29 audition for council job

Like contestants on "American Idol," the applicants for an open Colorado Springs City Council seat filed one by one before their judges Thursday night.

One wished his wife a happy birthday; another recited song titles but refrained from singing; an- other promised to use "buns of steel" to sit through marathon budget sessions.

By 9 a.m. today, the City Council will either have picked a replacement for former Councilman Richard Skorman or have decided to interview two or three finalists this afternoon.

One thing is certain, council members agreed after the public meeting: narrowing down the field won't be easy.

"I thought each and every one was very impressive," Vice Mayor Larry Small said. "It's just kind of incredible that we have so many talented and interested people."

Thirty-six people had applied to fill the remaining portion of Skorman's term, which expires in April 2007, but seven either dropped out or didn't show Thursday. The 29 remaining in the hunt for the at-large seat had three minutes each to sell themselves to the council. The field included engineers, consultants, retired military officers and a former adviser to the treasurer of Micronesia.

Those with long histories on community boards emphasized their service, while former council candidates noted their longing dedication to the job. Those new to the community bounced ideas off the council, and two men used their allotted time to drop out of the race.

Former council candidate Al Brody pitched himself with his Top 10 reasons he should be on council. No. 3: He's been on the hot seat as an Air Force squadron commander.

Retired senior judge advocate Thomas Strand compared the event to being on "American Idol" and listed song titles that showed his hard work ethic and individual Western spirit. He refrained from singing.

The most common concern of the hopefuls was growth. Some, like small-business owner John Breeze, said the city must have adequate infrastructure in place before moving ahead on developments. Others, like firearms advocate Bernie Herpin, called growth "the life blood of our community."

Many mentioned and supported the Southern Delivery System, the planned water pipeline from Pueblo Reservoir. Systems engineer Margaret LeClair added that even after the project is done, the city should continue to require water conservation among homeowners.

Some ideas were unusual.

Business owner Steve Hicks said he is headed to a pandemic conference today and could lead the city's planning to cope with bird flu.

Retired Air Force Col. Jim Rynning advocated giving financial support to the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra and offering more events for kids in the summer.

A few people padded their speeches with props. Planning Commissioner Bob Null used a PowerPoint slide show. Former Councilwoman Reese Armstead laid down two drawings of motherly women in an effort to prove that people can't always see what's right in front of them.

Film producer Dave Gardner submitted a three-minute video critical of the council's growth policies because he was out of town, but the council did not play it.

Council members thought a professionally produced video would have given Gardner an unfair advantage over others who had to appear before them.

There were familiar faces among the candidates -- transit advocate Ann Oatman-Gardner, former KKTV news anchor Eric Singer. Several applicants were appearing before the council for the first time.

One who made a big hit was recently relocated Texan Leigh Cravin, who has worked as a corporate lawyer, teacher and author.

Cravin emphasized the importance of historical preservation and said the new council member must be ready to sit through marathon budget sessions.

I could do so "with the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, the stamina of Moses and the buns of steel of Arnold Schwarzenegger," she told the council.

Others' appeals were equally intriguing.

Former mayoral candidate and city watchdog Tony Carpenter told the council: "What better way to enhance confidence than place one of the top critics on City Council?"

Retired Colorado Springs Utilities supervisor David Masterson wished the council members luck in their decision and then wished a happy birthday to his wife.

Former Springs Transit assistant general manager Ryan Hiatt asked the council to withdraw his name because of he is in a custody battle with his exwife.

Radio news director Gary Street, who was among the last to speak, stood up and told the council other candidates were clearly better than him.

"I'm sorry to do this, but I know when I've been outclassed," Street said.

Council members would not divulge afterward who their favorites are. Small said he had put stars next to a number of good candidates and would need to study his notes to figure out who he will recommend.

The names of Oatmanner, Herpin, Singer and former planning commission chairman Paul Johnson had surfaced as potential favorites beforehand.