April 2011

Happenings in and around Historic 5 PointsApril 2011

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7VOTE!

RETURN YOUR BALLOT TODAY

2WHo Will leAd denver into tHe future?

5 POINTS NEWS recently covered the Colorado Black Roundtable mayoral candidates forum held at New Hope Baptist Church. Six of the ten candidates vying to become the next mayor of Denver presented compelling personal sto-ries, past acheivements and their plans to close the city’s one $100 million dollar deficit.

As the May 3 all-mail election fast approaches, candidates Michael B. Hancock, Doug Linkhart, Chris Romer, James Mejia, Jeff Peckman, Theresa Spahn, Danny F. Lopez and Kenneth R. Simpson are making the final push to capture vot-ers in an off-year spring election.

Recent ColoradoPols.com poll show the top three front-runners are Hancock, Romer, Mejia, with Romer edging opponents by 22 percent, with 40 percent of voters remaining undecided, making the race for mayor wide open. With the exception of at-large city council, in which the top two are elected, a runoff is held in all races with three or more candidates in which the top vote-getter fails to get more than 50 percent plus 1 vote.

There are many opportunities to learn more about these candidates – what they have in common and what sets them apart. 5 POINTS NEWS encourages you to visit the candidates websites, attend forums, and even contact their campaign offices. Whomever you choose, here are some important dates: April 15: Ballots mailed to voters; May 3: Election Day; May 20: Ballots mailed for runoff, June 7 (unofficial date) Runoff election if necessary.

Political visionary elvin Caldwell, Sr.Five Points native Elvin Caldwell, Sr. was born April 11, 1919. He served three terms in the Colorado

House of Representatives. In 1955, he was elected to the Denver City Council, served seven terms (twenty eight years), and is noted as the first African American to serve on a city council west of the Mississippi River. This political visionary played a key role in passing bond proposals that provided funding for the downtown Skyline Urban Renewal Project and the Denver General Hospital facility.

He fought for an end to discrimination against minoritites at the Colorado State Home for Dependent Children, Clayton College, Park Hill Golf Course, the Denver Fire Department and the Denver Police Department.

Caldwell helped establish the Eastside Neighborhood Health Center and Five Points Community Cen-ter. He served on many boards including the Urban League and Five Points Business Association. He was one of the founders of the Equity Savings and Loan Association, the International Opportunity Life Insur-ance Company and the Black Municipal League. Caldwell passed April 30, 2004 at the age of 85.

2 8 5 Points news

Nita Henry is the Community’s CandidateReturn your mail-in your ballot today!

Paid for by Write In Nita Henry for District 8

www.NitaHenryDistrict8.com | 303.900.7077

Moving forwardwith community –for communityThe “Big” names don’t believe Nita Henry will become the next District 8 City Councilwoman. The “Big” names chose Goliath over David. The “Big” names chose Sonny Liston over Muhammad Ali. The “Big” names were wrong!

APril 2011 8 3

5 Points news Monthly Publication - April 2011

Publisher

brother jeff

editor

lisa lawrence

layout & design

Cynthia r. Martin

PhotograPhy

lens of Ansarbrother jeff

Writers

terrance “Big t” HughesKenneth drewlakisha rankin

Brooklyn dorseybrother jeff

Cynthia Martintowanna Henderson

5 Points news is a publication of brother jeff’s Cultural Center.

2836 Welton Streetdenver, Co 80205

303.297.0823www.brotherjeff.com

the Power of Public, Private Partnerships

5 POINTS NEWS along with the City of Denver are saddened by the loss of Council-woman Carla Madison. Carla was a gentle, kind and spirited public servant. She provided great constituent service to her district and the city. Always available to help solve prob-lems, navigate bureaucracy and build bridges, her commitment to community was demon-strated daily. Carla’s leadership, courage, tenacity and artistic flair will be greatly missed.

