Nicholas “Nic” Martinez Announces Intent to Run for Mayor of Rocky Ford

Description: Rocky Ford Ward II Councilmember Nicholas “Nic” Martinez submitted a letter of intent to seek the office of Mayor, outlining his priorities and community service record...


Published: 09/15/2026
Byline: SECO News

LETTER OF INTENT
 
Nicholas "Nic" Martinez
 
Candidate for Mayor — City of Rocky Ford, Colorado
 
To the Citizens and Members of the Rocky Ford City Council:
 
I am writing to formally express my intent to seek the office of Mayor of the City of Rocky Ford.
 
I am seeking this position because I believe leadership in a small community is about much more than holding an elected title. It is about showing up, listening to people, doing the work, and following through.
 
Before I was elected to City Council, I made a commitment to become involved in our local government. I attended meetings, learned about the issues facing our community, listened to residents, and worked to understand how our city operates. Since being elected, I have continued that commitment through consistent participation in Council and through direct involvement with the people of Rocky Ford.
 
I believe my record demonstrates the kind of persistence and hands-on service I would bring to the office of Mayor.
 
One example is my work to legalize backyard chickens in Rocky Ford. This was an issue I began working on before I ever held elected office. I believed residents should have the opportunity to keep chickens under reasonable rules that protect neighbors and the community. I continued working on the issue after being elected to Council, and ultimately helped see that effort through to legislation.
 
That experience taught me something important about local government: good ideas require patience, persistence, compromise, and a willingness to keep working even when change does not happen immediately.
 
Another example of my commitment to Rocky Ford came through our public library. During a period when the library needed help, I volunteered approximately two months of my time and labor, without compensation, to help keep the library open and serving our residents. I also helped with the transition and training of the new library director.
 
I did not do that because it was part of my job as a Councilmember. I did it because the library belongs to the community, and the community needed someone willing to step up.
 
I have also worked to make myself accessible to residents outside of formal Council meetings. I believe residents should have an opportunity to speak directly with their elected representatives, bring forward concerns, share ideas, and ask questions.
 
If given the opportunity to serve as Mayor, I will bring that same approach to the position.
 
MY PRIORITIES AS MAYOR
 
Be Present and Accessible
 
I believe the Mayor should be visible and available to the people of Rocky Ford. Residents should know that their concerns are heard, whether those concerns involve a major city issue or something happening on their own street.
 
Encourage Responsible, Practical Government
 
Rocky Ford does not need a government that makes promises it cannot keep. We need responsible decision-making, careful use of taxpayer resources, and policies that make sense for our community.
 
Strengthen Communication
 
A healthy city government requires communication between residents, Council, city staff, businesses, and community organizations. I want to continue building those relationships and making sure residents understand what their government is doing and why.
 
Support Our Community Institutions
 
Our library, businesses, schools, public safety organizations, parks, historic resources, and community organizations all contribute to what makes Rocky Ford home. I believe City Hall should work with these institutions whenever possible to strengthen our community.
 
Focus on Results
 
I want to be judged by what I accomplish, not simply by what I say. My record of pursuing the chicken ordinance and volunteering my own time at the library reflects my belief that public service requires action.
 
WHY I AM SEEKING THE OFFICE OF MAYOR
 
I am not seeking the Mayor's seat simply to have another title.
 
I am seeking it because I believe Rocky Ford deserves a Mayor who will show up, listen, work with people, and stay focused on the community.
 
I have already demonstrated that commitment as a citizen and as a Councilmember. I have attended meetings, worked on issues before I held office, followed those issues through the legislative process, volunteered my own time when our library needed help, and made myself available to residents.
 
I believe the next step is to bring that same work ethic and commitment to the position of Mayor.
 
Rocky Ford is a community with a proud history and a future worth working for. I want to help lead that work — not from above, but alongside the people who call Rocky Ford home.
 
I respectfully submit this letter as my declaration of intent to seek the office of Mayor of Rocky Ford.
 
Thank you for your consideration and, most importantly, for the opportunity to serve our community.
 
Respectfully,
 
Nicholas "Nic" Martinez
 
Councilmember, Ward II
 
City of Rocky Ford, Colorado
 
SECO News, Consulting with A Hart LLC, and their advertising affiliates do not endorse or oppose any political candidates. This content is provided for informational purposes only to share candidate announcements and related information with the public.


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