Colorado Springs mayoral hopeful Brian Bahr will be on the road as the race winds down to election day, but he won’t be campaigning.
Instead, the father of five will be in China to adopt two children, the culmination of a two-year wait for Bahr and his wife, Heather.
“My wife and I discussed this months ago, and we decided we would go regardless of what stage the election was in,” Bahr said Monday.
The Bahrs found out just a few days ago that they can leave Friday to finalize the adoption of two girls, ages 5 and 9.
The trip will keep the candidate out of the country through the April 5 election.
Despite the timing, Bahr said he never hesitated.
“I’m not sure if there will be political consequences or if people will understand family comes first,” Bahr said. “My hope is that people will realize this is a principle-based decision, and that is the same type of decision-making I would bring to my role as mayor.
“I believe Colorado Springs deserves someone who makes decisions based on one’s values and principles, not on what’s politically expedient or popular or politically correct.”
With children between the ages of 7 and 14, Bahr said the couple had considered adopting around 2009.
“We’ve been very blessed with beautiful children, and we felt that we had a lot more room in our home and in our hearts,” Bahr said.
The Bahrs lost their first son at birth in 1994, something that he said has always helped him keep things in perspective.
The couple filed adoption paperwork in early 2010, then added a second child when Chinese law changed to allow it. Bahr said the process has been long and difficult, with piles of paperwork and miles of red tape to work through.
“There have been times we thought we were going to lose the girls,” Bahr said. “When reality like that hits you, you realize what’s important in life.”
Though his political aspirations are in the balance, Bahr said his main focus right now is finally getting the new family members safely to Colorado.
“I’m just very excited to meet them and bring them home,” Bahr said.
Even if it costs him the mayor’s seat. “It wouldn’t matter to me,” Bahr said.
“My most important responsibilities are as a husband and a father,” he said. “Being a mayor is not nearly as important.”
The top two finishers in next week’s election will participate in a May 17 runoff.
Bahr said that he would be back in time for the runoff if he makes it that far.
Mitchell Byars: 303-954-1698 or mbyars@denverpost.com
