If you are celebrating the likely ousting of
@laurenboebert
, please take a moment to thank
@SolforCO
. I'm happy to provide additional context in anyone needs it.
Me: "We could be investing in supports proven to reduce crime."
Chief of
@DenverPolice
: "You mean like STAR?"
ME: "Are you taking credit for STAR?"
CHIEF: "No, it doesn't reduce violent crime"
Me: "It reduces violent crime against folks in crisis committed by police."
Chief:
While standing in solidarity with our students at Auraria Campus today, a cop looked at me and the young person I was supporting, whispered to his buddies and then bulldozed us. He and another cop began twisting my wrist to the point where I thought for sure it would break.
Hey friends! Keep our amazing students in your thoughts today
Green Mountain
Golden
Lakewood
A West
Wheat Ridge
Are all having walk outs today in support of abortion rights!
#AbortionIsHealthcare
#ReproductiveJustice
I'm sad that not a single school board member stood behind the data, stood up for our Black and Brown students, and at least symbolically took a stand against reactionary, flawed policy. No one is safer, but some are undoubtedly more at risk now.
An older gentleman was attacked by police today. They tried to take his bike, threw him around, to the ground and in the chaos hit him in the face with their baton. With tears in his eyes, he spoke of his memories at Kent State protesting the Vietnam War. The same violence.
I'm incredibly disappointed to see community members and elected leaders jumping on this dangerous bandwagon of villifying Rep.
@_timhernandez
I'm so tired of watching people salivating at the chance to decide to throw a person away based on 20 seconds of their life.
During testimony to lift rent stabilization ban - HB1115- a landlord admitted that if rent stabilization were to be implemented, he would discriminate against those renters by not fixing maintenance issues in their units.
Keep fighting.
Yesterday I hid in a bathroom and cried. Today I got back on doors.
Started the canvass in College View, one of my favorite neighborhoods.
Ended the day in my neighborhood, made a new friend, and earned some votes along the way.
Keep fighting.
Yesterday my opponent mocked me as I stood outside of the local grocery store in freezing temps gathering signatures. Why wouldn't he? A young woman with a full time job, a family, running a grassroots campaign. The nerve. I'm sure he thinks this is his to win. I believe in us
Below is my statement regarding an incident that occurred at a community meeting yesterday. I'm sharing this because I deserve to be safe. While this man berated, admonished, mocked and disrespected me, not a single person intervened. This is not ok and it is far too common.
TW: Sexual Violence
In September, I was drugged, beaten, and raped by an acquaintance. I didn't expect to discuss this on Twitter, but I don't have a platform with The Sun. To whatever extent I have one here, I will use it. Why am I sharing this? (1)
Here's my new desk where I'll be serving as Sr. Director of Legislative & Constituent Services for Councilwoman Shontel M. Lewis and the beautifully diverse people of District 8. 1/2
Let me introduce y'all to Councilwoman Lewis! My heart and soul is filled with hope and inspiration. I'm so grateful that
@Shontel4Council
exists and that she has gifted us with her leadership.
Spent my morning with neighbors at an encampment and the part that always breaks my heart is that folks feel like they have to explain why they're worthy of help. We've made them feel this way. They deserve to live free and safe because we all do.
Ok friends I have an urgent request. It appears there is no plan for the pets that are companions to our unhoused friends. This is scary and dangerous because some people will choose to stay with their pet putting both at risk, the others will not make it. 🧵
I've never heard a government sponsored clean up of a park being the solution to housing instability, poverty, lack of access to Healthcare resources, food insecurity and how those issues intersect with gun violence, but I do know that the loss of a loved one is devastating.
If you're a "yes" on 2O and you've been silently watching as numerous WOC have been PILED on while others NO on 2O-myself and countless other white women & men-have gone unscathed, know that your racism and misogyny are what you and this ballot measure will be remembered for.
Where do we start? Anti-climate absent of a traffic study? Lack of intentional planning & consideration in transit oriented planning? Reality of being pro affordability w/ majority unaffordable units? OR Call out WOC on a slate of all NO’s— Bias eats logic for breakfast; often
This is the reaction to a child expressing their anger at the world we've created for them. We send them to school every day with the knowledge they are open targets and no one is keeping them safe. What are we doing? Disgusted.
