Scanlon for Colorado

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  • The Big News From Gabe Evans Office!

    Here in Commerce City, we’re currently represented at the U.S. House of Representatives by a fellow named Gabe Evans.
    Gabe has completely kowtowed to the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional actions. He and his fellow Republicans have ceded all the power and control Congress is enshrined with, the first and most important instance being “the power of the purse.” Our Founding Fathers put Congress first in the Constitution, in Article 1, for a reason. They didn’t want a King. They didn’t want a dictator. They wanted a system of checks and balances.

    Gabe Evans likeness courtesy of Claude’s free AI version

    In reality, the federal government currently has no checks on President Trump, and there is no balance in D.C., which is under military occupation. Rights are being stripped from people, some of whom disappear off the street. Poor people are seeing their safety net removed. Science research has been severely, and likely permanently, disrupted. The climate crisis is ignored completely, as if that will fix the problem.
    Well, good news! In his August 25th newsletter, our Congressman Gabe Evans assures us he’s been “fight[ing] for Colorandans.” Here’s the run down:
    Top Story: He “Attended the Colorado Chamber Congressional Luncheon”
    Seriously. The biggest, most impactful thing our Congressman did for us last month was share a lunch with Democrats and other business leaders.
    I guess it’s a start. Maybe he’s just warming up the newsletter. What’s Top Story #2?
    2 “Held a Roundtable with the U.S. and Thornton Area Chamber of Commerce”
    OK, more talking, and perhaps some listening. Better than nothing. 3?
    3 “Listening to Local Leaders”
    Now this one is interesting, because there’s a picture accompanying it, but there’s no date, name of the group that called the meeting, or a location of the meeting. Still, it was “great.”
    “It was great to hear from local leaders and share an update on the One Big Beautiful Bill, which increases funding for border security and public safety, reduces waste and fraud in Medicaid while increasing funding over 10 years, and enables businesses to grow and make investments in our community.
    “It’s always an honor to hear from boots on the ground fighters in Colorado. I’m so thankful we can work together to find more ways to stand up for CO-08 in Congress.”
    So, lots of listening.
    Other accomplishments of late include “Connecting with Colorado Drivers” and “Supporting CO-08 Veteran Run Businesses”.
    Is underwhelming too soft?
    The only positive thing in this newsletter is his survey, click here if you want to share your opinion with his office.
    I don’t know about you, but a Congressman citing “listening” as all his top accomplishments, its a little bit like a grocery store clerk bragging about showing up to work. Great. And?
    Click here for the archive of newsletters from Evans’s office, currently only updated through March 2025.
    To see the entirety of the lame email I dissected above, email me at michael@scanlonforcolorado.com and I’ll FWD it to you.

  • A New American Patriotism

    It was great to see Dems from across Adams County at tonight’s annual JFK Dinner.

    For the uninitiated, the JFK is our big annual hoo-ha, and you know, its fun to get all dressed up once a year and have a nice meal with so many old friends.

    Our Keynote Speaker this year was Congressman Jason Crow.

    Congressman Crow is a natural, and his military career following a stint in construction has a little something in it for everyone. A hero from January 6 and the insurrection attempt, he weaves together a tale of his comrades from his unit and his efforts to block the door and keep a mob out of the House chamber. It’s compelling and gripping.

    Congressman Crow spoke about a New American Patriotism. Instead of me trying to summarize it, here’s a podcast where he elaborates on it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76nDtAhShc8.

    He talks about the on-going need, always, for citizenry to be involved and engaged. Our great nation isn’t inevitable, there is no savior institution. It’s people standing up and earning it and making sacrifices. He cites numerous historical milestones like suffragettes and the Civil War.

    I’m on board Congressman Crow!

    Here’s to a New American Patriotism!

  • It’s OK To Not Be OK

    Breaking the Silence in Commerce City and Beyond

    Something powerful is happening in our communities. After decades of whispered conversations and hidden struggles, we’re finally saying out loud what we’ve always known in our hearts: it’s OK to not be OK.

    For too long, mental health has been treated as a personal failing rather than a health issue. In working-class communities like Commerce City and Welby, the pressure to “tough it out” runs deep. We’ve been taught that asking for help is weakness, that admitting you’re struggling somehow makes you less of a provider, less of a parent, less of a person.

