DENVER – Former State Senator Penfield Tate is announcing his bid to become the next mayor of the city of Denver.
Denver voters will decide in May of 2019 during the May primary and the June election who will lead the city for the next four years. Penfield Tate has thrown his hat in the ring, a field that’s expected to include current Mayor Michael Hancock. Hancock has held fundraisers but has not formally plans to seek a third term.
In his first interview since announcing his candidacy, Tate sat down with Contact7 Chief Investigator Tony Kovaleski to talk about what drove him to pursue the job.
“Over time I’ve been watching what’s going on in our city and frankly, I’ve been concerned,” Tate told Kovaleski. “I just felt it was time for the city to move in a different direction.”
Tate added, "There is a sense that we are out of balance here and there’s a sense of disruption. We’ve overdeveloped in the minds of many. We’ve developed in ways that’s (sic) driven a gentrification in many of our neighborhoods. We’ve developed in a way where the development isn’t compatible, isn’t in sync with neighborhoods."
In response to Tate's announcement, Hancock's office sent the following statement:
"Mayor Hancock and the people of Denver have a lot to be proud of. Denver is an exciting place to be -- our economy is thriving and our neighborhoods are safe. The Mayor has made rec centers free to kids and seniors, created more housing for the homeless, and improved access to city services. Mayor Hancock is excited to campaign on his work to increase funding for affordable housing, make it easier to get around town, improve our park system, and create a more equitable city by protecting our most vulnerable communities and increasing access to opportunity for all. He’s focused on addressing Denver’s biggest challenges, supporting key measures on the fall ballot, and electing Jared Polis and other Democrats to office."
Others already announcing a bid for mayor include Kalyn Heffernan, Kayvan Khalatbari, Marcus Giavanni, and Ken Simpson.
Chief Investigator Tony Kovaleski will have more on Denver7 at 10 p.m.