BREAKING: A 14 year old Denver student who walked out for gun violence prevention in schools today was arrested and thrown to the ground by Capitol Police for yelling from the Gallery at the State Capitol just a few moments ago.
CW: Police violence.
Good morning! Just wanted to hop on briefly to thank you for all the love and support. If you were with us last night you already know how full my heart is with pride for the campaign we ran. More importantly, I'm excited to get to work in the run off. It was never me, it's us.🌹
I want to make it so clear:
I will be undervoting in the mayoral race. This means I will return my ballot, as instructed, w/o filling in a bubble for either candidate.
But if we lived in a country where I was FORCED to vote, I'd vote Mike Johnston.
Truly the worst election.
So, a Principal of a Denver middle school created an "incarceration room" where he locked up children with behavioral/mental health issues. Locked from the outside. Windows covered and locked. What is going on?
I honestly think I've lost all hope. The amount of hate and opposition received for sheltering families is obscene. People would rather see children in tents on the streets than house them in a hotel. We really have lost all humanity.
The reason I spoke in support of Rep.
@_timhernandez
can be seen here. I'm sure this won't assuage the hate being thrown, but I hope that those who needed to hear this, will hear this.
I condemn Hamas, and I condemn-- in the strongest ways possible-- all violence against civilians. My heart is heavy for the innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives lost. And I am sorry for the harm I have caused to many in the Jewish community and the Israeli community this week.
Happy Election Day or Voter Suppression Day?!?! The City of Denver, DOTI, the Mayors office is forcing a SWEEP this morning in snow and freezing temperatures. With 93% humidity, the feels like affective temperature is 16°. People are freezing. This is Denver under
@MayorHancock
This doesn't happen often, but I don't know what to say. Nothing feels adequate enough. District 8 should be erupting in celebration today because Councilwoman-elect
@Shontel4Council
is coming to the dais!
It was my child August who was on the panel & gave their pronouns. They also gave the old white men in the room a lesson on the 2nd amendment and begged the committee to pass the ban so they can stop trying to figure out how to run from an AR15. Not surprised they mocked a child.
"My pronouns are pew & pew," says a white male as he speaks in opposition to the assault rifle ban. What an asshole. We had someone who came up a panel or so ago who said their pronouns are "they and them"... to which the old white men behind me scoffed loudly when they said…
In a room full of adults discussing abortion care and "women's rights" my 14 year old spoke up, "It's important when you're talking about abortion care that you remember it's not just a women's rights issue. Non binary people and trans men are also having their rights attacked."
Wild to know that we have children freezing in tents on the streets of Denver at this very moment. Many who are sick with various things, including chicken pox. We truly have lost all humanity.
Deeply proud of my kid
"Over the last five years, Caudill has assumed the roles of activist and protester.
“I don’t want anyone else to feel the ways I’ve felt, and I don’t think there’s a reason for me to be quiet about what I believe,” Caudill said"
My 15 year old trans+queer child just explained to me over dinner that, according to academic and activist Gregory H. Stanton who developed the "10 stages of genocide," their community is at stage 7/8.
To be clear, 9 is "extermination"
This is my child after the Pulse nightclub shooting. All they wanted was the LGBTQIA+ community to feel loved. They're 15 yo now & have survived years of bullying for being Gay & Non-Binary. Club Q was an attack against their community. How do I keep them safe in this world?
If you work in CO politics and are a person of color, you already know that you can't trust most people. However, there are some folks who are actively dangerous. Happy to chat with anyone who has questions. For that lady following my tweets, you are so unserious.
to make it "easier" to justify how we treat our unhoused. This disingenuous display doesn't help those who have experienced sexual violence. Deconstructing a society that has created & enabled behavior that leads to this type of violence is the conversation we should have. (End)
Green Mountain HS students unhappy with the U.S. Supreme Court’s expected overturn of the landmark Roe vs Wade decision affirming a woman’s right to abortion, walked out of class on today and marched down Alameda in Lakewood. Story soon from
@paolozialcita
@CPRNews
@LoganMDavis
And new vehicles will instantly become cheaper and easier for working Americans to afford, because …wait, what impact will this have on car prices?
