Denver Civic Center Likely to Receive Landmark Designation

by: Denver Pols

Fri May 18, 2012 at 14:13:21 PM MST

From Denver Mayor Michael Hancock:

WASHINGTON D.C. - Denver Civic Center was recommended by a U.S. Department of the Interior agency to become a National Historic Landmark - moving Denver one step closer to receiving the first designation of this kind in the city.

On Tuesday, at the Spring 2012 National Park System Advisory Board Landmarks Committee Meeting, Mayor Michael B. Hancock gave personal testimony to support Civic Center's candidacy.

"Civic Center serves as the keystone for the entire Denver Parks system and sits literally where the City's cultural, community and commercial realms converge," Mayor Hancock said at the Meeting. "For Civic Center to receive the honor of becoming National Historic Landmark would shine a spotlight on this city treasure and help to deliver Denver as a world-class city."

The Denver Civic Center recommended for designation includes Civic Center Park, Veteran's Park, the McNichols Building, the City and County Building and the Colorado State Capitol.

A legacy park from Mayor Speer's City Beautiful Movement, Civic Center would join a list of some of the most iconic, treasured and historically significant spaces in the United States. Designation would place Civic Center alongside such sites as the Empire State Building, the Alamo and the Library of Congress.

On May 22 and 23, Civic Center's recommendation will go to the National Park Service Advisory Board for further consideration. The board will advance their recommendations to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who will officially designate the new National Historic Landmarks.

For more details, go to: www.nps.gov.

As noted in the press release, there are currently no National Historic Landmarks within Denver's borders. If selected, however, the Denver Civic Center would join the ranks of 22 other sites within Colorado, including Bent's Fort and Pike's Peak.  

While the Civic Center's selection is by no means certain, it's safe to assume that former Colorado Attorney General, Senator, and current Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has a considerable voice in the process. Salazar, in fact, has the final say, and his ties to the Square State may indeed give the Denver Civic Center a leg up in the competition for nomination.

In light of the scrutiny the area has received as part of this nomination process, perhaps Denver's urban camping ban - which takes effect in just over ten days - was designed less as an effort to deal with the Occupy Movement and more as one to put Denver's best foot forward. What kind of historic landmark would the Civic Center be if people slept in it overnight, after all? God forbid.  

Pat Steadman, Mitch Morrissey Trade Barbs on SB-163

by: Denver Pols

Mon Apr 30, 2012 at 15:47:31 PM MST

The AP's Ivan Moreno has the story over at CBS4:

DENVER (AP) - A Democratic senator trying to reduce penalties for some Colorado drug possession offenses called Denver's top prosecutor a "villain" and a "snake" Friday, accusing him of spreading misinformation that led to the weakening of his proposal.

Sen. Pat Steadman changed the bill to become a study of new sentencing guidelines for all drug crimes and was particularly critical of Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey for the outcry that surrounded the bill.

Morrissey, also a Democrat, fired back.

"That's a sign of just how professional Senator Steadman is, that when confronted with the truth he resorts to name-calling," he said.

Steadman, of Denver, initially sought to reduce possession of small amounts of some illegal drugs from felonies to misdemeanors.

Morrissey testified against the bill earlier this month, citing concerns that reduced penalties for drug possession would render Denver's drug court moot.

Things tend to get heated at the end of the legislative session, but that's no excuse for Steadman's behavior here. He's picking a fight he can't win -- by maligning a popular prosecutor from his own party, Steadman hurts his own reputation while simultaneously losing the public safety argument.

If Steadman had to criticize Morrissey, he should've instead attacked the DA's drug court claims rather than the man himself. It looks bad for a politician to call anybody a "snake" or "villain" because of their testimony for or against a bill, but it looks ten times worse to attack a sitting district attorney -- arguably an expert on the penological effects of legislation -- for simply raising concerns.

There's no question that prosecutors and policymakers will sometimes disagree on criminal sentencing, but those political disagreements should never become personal disputes.  

