Scanlon for Colorado

Tag: Commerce City

  • Thanks and Gratitude

    This was a blog post I had ready to go for Thanksgiving when the tragic news struck about the loss of my friend Senator Faith Winter. Now seems like a good time to put this out there. Even as I still miss Faith. A lot.

    This New Year, my heart overflows with thanks and gratitude. There’s a risk in leaving out someone important, but I’m gonna take the plunge in semi-random order:

    • I’m thankful for the continued health, safety and well being of my four children.
    • I’m thankful for the 27J schools that educated my children. Go ThunderHawks!
    • I’m thankful so many Democrats still identify as Democrats. Still. Despite the betrayals and the pussy footing from party leaders, many of us continue to identify as Democrats and to the rest of you I’m very thankful.
    • I’m super grateful I landed an amazing Campaign Manager. His name is Brian Hewlett, he also runs the L.I.F.E. Foundation, and I hope you get a chance to meet him along the campaign trail over the next 10 months.
    • I’m thankful I live in the greatest city – Commerce City – in the greatest county – Adams County – in the greatest state – Colorado – in what was once, and will one day once again be, the greatest country ever. How lucky am I?!?!
    • I’m thankful for the Teamsters Union. My family and I have great health insurance and I enjoy dignity at work. Union For All! (With a special shoutout to Local 455!)
    • I’m grateful to all the sponsors, ticket buyers, panelists, volunteers and others who come together to make ClimateCon! the great celebration of climate innovation it has become known for. The next one is February 2nd, www.climatecon.world
    • I’m grateful my two favorite hockey teams – the Caps and the Avs – are both playing good hockey and looking like playoff teams. Yes, I said both! And if either misses the playoffs now, we’ll all know I’m the one to blame 🙂
    • I’m grateful Las Dos Americas is expanding. What can I say, I love fresh tortillas!
    • I’m grateful for the crew at Ted’z. (I’m looking at you Boxline 1.) Sometimes, you just want a cold beer after work. Even if your shift ends at 9:30AM.
    • I’m thankful for the crew at Pour Tap House. We needed a watering hole up here on the north range, and they’ve been delivering now for what, close to 10 years. Wow how time flies.
    • I’m thankful my 2010 KIA Sedona keeps on chugging along. I call her the Korean Stallion for a reason!
    • I’m thankful my beautiful state of Colorado didn’t vote for Trump – all 3 times! I wouldn’t feel completely comfortable in a red state.
    • I’m thankful Jimmy Fallon is back on the air despite the fascist impulses of our thin-skinned President.
    • I’m grateful Adams 14 Education Foundation continues to expand and grow its scope of influence serving economically disadvantaged youth in core city Commerce City.

    As you can see, I have a lot to be thankful as 2026 gets ramped up.

    Most of all, thanks to all who have contributed to my campaign! Primaries can be lonely affairs and money is hard to come by, so most of all, thank you to all my donors!

  • Caucus is March 7th at Bison Ridge Rec Center

    Hello Commerce City, Welby, and others in Colorado’s House District 32.

    We have the caucus location set. On March 7th at 11AM, HD32 Democrats will gather at the Bison Ridge Rec Center for our bi-annual caucus.

    Here’s how Claude describes caucus.

    “Colorado’s caucus system is a neighborhood-level gathering where registered voters meet in person to discuss candidates, debate issues, and begin the process of selecting delegates who will eventually help choose party nominees. If you’re registered with the Democratic or Republican party, you’ll attend your party’s caucus at a local venue—in our case, Bison Ridge Rec Center—in your House District. The atmosphere is part town hall meeting, part civic organizing session. You’ll meet your neighbors, hear short speeches from candidate supporters, and participate in discussions about the direction of your party. Unlike a primary where you simply cast a ballot and leave, caucuses require you to stay for a couple of hours and engage in the democratic process.

    “At the caucus, you’ll help elect delegates to your county assembly and potentially volunteer to be a delegate yourself. These delegates will then attend subsequent assemblies – like the Adams County Democratic Party Assembly on March 14th – where they’ll elect delegates to the state convention. You’ll also have the opportunity to submit resolutions on issues you care about, which can influence your party’s platform. First-timers often find caucuses energizing because you’re not just voting in isolation; you’re actively participating in shaping your party’s future alongside your community.”

