Candidate profile: Sophia Mayott-Guerrero

Profession: Environmental Justice Advocacy

Residence: Lakewood

Campaign Website: Sophiaforcolorado.com

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running to ensure that the city’s agenda and priorities are to help meet the people of Lakewood’s everyday needs. With Covid recovery dollars coming from the federal government, we have the potential to build back our local economy, our public art, and our community in a way that doesn’t leave anyone behind. Working together, we can create a future for Lakewood that is more affordable, inclusive, and affordable.

What makes you the best person for the job?

Since moving here in 2014, I have had the opportunity to work as a community organizer in this area, and to live as both a home owner and a renter. I have also worked as the policy lead on climate, transportation and other environmental policies at Conservation Colorado. Using my personal experience, community outreach, and my technical background to identify the community’s most urgent needs and create real solutions to those problems.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

Increase transit, sidewalks, and bike lanes to support traffic reduction and improve air quality.

Fund and update the sustainability plan. Climate change is a global problem, with local solutions.

Continue the innovation of our police force and public services, including expanding our homeless navigator program, including mental health professionals to support those in crisis, and increasing diversion programs.

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

This ordinance was marketed as being pro-environment, pro-affordable housing, and pro-responsible growth. Instead, it has handcuffed the city’s ability to think long-term about the city’s needs. No matter if it is implemented in the intended spirit, it has only lead to more sprawl, more traffic, and more expensive housing.

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

We need to pay more attention to sustainability. Our sustainability plan needs to be updated and funded. Metro areas produce over 70% of the carbon pollution, but are now leading the way on climate action, and Lakewood hasn’t kept pace. We need to increase electric vehicle charging stations, transit options, tree canopy, recycling options, and energy efficiency. There are many low-cost and easy options to improve local air quality and do our part for the planet.