Jan's Message for 2007

I'd like to thank the voters of Colorado Springs for the confidence they have shown in me by voting me into office in April of this year.

I'm a third generation native of the Pikes Peak Region and a third generation business owner in Colorado Springs. I love it here and have never had a good enough reason to leave. I believe we have a very bright future.

I consider myself a fiscal conservative who believes government should be held accountable for spending of taxpayer dollars. I don't expect government to do everything for everyone, but I do believe that government can play an important role in bringing parties together to solve key issues. Some of the key issues we face are building a renewed effort in economic development, creating a stronger sense of community and crafting a vital civic atmosphere that attracts and retains younger people.

I am interested in broad public policy and the impact Council decisions have on the community. I don't think Colorado Springs has reached it full potential. In order to do so I feel the community needs to come together and work as a whole. In so doing, we can attract and retain businesses and create a city where people are proud to say, "I live in Colorado Springs."

I want us to be the City of Sunshine with a government that has transparency of operation, public input, openness, optimism and vision. City Council alone cannot solve all the issues facing our city but there is nothing we cannot accomplish when the community is actively engaged. I want Colorado Springs to be a thriving community with a strong economy and a vibrant downtown. I want us to be a City known for its smart growth and quality of life.

I want each person to capture a vision that will drive us forward. I want us to dialogue more about issues that go beyond public safety, transportation and infrastructure. Of course, those three issues will always be important to those of us living in this area, but I want us to dialogue more about the issues that go beyond those three.

Open dialogue is one way for us to come together and learn about each other and share our ideas. When different groups come together, I think we will see some unique and innovative solutions that we wouldn't find with any one group on its own. Great things can happen when we come together and work toward what is best for Colorado Springs.

I have a philosophy that if everyone would find their area, their niche, and in some way give back to this community, Colorado Springs would become a better place to live, work and play.