Thank you for clicking “Learn More.” You’ve just raised your hand to learn more about a movement that was born from the overwhelming response that came after the November election.
After the final results, I received a flood of messages from neighbors. The message was the same: “Please don’t stop.”
You told me you believe 100% that our city has a broken process and is not putting residents first. You were worried about what happens next. Did City Hall hear the message from our campaign? Will they put residents first by listening to us and focus on things we care about?
After some reflection, I realized this was never about one candidate. It was about the central belief that Golden has a broken process.
So, instead of letting that powerful, city-wide sentiment fade away, I built this “Home Base.” Just like many residents, I am hopeful City Hall heard us. However, instead of hoping for change and hoping things work out, I want to give residents a proactive, actual solution that does not rely on “hope” as the way forward.
This is how we get organized, stay informed, and actually ensure we make a difference. This is a new coalition of Golden residents who believe our city should be focused on what residents care about, not what partisan machines and outside interests care about. We want real solutions for traffic issues that put residents first. We want real solutions for parking downtown that puts residents first. We want real solutions for the wildfire threat that exists in Golden.
A Former Candidate’s Diagnosis: The Problem in Golden
Our “16-vote pedal bike vs. e-bike” campaign proved one thing: a massive part of Golden is tired of a broken governing process.
- We have a “News” problem. The city is failing to communicate effectively. The city’s website, the Golden Informer, and its Facebook page often serve as a “calendar of events” or for “general announcements.” While important, this leaves a huge gap in substantive communication. There are not enough updates on key decisions. Too many times, residents have said, “I didn’t know that was happening” on major projects or key City Council votes. In short, the City does not effectively communicate with its residents on substantive issues—this is a serious TRANSPARENCY issue.
- We have a “Process” problem. Communication isn’t the only problem. There are many examples where residents were either not consulted early enough OR our perspective was completely ignored on important projects and issues. Many residents agreed the city’s “Decide, Celebrate, Communicate” model is broken. We are left in the dark, only to be “consulted” by the city after the real decisions have been made behind closed doors. This isn’t just a transparency issue; it’s a serious TRUST issue.
- We have a “Machine” problem. Partisan agendas and other outside interests are hijacking our non-partisan elections, pushing a top-down agenda that doesn’t put residents first. In short, outside agendas crowd out residents’ interests.
The Solution: A New “Home Base” for Residents
The goal of this website is to be a “Home Base.” Our mission is to give residents essential information about the city, arm them with the tools to fight against outside interests, and to empower residents to be effective in working with City Hall.
This is the launch of a new hub for substantive policy and data-driven analysis. We will provide the independent analysis you deserve. We will track what City Council is doing… and, more importantly, what they are not doing to put residents first.
Join the Movement. Get the Real Story.
It is impossibly hard to beat a partisan machine, but our 16-vote margin proves we almost did it. We must learn from this. To effectuate true change, we need to get organized NOW and build our own, non-partisan, residents-first machine. This website is the infrastructure to do that. It takes time to build a true “Groundswell” movement, and this is where that work begins.
This is not about hoping for change in the future. This is about making a difference now. Apathy from those who want change is what allows the status quo to re-establish its stranglehold on Golden governance. If residents join now, we can effectuate change now, ensure you are heard, and make the city focus on the issues that matter today. We don’t have to wait for the next election.
This is where you come in. All it takes to make a difference is clicking the subscribe button. That single click unlocks a whole new world: you’ll get our data-driven analysis and real policy news sent directly to your inbox. You will finally have the tool to stay informed and make a difference.
But don’t stop there. Spread the word. Forward this link. Tell your neighbors. The “Groundswell” only wins when we all become part of the solution.
THE “P.S.” LINK TO THE “PROOF”
This movement is built on a foundation of proof. If you’re not familiar with the final campaign message that sparked such an overwhelming response after the election…
You can read about it here→
To see the data-driven “blueprints,” the transparent messages, and the campaign for City Council that inspired this new movement…
Dan Sung for Golden 