Wellington Webb’s autobiography, “Wellington Webb – The Man, the Mayor, and the Making of Modern Denver,” is due out in February. But galley proofs are making the rounds – and raising eyebrows.
One of the more revealing disclosures in the book – written with former Postie Cindy Brovsky – describes Webb’s use of his network of business leaders who had become his supporters. He writes that during the 1995 re-
election campaign they were his “secret weapon.”
Webb writes that he gave them the following instructions: When they attended cocktail parties, whenever his name came up they were not to disclose that they were Webb supporters. Then they were to report back to Webb what the people were saying about him, what issues they had with Webb, so he could improve. Webb does not name his high-society spies, but he does give us a roster of contributors with deep pockets. Big names.
As for media relations, Webb writes that it has always been a struggle. So much so that for a spell during his first term, he stopped reading both Denver dailies. His chief of staff, Mike Dino, quit watching local nightly TV news and avoided returning calls from reporters.
Webb praises the press-popular Andrew Hudson for coming on board as his press secretary in 1995 – and getting relations with the media back on track. He writes that the best decision he made was hiring Denver native Hudson – even though Andrew was only 28 at the time.
Read all about it – next year from Fulcrum.
Ewwwww, that tattoo
A recent much-publicized poll said 24 percent of Americans 18-50 have at least one tattoo. And you can bet, a lot of them are ugly.
Enter INK-B-GONE, a new Denver business that removes tattoos, specializing in ugly mothers.
The company is holding Denver’s Ugliest Tattoo Contest. You must have it photographed at the center, 124 W. 5th Ave. before 3 p.m. Saturday. Next Monday, the winners will be announced and they’ll get a removal discount.
Actually, it’s a pretty cheesy contest, so maybe you want to win for the bragging rights and keep the tat.
Going once
You have to like the silent auction at Thursday’s Raising Spirits wine tasting at the Sanctuary Golf Club. Proceeds go to Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network – and there should be plenty of proceeds with this lineup: Golf foursome at Sanctuary, bidding starts at $1,600; helicopter trip to the Fort for dinner and back again; “CSI: Douglas County,” a day with Douglas County cops with trip to the crime lab and the coroner’s office; jazz brunch with Mayor Hick Jan. 20 at Cableland. Ch. 4’s Greg Moody emcees, call 303-779-9676.
City spirit
Additions to the Starz Denver Film Fest include a late night Opening Night (Thursday) screening of the Dixie Chick’s “Shut Up & Sing.” And from Phil Anschutz’s Walden Media there’s a screening of “Amazing Grace” Nov. 17 with director Michael Apted … Sez who: “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” Robert Frost
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Husted also appears Tuesdays and Fridays on “Good Day Colorado” on Fox 31. You can reach him at 303-954-1486 or at bhusted@denverpost.com. take a peek at Husted’s next column at denverpostbloghouse.com/husted.
