Colorado is holding elections, including for municipal office, on April 4, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of March 12. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.
Glenn Carlson (nonpartisan) is running for Colorado Springs City Council At-large and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Carlson responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“One of the reasons people love Colorado Springs is our outdoor spaces. With an abundance of wildlife and unique areas, I am focused on ensuring we create, maintain, and protect our parks, trails, and open spaces. Our outdoor spaces add a great deal of value to our quality of life here and contribute greatly to our physical and mental health…Another area I am passionate about is protecting our neighborhoods. We have seen explosive growth in recent years and I believe it to be critical to grow responsibly. Growing responsibly means we involve the citizens and neighborhoods while understanding the need to accommodate infrastructure and new neighbors.”
Click here to read the rest of Carlson’s answers.
Sallie Clark (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Colorado Springs and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Clark responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“Quality of Life and Community-Clean, Well-maintained Streets. Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails are Welcoming and Safe. Preserve Our History and Culture to Build a Bright Future for Colorado Springs.”
Click here to read the rest of Clark’s answers.
Adam Estroff (nonpartisan) is running for Denver City Council District 7 and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Estroff responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“Housing policy is one area where city council has a lot of ability to make progress. In 80% of Denver’s neighborhoods, there is exclusionary zoning – which means that only single family homes can be built. We need to better utilize our limited land in Denver and allow multi-unit buildings and starter homes – like duplexes to be [built].”
Click here to read the rest of Estroff’s answers.
Chris Hansen (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Denver and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Hansen responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“My energy and climate legislation have made Colorado a national climate policy leader. I’ll do the same at the local level as Denver’s next Mayor. I plan to add EV chargers, renegotiate with Xcel to protect customers, electrify our transit and heating and cooling systems. I’ll collaborate with Denver Water to promote water efficiency programs and reduce water waste. Through the lens of environmental justice, I’ll address disproportionate pollution in low-income areas.”
Click here to read the rest of Hansen’s answers.
Shannon Hoffman (nonpartisan) is running for Denver City Council District 10 and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Hoffman responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“…As a renter, I’m astounded that zero renters serve on City Council. District 10 is 70% renters, after all! I will take a multi-pronged approach to solving our housing crisis: preserve and expand affordable housing units, stabilize rent, and encourage creative solutions to homelessness like safe outdoor spaces and tiny homes…I’m the granddaughter of a coal miner killed by black lung disease — climate justice hits close to home. All Denverites deserve safe, accessible transit options that care for our planet, like walking, biking, and rolling. I’ll also prioritize protected lanes and more green space…We must center the voices of people who’ve historically been shut out of the halls of power, especially as we confront our biggest challenges. I will increase transparency and ways for the public to engage with government, remove barriers to participation, and co-govern with my D10 community.”
Click here to read the rest of Hoffman’s answers.
Christian Steward (nonpartisan) is running for Denver City Council District 8 and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Steward responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“The area of public policies that I am personally passionate about include: Housing, safety and wellness, workforce development, care of our seniors, care of our youth, and economic advancement.”
Click here to read the rest of Steward’s answers.
Wayne W. Williams (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Colorado Springs and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Williams responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“I’ve seen firsthand the importance of local leaders who work together. As a member of the City Council and the Utilities Board, I have worked to promote our city’s public safety, economic vitality, and our infrastructure needs, particularly in transportation and utilities. I am committed to enhancing services for our growing city, including utilities, parks, police and fire protection.”
Click here to read the rest of Williams’ answers.
Marty Zimmerman (nonpartisan) is running for Denver City Council At-large and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Zimmerman responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“Affordable housing – increasing the supply of affordable housing will positively impact Denver’s economy, improve health outcomes, and create housing stability for individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity…Homelessness / Houselessness – addressing the pipeline to houselessness, increasing prevention strategies, and providing additional resources including wraparound services and case management will help the most at – risk individuals in our community…Public Safety – utilizing evidence based programs that deter crime will make our communities safer, increase sales & tourism, and reduce the long term costs associated with criminality.”
Click here to read the rest of Zimmerman’s answers.
If you’re a Colorado candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.
Additional reading:
- Glenn Carlson#Campaign themes
- Sallie Clark#Campaign themes
- Adam Estroff#Campaign themes
- Chris Hansen#Campaign themes
- Shannon Hoffman#Campaign themes
- Christian Steward#Campaign themes
- Wayne W. Williams (Colorado)#Campaign themes
- Marty Zimmerman#Campaign themes
