Denver City Council District 2 for the 2015 election.
The crowded race to succeed term-limited Denver City Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz in southwest Denver hasn’t attracted much money. But Denver political observers are watching closely because the three-term Faatz, a former state legislator, is a rare stalwart fiscal conservative on a council dominated by liberal voices.
On Wednesday, Faatz broke with what she says has been a three-decade policy of not endorsing candidates to back one who she says would focus on many of the same issues she views as important.
Denver City Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz. (Handout photo)
Faatz endorsed John Kidd, who runs an insurance agency, saying that “his small business background provides budgetary expertise the City Council will need. Like me, he watches the taxpayer dollar closely.” She noted that he also testified against the council’s recent decision over two years and said Kidd has shown devotion to improving his neighborhood.
Kidd faces some names that are well known in southwest Denver: Kevin Flynn, a former Rocky Mountain News reporter and current Regional Transportation District information manager for several FasTracks commuter rail lines; former state representatives Fran Coleman and Jeanne Labuda; Corrie Houck, a communications specialist who ran unsuccessfully against Labuda for her House seat in 2012; and Danny Lopez, a city employee in public works.
Denver City Council candidate John Kidd. (Handout photo)
Flynn so far has raised the most in campaign contributions, $19,568 through Jan. 31. Kidd has pulled in $6,255, and Labuda has raised $1,235; the other three have yet to report any money raised. (Even Flynn’s figure ).
A former city hall reporter for the Rocky, Flynn has earned the endorsements of seven former City Council members, including Cathy Reynolds, Susan Barnes-Gelt, Ed Thomas and Mary DeGroot. He also opposed the council’s salary increase decision.
Denver City Council candidate Kevin Flynn. (Handout photo)
A recent news release from Flynn’s campaign included this comment from Barnes-Gelt: “Kevin’s comprehensive knowledge of Denver’s policy and political history and culture is unmatched. He is a savvy and thoughtful critical thinker who brings intelligence, curiosity and tenacity to everything he undertakes.”
But Faatz is backing Kidd. She said she decided to make an endorsement after hearing “too many instances of misinformation” and speculation about her candidate preference within the district.
