RAY BYRD

About Ray

I’m dedicated to advocating for positive change and am excited to announce my candidacy for Trustee for the Town of Firestone. I have a passion for community service, a proven track record of leadership, and I’m committed to making our town a better place for all. I feel strongly about ensuring we have the right infrastructure to support our growing town and keeping our community safe. My background is in Transportation, Fleet Maintenance, and Operations. As an Executive with PepsiCo, I relocated from Maryland to Colorado in 2014 to manage their West Coast Fleet division until my retirement in 2019. In October of 2019, I accepted a position as the Vice President of Transportation and Distribution with Pioneer Landscape Centers. I currently serve on the Executive Board of Directors for the Colorado Motor Carrier Association (CMCA) and the National Private Truck Council (NPTC). I have an unwavering commitment to community service which is reflected in my volunteer work on the Board of Directors for the St.Vrain Metro District and the Firestone Finance Committee. I’m also a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member. I believe in the power of the grassroots efforts to drive positive change for the community. I am deeply invested in addressing the pressing issues that matter to Firestone residents.

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Areas of Focus

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Balanced growth for our community: I’m an ardent supporter of transparency and fiscal responsibility. I have successfully managed multimillion-dollar projects and budgets throughout the United States. I will use that same passion to pursue economic development for Firestone, while maintaining our small-town charm. I will support policies that do not over burden existing residents as we attract new families to our community.

Retail Development: Attracting the right retailers to Firestone involves developing a strategic approach that showcases our town’s unique strengths, potential customer base, and business-friendly environment. This can be managed through creative tax incentives and zoning policies. This will help bring in a diverse array of businesses from fine dining establishments to boutique outlets. Attracting retail development will also spur small business development, support our local economy, and create well paid job opportunities for our residents.

Central Park: When I think of Firestone, I think of community. I can’t think of a better way to continue to grow the communal spirit of Firestone than to have a central park that provides attractions and amenities for our residents. It will become the focal point where people come together to foster a sense of belonging and social cohesion. It will enhance the quality of life for residents through hosting sporting events, outdoor concerts, theater performances, and providing additional green space for our families to enjoy. The increased foot traffic around the park will benefit local businesses, such as cafes, shops, and recreational services making it a win-win for everyone.

Transportation: Studies predict that between 2015 and 2050 our town will double in size. We need to be prepared for that growth. Having a robust transportation infrastructure is not just important for supporting growth, but it is also the connective tissue which makes our community more attractive for businesses, investors, and our residents. Traffic congestion at I-25 & Firestone Boulevard /HWY-119 during peak hours is cringe worthy. The good news is the town has already done the heavy lifting by creating the Firestone Transportation Master Plan. It addresses the big problems like expanding roadways and increased lane access as our community continues to grow. It also speaks to transportation related improvements. In my role as Trustee, I will continue to be an advocate supporting multi-modal development which will encompass additional commuting options, rails connections to Firestone, enhanced biking connections, and trails.