November 4, 2025, Council Election

Jeslin Shahrezaei -☑ Has submitted a valid petition

Jeslin Shahrezaei
Occupation: Nonprofit Executive Director
Best way for voters to contact you: jshahrezaei@lakewood.org
Your website/social media: jeslin4lakewood.com

1) Why would you be an effective council member?
In my first term, I’ve worked hard to deliver real results for our community. Together, we’ve reduced residential speed limits to make our streets safer, added 18 acres of new park space in Ward 1, and secured investment in Lakewood’s co-responder program to better support public safety. I’ve also made it a priority to be available and accessible — meeting with residents often to hear concerns and shape policy that reflects our community’s needs. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and I’m excited to keep building on this progress in a second term.

2) What do you think are the most important issues facing the city?

Lakewood is Colorado’s fifth biggest city, and like many growing communities, we’re facing some big challenges — especially around housing. Two generations ago, much of Lakewood was farmland. Today, we have unique neighborhoods and busy transit corridors, and in another generation, our city will look different again. The key is making sure we guide that change thoughtfully. We need to allow for more housing options while also protecting the character and history that make Lakewood special. This balance — honoring who we are while planning for the future — is one of the most important issues we face, and it’s something I’m committed to working on with our community.

3) Because Lakewood has the council-manager form of government, please explain your understanding of the role of City Council.

City Council’s role is to set the vision and priorities that guide the day-to-day work of staff. Each year, at our annual planning retreat, we work together to find consensus on the values and priorities we want to focus on over the next 12–24 months. Staff then uses that direction to shape their work plans. You can see this in action in the 2026 Budget Book, where each department highlights upcoming projects and how they connect to Council’s goals. Just as important, our role as Councilors is to be out in the community — listening, learning, and bringing residents’ voices into City Hall. At times, that means acting as trustees, making decisions in the best long-term interest of the city, and at other times as delegates, carrying forward the will of the community.

4) How would you handle conflicting perspectives from residents when they don’t agree on how the city should address an issue?
Over the past four years, I’ve learned that a big part of this job is listening to residents’ frustrations and concerns. Local leaders are meant to be accessible, and I’ve made it a priority to be available and create space for people to share their views. We won’t always agree, but it matters that people feel heard and have the right information. When the toughest issues come up, I’ve found that honest conversations with community members often bring us back to a shared value: making sure Lakewood is the best it can be. That vision may look a little different from neighborhood to neighborhood, but it’s a good guide when navigating disagreements.

Liz Black -☑ Has submitted a valid petition

Liz Black
Occupation: Executive Director, 40 West Arts District
Best way for voters to contact you: info@lizforlakewood.com
Your website/social media: www.lizforlakewood.com / LizforLakewood (Instagram and to a lesser extent, Facebook)

1) Why would you be an effective council member?
I have lived, worked, and raised a child in Ward 2 for over 10 years, which I think gives me a unique perspective on issues related to this community. I have served as the Executive Director of 40 West Arts District for almost a decade, and our work directly relates to community engagement, neighborhood resilience, access to amenities for residents, and supporting small businesses to succeed. I have been a part of everything from sweeping our walkways, to grant writing and planning our vision for the future. Finally, I am extroverted, compassionate, and joyous which makes me well suited to working with different people.

2) What do you think are the most important issues facing the city?
I want to embody a vision of hope for the City of Lakewood, versus coming from a place of fear. City planning has a profound effect on the human experience. Our physical spaces can encourage health, vitality, and connectedness or detract from it, which is why parks, open spaces, pedestrian and bike access, and pedestrian-convenient local businesses are so important. Additionally, climate change planning is essential to our future. Shade spaces like tree-lined streets, parks, and accessible multi-modal transportation are critical to tackling these challenges. I know that we have other priorities, I have lived and worked along West Colfax for over 10 years. But I am a true believer in change at the local level and I intend to lead from a place of possibility.

