Regional Housing Authority appoints Richie Mutu to at‑large seat

The Leadville Lake County Regional Housing Authority voted 4‑1 on March 19 to appoint Richie Mutu to its remaining at‑large board seat.

The vote followed brief presentations from three in‑person applicants and one statement read on behalf of an absent applicant. Mutu, who introduced himself at the start of the meeting as an applicant, told the authority he is the energy program director at Cloud City Conservation Center and described his background in engineering and small business ownership.

The appointment matters because it fills the authority—s final at‑large vacancy and expands the board—s capacity as it begins to manage deed restrictions and prepare to hire an executive director. Board members signaled urgency to staff up and complete other start‑up tasks once the board reaches full membership.

Mutu said he approaches housing work as a problem‑solver and emphasized that he does not come in with fixed policy positions. "I don't come in with a lot of preconceived notions," he said, describing experience ranging from wind‑turbine maintenance to small commercial construction work.

Applicants who spoke at the meeting included Melanie Wigan, who described her background in geographic information systems and land‑use studies and said, "My application submission was never confirmed, and I never received an invitation for an interview until today," and Victor (representing Felcrest Incorporated), who read a statement on behalf of Matt Delaney, an out‑of‑town applicant. Several board members praised the quality of the applicant pool.

After nominations, the board held a voice vote. Christian (board member) voted "aye," Elsa voted "aye," Matt Bullock voted "aye," Tracy Fletcher voted "aye," and Dan Marker voted "no." The motion passed and Mutu was seated as an at‑large member.

Board members also set initial term lengths to maintain the staggered schedule called for by the intergovernmental agreement: Tracy Fletcher took the three‑year slot; the remaining new member seats will be assigned to preserve the staggered cadence of two‑year terms going forward.

The authority continues to recruit and vet candidates for other roles; members said they intend to follow up with applicants who could play roles on development or advisory subcommittees.

Votes at a glance

- Appointment of Richie Mutu as at‑large member: passed 4‑1 (Christian: aye; Elsa: aye; Matt Bullock: aye; Tracy Fletcher: aye; Dan Marker: no).