    If you need a ride to caucus, call us at 720-803-9114 or email us at info@ScanlonForColorado.com and we will be in touch. The campaign will be arranging rides and carpools.

  • It’s Time for Commerce City: We Demand an Environmental Equity Analysis

    Commerce City and the North Denver communities of Globeville-Elyria-Swansea deserve Colorado’s first Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis. Here’s how you can help make it happen.

    For decades, our community has borne more than its fair share of environmental burdens. From refinery emissions to industrial pollution, from highway traffic to cumulative health impacts, Commerce City, Globeville-Elyria-Swansea, and North Denver have been on the front lines of environmental injustice in Colorado.

    Now, we have a historic opportunity to change that trajectory.

    What’s at Stake

    The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is preparing to select one community from 11 finalists for the state’s first-ever Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis (EECIA). Our community—North Denver/Globeville-Elyria-Swansea/Commerce City—is one of those finalists.

    This isn’t just another study. This analysis would:

    • Document the reality we live every day: A comprehensive, scientific assessment of how pollution, environmental hazards, and social factors combine to impact our health
    • Give us data-driven tools: Information that can inform better decisions on permits, land use, and environmental regulations
    • Amplify community voices: A process that centers the experiences of those most affected
    • Create a roadmap for change: Findings that state and local agencies can use to make more equitable decisions

    Why Commerce City Must Be Chosen

    Our area didn’t end up as a finalist by accident. We meet every criterion for a community that needs this analysis:

    Environmental Burden: We host major industrial facilities including the Suncor oil refinery, face persistent air quality challenges, and experience cumulative impacts from multiple pollution sources.

    Community Impact: Our neighborhoods include significant populations of communities of color and working-class families who have been disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.

    Readiness: Our community has a long history of environmental advocacy and organizing. We’re ready to engage fully in this process.

    Historic Need: For too long, our community has called for recognition of the environmental justice issues we face. This analysis would finally provide the comprehensive assessment we’ve been asking for.

    How You Can Help

    The selection committee will evaluate finalist applications based on four criteria: environmental risk, readiness to engage, leadership commitment, and community interest. We can demonstrate overwhelming community interest by flooding CDPHE with messages of support.

    Here’s what you can do right now:

    1. Send an email using our template (below) to cdphe_ej@state.co.us with the subject line “Support Commerce City/GES/North Denver for EECIA”
    2. Contact CDPHE leadership:
    3. Reach out to elected officials:
      • Contact Governor Polis’s office to express support
      • Call or email your state legislators
    4. Spread the word:
      • Share this campaign with neighbors, community organizations, and local groups
      • Post on social media using #CommerceCity #EnvironmentalJustice #ColoradoEJ
      • Talk to friends and family about why this matters

    The Window Is Now

    CDPHE will be reviewing finalist applications and making their selection in the coming months. The time to show our community’s interest and commitment is right now.

    This analysis represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to document what we already know: our community has faced disproportionate environmental burdens for too long, and it’s time for that to change.

    But we can’t win this on our own. CDPHE needs to hear from you—from residents, business owners, community leaders, advocates, and anyone who believes in environmental justice.

    A Community-Driven Future

    If selected, Commerce City/GES/North Denver will work alongside CDPHE and expert contractors to conduct this analysis over 12-18 months. The process will include:

    • Community working groups to guide the analysis
    • Collection of environmental and health data
    • Opportunities for community members to share their lived experiences
    • Public sharing of findings
    • Recommendations for state and local agencies

    Most importantly, this would be our analysis—driven by community voices, informed by community experiences, and designed to serve community needs.

    Make Your Voice Heard

    Don’t wait. Send your email today. Call your legislators. Talk to your neighbors. Show CDPHE that our community is ready, willing, and deserving of this analysis.

    Commerce City, Globeville-Elyria-Swansea, and North Denver have waited long enough for environmental justice. Let’s make sure we’re chosen for Colorado’s first Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis.

