A letter to the citizens of Arvada:
As you may know by now, I have announced to be a candidate for the Mayor of Arvada, to be decided in this coming November’s election. It has been my honor and privilege to serve you these past twelve years as Councilmember at large, representing the entire City of Arvada.
I am honored by the backing I have received as we begin this election campaign. We have held a very successful campaign kickoff hosted by Mr. Harry Mathews, a respected Arvada business owner.
Our campaign committee is replete with involved Arvada residents, including campaign chair Frank Barone, campaign treasurer Bruce Nickerson, former Mayor and mentor Ken Fellman, Cheryl Van Hoose Barone, Christine Jensen, former councilmember and current Arvada Fire Protection District Board Member Ted Terranova, Jed and Jeanee Ladd, Nathan Mudd, my son Josh, and my ever supportive wife, Luanne.
Throughout my years of community involvement, I have been blessed by the support of my family, who recognize the value and importance of giving back to the community. I have also enjoyed the support of my partners in my law firm, who have always encouraged my civic involvement.
Why am I running to be the next Mayor of Arvada? It’s really quite simple: my love of our city. I want to help in the efforts to continue to build a great community. That mission statement for Arvada pays homage to our past leaders, while recognizing, as I do, that we need to roll up our sleeves to address the upcoming challenges and opportunities for our city.
Why should you consider voting for me to be your Mayor? During this election season, I hope that you will have the opportunity to find out more about me. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider me the appropriate choice:
I am informed.
If you have observed City Council meetings, you know that I do my homework. I understand the issues, and I ask direct, relevant questions. While I respect our City Staff and value their input, I am not, and never will be, a rubber stamp for whatever staff proposes. I understand my role in representing the citizens and businesses of Arvada in getting the right answers to tough questions.
I am involved.
People ask me if I am up to the workload of being Mayor, and I respond that while I know being Mayor will involve even more time than I put in now, it really is not much different than the responsibilities that I have already undertaken on your behalf, many of which you would expect your Mayor to perform. I am currently Arvada’s representative to the Denver Regional Council of Governments and have been elected to the Executive Board of the Colorado Municipal League. I also represent you and our business interests at the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, including its executive committee.
I am honored to be Chair of the Jefferson Parkway Public Highway Authority, and am optimistic that our efforts will lead to the completion of the beltway around Denver. I am your representative to the First Judicial District Bar Association Community Corrections Board, which determines which individuals are appropriate for Community Corrections as an alternative to the Department of Corrections. I believe in cooperation between various levels of government, and currently serve on the coordinating committee with the APEX Parks and Recreation District, and previously served on the coordinating committee for the Fire Department.
Because of the importance of jobs, I am proud of my many years of involvement with the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. All of these different arenas for involvement have given me the unique opportunity to advance the goals and objectives of our city.
I am inspired.
I am inspired by this city we are so proud to call home. Everywhere you turn, you see citizen volunteers who give freely of their time and energy. We have an excellent city staff and Police Department who address our community needs and keep us safe. We have a business community which provides the economic engine for jobs and a tax base for our community requirements.
With that inspiration, I am an advocate and champion for Arvada. If you know me, you know the positive energy I will bring to the job. I am a bridge builder with citizens, other communities, and our civic partners.
Why now?
As I compete my final term as your councilmember at large, it has been no secret that I would seek the Mayor’s office. I advised my fellow councilmember’s of my goal months ago. I have learned much during my time on council. The current mayor is completing 20 years as mayor. My answer to “why now?”
It’s Time.
Thank you,
Marc Williams
