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Brewpub Owner Turned Mayor Dishes in Parade Magazine

August 18, 2008
 
INTELLIGENCE REPORT

A Maverick Mayor


John Hickenlooper, 56, was a geologist and brewpub owner before being elected mayor of Denver in 2003. He’s won praise for his fiscal management and resolution to end homelessness. He is preparing the Mile-High City to host the Democratic National Convention next week.

How does owning a restaurant prepare you to govern?
I think it should be required training for any elected executive. You never have enough money, you have a diverse group of people, and the public is always angry about something. You learn very quickly that there is no profit in having enemies, and no matter how unreasonable customers may be, you learn to listen to them, respect them, and find consensus.

During the convention, what image of Denver do you want to present to the world?
We want to show that Denver is a city that works. We’ve done a lot of planning and training. We are trying to be prepared for anything. When it comes to balancing security issues with the civil liberties of protesters, we are walking a tightrope.

What about Denver makes you most proud?
I’m most proud of the city’s collaborative ability. Denver is a place with a history of collaboration, and I think that’s why the Democrats picked us. While it is also known as a rugged place, there were a lot more barn raisings than shoot-outs at the OK Corral.

What will you do after the convention?
That depends. I’m not sure how long it is humanly possible for someone to sleep.