It appears former KMGH-Channel 7 political reporter Steve Saunders will square off against former higher education executive Mary Beth Susman to represent Denver’s District 5.
With most of the returns in, Saunders is polling at 35.96 percent. Mary Beth Susman is second at 29.38 percent with the third place candidate, Leslie Twarogowski, well behind at 15 percent.
“I feel very positive out message got through to voters tonight,” said Saunders. “I think we’ve made it clear that I understand the daily lives of district residents.”
Susman, while at an election night watch party, said she is looking forward to the next phase and is confident.
When asked during the campaign how he differs from the other candidates, Saunders said in The Post’s voter guide questionaire that his professional experience is what sets him apart.
“As a journalist I worked hard to ask fair, probing questions and fully understand complex issues,” said Saunders.
Susman noted her experience in managing large staffs.
“I am the only candidate who has managed multi-million dollar budgets and large staffs,” said Susman in The Post’s voter guide.
Susman served as vice president of the Colorado Community College System and president and CEO of three online colleges.
She adds that as councilwoman “I will hit the ground running because of my knowledge of the city and experience managing large resources.”
The race for District 5 has seen a huge endorsement for Saunders as Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl endorsed him last month.
The election for City Council District 5 — which encompasses central and east Denver — will fill the seat being vacated by Marcia Johnson, who has served since 2003.
Kurtis Lee: 303-954-1655 or klee@denverpost.com
RESULTS
Steve Saunders35.96%
Ted Tompkins3.55%
Meredith Voigt Hartigan5.10%
Michele Fry10.51%
Mary Beth Susman29.38%
Leslie Twarogowski15.07%
