Ten candidates are vying for five at-large seats on the Boulder City Council in what seems to be one of the quietest city elections in two decades.
The city faces very real challenges in the midst of a serious decline in sales tax revenues, which fuels much of local government.
As a result, Boulder voters are hearing more about economic development and building big-box stores, long on the community’s hate list, than about slow growth and keeping Boulder green, themes that have been sounded time and again during past election campaigns.
Four incumbents are in the running. (The fifth seat is held by Gordon Riggle, who is not seeking re-election.)
We recommend that voters return three of them – each of whom has served impressively in helping guide Boulder through difficult times. They are Shaun McGrath, who has emerged as the star leader and doer of the nine-member council; Suzy Ageton, who was elected to the council only last February but performs like a seasoned veteran; and Deputy Mayor Tom Eldridge, the council’s best link to the business community.
We would like to see the two remaining seats go to fresh and seemingly very able voices.
Richard Polk, who was narrowly defeated two years ago, has given much of himself to the community over the years as a well-respected shoe store owner, advocate for the needy and supporter of the arts.
We also favor a dark horse candidate, Eugene Pearson. A senior at the University of Colorado, Pearson is an influential figure who convinced university administrators to adopt environmentally friendly building standards, including putting wind energy into wider use. He’s “a leader far beyond his years,” says former mayor and now county commissioner Will Toor.
Also running are Shawn Coleman, Macon Cowles, Nabil Karamaz, John Klein and two-year incumbent Andy Schultheiss, whose overall performance has not been what we would hope for on council.
Because candidates run at-large, the top five vote-getters will be awarded council seats. All voting is by mail ballot.
