During one of ColoradoConfidential.com’s recent interviews with candidates for the Denver City Council, one candidate joked that he must have a mental illness to want to get into politics and run for city council. A review of the 2005 gift reports for City Councilmembers Charlie Brown (Dist. 6) and Rick Garcia (Dist. 1) suggest there actually are some fun perks that can come with the job, if you feel comfortable accepting them.
This story continues Colorado Confidential’s series on gifts members of the Denver City Council have received. The first part can be read here, the second part here, the third part here and the fourth part here, along with the initial story on lagging transparency.Councilmembers Brown and Garcia provided little detail on their gift reports, and could not be reached for comment, but listed items that definitely make one wonder.
Garcia lists receiving a pass to Six Flags Elitch Gardens, tickets to the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, tickets from Comcast to the Nuggets, tickets for the Barnum and Bailey Circus, and entry into the Zoolights at the Denver Zoo, as well as a free RTD pass and a tag for free parking. It definitely sounds like Councilman Garcia has enjoyed his time on the council thus far.
Councilman Brown appears to be the biggest sports fan on the council, as he reported accepting tickets for the Rockies from both Comcast and from lobbying firm CRL. In addition, he reports receiving Broncos tickets from Comcast (even though the waiting list for season tickets is several years long). Lastly, he apparently went on the Parade of Homes tour for free.
Disclosure report for Charlie Brown
Disclosure report for Rick Garcia
