Q&A With Council Member Naccarato

Meet Dominique Naccarato, Salida’s newest City Council Member representing Ward 1. She was elected in November 2021 to a four-year term.

How long have you lived in Salida?

I was born and raised in Salida. I was born in the Touber building upstairs above Council Chambers! My parents owned a plumbing business, and I enjoyed my childhood here, though there was a lot less for kids to do here then. For example, I had to quit playing soccer in middle school because there wasn’t a girl’s soccer team! I left for college when I was 18 with no plans to return permanently, but I moved back about 15 years ago when I got engaged to my now-husband, who was living here (I was living in Colorado Springs teaching high school science at the time). Of course, a lot had changed by the time I moved back, and things continue to change. I feel that the changes have been good for the most part.

What do you enjoy most about living in Salida?

It feels like home. The mountains and the river and all the fun activities that go along with mountain and river living.  It’s a wonderful, safe, outdoor-friendly place to raise our daughter. I love how our community takes care of each other, and I even love how the community activates when there’s an issue or a problem. There’s always been political or ideological tension since I can remember, and that’s part of what makes Salida feel like home to me.

Why did you run for City Council? 

I’ve learned so much about leadership in the last 6-7 years, which, for better or worse, can’t be unlearned. What I mean is, knowing what I know about different ways to lead, how to listen to stakeholders and come to a consensus, and how to make difficult decisions, it became apparent that NOT running for City Council would be a selfish thing to do. I learned about leadership through my role as the director for the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) and through a Masters in Environmental Management degree with a focus on Sustainable and Resilient Communities. My first lessons in decision-making were as a raft guide in Browns Canyon many, many years ago.

Is there a project or initiative you’re most excited to work on or be a part of as a City Council member?

I’m excited to work on affordable housing and be the City’s liaison to the Chaffee Housing Authority. I’m also excited to represent points of view that don’t always have a seat at the table: youth, agriculture, wildlife and the underrepresented human sectors of our community.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

Free time, what’s that? I enjoy skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, rafting and stand-up paddle boarding. I like doing all those things with my family and friends when I can. I also played roller derby with the Ark Valley High Rollers for about 10 years. And I joined our women’s masters (over 40 years old) raft racing team, the Ark Aces, who are traveling to Bosnia this May to compete in the World Championships of Rafting (I won’t race, but will go as support staff if my city council schedule allows). Last winter, I started playing ice hockey. So I guess you can say I’m a big fan of both team and individual sports!

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself, your interests or what you hope for Salida’s future? 

I’m looking forward to hearing from the community about your wants and needs. I understand that our decisions today will be with us long into our future. I am a systems-thinker; while I come from an environmental background, people and economics are also included and balanced in all my decision-making. Thanks for the opportunity to serve!