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Dolores will choose a mayor and three board members in the upcoming April 7 election. The election is by mail ballot.

Local teacher and Mayor Chad Wheelus is running for a second term. He is being challenged by Jerry Whited, a Towaoc firefighter and planning board member. Candidates submitted statements to The Journal about their plans and goals if elected. The mayor term is for two years.

WheelusAs a full-time teacher, I have a skill set that includes interpersonal communication, organization and efficiency.

My main motivations for seeking reelection as mayor are to provide some continuity for the town after a few years of staff turnover, and to help steward in a number of projects the town has on the horizon. The planning phase for the new playground is over, the project will be built, and I will be there to support it as mayor and/or citizen.

One of my main messages has always been that sustaining small rural towns is an ever-evolving process. One of the main tasks of the board will be to navigate this process depending on how voters decide on the ballot questions of allowing retail marijuana and OHVs in town.

During my term, I feel this board has been committed to transparency, and that will continue under my watch. I also feel that finding a variety of efficient ways for the public to give input is crucial. This will include specific times for participation at board meetings, public forums around important issues and better online information access and dissemination.

I am a public servant, and my style is to do that as efficiently as I can and to the best of my ability.

WhitedI’m running for mayor to give back to the community. I personally experienced how a community can come together with an outpouring of support, and it made me determined to help my town. I have the time and energy to make things happen.

My immediate priority is to bring businesses and organizations together to start collaborating and sharing information, then plan together on projects and how to improve sales tax revenue. My next priority is to make the playground build a success.

Wayfaring signage is sorely needed in town. We need to get visitors to stop, and to tell them the amazing things we have to offer, like a river trail, fishing spots, swimming, hiking and biking trails, McPhee Lake, shopping, dining, parks, lodging and museums.

I am open and approachable, and if elected mayor I plan on holding public office hours. During town meetings, I would add more public comment time before any big decisions are made.

I believe in being open and up front, fair and inclusive. I want to get multiple viewpoints in the discussion and listen without a personal agenda so that we come to a consensus on the best way to move forward.