|
|
|
|
| Passing the baton: New leadership ready in Dist. 4 |
|
 |
|
One of the cultural customs engendered by veterana/o leaders is the passing of the baton to the next generation. It should be passed con gusto as upcoming young leaders find their space in the community. As painful as it is, succession planning, which is inevitable, has its place in politics as old hands exit stage left, making space for novices. Since the introduction of term limits, career politicians have been forced to leave the ivory tower of decision-making prematurely. I recently interviewed a young leader running for State Representative in District 4. He is an upcoming politician who has graciously accepted the baton and is preparing to enter the world of los politicos where the gift of gab is essential and a place where community visions are either created or shattered.
Dan Pabon graduated from Holy Family High School, obtained a degree in engineering, and graduated from the University of Denver law school. As I conversed with him, I discovered that Mr. Pabon found his passion a long time ago and proceeded to realize his dream. He aspired to enter the political arena in the neighborhood he grew up in, North Denver. With his education, quick wit and charming personality, I am certain he could have followed big bucks; but he didn’t. He consciously chose to remain a homeboy in a place where Latinas/os are constantly plagued with disparity in public policy options and unequal representation in the state legislature.
Pabon may lack experience in political decision-making in grandiose congressional hearings, but as a determined young man with a vision, he has already ventured into the many voluntary associations in north Denver and is quite adept at the politics of the day. His values of hard work and respect for the common person who struggle on a daily basis to make a living are the centerpiece of his political platform. He has passion for the need to build community infrastructures such as roads, and picking up trash in neighborhoods that are often unattended. But he also realizes the big picture where politics has become the art of compromise. He is prepared to use his argumentation and research skills to enter the political fray of a seemingly dog-eat-dog environment.
He is keenly aware of the plight of youth in general and Latinas/os in particular regarding education and vows to fight for equal education for all, ensuring that all young people have the wherewithal to fulfill their life long aspirations. Able to spout forth statistics and projected revenue shortfalls, he is dedicated to ensuring District 4 residents won’t fall on the short end of monetary distribution as budget cuts are being debated during one of the worst recessions in history.
Presumptively, he will enter politics following the November 4th elections at a time when immigration is on center stage. As a young whippersnapper, he is keenly aware that this issue if not handled properly could be a young politician’s nightmare. It could translate into premature departure as community residents remain divided. Seasoned politicians in places that Mr. Pabon has only dreamed about have not had the gumption to confront the issue. Maybe his youth and vigor will be transformed into a big stick in leading the Colorado legislature to pass the buck back to where it belongs; in Washington D. C. His stance on immigration is well balanced. He wants to secure the borders, provide workers for the many jobs that Coloradoans don’t care to do especially in the many fields of this agricultural state, and provide pathways to citizenship for immigrants who have contributed to the society.
He adamantly opposes the triad of public policies referred to as the “ugly three,” commenting that they would destroy Colorado’s economy. His desire is to create tax incentives for families to purchase homes. He astutely stated that, “homes are part of building a successful infrastructure in any city.” To increase jobs, his proposals include the development of small businesses that would create more jobs to assist in ameliorating the economic recession that has engulfed the state.
Dan Pabon wants to be the conduit for the many voices that are often left out of public policy debates. His ambition is to get his constituents to “believe in government.” Let’s hope that this young man who will enter the palladium as a mild mannered puppy will not be transformed into a political junkyard dog.
Vote for Pabon!
Dr. Ramón Del Castillo is an Independent Journalist.
© 2010 The Weekly Issue/El Semanario
|
←
Back
|
|
|
|
|
|
view more photos
view more videos
El Semanario New Mexico 
El Semanario