I met Stacie Gilmore for the first time last night.  I think that it was sometime between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  More often than not I am sitting in our computer room either writing an article for my blog or checking out the latest political news; but this time, my wife had arrived there just ahead of me.

As a result, I was headed downstairs to watch the hockey game when my doorbell rang.  When I answered the door there was a woman standing there with a big smile on her face that extended her hand and said “hi, I’m Stacie Gilmore.”  From there she began to spout a lot of things about how she loves our community, the things she had done since becoming a part of it and how she wanted to see it thrive and grow in the future.

She was a vibrant woman with much to say and who I found to be easy to listen to and she sounded so sincere about what she wanted to do if elected to be District 11’s City Councilperson.  Even if I did not hold a special interest in politics and was not an avid follower of it I would not have found her conversation boring.  She seemed so frank and enthusiastic about what she was saying that I quickly became engrossed in what she had to say.

As I listened and sized her up, I tried to figure out who this woman really was.  I’m well aware, as I am sure that you are, that most politicians will say whatever it takes when they are in essence in an interview seeking to be hired or stumping to retain their popularity in order to place them in the best position possible for reelection so that they can retain their job.  However, Stacie Gilmore is not yet a politician; at least, not officially.  And even if she is successful in her maiden venture to become one by winning the June 2nd runoff election to become the District 11 councilperson my gut feeling is that she will remain dedicated to those whom she will represent and to the betterment of the District.

I held her captive at my door for so long that her husband, Scott, finally showed up at my door to subtly and politely encourage her to move on.  After politely speaking to me he turned to Ms. Gilmore: “We’ve got an election to win” he said.  I held both of them captive for a little longer – probably much longer than I should have under the circumstances, before releasing them to complete their campaign efforts before it was dark.

Stacie Gilmore’s decision to run for City Council in Denver’s District 11 and her vision for the District is a microcosm of the phenomenon that is currently taking place all around America.  Women have long been underrepresented in American government.  Now it seem that not only are more of them stepping forward and presenting themselves as viable political candidates seeking to play a more active role in politics from the very top level to the lowest level of government in this country, but they are also demonstrating that they are ready and very capable of handling leadership roles at every level.

My point is that since the inception of this website I have always encouraged everyone to vote.  Further, I have encouraged them to always exercise their right to vote and not in just Presidential elections.  So it would be hypocritical and I would be remiss if I failed to mention the importance of this local election in District 11; the District in which I live.

Elections like the runoff election that will take place on June 2nd are extremely important.  We get to decide at what basically amounts to the entry-level of politics, who we feel is best qualified to represent us, do the most to make our neighborhoods the best that they can be, encourage improvement in our neighborhood schools and help to foster  business growth, foster the growth of well-paying jobs and affordable housing.  Not only are elections like these the springboard for many of those who land at the state and federal levels of our government as Representatives, Senators and Presidents but what they do at these various levels many times ultimately trickle back down to have an impact on us.

As a resident of Montbello for almost 35 years, I am aware of many of Ms. Gilmore’s accomplishments and contributions to the District 11 community.  With her knowledge of our community, past contributions to it and the time that she has lived in Montbello she is well aware of all of its nuances.  Anyone who lives or has lived in the Montbello Green Valley Ranch Community for a substantial period of time knows that the ‘time’ connection is an intricate part of one’s ability to sort through the fodder and reach the real issues in order to form workable coalitions that will be beneficial in the nurture and growth of our District.

Ms. Gilmore has proven that she can cause those in District 11 with diverse agendas and interests to coalesce around issues that will be mutually beneficial to them.  She is without doubt qualified to serve as our City Councilperson and based on her longstanding presence as a resident in District 11 and her contributions to it she is the person who can and will best serve those of us who live here.

Just in case that you missed the last debate between the two June 2nd runoff election candidates, in the event that you might be interested in watching it you can click here to check it out.  And finally I want to leave you with the following very important message which is: always remember, your vote is the most important one of all…unless you don’t use it!

Eulus Dennis