I directed an agency with 2100 employees and a $30 million budget that serves as the official public health department for the City/County and includes services and regulatory functions related to environmental quality, health inspections, community health improvement, medical examiner and animal care and control.

I was elected twice as one of Denver’s two City Councilmembers at-large. Some of the efforts that I initiated or helped start include creation of the Crime Prevention Control Commission, Economic Prosperity Center, Bank on Denver financial literacy program, Mile High Holidays, Global Denver, a wind energy ordinance, and citywide plans for youth and older residents. I also served as a member of the Homeless Commission and the Welfare Reform Board and as President of the Colorado Municipal… Show more I was elected twice as one of Denver’s two City Councilmembers at-large. Some of the efforts that I initiated or helped start include creation of the Crime Prevention Control Commission, Economic Prosperity Center, Bank on Denver financial literacy program, Mile High Holidays, Global Denver, a wind energy ordinance, and citywide plans for youth and older residents. I also served as a member of the Homeless Commission and the Welfare Reform Board and as President of the Colorado Municipal League, among other positions. Show less

The Neighborhood Resource Center of Colorado was a Colorado nonprofit corporation providing assistance to residents and community-based organizations. NRC had seven staff people and existed until 2012, when it merged with the Community Resource Center. NRC had a $2 million budget, with contracts and grants from foundations, federal government, State of Colorado, City of Denver and various corporations.

I served two years in the House of Representatives and eight years in the Senate, sponsoring bills to address the day-to-day needs of people in my district by cracking down on predatory lending, helping to create the state’s Child Care Tax Credit, initiating incentives for school-to-career programs and improving job training programs. As a Senator I served as Chairman of the Legislative Audit Committee and Chairman of the Majority Caucus. For most of my tenure in both… Show more I served two years in the House of Representatives and eight years in the Senate, sponsoring bills to address the day-to-day needs of people in my district by cracking down on predatory lending, helping to create the state’s Child Care Tax Credit, initiating incentives for school-to-career programs and improving job training programs. As a Senator I served as Chairman of the Legislative Audit Committee and Chairman of the Majority Caucus. For most of my tenure in both legislative houses, I served on the committee overseeing health and human services. Show less