My Vision For A More Progressive, Robust Denver

Kayvan Khalatbari

At a time when Denver is experiencing an unprecedented amount of growth and change, it is more important than ever that we work to preserve the artistic and progressive spirit that has inspired so many people to flock here. Our city has a strong history of embracing both personal freedoms and collective energy — the magazine you hold in your hands is evidence of that. Out Front’s nearly 40-year history in Denver proves that our city is one that fights for its identity, and cares for its citizens.

I must admit, I was troubled earlier this year when our City Council voted to raise their salaries to more than $90K per year, for what is ultimately a part-time job. This comes at a time when so many Denver residents are unable to afford to live in their own neighborhoods due to the rising price of housing. As the cost of living soars, wages remain stagnant and many who have spent their entire lives in Denver are beginning to find it out of their price range.

It’s important that we have city officials who use our recent economic prosperity to benefit our most vulnerable communities. If elected, I will seek to provide housing subsidies for teachers and artists, transportation for children’s after-school programs, a strong defense of anti-discrimination laws, and access to affordable and comprehensive health care for transgender persons. Failing to protect these aspects of our city would ultimately rob Denver of its cultural edge, its progressive advancements, and the economic security of our future.

As member of the Board of Directors for the Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestra, and a mentor for Denver Kids, Inc. I have seen firsthand how transformative artistic community programs can be for young people. I have also been blessed to be a part of our city’s explosive stand up comedy community through Sexpot Comedy, sponsoring scores of podcasts, films, and shows around Denver, including Jordan Wieleba’s Something Fabulous Comedy and Variety Show at Blush and Blu.

As the son of an immigrant, I also understand what it feels like to experience racial tension when engaging with a police officer. While I believe that a large majority of those with the Denver Police and Sheriff ’s departments are noble, honest people with our safety as their highest priority, a few bad apples in the bunch have cost our city $13 million in civil lawsuits over the last decade — and that’s not even including the recent promise of $4.65 million to the family of Marvin Booker, who was tased and choked to death in a Denver jail.

I applaud the Denver Police Department’s request for 800 body cameras to be placed on officers, though we need to do more. I think this issue requires additional action, such as utilizing peace officers who are trained at monitoring and managing situations, but do not use force in certain public events, instead of armed police officers. This has the potential to de-escalate what would otherwise be violent encounters between police and citizens, as well as saving the city money.

As the owner of seven local businesses, with more than 100 employees, I understand that Denver entrepreneurs have dreams that can either be aided by city officials, or crippled by them. With the blessing of local government, we can begin large-scale production of hemp, a profoundly malleable plant that can be used to make textiles, fuel, building materials, food, medicine, and much more. Making Colorado the central hub of this industry has the potential to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, and tens of thousands of jobs. We can be this example of progressive change with regard to hemp, just as we have with medical and social use cannabis.

Legalizing recreational cannabis has already proved to be a wise economic decision on the part of Colorado voters. The city of Denver has been handicapped on this issue by forcing their dispensaries to close at 7pm, while other municipalities remain open. Because of this, the City of Denver is losing out on thousands of hours of employee wages every day, and millions of dollars in sales-tax revenue each year, for no logical reason.

Ten years ago, I moved to Denver from my home in Nebraska arriving with few contacts in the city and very little money. In that time, Denver has blessed me on so many levels, especially financially. It’s my aim to return the favor and serve the communities that have been so good to me. If elected, I have promised to donate half of the annual income paid to me as a council member to the Harm Reduction Action Center to help promote progressive drug-policy reform.

Together, we can build a more inclusive, compassionate, and economically-unified Denver. Please register to vote online and consider voting for me on May 5th in this mail-in ballot election.

KayvanForDenver.com