Merv Bennett
At Large City Council Candidate
719-338-3999
rmbennett@bennetthaven.com
- What is your favorite aspect of Downtown? In What ways do you utilize Downtown?
Answer: I have spend my entire career in Downtown Colorado Springs. I love the businesses, restaurants and atmosphere of our Downtown. The art on the streets program, the hub of business and government activity, and the restaurants for breakfast and lunch business meetings are my favorite aspects. I also enjoy the close proximity of trails and open space that I use daily. - How do you think Downtown Colorado Springs relates to the entire Pikes Peak region?
Answer: Downtown Colorado Springs is the center of business and culture for the Pikes Peak Region. The Pikes Peak Center, Fine Arts Center, Colorado College, the Library and the YMCA are all components that centralize focus on the Downtown area. It is the center of governance for the Pikes Peak Region and many business headquarters. The Olympic Committee strengthens this environment that I hope will expand in the future. - What would you like Downtown Colorado Springs to look like at the end of your term in office?
Answer: I would like to see progress made toward having a greater business climate within the Downtown corridor. I would like to see a City of Colorado Springs strategic plan that includes collaboration between City Government, the Downtown Partnership, The Chamber, EDC, Downtown non-profits and Education with a joint vision and commitment for appropriate implementation. - If you possessed a magic wand, what changes would you make to Downtown?
Answer: I would create a Downtown Convention Center with hotels and restaurants to support the Center. I would move Sky Sox Stadium downtown. I would create a dynamic arts district. I would envision office locations in the downtown area for the NGBs located in Colorado Springs. I would create more opportunities for urban living with the amenities to support this life style. - In what ways do you see Downtown Colorado Springs as a catalyst for enhancing the economics and cultural vitality of our region?
Answer: Because I believe Downtown Colorado Springs is the economic and cultural center of our region, I believe we need to work in cooperation to invest in our Downtown and strengthen those components that are critical to our economic growth. Downtown Colorado Springs will not be a catalyst by ignoring it and hoping it "finds its way". We must work together to strengthen it as the catalyst it needs to be.
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