Editor’s note: This online article has been updated. The expiration date of the extended moratorium was incorrect.
LAKEWOOD —The Lakewood City Council will welcome two new members to its ranks Nov. 25 who share a belief that the city, the state’s fifth-largest, is headed in the right direction.
Shakti and Karen Harrison, both newcomers to city politics, came out on top Nov. 5 for the council’s open seats, cruising past opponents who campaigned on the need for major change.
Both said they believe it was that message — a positive one about the state of Lakewood — that resonated with voters.
“People love living in Lakewood and, by and large, they’re happy with ways things are,” said Shakti, who will succeed Sue King in Ward 3. “They don’t want to see a radical change. They want to see improvements to what they already have.”
Said Harrison, who will replace Ward 5’s Diana Wilson: “People in Ward 5 heard a positive message and wanted to support that for the future of Lakewood. That was something that was really important and good to hear.”
Three incumbents will also be returned to council: Ramey Johnson in Ward 1 , Scott Koop in Ward 2 and David Wiechman in Ward 4.
Johnson and Koop ran unopposed. For Koop, it will be his second term; for Johnson, it will be her first full term after winning a special election in 2011 to fill a vacancy caused by a mid-term resignation.
Wiechman, the only incumbent facing competition, brushed back a high-profile challenge from Betty Boyd, a retired state legislator.
On Election Night, Wiechman credited his victory to his stance on issues important in Ward 4: the preservation of open space and a permanent ban on retail pot shops.
“Our voters in Ward 4 are very independent-minded,” he said.
On the issue of recreational marijuana — one of the biggest facing Lakewood over the next year — both council newcomers said they are open to having a conversation about allowing retail pot shops.
On Oct. 28, the council extended a moratorium on recreational businesses through Feb. 1, 2015.
Harrison, a small-business owner and insurance agent, said keeping neighborhoods safe and drugs away from children will be important.
“I’m not sure I’m in favor of everything yet — I need more knowledge,” she said. “We have to listen to the voters. They said yes, but yes doesn’t mean yes on every corner.”
Shakti, a legislative aide, said the moratorium was the right approach.
“I think we need to take our time and think through all of the issues,” she said. “If retail recreational marijuana is something that happens in Lakewood, and the ‘if’ is a big thing there, it’s important that we do it well.”
A swearing-in ceremony will be held Nov. 25. The council will also select its new leadership that night.
Who won Nov. 5?
Lakewood City Council
Ward 1
Ramey Johnson, 100 percent
Ward 2
Scott Koop, 100 percent
Ward 3
Shakti, 53.1 percent
Dan Smith, 46.9 percent
Ward 4
David Wiechman, 54.1 percent
Betty Boyd, 45.9 percent
Ward 5
Karen Harrison, 66.2 percent
Gunner Gunstanson, 33.8 percent
Based on unofficial election results
