The Grand Lake Metropolitan Recreation District’s regular director election to fill four at-large board positions, including three four-year seats and one two-year seat, will take place May 6 with ballots being mailed to eligible voters starting April 14.

A total of seven candidates are running for a four-year term, while one candidate is running for the two-year seat.

The election will be conducted by mail ballot only. Ballots must be received at 3900 E. Mexico Ave., Suite 300, Denver, CO 80210, by 7 p.m. on election day.

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4-year director term, three seats available

James A. Warner

I’m running for one of the four-year positions on the Grand Lake Metropolitan Recreation District Board of Directors.

My family has had property in Grand Lake since the 1940s. My wife, Amy, and I were able to retire and move here permanently in 2022. I have spent my life coming to Grand Lake and skiing, golfing, hiking, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. Now that I live here, I get to play pickleball, too. 

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I have also been attending the monthly board meetings for the past year as a visitor and am impressed with how the board operates and the plans being made. I want to be part of the team that continues to ensure the quality and availability of all our facilities.

The current board has maintained and improved our facilities without raising taxes, and I believe that is the right path forward. The plans to pave cart paths, redo the parking lot and build restrooms on the course — as well as maintain the frisbee golf, hiking and biking trails — can all be accomplished by reinvesting money instead of acquiring new funds. 

With your support, I look forward to serving on the board of directors.

Matthew Reed-Tolonen

I’m running for a seat on the recreation district board to help strengthen our community through inclusive, accessible and transparent recreation planning.

As a parent, local volunteer and lifelong outdoor enthusiast, I believe recreation is more than just activity — it’s connection. I currently serve on the Headwaters Trails Alliance board and volunteer with the trail groomers, supporting the year-round trail system that so many of us rely on for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking and biking. My family enjoys these trails regularly, and I’ve seen how vital they are for residents of all ages.

I’m also a strong advocate for supporting a broad range of recreational opportunities, including team sports, community events, golf and safe, well-maintained parks and facilities. Our district should serve everyone, from young children to seniors, casual walkers to competitive athletes.

If elected, I will work to restore transparency and active community engagement in all district decisions. Public resources should be managed openly and responsibly, with clear communication and genuine input from residents. I want your voice to be heard and valued in shaping the future of recreation in our area.

I’m committed to ensuring our recreation system continues to reflect our community’s values, interests and shared goals.

Dwight “Ike” Hull

I am running for the Grand Lake Metropolitan Recreation District Board.  My name on the ballot will appear as “Dwight (Ike) Hull.”

I believe that the current board has been doing a good job of improving and maintaining the outdoor recreation activities they support. I know they have been making improvements to the golf course and the pickleball courts. They have been working on planting trees that they lost due to the fire.

As a new board member, I would continue improving the availability of outdoor recreation activities that the district supports. I would like to make the outdoor activities available to as many district members as possible.  My wife, Sandy, and I have lived in Grand Lake for 10 years because we like our great outdoors and the activities that go with it. I have played pickleball and golf for about eight years.

I also worked at Rocky Mountain National Park as a volunteer. I am an elder and treasurer at my church. I also organize a men’s golf league for about 25 men.

I would like to thank you for your vote.

Katy Nolan

As a longtime visitor and full-time resident of Grand Lake for the past five years, I’m passionate about ensuring our recreation offerings are inclusive, accessible and thoughtfully managed. I bring a lifelong love of sports to this role — as an avid Nordic skier, tennis and pickleball player, and former University of Colorado Women’s Golf Team member. I’ve also worked as an assistant golf professional and managed both private and public courses.

My priorities include:

• Tennis and pickleball: Increase access by ending weekend reservations and implementing 1.5-hour play limits. This helps weekend visitors and full-time residents alike enjoy court time.
• Golf course: Support discounted tee times for local residents, especially weekday afternoons, and prioritize pace of play by considering a weekend ranger.
• Nordic skiing: Improve trail-grooming consistency and ensure front-line staff are trained to provide quality customer support. Adjust staffing levels to maintain efficiency without compromising service.

I believe in maximizing access and value for residents while enhancing the experience for all users. I’d be honored to bring my perspective, leadership and love for recreation to the Grand Lake Metropolitan Recreation District Board.

Play more. Worry less.

Chad Farneti

My goal is simple: to strengthen our community by making recreation opportunities better for everyone. I’m committed to improving our parks, trails and golf course while making sure they stay accessible and well-maintained. I want our spaces to inspire health, connection and fun for all.

Our parks, trails and golf course should be places where we feel welcome and proud. I will work hard to make sure these spaces are not only well-kept but also updated in a way that reflects our community’s needs. By listening to voter feedback and watching how our spaces are used, we can keep things fresh and adaptable for years to come.

Next, I want to make sure recreation is something everyone can enjoy, no matter who you are. Whether it’s kids, seniors or people with different abilities, I’ll push for programs that are affordable and fit what our community needs.

Finally, I believe in being smart with our budget. I’ll focus on finding ways to get the most out of every dollar. And I’ll always make sure voters are in the loop, listening to their thoughts through surveys and open forums to make sure the decisions we make are truly what the community wants.

Sarah Sjobakken (incumbent)

As a current board member and a former recreation district manager in my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving our recreation and golf course community with dedication, transparency and a vision for long-term success.

I’ve worked to support fiscal responsibility and promote a welcoming atmosphere for all. I remain committed to balancing tradition with thoughtful progress.

Ensuring our golf facilities, clubhouse, hiking/biking/Nordic trails, disc golf and pickleball/tennis courts remain well-maintained and accessible is important to me. I am responsive to the evolving needs of our community and focus on making thoughtful, community-driven decisions.

I’ve collaborated with staff and board members to improve operations and prioritize smart investments in facility maintenance and improvements. I’ve listened to member feedback and brought those concerns to the board, because I believe the district belongs to all of us.

Looking ahead, I want to continue strengthening our district by maintaining high standards, improving the overall experience and ensuring that every decision made serves the best interest of our taxpayers.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and for considering me for another term. I’m proud of how the district has quickly recovered from the devastating fire damage and all the recent improvements we’ve made.

Michael Eugene Somma

For over three decades, I have enjoyed the lush fairways and challenging greens of the Grand Lake Golf Course, dedicating countless hours to perfecting my game. As an active and enthusiastic participant in the men’s club at Grand Lake, my connection with this community has only deepened over the years.

My candidacy for the Grand Lake Metropolitan Recreation District board is driven by a profound commitment to continue the exemplary work of former board members. Their legacy has laid a solid foundation that I am eager to build upon, ensuring the district’s resources and facilities adapt to the evolving needs of both Grand County residents and our cherished visitors.

I envision a future where our golf facility not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our community. My innovative ideas aim to sustain and enhance our beloved course, making it a premier destination for golfers of all skill levels. Through strategic improvements and community-focused initiatives, I aspire to foster a thriving recreational environment that will serve our community for generations to come.

Your support will enable me to bring this vision to fruition, preserving the essence of Grand Lake while embracing the growth and innovation necessary for a prosperous future.

2-year director term, one seat available

Jerry Richardson is the sole candidate for the 2-year director term. He did not respond to a request by Sky-Hi News to provide a statement outlining his priorities.