Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Tony Smith, City Arts and Civic Leader, Announces Bid for Denver City Council District 10

After 18 years as both a District 10 resident and employee of the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and extensive discussions with constituents from across the district, Tony Smith has announced his candidacy to represent District 10 on Denver City Council.

“Building community and consensus among the diverse voices of District 10 has been my life’s work and passion for nearly two decades,” said Tony. “I want to bring that experience and passion to city government – and now more than ever, we need to connect to and feel represented by our local government officials. Together, we will find innovative solutions to creating affordable housing, strengthening neighborhoods through smart growth, safety, historic preservation, health, wellness, support of our vulnerable populations and elevating businesses with intentional strategies to help them thrive.”

For the past 18 years, Smith has worked for District 10 nonprofit CherryArts as the Marketing and Operations Director. During his tenure, Smith was instrumental in the fiscal, cultural and economic impact success of the organization’s flagship event, the Cherry Creek Arts festival. The organization’s mission provides access to arts experiences and supports art education year-round to 350,000 annual festival attendees and more than 20,000 students throughout the year. Smith is proud of how the CherryArts mission enables the exploration of imaginations and celebration of community while simultaneously being a vital cultural and economic engine for the city. He has also been a tireless advocate for District 10 as an appointee to the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs, Denver Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Denver Commission on Aging, Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness and service on Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Board of Directors.

“We live in consequential times which is why we need elected officials who can genuinely connect to constituents and advocate for them at the local level, and develop solutions to pressing issues,” said Mark Ferrandino, former Colorado Speaker of the House. “I can’t think of anyone else who could do this job better than Tony. He’s a self-less, proven leader who wakes up every day with relentless passion to connect, engage and serve.”