Denver's Jeff Shoemaker Honored by White House as "Champion of Change"

by: Denver Pols

Thu Apr 26, 2012 at 16:01:01 PM MST

Yesterday, after all, the White House honored the Denverite as a "Champion of Change."

Since 1982, Jeff Shoemaker has been the Executive Director of The Greenway Foundation, the non-profit organization that initiated the reclamation of the Denver's South Platte River and its tributaries. Since its founding in 1974, The Greenway Foundation has collaborated with countless public and private partners to create over $100 million of environmental and recreational enhancements to urban waterways, which has in turn created over $10 billion in economic benefits to the surrounding area. Jeff Shoemaker is being honored as a Champion of Change for his innovative energy priorities and sustainable living practices making a greener community a possibility in any American city or town.

Although it almost certainly pales in comparison to recognition from the White House, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock's statement congratulating Shoemaker is included after the jump.

Hide Your Wives and Daughters: Heritage Foundation Rolling through Town next Week

by: Denver Pols

Thu Apr 26, 2012 at 09:25:00 AM MST

From the Heritage Foundation:

Your Money, Your Values, Your Vote
2012 National Tour in Colorado

Join Us for Community Events featuring
Local and National Speakers, Free Materials on Critical Issues,
and Action Steps to Make a Difference in 2012

Friday, Apr. 27   1 - 2 p.m. MT   Citizens Rally at Focus on the Family
Location: Focus Welcome Center - 8655 Explorer Dr. - Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Sunday, Apr. 29   8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. MT   Front Range Baptist Church (Participate with the tour before or after worship service)
Location: 625 East Harmony Rd. - Ft. Collins, CO 80525

Monday, Apr. 30   5:30 - 6:30 p.m. MT   Western Slope Conservative Alliance
Location: Lincoln Park - Corner of 12th and Gunnison St. - Grand Junction, CO 81501

Tuesday, May 1   6:30 - 8:30 p.m. MT   Arapahoe County Tea Party Meeting
Location: Smoky Hill Library - 5430 S. Biscay Circle - Centennial, CO 80015

Wednesday, May 2   6:30 - 8:30 a.m. MT   Arapahoe County Republican Men's Club Breakfast
Location: Garcia's Mexican Restaurant - 5050 S. Syracuse St. - Denver, CO 80237

Wednesday, May 2   12 - 1 p.m. MT   Your Money, Your Values, Your Vote Rally
Location: The Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University - CCU Events Center
- 180 South Garrison St. - Lakewood, CO 80226

It's a shame, really, that the Occupy Denver movement has all but withered away completely. Now whose operations will the FRC pray to have "backfire?"

Interesting, also, that no "Values Bus" events are planned for Saturday, April 28th. Imagine the sparks that would fly between FRC and Heritage Foundation activists and those attending the "We Are Women" march that same morning. We imagine that there are more than a few issues the two groups disagree about.  

RIP Paul Sandoval

by: Denver Pols

Tue Apr 24, 2012 at 14:46:36 PM MST

We imagine tributes will be rolling in from political and civic leaders from across the state and country over the next few hours and days. We'll post them as we receive them.

More coverage here and here at Colorado Pols.

UPDATE: Statement from Denver Mayor Michael Hancock after the jump.

Poll: Who Will Win the HD-41 Primary?

by: Denver Pols

Mon Apr 23, 2012 at 10:29:00 AM MST

At first glance, Melton's early inroads appear rather shocking: how could a young upstart take down the husband of the incumbent officeholder? His close relationships with several Denver-area movers and shakers, however, have propelled him firmly into frontrunner status. With just two months left until election day, Melton's sitting pretty.

He can't get too comfortable, though. Todd really wants this seat, and he enjoys greater name recognition than his opponent because Aurora Democrats are accustomed to seeing Todd's last name on yard signs all over town. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if many Dems vote for Terry assuming they were literally just voting to re-elect his wife. Perhaps that's the case metaphorically as well.

We want to know: who do you think will win the Democratic primary in HD-41? As always, vote for the candidate you think will win, not the candidate you'd like to see get elected.  

