Broomfield – A first-class sewer system, a gleaming shopping mall and a future entertainment complex are examples of how Broomfield has become a major player in the metro area, local leaders say.
But lately, there has been more talk about the alleged one- time affair between a councilman running for mayor, Clark Griep, and the incumbent, Karen Stuart, than debate over transportation and growth.
And that galls plenty of people, including Broomfield Councilwoman Linda Reynolds.
“We have so many positive things to dwell on in Broomfield, so let’s don’t even address things that have nothing to do with the city,” she said.
A third candidate for mayor, Paul Madigan, even posted “No Gossip Allowed; Just The Facts Please!” on his website.
Still, talk about the affair reached new heights this week when Griep said publicly that he had a romantic relationship with Stuart eight years ago. Stuart denies his claim.
Stuart and Griep, each 54 and married, are veterans on the council and helped oversee Broomfield as it became a city and county in 2001.
Griep said Thursday that the issue about the affair arose Feb. 3 when he announced he was running for mayor. He said Stuart confronted him in a parking lot and accused him of spreading rumors about her having an affair with another councilman.
“She told me she would let the public pick from two immoral people,” Griep said. “She also told me that I had better get Joanie (Griep’s wife) ready.”
He went home that night and told his wife. She kicked him out of the house and only let him return if he told the council about his alleged affair with Stuart, he said.
“It was her deal with me that I had to come clean,” Griep said. “And I did.”
Stuart says a council member recently told her about the rumor over dinner.
“I choked on my food, and my eyes got big and I said, ‘What?”‘
The mayor said Griep is spreading lies in a desperate attempt for votes: “He can’t think of anything to attack me on as mayor, so he has to resort to this. … I think it’s just sad.”
Madigan, who has never served on the council, said he has known about the rumor but is refusing to make it an issue.
The community, whose mayoral race culminates with voting Nov. 1, has been known more for its rapid growth and development than political rancor. Broomfield boasts the FlatIron Crossing mall, one of the state’s premier shopping destinations, an award-winning sewer treatment plant and a $45 million venue that will host two minor- league sports franchises.
“I am extremely proud of Broomfield and what we have accomplished,” Reynolds said.
Besides, whether Griep and Stuart had an affair is of little consequence to most people as long as both are effective on the council, she added.
Some residents say they are uncomfortable with the airing of such dirty laundry.
“It’s torrid and not very nice,” said Judy Bashline, a Griep supporter. “I’m very, very disturbed that this has become so public.”
