Pabon for Colorado

An honor to meet the President

2011-09-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

I had an opportunity to meet the President in the White House's map room this summer. Please watch until near the end of the clip, 4:21, to see the whole meeting. Inspiring!

2011-03-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

Promoting a Safe and Secure Learning Environment

On Wednesday March 23, the House cleared a bill that would help promote a safe and secure learning environment in our schools. The bill, HB 1254, would fund bullying education and prevention programs, allowing school administrators to conduct yearly surveys of bullying in their schools and develop methods for fighting against it. This would include the study and prevention of electronic forms of bullying, an increasing trend that has been studied little and requires greater attention in our schools.

The bill now moves to the Senate. As a proponent of this bill in the House, I urge the Senate to approve HB 1254. It is imperative that we protect our children and foster a positive and healthy learning environment for them.

2011-03-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

Defending Our Schools

In an effort to balance the budget on Wednesday March 16, the House Finance Committee cleared Senate Bill 76, which would require teachers to pay a greater share of their retirement costs. While the measure would save the state an estimated $61.6 million, Democrats opposed the bill because teachers, school employees, and the school districts were not given a chance to weigh in on the proposal.

Initially, the bill intended to increase the teacher pension contribution rate by 2.5 percent, while decreasing the state’s contribution by a corresponding 2.5 percent. But an amendment by Republican Brian Delgrosso would also allow schools districts to increase the contribution rate by yet another 2 percent.

I strongly oppose both this bill and Rep. Delgrosso’s amendment. Clearly, we need to balance the budget. We must prevent teacher layoffs and keep our class sizes from growing. But we cannot resolve our budgetary problems on the backs of our teachers and school employees. These people are the foundation of our state’s health. We must search for new and innovative ways to balance the budget, and not punish the schools for doing their job.

2011-03-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

One Step Closer Toward Accountability and Transparency

Last week, I proudly voted to support a bill that cracks down on exorbitant expenses, including thousands of dollars in spa treatments and golf fees, and excessive travel by state-chartered entities. The bill was a direct result of a lavish vacation taken by the quasi-governmental agency Pinnacol Assurance last year. During that vacation, Pinnacol spent over $300,000 on their board members and $40,000 on tee times and spa treatments alone.

Small businesses across the state pay premiums to Pinnacol Assurance for workers compensation insurance. They receive huge tax breaks, incentives, and public retirement benefits. This type of behavior is an affront to Colorado taxpayers and small businesses. As a defender of government accountability and transparency, I fully support this bill.

Specifically, HB11-1211 limits the cost of travel to no more than twice the federal reimbursement amount per day. If a state-chartered entity spends more than this limit, then the person taking the trip would have to pay the balance.

2011-03-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

Health Care Bill

House Republicans are introducing a bill to take several steps backward and opt Colorado out of the federal health care reform system – before it’s even had a chance to succeed. The proposed measure, House Bill 11-1273, would authorize Colorado to negotiate with other states to develop an “interstate compact” for regulating health care at the state level.

The practical effect of this bill would allow participating states to pass laws to regulate health care, laws that would supersede federal law and regulation. It would also allow those states to receive federal Medicaid funds in the form of block grants, and would exempt themselves from federal requirements as to the use of those funds.

I am firmly opposed to this bill. Over the past year, our country has made great strides in reforming the broken health care system. By creating an independent interstate compact, Colorado would disrupt the nation’s progress while doing little to provide its citizens with fair and affordable health care.

2011-03-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

Update from the Capitol

A lot has been going on at the Capitol recently. I want to inform you about some of the issues being debated at our Capitol and let you know where I stand.

Civil Unions Bill

On Monday March 7, the Senate Judiciary Committee gave initial approval to a civil-unions bill that grants same-sex couples with greater equal protection rights and responsibilities. The Civil Unions bill passed on a bipartisan, 6-3 vote. It will likely pass in the Senate, but it’s fate in the House is less clear as the Republicans have a one-seat majority.

