Candidate profile: Tom Keefe

Profession: Professor

Residence: Kendrick Lakes

Campaign Website: Tom4Lakewood.com

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running to give back to the community that has given so much to my family. I will bring my policy experience to the city council and to improve the civility in our politics. I want to do my part in building a safer, stronger, and greener Lakewood.

What makes you the best person for the job?

My educational background and life experiences make me uniquely qualified to serve on Council. I know these struggles that so many of us face —from safety in our community to safety within our homes, from physical health to mental health, and providing for our family while supporting our neighbors in need. I know what it’s like to be a single parent, a blended parent, an entrepreneur, and a public servant. That’s why I want to be one of the two new Ward 5 Councilors. We are stronger together.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

I am committed to a safer, stronger, and greener Lakewood. Safety includes personal safety, property safety, and traffic safety. Stronger means fiscal responsibility and increasing our municipal employee retention. I will also ensure we invest in our future infrastructure responsibly, our small businesses, and continuing to attract new businesses. I will support the continued expansion of our parks and open spaces which both protects the environment and adds to our quality of life.

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

The city has worked within the parameters of the Strategic Growth Initiative. Unfortunately, the growth ordinance seems to have not fulfilled all of its promises and has also had unintended consequences as well.

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

I think the southern parts of Ward 5 that are intertwined with Denver and unincorporated Jeffco could use better signage so that travelers and residents are more aware of the jurisdiction boundaries.