Durango herald letters to the editor

It is with whole-hearted enthusiasm that I am casting my vote for Jessika Buell for Durango City Council.

I have known Jessika both personally and professionally for 15 years and throughout all this time, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to accomplish an extraordinary amount.

Everything she does is with 100% effort, as she is committed to this community, her employees and her family. Through her strong entrepreneurial experience as an employer and owner of three local businesses and cofounder of the Women’s Professional Network, she understands these challenges and opportunities. She understands the critical need for housing and the creation of diverse opportunities throughout the community.

She is a problem-solver and with every challenge, she works hard to understand differing perspectives in order to move forward to achieve successful outcomes.

Jessika’s enthusiasm for learning and supporting her community is strong, as demonstrated most recently with her efforts to help deliver meals to healthcare workers through our Feed The Frontline initiatives locally.

Jessika is a uniter and someone who couldn’t be better to work together with her colleagues on council to represent our community.

Christina Rinderle

Durango

I am writing to support Jessika Buell for Durango City Council. I have known Jessika for the last several years; she is truly a “force of nature,” and the zeal, enthusiasm, and drive for success she brings to every aspect of her life will translate into effective leadership for the City of Durango.

Jessika’s honesty and no-nonsense approach will bring transparency and accountability to City Council, and her hustle and work ethic will ensure that it is focused and efficient. Jessika’s leadership will give our small businesses and hard-working citizens a voice in local politics and ensure that Durango continues to have a bright, vibrant, and prosperous future.

Jessika’s focus and dedication to her family and her community are second to none. As a single mother of two boys, and a small business owner of three local companies, she knows how to meet goals and get things done, manage different agendas and projects, and meet the needs of differing groups, all at the same time. She is always open and available to speak with the people of our community and listens deeply to people’s perspectives.

Jessika brings a fresh perspective to local issues, and her inquisitive mind will not settle for anything less than the best answers to the problems that face our community. She has endless energy, a ceaselessly optimistic approach, and an honest and direct style that will get things done for Durango. Trust me – you want her on our team.

Vote Jessika for City Council.

Christian Champagne

Durango

It is with great pride that I endorse Jessika Buell for Durango City Council.

I have known Jessika for years – personally and professionally - and while there are numerous assets of hers that will benefit the City of Durango, the one that stands out first and foremost is her integrity. Everything she does, she does with integrity, honesty and goodwill.

She is always putting her children, friends, family, employees and the community first. Having someone on City Council who leads with itegrity first is what we need in our community.

I know that if elected to City Council, Jessika would bring back trust from our community to our government. There would never be a time where we questioned her ethics or values, as she is always transparent and an amazing communicator.

In addition to her integrity, she brings her hard work ethic, creativity, willingness to listen and learn, cooperative leadership skills and more. You can see all of these qualities in the way she parents her two boys, manages her more than 50 employees daily, provides unwavering friendship to those she loves and works hard every day to better her community .

Durango would be lucky to have her leadership on City Council. Vote with me and vote Jessika Buell for City Council April 6th!

Mikayla Montoya

Durango

For a City Council with institutional memory, wisdom, compassion, vision, and integrity, vote for Melissa Youssef, Jessika Buell and Frank Lockwood.

Faye Schrater

Durango

Council leadership is more than individuals, it is a collective team that helps guide decisions through collaboration, diversity of experience and varied expertise.

My vote goes to the contingent of Mellisa Youssef, for her council experience and ability to truly listen to our community; Frank Lockwood, for his training in law, conflict resolution and strategic planning, all invaluable in bringing divergent ideas to focused decisions; and Jessika Buell for her experience as a working mom and small business owner, perspectives currently underrepresented on our council. Vote Youssef, Lockwood, Buell for an effective council, Durango strong!

Andy Corra

Durango

I am happy to support Jessika Buell for Durango City Council.

I have known Jessika for six years and my perspective is unique, as I do not only know and see her as a business woman and entrepreneur, but I get to see and share who she really is.

