Denver Mayor John Hickelooper is the Democratic 
nominee for Governor.
John Hickenlooper moved
to Colorado in 1981, after earning a Master's in Geology at Wesleyan
University, and found work with Buckhorn Petroleum. With the collapse of the
oil industry in the 1980s, John was laid-off, providing him with the
opportunity to follow his entrepreneurial vision. John struggled for a while until he came up
with the crazy idea to build Colorado's first brewpub. As John likes to say,
"I didn't know anything about starting a business. I didn't even know what
a pro forma was."
But
John went to the library, got books on how to write a business plan and started
the long process of making his vision a reality. Although he had to interview
with more than 20 banks, he eventually opened The Wynkoop Brewing Co. in the
dilapidated warehouse district of downtown Denver. His vision proved
successful, and his brewpub and restaurant are now mainstays of Denver's
community, and the beating heart of the lower downtown neighborhood.
In
2003, John surprised the political establishment by winning election as Mayor
of Denver. In his role as mayor, John's
business abilities, partnered with his progressive vision for the city, have
played important roles in the success he has achieved since taking office. In
2005, after serving only two years as mayor, Time Magazine placed him among the
top five "big-city" mayors in the country. In 2008, John brought a
new level of attention to the Mile High City, successfully marketing Denver as
an ideal city to host the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
John
is now running for Governor on a jobs creation and economic development platform.
In using his experience as a jobs creator and consensus builder in government,
he wants to increase opportunity for the people of Colorado.
John
has the experience to manage our state through these tough economic times, and
he recognizes what businesses need to grow in order for them to hire more
employees. He can do more than just talk about making government more
efficient, he can point to his accomplishments as mayor of a major city.
ON THE MENU:
House
Greens with Julienne Vegetables, Roma Tomato
Balsamic
Vinaigrette
Pan
Seared Atlantic Salmon
Basil
Lemon Beurre Blanc
OR
Butternut
Squash Ravioli, Wilted Spinach
Oven
Dried Tomatoes Pine Nuts, Sage Cream