    That ends now.

    The Facts We Can’t Ignore

    Mental health challenges affect 1 in 5 Americans every year. In Colorado, we’ve seen alarming increases in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, particularly among our young people. The COVID pandemic didn’t create these problems, but it exposed just how fragile our mental health infrastructure really is.

    Here’s what we know: mental health is health, period. Just like we wouldn’t tell someone with diabetes to “think positive thoughts” instead of taking insulin, we can’t treat mental health challenges as character defects that people should just overcome on their own.

    Why This Matters for HD32

    When I knock doors in Commerce City, I hear the same stories over and over. Parents worried about their teenagers who seem withdrawn and anxious. Workers struggling with depression but afraid to take time off. Seniors feeling isolated and forgotten. Veterans carrying invisible wounds that never fully heal.

    These aren’t isolated problems – they’re community challenges that require community solutions.

    What We Can Do

    As your representative in HD32, I will fight for:

    • Full mental health parity – Insurance companies must cover mental health treatment the same way they cover physical health
    • School-based mental health programs – Every student should have access to counseling and support
    • Crisis intervention training – Our first responders need better tools to help people in mental health emergencies
    • Workplace mental health protections – No one should lose their job for seeking help
    • Community mental health centers – Accessible, affordable care in every neighborhood

    The Permission You Don’t Need (But I’m Giving Anyway)

    If you’re reading this and struggling, here’s your permission slip: You are allowed to not be OK. You are allowed to ask for help. You are allowed to prioritize your mental health without guilt or shame.

    You are not broken. You are not weak. You are human.

    Resources That Are Here for Us Right Now

    • 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text, 24/7)
    • Colorado Crisis Services – Text TALK to 38255
    • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
    • NAMI Colorado – Support groups and resources statewide

    Moving Forward Together

    The conversation about mental health isn’t just changing in legislative chambers and healthcare boardrooms. It’s changing around kitchen tables, in break rooms, at community centers, and yes, even on social media.

    Every time someone says “I’m struggling and that’s OK,” they make it easier for the next person to speak up. Every time we treat mental health as seriously as we treat physical health, we save lives.

    This is what it means to put working families first. It means acknowledging that our mental health is just as important as our paycheck, our benefits, and our job security. Because what good is economic opportunity if we’re not healthy enough – mentally and physically – to seize it?

    In HD32, we’re going to lead this conversation, not follow it. We’re going to make sure every family has access to the mental health resources they need. And we’re going to keep saying, loud and clear, that it’s OK to not be OK.

    Because that’s how we heal – together.

    If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help. You matter. You bring irreplaceable value. There are people who want to support you.

  • Dear ClimateCon! Community

    NOTE: ClimateCon! is a conference celebrating climate innovation and inspiring action. I founded ClimateCon! in 2023. This is the letter I’m sending the ClimateCon! community.

    Dear ClimateCon! Community,

    For over 2 years, as I’ve built this ClimateCon! community, I’ve worked hard to keep politics at the edge of these conferences, not front and center. Even as the disastrous election of last November unfolded, I kept it down. Way down. As the environmental consequences have taken shape, it has been harder and harder to keep politics at bay. Increasingly, I find it harder to keep my mouth shut. My tongue needs stitches over here, I’m biting it so hard and so frequently.
    The fact is, my party, the Democratic Party, fucked up. And I don’t mean they kind of fucked up. They made the Mistake of the Century.
    One core reason is that they have drifted away from working people, ever entranced by the money of the rich always hanging around with the powerful.
    I’m running for office to offer the voters of Commerce City and Welby a chance to push the party back to it’s working class roots.
    As many of you know, I work from 3am-9am as a Pre-Loader at UPS. It’s a union job. The Teamsters ensure us all both dignity at work and top notch health care at home. We get both not because of the kindness of company executives and shareholders. We are able to protect our rights and our families because of hard won demands from our rank and file workers, standing in unison behind a powerful union.
    We work hard for low pay. But we get to do so with our dignity in tact and our health protected.
    I’m running to represent the half of us who struggle to live on income below the median, which in Commerce City was $73,578 for an individual last year. For good or for bad, I find myself below median income once again. Like most of my life.
    My race will be concluded on June 30th. The Democratic Party will have a primary here in the 32nd, which is all of Commerce City, Welby and a few other precincts. This district is heavily Democratic. Republicans don’t always even bother to field a candidate, and when they do, they lose mightily. Suffice to say, at the risk of sounding arrogant, that whoever wins the primary on June 30th will be our Representative here in Commerce City for the next 8 years when they will be termed out.
    Party primaries are unique beasts. Most people don’t want to get into politics to begin with. When they do, it’s easier to put on your blue or your red and take a stand against the other side. General elections are clear and stark. Primaries are murky and can get ugly quickly.
    A primary usually comes down small, almost trivial differences on policy. It can be determined by a small vote margin on a low voter turnout. Like 10-15% voter turnout.

