Mayor Kirk Crespin

10/13/2026

After last night's City Council meeting... I wanted to share my original post from two months ago because it was the post that started our community discussion about data centers.

First, I want to thank everyone who has participated in these conversations, especially those who attended last night's meeting and shared their concerns. I also appreciated the opportunity for each Council member to openly discuss their questions and concerns before we addressed the proposed moratorium and committee to help develop the standards and regulations our community will need for the future.

Last but not least, I want to thank our Mayor Pro-Tem, Mark Headlee, for stepping up to lead this effort. Supporting a moratorium is one thing, but committing to do the work necessary to develop meaningful standards and regulations is the kind of leadership our community needs.

I believe Mark will do a great job engaging our community, listening to concerns, and helping establish standards and regulations that will protect Lamar's interests for years to come.

Despite the controversy and disagreements over the past two months, I'm encouraged that we're getting back to the original question that I had originally asked:

** "What protections, requirements, and standards should Lamar have in place BEFORE considering major development opportunities?" **

That was my goal from the beginning... and while the conversations haven't always been easy, I believe they've helped us better understand the concerns we need to address.

As your Mayor and City Council, we value our community's input and feedback. As we move forward with developing these standards and regulations, I hope everyone will stay involved.

As I stated in my original post... "Being prepared doesn't mean saying yes to a project... It means knowing what our expectations are before decisions must be made."

We need to hear your concerns, but we also need your ideas about what protections and expectations should be in place for generations to come.

I'm looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.

Thank you again for your participation. Let's keep working together and keep moving Lamar forward together!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE: As Mayor, I've always looked for ways to strengthen our local economy and help Lamar grow. But I've also always believed that growth has to make sense for our community.

Over the years, Lamar has seen major opportunities come and go. Sometimes we chose not to pursue them. Other times, we simply weren't prepared when they came along.

I do not want Lamar to miss out on good jobs, private investment, or other opportunities because we don't have a plan in place. At the same time, I will not support growth that puts our water, electric system, ratepayers, taxpayers, or quality of life at risk.

That is why I will be working with City Council and Staff to develop a resolution to create and implement a “Community Benefit & Responsible Data Center Development Standards” policy for the City of Lamar.

Simply put, these standards would help us decide what we expect from any major development before an opportunity arrives, instead of trying to figure it out afterward.

These Standards will help us and future City Councils to:
• Protect our community resources
• Hold developers responsible for the impacts of their projects
• Consider the long-term effects on our community
• Make sure any opportunity provides real benefits for Lamar

Being prepared doesn't mean saying yes to a project... It means knowing what our expectations are before decisions must be made.

Over the next few weeks, you'll be hearing more about this as our research and discussions continue. As part of that effort, City Council and staff will hold a special work session with the Prowers County Commissioners next Monday evening to discuss potential opportunities and shared standards that could benefit both the City and County while respecting each entity's role.

The City Council and I have always supported responsible growth, and we always will. But growth should work for our community, not the other way around.

As always, I want to encourage community feedback and input… but remember, this isn't about saying yes or no to any specific project - it's about making sure Lamar is prepared if opportunities come our way.

So… What concerns would you want us to consider? What expectations should we have for any major development looking to come to Lamar? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

10/13/2026

Last week, I asked how we can do a better job of getting your feedback. This week, I want to take that one step further...

We all have opinions about what should change or what someone else should be doing differently. But from the Chamber of Commerce and City Council... to Little League Coaches and Referees... it seems harder and harder to find people who are willing to step up and participate.

And Yes... I intentionally included coaches and referees for a reason.

Because, as a spectator, it's easy to question a call from the sidelines. But, it's a lot harder to step onto the field and make the call yourself.

So, this week's question is:
How do we avoid becoming a community of spectators?

What keeps people from stepping up, volunteering, serving, coaching, leading, or simply getting involved?

Is it time? Work? Family? Fear of criticism? Not knowing where to start? Or something else?

More importantly... what can we do to make it easier for people to get involved?

Just like last week... I am here to listen. I am going to read what you have to say, look for the common themes, and report back on what I heard. Then, we will take the good ideas and put them to work… Because that's what "Town Hall Tuesdays" is all about: "Our Town, Our Voice."

So once again, it's your turn… Let's make it count. Let's hear your voice, and your answers to this week's question in the comments below.

10/06/2026

GREAT NEWS!!! Thank you to the City of Lamar Staff for quickly restoring our North Gateway Park after the damage cause by the flooding!!

North Gateway Park is now open!

Thank you for your patience while we waited for conditions to improve. Sunny days are here, so come out and enjoy the park!

Have a great Tuesday, everyone!

10/06/2026

For our first "Town Hall Tuesday," I want to start with an important question...

The City Council cannot personally discuss every decision with every resident in the City of Lamar... No Mayor or City Council can. But sometimes, we want to find a better way to work together and get our community’s input.

At the end of the day, the Mayor and City Council need to make the final decisions for our community. But there are times when we truly want and need to hear what you think BEFORE those decisions are made.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

When major or controversial issues are still in the early stages and we genuinely want your input, how should the Mayor and City Council bring those issues to you in a way that reaches you, earns your trust, and makes it clear that no final decision has been made?

