Candidate profile: Mary Janssen

Profession: Small Business Owner - Janssen Photography

Residence: Lakewood

Campaign Website: maryforlakewood.com

Why are you seeking this office?

I have concerns about safety and our double-digit increase in crime rates. I am the only candidate endorsed by Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader because I’m pro law enforcement and ready to take a bite out of crime.

What makes you the best person for the job?

Financial Management Skills: Over 35-years our small business survived several recessions by budget reductions, revising a strategic financial plan, and strong investment strategies.

I refuse donations from special interest groups, unions, or lobbyists.

Recently, it came to my attention that a neighborhood was facing hazardous conditions accessing Wadsworth. Complaints had gone unheard for months. I quickly resolved part of this problem. I’m a leader who takes action, not just forward your complaint to someone else.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

Set up a Ward 5 Citizen’s Cabinet composed of diverse views from each neighborhood within the ward. Identify solutions making Lakewood even better than now.

Rebuild the community trust that has been lost in recent years. As a city councilor, it’s about listening to the community and remembering there are always two sides to the story that must be heard before a decision can be made.

We must reduce the double-digit increase in crime rates.

Has city hall done an appropriate job in implementing the citizen-approved growth ordinance?

The strategic growth ordinance is a knee jerk reaction to ill-planned developments.Citizens are frustrated because they don’t want Lakewood to be Denver. It’s difficult to say if the city council has done a good job because they are still arguing about it.

What is one part of the city that you feel could definitely use more council attention, and why?

City Hall. The reasons are too many to list with a 75-word limit.