Hi, I’m Porthos, Denver City Council’s first Councildog. I work with Chris Hinds in District 10 to make sure our neighborhoods are represented. I couldn’t be more excited — was that a squirrel?! I mean, I couldn’t be more excited to serve you.

I walked, while Chris rolled, on a platform of what’s good for dogs is probably good for people, too. The kinds of dog- and people-happy neighborhoods I want to help you build are ones where you can walk (or roll) to get to just about anything you might need within 20 minutes. Things you might need? Parks, restaurants, services, work, groceries and so much more.

Twenty-minute communities are a lot like what we used to have in Denver just a few decades back. These communities are places where we get to smell (visit is what Chris calls it) all sorts of neato people that live near us because people are out and about instead of sitting in their cars. I know Chris has rolled up his sleeves and is already getting started.

Chris was sworn in on the City and County Building’s front porch on July 15. It was hot outside and I was a good boy during all that talking. By the end of the week we had set up some furniture, computers and a water bowl – the basics we need to start diving into issues affecting District 10.

Who are the “we” I mention? Well, you now have three council aides — who all live in D10 — to help serve all the people who live here! Each aide will help Chris cover legislative issues, constituent concerns and community building from around District 10.

Congress Park and Cheesman Park are served by Galia Halpern. Not only does she live there, but also she’s visited most of the homes in those neighborhoods many times to help get Chris elected. I love that Galia has an art history education, has lived in other countries including Italy and doesn’t own a car.

Teresa St. Peter covers Cherry Creek, Country Club and Belcaro. You may remember her in Councilwoman Jeanne Robb’s office. She’s lived in D10 for 20 years and can’t stay away from municipal issues. She’s worked off and on for City Council since 2003. Chris says she’s a land-use geek.

Liz Zukowski is your lead on all things in Capitol Hill, Uptown, Speer and Civic Center. She has worked for the city for several years already, and she’s now getting the chance to serve the neighborhood in which she lives. She enjoys skiing, biking and camping with her boyfriend and two dogs, Sansa and David Bowie.

I’ll let Chris write our Life on Capitol Hill article next time, but I think you should help him by telling him what kinds of things you want to know about D10. What’s your biggest concern about your neighborhood? What the heck does a city councilperson do all day? What are Denver’s agencies and what do they do? Bestest dog toys ever?

We’re really excited to get to know you. Chris says no sniffing allowed, so why don’t you give D10 a call at 720-337-7710 or visit www.Denvergov.org/District10?

Denver Councilmember Chris Hinds represents District 10. The district covers north central Denver, including Capitol Hill, Congress Park and Cherry Creek. He can be reached at chris.hinds@denvergov.org.