Donated to History Colorado by Paul and Susan Aldretti. Note per donor: From his time between 1990 and 2010. Most likely from his work with BSR and Climate Wise.
Paul Aldretti’s involvement in political and social activism began the late 1960s when he was a student at Englewood High School. Paul was very involved in Vietnam anti-war and environmental movements in junior high school and high school, including working as an organizer and participating in numerous marches and rallies. His mother would sign him out of school so he could attend local rallies. In 1970 he participated in a fast for peace with Jane Fonda in what used to be called the United Nations Square located at 16th and Broadway. During this time he was also involved in the women’s movement in Colorado, including trying to pass the Equal Rights Amendment, save the Colorado Commission on Women and elect women to legislative offices. His early involvement in environmental activism, for instance protesting Rocky Flats and advocating for its closure, lead to his career in the climate, sustainable development and energy industries from 1990 to 2013. He held many positions over the years, including: National Director of Climate Programs for the Business for Social Responsibility; Governor’s Energy Office under Governor Roy Romer; the communications manager for the North Metro Chamber of Commerce just previous to the annex of the land for DIA and the election to approve the construction of the airport; and the sustainable coordinator at the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) focusing on transit accessibility and economic equity at the time of the RTD Fastracks line openings (2013-2016).
Paul became involved in Gary Hart’s Senate campaign in 1982 during the time in which his wife worked for Hart. Paul worked on Hart’s two presidential campaigns--he helped organize in Oklahoma ahead of Super Tuesday in 1982, and was in Iowa in 1988 when Donna Rice controversy broke, ending Hart's presidential bid and bringing about a setback to his political ambitions. Paul worked on several other campaigns. Both Paul and Susan were involved in the Democratic National Convention 2008.
Susan Aldretti worked as a recording clerk in the State House of Representatives in the mid-1970s and Senator Gary Hart’s office in Washington during his first term in the U.S. Senate, and later his Denver office. She was also the government affairs director at Jefferson County Association of Realtors for 30 years. Through these times she was heavily involved in the Colorado Democratic Party behind the scenes. Susan played a large role in the election for Fastracks funding and in the development of the system in her role as a government affairs director for the Jefferson County Association of Realtors. She also clerked in the Colorado State Legislature, worked for many campaigns (for both candidates and issues), and is currently the chief-of-staff for Denver City Councilwoman, Debra Ortega.