    It can swing on a better financed operation running a better ground game. But because primaries are intra-party, most people stay on the sidelines, and money is usually very hard to come by.
    You can learn more about my nascent campaign at www.ScanlonForColorado.com. I’d be honored if you could donate $25 or $450. I’ve got a 10 month run, all or nothing, on an 8 year stint at the Capitol.
    As you would expect, sustainability and climate action will be core issues for me.
    Lastly, the campaign is hiring, if you know a young professional looking to continue or start in politics working hard for low pay have them email me at michael@scanlonforcolorado.com. Learn more here: www.ScanlonForColorado.com

    Keep being awesome!

    Love,
    Michael

  • The Upcoming Special Session, Our Social Safety Net, and Strong Black Women

    Colorado Governor Jared Polis has called the Colorado legislature into a special session. The federal government has reduced spending on a number of programs, with Medicaid (roughly 50%) and SNAP food assistance being the two biggest cuts. In total, the state needs to come up with $1 – $1.2 billion in new revenue and/or cuts to spending.

    It’s a serious problem. They have a number of legislative proposals already on the table. You can always visit www.coleg.gov for the latest at the Colorado legislature.

    Yesterday, the NAACP held a video call to discuss the situation. It was organized by the irrepressible and always pleasant Portia Prescott. Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Naquita Ricks, two reliable and fantastic Democrats, gave impassioned defenses of these social safety net programs. They spelled out a few of the solutions Democrats intend to present, debate, and vote on.

    It occurred to me this morning at work, it sure is nice of this organization – which exists to eliminate racial discrimination and advocate for the civil rights of people of color, and Black people specifically – well it sure is nice of all these Black women to go to the mat for a couple of programs here in Colorado that primarily benefit White working poor and working class people.

    So here’s to the Rocky Mountain NAACP. This working class White guy promises to stand with them the next time they need an ally.

    And good luck to Democrats at the Capitol during this special session. It looks like nothing but really tough decisions to me.

    To donate to and support the RMNAACP, visit https://rmnaacp.org/.

  • Please Support Kids First – Commerce City’s Free Health Care Clinics

    With the recent cuts to health care funding by the Trump Administration and his stooges in Congress (see Evans, Gabe) it is now more important than ever that we support the local, grassroots medical facilities that don’t turn away people over money.

    Enter Kids First.

     https://www.kidsfirsthealthcare.org/  

    With 8 clinics across Adams County – including 6 in schools – Kids First is providing health care to thousands of Adams County youth who wouldn’t get care otherwise.

    You are invited to the BACK TO HEALTH -Kids First Breakfast on September 18th, 2025, at Adams City High School (7200 Quebec Way, Commerce City, CO),  7:30 am.  There is no cost to attend.   There will be updates regarding Kids First continued growth to support Adams County children. 

    This year Kids First opened a new pediatric primary care clinic inside of an affordable housing complex to serve the children of Westminster.  This is their second year-round clinic to serve ages birth to 21.

    The speakers will be Dr. Tonia Lopez and her parents Tony and Dottie Johnson.  Dr. Lopez is a current board member of Kids First but more importantly a former client of Kids First.  Tonia is a graduate of Adams 14.  Tonia went on to become a teacher, asst. principal and a senior member of the Adams 14 organization.  Now she is a proud principal in the Jeffco School District.  The Johnsons have lived, worked, and supported the Commerce City Community for over 30 years.  The family story is a true testament of how Kids First impacts the lives of the community.

