I am a small business owner and I attribute my entrepreneurial spirit to my parents. My family started a business in 1997 out of our basement. My father, Juan Alvidrez, a Mexican immigrant thrived in Denver; he got his GED from Emily Griffith and was able to build a career in construction, working his way up through the carpenter’s union. My mother, Cynthia Alvidrez, pushed my father to pursue his education, and together as a family we built a small concrete contracting company. Knowing that we all needed to do our part to support the family business, my first job was at our office on Pearl Street, in an old Victorian home next to my uncle’s dry cleaning business.

Later, while attending Metropolitan State and the Community College of Denver, I supported my studies by working at the US Bank on Mississippi & Broadway. I had to put my education on hold to help run the family business when my mom experienced a medical emergency.

I had been studying to be a paralegal and had become familiar with law, legislation, and legal processes, and most importantly, how to be an advocate for my community. After a shooting took place on my street, I helped unite neighbors to talk about our safety. Councilman Jolon Clark was there to listen and we came up with real solutions that made us feel safe and gave the community time and space to grieve.

There are solutions to the problems we face and I will advocate for our community. Crime has risen about 6% since 2021. Inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, further exacerbating our housing crisis in Denver. Small businesses in the area continue to close. The path to the American dream that my family was able to achieve is no longer an option for most. I am running because we need a leader who will deliver results and offer solutions to the big challenges facing our district and our growing city. I hope to earn your support and your vote in this critical election.