    The future of environmental justice in our community depends on action today.

    EMAIL TEMPLATE FOR SUPPORTERS

    Subject: Support Commerce City/GES/North Denver for Environmental Equity Analysis

    Dear Office of Environmental Justice Selection Committee,

    I am writing to urge CDPHE to select the North Denver/Globeville-Elyria-Swansea/Commerce City area as the location for Colorado’s first Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis.

    Our community has faced decades of disproportionate environmental burdens, including:

    • Proximity to the Suncor oil refinery and related air quality concerns
    • Multiple industrial facilities and highways creating cumulative pollution impacts
    • Historic underinvestment in environmental health infrastructure
    • A community that has long advocated for environmental justice

    This analysis would provide the comprehensive, science-based assessment our community needs to:

    • Document the full scope of environmental health impacts we face
    • Inform better decision-making on permits, regulations, and policies
    • Support meaningful improvements to air quality, water quality, and community health
    • Demonstrate Colorado’s commitment to environmental justice where it’s needed most

    The North Denver/GES/Commerce City area represents exactly the kind of disproportionately impacted community this analysis was designed to serve. Our community is ready, willing, and organized to participate fully in this process.

    I strongly encourage you to select our community for this groundbreaking analysis.

    Thank you for your consideration.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

    [Your Address]

    [Your Email]

  • The Democratic Party Doesn’t Want To Talk About How The Democratic Party Made The Mistake Of The Century

    The Democratic Party has finished the post-election analysis report, often referred to as an “autopsy” as it’s designed to diagnose the cause of failure, ideally for purposes of not losing the next election.
    The DNC has decided not to release it.
    In the interest of both transparency and making our party better and stronger, here are some of the items that either are in the report, or should be in the report. I’m going to go in the rough order in which I think they rank, most serious mistake first:
    1 We got away from working people. Dems lost their way. Once the party of unions and working class voters and concerns, they lost their focus.
    2 We became the party of the rich. This one is astounding to me. First of all, the rich have a national political party, it’s called the Republican Party and the rich own it lock stock and barrel. They don’t need the Democratic Party except for greed greed greed.
    Working people desperately need the Democratic Party to stand up for them. It is often our only hope.
    3 The Democratic Party became weak and soft. We don’t exhibit strength or toughness. Ever. I’m not saying we need knuckle-dragging morons as leaders. I am saying quit acting like wussies.
    4 We discourage primaries. When I say “we” I mostly mean party elders and leaders at the top echelon who think they know what’s best for the party and don’t want the messiness that comes with an election and an open and honest debate about issues.
    5 The Democratic Party became too elitist. It manifests itself, in part, with the lack of primaries, but is most evident in the behavior and actions of some of our top leaders.
    6 The Democratic Party lost touch with young people. This is in part because young people vote at such a low percentage. But how much of “young people don’t vote” happens because young people see two political parties who are completely out of touch with the reality they’re experiencing every day?
    7 The Democratic Party is stuck in the past. We continue to door knock like it’s 1999. Except people don’t answer the door as much any more (especially young people). Did we even have a YouTube strategy? A social media strategy? Don’t do one podcast each election. Do one podcast every day.
    8 Poor messaging. I’m reluctant to even add this one, it’s the typical Dem excuse – “Oh, our messaging was off.” It’s our go-to excuse, and I guess any election loser anywhere any time had “poor messaging” because they lost. That said, the messaging in 2024 was indeed horrible.
    9 We blame voters instead of understanding them and their experiences. I never want to hear the phrase “low information voter” ever again. They have as much information as you and I do. In their gut, they don’t feel the Democrats are looking out for them. It’s not a lack of information feeding that gut feeling.

    The 2024 election, and more specifically, the failure of the Democratic Party to identify and neutralize the threat Donald Trump posed to this nation, is hands down the biggest fucking mistake of the 21st Century so far. It’s not even close.
    I’m running to address many of the issues I identified above. I’m a Teamster. I know what it’s like to struggle day to day just to pay the bills. And when I jumped in this race, it seemed likely there would be no primary otherwise.
    The Democratic Party needs to do better. We have the potential to be the strongest barrier to a dictatorship. If we can be strong for a change!
    I’m running to give the voters in Commerce City and Welby the chance to send a message to our party leaders. Enough of the issues and problems I’ve identified above. Let’s get back to a working class agenda, let’s stand up to a fascist President, and let’s deliver for working people. That’s a formula for success, I promise!

