Thank You for Your Service to Edgewater: Mayor Laura Keegan

Edgewater Mayor Laura Keegan

In a small town like ours there are public servants who seek the good of our community and we love to spotlight them. On Tuesday, December 7, John Beltrone will be sworn in as the next Edgewater mayor. As current Mayor Laura Keegan transitions from her role, we wanted to thank her for her service to Edgewater as a member of City Council and mayor.

We wanted to give Mayor Laura Keegan a chance to reflect on her experiences on City Council and as Mayor.

1. What did you love most about serving on City Council and as Mayor?

I’ve loved the challenge of helping make Edgewater the city I knew it had been in the past, as well as recognizing the need for making the many necessary changes so Edgewater could move forward to become a welcoming city to all who live, work and visit here. I was and will always be proud of being an advocate for the many voices of Edgewater—those who weren’t afraid and had the time to contact and interact with council, as well as hoping to understand and speak for the silent voices of the majority who voted me into office and who chose to move here, start a business here and visit here. All of these were paramount to my service to Edgewater as City Councilor for almost 9 years and Mayor for 4 years,


2. What will you miss?

I’ll miss being a strong advocate in such a direct way for the citizens and all those who are a part of our community. I loved shaping Edgewater and helping make Edgewater known as a city that is unafraid to make and legislate difficult issues, no matter what stood in our way.

3. What is your advice for new City Council members and Mayor?

Remember that you were elected to make decisions for all citizens and that they trust you to do so with integrity, compassion and honestly. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. As much as you can, be realistic about the opinions of the few who always loudly voice their personal opinions without considering the good of the entire community. As well, put your personal feelings aside as much as you can when making the difficult decisions that you are tasked with. You are one of a body of the Council who need work together as a collective and transparent voice. Serve with passion. Make certain you take as much time as necessary to get facts and community input. That is not easy, but it is what you were elected to do. Plan on putting time and effort into your role as a public servant, rushed decisions shouldn’t be anyone’s priority—you are legislating and making decisions that will direct, enhance and cement the health, safety and welfare of Edgewater. Serve your citizens well.


4. Any other thoughts or comments?

I’ve loved being a part of the changes that have and are making Edgewater a more and more vital community for so many—whether it’s as their home, simply their enjoyment and the convenience of being here to enjoy our community or their choosing to build a business here. I’ll always feel that I have done my best to help that process along. I have spent most of my life here and will always want to see Edgewater prosper. Thank you, Edgewater, for having put your faith in me for so many years. It has been an honor and a privilege.

Joel Newton

Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.