Crisanta Duran's Star Inextricably Tied to Barack Obama

by: Denver Pols

Tue Apr 24, 2012 at 09:24:00 AM MST

Her close relationship with the Obama administration also ensures that Duran will always land on her feet. In fact, we've heard her name brought up as a potential CD-1 candidate in the event that Diana DeGette is no longer interested in the seat.

Noted for the record, then, is Duran's service as a mouthpiece for the Obama campaign on Latino issues.

From the Houston Chronicle:

Democratic state legislators from the Southwest followed President Obama's example on Wednesday by putting the "radical" label on GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's agenda as they blasted the candidate's immigration stance.

State Reps. Trey Martinez Fischer of Texas, Crisanta Duran of Colorado and Ruben Gallego of Arizona condemned Romney during a conference call organized by the Democratic National Committee for aligning himself with some of the most anti-immigrant voices in his party.

"If Mitt Romney intends to go after President Obama on immigration, he has a problem: Latinos have been following Romney's extreme policies, and he has zero credibility with our community," Duran said.

With November quickly approaching, there's no question that Duran will continue to quarterback Obama campaign talking points throughout the state. In doing so, she'll continue to raise her profile far beyond what's expected of a two-term state representative. That profile will be particularly useful when (not if) she jumps her way up the food chain.  

Pat Steadman's Civil Unions Bill to Senate Floor this Week

by: Denver Pols

Mon Apr 23, 2012 at 09:15:00 AM MST

While the budget may have taken center stage for the past few weeks, the civil unions bill is set to hit the Senate floor this week.

From Outfront Colorado:

DENVER - The Colorado state Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday approved SB-2, a bill to recognize same-sex civil unions. It passed 5-4 on a party-line vote with all Democrats voting yes and all Republicans voting no. The bill will be debated and voted on in the full Senate next week.

According to Public Policy Polling, 62 percent of Colorado voters support the bill, while 53% of Colorado voters say same-sex marriage should be legal. Only 22 percent said that there should be no legal recognition whatsoever of gay couples.

In addition, "the divide on the issue of civil unions is generational, with voters under 30 supporting gay marriage by a 77-23 margin."

Public Policy Polling concludes that this "should be a real warning sign to the GOP that continuing to tack right on this issue is going to significantly hurt its ability to appeal both to the next generation of voters and to swing voters who are somewhere between moderate and liberal on social issues."

The bill should sail through the Senate, given the Democratic majority and willingness of some GOP legislators to respond to public opinion on the issue.

Its future in the House, however, is much less certain. Even if the bill is once again defeated by the House GOP, it's safe to say that Pat Steadman will run the same legislation session after session until it's signed into law.  

Sometimes persistence is the best antidote to hardheadedness.  

EPA to Denver: "Happy Earth Day, Here's 350 Grand."

by: Denver Pols

Sun Apr 22, 2012 at 16:27:00 PM MST

From the EPA:

Denver's Sun Valley neighborhood among several benefitting from EPA funds

(Denver, Colorado - April 20, 2012) At an event today at Denver's Shoemaker Plaza, Nancy Stoner, Acting Assistant Administrator for Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, joined Mayor Michael B. Hancock, to announce $350K in EPA funding for efforts to restore and revitalize the South Platte River corridor. The EPA funds will be used by the City and The Greenway Foundation for several projects, including extensive riverfront restoration and water quality improvement at the Denver Housing Authority's redevelopment project in the Sun Valley neighborhood.

"Today we announce investments that will increase access to a clean and healthy South Platte River," said Stoner. "This EPA funding will help extend the vitality that we see along Lower Downtown's riverfront to neighborhoods that still struggle with economic and environmental challenges. Together with the City and partners like The Greenway Foundation, EPA is making sure that a new generation of families can enjoy the South Platte River."

The EPA funding includes $262,500 for riverfront restoration and green infrastructure along the South Platte River near Sun Valley, which borders the west side of the river between Sports Authority Field at Mile High and 6th Avenue. Funds will also help improve river access and recreational opportunities at Johnson-Habitat Park near Santa Fe Drive. These projects will advance two of the top five River Vision Implementation Plan projects identified by the City of Denver and the non-profit Greenway Foundation.

