A Word From Travis Leiker, District 10 City Council Hopeful
Greetings, Out Front Readers!
When I moved to Colorado in 1997, Denver was already on the rise and adoration for this Western gem was taking hold throughout the country. I, too, had long shared a similar fondness for the Mile High City. For me, Denver has always represented a world of endless possibilities. I’m running for City Council in District 10 because I believe in our future and the possibilities it holds for us.
I’m proud of the diversity in Denver’s 10th District. This diversity is both the source of our strength and the key to the magnetic quality of our neighborhoods that continues to attract people to this place we call home. Maintaining diversity means everything, from keeping a range of options to ensure housing is affordable and attainable to rethinking transportation infrastructure. It means unobstructed sidewalks, enhanced bike lanes, expanded car sharing, affordable public transportation, and a long-overdue transit link from Cherry Creek to Central Denver.
Maintaining diversity also means standing strong for equal rights.
In my student days at the University of Colorado, I never could have predicted how quickly the LGBTQ community would seize the possible. We went from struggling to have our voices heard when Colorado adopted constitutional amendments denying our rights, to winning battles in the legislature, in the courts, and in the voting booth, with proud LGBTQ leaders mobilizing our community and strengthening our city and state. Like so many of our residents, my partner David and I enjoy today what was once the promise of the possible, and I am committed to continuing the fight for civil rights and social justice for all of our citizens.
I have spent 15 years working to strengthen our community by giving voice to those who have struggled to be heard. I began by working for Congressman Jared Polis back when he was on the State Board of Education. I put my Political Science degree and my Master’s degree in Public Administration to work fighting for issues like tuition equity for undocumented Colorado youth and working on legislation that now regulates the payday lending. I worked to advance women’s leadership through my work at the White House Project and to support the environmental movement through advocacy and grassroots mobilization at Conservation Colorado. Today, I work for the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, advancing its role in our community, and I serve as the president of the board of NARAL Pro- Choice Colorado, protecting access to reproductive health care.
I want to take these values to City Council and be a champion for District 10, meeting the challenges our city faces by fighting for the inclusive, diverse government our residents seek.
Once again, our citizens are struggling to be heard. All too often, residents hear about development projects or ordinances at the last minute or after the fact. They feel key decisions have been made behind closed doors, and public input appears to be nonexistent.
If I’m fortunate enough to earn your vote and serve as your next City Councilperson, I will make outreach, communication, consensus-building, and citizen engagement my priority.
Denver is poised for dramatic change. If we are to seize the possible once more, we need leaders who bring a fresh perspective, are open to new ideas, and treat neighborhoods and residents like stakeholders in our government. I would be honored to carry your voice to City Council, and I am eager to work with you to create a more vibrant Denver.
All the best,
Travis
Mr. Leiker has focused much of his career on various progressive issues and creating a more equitable society. If elected, he has committed himself to engaging the community more and elevating your voice in the business of our government.
HEADS UP! Watch for your ballot, hitting mailboxes this week! They’re due back to the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s Office by May 5.
For more information about Travis, visit
TravisLeiker.com.
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