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creativity. Council serves as the counterweight to the administration, ensuring that the city is running correctly. In closing remarks, Mr. Cushing stated that Lakewood is a unique and fantastic place with great neighborhoods. It is walkable, safe, and secure and he would like to do whatever he can to ensure that those things remain. Virgil Wahome Interview Candidate Virgil Wahome thanked Council for the opportunity to interview and highlighted that he is a resident since 1998 and plans on staying in Lakewood. Councilmember Rader noted that he visited Mr. Wahome's block club parry and observed that his neighbors clearly look up to him as a leader. He asked Mr. Wahome what cities can do to be more sustainable. Mr. Wahome encouraged taking a close look at the region's systems of transportation to reduce carbon emissions. He also recommended education, particularly of the next generation. In response to a question from Vice President Litten asking if he will run for re-election if appointed and what he believes Council's priorities should be, Mr. Wahome stated that it is possible he would run for election. He urged Council to focus on downtown development, filling empty storefronts and taking ideas from other communities and molding them to Lakewood's strengths. Noting Mr. Wahome's changing neighborhood on Madison Ave., President O'Malley asked him if the neighborhood has experienced any "growing pains" of development. Mr. Wahome identified problems with speeding and pedestrian safety as a result of the changes. He advocated for speed bumps and traffic calming strategies as well as sustainable approaches to building renovations. He engaged Council in a brief discussion about its plans, priorities, and the issue of tax abatements. President O'Malley made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous Committee of the Whole meeting, which was seconded by Vice President Litten. The meeting was adjourned at 12:08 p.m. 9