3) Because Lakewood has the council-manager form of government, please explain your understanding of the role of City Council.
City Council acts almost like a non-profit Board of Directors in my opinion, which I have extensive experience with, both serving on the Board of Directors for Athena Project, and acting as Executive Director (or comparable to the City Manager) for 40 West Arts. In this regard, City Council takes input and feedback from residents to set the vision and overall policy for the City of Lakewood. The City Manager acts to lead, operate, and manage the City on a day-to-day basis, and to interact directly with each department. City Council and the City Manager work closely together, and City Council strives to represent the voice of community.

4) How would you handle conflicting perspectives from residents when they don’t agree on how the city should address an issue?
Always, I want to listen and learn. That has been a cornerstone of my approach in the arts district, and I think my track record of fairness, compassion, and bringing other voices to the table is well-documented. I have worked with a number of leaders, business owners, and residents for over 10 years and I think they would say that I am fair and collaborative. With that said, City Council is responsible for leading a vision for Lakewood and holding true to that identity. Change can be unsettling, but City Council has been tasked (and voted into office) to steer and guide policy. We would not have a public fire service, worker protections, or the right for women to vote without passionate, pioneering individuals, even when it felt impossible to some.

Ken Cruz -☑ Has submitted a valid petition

Ken Cruz
Occupation: Ward 3 City Councilor | Business Owner
Best way for voters to contact you: info@cruzforlakewood.com
Your website/social media: cruzforlakewood.com
https://m.facebook.com/KenCruzForLakewood/
https://www.instagram.com/kencruzforlakewood

1) Why would you be an effective council member?
In March 2025, I was elected in a special election to represent Ward 3. In just five months, I’ve worked to show what effective leadership looks like, listening, acting, and building bridges.

I launched a Listening Tour across Ward 3, meeting neighbors in parks, libraries, cafés, and breweries. Those conversations gave residents space to share concerns, opportunities, and ideas for our city. What I heard directly informed my work at City Hall.

I hosted eight zoning code roundtables, with one more scheduled, so residents could engage meaningfully in the city’s zoning rewrite. Out of those discussions came 15 amendments I co-created with the community, amendments that added guardrails, improved clarity, and reflected real neighborhood input. To make the process more accessible, I also pushed for breaking the zoning code into four sections so residents could digest it more easily, and I’m advocating for translation into Spanish so more voices are included.

2) What do you think are the most important issues facing the city?
Lakewood faces serious challenges, but the way we approach them matters as much as the policies themselves. I believe we need to tackle housing affordability, homelessness, economic vitality, sustainability, and transportation, and we must do it while also healing divisions and rebuilding trust between residents and city government.

Housing affordability is front and center. Too many neighbors are spending over 30% of their income on rent or mortgages, and seniors who want to downsize have too few options. We need to support a range of housing types, including accessory dwelling units, duplexes, and smaller-scale housing options, so people of all incomes and ages can find a home in Lakewood.

Homelessness is also pressing. It’s not only about shelter but also dignity, services, and safety. That’s why I created the Unhoused Advisory Circle, which is becoming a full city committee. This ensures that lived experience guides how we approach policy and services. I also helped with regional conversations with the county and nearby cities to create a severe-weather plan to protect unhoused residents.

3) Because Lakewood has the council-manager form of government, please explain your understanding of the role of City Council.
Lakewood’s council-manager system is designed to balance professional administration with community representation. The mayor and ten council members share equal authority in setting policy, passing ordinances, adopting the budget, and ensuring city values are reflected in decision-making. The city manager, in turn, oversees daily operations and implements what the council decides.

4) How would you handle conflicting perspectives from residents when they don’t agree on how the city should address an issue?
Conflicting perspectives are natural in any community. What matters is how we handle them. Too often, division grows when communication is absent or reactive. My approach is to be proactive, share information early, create opportunities for dialogue, and make sure residents feel heard before decisions are made.

