Meet Ed Cannon

Ed Cannon – Candidate for Mayor

Leadership that restores trust. Vision that moves Wellington forward.

I’m Ed Cannon, and I’m running for Mayor because Wellington deserves a government that works—and a future that thrives. I currently serve on the Wellington Board of Trustees, elected by our citizens in 2023. For too long, our town has been treated like a “bedroom community of Fort Collins,” and frankly, we’re better than that. We’re a community of more than 12,000 residents with huge potential, but we need real leadership to unlock it.

Wellington deserves direction, stability, and confidence—not memes and mockery. I’ve spent over 40 years building communities, solving problems, and bringing people together. I’m ready to do the same here.

Why I’m Running

Wellington has incredible potential. The next step is choosing leadership that understands long-term planning, financial responsibility, and community-building.

I’ve spent a lifetime helping communities grow stronger. I’m ready to help Wellington become the thriving, independent, resilient town we all know it can be.

A Proven Career in Service

My professional life spans decades of service and leadership:

U.S. Air Force (1978–2001, retired) – Worked with command staff and local leaders to improve services and quality of life for military families.
CEO of Cannon Roofing, Inc. (2001–2011) – Led a successful business and served on the Alabama Builders Association Board of Directors, helping strengthen the local construction industry.
City Manager in Illinois & Colorado (2011–2023) – Prioritized transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and high-quality customer service while overseeing municipal operations, infrastructure, and economic development.

I retired from city management in 2023, but I didn’t retire from caring about the communities I serve.

My Priorities for Wellington

1. Shake Off the “Bedroom Community” Label by Prioritizing Commercial Growth

Wellington is not a suburb stopover. We are a town with purchasing power, local pride, and a growing population—yet residents still leave town for daily goods and services. That’s revenue driving down I-25 instead of staying here.

Our future depends on expanding commercial development. More businesses mean:

More local jobs
A stronger tax base
Better services for families
A more vibrant economy
A community that stands on its own

Wellington should be a destination—not an afterthought. And I know how to make that happen.

2. Stabilize Water Costs for Residents & Businesses

Water remains one of our biggest challenges. Rising costs strain families and make it harder to attract new businesses. I have decades of experience with:

Water law
Public utilities
Long-range planning
Funding and infrastructure management

Wellington needs both short-term cost stabilization and long-term solutions. We must manage our system more efficiently, invest wisely, and ensure affordability for the community.

These two priorities—commercial growth and water stability—are the foundations of Wellington’s future.

Education & Expertise

I hold a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on local government management. My background includes budgeting, grant administration, planning and development, economic development, intergovernmental negotiations, and long-term community planning.

If Wellington needs it, I’ve done it. And I know how to do it well.

Invested in the Community

My wife Kristi and I moved to Wellington in 2017. We’ve always believed in getting involved, contributing, and lifting our community up. I have two adult children, and outside of community work I enjoy skiing, golf, cowboy action shooting, fly fishing, photography, traveling, and RV adventures.