August 23, 2011 11:00 PM UTC

Kennedy Named Deputy Mayor

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• by: Colorado Pols

From the logical appointments of the day department, here’s this press release from Denver Mayor Michael Hancock:

Mayor Hancock Appoints Cary Kennedy as Deputy Mayor

DENVER – Mayor Michael B. Hancock today announced the appointment of Cary Kennedy as Deputy Mayor for the City and County of Denver. Currently serving as the City’s Chief Financial Officer, Kennedy will stand second in the mayoral line of succession, acting as chief executive when the Mayor is unavailable.

“Cary is a natural fit to serve as our Deputy Mayor due to the nature of her position as CFO and her in-depth knowledge of the city,” Mayor Hancock said. “Having grown up in Denver, she has a rich understanding of the inner workings and a deep love of the city that will serve this administration and the people of Denver well.”

Folks, while the Hancock administration has already had its fair-share of ups-and-downs, Hancock’s appointment of Kennedy to the CFO position still shines as a great decision. It’s smart for Hancock to continue to showcase Cary’s role in the administration, and even if Deputy Mayor only matters nominally – the position, after all, carries no additional duties or powers – it’s a smart move for both Hancock and Kennedy. Cary remains extremely popular with progressives around the state, and the more high-profile a position she’s given in the administration, the more Hancock can be conservative on some issues with far less electoral discomfort.

The appointment also paves the way for Kennedy, often rumored to still be planning an eventual run for Governor, to have an easier route to the Denver Mayor’s office. We expect Hancock will be able to serve for the next 4 (and likely 8) years without any controversy, but if he doesn’t, Kennedy will inherit the Mayor’s office both skillfully and naturally. Kennedy will also easily be able to make the case that she’s the natural candidate to succeed Hancock in the next Mayoral election without an incumbent.

WIth appointments like these, Kennedy may still be Governor. That Kennedy can continue to be extremely politically relevant even after losing a statewide election is a testament to her skill and support base. Cary continues to improve upon her profile as a talented lawmaker and an incredible addition to any office. She’s now on a direct path to become Mayor if she wants it, provided she has the patience.  Of course, it wouldn’t be a stretch for Denver’s first female Mayor to become Colorado’s first female governor. We’re sure Kennedy knows it, too.

The press release in its entirety.  

Mayor Hancock Appoints Cary Kennedy as Deputy Mayor

DENVER – Mayor Michael B. Hancock today announced the appointment of Cary Kennedy as Deputy Mayor for the City and County of Denver. Currently serving as the City’s Chief Financial Officer, Kennedy will stand second in the mayoral line of succession, acting as chief executive when the Mayor is unavailable.

“Cary is a natural fit to serve as our Deputy Mayor due to the nature of her position as CFO and her in-depth knowledge of the city,” Mayor Hancock said. “Having grown up in Denver, she has a rich understanding of the inner workings and a deep love of the city that will serve this administration and the people of Denver well.”

Kennedy previously served as the Colorado State Treasurer from 2007 to 2011. A sound fiscal manager, she effectively protected and grew the states investments through the worst recession in over 70 years.

Before serving as Treasurer, Kennedy worked as a budget analyst for Gov. Roy Romer, followed serving as a fiscal analyst for the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. She left the Department to lead a broad bi-partisan coalition to increase funding for Colorado’s public schools through passing Amendment 23 in November of 2000. From 2004 to 2005, Kennedy served as policy director for House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and assisted in developing Colorado’s Referendum C, which voters passed in 2005. She has received high accolades from city and state leaders because of her dedication to public service and her ability to work in a fair manner.

“It’s an honor to be chosen to serve as Mayor Hancock’s Deputy Mayor,” Kennedy said. “This position comes with great responsibility, but should the need arise, I know I am up to the challenge.”

A 1991 charter amendment changed the line of succession, allowing the mayor to designate a Deputy Mayor from among his or her department managers. As CFO, Kennedy is responsible for managing the city and county’s finances and presenting the Mayor with the annual budget estimate. Kennedy was sworn-in as Deputy Mayor this morning at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 23.