North Denver has seen huge demographic and cultural changes over the past 20 years. The transformation of the space once occupied by Elitch Gardens into the mixed-use Highland Gardens; densification in Sloan’s Lake, Potter’s and West Highlands; Sunnyside; and infill throughout the district is attracting younger, diverse and more progressive urbanites. The May 4 special election to replace Rick Garcia in City Council District 1 could be a harbinger of change — or the last gasp of calcifying North Denver politics.
The victor in this plurality is by no means assured. The winner will stand for re-election next May, during Denver’s quadrennial municipal elections. Ten people secured the requisite 100 petition signatures to qualify for the ballot. Candidate websites, interviews and a recent televised debate reveal a diverse slate.
Two candidates term-limited in the state legislature have name recognition: state Sen. Paula Sandoval and state Rep. Jerry Frangas. In her eight years in the legislature, Sandoval primarily focused on social legislation benefiting kids and the elderly. Predictably independent, sometimes she votes in Denver’s interest, sometimes not. She and her husband, Paul, own Tamales by La Casita, commercial real estate in the district and a restaurant at Denver International Airport.
Frangas, a social worker by training, was one of few Democrats opposed to Gov. Bill Ritter’s plan to freeze property tax rates in order to increase public school funding. He led an effort to deregulate Denver cabs, which passed in a severely watered-down fashion. Many considered him the front-runner for Sandoval’s Senate seat, before he dropped out to run for council.
Urban farmer Susan Shepherd worked in television, financial planning and the restaurant business before going to work for the Denver Area Labor Federation in 2005. She is active in the Neighborhood Supported Agriculture movement. She runs a small business growing and selling organic vegetables and has a strong grasp of issues pertaining to land use, transportation and sustainability.
Neighborhood activist Larry Ambrose has been a voice in North Denver since the 1970s. As a member of Inner-Neighborhood Cooperation and the parks advisory board, his characteristic “just say no to change” attitude alienates some and pleases others. Though not part of the old North Denver political cabal, his perspective reflects a similar mindset.
Former Denver police detective, lifelong North Denver resident and coffee shop owner John Haney touts himself as “a new voice for North Denver” — though it’s hard to discern what’s new. He is for safe neighborhoods, safe parks, good schools and secure marijuana dispensaries.
Longtime civil rights attorney and activist Ken Padilla is also on the ballot. He is for partnerships, good schools, seniors and dog parks.
Two younger men, Jon Lehmann and Chris Jeffrey, also made the ballot. Lehmann, son of southeast Denver councilwoman Peggy Lehmann, is an environmental lawyer with deep civic roots in Denver. He represents a more progressive view of the city and its challenges.
Jeffrey has a business and human resources background. He promises to protect North Denver from severe budget cuts, pledging to work with stakeholders to improve the community.
Randle Swan serves on the Colfax Business Improvement District. He is for the “right” zoning of District 1’s stable neighborhoods (whatever that means), parks, recreation and historic preservation.
Georgia Sigala has been a para-professional with Denver Public Schools and an advocate for at-risk families and children.
Each of the candidates has a website. The Channel 8/League of Women Voters forum is available on . Cast an informed ballot.
Susan Barnes-Gelt (sbg13@comcast.net) served on the Denver City Council and worked for Mayor Federico Peña.