Roughly 21 candidates are seeking to fill the vacant District 8 City Council seat. In my opinion the best candidate is Nita Henry. I support Nita 100 percent. She is the com-munity’s candidate. As Denver decides who will be the new mayor, clerk and recorder, auditor, council members and more, it is clear we need to make sure these new leaders do not forget or overlook Historic Five Points. You should have your mail-in ballot now. Fill it out and mail it in. Let your voice be heard!

– brother jeff

William Henry McNichols Jr. , Bertram A. Bruton, Leonard Chadwick, George L. Brown, Elvin Caldwell, Sr.

Community supporters standing with District 8 write in candidate Nita Henry

The Founding Principal of Bertram A. Bruton and Associates, Architects, estab-lished in 1961, Mr. Bruton has over 52 years of experience in Design and Management on a variety of project types in both the public and private sectors. Bruton’s relationship with Elavin Caldwell, Sr. exemplifies the power of public private partnerships. “I knew Elvin real well, we worked together on a lot of things I got involved in when he was on City Council. He was an outstanding council person and a lot of things that happened, happened because of him. A lot of people had success in what they were doing because of his abilities,” says Bruton. Caldwell, Sr. was instumental in many community proj-ects. Most notably, The Five Points Community Center, where a concrete statue stands in honor of his involvement. The center was one the first federally funded projects in the country.

Denver City Council lost one of their most vibrant members as District 8 Councilwoman Carla Madison lost her battle with cancer late Tuesday. Madison was elected in June 2007 and known for her bold style and outlook on life. She was passionate about neighborhoods and strengthening the community spirit of her East-Denver district. An ardent environmentalist, Carla was often seen riding around town on her cruiser bike or jetting to Council meetings on her or-ange scooter, sporting a colorful hat and a warm smile.

In her work as a Councilwoman, she carried on the District 8 community traditions of the Hiawatha Davis Senior Luncheon and the King Trimble Tea. She started her own tradition, hosting an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social in City

A CelebrAtion in MeMory of CounCilwoMAn CArlA MAdison

Park each summer, complete with historic costumes and activities. Adoption of the City’s new zoning code in 2010 was due in large part to her efforts to shepherd the massive overhaul through the political process, while being attuned to the needs of Denver’s business and neighborhood organizations.

Madison, a physical therapist prior to becoming an elected official, was a gradu-ate of Marycrest High School, obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado in cartography, and a Master’s of Physical Therapy from Boston Univer-sity. Madison is survived by her husband Paul Weiss. The couple was well-known for their creative holiday greeting cards and love of their dogs.

In celebration of the life and ac-complishments of Councilwoman Carla Madison a special gathering will be held on April 23 by her husband, Paul Weiss, starting at 4 p.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Those who would like to ride their bicycles to the museum are invited to meet at Carla and Paul’s home at 2025 York St. Saturday at 3 p.m. En lieu of flowers her family asks that a gift be made in Carla’s name to District 8 Senior Events (2713 Welton St., Denver, CO 80205) so the free Ice Cream Social Festival she organized and loved can con-tinue in her memory.

brother jeff and the communitySupport nita Henry

for a listing of events, organizations,

and community activities, visit

www.brotherjeff.com

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Webb Endorses Hancock for Mayor

It was a moment two decades in the making.

Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb knew from the first moment he met bright-eyed, yet serious young Michael Hancock during an event at Manuel High School in the late 1980s that he would emerge as political force in his own right.

More than 20 years later on a fate-ful March day, Wellington Webb and his wife, former state Rep. Wilma Webb, en-dorsed Hancock for Mayor in the May 3 municipal election, effectively passing the leadership torch to Hancock who once announced at the tender age of 14 that he wanted to be mayor of Denver.

Over the years, Webb has watched Hancock grow from a student leader at Manuel High School to a City Council-member, emerging as a strong leader –

one who Webb believes is ready to propel Denver forward and fill his large shoes as Denver’s first African-American mayor.

