Wayles Martin Dives Deeper into Local Involvement and Announces Candidacy for Salida City Treasurer.
Wayles Martin, candidate for Salida City Treasurer. Lauren Fuegel photo
Some people quickly become at home in Salida, and it appears that Wayles Martin is one of them. After moving to Salida two and a half years ago and working full-time in Salida in the foodservice business, she says she is familiar with the issues confronting her fellow residents.
She identifies herself as “a prospective homebuyer who knows first-hand the challenges of workforce housing that impact those who work hard to have a roof over their heads, let alone stable housing.”
“My hope is to bring more representation of the workforce into our local government,” said Wayles. “After living and working in Salida for two and a half years I understand the needs of our service industry, as well as the importance of having our voices heard in an economy that is fueled by tourism,” she added.
Martin is originally from Fort Myers, Florida, and moved to Denver in 2017 after graduating from Stetson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Though Denver provided the opportunity to expand her career with children via Teach For America, she says she was drawn to move to a small town for easier access to mountain trails and a close-knit community.
Then, when visits to the Arkansas River Valley began to multiply, she made her final move to Salida in 2021. Since then she has worked with the Southwest Conservation Corps in Chaffee County and Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop located in the heart of downtown Salida.
Martin describes herself as “self-taught and diligent in adhering to a personal budget.” She has worked overtime to bring her modest student debt down to a minimal level, positioning her for a near-term move to being a first-time home buyer. As so many in this county know, this is a difficult accomplishment as home prices have swiftly risen. She says she believes that city budgets are no different than personal ones – balancing wants vs. needs against available funding is a challenge that she is comfortable with.
Doing her homework, Martin reached out to current Salida City Council members, the Salida Finance Director, and the current City Treasurer Merrell Bergin to learn more about the position and how she might be a good fit.
“Reviewing the job description provided by the current Salida Treasurer, I have a good idea of the time requirements and expectations set out by Colorado Statutes for Salida as a statutory city,” Martin said. “I believe I can do a good job going beyond just what’s required and watching out for all Salida residents; monitoring how their tax monies are managed.”
“Everyone in Salida is busy, but I have long wanted to provide public service beyond my work and personal life. The role of Treasurer seems like a great way to get involved and learn more about how my city works,” she concluded.
Recent Comments