A testament to fighting for the promise of democracy, Coloradans for the Common Good (CCG) and Mountain Voices Project (MVP) brought together 400 leaders and candidates for governor and attorney general for the largest action of Colorado’s primary election campaign season. Leaders shared powerful testimonies and secured public commitments from every candidate to take specific action on labor, education, housing, immigration, and consumer protections in Colorado.
“Accountability begins when people come together, speak honestly about their lives, and ask those seeking public office to answer clearly and publicly,” said Rev. Sheri Fry of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, which hosted the accountability session.
“The Declaration’s promise of equality was never meant to remain words on parchment. It becomes real only when organized people hold power accountable and ordinary citizens claim their voice in public life.”
Representing over 30 faith, labor, and community institutions across Colorado, leaders shared a common concern for the mounting costs of housing. They asked two top candidates for governor to respond directly - yes-or-no - on whether they will work with CCG and sign legislation lifting the statewide ban on rent control as it pertains to mobile home parks. Despite repeatedly opposing lifting the ban outright on the campaign trail, both candidates faced the packed sanctuary of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church and responded affirmatively.
Alfonso Espino of Globeville-Elyria-Swansea Coalition closed the accountability session with a moving call to action:
“And we will send a message to those who want to be kings - whether they work in the White House, in the Governor’s mansion, in City Hall on our work sites or in our schools- that we will fight authoritarianism wherever it shows up. And that we will organize ourselves to fight oppression and to determine our own futures. Our fates can not be left at the mercy of those who profit from our misery.”
Leaders committed to reinterpreting the Declaration of Independence “in a way that includes all of us” through a civic academy campaign leading up to its 250th anniversary.
[Photo credit: Simone Schiess]
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Colorado Labor Groups Press Bennet, Weiser for Yes-or-No 'Clarity' in Governor Forum, Colorado Newsline [pdf]