Mayoral candidates come out for LGBT community

Political candidate forums may never be the same. In a unique, and sometimes zany, mayoral candidate forum sponsored by One Colorado, a statewide LGBT advocacy organization and New Era Colorado, an organization that supports younger voters, Candidate Survivor was a cross between Meet the Press and Whose Line Is It Anyway. All six major candidates faced a panel of questioners and each other complete with props, surprise questions and a special appearance by a giant bedbug. In the final round, Doug Linkhart managed to edge out Michael Hancock as the favorite among LGBT and progressive voters. James Mejia and Chris Romer dropped to third place standing while Carol Boigon and Theresa Spahn fell early in the vote by texting.

All candidates promised to enhance sensitivity by city agencies to the LGBT community, supported same-sex marriage, would enforce domestic benefits and would work on problems with police discipline, including firing Chief Jerry Whitman.

This election is being conducted entirely by mail. Voters should have their ballots by late April. Ballots must be mailed in or dropped off at Voter Service Centers by May 3. For more details, consult www.DenverVotes.org.

Prior to the forum, Out Front Colorado posed three questions to the top six candidates. Below is a digest of candidate responses.

The first question concerned the Mayor’s LGBT Advisory Commission; whether each would retain the commission and what role it would play in their administration.

Michael Hancock said the commission would advise on issues from health care to supporting campaigns such as “It Gets Better” for youth to strengthening protections for same-sex relationships. “I will ensure all of Denver is participating in government and all voices are heard,” he said.

James Mejia pledged that, “The commission will strengthen the city by identifying LGBT candidates for boards, commissions and employment opportunities.”

Chris Romer said he would be a “strong advocate for equality” and that the commission will advise him on improvements to city services.

Theresa Spahn wants the commission to “focus on areas of cultural training so Denver will be better off to serve the LGBT community.” The commission will also work with Denver’s Anti-Discrimination Office to enhance its effectiveness.

Doug Linkhart plans to meet regularly with the group and urge all city departments to seek their input on matters from police discipline to bicycle plans until, he said, “all Denver residents have the same rights and respect.”

Carol Boigon said, “I will enlist their help to review RFPs for employee insurance to ensure same-sex couples have good benefits.” She also wants the commission to work with the Denver police.

What can the mayor of Denver do to advance the LGBT community and promote tolerance and diversity?

Linkhart cited his past support for LGBT issues in the legislature and on city council. “As mayor, I will push for equality and respect, demanding that all city personnel treat LGBTQI individuals with respect (and) by appointing LGBTQI persons to cabinet posts and other positions.”

Spahn said she would appoint an LGBT liaison to the police department. She also cited her work as head of the Office of the Child’s Representative collaborating with Lambda Legal to train attorneys representing LGBT youth in the juvenile justice system throughout the state.

Carol Boigon promised to recruit LGBT city employees as well as outreach to promote legislation to advance LGBT civil rights and defeat efforts to harm the community.

Mejia plans to institute training programs to eliminate intolerance. “I will ensure that all city employees, including public safety officers, are held to high expectations when serving the needs of all citizens, including the LGBT community,” he said.

Romer cited his record in supporting LGBT rights. He promises to support maintaining same-sex partner benefits and name LGBT citizens to boards and commissions.

Michael Hancock said his administrations will support LGBT organizations such as The GLBT Community Center and bolster safe schools. “Moving beyond a culture of tolerance to a culture of inclusivity has always been important to me,” he said.

OFC’s last question asked how, as mayor, they would ensure that the neediest among us, such as LGBT elders and youth, would continue to be provided with needed services.

Boigon said, “As mayor, I will go through the budget line by line, as I did on council, and do my best to make cuts that will not impact our city’s mostvulnerable residents.”

Romer will “use my 25 years of business experience to streamline city government and balance our $100 million budget while protecting our vital city services for Denver’s most vulnerable residents.”

Hancock said he grew up in public housing, relied on nonprofit agencies for support, and is “committed to making sure no one is left behind, particularly those who depend on social services for their survival.”

Mejia said, “I vow to integrate the needs of the LGBT community into every level of service provided by the city from housing and transportation to health clinics.”

Spahn pledged to work with the LGBT Advisory Commission to make sure cuts are fair.

Doug Linkhart cited his past work for youth and seniors, and said, “My platform includes budget solutions that protect services and invests in our future.”