As a sponsor of this bill in the House, I believe it is paramount that we allow civil-unions in Colorado. It is a family values issue that will advance equality and respect throughout the state. As a straight ally, I believe it is my duty to ensure that we stand up for those who do not enjoy the same rights and privileges simply because of sexual orientation.

Proof Of Citizenship For Voter Registration

On Wednesday March 9, Secretary of State Scott Gessler and Republican Rep. Chris Holbert proposed legislation to ostensibly prevent voter fraud by non-citizens. The legislation, under House Bill 1252, would allow the Secretary of State to search the voter database to determine whether registered voters are actually citizens. If a voter is suspected of being a noncitizen, that individual must submit proof of citizenship within 90 days to the state.

This bill would essentially shift the burden of proving citizenship from the state to the individual, making it more time-consuming, more expensive, and less likely for citizens to get to the polls. This bill would be especially burdensome for low-income and elderly people who cannot easily provide this information.

I believe it is important that we do everything possible to get our citizens to vote. We have a process that works, and we should not detract from that process by implementing excessive and bureaucratic roadblocks.

Redistricting

On Friday March 4, the Joint Select Redistricting Committee met to redraw the congressional boundaries, as they do every ten years when the census is published. As a member of the committee, I am committed to redrawing the boundaries with fairness and respect to all Colorado residents. It is my hope that we can solve this issue with civility and bipartisan support.

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2010-12-20T12:01:00.001-08:00

It's About Time

Over the weekend, a legacy of discrimination against our nation's bravest men and women has come to an end.

On Saturday, the U,S. Senate followed the lead of the U.S. House and voted to end the Don't Ask, Don't Tell ("DADT") policy. This policy forced gay and lesbian service members, who bravely fight for our freedoms in some of the most hostile places in the world, to hide who they are or face being told they can no longer serve our country.

With so many Congressional frustrations and setbacks over the last few years, it is important for us to stop and celebrate hard fought victories which mark real progress for our country.

Ending this policy was necessary from both a political and national security standpoint. Polls have shown a majority of Americans favored repeal of DADT. Democrats, Republicans and Independents all thought it was time for this policy to go. However, as is often the case, our political institutions are slow to react to the will of the people. Therefore, when those institutions finally bring policy into line with our national sentiments, it only makes victory that much sweeter.

Perhaps, more importantly, DADT stood in direct contradiction to our values as Americans. I believe this country must be an example to the world of the imperative of tolerance, equality and fairness in all aspects of society and politics. This horrible policy was an enduring and glaring embarrassment to these values and its repeal was long past due.

There are so many challenges facing our country these days. The way we address these challenges will test us as a people and our dedication to the values we hold dear. Today, however, we brought our country closer to the American ideal and we can hold our heads high and declare that we stood behind our values.

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2010-09-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

The American Worker

Today, we celebrate the American worker and praise the contributions of the Labor movement to America's prosperity and workplace fairness.

I grew up in a union household. Both my mother and father were active in their unions because they believed that it was the American worker's tenacity and unrivaled dedication to providing a better future for the next generation that made our country so strong. They would say that if we wish to support our economy and our future prosperity, we need to support our working families. These values were impressed upon me from a young age and I believe that now more than ever we need to do more to support our working families.

Unfortunately, we have seen a lot of political gamesmanship at the expense of our workforce over the last few months. Republicans in Washington have filibustered every attempt to foster job growth or provide help to our workforce. They even held up extending unemployment benefits for the millions who are out of work. Their reason? Republican leadership claimed that assistance to those who can't find a job in this economy is equivalent to providing incentives for them to stay home and not find a job.

Let me make my position clear: there is no shortage of work ethic in America right now, there is a shortage of work. We need leaders who understand this and will support our workers, not talk down to them. If elected to serve our community, job growth and workforce development will be my top priorities because supporting our workers means giving them the opportunity to make America thrive.

Labor Day is a time for America to honor its workers. However, I believe it is incumbent upon our leaders to support working families every day. I hope to be the voice of working families in the State House so that we can continue building a stronger and more prosperous future for the next generation.

