Article Contributed on: 9/25/2007 3:29:58 PM
Douglas Holmes is running for mayor of Edgewater.
My name: Douglas B. Holmes
My age: See public records :)
My family: Wife of 22 years,
Maryleona, and daughters
Christal,
Meggin and
Madeleine, son
Lakalo, and grandchildren
Alexis,
Christopher,
Vincent and
Jeremiah
Education: Two Bachelors (minor in Political Science) and enough graduate hours but not enough money for a Doctorate.
What I do: Quality Control Analytical Chemist. I was an R&D pharmacologist (Clinical, Behavioral, Neuro and Psycho), NOT to be confused with pharmacists (pill pushers), for over 20 years on the faculty of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and then went in to the private sector, Biotechnology, the last several years.
My favorite place in town to hang out: Chubby's/Table Stakes
What I like most about living here: The small town atmosphere, it really is Mayberry in the big city. Sometimes that can be bad (gossips, everyone knows everyone else). For example, they'll see my picture and rumor round the whole town will be that I'm "grumpy" - really, I'm just squinting from the sun, give me a break. Mostly, however, the small town "feel" is good or I would not have called Edgewater my home for the last 45 years.
My interests and hobbies: My hobbies and interests are diverse and range from: research; writing; playing and writing music (guitar, mandolin, keyboards); drawing; sculpting; painting; horticulture; cooking; teaching; and my family, a real Renaissance kind of a guy, you might say.
My favorite thing to cook: Food. I love to cook everything but generally fall back on green chili, stir-frying or barbeque (anything).
People who inspired me (and how): My mentor and professor
Seth K. Sharpless always inspired me to keep learning and delve into the heart of a subject rather than take it upon superficial examination. My wife and family also inspire me daily to fight the good fight and to continually improve upon myself.
How I have contributed to the community: I've contributed to the community by staying out of local politics :), but am now, in all good conscience, unable to afford that indulgence. I also have volunteered my services on the Edgewater Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
The biggest issues facing Edgewater now: Our police department has outgrown their current building and has even spread across the street occupying space between our library and our recreation center. There appears to be a need for a new, more modern facility so they can be consolidated. Granted, this is a long-term project.
Another pressing concern, which needs to be addressed, is the attrition rate in our police department and what incentives are needed to retain qualified officers when they're lured by other municipalities.
More immediate, we need to determine what to do with the old King Soopers building on 20th and Depew, which has sat vacant for years when it could be generating revenue and revitalizing the strip mall that occupies the same parking lot.
Additionally, with the new Target store opening at the Edgewater Marketplace there will be increased pedestrian traffic across Sheridan. So there exists an immediate need for a crosswalk light midway between 17th and 20th along Sheridan to assist those pedestrians crossing over from the Sloan Lake neighborhoods. It is the nature of the pedestrians to cross where it's convenient rather than walk down to the other stop lights and this poses a serious safety concern.
Why I am running: I'm running for mayor because I'm tired of all the fiscal irresponsibility of the past several administrations. We're a small municipality with a sizeable income but always seem to have difficulties keeping the budget in the black. We have the potential to run a surplus every year, which will be one of my primary goals, especially now with the prospect of increased revenue from the new Target store.