Jessika is the right person for the job because she not only brings passion for small businesses, affordable housing, and growth for Durango, but Jessika is someone who is genuine, compassionate, honest and dedicated.

Jessika comes from humble beginnings and a humble life. The things she has have been earned and she will not forget about the hours of hard work and multiple jobs it took to get where she is today. Jessika will ensure that this community is built and supported by the hard working people who live, love and work here.

Vote Jessika; vote for the voice of all, vote for hard work and vote for dedication. Jessika will be the voice for Durango, all of Durango.

Alexis Koses

Durango

I am honored to write this letter on behalf of Jesskia Buell. She checks off every box needed to become one of our newest members of Durango City Council.

Not only is she smart, dedicated, ambitious, loyal and a hard worker, she is also just an amazing human. We, as residents of Durango, would be lucky to have someone like Jessika fighting for us.

I have known Jessika for over 10 years and still every time I am around her, I learn something new. She is an innovator and has more energy than the youth hockey team she coaches! I am truly confident that Jessika will bring the same drive and determination to City Council as she does in every other things that she is involved in. I hope you join me in voting for Jessika!

Stacie Montoya

Durango

I fully support Jessika Buell for City Council.

I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Jessika over the last six years. Not only is she a hard-working and passionate entrepreneur, but she is also an amazing mother. I love her energy and compassion and it shines through the brightest when she’s coaching and parenting.

I love and appreciate how grounded she is and how humble she is. The amount of time and energy that she dedicates to making others’ lives better is truly impressive. She never hesitates to lend a helping hand and her generosity is unmatched.

I believe that having such a person as Jessika on City Council would be an asset for so many. It’s rare to find someone who has such extraordinary drive and compassion. Vote Jessika Buell for Durango City Council.

Kristianna Bartel

Durango

I have worked with Jessika Buell for many years and she has never let me down.

She can build a website or start a business. She is hardworking and knowledgeable. She knows Durango and what makes it tick. She is bright and cheerful and has a get-it-done attitude. She is a single mother of two boys so she really knows what hard work is!

As a small business owner myself, I know what it takes to navigate our sometimes challenging city regulations and I think Jessika would hold a valuable perspective for our council, not only as a business owner, but as a single mom trying to support a family in Durango. From city regulations to affordable housing to after-school programs, Jessika has the interest, the experience and the enthusiasm to help lead our city in a challenging time.

Let’s elect her to the city council!

Alison Dance

Durango

I am writing to support Jessika Buell for Durango City Council. I have had the pleasure of knowing Jessika for over seven years, and I do not know anyone else who works as hard, is as dedicated, or more loved in our community.

honesty and no-nonsense approach to her businesses and everything she manages will bring transparency and accountability to City Council; and her hustle and work ethic will ensure that City Council is effective and focused in its efforts.

As a business partner, Jessika holds herself and her coworkers accountable for all decisions and promotes a atmosphere of openness. If you want to see honest people in government, join me in supporting Jessika Buell for Durango City Council.

I am excited to endorse Jessika for City Council; her commitment to effective and creative leadership will give small businesses a voice, give hard-working citizens a voice, and give the people who work multiple jobs to barely afford to live here a voice.

Most importantly, she cares about everyone and wants to see everyone be successful. Please join me in supporting Jessika for Durango City Council.

D.J. Griego

Durango

Hard worker, dedicated, ethical; these are words I would use to describe a successful person and also words that I consider synonymous with Jessika Buell.

Jessika’s work ethic is second to none. This can be seen not only as a professional, but also as a community member and mother. Somehow she is able to do an incredible job with three businesses while also volunteering her time to improve the community through programs like the Professional Women’s Network, all while being an outstanding youth sports coach for her sons.