“These are tough economic times that will require difficult decisions and hard choices,” Webb said. “Moving Den-ver forward together will require a strong leader with a clear vision. Michael is a natural leader who will unite Denver and make our great city even greater. He will bring people together, inspiring us to en-vision a better future and giving every Denver resident a reason to fight for our city.”

Landing Webb’s coveted endorse-ment was no easy feat. Webb says his de-cision to endorse Hancock was not made lightly because of his close personal and working relationships with many of the 10 candidates vying for mayor.

Webb’s legacy lives on in the next generation of leadership

When Webb backs a candidate, he brings his full political clout and winning spirit to the fray. Webb emerged as a na-tional political powerhouse following his historic 1991 win to become Denver’s first African-American Mayor. He mounted a legendary, novel “Sneaker Campaign” in which he beat a former Denver District Attorney Norm Early by walking door-to-door soliciting the support of thousands of constituents. Webb went on to serve three terms as mayor from 1991 to 2003, trans-forming Denver from a perceived cow town into a world-class city.

Webb’s legacy looms large. Denver witnessed some of its greatest growth and prosperity during his tenure. The popular Democrat’s administration spearheaded and completed numerous capital im-provement projects, including the open-ing of Denver International Airport, the development of the Central Platte River Valley into a thriving lower-downtown community, the $4.5 million expansion of the Hiawatha Davis Jr. Recreation Cen-ter, the construction of the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building, and the erec-tion of the Blair-Caldwell African Ameri-can Research Library in the heart of the historic Five Points.

Webb’s enduring legacy also lies in the lives he has touched and the next gen-eration of leaders he has helped cultivate over the span of his political and civic ca-reer.

“Wilma and Wellington has not only played a major role in Denver’s future, but in my future,” Hancock said. “As mayor, I will stand side-by-side with every resident and neighborhood as we work towards a better future together.”

Webb touts Hancock as a proven and experience leader with an in-depth under-standing of how the city works.

Over the course of eight years and as past City Council President, Han-cock worked in partnership with former Mayor John Hickenlooper to lead the city

USTA COLORADO AND BLAIR-CALDWELL AFRICAN AMERICAN RESEARCH LIBRARY

HOST NATIONAL TENNIS EXHIBITThe United States Tennis Association (USTA) Colorado and the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library have part-

nered for the Colorado premiere of “Breaking the Barriers,” an acclaimed national exhibit honoring African American achievements in tennis and encouraging greater diversity in the sport.

During its stay in Denver, “Breaking the Barriers” will be on display at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton Street, in historic Five Points. The exhibit is free and open to the public April 1-June 30, 2011, during regular library hours.

Housed at the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum in Newport, RI, “Breaking the Barriers” offers a historical timeline of African Americans in tennis from the 1800s to Arthur Ashe’s historic 1975 Wimbledon win. The exhibit was most recently on display at the US Open Tennis Championships in September 2010. “USTA Colorado is committed to diversity, inclusion and to making ten-nis accessible to diverse and under-served communities,” says Paula McClain, USTA Colorado marketing and diversity director. “Our goal is to inspire a new generation of tennis players and to encourage a healthy, fun family activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.”

The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library is one of only five such libraries across the country preserving the legacy of the early pioneers to present-day heroes of the African American community. “‘Breaking the Barriers’ marks the first time tennis will be showcased at this location,” says Terry Nelson, special collection and community resource manager for Denver Public Library. “We’re extremely pleased that our collaboration with USTA Colorado will include live storytelling, educational events, and access to memorabilia and photos that enrich the library’s collection.”

The USTA is the national governing body for tennis in the U.S. and is the leader in promoting and developing tennis at every level. USTA owns and operates the US Open, the largest annually attended sporting event in the world. In addition, it selects teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. A not-for-profit organization with 720,000 members, USTA invests 100% of its proceeds toward growing the game. Visit www.usta.com to learn more

Did you know?The American Tennis Association was the first black tennis organization founded in 1916.

