Debbie Ortega: “I would declare homelessness as an emergency

EXPERIENCED PUBLIC SERVANT | Debbie Ortega: “I am going to make sure that all the people in my cabinet work together to solve the problems of the city. (Photo/El Comercio Colorado)

ELECTIONS IN DENVER

CANDIDATE FOR MAYORESS OF DENVER

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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Deborah “Debbie” Ortega aspires to be elected as the first female mayoress of Denver. She currently serves as a councilwoman at large in Denver. By the time she finishes her current term, Ortega will have served Denver residents for 28 years. “I am running for mayor because I believe that experience is very important in difficult times. I know how the city works. I know the problems we are dealing with. I have different solutions and I am committed to continue serving the people in my community,” she said. Debbie Ortega: “I would declare homelessness as an emergency.

Based on her knowledge, Ortega identified the main problem of the city. “Our biggest problem is the high level of crime and insecurity. We have unprecedented gun violence. We are the number one city in the US for auto theft theft. People are having their catalytic converters stolen. Drugs circulate through the streets fueling crime and mental health problems,” she said. And she continued with her solution, “We have to make sure that we have the police and all the personnel to deal with these problems.”

Housing and Homelessness

Ortega was clear about her solution to the increase in homeless encampments in Denver. “I will declare an emergency so our city can address the issue of homelessness. We must evaluate the different successful models for housing the homeless. In Denver we already have the YMCA building and the Barth Hotel, which consist of single occupancy units, where the dining room and kitchen are shared. But there are a variety of options, with different prices. We must evaluate all the models,” she assured.

This candidate would declare a second emergency. Ortega indicated that “it is ridiculous that the process to obtain construction permits is so late. I know of a development near to the former CDOT headquarters. They’ve been working on that project for about five years, but three of those years have been spent getting the permits. Time is money and that excessive consumption of time also has serious consequences when we are demanding the construction of more affordable housing”.

Questions and answers

What is your exit plan for Denver’s immigrant crisis?

Debbie Ortega: For those who decide to stay because they have nowhere else to go, we need to help them connect with resources so they can get jobs and can be established.

What characterizes Denver?

DO: Our best kept secret, which is no longer a secret, is our climate. Here it can snow in the morning, getting to have snow on the ground everywhere. Then in the afternoon the sun rises, and the streets are clear. That is part of what has attracted many young people and entrepreneurs. We have come to have a huge creative sector.