Denver Mayoral Race: Libraries
To help balance the city’s budget, city agencies must find ways to cut their budgets by nine percent. According to a recent 9News story, that amounts to about $2.5 million for Denver’s libraries. In order to make such cuts, the Denver Public Library Commission may be forced to close up to a dozen libraries or drastically alter all branches’ hours and services.
Due to a bond package approved by Denver voters in 2007, libraries are among those infrastructure projects under renovation—or construction—at the same time city residents may see their local branches close. While eight Denver library branches have already been renovated, renovations are currently underway at the Central Library and the Virginia Village branch library. Construction of a branch library in Stapleton will begin in May, with two other new branches due to be built during the next year.
The following insights into how each candidate stands regarding libraries 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:
As mayor he would partner the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs, Theaters and Arenas with the Office of Economic Development and city agencies such as Workforce Development, Denver Public Schools, Career Services, Parks and Recreation, and Libraries as well as private organizations “to thread the creative arts throughout all activities and projects in the city” while using “public dollars in a smart and effective way.”
On his campaign website:
In the section “Arts and Culture” under the heading “Activating our Community through the Arts and Creativity,” Hancock states as mayor he will “weave together Denver’s creative sectors with economic development tools in a strategic plan that will strengthen our economy and highlight our quality of life.”
He adds he will partner the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs, Theaters and Arenas with the Office of Economic Development and city agencies such as Workforce Development, Denver Public Schools, Career Services, Parks and Recreation, and Libraries as well as private organizations “to thread the creative arts throughout all activities and projects in the city” while using “public dollars in a smart and effective way.”
In his campaign flyer:
No mention of libraries
Issue-specific ideas or solutions presented at March 24 and April 6 events:
No mention of libraries
Issue-related comments:
In an Urban Land Institute questionnaire, Hancock was quoted as saying as mayor he would consider “non-profit stewardship agreements, public-private partnerships, and metro districts” in order to “maintain essential services” delivered “equitably to all Denver neighborhoods.”
Experience Potentially Related to this Issue:
• City Councilman 2003-Present
--President 2006-2008
Chris Romer
Bottom line:
Does not support the privatization of libraries.
On his campaign website:
No mention of libraries
In his campaign flyer:
No mention of libraries
Issue-specific ideas or solutions presented at March 24 and April 6 events:
No mention of libraries
Issue-related comments:
In an Urban Land Institute questionnaire, Romer was quoted as saying he does not support privatization of city services such as libraries.
Experience Potentially Related to this Issue:
• Senator 2007-2010
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