Oscar Johnson was the first black winner of a United States lawn tennis Association sanctioned event. He won the title at the 1948 national Public Parks Championships.

venus and Serena Williams collectively hold 48 Grand Slam titles. venus has won seven singles, 12 doubles and two mixed doubles; Serena has cap-tured 13 singles, 12 doubles and two mixed doubles.

through two recessions, to close budget shortfalls of $350 million, helped pave the way for the multimillion-dollar Sta-pleton and Northfield developments, and worked to help business maneuver city regulations, build new recreation centers in Green Valley Ranch and bring overdue resources and attention to failing Denver Public Schools.

Denver’s next mayor will have to make tough and hard decisions as the city faces an estimated $100 million budget deficit in 2012. Citizens are pushing for changes in the city’s public safety culture in light of recent violent incidents involv-ing the police department and the sheriff department.

As mayor, Hancock vows to change the culture of the city’s three public safety divisions and restore public confidence. He has said he would replace the Police Chief Gerry Whitman. He also indicated that if he is elected mayor he will require all department heads to resign and reap-ply for their jobs. Another top priority for Hancock is working in partnership with DPS to continue reforms at troubled schools such as Montbello High School.

“I am an experienced, proven leader who is tested and ready to tackle our chal-lenges,” Hancock said. “As the city’s next mayor, I will foster an open-door admin-istration, consistently encouraging public involvement in an effort to achieve our collective goals as a city and community.”

– 5 POINTS NEWS

Did you receive your ballot? If not, contact the

Denver Election Commission at 720-913-VOTE (8683)

APril 2011 8 5

Common Roots in BenediCt PaRk PlaCe

Sisters in the House

During the 2011 session, the Denver metropolitan area is represented by two very competent and committed African American women, Representatives Rhonda Fields and Angela Williams.

Fields was elected in 2010, and became the first African American woman elected to the state legislature representing Aurora’s House District 42. As a State Representative, she will fight to create new jobs, cut wasteful spending, increase transparency, improve education in the state and protect resources for seniors. Her local and statewide efforts consistently demonstrate her passion for community and public safety. Considered a non-traditional politician, Fields subscribes to Thomas Jefferson’s view that politicians should act as “citizen public servants.” In her community she has been recognized as a leader committed to organizations serving youth and victims impacted by crimes.

Through State Representative Garcia and State Senator Nancy Spence she intro-duced House Bill 1379, which was designed to help ensure the safety of witnesses. The bill was passed and named the Javad Marshall Fields and Vivian Wolfe Witness Protec-tion Act in memory of her son and his fiancé who were both murdered in 2005.

Community Space Available for meetings and events at no charge.

Urban Land Conservancy305 Park Avenue West, unit B

denver, Colorado 80205303.377.4477 • www.urbanlandc.org

the three tenants of Common roots Shared Space: urban land Conservancy, denver Preschool Program and education reform now would like to extend an invitation to our neighbors to use our common space for your next meeting or event.

We are located within denver Housing Authority’s (dHA) Benedict Park Place, a Hope 6 redevelopment of the former east village Apartments at 305 Park Avenue West in denver.

our Shared Space includes a large conference room, foyer and kitchen facilities.

Please contact the urban land Conservancy to reserve the space for your next gathering.

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Rep. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora

Rep. Angela Williams D-Denver

Fields is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, and a Master’s Degree in Psychology Counseling and Guidance. Committed to empowering youth, she estab-lished an endowed scholarship in October of 2005 for incoming freshmen attending Colorado State University and has raised over $350,000 to support academic scholar-ships.

Fields received the 2011 “Rising Star Award” by the Colorado Democratic Party and was honored with the 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award. In 2009, she was honored with the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce President’s Courage Award, the Colorado Association for Victim Assistants President’s Award, as well as Urban Spectrum’s “African Americans Who Make a Difference Award.”