Today, we watched our militarized police violently attack young students for peacefully protesting. Many of us walked away with injuries, but the trauma these young people will carry for the rest of their lives is unspeakable.
In the years I've known
@RepEpps
, I've heard the most misogynist, sexist, racist, and violent words in an effort to dehumanize and ultimately stop her, but she keeps fighting. That racism is on record through testimony, as she works for a better world. The kids thank you, Rep.
Years ago I got reprimanded for referring to Clarence as “Injustice Thomas.”
Tonight a super normal witness just called me “Unrepresentative Epps.”
It felt fair—until he just recited a poem addressed personally to me + the only other Black Rep. that included the word “baboon.”
The numbers are staggering & the reality is that the police do not prevent this crime. Creating a false narrative that people who are surviving on the streets present a greater danger than a neighbor or a friend or a partner, is a political game (5)
He was a former police officer and argued with me about what my experience was growing up in a DV home when the police were called. By the end he was yelling at me, inches from my face.
I knew someday the truth would come out. Representative Elisabeth Epps is a secret conservative. A housing conservative, nonetheless. The betrayal.
(Lest you all be fooled, this is deep sarcasm)
@CindyMy33022227
@laurenboebert
@SolforCO
Sol started her campaign over a year ago. She's been in community doing the work, building the groundwork & movement for CD3 to vote FOR someone, not just against LB. If the establishment had backed SoL, She Could have won handily. Her outreach for Frisch elevated his campaign.
Just talked to a voter for 20 minutes. Had his hard line issue. I remembered
@CandiCdeBacaD9
reminding me that sometimes it's more important to educate. He was 100% against overdose prevention sites. Agreed to go to HRAC with me & said he can't wait to visit me in my new office.
Just a thought: If someone you deeply respect and support on every (or almost EVERY) issue has weighed an issue, listened to all sides, but is on the other side.... maybe trust that they have come to that conclusion in the same way they have all others and don't belittle them.
There doesn't seem to be any "disqualifiers" for those running for Mayor, but this seems like it should be. Am I surprised that someone who would treat our unhoused inhumanely would ALSO target Denver workers who are immigrants and turn them over to ICE? No. No, I'm not.
NEW: Denver mayoral candidate
@KwameSpearman
says Denver Police should resume cooperation with immigration agents if possible. Spearman also said unauthorized immigrants commuting to homes outside Denver provides "opportunities for us to apply the letter of the law."
#copolitics
It doesn't matter what "side" you're on, if your criticism of a candidate involves negative comments about their child's appearance you're wrong. Full stop. Always leave kids out of this.
All people need and deserve access to safe shelter/housing, food security, healthcare w/ mental health resources, thriving wages, green & healthy spaces & a safe transit to navigate the day to day. I know a New Day and another world is possible. Thank you
@DSAdenver
Can we all just imagine for a second what it would mean to have a community powered, people centered city council? We don't agree on everything, but we work together. Our districts need different things. But WE are committed to starting w/ our most vulnerable & working our way up
I AM SHOCKED! Trish Zornio is going after another person of color who does more for democracy on his days off than this mediocre "columnist" has done in her entire privileged life.
It's giving colonizer.
I just want to publicly acknowledge
@abbeywinter1
for her tireless efforts to combat gun violence while dealing with hate from both sides for not doing it the way they think she should. I don't need to tell anyone that she is a unicorn and I am grateful for her advocacy.
A lesson on unintended consequences. Is it a coincidence that the encampment we've been spending time with and highlighting the need to prioritize in D8, has now received notice that they will be swept? Take care when dealing with empty promises of hope.
Last night my feed was filled with disgust over (current) Councilman Hinds' use of another person's experience with sexual violence to villianize and dehumanize our already vulnerable unhoused community. (2)
Fun fact: Tonight I had my first ever debate. Ever.
