Newly minted Denver Mayor Guillermo “Bill” Vidal had a strong feeling he would well up during his inaugural speech Wednesday as Denver’s 44th mayor.
Vidal prepared, setting a water-filled cup with a straw on the podium in the atrium of the Webb Building for strategic use when the waterworks began.
Sure enough, while announcing his mother, his twin brothers and his children and recalling his incredible journey from being a 10-year-old Cuban refugee in a tough Pueblo orphanage to becoming mayor of the largest city in Colorado, Vidal fought back tears.
“When I was growing up in an orphanage, I learned not to cry — you could get beat up worse,” Vidal said, reaching for the cup. “I’ll admit that lately I cry at beer commercials.”
Vidal’s heartfelt and humorous 30-minute speech to city workers and community leaders hit the important issues facing the city — urging continued economic development, progress on FasTracks and a commitment from the business community to help examine the financial structure of city government.
He made a plea to the city’s law enforcement agencies that have been criticized for excessive force — calling on officers and deputies to “act in a manner that you would be proud of, no matter who is watching.”
“As citizens, we rightfully expect the actions of our uniformed officers to make us feel safe, not afraid,” he said.
Vidal also said becoming mayor shows the great possibilities for immigrants in this country and strongly urged “a comprehensive immigration solution that resolves the financial and legal concerns, but does so in a humane manner.”
Vidal, 59, has spent years as a public servant, working as head of the Colorado Department of Transportation, director of the Denver Regional Council of Governments and finally as manager of Denver’s Public Works Department.
He endured the withering snowstorm of 2006 and the aftermath that left islands of ice in city streets and spawned countless complaints from angry residents.
He gave his successor in the position, George Delaney, some advice.
“Remember, in public works, hell is not red, fiery and hot — it’s cold, icy and white,” he said.
Vidal is mayor through July, being appointed after John Hickenlooper resigned to become governor.
Hickenlooper kicked off the formalities by calling up new Colorado Supreme Court Justice Monica Marquez and Vidal for the ceremonial swearing-in.
“I cannot think of anyone who is better suited,” Hickenlooper said of Vidal. “I am so excited for him. I’m thrilled for him and for the city.”
Vidal is not among the already crowded field running for mayor, saying that he will end his term on his birthday and be an unemployed 60-year-old.
Nevertheless, many believe Vidal will make his mark in his short stint.
“I think we’ll see some surprises from him as mayor,” said at-large City Councilman Doug Linkhart, who is running for mayor. “He’s not the kind of guy who just sits at his desk signing papers.”
City Auditor Dennis Gallagher said he has high hopes for Vidal.
“He’s going to be very good,” he said. “I told him earlier, ‘Don’t think of this as an interim position. You are mayor.’ “
Jeremy P. Meyer: 303-954-1367 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com