"Thanks to EPA's tremendous financial support, we can continue our efforts to revitalize the South Platte River and Sun Valley Neighborhood," said Mayor Michael Hancock. "It is these types of partnerships that will help us achieve our mission to improve the sustainability of River Corridor and deliver a world-class city where everyone matters."

Sun Valley, one of the few Denver communities located directly on the South Platte River, includes a Denver Housing Authority affordable housing community that will be redesigned in a similar manner to the new South Lincoln/Mariposa project at 10th and Osage. EPA funding will be used by Denver Parks and Recreation and The Greenway Foundation for wetland and riverfront restoration, river access and water quality improvements, and environmental education, including a nature trail. These projects will complement redevelopment along the new light rail corridor, the construction of a new riverfront park, and additional projects to restore habitat and wetlands along Weir Gulch, which enters the South Platte in Sun Valley.

"The Environmental Protection Agency has been a valued and engaged partner with The Greenway Foundation for over 35 years," said Jeff Shoemaker, Executive Director of The Greenway Foundation. "This latest grant for additional water quality and riparian improvements to Denver's South Platte River will allow our City's greatest natural resource to become an even healthier and more vibrant urban waterway."

Improvements to Johnson-Habitat Park, an innovative urban camp and river recreation area near Interstate 25 and Santa Fe Drive, will create a camping area and enhance public access to the River. These improvements will be made in coordination with Denver Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Forest Service's Children's Forest project.

EPA is also providing $75,000 to the City of Denver to enhance Brownfields planning efforts that are restoring blighted properties along the River. An additional $12,500 will help the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District and the City take steps to improve water quality and recreational opportunities in the River North area between 31st and 38th Streets.

This is an incredible get for Denver, particularly given shrinking municipal budgets. Still, it probably would've been better to host this particular press conference on Thursday the 19th instead of Friday, April 20th -- "weed day" is probably the worst time of the year to host a press conference featuring a woman named Nancy Stoner, after all.  

Denver: 10th Best City for Hipsters

by: Denver Pols

Sat Apr 21, 2012 at 11:25:00 AM MST

From the Time Magazine Newsfeed:

With something for everyone, Denver is a paradise for those who prefer to defy categorization. There, hipsters can choose between youth-cool knitting at the popular Wild Yarns, retro cocktails at one of the city's "speakeasy" bars and a sampling of the city's famed microbrews, for which it ranked first place.

Denver's only tenth? Seriously? We understand being outranked by places like Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco - there's something about port cities which draw in the mustachioed bourgeoisie. But Philadelphia? Philadelphia outranks us?

Denver's last mayor founded a trendy brewpub before he ascended to office. And then he was elected Governor. That's got to be worth something, doesn't it? Colorado voters seem to love craft-beer brewers more than hipsters love craft beer.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock put his money where his mouth was during his brief, football-fueled rivalry with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. In yet another showdown with a Quaker State politico, we fully expect Hancock to challenge Philly Mayor Michael Nutter to a PBR chugging competition. Or perhaps they can compete to see who's the biggest David Foster Wallace fan.

Poll: Who Do You Want to Win the HD-1 Primary?

by: Denver Pols

Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 14:53:28 PM MST

While we've previously asked which candidate is most likely to win that primary, we're doing things a little bit differently today. Instead, we're asking which candidate you want to win in June. In other words, if you were casting a ballot in the HD-1 primary (as many of our readers are) who would get your vote: Jeanne Labuda or Corrie Houck?

City, Firefighters Reach Budget Gap Agreement

by: Denver Pols

Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 13:14:15 PM MST

In the case of Denver's recent negotiations with Denver Firefighters Local 858, it's clear that the union and the city alike recognized that public safety can trump keeping everybody happy.

From Denver Mayor Michael Hancock:

City, Firefighters Reach Agreement to Create a Sustainable Denver

DENVER - Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Denver Firefighters Local 858 President Mike Rogers and City Council President Chris Nevitt today announced they've reached an agreement that will save the City's general fund $6 million.

