Ballots have been sent out for the Boulder City Council election, and must be received by the county by Tuesday.

While not nearly as exciting or impactful as last November's Obama election, this race will have an impact upon the University of Colorado, its staff, and student populations.

CU comprises nearly one-third of all the people in Boulder; yet our city has not partnered with CU in an effective way for many years, and the relationship has been declining.

I am running for a seat on City Council, and, along with the city's budget problems, I have made a partnership with CU a top priority of my campaign from Day 1. I have spoken loudly about a joint CU-City of Boulder Conference Center and Hotel. I have talked about a true revitalization of the Hill. I have presented ideas on how CU and the city could share facilities during the year, and, particularly, in the summer months.

In addition, I have met with representatives from the university's Greek system, with Vice Chancellor Frank Bruno and even President Bruce Benson in Denver. This goes beyond what anyone on the current City Council has done -- and, if elected, I intend to continue and strengthen this dialogue.

At the last regents' meeting on campus, I had the opportunity to sit and speak with the leadership of CU at Colorado Springs. They have developed a tremendous working relationship with that city, and told me of numerous projects they have successfully undertaken together. They talk about their relationship with Colorado Springs with excitement.

The same cannot be said of the relationship here in Boulder.

So if you have not voted yet, please vote for someone fully committed to forging a much stronger partnership between CU and the city of Boulder. Steve Bosley, chairman of the CU Board Regents, said in his endorsement: "Barry will bring people together and lead the way on new partnerships with CU, the federal labs and the county. I strongly support Barry Siff for City Council."

You should, too.

Barry Siff

Boulder City Council candidate