The Observation Deck

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, and the kick-off to summer, I am proud to announce my candidacy for Lakewood City Council. It is called the 'Campaign for Change', because I believe that we need a new way of thinking about government and how it serves the residents, and because the change we need begins at the the local level. In addition, I believe we need the same 'hope' and 'change' in Lakewood that we have embraced nationally. Finally, as an attorney for the past 25 years who has worked with businesses, banks, cities, private developers, and non-profits, I believe that I am best qualified to advocate for both private and public development in Lakewood, and am committed to making it happen.

My wife Kathy and I are raising our four daughters on Westwood Ave. in Ward 2. We have worked as volunteers in the Lakewood City schools, coached Lakewood youth sports, and are very active in our church. With her support, and that of our neighbors, I am confident I can make a positive contribution to our city government as well.

Looking forward to a lively civic discussion. Dan Shields

Way to go Dan. Let me know what I can do to help!

I'm so there my friend.

Mr. Shields,

Can I interest you in the idea of starting an on-line journal as you begin your campaign. Take us into the heart of your campaign. It seems that you have already developed a theme. Did that come as a result of getting together with your inner circle. Has there been any discussion about running in a slate? Who do you think is the most vulnerable? Antonio or Dever? You couldn't be talking about Powers because he is new and therefore doesn't fit your theme of change.

Anyhow, don't feel slighted because I suggested this first to Demro. It would be great to have dueling campaign journals.

Like Demro, you walk the talk, having run several times. Good Luck.

Jim Sage

Dan,
Can you elaborate on your "new way of thinking about government and how it serves the residents".

Also, what is the "change we need"? What would you have done differently if you were on City Council the last couple years?

Thanks,
Charlie

Jim Sage wrote:Can I interest you in the idea of starting an on-line journal as you begin your campaign.

Mr. Sage,

During the last local campaigns, some candidates did keep on-line journals of sorts.

For example, there were countless discussions on political platforms, positions, and the like on the Lakewood General Discussion Forum.

There was also a Candidates Forum, as well as a 2007 Election Forum.

Some candidates even linked video to the Deck like the following:



I am sure we will see more on-line journals during the upcoming elections.

Matt

Hm.. Those were some interesting ideas Councilman Bullock had there. Wonder what he's done to implement them since being elected...

Dan, I have to withdraw my offer of help.

I cannot, in good conscience, work on a democrats campaign against democrat seated incumbents.

Sorry, I just think it's bad form.

sharon kinsella wrote:Dan, I have to withdraw my offer of help.

I cannot, in good conscience, work on a democrats campaign against democrat seated incumbents.

Sorry, I just think it's bad form.

I am also a Democrat. It is not about conscience, it is about a rational choice.

I am not saying who you should or shouldn't vote for, but I think it is "bad form" to not support who you might consider the best candidate for an elected position in Lakewood, incumbent or not.

Steve

.

Shouldn't platform be more important than who's in what party? I'm not saying this is the case, but if Mr. Shields has good reason to run against an incumbent, for instance differing ideas of policy or belief that someone is misusing their office (in opinion), and has supporters, should it really matter what party he or his opponent are in?

By the way what seat are you running for Mr. Shields?

The top three vote getters become councilmen. Everyone is running FOR the position and NOT against anyone. Personally, I think just because you won 4 years ago or were appointed,that doesn't mean you are the best person for the job. And party affliation isn't a factor since our elections are non-partisan...in theory.

I'm an old-time democrat.

In my opinion it is bad form and frankly if we splinter the democratic leadership there is always a republican waiting in the wings.

Colleen - I'm not into splintering the Democrats. If our elections are non-partisan then the people running should declare or run in primaries or seek endorsements.

In theory is a nice phrase, but just not really working to convince me.

Colleen

I'm gonna guess that means he is running for an at-large position since that is how they are elected (I knew that). If that was said somewhere I must have missed it. I apologies. Thanks for clearing it up.



Ahh, but Sharon, what about those pesky independents!

And realistically at the local level, party politics aren't as important. There isn't a large platform holding everyone together. Instead everyone has a different opinions and can actually express them. That is the beauty of local vs. federal government. Party 'loyalty' should not dictate that someone who is not doing their job properly gets to keep their job just because someone from an opposing party can not beat them. I think it is the duty of someone, no matter what party, or lack there of, to run against anyone they do not believe is doing their job correctly.

Once again I am not saying any of this necessarily applies in Lakewood, I'm just speaking in general terms.

Christopher -

Thinking that at the Lakewood level party politics aren't important, I think you're wrong.

Local politics are the training ground and set the stage for county, state and federal offices.

As for as Independents, they have nothing to do with party loyalty as long as they are not trying to unseat another Independent.

sharon kinsella wrote:Christopher -

Thinking that at the Lakewood level party politics aren't important, I think you're wrong.

Local politics are the training ground and set the stage for county, state and federal offices.

As for as Independents, they have nothing to do with party loyalty as long as they are not trying to unseat another Independent.

Yeah, sorta.

All I really want our Lakewood City Council-people to do is concentrate on the City of Lakewood. Fortunately, with few exceptions, we have that.

I applaud those that step up to run, and I don't begrudge those that aspire to move on, but I don't think we need our city hall to be a baby politician training school.

.