Election 2023: What we know about who’s announced and filed for Greeley elections
By Kelly Ragan
It’s still early. But it is just about time to get those wheels turning for the 2023 election season. Election Day itself will take place Nov. 7, 2023. This year will be a big one for local government as there are several seats up for election in Greeley.
Seats up for election on Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education
Three board members have terms set to expire this year, including Vice President Terri Pappas, Brenda Campos-Spitze and Natalie Mash. So far, none of the three incumbents have filed to run for re-election.
According to the state, Aug. 9 is the first day to circulate nomination petitions. Sept. 1 is the last day to file a nomination petition. Sept. 5 is the last day to file as a write-in candidate.
Stacey Casteel has announced
Stacey Casteel announced she’s running for school board, filing with the state Jan. 6.
According to her website, she has three children: Two who attend Greeley West High School and one who attends Dayspring Christian Academy. She serves on West’s Accountability Committee and volunteers with the Weld Faith Partnership Council.
“I want to be a voice for the students that are currently underserved by the school district,” she wrote on her website. “…I am also running to take action on the concerns of all district teachers and staff, in an effort to appeal to and retain strong educators.”
On her campaign’s Facebook page, Casteel has criticized LGBTQ+ support groups, such as SPLASH Youth of Northern Colorado, and teacher training efforts in Poudre School District called “ABCs of LGBTQIA+.” She has also criticized books available at District 6 libraries, such as “Beloved” by Toni Morrison, requesting parental consent for students to be able to check out the book.
On her personal Facebook page, Casteel has also shared images referring to folks in the LGBTQ+ community as wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Rasheed Garza filed a candidate affidavit
Rasheed Garza filed a candidate affidavit with the state Feb. 11 signaling a run for the board of education, though the website listed, garzaford6.com, was not yet up and running as of this publication.
Garza is a recent Greeley West High School graduate. In 2022, Garza was awarded the Daniels Fund Scholarship, a scholarship based on academic success as well as the character, leadership qualities, and commitment to contributing to the community.
The NoCo Optimist reached out to learn more about Garza’s goals as a candidate, but he did not respond by publication time.
Seats up for election on city council
Mayor
John Gates has announced he’s running for his fourth and final term.
No one has yet publicly challenged Gates.
Ward I
Tommy Butler has announced he’s running for re-election.
No one has yet publicly challenged Butler.
Ward IV
Dale Hall currently holds the Ward IV seat. He has not yet announced plans to run for re-election.
At-large
Ed Clark currently holds the at-large seat. He has not yet announced plans to run for re-election.
Interested in becoming a city council candidate?
To qualify, you must:
Be U.S. citizen
Be least 21 years old
Hold no other elective office
Have no felony convictions
Have been a resident of Greeley for at least one year immediately prior to the election, and if running for a ward-based office, be a resident of that ward for at least 90 days
For more information on how to run for office, go to https://greeleygov.com/.