June 01, 2013 08:30 AM UTC

'Gunner' Gunstanson to seek Ward 5 Lakewood City Council seat

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• by: mgunner1

[Pols Note: As far as we know, this is a serious announcement.]

Internet pioneer and award-winning journalist Michael “Gunner” Gunstanson announced his candidacy today for a seat on the Lakewood City Council representing Ward 5. 

Gunstanson is seeking the seat being vacated by term-limited Dianna Allen. 

“My wife, Drucella, and I have made Lakewood our home now for more than eight years. By far, it’s the best city in the state, hands down,” Gunstanson said. “Having lived here for nearly a decade, it is time to step into the public arena to see if I can’t help make this great city even greater.”  

Gunstanson has lived in every time zone on the mainland. He is currently employed as the Director of Digital Marketing for a company owned by billionaire Phil Anschutz. Gunstanson has previously served as Editorial Manager for Examiner.com, the largest citizen-journalism initiative in the world. While at Examiner.com, Gunstanson presided over a 300-plus percent growth in online traffic. 

Gunstanson has managed content for some of the biggest names in American journalism, including: CNN, the LA Times, Rocky Mountain News, Dallas Morning News and the Houston Chronicle, along with two network television stations (CBS and NBC). 

A Lakewood resident since 2005, Gunstanson has several notable Internet milestones, including being one of only three people to ever to conduct a live chat with an orbiting space shuttle. Gunstanson engineered a chat with Commander John Herrington, the first Native American to go into space. His idea to blog live from a court room during a high profile trial in Oklahoma was the first time that had ever occurred. Gunstanson has also created several popular Internet micro-sites during his Internet career, including Web Noise, SpaceCentral and NFL Draft Day. 

“I believe transparency in government is the best way to serve the people of Lakewood,” Gunstanson said. “I believe Lakewood needs a fresh perspective on the City Council, one that enters office without any pre-conceived notions or allegiances. I will be that candidate.” 

Gunstanson, an Eagle Scout, and his wife Drucella are avid skiers, snow-shoers and campers. They also enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, camping and spending time with their three dogs — dachshunds Prince and Duchess and Kona, a golden retriever.