Current Temp:
80°F
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Friday, February 25, 2011
Elections / City Gov / Politics Good quotes rule the night at election forum
Posted by Ralph Routon on Fri, Feb 25, 2011 at 4:46 PM
If you ever wanted to see how a pre-election candidates forum should work, you should have been among the 160 or so people who crammed into the Westside Community Center on Tuesday night for an event sponsored by the Organization of Westside Neighbors.
It wasn't perfect, but it was definitely enlightening.
- File photo
- Jan Martin
The forum covered the mayoral race as well as the City Council at-large and District 3 battles, with a few candidates missing. Steve Bach was the only absentee among the mayoral group, with the other eight filling the stage. Of the 16 vying for five at-large seats, only Tim Leigh and Dawn Lloyd couldn't make it. Leigh had a representative there, handing out fliers and saying Leigh was in Florida.
Lisa Czelatdko and Michael Merrifield led off, with the OWN sponsors squarely in that district. Both made their usual points with no real surprises. But one recurring question, asking everyone whether they would support collective bargaining for city employees, separated the two. Czelatdko answered "no" while Merrifield hedged, as others did later.
From there, though, the at-large Council candidates (who took the stage in three groups) and the mayoral crowd provided some interesting comments and quotes.
Among the at-large campaigners:
Newcomer Brandy Williams did a nice job selling herself as a civil engineer who could bring needed expertise on Utilities issues.
Sean Paige, calling himself the "accidental Councilor," said the city was not business-friendly anymore.
Bill Murray, who recently served on the Memorial Hospital citizens committee addressing ownership issues, said, "I'm not accidental. I'm here on purpose."
Helen Collins, part of Douglas Bruce's gang, answering the question of whether she would want to revise the local Taxpayer's Bill of Rights: "I have to be a TABOR supporter." Really.
Jan Martin made more than a few people gulp by saying, "This is the first time all of us have met as a group, and it's just three weeks until the election." Meaning, of course, three weeks until mail ballots go out, but that's still scary.
Then came the mayoral field. Some highlights:
Mitch Christiansen talked about "18 years of steady decline" in the city, which he called a "rudderless ship."
Phil McDonald, who's never held public office: "This is no time for on-the-ground training of a new mayor."
Kenneth Duncan: "We need to unite and stop the madness," saying he'd take less than the full salary of $95,000-plus and pay "50 percent of the health-care insurance."
Richard Skorman: "I'm the Reform Team. Not them."
Who won? Who lost? That depended on whom you liked going in, most likely. From all indications, not many minds were changed. But from the size of the crowd, it's obvious the level of interest is high.
Comments (8)
Showing 1-8 of 8
Ralph, Merrifield really showed that he needs to retire. First , he read directly off his notes to answer, then he forgot how many questions he was asked and had to be reminded by Bensberg who was moderating. Glad Jim has something to do since the County dont want him no more. I think early dementia is setting in for poor old Mike. What is he 70 now? Lisa Czedatko did good and looked good too. They should of had more time to talk and more questions to answer. I met Lisa at the GLBT ball and shes pretty cool (for a Republican). She answered more questions after the forum was over and has my vote. Out with the old and in with new.
like
dislike
Posted by
willie8
on 02/25/2011 at 8:20 PM
Thanks for your support Willie. A little nerve rattling being my first forum but survived and appreciated the opportunity to introduce myself and meet so many of my neighbors. I have always lived in district 3, not Denver and Manitou like my opponent has. I love my community and are not the candidate who believes what is good for the city is good for district 3". District 3 has very specific strengths and challenges and needs someone who knows the neighborhoods and the issues. I have been preparing for this seat for 2 years by becoming educated and developing strong relationships with community leaders and citizens. I am the candidate who has met with experts, gone on tours, sat in meetings, read materials, participated on boards, and has consisently shown interest in City Council for years. If you want someone with strong leadership, common sense, belief in good business practices, and is ethical, your only choice is LISA CZELATDKO.