Bonnie Nguyen - ☑ Has submitted a valid petition

Bonnie Nguyen
Occupation: EMT, Health & Wellness Coach, CPR/AED Instructor
Best way for voters to contact you: bonnietmnguyen@gmail.com
Your website/social media: emtbonnie4lakewood.com

1) Why would you be an effective council member?
I would be an effective council member because I have a unique, hands-on perspective that comes from nearly a decade of experience as an EMT, a community volunteer, and a first-generation Vietnamese-American. My time as a first responder gave me a front-row seat to not just our city's challenges, but others as well—from traffic congestion to the impact of rapid growth on public safety resources.

My approach is rooted in my personal journey. I've been homeless, underpaid, lived paycheck to paycheck, lost a job–faced many injustices. These experiences have taught me resilience and a deep understanding of what many in our community face. I will bring that same resilience and dedication to advocate for our community as a public servant, a daughter, a sister, fur & feathers mom, a friend, and a neighbor.

2) What do you think are the most important issues facing the city?
Based on what I’ve gathered, the most important issues facing the city are true public safety, environmental protection, and housing affordability. These issues are deeply interconnected, and my platform provides a beginning blueprint for addressing them. True public safety requires an accountable police force and well-supported first responders. Environmental protection isn't just a political issue; it's a public health issue. Protecting our open space, parks, and mature trees will allow our community to thrive and be a healthy place for all of us.

There needs to be a smarter approach to housing affordability that fixes our city’s core infrastructure (water, sidewalks, etc.) first. Then attract businesses which will create jobs, then we build the right kind of housing to meet those needs—real housing affordability is a result of financial stability, a reduction in crime, and effective solutions for homelessness. These aren’t issues that Lakewood must address alone, let's also work with our neighboring cities and stop sweeping issues under the rug or making it another community’s problem.

3) Because Lakewood has the council-manager form of government, please explain your understanding of the role of City Council.
My understanding of the City Council member’s role is to ensure our community’s voice is heard in every decision. This means advocating for policies that empower our residents, demanding greater transparency from city officials, and pushing back against backroom deals that benefit developers at the expense of our neighborhoods. The role of a City Council member is to represent the community, not just govern it. People are only open to change if they can be included in the process early and fairly.

4) How would you handle conflicting perspectives from residents when they don’t agree on how the city should address an issue?
Conflicting perspectives are inevitable, it doesn’t mean we cannot find common ground or innovative compromise. I believe our shared commitment to a better Lakewood can be our compass. I will listen to all perspectives to find solutions that put our community's well-being first—to ensure that my platform's ideas are also my community’s ideas. Let’s proactively protect Lakewood with community-led voices through as many town hall meetings as necessary!

Pedro "Pete" Roybal -☑ Has submitted a valid petition

Pete Roybal
Occupation: Retired
Best way for voters to contact you: Email Peteroybal2025@gmail.com
Website/Social Media: PeteRoybal2025.com

1) Why would you be an effective council member?
I have a proven record of community involvement and leadership. I care deeply   about Lakewood's future and believe in listening, problem-solving, and working collaboratively. I will be accessible, transparent, and committed to bringing practical solutions and accountability to City Council.

2) What are the most important issues facing the city?
Infrastructure: Roads, sidewalks, and public spaces need consistent upkeep.

• Housing & Development: Growth must be balanced and sustainable.
• Homelessness: Partner with organizations for compassionate, effective solutions.
• Quality of Life: Protect parks, open space, and community programs.

3) Because Lakewood has the council-manager form of government, please explain your understanding of the role of City Council.
City Council sets policies, approves budgets, and represents residents. The City Manager handles daily operations. My role is to listen, set priorities, and ensure staff carries them out responsibly.

4) How would you handle conflicting perspectives from residents when they don’t agree on how the city should address an issue?
I will listen to all sides, weigh long-term impacts, and seek balanced solutions. When compromise isn't possible, I'll clearly explain my decision so residents know their concerns were heard

Ariel Manzanares-Scisney -☑ Has submitted a valid petition

Ariel Manzanares-Scisney
Occupation: Private Educator & Global Macro Investor
Best way for voters to contact you: Text Message
Your website/social media: 

Instagram: @arielmscisney 
X: @sciariel 
Truth Social: @amscisney

1) Why would you be an effective council member?
As a lifelong Lakewood resident, I understand the history, evolution and culture of our city as people have come and gone from around the globe. As a 30-year-old Zillennial, I have a vested interest in the prosperity of Lakewood families for NEXT 30 years. Finally, as a debt-free financially independent person, I can afford the time to serve my community without special interests. 

