Dr. Shimon Blau, Independent Candidate for U.S. Congress for Colorado's 1st Congressional District

I was born and raised in Denver's close-knit Sloan's Lake neighborhood, a city that has always been home.

My parents, George and Hermine, were immigrants who chose to build their lives here. My father was a Holocaust survivor from Poland who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before earning an engineering degree from Columbia University. He helped build bridges, contributed to the Apollo space shuttle program, and later transitioned into the real estate business. He loved Denver deeply, especially the mountains that surround our city. He skied well into his 80s, and the outdoors remained one of his greatest joys throughout his life. My mother was from France and worked alongside him while creating a home defined by generosity, hospitality, and the belief that there was always room for one more at the table.

Their love for Denver was expressed in countless ways, from supporting the arts and cultural institutions that make this city special to donating benches throughout the community, quiet reminders of their belief that public spaces belong to everyone and should bring people together. They also taught me to value civic engagement, philanthropy, and service to others. Those lessons stayed with me, and I have proudly continued that tradition by supporting many of the same arts and cultural organizations that make Denver such a vibrant place to live.

I still remember my mother making stacks of sandwiches before driving downtown because she never wanted to pass someone in need without offering a meal. Those everyday acts of kindness taught me that serving your community isn't something you talk about, it's simply something you do.

At 13, I left Denver to pursue my education. Medical school, residency, and specialized training took me across the country, but I always knew I wanted to come home. Returning in 2013 to complete my fellowship in Interventional Spine and Pain Management fulfilled a dream I had carried for years. Since then, I've been proud to build my medical practice and dedicate my career to serving the community that helped shape me.

As a physician, I've had the privilege of treating patients throughout the Denver metro area from every walk of life. On a daily basis, I've heard their stories, the challenges of paying for health care, affording housing, raising children, caring for aging parents, and simply trying to build a secure future. These conversations have given me a deep appreciation for both the resilience of our community and the challenges that so many families face.

As a small business owner and employer, I also understand the realities of running a business in today's economy. I've experienced firsthand the challenges of meeting payroll, managing rising costs, navigating regulations, and caring for employees while continuing to provide high-quality care. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and I know how important it is that they have the opportunity to succeed.

I also believe Denver must remain a city where businesses of every size can thrive. Too many longtime businesses have struggled or closed their doors in recent years. We should be working to reverse that trend by fostering an environment that supports entrepreneurship, encourages investment, strengthens public safety, and helps local businesses grow and create good-paying jobs. A stronger Denver begins with a stronger local economy.