Things that altered my brain chemistry:
1. My family being there to support me
2. The people who got up to grab my yard signs while I was speaking
3. That my voice and hands and brain were shaking, but I made it through
"I know it will not be easy, but I do have a superpower. We call it people power. I stand in front of you and I bring all those people with me... our people-powered campaign is supported by a beautiful and diverse tapestry of people in Southwest Denver."
~~
@Caudill4Council
A few years ago women were harassed & stalked by a vol with the Democratic party. At the time, many of the individual county Dems and progressive orgs created policy on how to handle dangerous vols. Since I've been a candidate, he has accosted me at a Dem event & stalks socials.
Denver cannot afford to keep funding Xcel’s relationship with fossil fuels through our monthly bills. Investments into renewables and out of volatile the gas market is the only way out of this affordability crisis.
Joint Cmte on Rising Utility Rates making clear: Xcel’s dependence on a volatile gas market is the driving factor behind rate hikes. Investments in clean energy do not increase utility bills; in fact, the extent to which we’re replacing fossil fuels w renewables does the opposite
Maybe we can we all stop giving these "hot takes" on famous perpetrators? I was assaulted at 18. Last year I was drugged, beaten & assaulted. I've spoken openly about both. Do you know how many people give a shit how I am or what my "justice" was? Care for the people around you.
... are listening. We know that most assaults are committed by an intimate partner or an acquaintance. According to a 2019 FBI study, Colorado is ranked 6th in the nation for highest number of reported rapes. (4)
I felt compelled to speak on this because this conversation deserves more than to be a soundbite during a debate. If we're going to talk about this type of violence, it should always be trauma informed & with the data supported likelihood that there will be multiple survivors (3)
My grandfather came out of retirement after my grandma passed and started working at the King Soopers that we rode our bikes to as kids. He worked there until the day he died at the age of 84. Having the support of his union is full circle for me and I'm so proud.
Just want to combat some misinformation I'm hearing in regards to rent stabilization/ control:
1. It's an important step
2. It's not a solution, it's a part of it
3. We need to have municipalities that will implement it
4. We need to Upzone
5. We need more multi family housing
Feeling more disillusioned than ever watching all the work thousands of volunteers put in to elect leaders who we know will fight for the people, now witnessing that the power ultimately still belongs to a small few. None of whom are the warriors of change we desperately need
I lost a loved one to gun violence. My child has been traumatized by school shootings. My niece is a student at a school that had 2 shootings within weeks of one another. As our legislators are actively passing laws to protect us, I commit to fighting beside
@MomsDemand
on CC.
Having started my journey in politics as a volunteer and a campaign worker, this is especially important to me. All workers should have the right to a safe work environment, thriving wages and to collectively bargain.
I'm in support of South Platte River trail expansion and in opposition to the Pená highway expansion.
@iBikeCommute
thank you for providing resources so folks can be engaged in these processes. Please see the tweet below and lend your voice to support bike/walk/roll projects
I try my best to provide actionable items for fellow Denver transportation nerds and this is an important one. $46 million in local projects will be voted on Thurs. Two more days to comment in support of bike/ped/transit and against highway expansion.
This is the fear that I live with every day. My child is 16 & non-binary. Outspoken & proud. They were bullied almost to the point of death in 7th grade for being who they are. When legislators like
@bradleyforco
spew their hate and ignorance, they put my child's life in danger.
Nex Benedict was a 16 yo non binary student in Oklahoma who was murdered in the girls bathroom by fellow students. No teachers or staff called the authorities to help Nex after they initially survived the attack. This is the world Oklahoma elected leaders and Ryan Walter’s want.
I entered this race because our city & our people are struggling. We can not continue with another day of failed policies & the status quo of the last decade.
If you're ready for new leadership to represent ALL of our neighbors, please vote for me by April 4th!
#SeedsOfChange
August 2016 my then boyfriend (now husband) and I got pregnant and chose to have an abortion.
2 weeks ago we took in a 15 year old child we had never met who was legally abandoned by their parents and homeless.
