Commerce City in the News

A few months ago we reported how Ward III council member Renée M. Chacon disrupted Commerce City’s beloved Memorial Day parade with some of her well-known political antics on  issues far removed from our community.

Chacon and her family members donned T-shirts bearing anti-Israeli slogans and then rode a city-sponsored float in the parade. Her shirt declared, “END THE OCCUPATION” while “FREE PALESTINE” was on another family member’s shirt, and another shirt essentially accused Israel of “genocide.” 

Dragging such extreme views into the middle a cherished event like the Memorial Day parade — which honors fallen Americans and is supposed to unite the community — was divisive to say the least and probably offended a lot of Americans, including members of the Jewish community.

Commerce City’s representation on the Adams County Commission is up for grabs. Longtime Commissioner Eva Henry is wrapping up her third and final term and cannot run again because of term limits.

Two contenders — Julie Duran Mullica and Valerie Vigil — are vying to replace her. In order to win the seat, either Mullica or Vigil will have to win the support of voters countywide in the June 25 Democratic Party primary election even though they will represent only District 1, which includes Commerce City, on the county commission.

Here’s a closer look at the two candidates — in the order in which they appear on the June 25 mail ballot — and where they stand on the issues.

Commerce City rightly prides itself on a Memorial Day parade that is second to none. It’s the largest in the state and this year drew at least 8,000 people, according to The Denver Gazette:

Hundreds of parade entries from the military, police, law enforcement, fire, civic organizations, car clubs, and more made their way along a mile-and-a-half route to the delight of young and old alike. Many donned military caps and waved American flags.

Our mayor weighed in, as well, and was quoted by The Gazette, setting the tone:

“It’s important that we take time to truly remember and honor our fallen service members for their sacrifice on Memorial Day," said Commerce City Mayor Steve Douglas. “Their bravery and determination serve as profound inspiration to remind us to uphold the values they so gladly defended.”

So, it was surprising, even startling — and, for some, probably infuriating —to see Ward III council member Renée M. Chacon disrupt the occasion with an overt display of her controversial politics. You could say it was downright divisive…