayette residents and I was pleased to hear how many people are looking for change, and I am looking forward to being part of that positive change for Lafayette. A special thanks to my friends and family for helping prepare for the parade by making t-shirts (Brittany, Anna & Becky), for bearing the heat in a very hot eagle suit (thanks Alli), and to my campaign creative director, Becky Carlson, for designing the t-shirts and banner (along with all other media and graphics for my campaign).

I had funnel cake and snow cones, picked up literature from some city departments and even got a little sunburned; it was wonderful.

Me, my godson & supporters, thank to everyone for coming out to the parade and marching with me!

The basset rescue -- as we were nearing the end of the parade route. Dudley was almost through, but had a second wind and made the rest of the walk of his own power. The parade was only paused for a few minutes while we sorted this out.

Playing with the Eagle:

The Eagle needed some refreshment from the Sonic drink:

The group at the grand finale. Thanks again everyone!

Viva la Independencia!

I had the pleasure of attending the Viva la Independencia festival in downtown Lafayete at Festival plaza on Saturday. The festival was established by the Latino Advisory Board and I want to mention what a great job the organizers did to put on this event. There were several bands & dancers, with people of all ages and many cultures enjoying the festivities.

I have to admit that anytime I see these types of displays of costume and culture, I feel a tinge of jealousy about the fact that here in the US, we don’t really have a recognizable traditional dress, dance or song. While there is definitely a huge amount of pride in the US being a melting pot of other cultures, it serves as a reminder of how "young" the US really is compared to many other cultures and countries. I was just so impressed with the colorful dresses and hairstyles and talented dancing of the dance groups: one a traditional Mexican dance group, Baila Conmigo,

and the other was Danza Azteca, a group of three Aztec dancers, including Enrique Maestas and his fiance, Angela. A picture of me and Enrique below:

In addition, I had the pleasure of meeting Ramon Del Castillo and hearing him speak and recite a poem celebrating independence and the responsibility that we all have to guarantee continued independence for everyone and protection of human rights. Ramon Del Castillo is currently a Professor and Chair of the Chicana/o Studies Department at Metropolitan State College.

As I introduced myself and thanked him, I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. When there was a brief break in the program, I had the privilege of being asked by Dr. Del Castillo to take a moment to address the crowd. Rosabelle Rice, the Chair of the Latino Advisory Board, was kind enough to translate. While I speak German and some French, I do not (yet) speak Spanish. I recognized the City Council members who were in attendance, thanked all the performers and organizers for their contribution, and said what a wonderful time I was having. I mentioned my stong belief in an inclusive and diverse community and that I would appreciate their vote for City Council.

To close out the events at Festival Plaza before moving for the evening location at Angevine, the group Danza Azteca, an Aztec dance group, invited everyone to join in the Friendship dance. It included a circle of dancers from the crowd combined with rhythmic drumming, conch shell calls, burning incense or herbs, stomping and warrior cries that we could all follow. I believe we should all learn something new every day and I learned a lot in the 3 hours of my attendance at the festival. Two items struck particular interest:

*Aztec dancers were among the first to be killed in 1519 when Cortes invaded from Spain, conquered the Aztecs and took control of the region.
*The traditional women’s dress from Veracruz, a state in Mexico, is a beautiful, long, white lace dress with red trim and a black apron. These talented women performed an entire traditional dance with a glass of water atop their heads.

I’m so glad that I was able to attend and I would encourage all the residents of Lafayette to pay attention to other upcoming events sponsored or recommended by the Latino Advisory Board. Viva la Independencia!

Constitution Day & Citizenship Day

September 17th is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. I was alerted about this important day through the Latina Initiative, which is an organization founded “to more fully engage and empower Latinas in the issues and decisions that impact their lives and the health and well-being of their families and communities. LI recognizes the culturally-respected and influential role Latinas play as leaders and role models.” They have registered thousands of latinas to vote, and are helping many latinas get citizenship in the US> I’ve included an overview of the history of this important day from the Library of Congress below:

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is observed each year on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787 and “recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.”

This commemoration had its origin in 1940, when Congress passed a joint resolution authorizing and requesting the President to issue annually a proclamation setting aside the third Sunday in May for the public recognition of all who had attained the status of American citizenship. The designation for this day was “I Am An American Day.”

In 1952 Congress repealed this joint resolution and passed a new law moving the date to September 17 to commemorate “the formation and signing, on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution of the United States” but the day was designated “Citizenship Day” and also retained its original purpose of recognizing all those who had attained the status of American citizenship.