She is always dedicated to improving any organization she is involved in. Consistently going above and beyond what is asked of her. Jessika is also a person who goes out of her way to help others. She consistently shows empathy and compassion for anyone who is in need. I am honored to know her and believe she will help Durango flourish as a member of City Council.

Rustin Bartel

Durango

I have had the opportunity to know Jessika on a professional level as well as a personal level. This is why I feel that she would be an asset to Durango as a City Councilor.

Jessika is committed to new, out-of-the-ordinary, yet effective leadership in our community. You can see this through the multiple businesses she owns and helps operate here in Durango. She is a get-it-done sort of person and pours her passion for life into everything she does.

Jessika is a 19-year Durango resident. In those years she has lived and worked in multiple areas and subjects of this community. I am confident that most that have had the pleasure of coming into contact with her would agree she is a hard worker, a balanced individual who is dedicated to everything she does and will make sure she gives 110% to every task that is put in front of her.

She is a mother, a coach, a trainer, a teacher, a friend, a business partner and a supporter to many part of our community, including women-owned businesses. Vote Jessika Buell for the future of Durango!

Lacie Fuller

Durango

Jessika Buell is someone who I associate with hard-work, perseverance, mentoring, and friendship. In the nine years that I have known her, I have found her to be a savvy businesswoman who used her connections to inspire other women, a dedicated athlete who used her passion for healthy living to start a gym community, and a supportive mom and friend who is always ready to cheer you on!

She is approachable and has the energy and skills to be a positive influence on the City Council to make our community better. I think she will be a great council member who will work to conscientiously support everyone’s interests in Durango.

Julie Hartley

Durango

Being a business owner in Durango, I have experienced firsthand the difference between quality City Council representation and those who only make residents’ lives more difficult.

It takes a high level of professionalism, experience and overall business knowledge to be an effective City Council member. That is why I wholeheartedly endorse Jessika Buell for City Council.

Jessika takes pride in her work, has the requisite experience as an owner of multiple businesses, and most importantly, Jessika loves Durango.

For as long as I have worked with Jessika, she has represented being a true local more than anyone I know. She goes out of her way to help our local businesses thrive with her marketing firm. She dedicates countless hours getting Durango residents healthy and strong as a co-owner and coach at The Vault, and she gives the people of Durango a local choice for all of their cleaning, housekeeping and errand-running needs with Lucky Services. Jessika gets any mission set before her accomplished. I can say with full confidence she will do the same on City Council.

Jessika gets my vote for City Council. She should get yours, too.

Elizabeth Valenzuela

Durango

Thank you to Melissa Youssef, for all the time, service and effort she has put into our community over the past 24 years. Her experience on the 9R School Board, Parks and Recreation Board, Trails 2000 Board, Animas High School Board, Durango Discovery Museum Board, Community Foundation, Municipal League, Urban Renewal Authority and La Plata Economic Development Alliance Boards has uniquely contributed to her ability to serve as a City Councilor and mayor over the past four years.

We have seen her bring good judgment, civility, honesty, fair-mindedness and great experience to her role on council. Most of all, I am grateful she dedided to run for another term. She has my most enthusiastic support.

All she needs is another good team on council to work with, so I also support Jessika Buell and Olivier Bosmans to help round out City Council in April.

Again, thanks to the candidates for their willingness to bring their varied and valuable experience and solid personal and professional skills to Durango City Government.

Mark Smith

Durango

I am very happy to endorse both Melissa Youssef and Jessika Buell for our City Council election.

Melissa has a huge capacity to learn the truth behind difficult issues and come to a well-balanced decision. We are very lucky to have her on the City Council.

Jessika Buell is also an impressive individual whose business acumen speaks volumes about her ability to get things done and to guide a team in difficult times. She has lived in Durango and created three new businesses which is no small feat.

Please join me in support of both Melissa and Jessika for two of the three open positions.

Rod Barker

Durango

Teamwork: City government, city staff, city departments, advisory boards, all must work together for the best outcome for our community. We have seven good candidates running for City Council.