We are pro-life.
I hope everyone has taken some time to rest and recover!
#TeamShontel
is READY TO GO! Please join us this weekend for our first runoff canvass! Sign up at the link below. If you can't knock, donate!
To have a candidate openly supporting a failed policy that has only led to over policing and traumatizing our unhoused neighbors tells me all I need to know. We need a Mayor who is committed to addressing the root cause of our housing and homelessness crisis.
The city would continue homeless encampment sweeps under
@HansenForCO
, “We need clear enforcement of our camping ban, I think, for the city to be safe, for the city to function and be an inviting place for everybody who lives here.”
#copolitics
Over the years I've launched so many canvasses and I've knocked thousands of doors all over Denver, but this was easily one of the most special experiences of my life. Today my little bird and I walked our neighborhood asking them to vote for our campaign.
It's impossible to run for office as a woman in Colorado and not think of the indelible Pat Schroeder whose career paved the way for future generations of women in government. Today especially, as I will cast my vote for my candidacy on a ballot full of incredible women running.
Asked by one congressman how she could be a mother of two small children and a member of Congress at the same time, she replied, “I have a brain and a uterus, and I use both.″ via
@AP
I've hinted at how awful the municipal elections were, but I've not felt safe enough to address any specific issues until now. We all talk about and prepare for the attacks we will receive from "opposition" when running for office. 1/8
The parts you don't see:
- Not sleeping
- Forgetting to eat
- Immense stress on all relationships
- Working 24 hours and not getting paid
- Constant panic and anxiety
- All consuming fear of letting people down
- Having to take attacks with smile and grace
Add yours below ⤵️
I spent the day with community distributing clothes and medicine to our migrant/refugee neighbors at our D8 office in Montbello. So many families in need. If we didn't spend so much money on weapons and wars, we could change the world. We could be the people we pretend to be.
Good morning! I'm here to tell you what's next! Proud to announce I will be *officially* joining
#TeamShontel
! This runoff is like packing the last year of campaigning into just 2 months. First action item: PLEASE DONATE!
It has taken me until this year to finally submit the required documents to enroll in the Choctaw Nation due to my adoption as a child. My dad & every person in his family is an enrolled member. None of that changes who I am and how I connect to my ancestors. I claim & mourn Nex.
This is not a space to argue anyone's feelings over that reality. We've started calling animal boarders, shelters and flooding 311. At any given time there are 50 to 100 dogs belonging to folks and not all are considered service dogs. Please start calling these places /2
I can't think of anything more appropriate than starting the new year with the call for a real ceasefire. Proud of leaders willing to use their voices and power to call for an end to the killing of innocent people.
In honor of the first day of women's history month, some of the encouraging things said to me as the only woman candidate in my race:
"Release the noods."
"Are you single?"
"Commie s***!"
"Actually, what you should do..."
"Dumb b*****!"
It's worse for BIPOC candidates.
2 council members sponsored a ceasefire proclamation that went to a vote at city council last night. One is white and one is Black. I'll let you all guess which sponsor was accosted twice and cussed at by a colleague.
❗️❗️IMPORTANT UPDATE ❗️❗️
I just received confirmation that Denver Animal Protection WILL be on site at the coliseum to transport animals to the Denver Animal Shelter where they will provide temporary housing. I will share any additional details I receive.
Ok friends I have an urgent request. It appears there is no plan for the pets that are companions to our unhoused friends. This is scary and dangerous because some people will choose to stay with their pet putting both at risk, the others will not make it. 🧵
Every day since April 4th I've been all over the place. So much of what happened this last year was bigger than an election. So much we were forced to just deal with. So much we had to be silent about. So much hate. Assaults on who we are and worse. Trying to find my voice.
I'm so glad a bunch of people who don't know me and don't know my child have pointed out the error of my ways. Apparently, loving my kid unconditionally, providing them with all their needs and protecting them with everything I have, makes me a terrible parent. The more you know.
Today my faith in humanity has been restored. Thank you
#HD35
Vacancy Committee for electing the wonderful human being as your next State Representative.
#copolitics