Happy Labor Day.

MEDIA:

2010-08-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

La Voz Nueva: Latinos Running for Office

These are heady times for Latino candidates hoping for seats in the 2011 Colorado State Legislature...

Dan Pabon received his undergraduate degree in engineering at the University of Colorado, where he was also elected student body president. Pabon, who practices law in Denver, also earned his law degree from the CU Law School. He lists his legislative priorities as jobs, new energy, education and health care...

Click here to read more.

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2010-08-11T10:55:00.001-07:00

Thank you

One year ago this week, we kicked off this campaign with a promise to run a grassroots, neighbor-to-neighbor campaign focused on a better future for our students, seniors and working families. Today, I am proud to say we have stuck to that promise and I could not be more proud of the campaign we have run.

Thanks to your support, I am humbled to announce that we won a decisive victory in last night's primary election and I am honored to be your Democratic nominee in House District 4.

I am so grateful for the tireless work of our dedicated volunteers and supporters like you. Thanks to your help, we knocked on thousands of doors, made thousands of phone calls, sent hundreds of postcards, and hosted house parties and town halls in every corner of our community.

This was your victory and we could not have done this without you.

Our work does not end here. In fact, this is only the beginning. The weight of the challenges before us is great. However, I am so optimistic about our future because I have seen first hand how strong this community can be when we work together. I am absolutely confident that together, we will have a community voice in the State House.

Thank you again for your hard work and support.

Dan Pabon

BLOG:

2010-07-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

Ballot Drop Locations

I know many of our community members plan to drop of their primary ballots so I am just writing a quick blog post with the ballot drop locations in our area.

Scheitler Rec Center
5031 W. 46th Ave

Barnum Rec Center
360 Hooker Street

Ballots must be RECEIVED by 7pm on Tuesday, August 10th in order to be counted. Make sure you get your ballot turned in before Tuesday, August 10th!

You should have received your ballot this week. If you have not, contact the Denver Elections Division (720-913-VOTE).

You can also contact our campaign and we will try to help you as best we can (720-329-8679).

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2010-07-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

Our Future Arrives This Week

The future of our community will be arriving in your mailbox this week.

Mail ballots are going out this week to fellow Democrats in North and West Denver. This is your opportunity to cast your vote and choose the leaders who will be your voice in government.

This election is enormously important and I am asking for your support. Our community is at a crossroads where, for the first time in eight years, our State House seat has no incumbent running for re-election. We will truly be choosing a new voice for our community.

I am running for State Representative because I grew up here in Northwest Denver, and the people facing challenges like losing their job, health insurance coverage or their home are not simply voters to me -- they are my former teachers, coaches, lifelong neighbors and fellow parents of children facing the real possibility of growing up in a world with fewer opportunities.

We stand here at this crossroads and for their sake, these challenges demand more than election-cycle solutions. I am committed to finding these solutions the only way I know how: as a community. United. Together. That's why our campaign is powered by individual donors and community volunteers -- not a single special interest PAC dollar.

I am asking for your support so I can be your voice in government. Our community deserves a representative who listens to us all and shares the same stake in our future.

I am committed to working hard for the families of North and West Denver and speaking for all of us in the legislature.

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2010-07-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

North Denver News Endorses Dan Pabon

I wanted to share some great news. I am humbled to have the endorsement of the North Denver News in the Democratic primary election for House District 4.

You can read the endorsement here .

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2010-07-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

Yard signs are here!

I have some exciting news to announce: our yard signs are in and ready to take home!

We are giving them out to any community member that would like one so don't be shy. I'd love to give you a sign or two!

If you would like a yard sign, just send me an email at pabonforcolorado@gmail.com and I will get you one as soon as possible.

They look great too!

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2010-04-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

Now Our Work Begins

With a profound sense of gratitude and humility, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for all of your time, hard work, and support. Our community campaign -- launched from living rooms and kitchen tables across Northwest Denver -- earned 50 percent of the vote in a three-way race at the county assembly this weekend, thus assuring us a place on the primary ballot.

