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Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey: Colorado roundup

By Mercedes Yanora
In Local
March 23, 2023 at 3:50 PM

Colorado is holding elections, including for municipal offices, on April 4, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.

Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of March 19, 2023. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.

Flor Alvidrez (nonpartisan) is running for Denver City Council District 7 and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Alvidrez responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“…I am dedicated to improving [our] air quality through being tough on corporate polluters which are disproportionately in low income communities, improving public transit, repairing our tree canopy and making it safe and comfortable to walk and bike around our city…Policy changes around “Area Median Income” for affordable housing and updating our permitting process and zoning codes [all] while maintaining the charm and character of neighborhoods is a priority when it comes to fighting displacement, keeping people housed and welcoming [new] Denverites!…Denver has been excellent at focusing on economic growth over the last decade. However we were not excellent at providing access to that economic growth to the people of Denver and particularly DPS students. We need to prioritize hiring and supporting local businesses and talent.”

Click here to read the rest of Alvidrez’s answers. 

Abass Yaya Bamba (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Denver and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Bamba responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“Raising the standard of living for everyone [and] restoring people’s dignity and hope of the pursuit of happiness.”

Click here to read the rest of Bamba’s answers. 

Tyler Drum (nonpartisan) is running for Denver City Council District 8 and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Drum responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“Denver is facing a homelessness and housing affordability [crisis], people are being forced out of Denver to find more affordable places to live, wages are not rising while costs are, and attainable unites are not being built in a quantity to keep up with the rising need. We need to focus on a housing first policy on homelessness [so] people can get their lives situated from a place of stability…Gentrification, we are developing luxury units that are unattainable to most people in Denver and not building the units we need to prevent people for being displaced in our city. In my district this is an impending disaster in East Colfax. We need to make sure new housing units are not displacing those already living in a community by controlling what developments get approved…Air quality, our proximity to the Suncor plant is a huge concern of mine. There have been many issues at the facility and we need to ensure the plant operates in a safe, clean, and efficient manner. Denver also has air quality issues based [in] oil and gas production and motor vehicles creating health-threatening ozone pollution.”

Click here to read the rest of Drum’s answers. 

Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (nonpartisan) is running for Denver City Council At-large and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Gonzales-Gutierrez responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“Reliable public transport: Like many working people in Denver, Serena relied on public transportation to get to work. She understands the immense challenges that accompany depending on Denver’s unreliable, unsafe, and expensive transportation system…Dignified jobs that pay a living wage: Serena grew up working at the family restaurant and flower shop. Not that long ago, working people could support a family and save for the future. Now, it’s increasingly difficult to get ahead…Bold climate leadership: For generations, Serena’s ancestors fought to protect the land and water for future generations. She’s continued that work at the State Legislature, championing bills to regulate deadly air toxins in disproportionately-impacted areas like Globeville and Elyria-Swansea.”

Click here to read the rest of Gonzales-Gutierrez’s answers. 

If you’re a Colorado candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.

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Voters to decide municipal races in Denver, Colorado

By Mercedes Yanora
In Local
March 20, 2023 at 6:26 PM

The nonpartisan general for Denver, Colorado, is on April 4, 2023. The regular filing deadline was Jan. 19 and the write-in candidate filing deadline was March 20.

Candidates are competing for mayor, city council, city auditor, and city clerk and recorder. The following candidates are running for mayor of Denver as of March 19:

  • Renate Behrens
  • Kelly Brough
  • Lisa Calderón
  • Al Gardner
  • Chris Hansen
  • Leslie Herod
  • Michael Johnston
  • Aurelio Martinez
  • Deborah Ortega
  • Terrance Roberts
  • Trinidad Rodriguez
  • Andy Rougeot
  • Ean Tafoya
  • Robert Treta
  • James Walsh
  • Thomas Wolf
  • Matt Brady (Write-in)
  • Paul Fiorino (Write-in)
  • Marcus Giavanni (Write-in)
  • Danny F. Lopez (Write-in)
  • Jesse Parris (Write-in)
  • Abass Yaya Bamba (Write-in)

While most mayoral elections in the 100 largest cities are nonpartisan, most officeholders are affiliated with a political party. Incumbent Michael Hancock is affiliated with the Democratic Party. He was first elected in 2011 and is term-limited. This is Denver’s fifth open mayoral election since 1959, the last time the city elected a Republican mayor.

If no candidate receives a majority of votes, the top-two vote-getters will advance to a runoff on June 6, 2023.

Denver is the largest city in Colorado and the 19th-largest city in the U.S. by population.

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Voters to decide municipal races in Colorado Springs, Colorado

By Mercedes Yanora
In Local
March 20, 2023 at 6:18 PM

The nonpartisan general for Colorado Springs, Colorado, is on April 4, 2023. The city is also holding a special election for the District 3 city council seat on the same date. The filing deadline was Jan. 23.

