Profile: Shelly Watters (CD7)

DU Today has published an article outlining the policy positions of city council candidates in three areas. The article by Richard Chapman is entitled "Candidates vie to replace MacKenzie in District 7," and includes profiles of both Council District 6 and Council District 7 candidates.

Below is the response of CD7's Shelly Watters:

Experience you consider most relevant to Denver City Council service:
I have lived in the district for over 30 years and have raised a family here. I have been active on my neighborhood association and have served on the board for the last four years. I have been a council aide for seven years to two city councilwomen — Carol Boigon and Joyce Foster. I believe I have the most experience in understanding the issues of the district and city and have a record of bringing people together to find solutions.

The University of Denver describes itself as a “private institution for the public good.” If the University were to ask you for suggestions as to how this could be accomplished in the years ahead, how would you answer?
I would like to see more DU departments and schools working with city departments to offer students more hands on training. A lot of projects around the city could also benefit from the expertise of the faculty and should involve more of them on more taskforces and committees.

What are the top three issues affecting District 7 that you intend to tackle after being elected to City Council?
1) Safety: Fighting crime, from graffiti to gangs, to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods; 2) Neighborhood character: Maintaining our neighborhoods while allowing for thoughtful redevelopment; 3) Transportation: We need to make Denver more bike and pedestrian friendly and improve access to light-rail stations.