Wellington Webb endorses Hancock for Denver mayor

March 25, 2011

Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and his wife, former state Rep. Wilma Webb, announced their endorsement Thursday of Michael Hancock for mayor in the upcoming election.

“One of my most treasured moments as a legislator was an event at Manual High School,” said Wilma Webb, who served in the legislature from 1981 to 1991. “After my speech, I was approached and questioned by an ambitious student leader. That person was Michael B. Hancock. Over the years, I have watched Michael grow and become an even stronger leader. Today, I am pleased Michael will carry his experiences in the nonprofit sector and as president of the city council on to become our next mayor.”

“These are tough economic times that will require difficult decisions and hard choices,” Mayor Webb said in a prepared statement. “Moving Denver forward together will require a strong leader with a clear vision. Michael is a natural leader who will unite Denver and make our great city even greater. He will bring people together, inspiring us to envision a better future and giving every Denver resident a reason to fight for our city.”

Wellington Webb served three terms as mayor, from 1991 to 2003.

Last week, another former mayor endorsed a different candidate.

“James Mejia is ready to lead Denver into this decade with an enhanced vision for our City. His experiences operating City agencies, making tough budget decisions, helping to create jobs, and improving education make him a leader for our times. James brings people together to solve complex challenges and he will serve all Denverites with that same passion,” said former mayor Federico Pena.

Pena served as Mayor of Denver from 1983 to 1991 and later served as Secretary of Transportation from 1993 to 1997 and Secretary of Energy from 1997 to 1998 under President Clinton.

“It is a privilege and an honor to have the support of a friend, a mentor and one of the most talented minds in our community,” Mejia said in a prepared statement. “Decades ago FP dared us to imagine a great city. It will be an honor to work with him to fulfill some of that vision.”