Lesbians Kniech and Johnson take office in Denver

Robin Kniech is about to join Denver’s City Council as a member at-large and is the first lesbian elected to that body. Yes, she thinks it’s a big deal. But then, she said, it’s not too big.

On the one hand, said Kniech, “It’s no big deal to be gay in Denver. As far as voters are concerned, that’s not noteworthy. What they want to know is what do you know about parks, libraries and the city’s economy.”

But her election – and the election of Debra Johnson as Denver Clerk and Recorder – does represent a historic step forward. “People understand that when you have out leaders at all levels that makes a difference,” said Kniech. “We have a community more politically aware and my election is part of that tide. It says that people know that it matters to vote.”

Kniech and Johnson will be sworn into office July 18, along with Mayor Michael Hancock. Kniech won in the general election May 3, and Johnson won in a runoff against Sarah McCarthy June 7.

Slowly, Kniech said, it is sinking in that she will be on city council. “I’ve been introduced in Council Chambers and hired some staff,” she said. “It’s starting to feel real.”

Debra Johnson has been the city clerk in Aurora since 2000. She’s looking forward to her new job in Denver. “Once I’m able to wrap up the position in Aurora, I’ll feel better,” she said.

Johnson was endorsed by The Denver Post for her “practical knowledge.”

She’s been meeting with staff members at the Denver clerk’s office to get a handle on things prior to being sworn in. The clerk’s office manages city elections, records council proceedings, handles real estate transactions and oversees the domestic partner registry and marriage licenses.

“I hope that if this state ever has civil unions, my office will be the first to handle the documents,” said Johnson.
Kniech intends to “proactively work on the things I campaigned for like growing small manufacturing businesses and championing things that are important such as libraries.”

“I intend to be vigilant in the budget process,” she said. “I’m starting with a sense of humility and beginning to understand the basis of representation. I’ll be meeting with folks I might have missed in the campaign.”

Kniech plans to be active in making Out Games a success in Denver in 2015. “I can be a liaison between organizers and city agencies and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.”

And she’s looking forward to working with mayor-elect Hancock.

Ultimately, she said, “It’s an incredible honor to take on this position.”

LGBT community members on Hancock’s transition team

Mayor-elect Michael Hancock appointed a number of gays and   lesbians to his transition team sub-committees to assist him as he takes office. They are as followed: Anthony Aragon, Excise and Licenses Nita Henry, Community Partnerships Leslie Herod, Human Services Katrina Banks, 311/Peak Performance.