2) What do you think are the most important issues facing the city?
My main concerns with Lakewood have to do with demographics and job security as they relate to the affordability crisis facing all Americans. Unfortunately, much of this temporary economic pain is going to be felt by Lakewood, because more than half of our residents depend on some form of government employment or federal assistance. Here’s the problem with that; America is $37 Trillion in Debt. America doubled her population of elderly seniors, but stagnated her population of young workers, hence why our top 3 expenditures in government are social security, Medicare, and finally paying the interest on our debt, ALL BEFORE our bloated military budget. Everything is more expensive because banks print dollars out of thin air to support people who take on debt, to use money they don’t have, to pay for things they don’t need, to impress people they don’t know. 

Meanwhile, my investment portfolios are performing at 30-40% on the year. I’m WINNING in this economy, so it’s my responsibility to help my neighbors win as well by educating them on how our economy works. 

WE NEED MORE ENTERPRENEURS!

3) Because Lakewood has the council-manager form of government, please explain your understanding of the role of City Council.
A city council is the legislative and policy-making body of a city, responsible for enacting laws, approving the annual budget, and setting taxes and service rates. Council members represent constituents, monitor city agencies, and make decisions on community goals, land use, and major projects. They also appoint city officials &  serve on committees. They are the small local government that protects citizens from the large federal government.

4) How would you handle conflicting perspectives from residents when they don't agree on how the city should address an issue?Transparency and communication are key. Ideally, the City Council will be able to synthesize the perspectives of all residents after holding Ward meetings, checking online discourse, and chatting with constituents at casual community events. After taking all perspectives into account, the City Council should be able to make a cogent argument backed by data, combining logos, ethos, and pathos together to make a solid case for the decisions they are making. Even if residents FEEL a certain way about a subject, hopefully they will at least understand our reasoning for making decisions.

Desirée González -☑ Has submitted a valid petition 

Desirée González
Occupation: Intelligence Consultant / Musician
Best way for voters to contact you: desireegonzalez1980@gmail.com
Your website/social media: www.dez4Lakewood.com

1) Why would you be an effective council member?
I will be effective because I already do the work most candidates only talk about. For years, I’ve tracked decisions in council chambers, commissioner meetings, and courts. I’ve filed records requests, exposed waste, and held leaders accountable.

When neighbors raise concerns about unsafe streets or housing conditions, I don’t just “raise awareness.” I gather data, file paperwork, and push until action happens. My lived experience of being ignored by institutions fuels my persistence: outrage alone is noise, but outrage turned into ordinances and budget priorities creates change.

I focus on transparency and measurable results. That means dashboards residents can read, open hearings where whistleblowers are safe to speak, and policies shaped by what neighbors actually ask for. At my core, I show up, stay until the work is done, and deliver results.

2) What are the most important issues facing the city?
Lakewood is growing, but many residents feel less safe, less stable, and less heard.

- Public safety: Families deserve transparency in law enforcement and accountability for failures.
- Housing: Rising rents and unsafe conditions demand stronger renter protections and truly affordable housing.
- Mental health & addiction: Lakewood has crisis response teams, but capacity is limited. We need stronger investment in prevention, follow-up care, and community-based programs that keep people out of jail and ER beds.
- Infrastructure: Safer streets, sidewalks, and lighting are everyday needs, not luxuries.
- Budget integrity: Tax dollars must reflect community priorities, not insider deals.

At the heart, these issues are about restoring trust — in government, housing, safety, and the city’s promises.

3) Because Lakewood has the council-manager form of government, please explain your understanding of the role of City Council.
The city manager runs daily operations. Council sets the vision, allocates the budget, and ensures accountability. Our job is to pass ordinances that reflect community needs, set measurable goals, and use the budget as a moral document that prioritizes residents over special interests.

