It has been 16 years since a mayoral race in Lone Tree has been contested. But this year’s election, on May 7, is different. Wynne Shaw and Marissa Harmon, two experienced city council members, are vying for the position in what has become a spirited battle.
“It’s a little bit of excitement for people,” said Shaw. “For what it’s worth, elections are good for the discipline of sitting down and really organizing your priorities.”
For months, the Lone Tree Voice has been inundated with letters for and against the candidates. The nearly 20 letters to the editor have been about equally split for the candidates (and can be read at https://shorturl.at/bkCF9).
“It just goes to show how passionate our residents are about making sure their voices are heard,” said Harmon.
The Voice previously reported that in past city elections, chances were that voters didn’t receive ballots because nearly all of the council elections since 2008 were canceled and candidates were unopposed.
From residents to other elected officials, both Shaw and Harmon have received varying levels of support, many saying they want a leader who fosters economic success and cares about the people.
Both candidates have similar values in common and areas of focus, including fiscal responsibility, maintaining infrastructure, transportation, supporting law enforcement and inclusivity and accessibility.
Supporters of Shaw recognize her supportive leadership, city projects she has worked on and her three decades of experience.
“As an elected organization leader, Wynne impressed us all with her ability to find consensus, build rapport, move projects ahead and serve residents of all ages and abilities in our community,” Ada Anderson said in a letter to the editor.
Shaw has served on the city council for the past eight years, the last two as mayor pro tem. She recently became the board chair of the Denver Regional Council of Governments and is the chair of the Regional Transportation Committee – a metropolitan planning organization in the Denver region – and the Douglas County Transportation Forum.
With additional roles on other boards and committees throughout the county, Shaw told the Lone Tree Voice she believes the regional recognition she has earned over the years could be another reason the election is gaining attention.
“There’s a high level of interest in the election because many of the nearby municipal jurisdictions have an interest in making sure that the south metro region has a voice,” said Shaw.
Others echoed the idea that Shaw is responsive to questions or concerns. Some said they’re impressed with her financial and corporate knowledge. Deb and Roland Stubblefield wrote that she is “a rare blend of someone who has a great depth of governmental and financial knowledge and an equal depth of caring and compassion for all whom she represents.”
Past and present members of the neighboring Centennial City Council, Tammy Maurer and Richard Holt, described her as solutions-oriented, thoughtful and ethical in their letter to the editor.
“The reason I really want to become mayor is because I can add value to the city through my experience in my leadership skills and the voice that I’ve developed for the region,” said Shaw. “I’m ready to be mayor.”
Sharon Van Ramshorst, a former Lone Tree City Council member and mayor pro tem, wrote in a letter to the editor that she supports both candidates, but leans towards Shaw because of the number of years serving the city.
Harmon told the Voice that serving on the planning commission for three years was the best training ground for city council and that she got a better understanding on how the budget works when she engaged on a tax-related ballot initiative early in her career.
“I think that in my five years, I have done much more and have many more achievements,” said Harmon. “And, I’ve enjoyed the entire process.”
In addition to being a mother of school-aged children and the owner of Roots & Mane hair salon, Harmon graduated from the Lone Tree Citizen’s Police Academy, has worked with the Lone Tree Homelessness Initiative and continues to volunteer around the community, also gaining her public attention.
Residents, including a member of the Lone Tree Planning Commission, admired Harmon’s dedication to and supportiveness, even calling her a “cherished ambassador” for the community, highlighting her collaboration skills and leadership.
“Marissa’s qualifications extend well beyond her professional accomplishments,” said Jack Rohr.
Former Lone Tree Mayor Jim Gunning added that leadership means pushing back and Harmon understands that.
“I am about making sure that the decisions on the council are made with the residents and businesses in mind,” said Harmon. “I feel I’m a proven leader and dedicated to fiscal stewardship.”
Harmon’s campaign focuses on listening to the residents, which many who wrote letters supporting her said she has done.
“I have so much information from our residents on what is most important to them and I know that will serve me well in the role as mayor in the future,” said Harmon.
If Harmon is elected, the city council would appoint “an eligible and interested member of the community,” to fulfill the remainder of her term, which ends in 2026, as previously reported by the Lone Tree Voice.
More information about Wynne Shaw can be found at wynneforlonetree.com and Marissa Harmon at marissaforlonetree.com.
City Council seats up for grabs
This will also be the first election held since 2018 in which two of the five seats on the Lone Tree City Council are up for election.
Candidates for District 1, Brain O’Connell and Mike Parr, are on the ballot.
The election for District 2 was canceled in March, declaring Alecia Brown as the sole candidate. More information about them can be found on the Lone Tree website at https://shorturl.at/btX04.
Residents can drop off their ballots in the ballot box located in the parking lot of the Lone Tree Municipal Building at 9220 Kimmer Drive.