Council Composition
A Troubling Council Composition
Unfortunately, for the City of Pueblo, it is not a joke. These are three of the seven council members who control the city’s purse strings and they are now trying to wrest control away from the people who chose a strong mayor system of government and elected their mayor.
Questionable Qualifications
As a side note, the hotdog vendor went out of business years ago, yet still lives in his hotdog stand. Having a failed businessman - someone who could not even manage to sell hotdogs - making financial decisions for the city and leading the push to change the people’s chosen form of government is, to say the least, concerning.
Even more disconcerting is the hotdog vendor’s close association with the disgraced former city manager. This former official was fired after:
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Bilking the city for a substantial sum of money
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Engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate
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Misusing city resources
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Being arrested for DUI multiple times
The hotdog vendor refers to this individual as his “brother from another mother.” Two hotdogs in a bun…
Conflicts of Interest
Adding to the dubious associations, the hotdog vendor and the former city manager are currently running a non-profit together. There is almost certainly a conflict of interest here. As the saying goes: the proof is in the mustard.
What It Takes to Lead a City
Running a city is not about hotdogs, used cars, or having 911 on your speed dial. Effective leadership requires:
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The ability to guide and inspire people
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Honorable behavior and keeping your word
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Working harder than anyone else to set a positive example
This is exactly what Mayor Graham has demonstrated since taking office -continuing to lead with integrity despite attacks from a city council blinded by their desire to seize power from both the mayor and the citizens who elected her. This includes incumbents currently running for re-election.
Council Missteps and Broken Priorities
Consider the record of this council:
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They voted to give themselves a raise while advocating for a 15% reduction in staff salaries despite Pueblo’s large deficit
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They voted against bringing hundreds of good-paying jobs to Pueblo
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They approved the $8 million PBR building yes, council members control the purse strings, not the mayor
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They spend more time bickering amongst themselves than finding consensus
The Choice in November
Voters should keep this record in mind when casting their ballots. Vote no on 2C and no on returning city council members. Pueblo deserves leadership that prioritizes people over personal gain. No more hotdogs.
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