Hickenlooper, Down for the Count

What with all the history being made in Denver these days, it's not surprising that Mayor John Hickenlooper might lose track. On July 9, the city celebrated the hundredth anniversary of the Auditorium Theatre -- which had opened on July 8, 1908, just in time for that year's Democratic National...

By Patricia Calhoun

July 10, 2008

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What with all the history being made in Denver these days, it's not surprising that Mayor John Hickenlooper might lose track. On July 9, the city celebrated the hundredth anniversary of the Auditorium Theatre -- which had opened on July 8, 1908, just in time for that year's Democratic National Convention.

And not only is Hickenlooper counting cash that he needs to put on this year's DNC, he's also measuring degrees, in keeping with Cool Biz, the Denver program that's turning up the thermostats -- necessitating that city workers take off their suit coats and ties. The shirt-sleeved Hickenlooper forgot to bring his outerwear to the Auditorium rededication Wednesday. In fact, he also forgot precisely what day it was, noting that this year's Democratic convention would be starting 54 days hence.

Bad news, Hick. Only 47 more days to get ready for the event that kicks off August 25.

Actually, it's now 46. -- Patricia Calhoun

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Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

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