Lesbian in runoff for Denver clerk and recorder

Debra Johnson, an out lesbian, is in the runoff for the position of Denver Clerk and Recorder. As the current Aurora Clerk and Recorder she has been instrumental in getting the policy in Aurora changed to offer benefits to same sex couples. She has spoken on Capitol Hill for same sex adoptions as well as being interviewed by Channel 9 to set an example of successful same sex parenting.

In the runoff election alongside Debra Johnson is Sarah McCarthy, a 30-year Denver government and business leader.

Tom Downey, Johnson’s opponent who is no longer in the running, endorsed her with this statement. “While my race is over, I still believe that the Clerk and Recorder’s office is incredibly important. I got to know [Johnson] on the campaign trail, and she is an impressive woman. She is smart, well spoken, has tremendous experience, and she works extremely hard.”

The Clerk and Recorder is a Denver chartered position that records, preserves and makes available to the public certain vital documents relating to: real estate transactions, marriages, council proceedings and election management, to name a few.

Although Johnson realizes that, if elected, her position would not allow her to hand out marriage licenses to gay/lesbian couples, she remains hopeful. “Denver is one of two cities in the state of Colorado that recognizes domestic partnership with a registry. The Denver’s Clerk and Recorder office maintains that registry for the city. It is only a matter of time before civil unions will be recognized in Colorado. I will continue to be an advocate for that cause.” l

Debra Johnson:  www.debrafordenver.com
Sarah McCarthy: www.sarahmccarthy.com

Mail in ballots due June 7.