More importantly, your efforts have given us the honor of being the sole campaign nominated by the Democratic voters who turned out on caucus night. This achievement was only possible because of you.

But this election is far from over. We have only earned our spot on the ballot. Now our work begins.

Our mission for the next four months will be to talk to every person and cover every corner of Northwest Denver. We will take nothing for granted, and we will work to earn every vote.

We began this campaign with the shared belief that this pivotal election for Northwest Denver, and this defining moment for Colorado, requires leadership that will leave behind the petty politics and divisiveness of the past. These times require a campaign that recognizes the potential of what we can accomplish for the children, seniors, and working families of our community if we stand together.

The challenges we face demand nothing less of us, and I will need your help to carry us through to Election Day on August 10th. Please join us for the work ahead.

Together, we will ensure the community voices who spoke out at the caucuses will be heard in the State House.

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2010-03-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

A big night

Our community campaign, which began in living rooms, at kitchen tables and on front porches, grew to fill auditoriums, school cafeterias and classrooms as friends and supporters gathered Tuesday night in 44 precincts across Northwest Denver for the Democratic caucuses. And you made your voice heard.

Thanks to each and every one of you, we had a tremendous turnout at the precinct caucuses last night.

I was overwhelmed by the presence of our supporters at each caucus location, and the feedback I've been hearing from individual caucus goers, reporting how strong our support was at the precinct level, has been nothing short of amazing.

You demonstrated publicly what many us believe and know privately: we are stronger together than we are apart.

I could not do this without you. Caucus night was your night.

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2010-03-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

Join me for a strategy meeting

With only two weeks left until the Democratic precinct caucuses, I want to invite you to one of the critical strategy meetings we are hosting before the caucus. It is very important that all of our supporters attend at least one of these meetings. The caucus will be a much different experience this year than what many may be expecting based on prior caucuses.

To ensure everyone understands our caucus strategy, we are hosting meetings on the following days and times:

What:
Critical strategy meetings for Pabon supporters

Why:
To understand how to support our campaign at the caucus

Where:
Wed., March 3 at 7pm, and
Mon., March 8 at 7pm

Where:
3480 West 38th Ave. Denver, CO 80211

BLOG:

2010-02-24T15:58:00.001-08:00

A Message from Councilman Rick Garcia

Dear Friends,

I am writing to ask that you join me in supporting Dan Pabon at the Democratic precinct caucuses on March 16th at 7pm.

Dan Pabon is the exact high-energy and dedicated public servant House District 4 requires in the General Assembly. He has proven himself as a leader in our community and Party. With Dan in the State House, Northwest Denver will maintain its strong reputation for effective and progressive leadership that we deserve.

As you may know, I am nearing the end of my time serving on the city council. While I will miss serving our community, I am so glad that we have a candidate like Dan Pabon who can provide Northwest Denver with a strong community voice in the State House.

Dan has spent the majority of his personal and professional life committed to public service. He has worked for the Legal Aid and Defender Program, helping the poor and disabled obtain Social Security Disability benefits, navigate family law, and act as an advocate for vulnerable clients. In his law practices, Dan has assisted in starting up women and minority owned small businesses in our community and across the state. He is committed to bettering the community by staying active in his neighborhood association, tutoring and mentoring at North High and other local high schools, and acting on the Board of Directors of the Auraria Higher Education Center and the Association for Senior Citizens.

Dan Pabon is the kind of public servant we need now more than ever. I hope you will join me in supporting Dan at the Democratic precinct caucuses on March 16th at 7pm.

Dan will be a strong voice for our community and protect middle class families struggling in the worst economy since the Great Depression.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to seeing you at the caucus.