Negotiations to alter a collective bargaining agreement this year were conducted against the backdrop of an anticipated $94 million budget shortfall for 2013, including a persistent structural gap of $30 million.

To help close the budget gap and create a sustainable City structure, Local 858 and city officials came to an agreement that will preserve the high level of safety services to the community while making significant organizational changes and operational efficiencies within the Denver Fire Department.

The agreement was negotiated over a 30-day period and was ratified by voting union members during the first week in April. City officials and Local 858 acknowledged the high level of collaboration conducted to finalize the 2013-2015 collective bargaining agreement with the firefighters' union.

The following statements were released:

"Denver's firefighters have boldly led the charge, continuing to make sacrifices necessary to balancing the City's budget while maintaining our high-quality services to Denver's residents, neighborhoods and businesses," Mayor Hancock said. "This year they've gone above and beyond their duty to serve their community by making tough, long-term decisions that will increase efficiencies and effectiveness in the department and create a more sustainable Denver. We are grateful for Local 858's extraordinary leadership."

"Local 858 is truly dedicated to our community, understanding that in these tough economic times difficult decisions are critical to put our City on a sustainable path. And we will always go the extra mile to protect and serve our City," Local 858 President Mike Rogers said. "We're proud to work with the Hancock Administration and city officials to make our contribution to the shared sacrifices needed to drive operational efficiencies and fix the structural imbalance that exists within the City's budget. We know that by working together we will all deliver a better city for future generations."

"City Council is very proud of the Hancock Administration and Local 858's collaboration, getting us to a record level of cost savings to the City and County of Denver in these difficult budgetary times while still meeting the needs of our fire fighters," City Council President Chris Nevitt said. "Not only do these brave men and women serve our community every day with pride and dedication but they continue to lead the charge to set us on the right path of both fairness and fiscal prudence."

As Jeremy Myers notes in a blog post for the Denver paper, the all-around amicability and success of these negotiations will frame the discourse when other public safety unions have their turn at the table. For their part, both Hancock and City Council President Chris Nevitt can take credit for the civility of discourse in what could otherwise be a very messy process.

This is government and negotiation done right, folks.  

Welcome, Anti-Labuda Literature Recipients!

by: Denver Pols

Tue Apr 10, 2012 at 09:05:00 AM MST

The Houck campaign, it seems, has turned that same political fodder into political grapeshot of sorts.

From The Colorado Statesman's Ernest Luning:

Saying she "wanted to counter a few things said about me by my opponent," Houck blasted Labuda's charge that a primary fight was "opening the doors for a Republican to win this seat," displaying a chart that showed Democrats making up 45 percent of the district's voters, overwhelming the 25-percent Republican registration.

"It's almost mathematically impossible for a Republican to take over this seat, and it was purposely designed to be a safe seat," Houck said.

Further, Houck contended, if Democrats were worried about losing the seat, Labuda's House colleagues and state party leadership would have rallied around the incumbent the way they did around state Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, when a primary challenger emerged last fall.

"If I was disrupting the party out here, don't you think someone would be intervening in this situation?" Houck asked.

A Democratic official told The Colorado Statesman that Kerr's situation provoked an unusual response precisely because he represents a Jefferson County swing district - potentially tougher to keep in the Democratic column if a primary had drained resources - and cautioned against drawing any conclusion other than that the party was decidedly neutral in the HD 1 primary.

Labuda fired back by slamming a pair of blog posts reprinted from the political sites Colorado Pols and Denver Pols that were included in a packet of campaign material Houck handed to delegates. One of the anonymous posts claimed that the House Majority Project, an organization charged with electing Democrats, was forced to divert funds to defend Labuda's seat against a Republican challenger in 2010, possibly costing the party control of the chamber by a single seat.

