leaders
Littleton at a Crossroads: Electing City Council Leaders Who Will Move Us Forward
This November, Littleton voters face a defining choice. We will decide whether to elect leaders who can guide the city through a thoughtful and inclusive process or choose candidates who want to lock Littleton into the past and resist change. With four city council seats up for election and Ballot Question 3A, this election will shape our city for years to come.
Ballot Question 3A proposes a dramatic change to the City Charter that would severely limit Littleton’s ability to make even modest housing and land use updates. If passed, any changes to how residents use their own property, such as adding a backyard cottage or adjusting daycare operations, would require a citywide vote. It’s a broad restriction on property rights that would stall everyday decisions and paralyze local governance.
Candidates aligned with Rooted in Littleton do not treat this as a problem. They speak in tones of caution while advancing policies that resist change. At-large candidate David Carlton, for instance, says, “Growth occurs in thriving communities, but it should never come at the expense of the character and livability of Littleton’s established neighborhoods.” The sentiment may sound balanced, but it reflects a familiar pattern: protect appearances, postpone action, and ignore the urgency of housing access. Carlton backs the referendum that locks new housing options, even as essential workers like teachers, nurses, and first responders are priced out of the community they serve.
Joel Zink offers a clear alternative. He supports a range of housing options in well-connected areas—near transit, shops, and services—where properties meet real community needs. He emphasizes the importance of supporting Littleton’s workforce, noting that many public servants cannot afford to live where they serve. His approach is pragmatic and compassionate, grounded in the belief that housing is not just about buildings but about belonging.
In the mayoral race, Patrick Driscoll frames the election as a referendum on leadership. “The citizens have a choice in what direction they want Littleton to move over the next four years,” he says. “I believe strong leadership is the key to good governance.” Yet his critique of the current administration doesn’t match public sentiment. According to Littleton’s 2024 community survey, 75 percent of residents said the city has an effective government, up from 71 percent in 2022. Eighty-one percent rated city services positively, matching 2018 levels. This is not a government in decline, but one responding to real challenges.
Those challenges are clearly defined. Thirty-eight percent of residents named affordable housing and cost of living among the top three issues facing Littleton. Driscoll’s response? He suggested residents explore housing options four hours south in Trinidad. It was a complete dismissal, and a telling example of his leadership style. If you don’t already belong, look elsewhere.
Kyle Schlachter offers a more grounded vision. “I don’t think growth and preservation are inherently in conflict,” he says. “If you look back throughout the history of Littleton, it’s constantly changed.” He cautions against freezing the city in place, advocating instead for a flexible framework that meets the needs of the times. Schlachter envisions a future where Littleton continues to adapt while preserving its core assets—parks, open space, and a historic downtown that remains vibrant through thoughtful change. “You set the framework and allow residents to shape what happens,” he explains. His approach reflects a belief that resilience comes from balancing tradition with responsiveness.
Curt Samuelson, district 3 candidate, offers a final glimpse into Rooted’s rigidity. He cites the Envision Master Plan and notes that over 81 percent of residents commute by car, concluding this is unlikely to change. His vision leans on telecommuting and autonomous vehicles, with vague gestures toward bike lanes “where practical” and a circulator bus “in the future.” Even as bike-related incidents rise, many involving children and commuter cyclists, he suggests waiting for nearby development projects to wrap up before reassessing transportation needs. “As the projects near completion and build out, a new study of transportation patterns may be appropriate and new infrastructure projects approved.” It’s a disappointing response to an urgent problem.
Amanda Henderson, in contrast, brings overdue attention to transportation. She points out that Littleton’s current transit system leaves many residents behind, especially seniors, people with disabilities, and families without reliable access to a car. The city’s street design, she argues, fails to protect children on bikes, seniors crossing intersections, and leaves drivers navigating unsafe conditions. “If elected, I would prioritize pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure,” Henderson says, “advocating for more bike lanes, safer crosswalks, and improved sidewalks.” She plans to work with RTD to improve transit connectivity in underserved areas through increased service frequency, extended hours, on-demand options, and investment in micro-mobility. Her approach centers on community input, cost effectiveness, sustainability, equity, and long-term impact.
This contrast between leaders who see change as a threat and those who see it as a responsibility is at the heart of this election.
Littleton’s residents have made their priorities clear. They want action on housing, safer streets, and infrastructure. They trust their local government. They value the services they receive. What they need now is leadership that listens, adapts, and leads with integrity. This fall, let’s choose a council that reflects the best of Littleton. Let’s move forward into the future, not lock ourselves in the past.
