As a long time community activist, Ken has been involved with helping to improve the life of residents and maintain a balance between our visitor, business, and resident needs. Ken and his wife Sandy have lived and raised their sons, Ian and Seth, in Manitou Springs for 38 years. They fell in love with this area, the people, and our strong sense of community. He retired from  the active practice of law after 35 years and is ready to lead our community in a new role as Mayor.  

A strong advocate for our environment and protector of our historical assets and mineral springs

Ken is passionate about preserving and renewing our natural and historic assets. He is an outdoor adventurist, hiker, skier, and fisherman. Being in nature is an important part of his life. For over 30 years he has been involved with helping to restore our mineral springs, improve Fountain Creek, advocate for Ruxton Canyon residents, plant trees, and maintain and build trails. He believes firmly that management of our natural resources is one of the most important roles of our government.

Proven, recognized & dedicated professional leadership

Ken has been a community leader for many years. His ability to listen, digest information, and form consensus has been critical in creating and implementing numerous community projects. He has a proven ability to take an idea and turn it into valuable action. Some refer to this as innovation. He often brings together people, resources and passion to help solve community problems or bring new amenities to our town. He has been recognized by his peers and the community for his dedicated and selfless leadership.

Forging a collaborative & inclusive city

Ken is collaborative and inclusive by nature and training. He strongly believes that community members should be invited and included in city decision-making processes in a meaningful way, so that all feel heard, valued, and respected.  He is an ardent champion of our community engagement vision statement to ensure that there are “multiple opportunities for  residents of all ages, background, and abilities to uniquely contribute to the well-being and enhancement of our community”  (Plan Manitou Vision Statement)

Supporting our youth

Ken and Sandy raised their 2 sons Ian and Seth in Manitou Springs. Both graduated from Manitou High School and were involved with lots of school and community activities. Ken became active in school affairs beginning with the elementary school PAC and ending with 4 years of service on the D14 Board of Education. He was very involved in all aspects of the district including teaching mediation skills to 4th grade and middle school students, coaching the high school mock trial team, and supporting many sporting events and teams. Ken was one of the collaborators in creating the Manitou Springs Education Foundation. 

A supporter of local business

After selling his law practice, and hearing about opportunities for investing in local companies, Ken and Sandy became active local angel investors. As part of their investments, Ken often takes an active role in providing strategy, governance, and legal advice to CEO’s and governing boards. He and Sandy are also part of a local venture capital fund and have invested in over 20 early stage and start-up companies. He is active in helping to build the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem. He firmly believes in supporting local entrepreneurs, services, and businesses.

An advocate for the use of alternative dispute resolution

Early in Ken’s legal career he recognized the need to provide cheaper, more timely, and more satisfying ways to solve legal disputes. He is one of the early leaders in the use of mediation and restorative justice. He is a skilled mediator, negotiator, and facilitator. He has resolved thousands of disputes through formal mediation and  helped numerous victims repair the emotional harms after serious injury.

Community Engagement in Manitou Springs

With over 39 years as a community activists, I am passionate about providing opportunities where everyone can be heard, respected, and valued. I have strongly supported the desire of the community to "provides multiple opportunities that allow residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to uniquely contribute to the well-being and enhancement of our community”. Community Master Plan 2017. I will always strive to collaborate and empower our community.

 Manitou Springs has always been a community that values robust participation and strives to create a powerful sense of belonging. My experience, leadership, and love of our community will ensure that we continue this tradition.

Challenges we face today...

Our community faces the challenge of restoring trust and collaboration between residents and our government. As noted recently in the Pikes Peak Bulletin and the KezziahWatkins Report, advisory board members reported that "Council just isn’t listening...and a clear indication that there is a significant lack of trust between the city's advisory boards and the city of Manitou Springs as embodied by the City Council. The distrust extends in many cases to staff interactions with advisory boards”.

Things we can do...

1. More face-to-face interactions and dialogue between advisory boards and City Council

2. Welcome and encourage citizen participation and collaboration in the operation of our government

3. Change in leadership - Elect Ken Mayor of Manitou Springs!