State representative for District 8 Leslie Herod has launched her mayoral campaign on September 8, 2022. Herod is a social justice and rights advocate and has vowed to bring a unique approach to tough problems without being “business as usual.” She would be the first woman mayor of Denver and would tackle problems including homelessness, mental health, and affordable housing.
Herod has already taken steps to alleviate the mental health crisis, both developing and leading Caring For Denver, which is a non-profit organization that offers support to those who are suffering from substance abuse and mental illness. Herod also created a specialized policing program that sends trained professionals to 911 calls for mental wellness checks, substance abuse, and homelessness. It has proven effective in reducing crime rates in recent studies. Herod has already been granted the “Force for Good,” an award given to those who positively impacted or brought good to their communities while still maintaining their business professionalism.
Beyond helping the homeless, victims of substance abuse, and the mentally ill, Herod also helps the community, having passed the CROWN act, which protected BIPOC from race-based discrimination in the workplace and schools due to their hair texture or style, as well as increasing opportunities for education for children and adults who are incarcerated, and gathering funding to help victims of crime, especially those in minorities.
On her campaign website, Herod addresses Denver as a whole, saying, “Denver is ready for someone with experience and a record of achievement. From championing ground-breaking alternative policing programs to passing and managing tens of millions of dollars annually to treat mental health and substance use disorders, I’ve spent my entire career putting results over politics. As your mayor, I will strive every day to ensure all Denver residents and business owners are provided a path for success.”
She closes with the motto and statement, “Denver is Ready.”
Photo courtesy of Leslie Herod’s Facebook