To Be More Specific... I really need your help with two things:

1. How can we best reach you for your feedback? (Facebook, surveys, town halls, video updates, fact sheets, or another channel?)

2. How can we do a better job of showing you that we are genuinely asking for input... that no final decision has been made, and that your feedback is part of the process BEFORE we move forward?

I am here to listen. I am going to read what you have to say, look for the common themes, and report back on what I heard. Then, we will take the good ideas and put them to work… Because that's what "Town Hall Tuesdays" is all about: "Our Town, Our Voice."

So now it's your turn… Let's make it count.

Let's hear your voice, and your answers to this week's question in the comments below.

10/05/2026

Tomorrow, I am going to post our first "Town Hall Tuesdays" question... But before I do, I hope you will take a few minutes to read why I am trying this in the first place.

Over the past couple of months, I have brought two very controversial issues to this page BEFORE any final decisions were made - the discussion about a potential data center development, and my request to review the City's social media policies.

Both issues created a lot of discussion, disagreement, and criticism.

So, before we start "Town Hall Tuesdays"... let's talk about why I brought those two issues to you.

** Here is what I did **
I brought two difficult issues to you to publicly discuss your concerns BEFORE any final decisions were made.

** Here is why I did it **
I wanted your input. I wanted to hear your questions and concerns. I wanted to know what we might be missing BEFORE the City Council made a final decision.

** Here is what happened **
We got a lot of feedback, which is exactly what I was asking for. But... I was also accused of not being transparent, not listening, and not giving the community a voice in the decision-making process… and THAT is the part I have been really thinking about.

For nearly seven years, the City Council has tried different ways to get people involved in their local government: town hall meetings, community socials, breakfasts, dinners, public meetings, a new website, a mobile app, social media, and more.

Some worked, some didn't... But we have kept trying.

Now, as your Mayor, I am trying something new with "Town Hall Tuesdays."

If this is really going to work, here are a few things I think we all need to keep in mind:

• Community engagement is not about who is loudest; it is about being heard, sharing perspectives, and giving honest feedback.
• Asking a question does not mean the Council or I have already taken a position.
• Discussing or exploring an idea does not mean the City Council has approved it.
• Listening does not always mean agreeing.
• Most importantly... disagreeing with someone does not mean they were not heard.

As your elected officials, we have a responsibility to provide information, make ourselves available, listen to your concerns, answer your questions as openly as we can, and give you opportunities to participate.

We can create opportunities, but we need your help and participation to make them work.

So, rather than dwelling on what hasn't worked, let's figure out what will.

Tomorrow morning, I will drop our very first "Town Hall Tuesdays" question… I really hope that you will join in and let your voice be heard!

10/01/2026

Reading through the comments on my recent post made one thing clear… the people of the City of Lamar want a voice, and you deserve to know your leadership is listening.

When I created this Mayor page, my goal was to be transparent with our community. Over the past several years, I have tried to bring major issues, upcoming decisions, and policy discussions directly to you so you could have an opportunity to ask questions and share your perspectives before decisions were made.

I want to take that community engagement one step further.

Beginning next week, I am launching a new weekly initiative called “TOWN HALL TUESDAY” built around one simple principle: Our Town, Our Voice.

Each Tuesday, I will post one specific question about an issue, project, opportunity, or idea affecting Lamar. The goal isn't for everyone to agree... It is to create a place for constructive conversation and give more residents an opportunity to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas.

Starting Tuesday, here is how it will work:

1. The Weekly Question: Each Tuesday, I will post one focused question about our community.

2. The Listening Period: Residents will have an opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas, concerns, and perspectives.

3. The Community Summary: After reviewing the discussion, I will report back on the major themes, concerns, and ideas I heard and, when appropriate, explain how that feedback may help inform future conversations with our City Council.

It will be just like my past posts. I will not be able to personally respond to every comment, and I do not want these conversations to become debates between the Mayor and individual residents... However, my role will primarily be to ask, listen, learn, and report back to our City Council.

Different opinions, respectful disagreements, and constructive criticism are all welcome... All I ask is that we focus on the question, respect one another, and remember that behind every comment is one of our neighbors.

I hope "Town Hall Tuesday" will help us hear from more voices throughout Lamar, encourage thoughtful conversations, and give all of us a better understanding of what our community wants for its future.

Our first "Town Hall Tuesday" will be October 6, 2026. But, in the meantime, let's start with this question first:
What topic or question would you like to see featured in an upcoming Town Hall Tuesday?
(Share your suggestion in the comments below)

09/30/2026

Over the past year, we have seen a significant increase in residents engaging in conversations about city issues. I am grateful to see so many people who care deeply about the City of Lamar, stay informed, and take an active interest in local government.

While we welcome community engagement, I have recently noticed an increase in comments that go beyond respectful discussion. Comments made during Monday night's City Council meeting included personal attacks and inappropriate language. These types of remarks do not contribute to productive conversation, and they do not reflect the values of our community.

