Name: Anita Seitz
Occupation: Mayor Pro Tem City of Westminster, Director of Marketing for Jones Financial
Past elected offices: I have had the privilege to serve the residents of Westminster on City Council since December of 2013. At that time, I was unanimously appointed by the city council at that time, to fill a vacancy. In November 2015 I was elected by the voters of Westminster, out of the 10 candidates running I received the most votes from our residents. I was humbled to be voted to serve as Mayor Pro Tem by my colleagues on Westminster City Council in December of 2018.
Other leadership positions & community involvement:
- Serve on the Ralston House Board for the last 5 years. Ralston House is the child advocacy center for the 1st and 17th Judicial Districts.
- Immediate Past President for Colorado Communities for Climate Action, a group of 27 local governments that advocate for state and federal climate policy, and I currently serve on their steering committee and policy committee.
- Westminster delegate for the Colorado Municipal League’s Policy Committee, helping to make sure both Westminster’s and municipal interests are understood and considered at the state capitol.
- Council alternate for US 36 Mayors and Commissioners Coalition, working on regional transportation issues.
- Currently participating in the Colorado Department of Transportation’s 239 Emerging Mobility stakeholder working group and serve on the sustainability: incentivizing adoption of zero emission vehicles subcommittee
- Serve as the Public Official Board Member, for the American Planning Association of Colorado. Helping to educate planning commission members, and elected officials on best practices in planning and land use. Great communities don’t just happen, they are planned
- Serve as Council Liaison for the Westminster Environmental Advisory Board, a citizen advisory board to the city council on environmental issues in our city
- Founder of Westminster Start by Believing, a local chapter of the national Start By Believing campaign to raise awareness to the issue of sexual assault. Start by Believing works to educate community members on the best practice in responding if a friend or loved one discloses that they have been sexually assaulted.
- Served as Board Member, Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. Working to promote economic resilience and prosperity in Jefferson County.
- Served as Council Liaison for the Human Services Board, which provides city grants to non-profits operating in the community.
- Served as Council Park, Recreation, Libraries and Open Space Board, which provides guidance to city council on recreation, educational, open space matters and programing. They also provide neighborhood grants.
- Served as Council Liaison for the Planning Commission, the citizen advisory group that determines and advices council on land use issues.
- Served as Council Alternate for the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). DRCOG is a group of local governments in the Denver metro area. Together they establish guidelines, set policy and allocate federal funding in the areas of transportation, planning and aging and disability resources.
- Served as steering committee member for the Compact of Colorado Communities, a group of local governments whose mission is to build climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience at the local level.
- Participated in the Colorado Climate Network and the Colorado Municipal League’s Colorado Local Resilience Project, looking at the impacts of climate change on local government.
- Participated in the Land Use Leadership Alliance training on the integration of water resource planning and conservation and land use decision making
- Why are you the most qualified person for this office? My experience, integrity, vision, and leadership. I am proud of our accomplishments during my term. I have championed major initiatives, weighed decisions, considered intended and unintended consequences, solicited and responded to feedback from residents. I have demonstrated my ability to find policy solutions for difficult challenges. My background has proven useful. I work in business management and marketing, have a BA in Earth Sciences (UNC) and an MBA (Regis). I have invested in professional development to learn best municipal practices. In 2016 I received a fellowship to attend Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. For five years I have proven to be a deliberate, strategic and effective leader. It has been an honor to serve the residents of Westminster. I look forward to continuing to fight for a strong community.
- What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it? Colorado has seen unprecedented growth, impacting Westminster. Every decision we make as a city should promote environmental, social, and economic long-term resilience. Challenges that arise from Colorado's growth must be anticipated and dealt with head-on in a way that minimizes negative impacts and enhances our quality of life. Without a strategy, we stand to lose what we love about Westminster.
- What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement? Westminster has world class parks, programs, and amenities. We are recognized as a leader in innovation and good governance, locally and nationally. I am proud of our city, and will work to make it even better. Westminster is over 100 years old. Many of our facilities and systems need repairs and maintenance. It is our responsibility to invest in our city, and protect the quality of life, health and safety of residents. Ignoring issues that need to be addressed only adds to the cost of addressing them.
- What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster? Our people! I continue to admire the passion and dedication our residents have for our community.
Contact information
(303) 817-5237
anitalouiseseitz@gmail.com
www.anitaseitz.com