2003 Denver Mayoral Transition
Here's some news from the Rocky [July 21, 2003, "Mayor-elect fills 5 more key staff slots"] about the Mayor-elect's appointments announced yesterday. The paper quotes Mr. Hickenlooper as saying, "What we're talking about is experience, experience, experience. These people will help make our team as diverse in experience as you can possibly imagine." Here's the coverage from the Denver Post [July 21, 2003, "Hickenlooper's 'all-stars' grow by 5 appointees"]. The Post article also names many of the people who will be serving as "acting managers" until an appointee is named. They are, Valerie Brooks, acting manager of human services, Tom Migaki, acting manager of general services, Robert Kochevar, acting manager of public works, Jude O'Connor, acting manager of parks and recreation, Helen Gonzales, acting director of excise and licenses, Dr. Chris Veasey, acting manager of environmental health, Helen Raabe, acting city attorney, Myrna Hipp, acting manager of community planning and development and acting manager of economic development. Here's a very short article from the Denver News Net.
The Philadelphia Daily News [July 21, 2003, "Philly native's 'flaky' style suits Denver's electorate"] is running a story on John Hickenlooper, his family roots in the Philadelphia area, the election, and the problems he faces. From the article, "With the voting public weary of career politicians, some analysts see a new kind of urban leader in the lanky, sharp-witted brewmaster: business friendly, socially progressive, irreverently honest and, in his own way, hip." Thanks to the Denver News Net for the link.
After today we won't be referring to John Hickenlooper as the Mayor-elect any longer. Here's a story from the Rocky Mountain News [July 21, 2003, "City changes hands"] about some of the challenges ahead for the new Mayor. From the article, "Denver faces layoffs, a struggling economy, a massive deficit, an investigation into the police shooting of a 15-year-old developmentally disabled boy, a potential smoking ban and a November election battle concerning a controversial zoning plan. And that's just for starters."
I lost in my bid to keep "Hick" out of our political vocabulary according to this story from the Rocky Mountain News [July 21, 2003, "Denverites picnic with Hick"]. The article quotes the Mayor-elect as saying, "Just call me Hick." If he's OK with it I guess I am also. Tina Griego was at one of the Inaugural picnics yesterday, observing the people there and their interactions with Mr. Hickenlooper. She writes about what she saw in today's column in the Rocky [July 21, 2003, "Griego: Multitudes embrace this 'gee-whiz' mayor-to-be"]. Here's a story from the Denver Post [July 21, 2003, "Mayor-elect mingles before inaugural"] about the Mr. Hickenlooper's last day before being sworn in. When asked if he is afraid or anxious Mr. Hickenlooper was quoted as saying, "I'm not, surprisingly, considering the enormity of the job. I'm not one to look back. I don't take many photos on trips. I like the analogy of sports, which is totally, absolutely in the moment. That's how I am about this job - in the moment. I am in this game right now." Good answer, so let's get to work.
Here's an editorial from the Rocky Mountain News [July 21, 2003, "New era opens with Hickenlooper"] about the need for the Mayor-elect to act with haste in tackling the management of the city. As usual the Rocky takes the opportunity to bash city workers. From the editorial, "Hickenlooper needs to push now for serious change in ordinance and charter language while the spirit of reform still lies fresh on the city. Otherwise, the momentum is likely to dissipate under the pressure of unions, lobbyists, city employees and other interest groups." The Post [July 21, 2003, "Inheriting a city's legacy"] is also running an editorial about the new administration. Here's the key statement, "He wants Denver to be known as the No. 1 place in the country to "grow a business" and to become the "creative capital of the West." It's definitely a new economy from even a decade ago, and voters have entrusted Hickenlooper to not only stimulate that diverse economy but maintain the growth." If we can turn around some of the problems caused by the dowturn in the national economy all of the other challenges will be lessened.
5:34:44 AM 
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