We are proud to announce Secure PERA’s endorsements for the 2026 Colorado PERA Board of Trustees election.
After careful review of the candidates who sought our endorsement, we are confident that Luke Stanley and Louis Fletcher understand what is at stake for PERA members and retirees. Both candidates are committed to protecting PERA as a defined benefit plan, supporting responsible long-term funding, and opposing efforts that would weaken the retirement security Colorado’s public employees have earned.
We encourage members in the State and School Divisions to support these candidates.
State Division – Luke Stanley
Luke Stanley is a PERA member, union leader, and employee at the Colorado School of Mines. He brings a strong, member-focused perspective to the PERA Board and understands that PERA is not just a benefit. It is deferred compensation earned by public employees through years of service.
Luke strongly supports maintaining PERA as a defined benefit plan for both current and future employees. He recognizes that defined benefit plans provide stability and dignity in retirement, while defined contribution plans shift risk onto individual workers.
When asked about preserving PERA, Luke emphasized long-term stability, responsible funding practices, reliable employer contributions, transparency, and accountability. He also noted the importance of not shifting the burden of PERA’s challenges onto workers or retirees.
We support Luke because he will bring an important voice to the Board. A voice grounded in the real experience of working PERA members who are counting on the system for their future retirement security.
School Division – Dr. Louis Fletcher
Louis Fletcher brings prior PERA Board experience, deep public service experience, and a clear commitment to protecting the long-term stability of the system. He previously served on the PERA Board and has firsthand knowledge of the responsibilities of a Trustee.
Louis is a strong supporter of maintaining PERA’s defined benefit structure. He has made clear that PERA must continue to provide predictable, lifetime retirement income for public employees and retirees, rather than shifting risk to individuals through a defined contribution-only model.
Louis also understands the importance of protecting PERA’s funding. In his Secure PERA questionnaire, he emphasized opposing proposals that would reduce the state’s required contributions or use PERA’s trust fund to address unrelated budget shortfalls.
We support Louis because he has already demonstrated his commitment to PERA, understands the fiduciary responsibility of the Board, and is focused on protecting the system for all members, not just one division or interest.
Voting for PERA Board Candidates
Ballots have been mailed to eligible voters in the State and School Divisions. There are several ways to vote, including by mail, phone, online, through your secure PERA account, or through the PERA app. More information is available on PERA’s 2026 Board Election page.
Secure PERA encourages all eligible members to participate in this important election and support Luke Stanley for the State Division and Louis Fletcher for the School Division.