Dave Martin, who has served on the District 49 School Board for three years, has tossed his hat in the ring as a contender for the Colorado Springs City Council.Martin likened his experience with D 49 to the kind of experience needed as a City Council member. ìOn the school board, we have tackled tough issues, improved our schools and increased accountability to taxpayers,î Martin said. ìMost important, we have planned for our future, instead of just reacting to events. That is the kind of leadership we need more of on the City Council.îMartin has lived in Colorado Springs for 14 years and during that time he has volunteered with youth activities. Martin has coached girlís basketball, flag and tackle football, t-ball and softball for the Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Youth Sport Division and the YMCA every year since 1995, when he left the U.S. Army. Martin also was a Cub Scout and Webelos leader for five years.He has two children who attend Falcon Middle School and Sand Creek High School. Martin has been a general contractor for 10 years.Martin said one of his top priorities is improving communications between citizens and city government. ìWhen was the last time a City Council member asked you what you thought? The City Council and the community are disconnected and have very different priorities, Martin said. ìThis year, we saw a 31 percent increase in violent crime, and two police officers were killed. We have invested eight years and $70 million in a water project without being given any idea when we will see a drop of water from our investment ñ all while our utility rates and fees continue to rise. I want to make sure that development pays its fair share of the costs.î
