Denver’s issues demand strong leaders — so vote

If you are among the 300,000 registered voters in Denver, a municipal ballot is headed your way. Six of 13 City Council members, a new auditor and — with 99.9 percent certainty — the amiable Michael Hancock will take office in July.

There are more than 50 candidates running for six open seats. Unfortunately, the May 5 election follows a low-information campaign — no cute ads, no top-of-the-ticket competition. In fact, the venerable League of Women Voters didn’t even convene a mayoral debate, for the first time in decades.

On the other hand, elections have consequences. Vote. Several big issues are on the horizon: • The future of Boettcher Concert Hall and the Denver Performing Arts Complex campus may be determined by a 29-member, mayoral task force appointed to decide how to activate the site and improve connections to the convention center and adjacent neighborhoods. According to city officials, “all options are on the table” — including the demolition of Boettcher. There is ample DPAC precedent to adapt rather than demolish. In 1988, the defunct Auditorium Arena was transformed into the Buell Theater, and in 2003, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, new rehearsal rooms, a restaurant and magnificent lobby replaced the exhausted interior of the elegant 1908 structure.

In 2014, Mayor Hancock “redistributed” more than $60 million in 2007 voter-approved bond funds to cultural projects affirmed by a task force — not voters. The money, contingent on a private-sector match, was intended for the repair and renovation of Boettcher. Sixty million could come in handy when the task force “re-imagines” the DPAC.

• Plans for a $856 million redo of the National Western Stock Show are underway. Missing are a detailed finance plan, governance model or answers about taxpayer-owned facilities south of Interstate 70. And, is modifying 100 acres of prime, transit- and highway-adjacent urban real estate into a bigger horse arena, animal pens and tourist magnet really the highest and best use for the land?

• Does it really make sense to remove the free buses from the 16th Street Mall? Thousands of downtown workers, baseball fans and tourists depend on the shuttle. It’s cheaper to park outside the core, and the shuttle is Denver’s most valuable last-mile connector.

• Shenanigans plaguing Denver’s Department of Safety continue. The mayor has hired consultants to figure out what’s wrong. No word yet, but a task force is sure to follow.

In the election, consider candidates who understand how the city works and her history, land use policies, regulatory protocols and the fundamentals of Denver’s strong-mayor form of government. Also think about the potential for conflict of interest. Is it wise to elect someone to the council whose spouse has an appointed position with the city? (Stacie Gilmore — wife of Scott Gilmore, deputy manager of Parks & Rec — is a candidate in District 11.)

Denver has a 30-year history of progressive planning, thoughtful dialogue among elected representatives, civic leaders and residents. Yes, we are uneasy about the consequences of Denver’s rapid growth, snarled traffic and deteriorating public realm. Beware the well-intentioned but naive promises of candidates suggesting they can halt growth, stop traffic and abolish homelessness. Jeanne Faatz may be the only former state legislator who transitioned well from the Capitol to City Hall. Denver needs a good dose of transparency, objectivity and informed critical thinking. Vote thoughtfully.

Disclosure: My son, Ben Gelt, is the campaign consultant for six Denver City Council candidates: Chris Herndon’s unopposed reelection in District 8; Shelli Brown, District 11; Anna Jones, District 10; Paul Kashmann, District 6; Luchia Brown, District 7; and Kevin Flynn, District 2. I’ve endorsed or written checks to these candidates. I’ve also endorsed Halisi Vinson in District 4, because she opposes the disposal of park land and open space — designated or not — without first seeking voters’ permission. Civic activist Susan Barnes-Gelt can be reached at BarnesGelt@ gmail.com or @SBGtweets.