Questions:
1) Why are you running for City Council?
2) How do you rate the current council’s ability to work as a team on a scale of 1-10, and what quality will you bring to the mix as a team player?
3) What’s an important issue in Wheat Ridge that you would like residents to pay more attention to, and how would you go about increasing awareness?
4) Economic development is extremely important right now. What kind of efforts to better economic development would you like to encourage?
5) With Cabela’s pulling out of the Clear Creek Crossing Project, how would you like to see that area develop now?
George Vendegnia
Age: 62
Occupation: Co-owner ED’s Classic Mustangs
Background: Denver native. Grew up in Wheat Ridge, opened my first carpet business when I was 22 years old in Wheat Ridge. Some of the 26 successful businesses I have owned are: Mane Event, Bubble Brush, Chuck Wagon and all sold, never a lost venture.
Address: 4351 Dover St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Contact: 303-947-8881
1) I am running for City Council because I have 40 years of experience as a successful businessman and my contribution will be helpful in securing additional shopping and service oriented businesses for Wheat Ridge. Economic development is my number one priority.
2) I won’t rate the current council because I am not making the case they are not doing a good job. I am a positive person and I believe everyone who participates in public service does their best given their experiences in life. My contribution to the council mix is my ability to negotiate with government and the private sector.
3) An important issue is the promotion of Wheat Ridge as a place not only for a family to live in but a place to work.
4) Economic development is what attracts people to live in a certain place. I will bring ideas along the lines of marketing and promotion as I learned from my prior start up businesses.
5) The CC Crossing Project might be a good spot for a recreation facility like an indoor variety of entertainment — putt putt golf, bowling, water sports etc. all under one roof.
Kristi Davis
Age: 45
Occupation: Hospital administration
Background: I am a fifth-generation Wheat Ridge native with two parents, three siblings, two dogs and two master’s degrees — an MBA and a master’s in science and health administration. I currently work at Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital and have worked for Exempla for 12 years.
Address: 7975 W. 39th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Contact: www.KristiDavisWR.com, Kdaviscolo66@aol.com, 303-757-8488
1) I’m a Lutheran baby and a WRHS graduate, and I’ve lived in Wheat Ridge for most of my life. It’s my privilege to put in the hard work to help make this city stronger for all of us.
2) I’ve built a successful career thanks to my ability to create consensus among strong personalities, addressing individual needs while promoting the objectives of the whole group. All teams — even highly effective ones — can and should strive to be better.
3) We need to pay more attention to each other and choose to invest in the issues that are important to our neighbors. Once elected, I would host regular town-hall meetings to lend my support to the constituents of District 2 and our neighborhood initiatives.
4) There is no reason why folks should pass through Wheat Ridge on the way to local hotspots just beyond our city limits. It’s time we rolled out a business-development program that attracts more of the restaurants and mom-and-pop shops that are the foundation of a vibrant city.
5) We need to further commit to developing this area as a dynamic retail center. I hate to say goodbye to a business that could have been a good friend to this city, but growth through change is the cornerstone of a strong economy and something we should have the courage to embrace.
Lily Griego
Age: 40
Occupation: Zoning inspector, Jefferson County Planning and Zoning
Background: I’m a hard-working single-mom. I’ve worked in both city and county governments. As a civil servant my primary focus has been in zoning and land use. I earned a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Colorado , Denver .
Address: 4465 Ingalls St., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Contact: http://lilygriegoforcitycouncil.weebly.com, Lilygriego@aol.com, 303-489-6293
1) As a 10 year Wheat Ridge resident, my heart and home are here! I am passionate about our hometown feel! Given my background and life experience I have what it takes to bring several goals to fruition for the City! I have seen Lakewood ‘s Belmar, Denver ‘s Highlands, and Arvada ‘s Historic District become thriving centers of community pride. Wheat Ridge is ready for similar growth to enhance a vibrant and economically healthy community.
2) My observation of current council members reflects a group who are committed to the success of the city. Being respectful, communicating clearly and most of all focusing on the needs of the community will enable me to be the best representative for District 2.
3) We have community pride. We have the feel of an all American City. Now we need to build in many different ways to stay in tune with other cities across the nation who have strong economic foundations, attractions for families and self-sustaining budgets.
4) Council needs to work with staff, stakeholders and most importantly citizens to assist in the attraction of new businesses and provide assistance to existing local business to continue to succeed and grow.
5) This area is prime for an excellent planning project! A dream would be to attract a regional development similar to Bass Pro Shops or IKEA. However, if a regional draw is not in our future we need to raise the bar to make the most of the site to support future generations of Wheat Ridge .
Zach Urban
Age: 33
Occupation: Director of Housing Counseling, Adams County Housing Authority
Background: Married to Melinda Urban, P.E. We have a 3-year-old daughter,
Isabella. I am a graduate of Arvada High School and Colorado State University with a B.A. in communications. My career has been dedicated to promoting homeownership and preventing foreclosures.
Address: 4740 Reed Street
Contact: www.ZachUrban.org, ZachUrban@hotmail.com, 720-252-5930
1) The possibility to work productively within a team of fellow city leaders gives me hope for our future. We will reduce red tape for business, increase tax revenues from business, and increase the economic vitality of Wheat Ridge. I will focus on District 2 needs.
2) 1 being the worst, they get a 4. I have made my career by being a mediator and a negotiator between homeowners and lenders, I help opposing sides reach a consensus. I will fight to end the devise polarization of the current city council.
3) Listening to my neighbors as I walk door to door, citizens are acutely aware of our current issues. The city staff and the city council need to pay better attention to the issues important to the citizens of Wheat Ridge. My online Citizen’s Survey is an example of how I solicit input from citizens.
4) I have developed the Wheat Ridge Homeownership Plan. I have surveyed business owners and citizens, listening carefully to them. We need to work on getting the city out of business owners’ way, and place the city in a supportive role.
5) I would like to see multiple “Outdoor” retail shops (i.e. Fly Fishing, Skiing, Camping, etc.) be courted to make this development into the last stop before people go into the mountains to play. This could be known as Wheat Ridge Outfitter Stores starting with Colorado businesses first.