"I believe in transparency in government. The people of Denver have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent, how decisions are being made, and whether their government is working for them. As Mayor, I will open the doors of City Hall wider than they have ever been."
— Don Mares, Denver City Auditor
Don Mares has spent his career in public service fighting for accountability, transparency, and good government. His platform includes three signature initiatives that will transform the relationship between Denver's government and its people.
Whistleblower Protection Policy
City employees who report waste, fraud, abuse, or illegal activity must be protected from retaliation. Currently, workers who speak up risk their careers. Don Mares will sign a Whistleblower Protection Policy on his first day as Mayor.
The policy will guarantee that no city employee will be demoted, transferred, disciplined, or fired for reporting concerns about government misconduct to appropriate authorities. An independent review process will be established to investigate retaliation claims and restore employees to their positions if wrongful action is found.
Good government depends on the courage of the people who work inside it. When employees are afraid to speak the truth, problems fester. Don's Whistleblower Protection Policy will send a clear message: in the Mares administration, honesty is rewarded, not punished.
Open Door Saturdays
Don Mares will hold Open Door Saturdays at the City and County Building, giving Denver residents direct access to the Mayor without an appointment. Any resident can walk in, sit down, and speak directly with Don about their concerns, ideas, or problems with city services.
Too many people feel shut out of their own government. Working families cannot take time off during the week to navigate bureaucracy. Don's Open Door Saturdays will make the Mayor's office accessible to everyone — not just those who can afford lobbyists or know the right people.
This is not a symbolic gesture. Don Mares has held open office hours throughout his career as Auditor and as a state legislator. He listens. He takes notes. And he follows up. Open Door Saturdays will be a cornerstone of the Mares administration.
Performance Audit Powers for the Denver Auditor
Don Mares will support a charter amendment to grant the Denver Auditor full performance audit powers. Currently, the Auditor's office can review financial records, but it lacks the authority to conduct comprehensive performance audits that evaluate whether city programs are actually achieving their intended results.
Performance audits go beyond checking the books. They ask the harder questions: Is this program working? Are taxpayer dollars producing results? Could the same outcome be achieved more efficiently? Don has seen firsthand, as Auditor, how the lack of performance audit authority allows underperforming programs to continue indefinitely without accountability.
Giving the Auditor's office full performance audit powers is not about partisan politics. It is about ensuring that every dollar Denver collects from its residents is spent wisely. Don Mares has the credibility and the expertise to lead this reform because he has lived it.
A Culture of Accountability
These three initiatives — Whistleblower Protection, Open Door Saturdays, and Performance Audit Powers — are not isolated proposals. They reflect a governing philosophy. Don Mares believes that government works best when it is open, honest, and accountable to the people it serves.
Denver deserves a mayor who has nothing to hide. Don Mares has spent his career opening books, asking tough questions, and demanding straight answers. He will bring that same commitment to the Mayor's office.