The law urged civil and educational authorities of States, counties, cities and towns to make plans for the proper observance of the day and “for the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the State and locality in which they reside.”

In 2004, Congress changed the designation of this day to “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day” and also added two additional provisions: first, that the head of each federal agency provide each new employee with educational and training materials concerning the Constitution and also provide such materials to every employee on September 17 of each year; and second, that each educational institution that receives Federal funds shall hold an educational program on the Constitution for students on September 17 of each year.

For more information, visit the Library of Congress website and the Latina Initiative.

Spending Locally

Studies have shown that when you shop locally, about 68% of what you spend stays in the community. This is due both to the sales tax revenue that goes directly to the city, and because the local shop owner in return spends the money on employees and on personal expenditures locally.

With an awareness of this impact, I have made a commitment to spending locally whenever possible, and make conscious decisions about all my purchases and decide whether I can make a local purchase vs. spending outside the Lafayette borders. So far, I’m finding that I just have to plan ahead a little each day but I can find an alternative and I end up feeling better about my purchases.

For example, I used to put off getting gas until I was headed into work in the morning, and the gas station is easily accessible in and out, but that gas station is actually in Louisville. There isn’t another gas station in Lafayette that’s convenient to get to on the way to work because they’re all on the wrong side of the street and involve a lot of left turns & lights and turning around, etc. However, if I just go the night before when I notice I am low on gas, then I can stop in Lafayette on the way home and still purchase my gas locally.

Groceries are another area where I have to plan ahead. There is a grocery store immediately across from my office in Boulder, so it’s very easy to run over there at lunch, for snacks, etc. In order to spend more locally, I have to make sure I get to the grocery store (or stores) in Lafayette and have what I need to make lunch without having to make a lot of extra trips (and spend all that money) in Boulder during each week.

While I wan to encourage everyone to spend locally, I fully recognize that the available local options need to be compelling and comprehensive to enable people to make that choice. Of course, there will likely be some specialty stores outside of the town for items that simply are not available in town, but we should try to expand the local offerings to fill those needs for the local community. I feel that if businesses know that Lafayette residents put a high priority on shopping locally, and if we have a concrete program in place to show local support, Lafayette will be able to attract businesses over neighboring communities.

I am doing an experiment to see what percentage of my discretionary (i.e. not bills) spending I can keep local, and be able to identify what is spent outside Lafayette for certain items. If we can all commit to a certain percentage, I think it can make a big impact. I’ll post more on this over the next couple of months, and I’d like to hear from you, so please comment if you’d like to join this commitment, or if you’re already doing something similar, I’d love to hear about your experiences.

Open Space?

New York City - September 2009

So, this doesn’t look like the Open Space we’re all used to here in Colorado. However, it represents the same principles -- a desire for a break from sprawling development, a commitment of the city representatives to forego some of the revenue that could have been realized from building on the spot, and a resulting better quality of life for residents.

I enjoy a visit to New York every couple of years if I can manage it. I grew up on the East Coast and attended college in Philadelphia. My sister went to college in Brooklyn, so I’ve had a lot of chances to visit, see the sights and enjoy all that New York has to offer. New York is such an amazing city and I am always surprised by a few things I see there, I enjoy the visit immensely, and am always so pleased and relieved to return to Colorado’s open space, panoramic views and the lack of humidity!

I was amused to see this sign on a subway station in New York – this open space was a bit of a plaza area on the corner, with a subway station in the middle, and several planters lining the area. They were nice planters mind, but I had to stop and take a picture and it made me think about how much I enjoy our open space in Colorado. One thing I love about my condo is a huge balcony which overlooks 287 and open space to the South. I actually enjoy my commute because of the open space that exists around my community. It has been especially delightful this summer, with the sunflowers and everything looking so green from the rain. Some mornings, when I’m headed to work early enough, I love seeing the pink glow the rising sun throws onto the Flatirons and the snow-capped peaks beyond. Looking out at the open space helps me decompress at the end of a long day of work.

It’s easy for us to say that we want to expand open space, but can be a tough decision to decide against commercial growth and development in a certain area. Long term planning is critical to making sure the resources are available for expanding open space and keeping this a priority for the city, while making sure we are pursuing commercial business opportunities in existing shopping centers and vacant buildings. As a City Council member, I would make sure open space remains a high priority, despite the economic downturn and declining budgets.
We’ll be rewarded with health and recreation opportunities, higher property values and enjoyment of our surroundings. And we won’t have to rely on a concrete plaza as our open space!