Many of you have called encouraging me to apply for the Council position being vacated by Jerry Heimlicher’s resignation. I’m writing to let you know I considered it carefully and dropped off my application letter this afternoon.  Here are the contents of the letter:

Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilors:

I wish to be considered for appointment to fill the fill the vacant Colorado Springs City Council seat for District 3. As you know, I ran for that seat last April and received 43% of the vote.

Certainly City Councilors and I share an over-arching goal, to preserve and enhance quality of life for our residents. But it would be dishonest to pretend there are many other points of agreement between the majority on this Council and me. It may appear to be an easier path not to appoint me. I would challenge you, intellectually. And you would challenge me. I believe that honest debate would benefit the city.

The heart of our disagreements has been our approach to growth. Votes and remarks indicate the majority on this Council believes continued expansion of the city is desirable and beneficial - so much so that you’re willing to subsidize growth at the expense of essential city services. I, on the other hand, do not believe growth is the solution to problems it creates.

You seem to believe bigger is better. I believe getting bigger increases the size of our problems and creates new ones. I believe the evidence is clear growth generates costs faster than it increases revenues. I’m concerned perpetual growth will inhibit provision of adequate, affordable water for our city in the future. And I doubt we can stabilize and then reduce our city’s carbon footprint if our prosperity strategy is continued, subsidized growth.

My hope is you’ll welcome the intellectual challenge and the benefits of having diverse viewpoints on Council that represent the range of philosophies shared by our citizens. The issues I’ve raised have resonated with many. Having my voice at the table will generate conversations and debate that will help push our city down the path of progress. Serving together we’d have the chance to become more familiar with each other’s approach and the research, facts and logic behind those approaches.

I read recently you’re hoping to interview candidates on October 6. Unfortunately I have a critical, previously scheduled, business trip from September 30 - October 10. I believe an interview would be appropriate and valuable. I hope we can find a suitable date for this. I will do everything possible to accommodate your schedule.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Dave Gardner