(PUEBLO, Colo.) — In the wake of recent comments made by Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham concerning the city’s fiscal health and budget, a group of Puebloans held a press conference on Friday, Oct. 24 calling out fiscal mismanagement at City Hall.
On Monday, Oct. 20, Mayor Graham accused City Council of stifling the community of Pueblo by voting against several infrastructure projects in the city. She alleged that City Council voted down a roofing project after a six-week delay, costing taxpayers thousands in repairs. Mayor Graham also spoke about alleged ethics complaints against City Council, including one that was recently dismissed.
On Friday, concerned citizens addressed growing concerns over Pueblo’s financial transparency and how the current administration handles taxpayer funds. The press conference also focused on budget comparisons, long term financial health, and recent business developments.
“I think everyone can agree that the city needs economic growth,” said George Koncilja of the Historic Preservation Commission. “Well the best way to scare an employee or a family from relocating to Pueblo would be to make us look like a circus. And that’s exactly what the Mayor has done, including the 23-minute press conference that was given on Monday. It made us look weak.”
Advocates for the 2C Campaign want to return to a city manager form of government, eliminating the strong mayor system, to ensure fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability.