Denver's Last Three Mayors -- I Think Hick Comes in Second

This from this morning's Denver Post provides Susan Barnes-Gelt's characterizations of Denver's most recent mayors; two ex-mayors, Wellington Webb and Federico Pena, and the present mayor, John Hickenlooper. Susan doesn't, however, really tell us which of the mayors: "... looked boldly forward, another gazed fondly into a rearview mirror and the third marched firmly in place." Susan kind of made a little game out of the whole thing.

I'll betcha, though, that Susan's evaluation of the big three places Webb as that "...rearview mirror...," guy; Hickenlooper as "...march[ing] firmly in place," and the guy who actually brought her into his administration back in the '80s, Federico Pena, as, "...look[ing] boldly forward."

I really can't disagree with her. I mean, does the Hick really think we're impressed with his high school valedictorian rhetoric which proposes: "If in any way I see further than others, it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants." Or, indeed, ol' Hick notes, that, "I'm not sure how much government can do to produce a strong economy ... We have to build the infrastructure that enhances our quality of life and makes this a more attractive place," while, at the same he declared, "Government ought to get out of the way." Hmmm.... Okay. Can't have it both ways, Johnnie. And, come to think of it, you've been pretty inept at getting government "...out of the way..." with regard to the Building Department permitting and review process.

But, I digress.

And, here's one from Hick that's evokes either a "no shit," response or an "ah, I don't really get it," kind of response that maybe could have been clarified by a little more commentary from hizzoner: "In the future, we're going to enjoy greater leverage on the investment we've made - DIA, Stapleton, Lowry."

Gotta' be a no shitter!

Anway, thanks Susan. Can't wait for your next piece which you've already entitled: "Mayor, where are you taking us?"

Maybe he's going to let us stand up there with him on the shoulders of giants so we all can see a little further into his vision, 'cause he sure hasn't articulated much of a vision so far.