"I'm bothered by this," Labuda began, "so I have to say something about this now. This comes from a blog, and you know what a blog is - people put on things they don't have to answer for." She said the blog got it wrong about the House Majority Project. "The House Majority Project does not communicate with citizens like you, unfortunately; they deal with me, because I'm a candidate. Anything that is said about the House Majority Project in here, the House Majority Project took care of that - it's completely false." [POLS EMPHASIS]

Labuda went on to dispute Houck's claims that she's too cozy with payday lenders, claiming she's voted against the industry more often than she's taken its side in legislative battles.

"I know we have to rein in predatory lenders, but I also know that people need options," Labuda said. She said she has neighbors who borrow from the outfits when they have to.

"I know other professional people who have gone and taken short-term loans from payday lenders. They're needed. I want to keep options open for people," she said, adding that voting against a bill doesn't necessarily mean a lawmaker disagrees with the broad intentions of the legislation.

"I don't vote for all payday lender bills," she said. "Unfortunately, I don't vote for all education bills. Some bills just aren't written well. You think of the 'Right to Work' law. What does the Right to Work law do? It doesn't give us the right to work, it gives some employers the right to fire us. That's the way some bills are written."

She took at least a couple more swings at the blog posts distributed by her primary opponent.

"I'm still bothered by that stuff that's in that blog that's just full of falsehoods," she said, making a face and discarding her prepared remarks to hammer the other blog entry, which called Labuda insensitive for comparing payday lending borrowers with alcoholics.

"The comparison to alcoholism," an exasperated Labuda said, "I'm not trying to demean anybody. I'm just trying to point out that for every legal item out there, there's some people that aren't able to use it correctly. I'm trying very hard to keep payday lending around for people who need it."

We stand by our original commentary on both the nature of Houck's primary campaign as well as Labuda's asinine remarks on payday lending outfits. We invite Rep. Labuda and Ms. Houck to air their comments on either issue.

That said, Houck patently cannot have it both ways. It is ridiculous for her to defend her primary challenge by noting that it is "mathematically impossible" for a Republican to win in HD-1 while at the same time passing out campaign literature that implies she's the better candidate because Labuda cannot easily hold the seat. If Houck is so certain that any Democratic candidate will win, why can't that candidate be the three-term incumbent?

As regards the payday lending issue, Labuda continues to err by even bringing up her ill-informed remarks at all.  We understand that she probably misspoke in comparing payday-lendees to alcoholics. After all, in the era of the ten second soundbite, no politician in their right mind would make that kind of statement intentionally. We hope.

Instead of vacillating, though, all Rep. Labuda needed to say last week was something to the effect of "I misspoke" before going on to say "I'm trying very hard to keep payday lending around for people who need it."

In politics, perception is just as important as reality. That Labuda's comments on payday lenders can even be perceived as offensive means that they probably are offensive. Rather than attempting to justify what, by any measure, were incredibly insensitive remarks, Labuda just needs to reframe the issue. To her credit, she attempted to do exactly that. But she needs to do it better. Referring to insidious "blog posts" isn't nearly as effective as simply admitting her mistake. Let's be clear: it was an enormous mistake for Labuda to even mention alcoholism in the same breath as payday-lending borrowers. We didn't make that mistake - we just pointed it out.

We don't have a horse in this race. Jeanne Labuda is correct: the Houck campaign should be the ones putting together a campaign instead of relying on our commentary. After all, it's Houck's name that will be on the ballot, not ours. But Labuda has opened herself up to criticism and the widespread belief that she's an ineffective campaigner. That criticism will continue if she continues to make mistakes no incumbent representative should be making.

If you received a copy of the Houck campaign literature featuring our blog posts, we'd love to see it. Just e-mail us: info@denverpols.com

How, Exactly, do you "Deliver a Future?"

by: Denver Pols

Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 09:46:10 AM MST

As part of those efforts, Hancock will be hosting a town hall meeting tomorrow morning. From Delivering Denver's Future:

DELIVERING DENVER'S FUTURE

Join Mayor Hancock to provide your feedback on creating a sustainable Denver

Help shape the future of our world-class city!

Mayor Michael B. Hancock is exploring ways to help Denver eliminate the persistent budget gap. He needs your input!
The Mayor is launching a public engagement process to hear about Denver residents' priorities on how the City funds our essential services.

