Greeley – Embattled City Councilman LeRoy Johnson claims his conservatism, and his tendency to say what is exactly on his mind, is why he is being targeted in today’s recall election.
“I think what is happening in Greeley is that political correctness is running amok,” said Johnson, 49. “Nothing in my past rises to the level of me being recalled.”
Most of the candidates running for Johnson’s seat disagree. They say his comment during a city council meeting about “good-looking” women populating the Cranford neighborhood and his brushes with the law call into question his judgment.
Johnson’s recall will allow residents of Ward I to elect someone who can provide clear-headed guidance into the future, said Tom Chagolla, one of four vying for Johnson’s seat.
“I think the community is saying, ‘Wait a minute. We don’t have the leadership to address these critical issues affecting our community,”‘ said Chagolla.
Registered voters in Ward I, which covers much of Greeley’s east side, were mailed ballots that contained two parts. Voters first were asked if they want to recall Johnson. And if they voted “yes,” they could vote for Chagolla or one of three other candidates – Carlos Leal, Bill Hoff or Janet Branham.
Ballots are due today, and the results will be announced after 7 p.m., say election officials.
The recall started shortly after a July city council meeting over whether to designate the Cranford neighborhood a historic district. Johnson, who voted against the proposal, said before the vote, “They have some pretty good-looking women who live there.”
Johnson said the comment was meant to add levity to a long meeting and that he meant no harm.
But his remark, along with his run-ins with police, show a lack of integrity, his critics say.
Johnson was cited for harassment in 1993 and 1998 after physical confrontations outside the Greeley mall. And in May, Johnson pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after a fight in Northglenn.
Chagolla, 58, the executive director for the local Habitat for Humanity, said he would tackle issues like Greeley’s gangs and low-paying jobs that are leading to a high home-foreclosure rate.
Hoff, 34, a Comcast cable technician and former police officer, said Johnson has not done enough to help rejuvenate Greeley’s downtown.
“He’s made some poor choices, and we need some new leadership,” Hoff said.
The 57-year-old Branham is a retired crime analyst for the Greeley police. She said the controversy around Johnson has derailed the council from taking on real issues like gang prevention.
“We need to get off of that and back onto critical city business,” Branham said.
Leal, 70, is a retired University of Northern Colorado professor who held the Ward I seat before losing to Johnson in 2003.
“I’m ready to, once again, commit myself to Ward I,” said Leal. “It’s a great place to live, and I want to support it on council.”
Johnson said that while he’s been on the council three new police officers have been added to fight gangs and more businesses have come to downtown.
“I believe I’d done a very effective job as councilman,” Johnson said. “I haven’t let other business keep me from doing my job.”
Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com.
