Preparing for the Feb. 26 primary election for Lawrence City Commission, candidate Scott Criqui canvassed neighborhoods, trying to speak with as many residents as possible. The primary narrows the field of 11 candidates down to six. In the April 2 general election, three of those six will be elected as commissioners.

Criqui, a lifelong resident of Lawrence, works as the human resources manager for Trinity In-Home Care. He graduated from Free State High School and attended the University of Kansas for communication studies and psychology. He has a master’s degree from Webster University in human resource management. I recently caught up with Criqui to speak with him about his goals.

1. The primary election for City Commission in Lawrence is less than a week away. How are you feeling right now?

We have run a great campaign. I am very proud of our campaign volunteers and staff. I am feeling very confident.

2. Why did you decide to run for city commissioner of Lawrence?

I have dedicated my life to improving the lives of others through service to my community. I am running for the Lawrence City Commission because I see an opportunity to build a better Lawrence. A better Lawrence starts with a strategic vision and long-range plan based on both our strengths and our needs as a community. As your city commissioner, my top priority will be to focus on creating an environment that will facilitate opportunities for all citizens by both increasing job opportunities and improving quality of life. This can be accomplished through “collaborative politics,” a process of bringing people together so everyone’s voice is heard. By working together, we can and we will build a better Lawrence!

3. If you are elected, what is your number one priority?

My top priority as a commissioner is to develop a strategic vision for our city through the concept of collaborative visioning and politics. This will enhance our ability to attract and develop jobs, as well as improve quality of life for our citizens.

4. What has been the biggest challenge in this race?

I feel very fortunate to be able to run for office. The challenges I face while campaigning are unimportant compared to challenges others face on a daily basis.

5. You have a Facebook page (Criqui for Commission). How has social media affected your campaign?

Social media has been a great way to enhance the conversation we are having about our vision and our community.

6. I know that your partner, James Edmonds, has been a key member of your campaign team. How do you two manage to keep it all together (you know, campaigning together, living together, not strangling each other…)?

I’d like to say that I have a profound answer. It boils down to respect and appreciation of each other.

7. You’ve been very busy campaigning recently, and I’m sure you have had little “leisure” time. After the general election on April 2, what do you plan to do with all of the extra time?

I have a long and successful history of working to improve our community. I will continue that work regardless of the outcome. Running for office is just one way to make a difference.

8. On Feb. 16, you sang in the “It Gets Better” concert at the Lied Center, which featured members of the L.A. Gay Men’s Chorus, as well as other members of the Lawrence community. What was that experience like for you?

Considering I can’t sing or act, it was really amazing being on stage with such talented artists. Beyond that, it was even more remarkable being part of the dialogue here in our community about how to prevent bullying … and how to make it better.

9. Who is your hero, and why?

My personal hero is my father. His dedication and commitment to his family was inspiring. He would work more than 50 hours a week at hard labor to provide for us. Politically, I really respect our top diplomats – Hillary Clinton, Colin Powell and Madeleine Albright all have been among my favorites.

10. And finally, what is your number one guilty pleasure?

Um. Guilty pleasure? I love eating dessert, especially cookies, for breakfast. Nothing like starting the day with the taste of sweet success.