The Denver Department of Health and Human Services provides services that fall under a number of categories such as families, child welfare, and foster care; people with disabilities; job placement, training, and unemployment; financial assistance; hospitals; housing and food assistance; seniors; and veterans. With more than 100,000 people in Denver living under the poverty line, the need for a highly efficient and effective Department of Health and Human Services is more critical than ever.
The following insights into how each candidate stands regarding the state of Denver’s Department of Health and Human Services and related issues are gathered from comments either made at recent campaign events or published on-line or in printed campaign materials. Candidate names are listed in the order in which they appear on the ballot.
Michael Hancock Bottom line: Said the next mayor needs to have “compassion for those who aren’t seen” such as the homeless and the hungry as well as for those who are different or face unique challenges.
On his campaign website: No mention of Human Services
In his campaign flyer: No mention of Human Services
Issue-specific ideas or solutions presented at March 24 and April 6 events: Said the next mayor needs to have “compassion for those who aren’t seen” such as the homeless and the hungry as well as for those who are different or face unique challenges.
Issue-related comments: In a Colorado Statesman article, Hancock was quoted as saying he supports the adoption of a “model program to make it easier for domestic violence victims to navigate bureaucracy to safety.” Hancock added that one of his sisters was a victim of domestic violence and “vowed to create a family justice center” that would provide a “one-stop shop for victims of domestic violence.”
“You should be able to walk through one door, find the protective order you need, find the shelter you need, even have your dog taken care of, make sure your children are taken care of,” Hancock said.
In a KDVR report regarding a Denver mayoral candidate forum on child welfare, Hancock was quoted as saying he was “one of those children whose only meal came when the school door opened” and as mayor he would be empathetic toward children in such circumstances. Hancock agreed with other candidates that funding poses a significant challenge to the city’s ability to provide “an effective social safety net for at-risk children” and said Denver needs a “one-stop shop, comprehensive approach to protecting our children’s future.”
Experience Potentially Related to this Issue: • City Councilman 2003-Present --President 2006-2008
Chris Romer Bottom line: None available
On his campaign website: No mention of Human Services
In his campaign flyer: No mention of Human Services
Issue-specific ideas or solutions presented at March 24 and April 6 events: No mention of Human Services
Issue-related comments: None
Experience Potentially Related to this Issue: • Senator 2007-2010