Steve Saunders: Former TV newsman says he'll run for City Council

denverchannel.com

Steve Saunders

Former 7News correspondent Steve Saunders announced on Facebook on Saturday that he plans to run for the Denver City Council seat being vacated by Marcia Johnson.

Saunders, whose father is longtime entertainment writer and broadcasting critic Dusty Saunders, was a TV reporter for more than 25 years. He was let go in 2009 and now serves as director of communications for Adams County School District 50.

"I'm sharing some exciting news with all my friends on this first day of the new year," Saunders wrote on his Facebook wall. "I am running for Denver City Council for the vacant seat in District 5. In the days ahead, I will be providing you with more information about my campaign and how you can get involved. I wish you all a great 2011."

Johnson announced last summer that she would not seek re-election.

In a phone interview with Westword, Saunders says he'd thought about running for City Council for many years, but the time was never right. "When I was a reporter, you could never do those kinds of things," he points out.

But when current Johnson revealed her plans, Saunders began discussing a run with his friends and family. "We feel like it is winnable, viable and there is a good base of support out there."

Three other people have already filed paperwork to run in District 5, according to the Denver Election Commission website: Michele Fry, MaryBeth Susman and Leslie Holben Twarogowski.

Saunders worked for Channel 7 for eleven years. Before that he was an anchor and reporter for several other local TV stations.