2024 RTD Board Elections

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GDT Endorsements – Quick Reference

District A: Chris Nicholson
District D: Chris Gutschenritter *
District E: Matt Larsen
District F: Bernard Celestin
District G: Julian Bouquet
District H: Patrick O’Keefe
District I: Karen Benker
District M: Brett Paglieri

Also, please remember to vote “Yes” on Ballot Measure 7A.

* Not officially endorsed, but recommended over his opponent.

Election day is coming…

The 2024 Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board elections will take place on November 5th, 2024. Board members serve four-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive terms and the elections are staggered to ensure continuity. In this upcoming election, 8 out of the 15 seats, representing Districts A, D, E, F, G, H, I, and M seats, will be contested and voting is only open to residents of the Districts concerned.

Find your RTD District

2024 Candidate Questionnaire

Greater Denver Transit solicited answers from the 2024 RTD Board candidates on the most pressing issues facing RTD. Below are their responses, along with links to their websites so you can learn more about their positions. Please also see our Director’s Pledge here.

Questions

What are your top 3 priorities (e.g., specific initiatives such as Vision Zero) if elected as a Board member? Why are these your top 3 priorities? Do these align with what you believe should be the overall Board’s priorities?
What do you think is the most effective way to make change and/or advocate for effective policies on the Board? How would you advocate for increased transparency on and for the Board?
What are your plans for constituent outreach? How will you work to ensure the riders in your district and the general public are able to successfully engage with you and/or RTD on issues concerning them?
There has been a lot of talk about growing ridership in recent years. Who do you see as the most important groups to focus on in growing ridership? What actions can RTD take to increase this ridership in the near future (outside of hiring more operators)?
Do you think the current service changes process needs overhaul? If so, what actions would you take to redesign the process? If not, why not?
What role do you believe Directors play in resolving the operator shortage? How can RTD improve the recruitment and retention of operators? Could working conditions be improved?
What performance/safety metrics, if any, would you like to see RTD make public? Which of these metrics should the GM/CEO be subject to in their performance review(s)?
The past two summers’ worth of repairs to the light rail system, particularly within the SE corridor (E, H, and R lines), have significantly impacted the usability of light rail services.
- What role do you see Directors playing regarding transparency with the public?
- What do you think RTD, Board or otherwise, can do to mitigate similar issues going forward?
Regarding safety on transit, there has been increased concern post-pandemic regarding the prevalence of substance abuse/drug use, crime, and other poor behaviors.
- What do you believe is the root and/or cause of these issues on transit?
- What solutions do you believe best solve these issues?
- What do you believe RTD, Board or otherwise, needs to do to successfully address these issues? What role(s) do you think localities should play in solving these issues? How will these interface?
Regarding the deBrucing ballot measure headed to voters this fall – do you support the deBrucing ballot measure? Why or why not?

Candidate Responses

District A

Kiel Brunner – Response – www.kielforrtd.com

Bob Dinegar – Response – www.rtdbob.com

Chris Nicholson – Response – www.chrisforrtd.com

District D

Chris Gutschenritter – Response – www.chrisg4rtd.com

Barbara McManus – Response Pending – www.mcmanus4rtd.com

District E

Matt Larsen – Response – https://www.larsenforrtddistricte.com/

Scott Liva- Response Pending

District F

Bernard Celestin – Response – www.bernardforrtd.com

Kathleen Chandler – Response Pending – https://www.chandlerforrtd.com/

District G

Julien Bouquet – Response Pending

District H

Patrick O’Keefe – Response – https://www.okeefeforrtd.com/

District I

Karen Benker – Response – karenforrail.com

District M

Brett Paglieri – Response Pending – https://www.brettforrtd.com/