    Although I can’t attend this breakfast due to a work conflict, I have just donated to this vital community health care provider. I hope you will too.

  • We’re Hiring

    I’m seeking a Campaign Manager to lead my campaign for Colorado House District 32. This is a great entry-level opportunity for a motivated individual looking to start a career in Democratic politics in Colorado.

    About the Campaign

    I’m a working stiff, a Teamster, and a father of four, running to bring the Democratic Party back to its roots: representing the working families who built this country. My campaign is focused on a clear, powerful message that prioritizes the struggles of everyday Coloradans over the concerns of the wealthy elite. We’re building a grassroots approach and a dedicated team that’s ready to fight for our district.

    Job Description and Responsibilities

    As Campaign Manager, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day operations and tactics of a small-scale, grassroots political campaign. This is a role for a self-starter who can wear multiple hats.

    Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

    • Fundraising: Executing a fundraising plan, including managing donor outreach (building dial lists for me and organzing the database), organizing events, and ensuring we meet our financial goals – which will ensure your bonuses.
    • Volunteer Coordination: Recruiting, training, and managing our team of dedicated volunteers for canvassing, phone banking, and events.
    • Communications: Working with the candidate to craft and disseminate our campaign message through press releases, social media, and email.
    • Event Planning: Organizing and managing campaign events.
    • Administrative: Managing the campaign budget and database and ensuring all activities are compliant with state election laws.

    Qualifications and Compensation

    The ideal candidate is highly organized, a strong communicator, and passionate about the Democratic Party’s core values. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in all facets of a political campaign.

    • Compensation: The position pays a low monthly salary, with the potential for additional monthly bonuses based on fundraising performance.
    • Experience: Prior campaign or political experience is a plus, but not required. We are looking for someone with a strong work ethic who is eager to learn and grow. The ideal candidate has social media savvy.

    To Apply: Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining why you want to join this campaign to info@scanlonforcolorado.com. Do NOT use AI to write your cover letter. I can use AI, you can use AI, and we’re gonna use a lot of AI. This Ad was mostly AI written. I want your cover letter to tell me about you. Videos also accepted.

  • What I Stand For

    What I Stand For by Michael Scanlon
    It would be easy to write an anti-Trump screed to define myself here in 2025.
    But I’m going to assume you know I’m opposed to President Trump and his policies – and you’re absolutely right! Instead, I’m going to share my beliefs.
    I’m gonna start in the deep end and go in random order:
    1 I believe in univeral health care. Where universal means everyone.
    2 I believe we have one planet, and we’re living against it, and we need to start living in harmony with Mother Earth because there is no Planet B.
    3 I believe in justice. Real justice, not purchased justice for the rich and justice denied for the rest of us.
    4 I believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s the equity that gets them all worked up. Another reason why you need a union.
    5 I believe in unions. I believe in the free flow of capital. I’m a capitalist. I believe capital should be allowed to congonlomerate in any fashion it’s owner(s) choose. For us working stiffs, that’s our labor. These two hands might be the only capital we’ve got. We have the right to organize, associate and sell our labor any way we like. Union For All!
    6 I believe in free markets. The science and the data have shown time and time again that a command and control economy will never be the most efficient and the most prosperous. Regardless what the Great Leader commands.
    7 I oppose hatred in all its forms. Whether that’s hating people for being transgender or hating people for smoking cannabis, all hatred is harmful and wrong.
    8 I believe in a great public education system. Not adequate. Not good. America at it’s best is an America with an amazing public education system. P-12+.
    9 I believe in immigration. Let’s fix this broken system once and for all. We’re a nation of immigrants for God’s sakes!
    10 I believe Coloradoans have the right to expect security in their homes and workplace, their schools and their shops.
    11 I believe in a strong national defense. And I believe in rewarding, not ignoring, our military veterans. Veterans have unique needs. They deserve better. We owe them.
    12 I believe in freedom, whether you’re a woman seeking an abortion, or a stressed our working guy seeking a little cannabis relief at the end of (another) long week of work, you’re entitled to freedom of choice. The government needs to be scaled back.
    13 I believe the Democratic Party needs to get back to working people as our front and center priority. We must keep working folks top of mind in all policy decisions.