Scanlon for Colorado

Tag: Commerce City

  • 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!

  • Commerce City Needs Proper Air Monitoring

    What’s the air quality today in our neighborhoods here in Commerce City?

    It’s hard for a lay person to judge. And in our modern, industrial society, tracking air pollution can be helpful for everything from deciding whether to go for jog today to determining where you want to raise your infant child.

    We here in Commerce City are living in the industrial heart of the Denver metro area. We have the only refinery in the state of Colorado for God’s sake. Seriously, who thinks Commerce City DOESN’T need air pollution monitoring?!

    Apparently the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE):

    https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/site_description.aspx#RFN

    Welby has a few air monitors, and this is a great thing. Thank you, CDPHE.

    Now, please, someone tell me how our leaders reached the decision that we don’t need a working air pollution monitor in Commerce City?

    Let me be clear. I’m not asking for one measly air pollution monitor. I demand them on all sides of the refinery, and up here on the north range as well.

    If I’m honored by the voters of this district to be our next Representative at the state Capitol, I promise you this: I’ll either make it happen, and/or I’ll piss off a bunch of bureaucrats trying.

  • Welby Days Recap

    This past Saturday, on September 20th, the Welby Neighbors Association hosted their annual Welby Days get together. They had a rockin’ band. (I’m sucker for any music from the 80’s.) They had some great food trucks. (The one I approached had run out of eggs and couldn’t do any more breakfast burritos.) And they had a ton of booths.

    Huge shoutout to Robin O’Dorisio for putting together a very successful event!

    First, a CD8 Watch update:

    Manny Rutinel was the only candidate to pay the hefty $25 fee and staff a booth at Welby Days. He had at least 4 volunteers and/or staff manning that sucker. And he personally walked the event shaking hands and chatting with folks.

    Shannon Bird’s name was spotted on a sign in sheet, so she apparently walked through early.

    No other candidate was spotted.

    HD32 update:

    There’s a Republican running for HD32. I didn’t catch his name, but interestingly, he’s not White, which probably wasn’t the image you had of a Republican candidate. It certainly wasn’t for me! I didn’t get a chance to talk to him. I salute Adams County Republicans for finding a Republican in Commerce City willing to run. I intend to be his opponent in the general, where I intend to whop his ass.

    As for the Democratic candidates for HD32, yours truly was the only one with a booth at the event. I spoke to 28 individuals about the state of our state and what they’d like to see more (or less!) of from the Colorado legislature.

    My awesome campaign manager, Brian Hewlett, has been lining up volunteers, and I want to thank Cal for taking the time to hang out and staff our booth. I promise to learn his last name!

  • 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.