Karen Benker for Mayor

(from http://www.timescall.com/Local-Story.asp?ID=2654 )

Karen Benker - Longmont’s Next Mayor

Benker to run for mayor

By Douglas Crowl

The Daily Times-Call

LONGMONT — City Councilwoman Karen Benker announced Friday she’s running for mayor, a seat being vacated by the term-limited Julia Pirnack. Small-business owner Ariel Steele also announced Friday that she will run for an at-large City Council seat.

Benker called Longmont a caring community.

“I am running for mayor because I want to keep Longmont a vibrant community, but we have to work to enhance our economic vitality and make the right choices to grow smart,” she said in a statement.

Benker was first appointed to the council in January 2005 to fill a vacancy and then was elected the following November.

She wants to reinvest in historic Main Street, rethink the redevelopment of Twin Peaks Mall, maximize the potential of a commuter rail station and help local small businesses grow, she said in her statement.

Benker, 52, recently retired from the Eastern Colorado Workforce Region. She also served as the budget director for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and worked as a senior budget analyst for the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting.

She is the second council member to announce a candidacy for mayor. At-large Councilman Roger Lange made his announcement in June.

Read the rest at http://www.timescall.com/Local-Story.asp?ID=2654

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For the record, I heartily endorse Karen Benker. She’s one of the best council members we’ve ever had – she works hard, keeps Longmont’s best interests foremost and shows impeccable ethics. After our current mayor she’ll be a breath of fresh air.

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Update 11/21/2007 (Hi Bob!!!!!! Say hi to all the lil Moores for me!)

Well, Karen lost to Roger Lange. However, she retained her Council seat, so there are now a majority of Progressive people on the Council.

Bet Reggie Golden and the Lifer’s are making bricks.

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