Candidate Profile: Michael Gunstanson 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.

Michael Gunstanson is running for Lakewood City Council - Ward 5.

Age: 60

Family

Drucella A. Davis, spouse. We've been married for 17 years. Duchess, 14, dachshund; Jazz & Dixie, 7 years, Golden Retrievers

Education

Bachelor's degree, Southern Methodist University

Occupation

Digital Marketer

Campaign website: Michaelgunstanson.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

For too long I've watched as my fellow citizens have had to sue to get the city to follow the city's own rules. I believe there is a better way forward for our city government.

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

I'm a straight shooter. You may not always like what you hear from me, but you'll always know where you stand with me and where I stand on the issues. I am almost always accessible via phone or email. If you have any questions or concerns please ask, I'm happy to answer.

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

This issue has been handled by Jefferson County health officials.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Bear Creek Lake expansion. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which owns the lake, wants to expand it from 2,500 acre feet (the amount of water needed to flood one acre one foot deep) to 25,000 acre feet. Essentially, they want to put a Chatfield-sized lake where Bear Creek Lake is now. The Corps' own study says there is a "30 to 40 percent chance the dam will fail in the first three to five years." That means everyone down stream, including my neighborhood of Westlake, will need to purchase flood insurance. That's a minimum of $650 annually. All so developers in the northern suburbs can build more apartments. NO THANKS!

Expanding the police force. People are sick of having their cars, tools, catalytic converters, stolen. They are tired of waiting for police that sometimes never show up. Lakewood is at the council-mandated 282 officers. I'm proposing to raise this by 40.

Sustainability. I would like to see Lakewood follow Denver's lead (actually, some day, I'd like to see Denver follow Lakewood's lead) and convert our fleet to electric vehicles. I want the city to put up charging stations.

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

I'm an Eagle Scout. I built a business from scratch and sold it to one of my customers. I bring a life full of common sense to the race and will carry that through to the council.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Don't sweat the small stuff.

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

I will answer to the citizens of Ward 5 and not the developers.