Williams is a political newcomer. After a long journey during one of the most high-ly contested primary elections in the State of Colorado, she received 77 percent of the General vote against her republican challenger to become the State Representative Elect for House District 7. Williams’ deep sense of public service and commitment to civic duty is personified by her experience with many community organizations. She serves as a Precinct Committee Person for House District 7 and is a state Executive Committee member for the Democratic Party of Denver. She aims to strengthen our economy and Colorado’s infrastructure by creating jobs and supporting legislation that fuels long-term growth. Currently, she successfully sponsored House Bill 11-1033, which is the elimination of the requirement that certain insurers file Colorado-Specific Financial In-formation with the Commissioner of Insurance, it was signed into law by Governor Hickenlooper.

Williams graduated from Northeastern State University with a Bachelor’s of Sci-ence Degree in Criminal Justice and has completed course work on her Master’s Degree in Business Administration. She owns an Allstate Insurance Company in the community of Stapleton and was recently recognized by CoBiz Magazine as one of the top 100 Colorado Small Business’s.

Williams has been honored by the United Council of Negro Women with the “Busi-ness and Community Service” and Trailblazer’s Award. She is a graduate of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Denver Program as well as the National Or-ganization Of Black Elected Legislative Women Leadership Institute. Williams spear-headed the first African American Leadership Development Program for the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce – Chamber Connect.

– Brooklyn Dorsey

Arie Taylor1973-1984

Gloria Tanner1985-1994

Rosemary Marshall 2000-2008

Wilma Webb 1980-1991

What do these beautiful women have in common? Each of them are wise, co-massionate, and driven advocates for our communities. For these African American women, holding the office of Colorado House Representative provided a platform for them to affect real change and their accomplishments are still being observed today. Arie Taylor, the first African American Women from Colorado to fill these shoes and Gloria Tanner went on to serve a term in the

6 8 5 Points news

Business & Services Along the StripADVERTISINg AND MARkETINgPure Brand Communications2745 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-0170

ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIgNin SITU Design2942 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-4742

Studiotrope2942 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 308-1144

ARTS AND CULTUREBlack American West Museum3091 California Street, Denver, CO 80205(303) 482-2242

Blair-Caldwell Library 2401 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 865-2401

brother jeff’s Cultural Center 2836 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-0823

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance 119 Park Avenue West, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-1759

Frederick Douglas Community Building 2745 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(213) 923-2981

Stiles African American Heritage Center, Inc.2607 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80205(303) 294-0597

AUTOMOTIVECourtesy Auto728 East 26th Avenue, Denver, CO 80205(303) 861-4417

BANkINgUS Bank 2701 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-4742

Wells Fargo2559 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-7786

BARBERS & BEAUTY SHOpSDunbar Barber Shop 2844 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-9131

Five Points Beauty and Barber2757 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 298-1078

Franklin Stigers Afro Styling2755 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 293-9055

Hope for a Change Beauty and Barber Shop2737 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 434-9092

McGill’s2843 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-1977

Mr. Puff2754 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 404-8154

New Look Barbers2825 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-9192

BARSClimax Lounge2217 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 292-5483 CLEANERSC & B Cleaners & Hatters2748 Welton, Denver CO 80205(303) 297-9544

COMMUNICATIONSWireless Express610 26th St., Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-1788

COMMUNITY DEVELOpMENTCivil Technology Inc.2413 Washington, Denver, CO 80205(303) 292-0348

DISpENSARIESAlternative Medical Foods2752 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-2425

Denver Kush Club2615 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 736-6550

The Silver Lizard2860 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 862- 7940

ENgINEERINgTriunity Engineering2444 Washington St., 3rd Flr, Denver, CO 80205(303) 953-0320

FAITH BASEDAgape Christian Church2501 California, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-2454

Central Baptist Church2400 California, Denver, CO 80205(303) 292-6618

Kingdom of God Christian Center2485 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 293-2233

gOVERNMENT OFFICESCop Shop2717 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 865-2355

Councilwoman Carla Madison2713 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 298-7641

Denver Motor VehicleFive Points Plaza2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 865-4600

