Hickenlooper launches 'Better Denver' campaign

Daniel J. Chacon, Rocky Mountain News

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

A front-end loader served as the backdrop for today's launch of "Better Denver," Mayor John Hickenlooper's campaign for nine infrastructure-related initiatives that voters will consider this fall.

"The simple title of 'Better Denver' says it all," Hickenlooper told dozens of supporters waving campaign signs urging the passage of Issues A through I on the Nov. 6 ballot.

"We will ultimately build a better Denver," said the mayor, who was flanked by City Council members and two of the campaign co-chairs, oil man Bruce Benson and attorney Frances Koncilja.

Voters are being asked to approve a 2.5 mill levy to pay for ongoing maintenance and $550 million worth of bond projects.

If all nine questions are approved, the owner of a home valued at $255,000 would pay $63.27 more in property taxes annually.

"The simple fact is that Denver is significantly behind when it comes to maintaining some of our most precious and valuable resources," Hickenlooper said.

"But this proactive plan provides a means to better maintain our physical assets, like streets and sidewalks, parks and safety buildings, even the city's public hospital and several cultural facilities," he said.

chacond@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5099