Candidate Survey: Scott Koop (Ward 2)
Scott Koop
LAKEWOOD WARD 2 Candidate survey
- Name: Scott Koop
- Occupation: Stage Manager at Heritage Square Music Hall
- Length of Ward 2 residency: Since 1992
- Website:
- E-mail: scottkoop@msn.com
- Campaign phone number: 303 233-1198
- Family: I’ve been married to Debbie since 1985. We have two daughters who attend Lakewood High School.
Q: The largest issue in Ward 2 is the effect of Light Rail on surrounding neighborhoods. What specific safeguards would you like to see in place to protect public safety and private property?
A: I would like to see the stations as well lit as possible including the approaches from every side along the pedestrian and bike paths. Surveillance cameras should be important also. Police presence I believe is paramount. I support regular foot and bike patrols in these areas which would help protect the neighborhood as a whole. The younger children in the area should be presented with programs about safety around the light rail track and stations. The parents and schools should actively request outreach programs from RTD that address these safety concerns.
Q: The city is dipping into its savings account (the reserve fund) to overcome a $2.7 million revenue gap this year and an expected $2.5 million shortfall next year. Although the reserve exceeds Council-mandated levels, it can stretch only so far. What can be done to bring the city’s budget back into balance other than hoping for an economic upturn?
A: Keeping a conservative approach to budgeting is very important to me. There shouldn’t be any talk of expanding of government or services until the financial situation turns around. And then only after careful consideration, should new or expanded programs be looked at. We can all help this situation by using Lakewood businesses that provide the goods or services we need. If you know of a great business in Lakewood, spread the news!
Q: Because of the recession, many homeowners are unable to maintain their home’s curb appeal, which can affect the value of homes in the surrounding neighborhood. What would you do to encourage upkeep of deteriorating properties?
A: As good neighbors people should do whatever they can do to keep their homes and surrounding yards presentable. On the reverse side, as good neighbors, when we know someone is having a difficult time I believe it is our responsibility to help. It may be something as simple as mowing a front yard when you do yours. There are also non-profit and faith based organizations that can help in these situations. When a property is empty and either abandoned or bank foreclosed on, it still needs to be kept presentable. Whoever owns the property still has the responsibility to be a good neighbor. When they aren’t, that is when Lakewood Code Enforcement should get involved.
Q: What is the first issue you will bring before council if you are elected?
A: I have many items I hope to accomplish if elected. The first issue I would bring before council is how can we support our neighborhood groups even better? One of the biggest issues I hear often is how can they effectively get their information out to their neighbors. I have already been working with neighborhood groups on how to solve this problem and I believe a solution will be found to benefit everyone involved.
Q: Elections, including the upcoming City Council election, are expensive and special elections outside the General Election cycle are even more costly on a per-vote basis. City Hall wants to schedule all special elections resulting from petition drives to be on November ballots. The exception would be those elections on issues Council deems more important. What is your stance on the issue, which itself could become a ballot question next year?
A: I haven’t heard yet how the citizens feel about this issue. I would like to hear their views before I make my decision. I have no problem with it going to voters at any time.
