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COMMUNITY NEWS
Fountain Mayor Jeri Howells has officially announced she will seek re-election in November. “It has indeed been my pleasure and honor to serve as Mayor of the great City of Fountain,” she said. Howells is eager to see the continuation of projects that began under her leadership, and remains committed to having open, honest, and fair government. “I pride myself on listening to all sides of an issue and all points of view,” she said. “I am always seeking accountability and the best and most effective use of our tax dollars.” Mayor Howells said she looks forward to the continuing process and completion of the city management analysis/audit that was started under her watch. “I’m looking forward to receiving the recommendations to help guide us in our future endeavors,” she stated. “Before asking voters for more tax dollars I want to know for sure that the city is making the best possible use of tax dollars we already have.” Mayor Howells would like to see (with approval of the majority of city council) a community/citizen task force formed, to go over the recommendations and data from the management audit/analysis, as the city takes its next steps into the future, regarding strategic planning and meeting infrastructure needs, etc. Howells, who has lived in the community for more than 40 years, has a long history of leadership, much of which focused on making the Fountain Valley community a better place. Since being elected Mayor, she has worked hard to establish a good working relationship with Fountain Sanitation District, just as she continues to maintain contact with the many regional entities and representatives she became involved with during her time as a County Commissioner. In addition to serving as Mayor for nearly two years now, she has worked as a community liaison for the El Paso County Health and Environment Department since Feb., 2005. She is especially proud of Fountain being designated as a LiveWell Community, through the new LiveWell Fountain program; just as she recognizes the importance of becoming a healthier community, and the benefits to everyone involved. “We are one of only 12 locales in the state to be recognized, and we have secured approximately $223,000.00 in grant money for health projects for our city,” she said. Accomplishments during her service as mayor (with the support of city council majority, and numerous citizens) have included working to reinstate private property rights for those citizens owning property on Santa Fe Ave. She has also kept her pledge of continuing her long-standing commitment to public safety; (funding police and fire department, etc.) “I believe the greatest asset the City of Fountain has is our outstanding employees, and I thank them. I have been a “working person” all of my adult life, and that is why I value input from all segments of our workforce.” Mayor Howells, said looking out for citizens and their rights is one of her highest priorities, as was the case during her service on El Paso County’s Board of Commissioners, from 1989 to Jan., 2005. During that time she served as Chairperson in 1993, 1994 and 1997; and as vice chair in 1991, 1992, 1995 and 2000. Prior to being elected as a County Commissioner she served on the Fountain-Fort Carson School District Eight Board of Education from 1980-1988. Over time, Howells has become acquainted with city operations “from the ground up.” She started working for the city in 1965 (and continued through 1971) helping in a variety of capacities including utility billing and customer service, as the secretary to the Mayor and City Council, clerk to the Court, and as an assistant to the city managers office. Aside from her many years of public service, Howells spent over 18 years in the private sector, as well. Howells belongs (or has belonged) to numerous civic organizations over the years, just as she has been honored by most, as well. Her most recent appointments include the ESA (El Paso County Emergency Services Agency) PPACG Board of Directors, Fountain Valley Historical Society, Member COPPeR(Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region), sustaining member of the Junior League of Colorado Springs. She also serves on the Fountain Creek Task Force, which is of vital importance to local residents. She was very involved in the Fountain Valley Senior Center’s “Save the Center” program and has volunteered for the Fountain Downtown Events Association and Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce. A proud mother and grandmother, Jeri raised her two children in the community, and is enjoying watching her two granddaughters grow up here, too. She remains interested in all aspects of the Fountain Valley’s growth/progress/educational system and realizes the importance of preserving the community’s unique agricultural history while also embracing the positive changes Fountain has enjoyed in recent years. “With the support of Fountain’s citizens, I hope to be able to continue in my service as Mayor,” she concluded. “It is imperative that our city’s elected officials remain open and committed to serving all of our citizens and focused on making it the best it can be for everyone.”
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