Name: Sheela Mahnke
Occupation: Pediatrician
Past elected offices: Current Westminster City Councillor
Other leadership positions & community involvement: Council Liaison to the City of Westminster Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Libraries Board. past member of the City of Westminster Environmental Advisory Board. Council Delegate for the City Municipal League, Urban Prairies Project Master Restoration Volunteer, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Legislative Committee, volunteer for the Legacy Band Food Committee
- Why are you the most qualified person for this office? As a physician, I am able to bring a public health perspective to city decisions. As a mother, I am always working to make the world a better place for my children. I want to build a healthy and thriving city not only for the next four years but far into the future. I am a critical thinker and always listen to all sides when making decisions. I am hard-working and love Wesminster and its residents.
- What is the most important issue facing Westminster and how will you address it? As we continue to grow as a city and a region, we need to work on long term economic and environmental sustainability while preserving our quality of life and sense of community. This can be achieved through thoughtful and strategic planning. I will work for a strong local economy, a clean and healthy environment, and a city where everyone feels like a valued member of our community.
- What do you think the city does well and where do you see room for improvement? There are so many things the city does well, from the development of our new downtown to our excellent police department and internationally accredited fire department. Our city’s parks, recreation facilities, open spaces and libraries are phenomenal. In the recent past we have focused attention on restoration and maintenance of our parks and open spaces. While continuing to do this, I believe we can also work towards acquisition of new open space. Also, as we continue to develop as a city, we need to work harder on environmental sustainability, including water conservation, clean air, and climate change adaptation. By doing so, we will continue to assure the health of our city and its residents.
- What is your favorite thing about living in Westminster? The best part about living in Westminster is the people. I love our neighborhoods, our diversity and our sense of community.
Contact information
(303) 563-9944
sheela.mahnke@gmail.com
www.sheelamahnke.com