Posted by
Nomore
on 02/25/2011 at 8:31 PM
Ralph, Thank you for covering the OWN Westside forum last night. There has been so much concentration on the Mayoral candidates and not much on the importance of this city council race to which 7 seats are up for election. I agree with Willie that Lisa C brings a fresh face to the arena of politics and she's shown an interest in "city" issues since Jerry Heimlicher's time on council. As a resident of District 3 that's a vote from me. If anyone would like to see the candidate forum on video, visit OWN's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/westsideneighbors/
Posted by
Sallie Clark
on 02/25/2011 at 10:54 PM
People are only paying attention to Lisa Czeladtko because she is a blonde supermodel type. So is Sarah Palin, and she has shown her arrogance, as Lisa Czeladtko has. Lisa, you have only lived in Colorado Springs for a short time, and I will remind you that you are a threat to free speech. Also, Jerry Heimlicher ran scared before the drastic budget cuts took place, and this is the kind of coward that represents Lisa Czeladtko. and this is the kind of cowardess that wants to represent district 3. Lisa, please go back to illinois, you are not wanted here.
Posted by
radical 1
on 02/28/2011 at 2:29 PM
@ Sallie Clark, You need to resign from County Commissioners, Your having that position has not really helped the image of El Paso County. @ Willie8 I think you are probably a loney guy who needs someone to look at. If you think your vote for Lisa Czeladtko help you to score then you better think again. You better have at least $2,000 before you take her out to dinner. Maybe $3,000 just to get her to let you near her.
Posted by
radical 1
on 02/28/2011 at 2:34 PM
Lisa, it's amazing what you have been able to accomplish in the short time you have been here with Parks and Rec in the City and going to all of the different forums and meetings. I appreciate someone who is willing to put themselves out there and committed to doing something about making our city what it should be. We need lots of changes and as part of District 3 and an avid citizen activist to make Colorado Springs grow up to be what it should be...live up to it's potential, as you know you have my vote, and my assistance on getting things done. Together we can do more to make this great city even better!
Posted by
SeanHolveck
on 03/01/2011 at 3:26 PM
Sean, I think the change you are looking for is just what Lisa and her elitist allies are looking for. Let's face it, there is a part of district 3 that most likely repulses you. That is the area by Prospect lake, the part of district 3 you refer to is of course the broadmoor. Lisa, you do not represent this part of district 3. You are arrogant, and much too sensitive to be in office.
On July 22, 2010 you wrote this in a letter to the Indy:
Lastly, I would ask the Indy to promise to never draw me as a caricature on your cover — ever.
— Lisa L. Czelatdko
Colorado Springs
two weeks ago you made this threat as a result of political satire:
Tell Ed Billings(AKA PIKESPEAK OCEAN) thank you for continuing to post both your gentlemens pictures. I have given them to my attorney and the police investigator of internet crimes. Would you like the cease and desist order delivered to your residences or your places of employment?
Lisa, you are out of touch with all of district 3, It's too bad the Broadmoor is not a district all by itself, because we both know that your goal is rid Colorado Springs who do not fit your elite standards.
You represent the racists and elitists, and those who wish mirror corporate america.
Posted by
Mary Jane
on 03/01/2011 at 8:16 PM
Yep, there is no doubt, Lisa represents those who choose to discriminate. willie8 has proven that point when he said "Ralph, Merrifield really showed that he needs to retire."
That statement is a typical republican saying. Willie8 you are the same person who would have voted for John McCain and that guy showed a worse case of dimensia than Mr. Merrifield. Using a republican to moderate was biased in itself, that forum was hardly neutral. Mr. Merrifield you have my vote, it is time that we have someone in office who won't look down their noses at certian parts of Colorado Springs just because people in that area work and do not have the money to afford a shiny new mercedes or BMW.
Like willie8 said out with the old and in with the new. Let me give a better translation of that, out with the arrogance and in with the fair minded. I look forward to referring to you as Councilman Merrifield when you win this election, Sir.
Posted by
Sweetheart
on 03/01/2011 at 8:28 PM
