Glenn Carlson envisions Colorado Springs as the “Silicon Mountain” of the West, a research and technology hub for people creating high-tech breakthroughs and new energy approaches.

“I want to create a start-up culture; a place where people have the resources, support and courage to create the next Google, the next GoPro, the next Spectranetics,” the at-large City Council candidate says on his website.

Carlson, 31, says he stands for “Energy. Ideas. Change.” The avid runner, Arrow Electronics executive and small business owner appears to have no shortage of personal energy. But he’s also focused on the energy all residents use.

The coal-fired Martin Drake Power Plant is getting special scrubbers to meet federal emissions requirements. “We’re doing the right thing here to try to reduce emissions at Drake,” Carlson said recently. “I’d like to make Colorado Springs a hub and create jobs with people working on these issues. We are going to rely on coal for a little time to come, but we do need to develop a longer-term plan to move away from that.

“I’ve traveled the world and seen what cities do. I can speak to today’s global economy. But I will need the help of the council, mayor’s office and all of you as well. We need to re-energize; we need your ideas.”

Asked at a forum whether he’s qualified to run Colorado Springs Utilities because the City Council serves as its board of directors, Carlson responded with humor and humility. “I have shocked myself several times,” he said. “I’m not a utilities expert by any means. I like to lean on the experts and make sure I stay out of their way. . I’m looking to find the next generation of heroes to find alternatives to coal. …

“I absolutely believe in the science of global warming. We (human beings) are accelerating it.”

Carlson grew up in Colorado Springs, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in economics from Colorado College, starting several small businesses and going on to oversee more than $550 million in revenue as corporate supplies manager for Arrow.

He was raised by a single mother, “which can be a difficult situation for many people,” he notes, though his extended family provided “an incredible network of love and support.” He’s in good company. Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and actors Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry and Pierce Brosnan had single moms, too.

“Not everyone is so lucky, though, and I want to do everything I can to help those people,” Carlson says on his website. “Every family deserves a chance at a happy life.”

He wants to improve public transportation, among other things. The city must “continue to invest. People who rely on public transportation have to be served. Colorado Springs is a sprawling city, so there’s a balance we need to find.”

City officials need to strike a balance, too, he said.

“We need to get the council and mayor marching in the same direction.”

His goal if elected?

“Raise the tide for all boats. Anything important to the quality of life for you, I want to hear about it.”