The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce will host a forum for Monument’s Town Council candidates on Monday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m. in its community room at 166 Second Street. Six candidates are on the November ballot for five seats, and only the mayor’s race has more candidates than places. The town has posted the evening as a council study session, noting that several current councilmembers may be present.
Who is running
Two sitting councilmembers are running for mayor: Kenneth Kimple, who represents District 2, and Laura Kronick, who represents District 1. Mayor Mitch LaKind is not seeking re-election.
Dan DeBoo is the only candidate for the District 1 seat on the ballot. Marco P. Fiorito, who holds the District 2 seat being filled, is running unopposed to keep it. Scott Gilson and Alex Valderrama are the two candidates for the two at-large seats; the one with more votes serves four years and the other two.
The field is as listed on the town’s Elections page, with candidates named alphabetically within each office. Kimple, Kronick and Fiorito all sit on the council now. Whichever mayoral candidate wins must resign a district seat, as the Independent reported when the field was set, and the council then has 90 days to fill it by appointment or special election.
What the town posted
The town’s notice, posted Sept. 22, carries a single item: “Candidate Forum Hosted by the Tri Lakes Chamber of Commerce.” The format, moderator and any time for residents’ questions are the Chamber’s to set, and the notice does not describe them.
The ballot
The same ballot asks Monument voters to raise the town’s use tax on construction materials and equipment from 2.0 percent to 3.5 percent; the Independent published the certified ballot title in full. Palmer Lake’s candidates held their own forum on Sept. 19.
Ballots go to active registered voters on Oct. 5, and voter service and polling centers open Oct. 19. Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3; postmarks do not count.
If you go
Where: Community Room, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, 166 Second Street, Monument
Host: Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, (719) 481-3282
Candidates: Kenneth Kimple and Laura Kronick (mayor) · Dan DeBoo (District 1) · Marco P. Fiorito (District 2) · Scott Gilson and Alex Valderrama (at-large)
Town notice: Study session agenda, Sept. 28 (PDF)
Getting there
The town’s notice gives the address as 166 Second Street. The map below is pinned to that street address.
Sources & further reading
The Independent’s own coverage: Six Candidates, Five Seats, One Contested Race — the field, the seats, the charter’s resignation rule and the use-tax title · LaKind Will Not Seek Re-Election as Mayor of Monument — the open seat · Palmer Lake Candidate Forum Set for Saturday at the EcoSpa Annex — the neighboring town’s forum.
Town record: Town Council study session agenda, Sept. 28, 2026 · Elections (candidates and offices) · Town Council (current seats).
Host: Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
Candidates: Kenneth Kimple · Laura Kronick · Alex Valderrama.