  • Go Along To Get Along – How’s It Workin’ For Ya?

    Go Along To Get Along – How’s It Workin’ For Ya?


    As a 58 year old Democrat, most of my life, the Democrats who have represented me usually made me feel luke warm excited at best. With the exception of early Obama (the hope was gone by 2012) and possibly Governor Jared Polis (who struck out on some rather bold positions more that once in his career), most of the Dems who have represented me have been, shall we say, less than fulfilling.


    I call them “Go Along To Get Along” Democrats. You know the type. They are often lawyers by trade, and those who aren’t are overwhelmingly multi-millionaires. They make good speeches (usually). They have smooth web sites. And they win, which I never want to trivialize. A weak Dem is better than a strong Republican any day of the week.


    And in a close race, in normal times, a Go Along To Get Along (GATGA) Dem is probably the right choice.
    But these aren’t normal times. And Commerce City’s HD32 isn’t a normal race.


    Obviously, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has to go. He’s been there waaaaay too long. He couldn’t be more Go Along To Get Along. And he has failed us repeatedly just this year alone.


    Any candidate for Senate seeking my vote will need to promise to vote for anyone else for Majority Leader. I encourage you to demand the same of your Senate nominee.


    The general election race for HD 32 here in Commerce City and Welby will not be close. Whoever gets this nomination does not need to be a GATGA Dem. They can be bold and outspoken.
    Let me be clear – I am advocating for the party to move away from GATGA candidates. But I don’t fault voters who choose the path of least resistance.


    I’m simply taking a stand. I believe the time has come for Democrats to stop pussy footing around and demand real change. It won’t be easy. There will be attacks and tremendous amounts of money, dark money, that will appear from out of nowhere from super rich cowards afraid to put their names behind their political persuasion campaigns.


    The bold route isn’t for every politician. It requires real backbone and conviction, something many politicians lack.


    I have plenty of conviction. I have stood firm on principle so many times in my life it’s cost me money. It’s not easy. But I believe it’s time for Dems to stand up for what we believe as a party.


    If I’m honored to be our party’s nominee for HD32, I promise not to be a Go Along To Get Along Democrat. We have enough of those. I will be strong and outspoken and demanding and effective. I just need you to put me in coach!

