Q: What role can the mayor play in bringing jobs to Denver?
A: The mayor can collaborate with the state and contact corporations and get them to come to Denver. Tax incentivizes can be used to attract companies to Denver. We must get with the cities that are successful in attracting these businesses and model what they are doing so that we can get them to move to Denver. We need a big box retailer near or in downtown to generate revenue for the city.
Q: What are the most important steps that need to be undertaken to lure more businesses to Denver?
A: The most important steps to take in attracting companies to Denver are to have a highly educated workforce and to provide tax incentives to corporations to get them to Denver. Most successful cities are offering tax incentives to corporations. We must also provide an adequate transportation infrastructure to get to and from work. Denver must be the leader, trendsetter and envy of every city and everything we do.
Q: Why have Dallas, Minneapolis and Atlanta been able to land those major corporate headquarter businesses and not Denver? What could be done to attract those kinds of businesses to the city?
A: Dallas, Minneapolis and Atlanta have been successful because they have promoted their cities quality of life, education, and low tax base. They show corporations how it’s cost effective to move to their cities. Corporate American understands that low taxes and tax incentives help their bottom line. If we can show these companies that it’s to their benefit to come here, they will come in droves.
Q: Describe your economic plan – something that drives economic development in the city?
A: My economic plan is to involve all the stakeholders to include the state of Colorado and model what these successful cities are doing and I would travel to these companies and make a case as to why they should come to Denver, Colorado. I would invite their executive’s staffs to come here and show them a great city.
Q: What experience in your own life would you bring that would guide you in improving economic development in Denver?
A: I have worked in the investment field for over 15 years. I studied Public Policy at the University of Denver and I have a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Colorado @ Denver. I would use all of my resources and contacts to determine the best way to attract companies and jobs to Denver, Colorado. I’m not a career politician and I won’t offer false hopes or broken promises. I’m an average citizen and I know what the people of Denver need and want. I know what its like to lose a job and I know how to contact the subject matter experts who know best, how to attract jobs to Denver, Colorado.
