BOULDER — Two controversial ballot measures in the city appeared headed for defeat Tuesday night.
One measure that would have allowed noncitizens to serve on city boards and commissions was falling 55 percent to 44 percent, according to results on the Boulder County Clerk’s website.
The other, which would have allowed the City Council to meet in executive sessions, was going down 60 percent to 40 percent. The early results for both ballot questions were based on ballots cast by 20 percent of voters.
The two ballot measures were among seven being voted on by Boulder residents.
If the executive-session issue had passed, Boulder would have broken a 100-year tradition of keeping all council deliberations open to the public.
Boulder, in fact, is one of the few city councils in the state that does not allow closed-door meetings of the council.
Boulder City Councilwoman Cristal Gray said Tuesday night she was happy to see the measure fail. “We’ve worked on some very complicated issues without executive session, and the voters didn’t see any reason to change that,” she said.
Proponents say they staunchly support open government. But the city’s charter prohibiting closed sessions to discuss sensitive matters — such as personnel decisions, potential real-estate transactions and legal issues — hinders efficiency.
Currently, the council meets in groups of two with the city attorney or city manager to discuss those issues.
“We don’t get to hear what our colleagues are saying or asking, and that doesn’t make a lot of sense,” said Boulder Mayor Shaun McGrath.
Supporters point out that the city is still bound by the Colorado Open Meetings Act, which requires the council to vote to go into executive session. The measure also stipulates that no final decisions can be made in executive session.
The City Council also supported the measure to amend the city charter to allow noncitizens to serve on Boulder boards and commissions.
The city’s charter now says only “registered electors” — U.S. citizens registered to vote — are eligible to serve. The change would have required applicants only to be 18 years old and to have lived in the city for a year.
Supporters said Boulder is an international community that would benefit from the insights of a noncitizen. The city would have joined the ranks of Portland, Ore., and New York City in allowing noncitizens a say in local government.
Critics, however, contended that the change could mean convicted felons and illegal immigrants would make policy decisions for Boulder residents.
“Having someone like that making decisions about people’s property, or some other huge issue, would not sit well with residents,” said former City Councilman Steve Pomerance.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@
