July 18, 2011 09:00 PM UTC

Denver's New Mayor

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• by: Colorado Pols

Just a friendly reminder, folks, that as of about five minutes ago, Michael Hancock is officially the Mayor of Denver, Colorado.

It was an extended campaign filled with spin from every which way, but with Hancock’s swearing in, we’re comfortable in saying that it’s officially over. Congratulations to Mayor Hancock and all of the new members of the Denver City Council.

We look forward to covering the Hancock administration in the coming years in addition to other municipal and state issues relating to the Mile High City.

From Hancock’s first momentous blast e-mail as Mayor:

Dear Denver –

With a positive vision of our city, we have spent years working together for a better future. Today, I am proud to serve as your next mayor.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.  

I am humbled by your support and inspired by your resolve to make our great city even greater. And I am excited to continue our work.

For 18 months during the campaign, I met with Denver residents like you in your kitchens, backyards and businesses. And the one resounding message I heard over and over again from you is that Denver is ready.

We are ready to turn challenges into opportunities for a brighter future. We are ready to jumpstart our economy. We are ready for Denver to take its rightful place as one of the premier cities in the United States and around the globe.

Today, I tell you Denver – it is time. Time that we deliver a great city for all of our citizens. Denver is brimming with possibility. Now is the time for all of us to come together to turn our dreams and aspirations into reality.

While fighting with you through two recessions, I have seen your determination and drive. I have seen your passion for a positive path forward and I have seen your dedication to building a better Denver.

And as your next mayor, I will not give up.  I am ready to move Denver forward. I am ready for all of us to deliver a great city.

It will take great collaboration and creativity to turn the dial from challenges to opportunities. We have hit the ground running and we are ready to lead Denver to the next frontier.

More than 700 volunteers and 300 committee members from across the region donated their time, energy and expertise to our Transition Team. Their work has been essential to a fair and transparent process to select the best and the brightest for our administration and to help us identify the major challenges and opportunities facing Denver.

While we’ve been securing the best team for Denver, we’ve also been enacting key parts of the People’s Plan and my First 100 Days Plan, including the Denver Education Compact and Peak Performance.

But delivering a great city and building a brighter future will not come overnight. This is a marathon, not a sprint. This is a journey that began 153 years ago when Denver became a city. And the steps we take in the years ahead will help determine Denver 153 years from now.  

Denver, I am excited. We are going to deliver a world-class 21st Century city that we can all be proud of. It will require tough, painful decisions, and we may not always agree, but I will always listen. You will always have a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation.

Today not only marks a new day for a new administration, but it marks the first day we come together to deliver a great city for all.  

I learned early on in life that when you face tough times, you work as a team and you never give up. We never gave up during the campaign, and I promise I will never give up as your mayor and never forget this is our journey together.

I am ready, but I cannot do this alone. I need each and every one of you to re-commit to the hard work ahead.

We are all Denver. To ensure that no business, no neighborhood and no family are left behind, I need your energy, your creativity and your feedback. I need you to stand with me, because this journey is our journey together.

Denver, you have made me who I am. You have made our city what it is today, and together we will deliver an even greater city for our children tomorrow.  

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Michael B. Hancock

Mayor of Denver

P.S. — Don’t forget to join us at the Denver Botanic Gardens later this evening for the Denver Celebrates Tonight Concert. The event begins at 6 p.m. and doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Also, join us for the DenverTogether Neighborhood Parks Tour on Saturday, July 23