Rick Garcia
Denver City Councilman

MEDIA: North Denver Tribune

2010-02-16T15:13:00.000-08:00

Dan Pabon on the Economy

Susan has lived in our community for 60 years. Retired now, she lives on a fixed income. Because of aide layoffs, Susan volunteers in her grandson, Ryan’s, pre-school classroom. Her daughter, Jessica, is without health insurance after she was recently laid off, and was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jessica lives close in mom’s rental home, but can’t pay the rent. Susan needs the money, but of course lets her daughter stay for free. Susan saw her property taxes go up last year and considers selling her home because the property taxes are too high. Susan, Jessica and Ryan need our help.

Click Here to Read More

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2010-02-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

Good News for Equal Rights (It's About Time!)

The night of the State of the Union address, our campaign had a watch party. A few of our volunteers and precinct captains got together and we watched President Obama address the nation. The president's speech touched on many of the issues that face our country - creating jobs, fixing the economy, passing health care reform and others. He spoke at length on these issues but I also vividly remember him bringing up the issue of repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that bars openly gay men and women from serving in the US military.

I remember this so clearly because of the burst of applause and cheers from our watch party when President Obama said he wanted it repealed!

It's about time we finally got around to ending this discriminatory practice and let these patriotic Americans serve their country. In the most recent poll I have seen, about 60% of American's favor allowing gay Americans to serve!

I fully support these efforts to allow openly gay men and women to serve in our military. As the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffs recently stated, it is not fair to force these men and women in uniform to "lie about who they are."

PRESS RELEASE:

2010-01-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

Dan Pabon Congratulates Councilman Rick Garcia

DENVER, CO -- Dan Pabon, Democratic candidate for House District 4 in Northwest Denver, today commented on Rick Garcia's appointment to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as Rocky Mountain Regional Director:

"I am so proud that one of Northwest Denver's own has been chosen to lead HUD's Rocky Mountain Region, and I send my most sincere congratulations to Councilman Garcia. I thank him for his service to our community and wish him and his family the very best in their next adventure."

"As Councilman Garcia tackles our Regional HUD issues, I will continue our campaign for the State House. I am more committed than ever to ensuring my lifelong community of Northwest Denver has a voice in the legislature. The tremendous support our campaign has received so far has been humbling and we are working for a strong showing at the caucuses in March and the primary in August."

Dan Pabon grew up in Northwest Denver and is running to replace term-limited Jerry Frangas in the Colorado House of Representatives.

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2010-01-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

Outrageous

I am running for the State House to be a voice for our community and protect middle class families struggling in the worst economy since the Great Depression.

Colorado lawmakers are now deciding how to cut $1 billion from next year's state budget after they have already closed a $2 billion gap in the last year and a half.

And yet the Denver Post reported yesterday that the Capitol looked like a "lobbyist convention" as scores of special interests fought to protect their corporate tax breaks from budget cuts, even though seniors, students, and schools have all sacrificed. [The Spot blog, Denver Post, 1/27/10]

Even more outrageous was the story that some of these powerful lobbyists were suggesting that the preservation of their tax breaks should be paid for by higher taxes on medicine and groceries. [Denver Post, 1/27/10]

Higher prices on food and medicine would disproportionately hurt middle class and working families--people who call Northwest Denver home. After budget cuts have already affected senior citizens, K-12 schools, higher education, and care for the disabled, the notion that middle class families should pay for special interest tax breaks is simply stunning.

I will always stand with the families and communities of Northwest Denver against special interest influences in the Capitol. It is my belief that ordinary citizens can be heard in government when we are united as a community that drive me and our campaign for Northwest Denver.

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2010-01-24T08:59:00.000-08:00

Fighting for the voice of the little guy

Last year, I had the honor of serving on President Obama's transition team in Washington.

During my time there, I worked to help draft the president's first executive order on transparency and ethics in government. I was so proud of our country the day the president signed the order into law because I felt the influence of special interests in politics had been handed a serious blow.

Taking part in that process of handing the reins of government back to the people inspired me to run for public office here in Colorado. I wanted to ensure that Northwest Denver, the community I have considered home my entire life, had a strong voice in addressing the challenges facing our state.

