Election 2021: John Gauthiere announces bid for Greeley’s mayoral seat

By Trevor Reid, for the Greeley Tribune

John Gauthiere

John Gauthiere, an engineer who formed and led a group called Save Greeley's Water, recently announced his bid for Greeley's mayoral seat.

Gauthiere has been a resident and "major facilitator of Greeley's growth" for the past 42 years, according to a news release. He's running against incumbent John Gates and candidate Jim Ethridge.

"As your Mayor, I will provide leadership to assure affordability and sustainability of the infrastructure and assets critical to Greeley's future," he said in the release. "My overall goal as Mayor will be to ensure our community's safety and to promote a positive and healthy environment for families to live in, students to learn in, and businesses to grow in."

With degrees in civil engineering and environmental science, Gauthiere said he has 50 years of experience in the water industry and previously served as the city's chief of engineering and management from 1979 to 2001, when he founded Gauthiere Engineering, Inc. The firm has completed projects for municipalities, as well as commercial and agricultural water providers.

Gauthiere's time with the city water department included working with local water pioneer W.D. Farr. Gauthiere managed operations such as rehabilitation of the high mountain dams and overseeing the purchase of millions of dollars of water rights, according to the release. He also managed operations of and improvements to treatment plants and transmission and distribution pipelines.

Having administering the department's budget, according to the release, Gauthiere said he believes the city's water rates can be reduced, while continuing to provide "the clean mountain drinking water that our forefathers started providing in 1907."

Gauthiere believes his experience will help city council make "sound decisions regarding Terry Ranch and Greeley's water future," an area where he and Save Greeley's Water members have disagreed with the current council.

Gauthiere said his experience will also help ensure infrastructure improvements, particularly downtown flooding.

Gauthiere also promoted transparency, proposing a digital library for easy access to city records without large expenses, and expanding educational opportunities for the city's youth. He also highlighted the importance of the police and fire departments, noting they'll have his continued respect and support.

"A safe and friendly city is what I want for everyone," Gauthiere said.