HEALTH & HUMAN RESOURCESbrother jeff’s Community Health Initiative 608 26th St., 2nd Floor, Denver, CO 80205(303) 293-0024

Denver Options2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 587-2741

Grupo Esperenza Y Fe2545 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 297-0749

Guidance Behind the Walls608 26th St., Denver, CO 80205(303) 317-2800

Healing Life’s Pains2515 California St., Denver, CO 80205(720) 275-3383

Kaleidoscope Project 2499 Washington, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-0259

Hope Communities2543 California, Denver, CO 80205(303) 860-7747

LEgAL SERVICESBenford Bail Bonds 728 E. 26th Ave., Denver, CO 80205(720) 275-0619

Crawford Law Centre2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 457-5035

Jenkins Krol2850 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-8480

Kiovsky and Duwaldt2820 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 293-2300

MEDIAChannel 122900 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-1212

Denver Weekly News2937 Welton, Denver, 80205(303) 292-5158

5 Points News2836 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-0823

Free Speech TV2900 Welton, Denver CO 80205(303) 442- 8445

KUVO2900 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 480-9272

Urban Spectrum2727 Welton, Denver CO 80205(303) 292 6446

REAL ESTATE Public Realty2608 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-2128

RESTAURANTS & BARSColeman’s Diner2622 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-3389

Tom’s Cafe800 E. 26th St., Denver, CO 80205(303) 388-8035

Welton Street Cafe2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 308-0860

RETAIL & SERVICESLil Tattoo2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 319-1814Neat Stuff at the Black Market2547 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 382-1337

Uptown Market 2721 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 993-7701

SCHOOLSTubman-Hilliard Global Academy2741 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 542 8238

VENUESCervantes Masterpiece Ballroom2637 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-1772

YOUTH SERVICESHalo Center for Youth2758 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 757-2368

2444 Washington Stdenver, Colorado 80205

Ph. 303.832.5000www.fivepointsbusiness.org

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Enjoy theater in the heart of Historic Five points

2608 Welton, denver, Co 80205303.295.2128

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APril 2011 8 7

The City Auditor is the watchdog for the citizens of Denver, conducting independent financial, compliance, and performance audits of City agencies, pro-grams, and contracts. Dennis Gallagher currently holds this position with Mar-cus Richardson and Bill Wells running against him in the May election.

5 POINTS NEWS (5PN) contacted each candidate seeking information to share with our readers. Richardson is the only candidate that responded. Here’s what he had to say.

5PN: For those who don’t know you, who are you and what qualifies you to be the City Auditor?

Richardson: My name is Marcus D. Richardson. I am a home grown leader and father of two children with deep fam-ily roots. I am a Certified Internal Con-trols Auditor. I have over 27 years of auditing experience in the Denver City Auditor’s Office. Fifteen of those years, I was an Audit Manager at Denver Inter-national Airport (the 5th busiest airport in the United States). My teams uncovered millions of dollars for the city through detailed contract compliance type perfor-mance audits.

5PN: What makes you different than the other two candidates running for auditor?

Richardson: I am the only candidate that is a Certified Internal Controls Auditor. I am the only candidate that has over 27 years audit experience. I am the only can-didate that has over 15 years audit man-agement experience. I am the only Can-didate that has come up through the ranks in the Denver City Auditor’s Office and managed teams that recovered millions of dollars for the city. I am the only can-didate that organized a large scale audit conference for auditors from our nation and all around the world.

5PN: As a city auditor how do you see the city of Denver currently and its future?

Richardson: Currently, the City of Den-ver is facing a budget forecast shortfall of $100 million. According to articles in The Denver Post, this economic problem in Denver is growing every year – and city officials say it cannot continue to be fixed through furloughs, dipping into reserves or any other temporary solutions. DEN-VER NEEDS DOLLARS!!! I see a posi-tive future for Denver because as Auditor I intend to uncover revenue sources that will provide sufficient dollars to cover reasonable expenditures. I will also seek every opportunity to find information and resources that will assist in using the Au-ditor’s Office to reduce the expected bud-get shortfall.

