This is a quick and easy way to get the information you need! Skim over to see if Shawna has answered your question - and if you have a question that isn't listed here, get in touch!

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Why should I vote for you?

With over 20 years of non-profit, government, union, and social service experience, I can serve our city well. More importantly, I am here to serve Arvadans! We can work together to create housing for everyday people like seniors, students, working families, and everyday people here. We can take on public safety and reduce the workload of our police. And we can prepare for our future with a sensible climate plan that will give us access to federal and state dollars. You deserve a representative that is part of the community and deeply listens to you. It's your leadership that I'll take to city council by representing you!

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What's your name? All of the articles you linked have a different last name.

I'm a newlywed! So I am running under my new last name of Ambrose. Previously, my last name was Foster.

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What's your background politically?

This city council race is non-partisan, and I am running without party affiliation. However, I am a lifelong champion for unions, racial justice, women's rights, queer liberation, climate justice, veteran care, disabled rights, immigration reform, robust investment in our public school system, and more.

 

Are you really a minister? Can you run for public office? What about separation of church and state?

I uphold the First Amendment freedom of this country that everyone should have freedom of and freedom from religion. I also believe in the separation of church and state. At the same time, the beatitudes the his healing ministry of Jesus are what calls me to serve everyone, and support their spirituality, creed, agnosticism, or atheism. Serving the broader good, especially those of us forgotten by the status quo, is what draws me to run for City Council of Arvada. As an ordained minister, I believe we can make heaven on earth by turning to one another to create beloved community. 

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What are donations used for?

Campaigns cost money. Being new, I have to get the word out about our platform to people in District Two. Some of that is done for free through my time - I go to countless meet and greets, coffees, and other events to get to know people. Some of it requires printing pamphlets so people know my positions, sending out mailers on the issues, and maintaining this website. It also pays campaign staff who do lots of work because they believe Arvada will be best served by our leadership.

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For a district this size, that means I need to raise $15,000, as I'm not independently wealthy. Your donations keep this campaign going!

 

There are progressive organizations that have PACs and event SuperPACs, so if I am lucky to get money from them you'll see it on the campaign finance disclosure form. I am proud to build a campaign off of small grassroots support, because many small donations a lot of ordinary folks who believe in Arvada's future support this campaign.

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What do you do for fun?

Hiking is a blast, and I was lucky to go travel with my kids to Yosemite and Sequoia National Park this summer. I have a friend there who is on scholarship to count wildflowers and plant sequoia trees. It's rewarding to tear out the turf in my front lawn and replace it with wildflowers - I've always been a gardener! Its' a goal of mine to be fully bilingual, but I'd say my Spanish is about 50% where most of the time people can understand me but I have a harder time understanding other Spanish speakers. It's something I'll always keep working on!

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Do you have pets?

Yes, I have two shy cats at home, Finn and Jake. They are expert hunters of bugs and like to cuddle on a chair in the living room. I rescued them on the western slope. Even if you're invited to my house, it's likely you'll never meet them because sometimes they like to hide in the ceiling. We also adopted Chip! He had a failed placement because he would piddle when excited, but since we've had him home he gets lots of attention and bathroom breaks. He's a Rottweiler/Labrador mix with a little scar on his head; hence the name Chip.

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Can you share a little more about your family?

Yes, I currently live with my partner Nick, my two kids, my brother, and my mother. It's a full house here in Arvada! My mom is retired and I play Pokemon GO with her frequently. My brother works for an HVAC company and moved in to help me fix things up in the house. Nick works as a Product Owner for a local health services company. My daughter is a freshman in college and my son is a sophomore in High school. 

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How do I get to know you more?

Let's have coffee! Or, if you have a specific question, feel free to use our chat feature or contact us on the 'Get Involved' page.

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Why are you running for office?

The other folks on city council are doing some truly amazing work that I want to keep going. Our city council is implementing a lot of measures that have to make it across the finish line. My neighbors here in District Two inspire me to run as they have great ideas and a type of leadership I'd like to bring to city council. My track record as a community leader helped me see how we can help our city be the best, and that's the judgement I'll bring to the council. Arvada has so many things going well - and my experience to get things done will ensure nothing gets lost!

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