Lakewood Election 2017: Meet William Furman (City Council Ward 4)

LAKEWOOD, CO -- In Lakewood's City Council race for Ward 4, current council member David Wiechman, first elected in 2011, is term-limited. William Furman is running in a three-way race against David Skilling and LaDawn Sperling.

William Furman (Ward 4) Candidate Questionnaire

Age: 41
Previous political experience: I have not been involved in politics before.
Previous community experience: I am a member of the Board of Appeals, I have been part of the community my whole life (born and raised) my work has had me working with municipalities on Libraries, rec centers and college campuses.

Occupation: Architect
Education: I have a Masters Degree in Architecture, a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.
Website: Billfurman4Lakewood.com

What are the three biggest advantages Lakewood has today? Lakewood is a leader in open space with 25% and growing. We are a medium size city made up of numerous individual unique neighborhoods. We are the gateway to the mountains.

What are Lakewood's three biggest challenges? Addressing growth in a way that serves the community. Working with the county to make sure our schools do not become overburdened and continue to excel. How the Federal center will be developed, and how to make sure Lakewood has a seat at the planning table.

What’s the best way for Lakewood to manage growth? Lakewood has a comprehensive master plan that focuses on areas that growth can or should happen and from that zoning and planning should be guided. The plan put multi-family where it belongs, near jobs and near transit. It also primarily focuses growth in areas that have a need for redevelopment, like West-Colfax. Some of these areas are prime for condo and affordable rental development thus bringing new life, activating these important parts of our community. The only large are of new development is the Rooney Valley. The middle third of that area is in Lakewood and will likely be developed in the near future, but it still needs to resolve infrastucture issues before it moves into a planning phase. That area will have significant open space and Jeffco land dedication so it is an area we need to carefully evaluate as it proceeds through the various phases of infrastructure, entitlement, and site planning to be sure that it will be something that serves the community as a whole and protects the unique character of the area.

Are there areas where Lakewood could be providing better service to residents? How? There are some of our park facilities that can certainly improve their ADA accessibility, we have an aging population that could better utilize those spaces if we make them more accessible. The city provides a range of services and also helps connect its citizens with providers of services as well. We need to find way to better communicate all the ways the city seeks to provide services so those that everyone is aware of the availability.

What other issues do you feel will be important for the next Council to address? How should they be addressed? We have a growing homelessness issue and it is one that includes our young neighbors. We need to find ways to address those homeless issues especially the most vulnerable like children and pregnant women.

Want to know more about William Furman? Check out Furman's responses to other candidate questionnaires in the Lakewood Sentinel and Looking@ Lakewood voter guide.

Watch a video debate of Ward 4 candidates here:

Image via William Furman