I mention all this because, as you may know, the Supreme Court handed down a ruling last week that will no doubt open floodgates of corporate special interest money into US and Colorado elections. This marks a huge step backward for a nation whose founding ideal was a government for the people, by the people.

Though I am deeply disappointed in the Court's decision, I believe this setback has served to highlight why Northwest Denver desperately needs a strong community voice in our State Capitol. The supporters of corporate democracy are fighting tooth and nail to increase their influence on our politics. Now, more than ever, the leaders we need most are the leaders who know us best.

I'm running for state representative because I always have been, and forever will be, committed to the future of Northwest Denver. Together, we can fight to take the bullhorn from corporate special interests and ensure that the people of Northwest Denver are heard.

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2009-12-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

A Disappointing Day for Equal Rights

I'm personally dedicated to equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation, in Colorado and across the country. For me, it is a human rights issue and I'm very disappointed to learn the New York State Senate just voted down a measure to provide marriage equality in New York. Only 24 voted for equal rights with 38 voting against.

Beyond just the disappointment of this setback for equal rights in America, I am saddened that the vote was not even close. The margin of defeat suggests more than just a few Democrats voted against the measure. We are supposed to be the Party of human dignity and that means that we should always stand up for those who are being discriminated against. Equal rights is a bedrock principle of our Party and I cringe anytime I see us compromise on those principles.

Of course, it was not me who had to stand up and take that vote. But if it were me, I would have proudly cast my vote for equal rights and human dignity.

NY Senate Votes Down Gay Marriage

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2009-11-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans Day!

Today is Veterans Day. As a son and grandson of veterans and a member of the Mile High Chapter of the GI Forum, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on today and say thank you to all those who have served and sacrificed for our country. Without their sacrifice, our way of life would be drastically different. Presently, we have many brave men and women continuing to fight to preserve our freedom and our way of life. These are our true heroes and we take this day to honor their bravery and patriotism.

I hope you will join me in giving to a charity or organization representing veterans issues as a show of appreciation for everything they do and have done for us. The link below has a few recommended charities.

Again, thank you to our troops.

Supporting America's Heroes

MEDIA:

2009-10-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

North Denver native Dan Pabon seeks seat in House District 4

Dan Pabon is the only candidate running for the House of Representatives seat in House District 4 who grew up in North Denver. Pabon’s life story plays out like a drama in which grit, luck and timely mentors come together, leading this young man to succeed in his education and to give back to those who followed in his path.

READ MORE

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2009-09-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

A Wonderful Night Honoring My Friend Margaret Atencio

Last night we honored my friend Margaret Atencio for her years of service, organizing our community. The air at the Pipefitters Union hall was electric. Margaret, I'm so proud to know you and to have you as my mentor!

Latinos in Politics, Dan Pabon running

2009-07-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

La Voz Nueva - Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

With the nation under the governance of its first minority President, the country has proven that electoral politics have changed forever. To paraphrase an old automobile ad campaign, 'it ain’t your father's Buick.' And it certainly isn't your father’s or mother's politics, either. But for Latinos, that may be problematic. An African-American President doesn’t automatically translate, for Latinos, into a Latino national leader anytime soon, or even continued success electing Latino officials.

Pabon, back from Obama stint, looks to Statehouse

2009-05-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

North Denver News - Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

"Thank you for North Denver!" exclaimed Michelle Obama when Dan Pabon, a potential Democratic candidate for the 2010 House District 4 race, asked if she had any well wishes to Pabon's hometown. Pabon remembers it well as he reflects on the President’s first 100 days.

Yes, North Denver holds a place in Presidential history as its values helped shape and usher in a new era into the nation's capitol.

Dan Pabon Gets Firsthand Experience on Obama's Transition Team

2009-03-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Statesman - Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Two local attorneys with a decided penchant for politics and public policy are now back at work in the Denver law office of Holland & Hart after spending a couple months late last year into January working as part of President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team.

Dan Pabon, of north Denver, and Scott Martinez, of Lakewood, were invited to join Obama's transition effort soon after last year's historic presidential election.