Northwest Denver voters are selecting a new council member to represent them from a crowded field of 10 candidates.
The Denver Post asked the candidates to provide by e-mail their top issue for council District 1. A special mail-ballot election is being held through Tuesday because the seat became vacant when Rick Garcia resigned to take a job as a regional director in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Voters will choose from the following candidates:
LARRY AMBROSE, business consultant
Age: 64
Family: Wife, Jane Parker Ambrose, and three border collies, Kuro, Lulu and L.C. Max
Most important issue: “The new zoning code will affect neighborhoods, business districts and commercial-property owners, as will the redevelopment of residential and commercial districts, including West Colfax and St. Anthony’s.”
JERRY FRANGAS, Democratic state representative
Age: 43
Family: Wife, Gregoria, and three children, Blaine, Gabriella and Warren
Most important issue: “Before any shovel hits the ground, the neighbor must have the ability to sit with the developer. Before property crime becomes violent crime because there is no Neighborhood Watch, neighbors need the ability to sit down with each other. Communication is the most important issue; your council person should facilitate this.”
JOHN HANEY, Denver police detective
Age: 56
Family: Wife, Kathy, and seven children, Sean, Shela, Shannon, Shelby, Shea, Patrick and Vincent
Most important issue: “Improving quality of life. As a lifelong resident, parent, Denver police detective and small-business owner in north Denver, I share my neighbors’ vision of safe, clean neighborhoods and preserving property values. I will work to ensure that vacant properties are maintained by the banks and landlords that own them.”
CHRIS JEFFREY, owns human-resources consulting firm
Age: 39
Family: Wife, Jennifer, and two children, Lauren and Lia
Most important issue: “The new zoning code will likely be adopted in the next 60 to 90 days, but there are still several areas that I think need further review, including part of the area in the Witter Cofield Historic District as well as the lack of zoning for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) across the city as a whole.”
JON LEHMANN, lawyer
Age: 33
Family: Single
Most important issue: “The budget is the most important issue facing District 1. We’ve cut over $200 million in the past two budget years. I will help find and implement innovative and creative solutions. In addition, I will advocate for equal allocation of city resources so District 1 receives its fair share.”
KEN PADILLA, lawyer
Age: 65
Family: Single, with three children, Jaquin, Lucia and Andrea
Most important issue: “Denver’s priority must be to create jobs, stimulate spending and hire Denver residents. Partner with DPS and charter schools to promote educational excellence, sponsor before- and after-school programs and develop trade-apprenticeship programs. Return open and honest government to Denver. Stop our politicians from lucrative city contracts.”
PAULA SANDOVAL, Democratic state senator and businesswoman
Age: 58
Family: Husband, Paul, and five stepchildren, Brett Sterkel and Kendra, Cristina, Andrea and Amanda Sandoval
Most important issue: “Council District 1 has many critical issues: the new zoning code, medical-marijuana dispensaries, St. Anthony’s redevelopment; Federal and Colfax revitalization; maintaining core city services. However, the most important issue facing the council district is the budget. These issues are dependent upon budget priorities set, especially amid declining revenues.”
SUSAN SHEPHERD, political organizer and small-business owner
Age: 42
Family: Husband, Doug Jeavons, and a son, Austin
Most important issue: “The proposed zoning- code revision will shape land use and development in Denver for potentially the next 50 years. My priority will be to direct beneficial growth to areas that need revitalization such as West Colfax, Federal Boulevard and St. Anthony’s, while preserving our historic, established neighborhoods.”
GEORGIA SIGALA, nonprofit coordinator
Age: 31
Family: Single
Most important issue: “The new zoning code is tied closely to economic development with our new zoning, yet let’s not forget to embrace historical character while integrating modern elements. We can do this by:
• Break up the superblocks and optimize connectivity
• Embrace mixed use
• Honor the human scale by creating a pedestrian-friendly place
• Think transit-think density
• Create a public/private partnership
• Share and manage parking
RANDLE SWAN, historic preservationist and treasurer of the Colfax Business Improvement District
Age: 45
Family: Single
Most important issue: “The most important issues facing District 1 are the impending zoning code, jobs and business retention, economic development, education opportunities, parks improvements, parking and transportation. Without a solid strategy and strong advocacy for budgeted projects, in future budgets, District 1 will continue to be overlooked when city decisions are made.”
Christopher N. Osher: 303-954-1747 or cosher@denverpost.com
Voting information
Voters can return their ballots by mail or drop them off at one of the two service center locations: Scheitler Recreation Center, 5031 W. 46th Ave.; and the Denver Elections Division, 200 W. 14th Ave.
The service center at Sheitler Recreation Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Monday and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The Denver Elections Division offices will be from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
A drive-up drop-off will be available at both locations during the hours of operations. Other services will be offered at the locations, including replacements for lost or spoiled ballots and accessiblevoting systems for voters withdisabilities.
