JACOB SMITH - CITY OF GOLDEN MAYOR 2008-2012

Jacob Smith

“I am pleased to endorse Don Cameron for reelection to Golden's Ward 3 City Council seat. Don is knowledgeable, thoughtful, and experienced. He has demonstrated, time and time again, the sincerity and depth of his commitment to Golden through his service on community boards, helping to launch a neighborhood community garden, volunteering with civic organizations, and regularly participating in community events and city decision-making.

Over the past four years, he has continued to demonstrate all of these qualities and I know he will do so over the next four if Ward 3 voters reelect him to City Council.

One of the qualities I most appreciate about Don is that he's not a natural politician. Unlike many politicians, who try so hard to avoid offending anyone or taking positions that some people won't like, Don is clear about where he is coming from and candid about his thinking on issues. But at the same time, he is clearly willing to listen and consider other ideas. He regularly seeks out different perspectives and views and then earnestly considers those as he refines his own thinking.

I don't always agree with Don. But when we disagree, he's transparent about his thinking and his reasoning, he's open to discussion, and he is clearly willing to shift his views on issues as he learns more and hears from other perspectives. Even when he ultimately takes a position that's different than mine, I respect where he lands because I know he's being thoughtful and taking his role seriously.

And I often agree with Don. I know what his vision is, and I know he's willing to fight hard to move us in that direction even when it can sometimes mean disagreeing with city staff or with the political establishment.

These are the qualities I think we most need on City Council as we continue to grapple with many of the same challenges we've been facing for years: continued out-of-character development in Golden, housing costs that are inaccessible to many people, government transparency and accountability, and ensuring that we sustain Golden's economic vitality, environmental health, and quality of life. I'm supporting Don because I think he has been an important and effective voice on Council and I believe he will continue doing this over the next four years.” 6/3/2025