The Mayor’s Biggest Test Yet, ‘Why Denver Sucks,’ and Has Flock Been Lying?

City councilmembers are angry at him. The clerk and recorder is accusing him of “cowardice.” Former supporters are abandoning him. But what will the average Denver voter think about how Mayor Mike Johnston handled laying off 169 workers this week? Denver Post city hall reporter Elliott Wenzler and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval join producer Paul Karolyi to talk about “The Hunger Games,” as some city employees described the layoffs. Plus, we respond to Defector’s take on ‘Why Denver Sucks’ and all our wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about Flock cameras, Playa Bowls, and his conversation with at-large City Councilmember Sarah Parady earlier this week. Justine talked about an emu and DPS’ heat day. Elliott discussed the big local TV merger and the Denver Zoo lion cam that she read about in Hey Denver. Some City Council members are hosting a webinar for city workers this Sunday at 4pm. You can RSVP here.  Do you think the Defector roasts of Denver were too harsh? Or on point? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or Instagram @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this August 22nd episode: Arvada Center Denver Health Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise