Announcement of candidacy for Mayor of Denver, delivered before more than 600 supporters.
It was fifteen years ago today that I announced my first candidacy for public office. It was a cold December day and I had a dream. Today, I announce my candidacy for Mayor of the City and County of Denver with great pride. It is the greatest honor that a citizen can aspire to — the opportunity to serve as the leader of such a great city. I want to be the mayor that moves Denver forward.
When I think about the important things in life, I think first about my family. My wife Ruth, is the rock of our family. She is my best friend and partner in everything. Our children, Melissa, D.J. and Emily, are the light of our lives. And my mother, Jennie Mares, has been the spiritual anchor for our entire family. Since I was a young boy, she has included a prayer for each of us children in her daily rosary. And she always concluded with a special prayer. She prayed:
"Help us to fulfill the purpose for which we have been created, help us to share the abilities given to us, not only to help ourselves but to help others."
I have taken this simple but powerful prayer to heart. And it has given me the strength and courage to face any challenge. When I began my career as a young lawyer in Denver, I was eager to fulfill the purpose that was meant for me.
I knew instinctively that I wanted to serve the public, and with the full support of my wife Ruth I ran for the State House of Representatives from Northwest Denver on this day in 1987. Three years later, I was elected to the Colorado State Senate. My experience as a state legislator gave me the chance to make a difference in the lives of everyday Coloradans. I fought hard for the rights of tenants, the elderly, our children, and the disabled.
My work at the state legislature was rewarding, but I wanted to come home. And as Denver's Auditor I have been able to combine my love for this city with my commitment to good government.
As Auditor, I am the fiscal watchdog for the City and County of Denver. I review every contract, I sign every check, and I conduct independent performance audits that save millions of dollars for Denver's taxpayers. And in this uncertain economic time, this experience is critically important.
As Mayor, I will be responsible for balancing the city's budget and improving our city's economic outlook. My experience as fiscal watch-dog has prepared me best to face these challenges and my track record of integrity as an elected official will ensure Denver's citizens that I will deliver what I promise.
The Auditor's Office under my watch has been an office of innovation, technology and responsiveness. I am proud of the many accomplishments we have achieved. In my first 23 days as Auditor I created the City's first Internet Home Page. We have done performance audits on the Department of Aviation, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Denver Health and Hospital Authority, the Department of Human Services, and many other agencies. We have saved Denver's taxpayers over $23 million through our auditing efforts. These are not just my accomplishments, but the accomplishments of the dedicated employees of the Auditor's Office, people who believe in what we do and who share my vision and my commitment.
Denver's citizens know what I have done in my first 23 days as Auditor. Now, I want to share with Denver what I will do in my first 23 days as your next Mayor:
This election will bring an unprecedented change in Denver's leadership. We will have a new mayor, a new city council president, a new clerk and recorder, a new auditor, and at least four new council members. I believe the citizens of Denver deserve experienced, proven leadership during this transition. I am the only candidate with public service experience at every level — local, state, and national.
I have a vision for Denver — a Denver that is safe, a Denver that is prosperous, a Denver that values its neighborhoods, and a Denver that invests in its children. Let me share with you the pillars of my vision for Denver:
Public Safety. Every citizen in Denver deserves to feel safe in their home and in their neighborhood. As Mayor, I will work to put more police officers on the streets, invest in community policing, and make sure that our fire department has the resources it needs to protect our families.
Economic Development. Denver needs a Mayor who understands the city's finances and can attract new businesses and jobs to our community. I will work to expand economic opportunity in every neighborhood — from the revitalization of the Platte River valley and lower downtown to the redevelopment of the former Stapleton airport.
Education. Our children are our future. I will work with Denver Public Schools to improve the quality of education in our city. I believe that every child in Denver deserves a world-class education, regardless of their zip code.
Transportation. Denver is a growing city, and we need a transportation system that keeps pace with that growth. I will work to expand light rail, improve bus service, and make our streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Health Care. Access to quality health care is a right, not a privilege. I will work to expand access to health care for all of Denver's citizens, with a special focus on children, the elderly, and the uninsured.
Neighborhoods. Denver's neighborhoods are its heart and soul. As Mayor, I will make sure that every neighborhood has the resources it needs — from parks and recreation centers to libraries and community centers. I will be a mayor for all of Denver.
Throughout my career, I have been a champion for civil rights and equal opportunity. I believe that every person in Denver deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or economic status. As a state legislator, I fought for legislation to protect the rights of all Coloradans. As Auditor, I have worked to ensure that minority-owned and women-owned businesses have equal access to city contracts. As Mayor, I will continue this fight for equal justice and opportunity.
I stand here today as the son of a Denver family that has been part of this community for generations. I stand here as a husband and father who cares deeply about the future of this city. And I stand here as a public servant who has dedicated his career to making Denver a better place.
My mother's prayer has guided me throughout my life — to fulfill my purpose, to share my abilities, not only to help myself but to help others. That prayer led me to public service. That prayer led me to the State House, to the State Senate, to the Auditor's Office. And that prayer leads me here today, to ask for your support in my campaign to be the next Mayor of Denver.
I have the experience to do it well. I have the integrity to do it right. And with your help, I have the vision to move Denver forward.
I promise that with your help I will be your next mayor of Denver! Thank You!
© Neighbors for Mares. Paid for by Neighbors for Mares.
