Anzalone, Rappold run for Del Norte Board of Trustees

DEL NORTE — Del Norte residents Laura Anzalone and R. Scott Rappold are pleased to announce their candidacies for Town Board on the April 3 election. The two have decided to run jointly because of their shared belief in the need for new voices and fresh ideas.

Rappold, pictured above, is a journalist with 20 years of writing experience, including 16 at newspapers. He has spent countless hours covering city and town councils, county commissioners, state lawmakers and other elected officials, holding them accountable to the public. Anzalone has made the choice to stay home and focus on raising her family. She is helping the Del Norte school district move forward as they undertake the construction of a new building.  

They see the inevitability of Del Norte as a hub for tourism and outdoor recreation. At the same time, they recognize the need for foresight when talking about the prospects of such growth. Both candidates recognize Del Norte's rich and colorful history and want to participate in making the town reach its greatest potential. Both have attended board meetings and would like to see more dialogue, cooperation and a forward-thinking mindset to help residents feel positive and hopeful about their local government.

Said Rappold, "I pledge to bring a fresh approach and a journalist's problem-solving skills to the issues facing Del Norte. I would like to see more community events, such as last summer's successful Trails Showcase, to better engage locals and visitors about the opportunities here. I believe a town councilman should be an unceasing advocate for community progress. I would apply my writing skills by starting a blog to inform citizens of town happenings and also assist town staff and others in applying for grants."

Said Anzalone, “I pledge to be creative in my pursuit to help Del Norte thrive. I believe in community cooperation and find myself ready and eager to pursue this candidacy. I have an independent vision, a passion for people and a belief in kindness. My family and I are pleased to call Del Norte home, I hope that I can gain your respect as a representative of the people and for the people.”

Rappold has lived in the San Luis Valley for four years. Prior to coming here, he spent 10 years as a reporter for The Colorado Springs Gazette, and six years writing for newspapers in Pennsylvania before that. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree from the Pennsylvania State University (1997) and is also proud to be an Eagle Scout. He writes for various magazines and websites, mostly about skiing, the outdoors, craft beer and other ways people enjoy the great state of Colorado. He is an avid skier, hiker, cyclist and backpacker. This is his first attempt at public office.

Anzalone, pictured, moved from Idaho to Del Norte with her husband and their two young sons. She holds a B.S. degree in Natural Resources from Oregon State University. Her past experience includes collecting and analyzing forested land data, EMT certification as a ski patroller, and several successful winters as a ski instructor. She loves her time with family and friends, enjoys gardening, hiking, biking, and skiing, and the pleasures of this small town lifestyle.