You will weigh in on important questions regarding our great City's future. Come share YOUR cost-saving and revenue generating ideas with the Mayor.

Join us! Together we can deliver a world-class city where everyone matters.

COMMUNITY TOWN HALLS

Saturday, March 31
9:00 - 10:30 AM
Cook Park Recreation Center
7100 Cherry Creek Drive, South

Unable to attend? Submit your input to Mayor Hancock through the interactive website at DeliveringDenversFuture.org or email us at DDF@DenverGov.org

Hancock's been very creative in his promotion of citizen involvement in the budgeting process. That said, we can't help but wonder: how exactly do you "deliver a future?" We were under the impression that the future is one of those things that is going to come with or without delivery. Is there a way to deliver the future faster? What if you promise the future-delivery boy a really, really good tip? Obviously Hancock wants to deliver a certain kind of very prosperous future for Denver, but the "shape Denver" talking point seems more appropriate for that end goal.

Semantic quibbling aside, it seems that Hancock learned at least one lesson from former opponent Chris Romer: Denver aspires to be a "world-class city." Romer relied on that talking point throughout his campaign and now, it seems, Hancock's using the same phrasing from within the mayor's office.

Labuda: Payday-Lending Borrowers are Like Alcoholics

by: Denver Pols

Tue Mar 27, 2012 at 16:35:55 PM MST

While we suspect Houck was actually drawn into the race in part because of Labuda's poor performance in 2010, the payday-lending issue certainly sounds a lot better than claims that the incumbent's failure to dedicate time to her own campaign cost Democrats control of the House.

So, given that payday-lending is a touchy issue on the campaign trail, you'd think Labuda would choose her words on the matter carefully.

But as The Colorado Statesman's Ben Conarck notes, that most certainly is not the case:

One policy issue that has taken center-stage in the contentious primary is the regulation of the payday lending industry.

Payday lenders specialize in small, short-term loans, which often come with bloated interest rates. There are many payday-lending outfits located within the southwestern Denver district.

Labuda was one of five Democrats to vote against the successful HB 1351 bill to limit payday loan interest rates in 2010.

"I voted against it because I think that we have recently passed a lot of legislation to reign in payday lenders, and I'm waiting to see if those procedures work," Labuda explained.

Labuda said she understands her constituents' frustration with the industry - which is seen by many as exploitive towards people in dire economic circumstances - but she likened the regulation of the industry to the laws regulating alcohol.

"Alcohol is legal, but there are always going to be some people who abuse it," Labuda said. "There are always going to be some people who abuse the payday lending system and use it too much."

Folks, if you're trying to defend business practices which are generally regarded as "exploitive towards people in dire economic circumstances," the last thing you should ever attempt to do is blame those being exploited. And if you are going to try to fashion an argument that payday-lending flaws are somehow the fault of those treading water amid one of the worst financial downturns in years, we can't think of anything more offensive than comparing them to alcoholics.

With one asinine statement, Labuda gave Houck a remarkably large paintbrush with which to paint the incumbent as out of touch with the district. Houck says it best in rationalizing her poor fundraising numbers, noting that "We just don't have that kind of money in our neighborhood." Labuda's own words make her seem like a legislator secreted away in an ivory tower: she blames those that rely on payday lenders to stay afloat because she's never had to live paycheck to paycheck.

Above the issue itself, Labuda's caustic remarks on payday-lending are but another example of the candidate weakening her own re-election campaign by making mistakes no candidate in their right mind would make. If these recent remarks aren't enough to give Houck an edge in the Democratic primary, they'll likely fall by the wayside during the general election - Republicans, after all, tend to agree with Labuda on payday lending. But if Labuda can't even temper her words in the one area where she has to tread lightly during her primary campaign, who's to say she won't make an errant remark that will really hurt her during the general election?  

Or perhaps Labuda somehow snagged a page out of the Ken Buck playbook. High heels, alcoholics - it's all the same when voters see it on a mail piece.