Council must also oversee the manager’s performance, demand transparency, and protect whistleblowers. Above all, it serves as the bridge between residents and government.

4) How would you handle conflicting perspectives from residents when they don’t agree on how the city should address an issue?
Conflict is not failure — it’s an opportunity. I’ll start by listening to all sides, including renters, workers, and seniors often left out of debates. I’ll ground discussions in facts and independent data, then broker compromises that balance safety, equity, and quality of life.

If consensus isn’t possible, I’ll explain my vote clearly and publish the evidence I relied on. My commitment is that decisions will never be swayed by money or political connections, but by what best serves Lakewood’s long-term welfare.

Desirée González declined the League of Women Voters’ invitation to be filmed for a candidate interview.

Bill Furman - ☑ Has submitted a valid petition

William "Bill" Furman
Occupation: Architect/Project Manager – Jacobs
Best way for voters to contact you: BillFurman@BillFurman4Lakewood.com
Your website/social media:  BillFurman4Lakewood.com
https://www.facebook.com/billfurman4lakewood

1) Why would you be an effective council member?
I was born and raised in Lakewood, and I’m excited to raise my kids in a community that thrives.  My time on council, and as an architect working with municipalities across the country, has prepared me to address our critical issues while positioning us for success by dealing with change directly.  I understand competing concerns of policy, collaboration, compromise, fiscal responsibility, strategic vision, community engagement, and representation. I know the role and responsibility, and I have vision, and a willingness to listen.

2) What do you think are the most important issues facing the city?
Housing, homelessness and economic development are linked. We, like our neighboring communities need to address both a massive lack of affordable, attainable housing, and attainable middle market housing. This ranges from the permanently supportive housing for the homeless, to ownership opportunities in middle market housing those working in our community can afford. Addressing housing needs is essential in driving economic development. These solutions are not easy to achieve but they are the way forward, to face the problems that will dampen our economic vitality if we do not face them directly.

3) Because Lakewood has the council-manager form of government, please explain your understanding of the role of City Council.
The focus of the council is setting policy, voting on legislation, and budgets, while representing and engaging with the community to create transparency and convey the city’s vision. The challenge is to work to understand the concerns of the people of the ward, as those views may be disparate and divided. Understanding the concerns of the community and working to represent that while also working for what is best for the vision and vitality of the city. The vision of the people and council is implemented by the city manager and the professional staff of the city. Participating in a council that seeks to steer the city to address problems that evolve faster than we can pivot relies on understanding what the problems will be and not merely what it is today. The city staff are experts in their field, and a positive collaborative relationship with them leads to the most efficient way to address issues and take advantage of opportunities.

4) How would you handle conflicting perspectives from residents when they don’t agree on how the city should address an issue?
It is clear that on almost every policy matter we will have a spectrum of views leading to conflicting perspectives. The role of a councilmember is to engage with the community to parse out our residents’ views on policies. Once we have a sense of the community’s leaning, we must then use our professional judgement and knowledge of the policy to advocate and vote based on a balance of what the community wants and what is best for continued success of the city, in alignment with the city’s guiding documents. Advocacy is more key than the vote, as we only represent one vote, we need to be advocates with our fellow council members if we wish to push policies forward or halt them. 

Nick Munden - Write-In Candidate

Nick Munden did not participate in the questionnaire or the League of Women Voter’s candidate interviews. 

To vote for him, write his name on the blank line in Ward 4 on your ballot.

Paula Nystrom -☑ Has submitted a valid petition

Paula Nystrom
Occupation:  Retired
Best way for voters to contact you:  Paula4lakewood@gmail.com
Phone # 720.441.3038
Your website/social media: paulaforlakewood.com

1) Why would you be an effective council member?
Having served in this role for 19 months, I have had an opportunity to get to know fellow councilors, city staff and members of the public.  The knowledge and experience gained in the process has been very informative and helpful.  My City Council experience is complimentary to my years of leadership in the military and in the civilian sector.  I am focused on constantly learning and expanding my experience.  This is turn helps me in understanding issues, communicating with others, working towards solutions that are beneficial to my constituents, as well as the city in general.   

