HomeMy WebLinkAboutBIOGRAPHY MacAlpine 2024Candidate Biography
Candidate: Barbara MacAlpine
Years in Estes Park: I have lived here for 10 years.
Prior Experience - Career Information: Professional librarian at the University of Michigan, Washtenaw
Community College in Ann Arbor, and Trinity University in San Antonio. At Trinity, I was a Professor and the
Science Librarian, taught classes on information literacy and on environmental issues, served on the
Faculty Senate, was the Honor Code faculty advisor, co-led a new campus center for learning and
teaching, and received the Faculty Distinguished Service Award. I was also elected and served nationally
as Chair of the American Library Association’s Science and Technology Section, a 1500+ member
organization of science librarians in the U.S. and Canada.
Previous Participation on Town Boards or Committees: Have served as a Town Board Trustee since April,
2020. Responsibilities have included Board liaison to the Planning Commission (2020 to present), Board of
Adjustment (2020 to present), Sister Cities Association (2022 to present), Comprehensive Plan Advisory
Committee (CompPAC, 2022-2023), Audit Committee (2020-2022), and Board of Appeals (2020-2022).
Served three terms as president or vice-president of the Estes Valley Community Garden Board
(2017-2019) and six years as Volunteer Coordinator (2015-2020). Have served as treasurer of my HOA
Board since 2019.
Educational Background: BA in psychology, Earlham College; MA in Library Science, University of Wisconsin
—Madison; participated successfully in the advanced Computer Information and Control Engineering
program at the University of Michigan.
Narrative:*
As your Mayor, my priorities would include:
--Maintaining the high degree of cooperation among Town Board Trustees that has led to a harmonious and
effective working group over the past four years, while still allowing for individual differences of opinion. I would
like to provide experience, continuity, and leadership as the Town moves forward.
--Bringing members of the Community together. I am known as a good listener, have worked with a wide range
of people over the years, and would continue to solicit input from all our citizens to find common ground for
discussion and cooperation. I would also work to provide more inclusive means of communication between the
Board and the Community. Everyone has the right to be heard and respected.
--Contributing to solutions for Estes Park’s pressing problems, including affordable housing, essential childcare, workforce
needs, downtown planning, recognition and involvement of disenfranchised groups, and the
accommodation of growth and development. I would encourage sustainable solutions that protect our present
and secure our future.
--Facilitating the Estes Park Development Plan update, while recognizing the pressures for land use, economic
vitality, continuity of established neighborhoods, quality of life, our wildlife, and the future of our extraordinary
natural environment.
My background includes a long career as a librarian and educator, particularly in the scientific and engineering
fields. I have extensive experience researching issues and would continue to bring a thorough, thoughtful
approach to problem solving, with decisions that reflect the different needs of the Community.