Denver voters have their ballots in hand for the May 5 election, and for some the task won’t be difficult. Mayor Michael Hancock and Clerk and Recorder Debra Johnson lack serious opposition, while incumbents Paul Lopez, Mary Beth Susman and Christopher Herndon are unopposed in City Council Districts 3, 5 and 8. By contrast, however, several council races feature a dizzying array of candidates. Our endorsements today try to sort through this challenge.
Mayor
Mayor Michael Hancock‘s impressive record includes closing a long-term budget gap, repositioning the National Western Stock Show (after insisting it remain in Denver), pursuing an ambitious aerotropolis plan near the airport, hiring a new police chief who has moved the department in a constructive direction and steering the city successfully into the new era of retail marijuana.
His judgment hardly has been flawless — for example, in his belated recognition that the sheriff’s office was a festering debacle. But his stewardship generally has been thoughtful and focused, and he has earned the wide support he enjoys.
Auditor
Voters can’t really lose in the auditor’s race, where two strong candidates are on the ballot. For eight years Chris Nevitt has been a key player on the City Council, known for his wide knowledge and deliberative style. Timothy M. O’Brien is equally respected as a former state auditor who produced, by his estimate, more than 750 audits over the years. O’Brien would bring perhaps unprecedented expertise to the position in terms of financial audits. Nevitt, a former council president, would bring outstanding public policy savvy to buttress a commitment to performance audits. Nevitt gets our nod, but only by a whisker.
Clerk and recorder
When a clerk and recorder keeps the office out of the headlines, it’s generally a good thing. It means she has supervised elections without a breakdown. Always the professional, Debra Johnson even refused to grandstand on the issue of gay marriage, despite her strong personal support, waiting until she had clear legal authority to issue marriage licenses to gay couples.
City Council at large
Voters will choose two at-large City Council members. The incumbents, Robin Kniech and Deborah Ortega, are easily the strongest candidates in a field of five. They are both hard-working and analytical. Kniech brings a legal mind and a passion to help Denver resolve its housing issues, while Ortega is arguably the council’s most innovative member.
City Council District 1
In volatile northwest Denver, Rafael Espinoza, an architect from Jefferson Park, boasts an impressive record as an advocate for development that is respectful of the existing community — and he also helped lead a successful campaign against oversized signage and lighting on Sports Authority Field at Mile High. His opponent, incumbent Susan Shepherd, is well-meaning but lacking in consistent leadership, and has been criticized for being tone deaf on constituent concerns. And she displayed bad judgment in supporting the Occupy Denver movement, appearing at a rally, and fighting the homeless camping ban. It’s time for a change in District 1.
City Council District 2
Kevin Flynn covered city hall for many years as a reporter for the Rocky Mountain News and now seeks to serve on the City Council for this southwest district. His unparalleled knowledge of the ins and outs of city government, combined with personal energy and an impressive agenda of specific improvements for the district, make Flynn the standout in a strong field that two includes two former state lawmakers.
City Council District 4
This southeast district features two first-rate candidates, Kendra Black and Halisi Vinson, both of whom have demonstrated deep commitment to community issues. Vinson espouses useful ideas for new development and what she calls a “retrofitted suburbia,” but we endorse Black for her exceptional understanding of the district and her goal of engaging communities to create their own neighborhood plans to guide future growth.
City Council District 6
Liz Adams earned her public policy spurs years ago as a researcher for the Colorado legislature and later with two state senators, where she interacted with big egos from both parties to resolve difficult issues. She would bring those skills to bear not only in council, but in listening to citizens in this southcentral district, where growth has been a major concern.
City Council District 7
No fewer than nine candidates are vying for this south-central Denver district, giving voters several appealing options. Jolon Clark, a manager at the Greenway Foundation, and Anne McGihon, a lawyer and former lawmaker, rise to the top, but Clark’s proven ability to bring public and private interests to the table on behalf of community goals gives him the edge. Meanwhile, he appreciates how growth can threaten the fabric of neighborhoods, and offers sensible strategies in response.
City Council District 9
Councilman Albus Brooks has been a strong civic leader in his first four years on the council. He is balanced, respected and conscientious and should be returned to office.
City Council District 10
In a strong field of candidates, Wayne New and Anna Jones stand out as the most experienced, informed and invested in civic matters. But New’s leadership of the influential Cherry Creek North Neighborhood Association puts him a cut above the rest.
City Council District 11
Stacie Gilmore has a long résumé of civic engagement in this far northeast district, helping create Montbello’s first neighborhood association, working with DPS on school reform and running a nonprofit that introduces youth to natural resource fields. Her record elevates her above several worthy opponents.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by e-mail or mail.
