Trinidad Rodríguez: "It is urgent to rebuild the police

MAYOR’S OFFICE WILL MOVED | Trinidad Rodríguez will create a center to treat homeless’ mental health and addiction problems. Rodriguez would move the mayor’s office to this center. (Photo/El Comercio Colorado)

ELECTIONS IN DENVER

THE CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR OF DENVER SPEAKS

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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Trinidad Rodríguez who was born and raised in West Denver aspires to be the new mayor of Denver. Rodríguez says that he and his mother ran into many obstacles along the way, “but Denver helped us in those moments. That’s why I want to return the favor.” The candidate has a career in finance and banking. “I started my career 25 years ago and at the same time I started serving the community, making it possible to finance affordable housing projects, schools, hospitals, clinics. That sets me apart from other candidates,” he asserted. Trinidad Rodríguez: “It is urgent to rebuild the police.

The candidate continued, “Denver is having a hard time, and I’m going to keep fighting to build a city where everyone, regardless of what neighborhood they’re in, can achieve their version of success.” Rodríguez sees the loss of affordability and the high cost of living in Denver as obstacles to overcome in order to achieve his vision. According to Rodríguez, “the solution is to work on an equation with two components: expenses and income.”

“To reduce the expenses of families in the city we must increase the supply of housing. I will promote the increase in the construction of houses of various types. We must build more homes and we must deliver them as quickly as possible. Regarding revenue, I will work to strengthen ties with the Denver Public Schools (DPS) school district. With this close relationship, Denver can ensure that our children receive the education and reach the achievements to be successful in the future, “he explained.

Rebuild the police

Rodríguez indicates that security represents a personal issue for him. “I experienced violence when I was growing up in West Denver.” His solution to this other pressing issue is to “rebuild the police. It is urgent that we do it,” he said. He went on to explain his plan, “I am going to increase the number of officers because Denver has the same number of police officers as it did in 1997. However, our city has grown 50 percent since then. With the current number of police officers we cannot have a safe city”.

The candidate is going to declare an emergency to deal with the problem of homeless, people living on the streets. “I will start by declaring an emergency. At the same time I am creating a center with all the experts and staff to provide mental health treatment and addiction management for the homeless who are currently not getting enough help. People will be taken to that center voluntarily or involuntarily. I will move my office to that center and I will remain there until everyone receives treatment, ”he concluded.

Short answers

A secret place in Denver that you recommend visiting?

TR: The bike lane that runs along the Platte River where it meets Lakewood Gulch. The place has been restored and you feel nature. There is space to ride a bike and walk with a great view of the mountains.

What are the best burritos in Denver?

TR: For me, the best burritos are the ones at “La Pasadita”, right at the intersection of Park Avenue and Clarkson Street. It feels like being in Mexico City or Guadalajara. It’s a bustling intersection, with lots of energy and delicious food.

Your favorite dish in “La Pasadita”?

TR: Stuffed sopapilla.