CANDIDATE PROFILES: The at-large races
Four candidates — including two incumbents — are running for the two at-large seats on the mail ballot this fall. Voters will vote for two of the candidates; the two receiving the most votes will fill the two seats. Here’s a look at the four contenders in the order in which they appear on the ballot.
RYAN KEEFER
The 41-year-old managing director for an aerial LiDAR company has lived in Commerce City two years and is making his first attempt at local office here. His campaign website listed on City Hall’s elections webpage appears to still be under construction as of this publication date. But his profile on the city’s website does outline his campaign platform, which includes a commitment to environmental protection.
He supports: “community-driven development,” which he describes as a “collaborative planning process”; “sustainable growth,” which he said means, “prioritizing environmentally conscious planning,” and economic innovation, which involves diversifying the local economy by “supporting local entrepreneurs, promoting small businesses, and attracting tech and professional companies.”
According to his city webpage profile, he believes the three biggest challenges facing the city are water quality and safety, metro district accountability, and “government action on citizen engagement.”
CRAIG HURST
Hurst, one of the two at-large incumbents seeking to retain office, is a branch manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation. Hurst pledges to continue advancing policy that will, “promote balanced growth, invest in transportation infrastructure, expand youth programs, create a flourishing business climate, and provide the best public safety possible in all parts of the city,” according to his profile on City Hall’s elections webpage.
Hurst says he wants to continue to prioritize improving public safety, improving affordability, and improving transportation mobility.
“We need to focus on the fundamentals of local government and what we can control,” he says. Toward that end, he wants to guide growth in the north part of Commerce City while upgrading infrastructure on the city’s south side
“The north side of our city will continue to see commercial and industrial growth while adding housing and critical amenities such as restaurants, hotels, and maybe even a specialty grocery store,” he says. “We can continue to upgrade our infrastructure that is aging in the south and add critical safety enhancements like sidewalks, lighting, and improved drainage. We must be careful that redevelopment does not drive gentrification, but we cannot shy away from redevelopment that provides new opportunities and amenities in the south.”
Public safety also is a top priority for Hurst amid Colorado’s crime wave.
“I see an opportunity to build on our public safety focus. I believe in our new chief and his team as they hire more police officers and build strong programs addressing our greatest public safety needs,” Hurst says.
YONG GEN “CRAIG” KIM
Kim, the other incumbent in the at-large race, was appointed to his seat a year ago to fill a council vacancy. The Air Force vet, now a program manager, acknowledges in his profile on City Hall’s elections webpage that he has “never been fond of politics” but he believes in “holding individuals, organizations, and businesses accountable.”
He notes, “Despite our claims of unity, there exists a division within our city, with the north and south regions experiencing distinct disparities. It is imperative that we address these disparities and foster relationships that strengthen our commitment to the people who reside in our city.”
The three biggest challenges he says he sees in Commerce City are “bad actors,” including some former council members; a lack of transparency at City Hall, and “personal agendas.” Among other priorities, he adds, “promoting inclusion and equity is a core value that will help us create a unified city that reflects the diversity of our residents.”
“While some may prefer to maintain the status quo and keep Commerce City as it is, I am not one of them,” Kim also notes. “I firmly believe that our city has the potential to thrive and should not remain stagnant. It is crucial that we continue to push forward, seeking progress and improvement. “
CHARLES DUKES
Although Dukes is new to electoral politics in Commerce City, his campaign website details his extensive involvement in civic life, including wide-ranging endeavors in community service. The Colorado native, a self-described “son of a taxi driver and DIA airline clerk,” says his background as a former education policy director at the city of Denver's Office of Children’s Affairs has given him, “a deep understanding of essential community issues and how city government can address them.” He touts a background that includes building strategic partnerships, employing data-driven decision making and workforce development.
Among other qualifications for holding elected office, he points out he has served on a school’s governing board; on the Quality Community Foundation Board; on the Commerce City Comprehensive Plan 2045 Advisory Committee, and on Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees, having been appointed by Gov. Jared Polis.
His campaign platform highlights partnerships for success, effective governance and balanced growth. He pledges to, “establish a Community Collaboration Task Force, bringing together representatives from local businesses, community organizations, neighboring cities and residents.” He says the task force will be a “platform for open discussions, sharing ideas, and making decisions together.” He also says he’ll organize regular town hall meetings and forums and foster public-private partnerships. His plan for balanced growth includes fostering sustainable developing and economic prosperity.
“Through collaborative planning with experts and community members, we will design initiatives that create jobs, support local businesses, and improve the overall quality of life for Commerce City residents,” he says. “Our goal is to ensure that progress benefits everyone, leaving no one behind.”