City AuditorsWho can solve the city’s financial woes?

Tuesday, March 29, 2011, a coalilt-ion seeking the recall of Denver School Board President Nate Easley submitted an estimated 6,000 signitures to the Den-ver Election Commission. The official let-ter addressed to coalition organizer from Stephanie Y. O’Malley Clerk and Recorder Public Trustee follows:

April 13, 2011

Dear Mr. McBride:On March 29, 2011, this office re-

ceived 103 petition sections for the recall of Nate Easley from the office of Denver Public School District #1, Board Director in Director District 4, in the City and County of Denver and State of Colorado. Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 1-12-108 8 (a) through (c), a review of the petition sec-tions you submitted indicates the following:

nate easleyto recall or not to recall? that is the Question

In accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes § 1-12-108 8 (c), you are hereby notified that the Denver Elections Divi-sion has determined that an insufficient

City Council At-Large and Five pointsThe Denver City Council race is heat-

ing up, there are five candidates running for two City Council At-Large seats, and our very own Carla Madison is running unop-posed. Do you know what the At-Large seat does, how they are selected or how they support our district? Mayoral Candi-date Councilman At-Large Doug Linkhart was able to provide such information.

Five Points News (5PN): Councilman LinkHart can you briefly explain the City Council At-Large seat?

Councilman Linkhart: The two at-large Council members are elected citywide from a slate of people who choose to run for that position. This year there are five people running for the two positions; the two who come in first and second on May 3 will take office, with no runoff. These members have no more influence or vot-ing power on City Council than the 11 dis-trict members. As mentioned above, the at-large Council members work primarily on citywide issues. They can be helpful resources to an area like Five Points if used effectively.

5PN: Is the city split between the two At-Large seats for responsibility?

Councilman Linkhart: No, the two at-large Council members both serve the whole community. Typically each mem-ber focuses on different issues.

5PN: How is 5 points district affected by the At-Large Seat?

Councilman Linkhart: Council mem-bers at-large primarily focus on citywide issues, many of which would probably af-fect Five Points. During my eight years as a Councilman At-Large, I focused on reforming public safety, creating eco-nomic prosperity and investing in kids. Through these efforts I reduced the jail population, helped connect people to jobs and financial services and created new opportunities for kids. All of these efforts contribute to a better quality of life in ar-eas like Five Points. Other ways in which the at-large Council member can affect an area like Five Points is by supporting the efforts of the district Councilperson, working directly with local neighborhood or business associations on their activities and serving as someone to whom people in the area can turn when they disagree with the local Councilperson or feel poor-ly served by the person.

5PN: Thank you Councilman Linkhart and good luck.

– Terrence “Big T” Hughes

Marcus Richardson Nate Easley addresses Green Valley Ranch residents

Denver election official receiving signitures.

Bill WellsDennis Gallagher

doug linkhart Carol Boigon

Denver City Council At-Large

1437 Bannock St., room 451Denver, CO 80202 • 720.865.8000

“I am energetic, hardworking, fair, firm, honest, credible, hands-on successful leader. i have a great rapport and a track record of working well with long-term and new city employees, contractors, colleagues, and denver’s citizens.”

A Self Sustaining Auditor’s Office

www.richardson4auditor.compaid for by volunteers

Petition Statistics Summary ReportNo. of Signatures submited 5,899No. of valid (accepted) signatrues 3,283

No. of invalid (rejected) signatures 2,603No. of excluded signatures 13Required no. of signatures 5,363

number of signatures are valid to place the recall question on a future ballot.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Communications Of-fice at 720-865-4872.

Sincerely,Stephanie Y. O’Malley Clerk and Recorder

cc:Dr. Nate Easley, Denver Public Schools, Board of Education John Kechriotis, Esq., Denver Public Schools, Board of Educa-tion Mary Titus Sam Marianne Casteneda