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Retired Attorney
Ken Matthews is a native Oklahoman who first came to Colorado in 1974, following graduation from the University of Oklahoma.
He served as a US Army officer for 3 years and returned to OU, where he received his law degree.
Ken has practiced law in Norman, Oklahoma (oil and gas), Colorado Springs (general civil litigation), and Denver where he had a Family Law Practice in partnership with his wife Leslie. Ken retired from the practice of law after 36 years in May, 2015.
Ken was a rugby player, coach, referee, and administrator for 35 years; playing while in college and law school, the US Army, and with both the Colorado Springs Grizzlies and the Denver Barbarians rugby clubs. He coached Denver East High School rugby club for 8 years during which East was State Champion on multiple occasions.
Ken and Leslie have owned property in Salida since 2006, were part-time residents for some years, and became full-time residents following retirement. Believing retirement is an opportunity to give to the community, Ken serves on the Board of Directors of Chaffee Housing Trust and Full Circle Restorative Justice.
Scott has been a resident of Salida for 20 years, moving from his native Cincinnati to be a guide on the Arkansas River. For a number of years, Scott combined seasonal work (Monarch Mountain, river guiding, landscaping) to make ends meet.
Scott grew up in a family who preached that their children must learn from mistakes. This ethic was instilled in him. His desire to work with children led to a 10-year career with Salida’s Boys & Girls Club. In 2018, Scott opened the Fun Street Family Arcade on F Street in Salida. F Street Family Arcade was intended to and has become Salida’s “teen club”, providing a safe, wholesome, supervised place for Salida’s youth to congregate, socialize, and recreate.
It was a natural progression for Scott to take his caring for children and teens to the Full Circle Restorative Board of Directors, also in 2018. He had seen some kids have difficulties in life after becoming involved in the criminal justice system and wanted to support Restorative Practices as an alternative. Scott serves as the Treasurer of the Board.
Scott continues to enjoy all outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, snowboarding, and being on the Arkansas River.
Public Defender
I’m a lawyer who has worked as Public Defender for 19 years. I’ve dedicated my life’s work to defending the rights of the poor and low-income members of our community; working to safeguard that that they be treated equally, with dignity, and respect within the criminal justice system. I’m also a wife and mother of two daughters. I love spending weekends hiking with my dog, watching my daughter’s soccer games, and skiing and rafting with family and friends.
Richard has been living in rural Custer County since 2007. He is a retired member of the Alaska Bar Association as well as a Professor Emeritus of the University of Alaska. In 2017 and 2018 Richard was the Municipal Judge for the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff.
His interest in social justice led him to obtain a Master’s in Social Work before later going to law school. He has worked with youth in multiple settings throughout the years, including years of substitute teaching both in Alaska and Colorado after retiring from the University of Alaska.
Jon is the Principal of Buena Vista High School and he brings 20 years of invaluable education experience to both the school and to his board role.
