Aaron Perry

By Brendan Henry
The Surveyor

Aaron Perry, an administrative team member for Berthoud’s New Freedom Outreach Center, has officially entered the municipal election, vying for a trustee seat in Berthoud’s town board. Throwing his hat in the ring, Perry would like to continue what he sees as the positive trajectory set by the current board.

Perry had initially become involved with the town board as part of an assignment to lead prayer during town board meetings, he says. According to Perry, he saw how God works in the hearts of the trustees. This inspired him to run for a trustee position.

On the topic of growth, Perry believes that the board is managing it appropriately.

“I believe they are doing very well to keep the same farm-style atmosphere, small-town atmosphere, yet be able to do the commercial growth the way they’re supposed to, by keeping this side of Berthoud the way it is,” Perry said. “And so I would just follow suit with how they’re working.”

Perry could not think of a policy the current board has made that he disagrees with. The mosquito policy was a divisive issue within the community and the board itself, but Perry believes that the board handled it correctly. He is also intrigued by the town’s evolving short-term rental policy.

In the event of his election, Perry aims to prioritize the Greenlawn Cemetery, something he perceives as neglected. He emphasizes the need for increased attention, updating, and “a little more tender loving care,” as he puts it.

Not touting political experience, Perry positions his love for the town and its people as his primary asset. “I just want to follow suit and take up a chair so that I can continue to follow suit with what they’ve been working on,” he said.

Acknowledging the inevitable learning curve of a new position, Perry says he would handle this as it comes. He says that nobody is perfect, and despite this, he will do the best that he can. With focus and love for the community, he expresses confidence in his potential success.

In terms of approach to collaboration with other board members regarding issues and policy, Perry said, “I plan on praying a lot. That’s what I do best with what I do anyway. And just listening, keeping my ears open and my mind open. Slow to speak and quick to listen, and just see how it works out.”

Perry said that he would like to review town policy more and he believes that it never hurts to learn more.

If the board becomes divided on an issue, Perry believes that instilling unity is the most important approach. He says that he would focus on “helping the other trustees realize that we’re in it together, you know, because it’s for the (betterment) of the community in the first place, and better (for) the town, and just keep our focus there, rather than having division within ourselves.”

Keeping his message to the town simple, he said “Vote Aaron Perry for Town Board Trustee.”

Berthoud’s municipal election is scheduled for April 2, 2024.