Candidate would limit over-regulation/ Builder seeks Null's council

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Feb 4, 2003 by ED SEALOVER

Builder Scott Hente announced his candidacy for the District 1 Colorado Springs City Council seat Monday, getting backing from a prominent developer and a prominent neighborhood activist.

Hente, co-owner of Robert-Scott Enterprises, said he hopes to reduce what he sees as over-regulation of everyday life by the council.

The 49-year-old wants to look at privatizing services, such as parking and some functions of Memorial Hospital, to make them cheaper for the city and residents.

He also wants to stop the council from approving ordinances, such as the residential landscape ordinance that is currently being debated, which he says expand government too much. "Government should do a lot of things, but what it shouldn't do is be a burden to the taxpayer," Hente told about 40 supporters at Fire Station 18. A former Air Force pilot, Hente now builds multifamily communities and custom homes. He is active in the Housing and Building Association and on several task forces but has never run for office.

In laying out positions, the husband and father of two displayed interest in development, saying the city must guard against laws and fees that push up the cost of new housing.

He also showed his neighborhood leanings, supporting extension of the Trails, Open Space and Parks tax and praising the city's community park system.

Hente was endorsed by his business partner, Bob Ormston, and Jan Doran, president of the Council of Neighbors and Organizations.

"Above all, what I have found about Scott is he is a fair man," Doran said. Hente is seeking the seat being vacated by Jim Null as he runs for mayor. Retiree Duane Slocum also is running.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0184 or sealover@gazette.com