Aurora community activist Tom Tobiassen announces his candidacy for the RTD Board of Directors in District F which includes eastern Aurora and Centennial.

"I am passionate about public transit and I am dedicated to insuring that FasTracks and RTD bus routes provide the best possible transportation options for the region," said Tobiassen who has a long-time history of advocating for safe and economic alternative transportation.

"Not everyone can or wants to drive a car. Transportation alternatives like light rail, bus and bicycle make sense for many people. Commuting options improve traffic congestion, air quality and save money, especially with gas prices continuing to rise."

Transportation is one of Tobiassen's keen interests. He completed the Transit Alliance Transit Academy in 2007. He has also been a participant in I-70 East Corridor Community Impacts committee and FasTracks committees, providing a background that will allow him to quickly assimilate RTD policy.

"I am focused on the role that transit plays in making Aurora and Centennial regional leaders in transportation options for residents and businesses", Tobiassen said.

At present Tobiassen serves on the Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission, is Chair of the Citizen's Water Advisory Committee, and Area Coordinator of the Neighborhood Watch program. Tobiassen, who commutes to work by bicycle, founded Bicycle Aurora, a bicycle safety advocacy organization working to promote safe bicycle routes and trails in Aurora.

Tobiassen has been married to Carol for 32 years. Carol is a registered nurse, project director and is also active in local civic affairs. The Tobiassens have two adult children.

Contact Tom: 303-699-9260 (home), 303-915-2351 (cell)
Email: Tom@TomForRTD.com

(Note: RTD District F includes the area east of I-225 from Colfax Ave on the north and generally Smoky Hill Road on the south.)

Community Involvement:

· Aurora Planning and Zoning Commissioner

· Citizens' Water Advisory Committee, Chair

· Citizens' Budget Advisory Committee, past member and Secretary

· Transit Academy, Transit Alliance Class of 2007

· I-70 East Corridor Community Impacts Committee Participant

· FasTracks Committee Participant

· Arapahoe Road Corridor Study Participant

· Leadership Aurora, Class of 2003

· Bicycle Aurora, President and Founder

· Aurora Chamber of Commerce, member

· Sand Creek Greenway Foundation, board member

· Aurora Citizens' Drought Advisory Group, past member

· Aurora Parks and Open Space Trail Steward Program - volunteer

· American Red Cross, Denver Chapter, Mass Care volunteer

· Aurora Parks Signature Park Steering Committee, past member

· Mission Viejo Home Owners Association, member

· Mission Viejo Neighborhood Watch, Head Area Coordinator

· Community Emergency Response Team, member

· El Paso County Search and Rescue, past member

For more information, please visit Tom's website: www.TomForRTD.com