Candidate Profile: Mary Janssen For Lakewood City Council

LAKEWOOD, CO — Twelve City Council candidates are running for Lakewood's Nov. 2 municipal election.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Mary Janssen is running for Lakewood City Council - Ward 5.

Age: 58

Family

Glenn Janssen (husband) and two grown sons.

Education

Associates Degree in Graphic Arts.

Occupation

Owner of a photography studio in Lakewood Ward 5 for the last 35 years.

Campaign website: maryforlakewood.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

As a city councilor, it’s about listening to the community and remembering there are always two sides to the story that must be heard before a decision can be made.

That’s why I will setup a Ward 5 Citizen Cabinet composed of the very diverse views from each of the neighborhoods within the district. It’s about finding solutions that likely won’t 100% please everyone but we still end up making Lakewood even better than now.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I made a pledge to only take donations from Lakewood denizens because I want it to be clear when I take the city council seat, I do not owe any favors to special interest groups, unions, or lobbyists.

I'm the only candidate endorsed by the Jeffco Sheriff.

I take action. See details below.

How do you think local officials are performing in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

We should be drafting an emergency response document using lessons learned from the last 21-months. The impact was wide and stretched beyond COVID transmission, we are still facing the aftermath of increased mental depression, suicide and addiction.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

We must reduce the double-digit increase in crime rates.
Address capital maintenance, e.g. streets, open space, parks
Strengthen neighborhood partnerships with local businesses to create private sector solutions. Examples: local recycling alternative for south Lakewood residents; chip & shred sharing program

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Strong Financial Management Skills: Over the last 35-years our small business has been through several recessions. I was able to survive these economic downturns by cutting our budget, revising a strategic financial plan, and strong investment strategies.

Communication and Collaboration: Addressing neighborhood issues with solid plans.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Don't call it a dream, make it a plan.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I'm a leader who takes action. One small and recent example, it came to my attention that a nearby neighborhood was facing hazardous conditions accessing traffic onto Wadsworth due to a fairly new development. I decided to resolve part of this problem which took about an hour of my time and a helper. I chose to take immediate steps to resolve the most pressing concern because this neighborhood had been asking for months for a solution with no results. Citizens shouldn't have to wait that long for the answer to remove a dangerous obstacle. I am the type of individual to take care of your problems, not just forward your complaint to someone else.

From the beginning of this campaign, I made a promise not to take donations from special interest groups, unions, or lobbyists.

Once I initiate the Ward 5 Citizen's Cabinet, with representation from diverse views, I will be seeking input on strategic goals for our area. We will then integrate our local vision into the long-term comprehensive plan.