We’re heading in to (officially non-partisan) municipal election season here. Term limits are going to bring about a housecleaning in the mayor’s office and to most of city council. There are seven candidates for mayor. Assuming no one gets an absolute majority, the two leading candidates will meet in a run-off.

Ari Zavaras – former chief of police. In his campaign has advocated making it easier to increase taxes. Talks a lot about his grandsons. Got lots of glowing press for an appearance at a “gay” bar with a transvestite sitting on his lap. Got bad press for apparently disingenuous answers about being kicked out of college and police “spy files”.

Don Mares – current city auditor and former state legislator. That’s the same CV our current mayor had when he was first elected. I know this candidate as I once worked for a man who had been a previous business partner of Mr. Mares. Mr. Mares proudly notes that he has served on the board of directors of Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood.

Elizabeth Schlosser – historic preservationist. Most people haven’t heard of her. That will probably still be true after the election.

John Hickenlooper – successful businessman. His name is fun to say. He raises lots of campaign money out of state. Has cute commercials, but doesn’t address substantial issues in them.

Penfield Tate – no, that’s not an accounting firm, he’s a former state legislator – actually the most left-wing of all members of that august body. Uses a merge sign as the graphic for his campaign. Doesn’t anyone else find that significantly creepy?

Phil Perrington -- former state Democratic party chairman. The media says he’s pro-life, but nothing on his website would back that up. He does seem to be very confrontational. Perhaps that’s why the media has chosen to besmirch his reputation with the Demos.

Susan Casey – former city council member. Wants to use the mayor’s office to strengthen the public schools. Given the responsibilities of the mayor, that makes about as much sense as saying she’d use the mayor’s office to strengthen the U. S. Air Force. Perhaps she should consider running for the school board.