There was a time before a 24-hour news cycle, big money donors, PAC money and non-stop television ads. Democrats appealed to Globeville’s blue collar voters with slogans like "Be Boss, Vote Democratic" and a prominent display of the Union Label on all printed material. Republicans touted fiscal responsibility and state control over water and land policies. Competition was cordial and after elections were over, rivals worked together to get things accomplished. Until the 1980s, Denver was a mid-sized town and politicians kept in touch with voters in District 9 by being present in the neighborhood. It was not unusual for city officials to attend a parish festival or lodge celebration in the neighborhood.
In 1963, Mayor Tom Currigan, Councilman Bob Keating (District 1) and Councilman Joe Ciancio, Jr. (District 9) were guests of honor at the 55th Anniversary Convention of the Western Slavonic Association.
The
politicians who attended the Globeville Civic Association’s Christmas
potluck dinner in 1976 included Democratic Congresswoman
Pat Schroeder, State Senator Dennis Gallagher, and Denver’s Manager of
Parks
and Recreation, Joe Ciancio.
Perhaps the money spent on today’s television ads could be used for better things and those running for office could devote more time to meeting with their constituents in the community.
Mrs. Koprivic and Democratic State Representative Don Oliver
enjoy a meal at the Peacock Inn