  • An Open Letter To Yesterday’s DisEnchanted Voter

    WARNING: This blog posts contemplates the current state of America. In this analysis, I use some Teamsters language. Parental guidance is advised.
    Dear Voter,
    First, thanks for the time on the phone yesterday. I’m cold calling all over Commerce City these days and, well, I get a variety of reactions 🙂
    Second, no judgement here. Indeed, I’m pretty sure we have a ton in common, as I’ll get to.
    I speak to folks like you everyday. We regular folks are, ahem, frustrated at the current state of affairs. (My next blog post is titled Requiem to the US Constitution.)
    I hope you’re OK with me labeling you “disenchanted.” I think I could have used some Teamster language and you’d be nodding up and down at that too.
    I get it. It’s why I’m doing this damn campaign thing for the next year of my life.
    But there’s one thing I need to be clear on. You, you’re a smart fellow and I’m pretty sure you know this, but I have to point out that I’m not a revolutionary figure and I’m not going to forment any revolutionary change over here. I’m running for a major party nomination to be one of 65 legislators in one half of the bi-cameral Colorado legislature. That system was deliberately designed to keep would-be revolutionaries at bay, and then completely frustrate any who might somehow sneak in.
    So why am I running?
    First of all, our party got away from the working class people who not only made the damn Democratic Party, we built this whole fucking country damnit. And what we do we get? Seriously, on any given day, what do we get for it?
    Do we get a thanks? No. Do we get a raise? HA! Do our spouses cut us any slack? Do NOT answer that one, it’s a trick question!
    The point is, and you already know this, you feel this in your gut, we get shit on. We get shit on every day. And if I could change that, brother, believe me, I would.
    Of course, we all know I can’t.
    Here’s what I can do.
    I can campaign my ass off 6 days a week. I can tell any Eastablishment Figure who will listen that we working people are fed up and the fucking least you can do is provide food assistance.
    [Side Note: The Governor, God bless him, is asking everyone to give money and/or food to food banks as the federal government leaves the food assistance business. I am not. I am asking everyone to call Gabe Evans office:
    Washington DC Office
    1229 Longworth House Office Building
    Washington, DC 20515
    Phone: (202) 225-5625
    Greeley District Office
    3400 West 16th St, Building 1S
    Suite C
    Greeley, CO 80634
    Phone: (970) 324-2567
    Northglenn District Office
    10701 Melody Drive
    Suite 500
    Northglenn, CO 80234
    Phone: (303) 723-6560
    And ask them to restore the federal government. Food stamps, Medicaid, clean energy programs, put it all back. This is ridiculous.]
    You mentioned the great Wellington Webb. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting him or Wilma. I told you I stole a page from his playbook. He famously walked Denver in his tennis shoes. I’m going to walk Commerce City in those steel toed shitkickers you see in my campaign logo.
    And if I’m honored to be elected as your Rep, I’ll wear those damn things every day. Not because they’re comfortable. Because they’ll be a constant reminder that I was born a mick on the wrong side of the tracks and I need to remember where I grew up and where I came from and who my people are.
    I wish it would somehow have a positive impact on your life, I wish I could somehow fix those outrageous health insurance premiums. Fuck, I wish I could get us a universal health care system. Argentina does it.* We just bailed them out. Why can’t we bail out Americans struggling with health care issues as well?
    So I get your frustration. You’re sure as hell not wrong.
    I don’t want to promise to be something I can’t. I can promise you this. I work from 3AM to 4PM six days a week. If I’m honored with the promotion of a lifetime, I’ll work hard every day to represent working people and working families. It’s all I’ve ever asked of my Rep’s, and frankly, I don’t think that’s asking a lot. You can certainly ask for more! You have my cell phone number, call or text me anytime. I need working people to keep it real for me!
    Keep being awesome.
    Sincerely,
    Michael Scanlon
    Candidate Colorado’s HD32
    9476 Sedailia St
    Commerce City, CO 80022

    * From Gemini: “The health care system in Argentina is complex and is composed of three main subsectors:
    “1 The Public Sector (State-run): This sector provides universal and free access to medical facilities, including emergency care, for all people in the country, regardless of nationality or ability to pay.”

  • #NoKings Commerce City – Reunion Version

    Today over 1,800 locations across America hosted No Kings rallies to protest the Trump Administration, his numerous unconstitutional actions, and his general desire to be a dictator.

    About 100 people turned out to Reunion Park for the initial gathering:

    There were no speeches other than Kristi, the organizer you can kind of see standing tall on a cooler in the middle of this picture. She was brief, reading an inspiring quote about what hope is.

    There was a no campaigning rule, so Chris and I had to just quietly work the crowd. Chris and I are opponents in this race, but we’re genuine friends too:

    After about an hour, we marched almost a mile (LOL) “across” Reunion to the intersection of Reunion Pkwy and 104th. This was surely the first ever political march in Reunion. Congrats Mr. President!

    We gathered at the intersection, where we heard constant honking from passers by who apparently also disapprove of the direction the President is taking our country.

    Luz Molina and I have been friends since the first Obama campaign in 2008. She’s in the middle of this picture, carrying a sign that says Love One Another. She’s currently running for city council and also plans to run for the HD32 seat I’m seeking.

    There were a few elected officials at our rally. Mayor Steve Douglas was there, as was his wife, City Councilwoman Kristi Douglas. City Councilwoman Susan Noble was in attendance as well. None of the candidates for CD8 were at our rally.

    It’s always inspiring to gather with like-minded members of the community to share energy and ideas and hopes and fears. Thanks to the organizers who made today’s No Kings rally happen in Commerce City!

