Meet Mike
After living throughout the Front Range my entire life, my wife Darla and I put down our roots in Wheat Ridge, signifying a cherished new beginning. Here, we purchased our first home and are starting our family. In many ways, this familiar patch of earth has always been special to me. The ground where our home was built is also where I formed some of my earliest, most vivid memories: the distinct grape and watermelon aromas from the old Jolly Rancher factory.
District IV and Wheat Ridge have changed a lot since then, and the pace isn’t slowing. We have new and emerging neighborhoods bringing new residents, businesses, and dynamism which demand a collaborative and action-minded City Council. It is important to ensure that our district and city continues to evolve into a place where we can all raise safe, healthy, and happy families and where we can establish and enjoy thriving businesses and employment opportunities.
I look forward to applying my experience in public affairs, community engagement, and collaborative negotiation to the tasks facing City Council and to serve with the honesty, transparency, and communication that we all want and deserve from our elected representatives.
Wheat Ridge is home to tradition and history that’s worth protecting, while also being in a position of potential and promise. Together, we can forge a model community that brings us deeper into the 21st century, while also honoring the legacy that has brought us here.
Issues
Future Focused, Heritage Inspired
Just like how the distinct aroma of the old Jolly Rancher factory is a cherished memory, the unique character of Wheat Ridge is something we must actively preserve. Being "Future Focused, Heritage Inspired" means we embrace progress and new opportunities thoughtfully, ensuring that as we grow, we don't lose the essence of what makes our community special. It’s about intelligently weaving the new with the old, so that our children can build their own happy memories here, just as we have, in a city that feels both familiar and full of promise for what lies ahead. This is impossible without expertly conducting community engagement, and feedback.
Creative Fundraising during Uncertain Times
In an era where economic landscapes can shift unexpectedly, maintaining our city's vibrancy requires more than just traditional approaches. This means diligently seeking out innovative grant opportunities, fostering public-private partnerships, and exploring every avenue to secure resources responsibly. My commitment is to ensure Wheat Ridge can continue to fund essential services and invest in our future without placing undue burdens on our taxpayers, ensuring a stable and prosperous environment for all our families and businesses.
Increasing Amenities and Retail in District IV
For our city to truly flourish, we need to focus on increasing amenities and retail right here in our neighborhoods. While progress has been made in critical places throughout our city, upcoming opportunities for District IV will need strong advocacy from the council. Imagine more local spots where families can gather, diverse shops that meet our daily needs, and services that make life more convenient, all while boosting our local economy. This isn't just about convenience; it's about building a more connected and self-sufficient community within our district, reducing the need to travel far for basic necessities and creating vibrant local hubs that enhance our quality of life and support our entrepreneurs.
Prioritizing Critical Improvements to City Infrastructure
The foundation of any thriving community lies in the infrastructure that’s often taken for granted. Our roads, water systems, public safety facilities, and digital connectivity are not just background elements; they are vital to our daily lives, the success of our businesses, and the safety of our families. My pledge is to advocate for smart, timely, and sustainable investments in these essential systems, ensuring that Wheat Ridge is not only prepared for today’s needs but is also building a resilient and reliable framework for generations to come. It’s important to maintain our critical infrastructure before breakage occurs, when repairs are most costly.