Admitted Child Molester’s Candidacy Raises Concerns

I. Lee McClendon Sr. did jail time, served probation and had therapy after he molested an 8-year-old boy. He says he is rehabilitated and wants to help society--as a member of the Denver School Board.

McClendon, 52, said he has paid for his crime and accuses his critics of acting on emotion, not reason. After 90 days in jail and group and individual therapy, McClendon said, the chances that he will molest a child again are “nonexistent.”

“I’ve dealt appropriately with my problem,” he said.

His criminal past was revealed in September when his victim mailed each school board member a letter saying McClendon was a danger to schoolchildren.

“He should not be allowed on the school board or into any position which puts him in authority over children,” the victim wrote. “He should not make policy for children’s education. He lost any such privilege when he molested me and my brother.”

McClendon admits fondling one boy, but denies molesting his brother.

He was charged in 1984 with aggravated incest, but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of attempted sexual assault on a child, a felony.

He has since started a company that provides technical writing and editing services. He said he is running for the school board post because he has noticed a decline in the ability of Denver students to read, write and do basic math.

“They’re not getting the basic skills they need to function in an increasing technological society,” he said.

Some are incensed that his name is even on the ballot.

“I think it’s outrageous a child molester would be allowed to run for school board,” said Gary Apel, 37, another candidate in the race for the at-large seat. “My attitude is the guy won’t win. He’s just drawing negative attention to the district.”

Pam Weber, who has three children in Denver’s 66,000-student school system, said she’s bothered by McClendon’s “nonchalant attitude” in talking about his past.

“Parents should be concerned,” she said. “Sometimes he almost sounds flippant, like he’s paid his debt and that’s it. But I consider this a major safety issue.”

McClendon said he does not mean to “come across unemotional or uncaring” when speaking of his past. “I’ve spoken about it so much in therapy” that he is accustomed to it, he said.

McClendon is challenging incumbent Lee White, an investment banker.

“Parents, teachers and students would be horrified if Mr. McClendon plopped down next to a student and started reading Dr. Seuss,” White said.

White said he was shocked to learn Colorado law does not prohibit McClendon from running for public office: “It’s an obvious oversight.”

State law prohibits only those with a felony record for embezzlement, bribery or perjury from seeking public office. State Sen. Pat Pascoe of Denver said changes may be considered.

“I understand [McClendon’s] desire to start with a clean slate, and he can do that in all kinds of fields--but not with our children,” Pascoe said.

White asked Gov. Roy Romer last week to prohibit McClendon’s name from appearing on the ballot Nov. 4. But it’s not likely to happen, said Jim Carpenter, the governor’s spokesman.

“The governor trusts the judgment of the voters of Denver,” he said.

McClendon said he has no plans to drop out of the race.

“I’m going to run as hard as I can,” he said.