ARNOLD: Juan Marcano’s take on union campaign support is false and divisive

Juan Marcano’s recent opinion piece in the Aurora Sentinel is a blatant misrepresentation of One Main Street Colorado and the dedicated labor unions and individuals within our organization. It’s time to set the record straight and call out his baseless attacks for what they are: utter falsehoods designed to mislead and divide.

One Main Street Colorado is a progressive, labor-led organization committed to pragmaticism, collaboration, and problem-solving. We are a coalition of firefighters, first responders, laborers, electricians, utility workers, plumbers, pipefitters, and business groups united by a common goal: to expand the middle class, upgrade core infrastructure, and position Colorado as the small business capital of the United States.

Contrary to Marcano’s accusations, we are not aligned with Republican donors or dark money groups. Our organization is deeply rooted in progressive values, advocating for the rights and well-being of middle-class hard-working families. We have mobilized people in Democratic Caucuses and are training a new generation of progressive leaders—efforts that clearly threaten the status quo Marcano wishes to maintain.

Marcano’s attack on One Main Street Colorado and respected leaders such as Sen. Rhonda Fields and Michael Carter is not only unfounded but also hypocritical. Marcano once sought our endorsement, and now, out of apparent spite for not receiving it, he resorts to spreading lies. His portrayal of our organization as a front for Republican interests is not only false but also laughable to anyone familiar with our mission and achievements. This kind of deceitful behavior is a disservice to the community and to the democratic process.

Our track record speaks for itself. We have successfully implemented best value contracting that rewards Coloradans and increases the overall value of infrastructure projects in key cities, collaborated with municipalities to prioritize hiring local companies and a local workforce, fought to increase wages and benefits for middle-class families, and strengthened small businesses across Colorado.

Juan Marcano, Bryan Lindstrom and their Democratic Socialists of America allies see the Democratic Party as a means to an end — advancing an agenda that bashes fellow Democrats while attacking Democratic values. DSA candidates choose perpetual gridlock and dysfunction. They alienate the working-class voters for whom they claim to fight for. Both Colorado and the Democratic Party deserve better.

In fact, voters seem to agree. Last year, One Main Street Colorado backed good government Democrats in Denver’s council races against the DSA slate and won key races. We also watched as Aurora voters in November 2023 resoundingly rejected Juan Marcano, keeping a heavily Democratic city firmly in the hands of a Republican council majority. Our polling, our data from thousands of door knocks, and election results taken together show that letting DSA become the face of Democrats in Aurora has been an unmitigated disaster for our party.  

Lastly, Juan Marcano’s smears of proven public servants like Sen. Rhonda Fields and Michael Carter trade in old stereotypes that Black candidates are somehow less trustworthy or are inherently corrupt. These leaders have demonstrated unwavering commitment to Aurora. Their advocacy for better wages, stronger public education, increased access to apprenticeships and vocational/technical training, and more affordable housing puts the lie to Juan Marcano’s smears. They deserve our respect, not baseless slander.

It’s time for Marcano and others to join us in constructive dialogue and collaboration, rather than perpetuating falsehoods that only serve to undermine our collective efforts. His approach is not only counterproductive — it’s not progressive, and It’s harmful to the very people he claims to support.

Gary Arnold is the elected business manager for Denver Pipefitters Local No. 208, a member of One Main Street Colorado