Rather than look at each individual candidate, I have evaluated the candidates based on their skills, knowledge and how well they would work together as part of a team. Melissa Youssef is a known entity; we have seen her research problems, ask questions and understand the issues. Her ability to listen provides her with clear judgement, her professionalism creates an engaged dialog among council members and her knowledge in finance allows her to support good decisions.

Frank Lockwood would add to this team with his skills as an attorney to problem-solve, evaluate all options and communicate. His experience is invaluable and extensive as a team player, from serving on the La Plata County Planning Commission to director of the tourism office.

Lastly, Jessika Buell would round out this trifecta with her enthusiasm and real-life experience as a mother and a small-business owner. I only know Jessika and Frank from watching the webinars hosted to “meet the candidates” and I am impressed with the answers provided, the intellect conveyed and the enthusiasm to lead our community. Vote Youssef, Lockwood and Buell for a team that will work for our community.

Janet G. Wiley

Durango

I support Jessika Buell for City Council because she is knowledgeable about local issues, incredibly driven, and committed to the wellbeing of our community! Jessika is also dedicated to advancing the professional opportunities of area women, through the Professional Women’s Network of Durango; she supports many individuals in seeking a healthier lifestyle, as a local gym owner; and volunteers her time to work with area youth, including her two kids, as a dedicated coach. Jessika would make an excellent Council Member! 

It is so exciting to watch someone take initiative for their community because they care so much! I've had the opportunity to work with Jessika on several initiatives in Durango over the years and one of my most fond projects with her was our time serving the Professional Women's Network of Durango Board together for two years. Jessika is one of the most conscientious, solution-oriented people I know. I can't wait to follow her journey helping to lead our community out of what was one of the most wild years we have experienced! She would make an excellent City Councilor. 

It’s simple, really. Do you want your Durango City Council to have individuals on the Council who are true community members willing to stand up and fight for the “old” Durango we all know, love, and miss? Jessika will be that voice for our community – not afraid to speak up but always willing to listen and reason with opposition. Jess is one of the strongest, most tenaciously driven people I’ve ever met. She is not afraid to challenge herself or those around her to be better and to do what is RIGHT. Jessika is intelligent, business-savvy, and extremely dedicated to everything and everyone in her life. In the seven+ years that I’ve known Jess, her friendship has never faltered, no matter how busy she is. I know I can count on Jess for anything, and I truly believe she will bring that same caring, kind, and energetic attitude into her role on City Council. With the success of each of her businesses (and really, with anything Jess involves herself in), she has proven her abilities to take things to the next level, and I’m certain she will take Durango under her wing and bring us into the future in a fair and multi-beneficial way. 

We have known Jessika for 5 years and think she would be a huge asset for Durango as a City Council member. Jessika is hard working, runs multiple businesses, honest, and puts 100% into everything she does. We love her passion for life and our community-she will always stand up for others and fight for what’s right for Durango. We can’t think of a better candidate than Jessika Buell.  

Jess is a get things done kind of person! She won’t sit around. She is always looking for new ways to improve this community and has done so much for this town between her businesses and children! She truly loves durango and I know will work hard for our community. She never gives up on her goals and is one of the strongest individuals I know. She will be a great addition to city council and will strive to make our community better

I couldn’t think of anyone more qualified for this! I’ve known Jess for 10+ years and she has always been someone who has 100 things going on but she’s not one of those that has 100 things and only gives 50% effort she gives all 100 things 100% effort! She owns multiple business, coaches her boys in Durango athletics, she’s involved in multiple community programs and still finds the time to foster amazing friendships. She cares about Durango and will work hard to make it an even more amazing place to call home! 

I have known Jess for years.. we need more successful, hard working business oriented people on City Council. Jessika knows how much effort it takes to grow a business and employ people. We need this type of grounded real world experience in City Council. 

She truly is everything Durango needs...straight up woman who will get the job done.. And was a great person to work for.