Gore visits Lakewood on Clinton's behalf - #lakewoodnews

The outdoor recreation industry in Colorado brings in about $13 billion to the state's economy every year.

That means the state will be uniquely affected by the damage from climate change, former Vice President Al Gore said during his campaign stop for Hillary Clinton at the Lakewood Cultural Center on Nov. 7, the day before the election.

"We have to change things for the environment, and most people know that in their bones," Gore said. "The really exciting thing is we can change."

The 320-seat theater was completely full for Gore's speech, and the line started two hours before the doors opened.

"It's really exciting to have this here," said Ward 5 councilwoman Dana Gutwein, who visited with attendees waiting in line. "It's really an honor they picked Lakewood to have this event."

In the lead-up to the event, attendees shared anxieties and hopes about the following day's election, comparing polls, statistics and the latest news.

"I'm here because I really like Al Gore, especially his stance on climate change concerns," Jeffco resident Wyatt Curtis said. "I've taken off these past four days before the election to get out there and volunteer."

Gore's remarks focused on the dangers of climate change and the importance of voting.

"The 10 most destructive fires in the history of your state have all happened since 2002," he said. "But solar energy and wind power gets cheaper every year, and wise leaders in Colorado are making the policy changes necessary."

All the work being done in Colorado and across the country is in danger if Donald Trump wins, Gore warned.

"Every great moral struggle follows this same pattern, of the ones who don't want to face the changes just giving a string of no's," he said. "But the right choice is foreordained because of who we are as a people."

Before Gore took the stage, state Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-28), Gov. John Hickenlooper and Congressman Ed Perlmutter (D-7) all spoke about the importance of voter participation and a good turnout on Election Day.

"I sat out the election in 2000, and not voting when I had the chance is one of the greatest regrets of my life," Pettersen said. "We have to make sure as many people as possible vote this year."

Hickenlooper spoke about his experiences with Clinton during his vetting process as a possible candidate for vice president, and touted her knowledge and experience.

"Hillary Clinton knows more police than any person I've met," he said. "Donald Trump is in this for all the wrong reasons, because he's a nitwit."

In his introduction of Gore, Perlmutter highlighted the impact a changing environment would have on Colorado, both for visitors and residents.

"In this state, climate change is not a partisan issue --; it's an economic one," he said.

Gore ended his remarks by encouraging voters to think of future generations, a message that resonated with many.

"I have a son in kindergarten," Lakewood resident Christy Cerrone said. "When he started talking about the future, that hit me, because I think about that all the time."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Gore-visits-Lakewood-on-Clintons-behalf,238917