Denver Votes: Making Their Case

Council At-Large Candidates Weigh In On Park Hill’s Mojo And Why Voters Should Send Them To City Hall

Two of the 13 Denver City Council members are at-large — meaning they represent the entire city, and not just one district. The current at-large members, Robin Kniech and Debbie Ortega, are term-limited this year and cannot run for council again (though Ortega is now running for mayor).

Nine candidates are running to replace them, and on April 4 the two top vote-getters will win.

In our February issue, seven of nine at-large candidates weighed in on several topics, from their biggest frustration at city hall to their three top priorities if elected. (Dominic Diaz and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez did not respond.) All were asked their positions on whether they support lifting the conservation easement on the Park Hill Golf Course property, as it is one of the driving issues in this year’s election. (See the reference box at the bottom of this page on where each candidate stands on the conservation easement, and read the February Q&As online at greaterparkhill.org/news-and-opinion/roaming-the-range/).

This month, we followed up to learn more about the candidates. We also asked them to submit a favorite photo of themselves in Park Hill — either campaigning or just in the neighborhood. Four candidates did not submit answers by the press deadline this month — including Diaz, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Will Chan and Tim Hoffman.

Here’s what the five who did respond had to say.

Marty Zimmerman
martyfordenver.com

What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?

Park Hill has been called the “longest existing, stable, multi-racial community” in Denver. In 1960, the Park Hill Action Committee coordinated block parties so people of diverse backgrounds could get to know each other. Park Hill is the neighborhood where everyone is truly welcome. The community is and has been intentionally inclusive. Denver is doing a better job of inclusion but there is more to be done. Other areas of the city continue to displace long-time residents instead of finding a place for everyone to live as neighbors similar to the Park Hill model.

Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.

My very first campaign fundraising event was held in Park Hill. I tested a format whereby attendees, wrote down questions about the issues most important to them. Nearly everyone asked about the Park Hill Golf Course. I had just attended the meeting when the Westside developers presented their plans and I had a working knowledge of both sides of the issue. What I hope I proved to the attendees was that I was willing to listen and represent the community in the best way I can.

Bonus question: What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?

Park Hill helped pass the Colorado Fair Housing Act in 1965 — three years before the federal law was enacted.

 

Sarah Parady
sarah4denver.com

What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?

The trees in South Park Hill, which North Park Hill deserves too. That canopy is so valuable to mental health and fighting the heat.

Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill. 

I brought my kids with me to speak at a meeting of the HD8 Democrats at Park Hill United Methodist. I felt a lot of anxiety that they might interrupt the meeting, but another mom just picked up my son and held him. Pre-campaign, I have another favorite PHUM memory: a rally against family separation at the border.

Bonus question: What is your favorite historical fact about Greater Park Hill? 

That students rallied on behalf of the Noel Resolution when parents protested against it. Teenagers often have moral clarity and courage, and Denver history has so many examples of that.

 

Travis Leiker
travisleiker.com

What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating?

Denver’s quality of life is rooted in our neighborhoods, reflecting the diversity of our citizenry, events of historic significance, and the unique characteristics within each community. Park Hill boasts many important things: tree-lined boulevards like Montview, gathering spots like Station 26, eateries including Spicy Thai II, Cake Crumbs, and Spinellis, and access to amenities like City of Axum Park. Many inequities remain, however. Diversity has declined and infrastructure remains paramount. The next city council will need to evaluate these shifts and ensure support for the entire neighborhood. This is true in Park Hill and elsewhere in Denver.

Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill (be specific about where you were and why it was meaningful). 

Since launching my campaign in March 2022, I have built one of the most diverse coalitions of support across Denver. The magnitude of any campaign sets in when you start knocking doors and place your campaign sign in someone’s yard. The first yard sign of my campaign was proudly placed at the Park Hill home of Frank and Sylvia Sullivan. I am grateful for their friendship and support.

What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?

As reported by the Denver Public Library, “Colorado’s first commercial airport, Curtis Humphrey Field at 26th Avenue and Oneida Street, began offering regional passenger air service in 1919.” Denver’s aviation history continues to fascinate me.

 

Jeff Walker
walkerfordenver.com

What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?

Park Hill has the wonderful parkways of 17th Avenue and Monaco Boulevard. Those green medians bring a sense of calm and quiet and are a nice contrast to Colfax Avenue and Quebec Street, which are some of the busiest roads in the city.

Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.

My best campaign moment was getting a two-hour, one-on-one bicycle tour of Park Hill and nearby neighborhoods in November. It was up close and outdoors. It was extremely helpful to experience the environment from a resident’s perspective. My guide pointed out all the things that work well and was very specific about what is still needed to provide a safe walking, rolling and cycling environment for everyone, especially for children going to and from school.

Bonus question: What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?

Park Hill was originally planned as a suburb of Denver. Now it’s one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city.

 

Penfield Tate
tateforcitycouncilatlarge.com

What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?

Park Hill has a unique history of political and social activism not seen in many other communities. It was Park Hill residents and their Action Committee who attacked redlining practices and worked together to undermine those efforts, so they could have an integrated, diverse, and inclusive neighborhood for families. Park Hill residents also sparked the fight against racial segregation in the Denver Public Schools with the filing of the Keyes case that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court so that kids throughout Denver could attend integrated, quality schools. Each of these Park Hill efforts was intentional and designed to promote the causes of racial and social equality and equal justice under the law.

Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.

I spent a lot of time walking in Park Hill collecting signatures to help get me on the ballot. On one weekend, I was walking up and down Montview. It was cold, snowing, and people were asking me what in the world I was doing. The most rewarding moments came when many of my neighbors recognized me and asked “Penfield why are you out here in the snow?” I explained to them that I needed to get their signatures to help get me on the ballot. They were all too willing to help, and some told me where others were gathered so that I might collect more signatures.

Bonus question: What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?

Park Hill was the site of Denver’s first commercial airport, Curtis Humphrey Field.

 

Campaign Cash

The following is how much each At-Large candidate has raised as of Jan. 31. For updated numbers on these and all candidates running for office this year, check out the Clerk & Recorder’s new handy search engine at denver.maplight.com/. The site allows you to easily research who’s contributed dough to individual candidates and committees.

Total contributions (as of Jan. 31):

• Will Chan: $127,768 in 431 contributions

• Dominic Diaz: $5,303 in 165 contributions

• Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez: $118,014 in 475 contributions

• Tim Hoffman: $209,199 in 645 contributions

• Travis Leiker: $453,180 in 1,395 contributions

• Sarah Parady: $287,688 in 1,086 contributions

• Penfield Tate: $425,081 in 1,139 contributions

• Jeff Walker: $8,817 in 83 contributions

• Marty Zimmerman: $104,716 in 377 contributions