I am passionate about helping others and improving our quality of life in Lakewood.  I earned an MBA from the University of Miami, while working full time.  This helps enhance my perspective and understanding of complex issues.  I also strive to look at the big picture strategy when assessing implications of issues, enroute to finding a solution.      

2) What do you think are the most important issues facing the city?
Transparency in city government continues to be a focal point of mine, and my constituents.  Ensuring robust communication of issues, decisions, and changes that are implemented, will go a long way towards improving transparency.  It is also imperative that residents’ ideas and input, are incorporated in city strategies, to increase engagement and understanding of the path forward.

The City of Lakewood, and the Denver Metro area unfortunately is considered a “non-attainment area” with respect to our air quality.  It is imperative that improvement is made for the health and welfare of all residents.  This is a complex problem that won’t easily be resolved, but with new the council led Sustainability Committee, and dedicated city staff, we can advance new programs and policies that will facilitate progress.  

Affordable housing and ownership opportunities are important in Lakewood, and across the nation.  Many cities have been successful in focusing on revitalizing underutilized properties, to allow for more housing and services, as well as improving the quality of life for residents.  Incorporating this strategy in Lakewood is essential and achievable. 

As a veteran, I am very passionate about helping people, and a key focus of mine is homelessness.  A disproportionate number of homeless people are veterans.  Ideally no one should be without proper housing.  This is a huge challenge, and it is imperative that progress is made in this area. 

3) Because Lakewood has the council-manager form of government, please explain your understanding of the role of City Council.
As stated in the city charter, the council’s role is to set policy for implementation by the staff.  I think enhancing communication and collaboration between staff, councilors and the community, will improve engagement and successes that embrace residents perspective and concerns.  

4) How would you handle conflicting perspectives from residents when they don’t agree on how the city should address an issue?
My focus in addressing constituents’ concerns requires listening, empathizing, and follow up.  I strive to understand concerns that are raised, and to provide information relevant to the situation.  Improving understanding on both sides of an issue, clearing up misconceptions, and whenever possible incorporating changes and improvements is how I approach to conflict resolution.    

Karen Gordey -☑ Has submitted a valid petition

Karen Gordey
Occupation: Self Employed
Best way for voters to contact you: karen@karenforlakewood.com
Your website/social media: https://karenforlakewood.com/

1) Why would you be an effective council member?
I’m currently an entrepreneur, however I bring over 20 years of Corporate America experience.  I started in entry-level customer service and worked my way up to the executive level. I became known as the change agent who fixed broken departments by asking tough questions and implementing permanent solutions.

To better understand our city, I completed the Lakewood Citizens Planning Academy and then served three and a half years on the Lakewood Advisory Commission, including Vice Chair.

I’m running because Lakewood deserves thoughtful leadership; leaders who know how to get things done and who truly listen to the people they serve.

2) What do you think are the most important issues facing the city?

• Infrastructure – for example, the roads, public spaces, sidewalks etc need to be kept up.
• Quality of life: Not just protecting open space also assisting the other wards gain open space.  As well we need to get the crime rate back down. 
• Growth & Zoning – Growth is going to happen however we need to ensure we are taking a common sense approach.  Infrastructure, including water and electric needs to be in place before growth can occur.
• Homelessness – We need to ensure we have enough Community Action Team (CAT) resources with the Lakewood police department.  As well, partner with organizations to ensure we have compassionate solutions.

3) Because Lakewood has the council-manager form of government, please explain your understanding of the role of City Council.
City Council represents the people, sets policy, approves the budget and holds city staff accountable.

4) How would you handle conflicting perspectives from residents when they don’t agree on how the city should address an issue?
I will listen to all sides of the issues and then clearly explain why I made the decision I made so that the citizens know I am listening to them.