Our official social media pages exist to share public notices, emergency updates, and community news. They are also often one of the first things potential investors, new businesses, and future residents see when learning about Lamar.

Because of recent challenges, I am asking our City Attorney and Staff to review our Social Media Policy and bring recommendations to the City Council for consideration. One option that will be discussed is whether comments should be disabled on all official City accounts.

We want our community to continue asking tough questions, challenging decisions, and expressing differing viewpoints. However, the people of Lamar deserve access to civic updates without having to sort through hostility and inappropriate language.

Residents will continue to have opportunities to share feedback, ask questions, and attend meetings because those conversations matter. Our goal is to ensure our official channels remain a clean, respectful, and reliable source of information for everyone.

Lamar deserves better from all of us. Together, we can set a higher standard for how we communicate with one another and I am confident we can meet that standard as we continue moving our community forward together.



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Update: Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts on this topic. I have read your comments and I hear you.

I want to clear up a few things directly. As an elected official, I have always encouraged community engagement, which is why this personal Mayor of Lamar page was created. However, this review and discussion is strictly about how we handle the official City of Lamar pages.

There is a huge difference between constructive community engagement and the personal attacks, vulgar language, and harassment that have occurred on the City of Lamar’s official posts. The City's official page SHOULD NEVER need to be hidden from children due to inappropriate comments and discussions - which is why this topic is being addressed.

As I stated in my original post, the official city page exists to deliver clean, reliable news to our entire community, including local families, businesses, and people looking to move here. The goal is simple: keep our official channels clean, respectful, and useful for EVERYONE in Lamar.

Regardless of what happens with comments on the City of Lamar page, every resident will always have direct access to the Mayor, their City Council representatives, and city staff through public meetings, phone calls, emails, social media and face-to-face conversations.

I will continue to allow and encourage comments and discussions like this on my Mayor Kirk Crespin Page and all major community discussions and opinions can always be shared in open local groups like the Lamar Chat... just as they have been in the past.

Thank you again for your feedback, engagement and for your continued interest in our City government!

09/29/2026

Have you noticed how many great places there are to eat in the City of Lamar compared to other communities in our region?

Some of you may not remember... but just a few years ago, our dining options were pretty limited and everyone was going out of town to eat. But today, Lamar is home to a great mix of restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, bakeries, diners, and quick-service options that offer something for just about everyone... and the new Denny's is yet another great addition!

I wanted to take a moment to recognize and thank the many restaurant owners, mobile food vendors, and local businesses that give Lamar such a great variety of places to eat. If I missed anyone in the graphic below, please know it was not intentional -- There simply wasn’t enough room to include every restaurant, food truck, mobile food vendor, and seasonal food option that helps make Lamar’s dining scene so diverse and enjoyable.

We are so grateful to everyone who provides dining options for our community! For our local residents, these options mean we have more choices close to home. For travelers passing through Southeast Colorado, it provides more reasons than ever to stop, stay, and enjoy what our community has to offer... and for our local businesses, it creates more opportunities to attract customers and Win Local Business back to Lamar!

So, whether you're craving a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, authentic Mexican cuisine, burgers, pizza, Asian food, fresh coffee, sweet treats, or a family dinner out... you can find it right here in the City of Lamar.

Great food is one more reason to Stop, Visit, Dine, Shop... and most of all... Experience Lamar!

If I missed your business or your favorite business... Please give them a shoutout in the comments!!!

09/24/2026

I want to share this post because I believe the Lamar Chamber of Commerce plays an important role in our community, and it is also one of the best ways to get involved and begin serving the City of Lamar!

As a member, former board member, and Past President, I can say from experience that Chamber service is much more than attending meetings. You get to work alongside local businesses, volunteers, and community leaders while helping put on many of the events and traditions that make Lamar so special.

I have said before that our community needs people willing to invest more than money. We need people willing to invest their time, energy, and ideas into Lamar.

Community leadership and public service doesn't just start at City Hall. It can also start by volunteering at an event, joining a board, bringing a new idea to the table, or simply deciding to get involved.

If you have ever thought about becoming more involved in our community or want to help make a difference, I encourage you to consider joining the Lamar Chamber. Have some fun, meet some great people, serve your community, and maybe even discover - or become - a future leader along the way!

Strong communities don’t just happen. They happen because people choose to get involved. ❤️

Serving on the Lamar Chamber Board is an opportunity to give something back to the community you call home.

But it’s also an opportunity to grow.

You’ll work alongside local business owners, community leaders, volunteers, and people who simply want to see Lamar succeed. You’ll build relationships, expand your network, develop leadership skills, and get to know people throughout our community you may never have met otherwise.

Most importantly, you’ll be able to look around Lamar and say:

“I helped make that happen.”

We have 3 openings available now and 5 more coming in January. Maybe one of them should be yours.

Want to know more about applying?

📞 719-336-4379
💬 Send the Lamar Chamber a Facebook message
📍 Stop by Monday–Thursday from 8:30 AM–12:30 PM