Alexis Barrere
Profession: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Biography: I was born and raised in Littleton and now I am raising my 2 children here. I love to rock climb, play soccer in the park, and take my kids to swim lessons at our local rec center. I am lucky enough to live in the same community as my parents and my brother and his family. Our local SSPRD park is very much a part of our lives and serves as a place where many memories are created between generations.
Website: votealexisbarrere.com
Why are you running for the South Suburban board?
I am running for a seat on the SSPRD board because our parks, open spaces, trails and recreation programs are integral to the quality of life that we enjoy, most important, they are crucial to our health and well-being regardless of our age. As a nurse practitioner, I understand the need for recreation and outdoor activities for the physical, mental, and emotional health. As a board member, I want to make sure to build on the great things SSPRD has already created and ensure that future endeavors are done with consideration for environmental sustainability and more voices from residents.
When it comes to serving on this board - what are your top three priorities?
We’re good stewards of the District’s 4,000 acres of parkland, 100+ miles of trails, and 4 recreation centers for the enjoyment of people of all ages and abilities.
We fulfill the 2023 Master Plan goals and objectives in fiscally responsible and sustainable ways.
We make certain that the voices of all residents in the district have equal voices in the future of SSPRD.
What needs to be done to address those priorities?
I hear from citizens that they are concerned that active recreation facilities and activities for which SSPR collects fees are prioritized over maintenance and enhancement of parks and open spaces. I want to ensure that the lands SSPRD is stewards of are getting the attention and funding they require for ALL to enjoy and this is done through increase transparency and engagement with community members and community partners. There is a lack of voting participation from different parts of our community and SSPRD needs to do better through more robust voter participation.
With continued growth in the region and call for more rec centers and youth programs - How does the board keep property taxes from going up and meet budget obligations?
I am not sure I agree there is a call for more rec centers; after a cursory review of the SSPRD Master Plan 2023 draft, it looks like 85% of respondents use SSPRD for walking, hiking, or jogging on the trails, 72% use the playgrounds, and 62% use nature themed playgrounds. Given this information, I would argue SSPRD residents are seeking more support for parks and open spaces. I have serious concerns about why there is a new rec center being built in Lone Tree, what South Suburban is committing to financially, and how that compares to what residents would like to see.
If elected, how would you improve community outreach to educate all eligible voters about upcoming elections, property taxes and South Suburban business?
Since less than 2% of the 150,000+ residents of the SSRPD voted in the last election, I believe there is a lot of work to be done to increase community involvement and decision transparency in SSPRD. If elected, I am going to push for at a minimum of a more widely accessible election through measures like using already established SSPRD monthly catalogs to engage voter for the elections and a increasing visibility through instituting streaming for SSPRD board meetings.