    Someone said to me “Fascists use that flag.” I replied “I refuse to concede it to them. It stands for independence, freedom and represents what was once the greatest nation ever.” They seemed OK with that response.

  • #TBT – That Time Joe Biden Spoke In Commerce City

    The year was 2008. According to this picture, it was October 21st.

    Then Senator Joe Biden had been hand picked by our party’s nominee, Senator Barak Obama, to be the nominee for Vice President.

    Dutifully, Senator Biden jumped in full force and toured the nation touting Senator Obama and their national ticket. In 2008, Colorado was just becoming a battle ground state after years of being a fairly reliable red state.

    And it so it came to pass that one Joe Biden appeared in the gym of Adams City High School in core city Commerce City. The rally was in the “old” (or original, if you will) Adams City High School. The energy in the gym was VERY high. The Senator was on his game and clearly felt the wind at the back of their campaign. Former Republican Secretary of State Collin Powell, a highly respected individual in DC and across the nation, had just endorsed Senator Obama and his campaign for the White House.

    I’ll never forget Senator Biden saying “Collin Powell” a few times, and with each time a dramatic pause followed by a louder emphasis.

    I have a few videos somewhere, I carried my video camera with me that day.

    October 21, 2008. The day Joe Biden visited Commerce City, Colorado.

  • Why I’m Voting YES on Ballot Measure 6A for South Adams County Fire

    When it comes to public safety, our community deserves nothing but the best. That’s why I’m strongly supporting Ballot Measure 6A for the South Adams County Fire Department in this November’s municipal election. This measure represents a critical investment in the safety and well-being of everyone who lives, works, and visits our community.

    Issue 6A will directly improve emergency response capabilities by enabling faster response times, reducing ambulance transport costs for residents, and ensuring our firefighters and paramedics have modern, updated safety equipment. When seconds matter in an emergency, having properly equipped first responders who can reach you quickly can make the difference between life and death. This isn’t just about statistics—it’s about protecting our neighbors, our families, and ourselves.

    What I particularly appreciate about this measure is how thoughtfully it’s been designed to minimize the burden on families. The funding mechanism specifically exempts everyday essentials that families rely on, including groceries, diapers, prescriptions, and school supplies. This approach recognizes that we can invest in public safety without putting additional strain on household budgets for the items families need most.

    Furthermore, unlike a property tax increase, a sales tax increase will make sure visitors are paying for their share of the emergency services we deliver to them when needed.

    The improvements from 6A will benefit everyone who enjoys what our community has to offer. Whether you’re a long-time resident, a new homeowner, a business owner, or someone who visits our parks and local establishments, you’ll benefit from enhanced public safety infrastructure. Strong emergency services aren’t just good for residents—they’re good for our entire community’s vitality and growth.

    I encourage everyone to learn more about this important measure by visiting https://www.supportsacfd.com/, where you can find detailed information about how 6A will strengthen our fire department’s capabilities. The facts speak for themselves: this is a smart, responsible investment in our community’s safety infrastructure.

    As we head to the polls this November for the municipal election—well before my own race in the June 30th primary—I urge every voter to say YES on 6A. Our firefighters and paramedics show up for us every single day. Now it’s our turn to show up for them and ensure they have the resources needed to keep Commerce City safe. Vote YES on 6A.

  • Can We Make Traffic Lights Smarter?

    Am I the only one sick of sitting at a red light when there isn’t a single car in sight in any direction?
    Do we not have the technology to make smarter traffic lights? [Spoiler Alert: We TOTALLY have the technology to make traffic lights smarter!]
    Think about Hwy2 and 104th. That one’s my personal favorite. The (relatively) new light at Potomac and 104th is a real gem. Any light on Tower Road at 3am. The list of traffic lights that operate below 99% efficiency is probably 99% of traffic lights.
    We can make these lights – and traffic lights across Colorado – smarter. You would waste less time and gas. The air would be a teensy bit cleaner. Drivers would get less frustrated.

    Any traffic light engineers want to enlighten me? Seriously, please, comment below or email me at michael@scanlonforcolorado.com before I go and make some policy proposal that isn’t even technically feasible!