Candidate profile: Wendi Strom

For Lakewood City Council Ward 5

Posted

Profession: Financial Planner

Residence: Westgage

Campaign Website: www.wendistrom.com

Why are you seeking this office?

I am a mom who is highly invested in our community. Last year was a tipping point for me as so many families were hurting, small businesses were struggling, and partisanship seemed to be overflowing. I decided I wanted to run because we all deserve to have people in this office that will listen, be objective, think outside of the box and work to build collaboration to find solutions to some of our toughest challenges.

What makes you the best person for the job?

I have been actively involved in our community for over a decade, have experience in complex problem solving, and bringing people together to accomplish significant tasks. Separately, I am a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. I’ve been helping people be good stewards with their finances for 20 years. I have budget experience and look forward to using this to make sure the city is in the best place possible to continue to meet our community’s needs.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

1. Rebuild a stronger Lakewood economy. Helping small businesses and workers get back on track.

2. Increase safety on our roads for our kids, cars and cyclists.

3. Address housing affordability and growth. Meeting our community’s housing needs while preserving the heritage of the city we love, can be accomplished. Growth does not need to be as divisive as it’s been in recent years. It needs to be done thoughtfully, and in the right places.

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

I believe they have tried, but there is always room for improvement.

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

Staff. Staff are the backbone of our community and the lynchpin to the availability of the programs and services we all want, need, and rely on. Staff need to feel respected, and like they too are a valued stakeholder. Having every position filled is so important for the citizens of our city. What barriers are there to that being accomplished and how can we do better by the employees that the city currently has?

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