Steve Conklin, Edgewater Mayoral Candidate
Over the next week, we will be spotlighting candidates for Edgewater City Council and Mayor. All candidates were sent the same questions. We do not edit the answers and post them as they were sent.
Steve Conklin, Candidate for Edgewater Mayor
Occupation
I am the founder and owner of my own management and leadership consulting business. I also volunteer as leader of a non-profit that preserves the history of radio and TV in Colorado.
What do you love about Edgewater?
This has been my home for many years, and I do love Edgewater. As Edgewater’s representative to the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), it has been rewarding talking to others about our city, and enlightening hearing how we are perceived. People know this is a special place.
We have people that are new to the city and others that have lived here for many years, sometimes in homes that have been in the family for generations. Renters, owners, visitors, students, new families, seniors, businesses… We Are Edgewater.
What do you view as the role of Edgewater Mayor?
The Mayor is a voice for the city and an elected leader. The Edgewater Mayor presides over City Council meetings and, with City Council, helps set the direction of the City. The Mayor can set the tone of challenging conversations, asking important questions and helping bring people together. City Council and the Mayor supervise the City Manager, who is responsible for day-to-day operation of Edgewater.
The Mayor is non-voting on matters before City Council, except in cases of a tie, but is a part of all the conversations on possible legislation. Among other responsibilities, the Mayor represents Edgewater on the Metro Mayors Caucus.
Which of Edgewater’s recent legislative actions is your least favorite? Which is your favorite?
The best legislation is created when we come together and really listen to the issues and consider the unintended consequences. We are best when we aren’t about individual agendas or priorities, but what is best for our multi-faceted community. The Mayor and City Council are non-partisan positions that do their best work when representing the best interest of the Edgewater.
What role can Edgewater City Council and Mayor play in supporting current small businesses and attracting new ones?
We help our small businesses by making well-reasoned decisions that support the community. We need to listen to the business community, our residents and visitors. We also need businesses to continue to be good neighbors. We need to keep lines of communication open, and seek out business input on a diversity of issues.
A healthy Edgewater, including a strong identity and vibrant community, are good for our businesses and attractive to potential new businesses.
Why should Edgewater residents vote for you?
I have a passion for our community, and the experience needed to be an effective Mayor. I am wrapping up my service as an elected City Councilor (for four years I was also Mayor Pro Tem). Having volunteered on city projects even before joining Council, I understand the workings of our city. I have a balanced perspective on where Edgewater has come from, where we are now, and what our future can hold.
I have demonstrated a commitment to Edgewater and a willingness to listen. I would be honored by your vote for Steve Conklin for Edgewater Mayor.
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.
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