Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham has vetoed an ordinance that would have let voters decide whether to eliminate the mayor’s office and return to a city manager form of government.
The ordinance passed 5-2 in City Council on Aug. 11, but Graham announced on Aug. 15 that she had blocked it. If her veto is overturned on Aug. 25 and voters approve the ballot measure on Nov. 4, Pueblo would dissolve the mayor’s office the very next day. Otherwise, Graham will remain in her role.
“This ordinance sets the hard work of the Mayor-City Council form of government back and it will have significant impacts on a community that is on the cusp of great economic opportunity and prosperity,” Graham said in a statement. “There are only three strong mayors in the state of Colorado. Why would we revert to the past when we are progressing into the future? I cannot in good conscience allow this ordinance to stand.”
Graham also told the Chieftain that she believes “city council has no plan” for managing Pueblo if the change goes through.
“I’ve had over 20 budgetary meetings with departments. No one has come, so I’m not really sure what their plan would be,” she explained. “The city’s budget wouldn’t be passed at that point, because we don’t have to approve it until the second meeting of November. I don’t think this ordinance was very well thought out, nor do I think they have a plan moving forward.”
Council’s Divided Vote
Those voting for the ordinance:
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Mark Aliff (President)
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Dennis Flores
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Roger Gomez
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Joe Latino
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Regina Maestri
Those voting against:
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Brett Boston
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Sarah Martinez
Councilor Dennis Flores argued the current strong mayor system undermines City Council’s authority.
“I think we’ve had plenty of time to see how this is working, and it really cripples the ability of city council to move anything forward, especially economic development issues, because we have no power,” Flores said. “All of the directors within the city basically answer only to the mayor. If I say I’ve got this great idea, I want to move it forward, the directors don’t have to listen to us.”
The veto now forces the council to revisit the ordinance. At least one member who supported it earlier would need to switch sides for Graham’s veto to hold.
Councilor Joe Latino predicted the measure will likely move forward:
“It’s my opinion that, based on the community, it’s going to go through and we are going to have this on the ballot.”
Background
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Pueblo adopted its strong mayor system in 2019, when voters decided to move away from the city manager model.
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Nick Gradisar was elected as the city’s first mayor under the new system.
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Heather Graham defeated Gradisar in a January 2024 runoff election to become the city’s current mayor
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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