Over the past 21 years as a fellow Thornton resident, I have seen many changes throughout the city. Many of these changes I have been part of, some before I was on City Council. It is hard to be a leader of a community without really being part of the community, without knowing what is in the heart of the community.

A lot of people may say I am an over achiever. I am a blue-collar, down to earth kind of man with a background in automotive mechanics. I am a child of the 60's where everything was possible and one person could make a difference. The words of John F. Kennedy resonate in what I believe in: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country". In the 70's, before it was fashionable, my classmates and I started recycling campaigns in high school and reported about alternative energy sources.

My wife, family and I moved to Thornton in 1986 and quickly became involved in the sense of volunteerism in the community. My family is my life and I became involved in every aspect of their lives. I was a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, I coached NASA soccer, YMCA basketball and Northern Lights Little League Baseball. I was a member of the Board of Directors of Northern Lights Little League, which negotiated, procured and built the current baseball fields at 136 th and York. In addition, I have been a member of the Agency for a Clean Thornton. I also founded the Veterans Memorial Foundation after seeing a need in the community to honor our Veterans. I have been a City Councilmember for eight years and I am currently Mayor Pro Tem of the city. Clearly I believe that actions speak louder than words.

Both you and I realize things are not perfect in our community or in any other community. We have serious decisions to make. Revenues are down, foreclosures are up and there is a cry in this community for better paying jobs. We need to start working on the cures, not the symptoms. We need to join with school systems, colleges and businesses to realize and attain the answers, the long-term solutions. It is imperative to keep our community safe and our services high - not just for some people but for all of our citizens. I want to build a city that is community and with that I would like to create Common Sense Government, establish a business friendly environment, promote job creation, and help the city become more environmentally friendly.

Please join me by casting your vote in building a community not just a city. For more information about my campaign or me please visit www.votemarty.com or call 303.452.6920.