Vail Town Council Voter Guide
A curated collection of links and impressions of each of Vail Town Council’s candidates in the 2023 election.
Unsanctioned, involuntary, and hastily put together - this list an an attempt to put video and links to other sources on one page, and into the hands of voters, so you can make your own decisions and form your own opinions.
Candidates are listed in reverse ballot order. No preference. Just backwards.
Reid Phillips
reidforvail.com | @reidforvail
Builder, ski patroller, Planning & Environmental Commissioner, Vail Dad, ranch kid, former Ski Club coach, OG ski bum & bike bruh.
Lived in a walk-in closet when he first moved to Vail. Wearer of many hats. Straight shooter. Man of reason. Kind and compassionate. Works policy decisions like a rubik's cube - always thinking about the peripheral consequences of every move.
Reid is the current vice-chairman of Vail’s Planning & Environmental Commission - see him in action.
“Many past successful town council members have followed a similar path through the Planning Commission. Reid and John have put time and effort into serving the town, and the next council would benefit from their experience.” Chris Romer, Vail Valley Partnership
Dave Tucker
tucker4town.com | @tucker4town
Musician, contractor, entrepreneur, renaissance man, likely genius. Lives in a rental!
If you have the opportunity to go toe to toe with Tucker you will note that he is both a physical and intellectual giant. Bootstrapped his way up from playing music at Pepi’s to starting his own contractor business. Newcomer to the Vail political scene, but also the unflappable breakout star of the Vail Town Council Candidate forum. Dave’s calm and confident demeanor feels honest and comforting.
“Dave is both a small business owner and a renter, two constituencies that need a strong voice.” Chris Romer, Vail Valley Partnership
Sam Biszantz (also known as Samantha)
Co-owner of two Vail hot spots - Root & Flower and Two Arrows. Served on Vail’s Committee for Special Events for years. Founder of @vailmentalwellness. Habitual attendee of meetings of all sorts. Creator of opportunity. Builder of futures. Curator of culture. Loves compost & waste management. Rumored to be the best golfer of all of the candidates. Deed-restricted home owner.
Sam has 2 super power modes: she listens intently and gathers information - and then takes action to produce results. Sam’s the ‘do good & get shit done’ candidate. No nonsense, unrehearsed, exceptionally transparent, and direct.
“Sam Bizantz brings town board experience and a focus on collaboration and community vitality. As a small business owner, she has an important voice. “ - Chris Romer, Vail Valley Partnership
John Rediker
John doesn’t have a web presence - but he’s the current Chairman of Vail’s Planning & Environmental Commission and runs a tight meeting, see him in action.
Attorney by trade. Long history of public service including: Vail’s Planning Commission, Vail Rec District, Design Review Board, Commission on Special Events, maybe more. Best year round goggle tan - he gets after it. Great dancer. Vail Dad. Deed-restricted home owner.
John’s got an eye for process and detail. Been thinking real hard about Vail and Vail issues for a long time - and has a lot to contribute to every discussion. Speaks with the passion of a preacher with a charming slightly southern drawl.
“Many past successful town council members have followed a similar path through the Planning Commission. Reid and John have put time and effort into serving the town, and the next council would benefit from their experience.” Chris Romer, Vail Valley Partnership
Christine Santucci
votesantucci.com | @santucci_4_town_council
New to the Vail political scene but a tight resume in the municipal money game. Served on Denver’s Design Review Board. Works for Vail Mountain in Ski School Administration. Very polite lady.
“Christine Santucci has extensive municipal finance and workforce housing experience which would benefit the town in many ways and would bring this background to the council as it addresses big issues.“ - Chris Romer, Vail Valley Partnership
Brian Sipes
sipesforvail.com | @sipesforvail
Architect. Vail Dad. Former Avon Town Council person. Man of many words. Midwestern nice.
“Brian Sipes previously served on Avon Town Council and has a long track record of community engagement and involvement.” Chris Romer, Vail Valley Partnership
Jonathan Josef Staufer
jonathanstaufer.com (this might be outdated). Jonathan is a current sitting council member - see him in action at any VTC meeting.
Born and raised in Vail. Owner of Grappa & Vail Farmers Market. Vail Dad. Has a very cute little dog. Environmental warrior. Strongly dislikes corporate VR. Champion of getting Vail a pride flag! Smart as a whip. Staufer is the only incumbent for VTC this cycle. Sassy & classy.
Jack Bergey
Ski instructor, former mortgage broker, landlord, frequent flyer at all things related to the West Vail Master Plan. Seems like a fun dude. Smells good.
Dave Chapin
Also known as “Bone”.
Former Mayor and Town Council person with 8 years of service. Co-owner of Vendetta’s. P.H.D. in Ski Bum with 40 years of experience. Loves cats. One of the most affable human beings in Vail. Has a sense of compassion that runs deeper than Pete’s stash on a pow day. Watch his interview below - that’s who he is.
“Dave Chapin previously held office and helped lead Vail through the pandemic and has a track record of pragmatism and thoughtfulness. His business background and calm leadership are needed.” Chris Romer, Vail Valley Partnership
Scott McBride
Don’t know much about Scott apart from his Vail Daily Q & A and that he is somewhat famous for being on the Daily Show with John Stewart as Monsanto’s evil patent attorney.
“As an attorney, Scott brings a process-driven approach to community challenges.” Chris Romer, Vail Valley Partnership
