Candidate Tim Plass (photo by Zane Selvans)
What started out as simply speaking up for his neighborhood turned into speaking up for his entire community. Tim Plass started getting involved with the community when he went to a City Council meeting to try to save a historic house from getting demolished. Things did not turn out so well for that house but Plass was inspired to get involved.
Plass, who has lived in Boulder for 26 years, has served a term on the city’s Landmarks Board and for the last year and a half has been on the city’s Planning Board. After coming up just a little bit short in the City Council elections two years ago, he said he decided this year he would give it another shot.
“I have a passion for Boulder and want to be part of a group of people who decide where we go for our future,” said Plass.
There are a few things in particular Plass said he would like to accomplish if he is elected to City Council. One of them is to focus on keeping Boulder’s local companies as they grow. Here in Boulder we have a community full of entrepreneurs and small businesses but as soon as they become successful and grow larger they move on to other cities because Boulder just doesn’t have room for them. Plass wants to change that. He also says he wants bring more amenities to east Boulder, specifically around the 55th and Arapahoe area.
Another important aspect about Boulder that Plass wants to emphasize is to continue to fund non-profits to provide for those who are in need. Boulder’s Housing and Human Services Department supports and funds several non-profits that look out for those who are struggling, and Plass says he feels strongly about supporting that system.
“We need to look out for those who are less fortunate,” said Plass.
The third thing Plass said he wants to focus on is the neighborhoods. He says that he knows there are many problems with the University Hill area when it comes to loud parties and alcohol related issues. He says he wants to try to get the neighbors, the university, and student government to come together so everyone can agree on the best way to deal with these things.
“I want to make sure the city tries its best to have a strong neighborhood program and to make sure there’s funding,” said Plass. “Maybe a website where neighbors can all be hosted so we can have a central place where their voices can be heard.”
The thing that struck him initially about Boulder is its beautiful setting – the Flatirons, the open space, and the campus – but what he has grown to love most about this town is the people here. He said he really admires their creativity and the chances they are willing to take, like paying taxes to preserve our open spaces, or the emphasis on reducing greenhouse gases by creating bike paths and public transportation systems.
Plass also says that he believes understanding other cultures is very important when it comes to understanding a community and helping it grow. People from all different cultures and backgrounds bring richness and diversity to the community.
“It is such an important part to be able to appreciate other cultures. You need to be welcoming and inclusive and open and I think you get to see the value of other cultures.”
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