May 18, 2011 02:28 AM UTC

Federico Pena Endorses Romer for Mayor

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• by: Colorado Pols

With about three weeks to go in the race for Denver Mayor, there aren’t many significant endorsements left to be made…but this is definitely one of them.

From a press release from the campaign of Chris Romer:

Today, Former Denver Mayor Federico Peña, who served as both Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Energy under President Clinton, endorsed Chris Romer for Mayor of Denver.

“Almost thirty years ago, I launched my own campaign for Mayor on the banks of the Platte River,” said Peña. “I challenged Denver to Imagine a Great City and we built the Central Platte Valley. Today, I am choosing this same location to fully and enthusiastically endorse Chris Romer for Mayor. He will carry forward our vision for fully developing neighborhoods across Denver including those along the South Platte.”

While Pena did endorse former Mayoral candidate James Mejia, who has since backed Romer, it was not a foregone conclusion that Pena would also back Romer. Though he is always courted, Pena makes relatively few endorsements in political races (compared to former Mayor Wellington Webb, who, rightly or wrongly, endorses a candidate in seemingly every race in which he is asked). Pena’s endorsement will help Romer in two very important areas — among Hispanic voters and among progressives, who remember him as much for his Cabinet positions under former President Bill Clinton as anything he did as Mayor.

Among people who travel a lot, Pena’s endorsement may be a mixed blessing; spend enough time at DIA, and you’re probably sick of Pena Boulevard.

Full press release after the jump.

Today, Former Denver Mayor Federico Peña, who served as both Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Energy under President Clinton, endorsed Chris Romer for Mayor of Denver.

“Almost thirty years ago, I launched my own campaign for Mayor on the banks of the Platte River,” said Peña. “I challenged Denver to Imagine a Great City and we built the Central Platte Valley. Today, I am choosing this same location to fully and enthusiastically endorse Chris Romer for Mayor. He will carry forward our vision for fully developing neighborhoods across Denver including those along the South Platte.”

“I am humbled and honored to have the endorsement of Secretary Peña, a man who has not only meant so much to our city but to our nation,” said Romer. “I want to carry Secretary Peña’s legacy forward to revitalizing Denver’s economic engine, attracting jobs and putting Denverites back to work.”

We need to expand Denver’s prosperity to the people who are being left behind. We need to ensure that every child in Denver has access to education and the opportunity it brings. With people like Secretary Pena and James Mejia supporting me, I know we can make that happen.”

“I endorsed Chris Romer in the Mayoral race because I see him as the best candidate to support the people of Denver,” said Mejia. “Chris shares my commitment to positively affect Denver through strong public policy like the Platte River Redevelopment plan.”

The Platte River plan builds on the shared vision of Secretary Peña and James Mejia. It includes:

Development of the South Platte River from Overland on the southern border of Denver, Vanderbilt Park/the former Gates Rubber Plant, Sun Valley, continued development of Confluence Park, and River North.

Each development will incorporate expanding/developing parks and mixed use development.

Two proposed sites integrate transit oriented development at FasTracks stops.

In developments that include established neighborhoods, like Sun Valley, the residents will not be displaced but rather included in the planning and will have the ability to stay in the neighborhood if they choose.