Even though there are big issues to debate, the two-man race for Denver mayor has devolved, sadly, into a personality contest with barbs tossed back and forth over inconsequential matters.
Part of the reason, we suspect, is that there is little difference between Chris Romer and Michael Hancock on policy issues so their campaigns are desperate to find something to differentiate the two men. Instead of substantive debate on tax policy or city services, it becomes a dust-up over whether Hancock believes in creationism or Romer’s past as an investment banker, as if that’s the kind of profession you don’t want to tell your mother about.
Voters who dig deeper will find that there is a divide between the two left of center Democrats when it comes to their past experiences and successes.
Hancock’s campaign touts his uplifting personal story — a smart political move. But Romer’s story, while different, is no less impressive.
We endorsed Romer’s candidacy back in April when there were at least 10 candidates running for mayor. Today, we reiterate that support.
Though Denver is fortunate to have a choice between two quality candidates, Romer is clearly the better of the two.
A former state senator, he has a strong financial background, which we think will be a valuable asset as Denver faces historic budget problems.
Detractors have tried to use his investment banking background as a negative, but we don’t see it that way given the city’s complex financial problems. He has negotiated intricate deals, and understands government financing like few others.
Hancock, who served as director of the Urban League before joining the city council, simply doesn’t have the same skill-set.
Romer’s intellect and command of public policy also is impressive. He has a proven track record as a problem-solver, getting directly to the nut of a dispute and then fixing it.
When medical marijuana dispensaries were growing like mushrooms across Denver, Romer tackled the growing problem at the statehouse by devising a regulatory framework for the industry. It wasn’t a politically popular issue but the reform was needed.
In our initial endorsement of Romer, we wrote that we hoped he wouldn’t be reluctant to surround himself with smart people, as some politicians are. Already, he has proven that won’t be a problem.
He has teamed with James Mejia, who finished third in the mayoral race but was an equally strong candidate.
Former state Treasurer Cary Kennedy, one of the best and brightest in the policy world, also has joined the Romer campaign team and Theresa Spahn, an impressive political newcomer, endorsed his bid after hers failed.
All three would be solid picks for high-profile jobs in a Romer administration.
We think Romer is the one candidate looking for smart solutions to the city’s nagging problems — new answers, not ones that already have been debated for decades.
Denver needs a steady hand to chart its course, but it also needs a vision and energy and ideas.
Romer is the right man for the job.
