Keep a Mayor
This November, we urge you to vote no on 2C and keep the Mayor form of government. Together, we can ensure a stable and effective government that serves our community's best interests, not only now but for generations to come. Thank you for standing with us!
What is 2C?
What is this ballot measure about?
The measure aims to eliminate Pueblo’s directly elected mayor and reinstate an unelected city manager, chosen and controlled by the City Council. If 2C passes, it becomes effective immediately on November 5, 2025. City Council will have to appoint a current city employee until a city manager is hired.
Why should Pueblo keep the mayor system?
An elected mayor answers directly to YOU, the voters. A city manager answers only to City Council—and right now, Pueblo’s council is widely seen as ineffective and slow-moving. With a mayor, the community has a clear, accountable voice for leadership.
Didn’t Pueblo used to use a city manager system?
Yes—Pueblo operated under a council–manager structure from the 1950s until 2017. But voters found that the system created split leadership, less transparency, and slower decision-making. That’s why Pueblo returned to an elected mayor system—so leadership would be bold, clear, and accountable again. Voters unwaveringly passed the strong Mayoral system in 2017. Other cities that passed a strong Mayor, like Colorado Springs and Denver, are keeping their choices because a Mayor is helping their cities grow and flourish.
Are city managers more “professional” than mayors?
Not necessarily. A city manager may have administrative training, but ultimately answers only to council insiders—not to residents. A mayor must answer at the ballot box, every election.
What’s the real difference between a mayor and a city manager?
Mayor: Directly elected by voters. Visible leadership with a unified vision and public accountability. Paid $150,000/year.
City Manager: Hired by the City Council. Operates behind closed doors and can be replaced at Council’s whim. Paid over $230,000/year plus severance pay if they leave before their contract is over.
Read more about the differences here.
What makes the City Council seem incompetent?
Pueblo City Council wants to be in charge. The same council that killed neighborhood projects, blocked child care, and couldn’t make a decision after 32 votes. We can’t trust City Council to run Pueblo. Here are some examples of how dysfunctional they are:
Pueblo set aside $1 million for residents' projects. Then city council killed the funding.
Pueblo families work 12-14 hours a day. They need childcare. City Council said no.
After 32 rounds of nominations, City Council fails to fill vacant seat.
Who does the mayor represent?
You—the people of Pueblo. Every four years, voters decide whether the mayor has earned another term. The people also have the power to institute a recall of the Mayor should they not be satisfied.
What happens if this measure passes?
Pueblo would lose direct control over its leadership. The City Council would appoint a city manager who may lack public support and could sideline community priorities—reintroducing the same frustrations voters rejected in 2017.
Let's be clear: Council has no transition plan, no process qualifications or job position ready to hire a City manager, and they have no idea how to run a government themselves. We cannot give them more power. Vote NO on 2C.
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