For nearly six years, Jay Carpenter has served as a representative for District 1 on Lone Tree City Council. Carpenter’s community service began with his time on the City’s Recreation Advisory Committee in 2010, and he was later appointed to fill a vacancy on City Council in 2016. Council Member Carpenter did not seek re-election in 2022, and will complete his term on Tuesday, May 17. Council Member Carpenter took a few minutes to chat with Timberlines (City of Lone Tree Newsroom) to get his perspective on his six years on City Council.
Mayor Jackie Millet officiates the swearing in of Council Member Jay Carpenter.
Timberlines: What has it been like to serve Lone Tree City Council these last six years?
Jay Carpenter: It’s been a pleasure, it’s certainly been humbling, and it’s been an incredible learning process. I’ve been able to engage with City staff, representatives from the community at large, and I am truly grateful to everyone I’ve had the chance to work with over the years.
I have a business background, so I’ve always known how businesses were run- I didn’t have a full grasp on how municipalities are run, so I was able to look under the hood, so to speak, and see how a community is run – and run efficiently.
In my world as a financial advisor, I’m a fiduciary, so I have a fiscal responsibility to my clients. I tend to view my role on City Council very similarly in that we’re fiscal stewards of taxpayers’ dollars, and we need to make sure we’re handling that appropriately. I think we’ve done a great job of that over the six years I’ve been on council, and I know the council members going forward will continue to do so as well.
Timberlines: What surprised you the most?
Carpenter: Just how non-partisan local politics are, especially here in Lone Tree. I know it’s not always the case, but no one came to the table with a personal agenda, everyone came together to do what’s best for Lone Tree, for the community. We may have differing points of view, but we’ll listen to that other side and make an objective decision.
Timberlines: What are some things you’re most proud of?
Carpenter: The passing of 2E. That was critical for the financial future of the city.
I’m also proud of a lot of the planning we were able to shore up on the East side- that was probably 4 years ago or so. That was monumental, making those plans for future development on the East side. It was done in a very thoughtful and equitable manner to all stakeholders. We did a lot of hard work to lay the groundwork so that all the future development that we’ll see there will be aligned with our larger vision.
Council Member Jay Carpenter visits a construction site in Lone Tree.
Timberlines: What is your vision for the future of Lone Tree? What do you hope Council continues to do once you step away?
Carpenter: I think they’re committed to the integrity of the comprehensive plan laid out in the first council and that this body continued. Times have changed over the years, but we’ve stayed committed to that original vision and I would expect future City Council Members to continue that to ensure consistent development for the people here in Lone Tree.
Timberlines: How does the family feel about getting you back full time?
Carpenter: That was the primary reason for me making this change- I have four kids that are pivotal ages, including three in high school- they’ll be in college in a few years. It’s a commitment to spend more quality time with them, as well as my wife Melissa. Our dog, Tucker, too. I’m glad I was able to give them the gift of community service, though. For them to see how important that was to me, it’s now ingrained in them as well. That made all the hours we spent [serving on Council] worth it, for sure.
You know, they thought it was kind of cool to see dad on Council! See dad’s name in the paper, get to go to ribbon cuttings, getting to rub elbows with important people, they got to be a part of that process and they thought it was great. They’re definitely enjoying the transition, though, knowing Dad will have more time with them at home.
Council Member Jay Carpenter signs an important document.
Timberlines: What would be your parting message for the City of Lone Tree staff and the Lone Tree Community?
Carpenter: First, for the staff- they are all rock stars. Seth [Hoffman, Lone Tree City Manager] has done a great job of putting together a great team. They do all the hard work, and we on council get to take credit for it [laughs]. But it’s the staff doing all the hard work. I hope we’ve done a good job of acknowledging staff during my time on council, but they’re amazing and I hope they know that.
For the community- we are so fortunate to have high quality and engaged residents. Any time we have a position open on our boards and commissions, it’s a really hard decision to come up with a final selection because they’re all super qualified and add a lot of value. We’re so blessed to be where we are in this community- the “bubble” as I like to call it, where we have people willing to step up and make a difference. I think everyone understands that we may not always be on the same page, but we all agree that the course the City is on is a good one. I’m so glad we have a community that is committed to keeping Lone Tree a platinum based community.
Timberlines: And what’s next for citizen Jay Carpenter?
Carpenter: It’s been an awesome ride, and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve.
I’ll still be engaged in the community, for sure. I’m not sure what that looks like yet, but I’ve been involved with the Douglas County Youth Initiative as well as the Lone Tree Youth Commission. Youth have a special place in my heart, so I see myself still being engaged in that population. But, you know, I’m a free agent now [laughs], so I’m out trying to figure out where I’ll best fit, but you’ll be hearing more from Jay Carpenter!
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From all of us here at Timberlines, we wish you the best of luck, Council Member Carpenter. Thank you for your service to the City of Lone Tree!
Interview conducted by Communications Director Nate Jones for Timberlines.