Candidate Profile: Krista Kafer, Littleton City Council

LITTLETON, CO — Nine City Council candidates are running for Littleton'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.

Krista Kafer is running for Littleton City Council.

Age: 51

Family: A dog named Bacon, a cat named Toffee, and four hens: Beets, Betsy, Blackbird, and Buggs. My sister Karyn, brother-in-law Matt, and niece Avery live in Lakewood and I have extended family in Westminster and Broomfield.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My uncle Greg works for the FAA.

Education: MA in political science and BA in history from the University of Colorado.

Occupation: Since graduating from college, I have been an adjunct professor in communications and political science, a think tank analyst, a congressional staffer, a school evaluator for the state and federal government, and a columnist for the Denver Post.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None.

Campaign website: kristakafer.org

Why are you seeking elective office?

I’m running for Littleton City Council because I love this city. I’m committed to keeping Littleton the best place to live, work, raise a family, start a business, and retire. Livability, Opportunity, and Security are my top priorities. With the right policies we can preserve Littleton’s special small city character while expanding opportunities for home ownership, entrepreneurship, the arts, recreation, and education. With 25 years of public policy experience, I know I can make a difference.

The single most pressing issue facing our city is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our city is a growing population and I intend to manage growth so that it benefits the people of Littleton. If managed well, growth can make a city even better. When I was a teenager, Littleton was not flourishing the way it is today. Our neighborhoods and shopping districts have experienced renewal as people have moved in, refurnished aging homes, and patronized businesses. Growth, however, can strain city resources, and we need to ensure our roads, housing stock, and city services keep up. We need to preserve what’s wonderful about Littleton while welcoming new people to our community.

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

I have 25 years of public policy experience. While public policy experience is important for an elected leader, the ability to listen and to follow through are the most essential qualities. People tell me how much they value good roads, beautiful parks, our neighborhoods, and our shopping districts. They are concerned about how traffic and urban camping are impacting our city. I’m committed to finding solutions. I understand public policy trade-offs, can make cost and benefit analyses, and can find compromises that bring people together.

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

City Council and city staff have worked with the business community to keep Littleton open during this difficult time. They have continued to work on the ambitious Envision Littleton Comprehensive Plan and Unified Land Use Code and they have made progress despite COVID challenges.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My priorities are livability, security, and opportunity. Council, staff, and members of the public worked hard to create the Envision Littleton Comprehensive Plan and associated plans for making needed improvements. I’m committed to seeing it through. Additionally, Littleton is working to address urban camping and homelessness. It is essential that people who want services get them. Those who want to camp in our parks, leave trash, and engage in panhandling need to move on. Littleton needs to be a safe, walkable, family-friendly city.

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

I was the first in my family to graduate from college. At 42, I returned to get my master's degree so that I could teach college courses. I love to learn new skills. I've also been a substitute teacher in elementary and junior high schools. If I can do that and enjoy it, I can do anything. My Denver Post column is my favorite accomplishment. Thinking through issues and sharing with others presents a wonderful challenge each week.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

During a tough time, I asked a friend for a word of hope. He emailed me one word "Spizzerinctum!" Seize the day!

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

When I'm not being a public policy nerd, teacher, and writer, I am an avid gardener, traveler, and lover of the outdoors. I am a volunteer with hospice.