Editor’s note: This is the second of eight installments of Q&As with Rifle City Council candidates. More Q&As will appear in Wednesday’s edition of the Post Independent.

Rifle resident Ryan Fideldy has joined the race for City Council as the community prepares for significant turnover in local leadership. Two incumbents — Mayor Sean Strode and Councilor Joe Carpenter — are stepping down, while Councilors Alicia Gresley and Clint Hostettler seek to retain their seats. Councilor Michael Clancy, who filled a vacancy last year after Brian Condie’s exit, is also running for election. Other candidates include Jonathan Rice, Rick Steffan, Scott Marsh, and Aaron Cumming.

Q: What made you run for Rifle City Council?

A: I enjoy being involved in the city where I live. I have a strong interest in making Rifle the best city it can be — an incredible place to visit, live, and raise a family.

Q: Tell us about your background and why you think you are a good fit for the council. What is something you want the community to know about you?

A: I grew up in northern Minnesota, went to school in Duluth, and moved to Rifle — sight unseen — in 2006 to accept a job teaching fourth grade at Roy Moore Elementary School. It was supposed to be a two-year start to my career, but I immediately fell in love with the area and have never left. I’ve been an educator in the Garfield Re-2 School District for 20 years and have served as principal at Elk Creek Elementary School in New Castle for the past six years. I’ve lived in Rifle my entire time here.

I want the community to know that I bring a neutral, logical approach to decision-making. I have no hidden agendas — I simply want to offer my leadership experience and perspective to help make Rifle an even more desirable place to live, work, and play.

Q: If elected, what is something you are most focused on to help improve the city?

A: If elected, I want to continue focusing on affordable housing — true affordable housing. I support the Rifle Apartments and Eco Dwellings currently under construction and think they’re a good start, but our supply is still far from meeting demand. We’re losing members of our workforce because of it, and I want to help keep the momentum going to address that need.

Q: What do you think is the biggest problem Rifle is facing?

A: It may sound repetitive, but I think Rifle’s biggest problem is affordable housing. As an employer, I’ve seen and felt the effects of a reduced workforce caused by this issue. I want to continue supporting efforts to create more housing options for residents.

Q: Rifle recently approved higher pay for city employees and police officers. Do you think increasing wages will help retain staff, and how would you balance that with the city’s budget and taxpayer concerns?

A: Increasing wages is usually one of the best tools for retaining staff. Combined with a positive and supportive work environment, it’s among the two most effective ways to keep employees. Being fiscally responsible with taxpayer money is not just important — it’s essential. To remain a great place to live and work, Rifle must offer competitive wages to retain and attract talent.

However, money can’t solve everything. Every time a wage increase is considered, the opportunity costs — what might be reduced or delayed to make it possible — must be evaluated carefully. As the question suggests, it’s all about maintaining balance, and the council should always be thoughtful in ensuring that balance is preserved.