AURORA — The race to replace two decades of Tauers atop city leadership kicked off Wednesday, with former Councilman Steve Hogan announcing his run for mayor.
Hogan is the first to make public his intentions to seek the mayor’s position. He was last on the city council in 2009. He was term-limited.
He is seeking the mayor’s post now held by Ed Tauer, who is term limited at the end of the year, ending more than 20 years of Tauers as mayors.
Hogan said among his priorities are to streamline government services, improve the city’s economy and preserve assets such as Buckley Air Force Base and the Anschutz Medical Campus.
He also said transportation is a key issue facing the city.
“It’s got to be a priority to finish I-225,” Hogan said of increasing light rail on the corridor and adding lanes to the interstate.
Among those who have endorsed Hogan are former Gov. Bill Owens, current city council members Brad Pierce and Renie Peterson, Randy Rester, head of the fire department union, and former Mayor Paul Tauer.
“I don’t know anybody better prepared for this job,” said former Aurora Mayor Dennis Champine.
If elected, Hogan said he would work to reopen several city libraries that were shuttered last year — within the current budget limitations and without a tax increase — and expand resources at all libraries.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