Candidates are competing for city council and mayor. Four of nine city council seats are up for election. The following candidates are running for mayor of Colorado Springs:

  • Sallie Clark
  • Andrew Dalby
  • Darryl Glenn
  • Longinos Gonzalez Jr.
  • Lawrence Martinez
  • Jim Miller
  • Christopher Mitchell
  • Yemi Mobolade
  • Kallan Rodebaugh
  • Tom Strand
  • Johnathan Tiegen
  • Wayne W. Williams

While most mayoral elections in the 100 largest cities are nonpartisan, most officeholders are affiliated with a political party. Incumbent John W. Suthers is affiliated with the Republican Party. He was first elected in 2015 and is term-limited. As of March 2023, 62 mayors in the largest 100 cities by population are affiliated with the Democratic Party, 26 are affiliated with the Republican Party, three are independents, seven identify as nonpartisan or unaffiliated, and two mayors’ affiliations are unknown.

If no mayoral candidate receives a majority of votes, the top-two vote-getters will advance to a runoff on May 16, 2023.

Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in Colorado and the 39th-largest city in the U.S. by population.

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Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey: Colorado roundup

By Mercedes Yanora
In Local
March 15, 2023 at 7:12 PM

Colorado is holding elections, including for municipal office, on April 4, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.

Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of March 12. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.

Glenn Carlson (nonpartisan) is running for Colorado Springs City Council At-large and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Carlson responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“One of the reasons people love Colorado Springs is our outdoor spaces. With an abundance of wildlife and unique areas, I am focused on ensuring we create, maintain, and protect our parks, trails, and open spaces. Our outdoor spaces add a great deal of value to our quality of life here and contribute greatly to our physical and mental health…Another area I am passionate about is protecting our neighborhoods. We have seen explosive growth in recent years and I believe it to be critical to grow responsibly. Growing responsibly means we involve the citizens and neighborhoods while understanding the need to accommodate infrastructure and new neighbors.”

Click here to read the rest of Carlson’s answers. 

Sallie Clark (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Colorado Springs and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Clark responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“Quality of Life and Community-Clean, Well-maintained Streets. Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails are Welcoming and Safe. Preserve Our History and Culture to Build a Bright Future for Colorado Springs.”

Click here to read the rest of Clark’s answers. 

Adam Estroff (nonpartisan) is running for Denver City Council District 7 and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Estroff responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“Housing policy is one area where city council has a lot of ability to make progress. In 80% of Denver’s neighborhoods, there is exclusionary zoning – which means that only single family homes can be built. We need to better utilize our limited land in Denver and allow multi-unit buildings and starter homes – like duplexes to be [built].”

Click here to read the rest of Estroff’s answers. 

Chris Hansen (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Denver and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Hansen responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“My energy and climate legislation have made Colorado a national climate policy leader. I’ll do the same at the local level as Denver’s next Mayor. I plan to add EV chargers, renegotiate with Xcel to protect customers, electrify our transit and heating and cooling systems. I’ll collaborate with Denver Water to promote water efficiency programs and reduce water waste. Through the lens of environmental justice, I’ll address disproportionate pollution in low-income areas.”

Click here to read the rest of Hansen’s answers. 

Shannon Hoffman (nonpartisan) is running for Denver City Council District 10 and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Hoffman responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“…As a renter, I’m astounded that zero renters serve on City Council. District 10 is 70% renters, after all! I will take a multi-pronged approach to solving our housing crisis: preserve and expand affordable housing units, stabilize rent, and encourage creative solutions to homelessness like safe outdoor spaces and tiny homes…I’m the granddaughter of a coal miner killed by black lung disease — climate justice hits close to home. All Denverites deserve safe, accessible transit options that care for our planet, like walking, biking, and rolling. I’ll also prioritize protected lanes and more green space…We must center the voices of people who’ve historically been shut out of the halls of power, especially as we confront our biggest challenges. I will increase transparency and ways for the public to engage with government, remove barriers to participation, and co-govern with my D10 community.”

Click here to read the rest of Hoffman’s answers. 

Christian Steward (nonpartisan) is running for Denver City Council District 8 and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Steward responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“The area of public policies that I am personally passionate about include: Housing, safety and wellness, workforce development, care of our seniors, care of our youth, and economic advancement.”

Click here to read the rest of Steward’s answers. 

Wayne W. Williams (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Colorado Springs and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Williams responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“I’ve seen firsthand the importance of local leaders who work together. As a member of the City Council and the Utilities Board, I have worked to promote our city’s public safety, economic vitality, and our infrastructure needs, particularly in transportation and utilities. I am committed to enhancing services for our growing city, including utilities, parks, police and fire protection.”

Click here to read the rest of Williams’ answers. 

Marty Zimmerman (nonpartisan) is running for Denver City Council At-large and the general election is on April 4. Here’s how Zimmerman responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“Affordable housing – increasing the supply of affordable housing will positively impact Denver’s economy, improve health outcomes, and create housing stability for individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity…Homelessness / Houselessness – addressing the pipeline to houselessness, increasing prevention strategies, and providing additional resources including wraparound services and case management will help the most at – risk individuals in our community…Public Safety – utilizing evidence based programs that deter crime will make our communities safer, increase sales & tourism, and reduce the long term costs associated with criminality.”

Click here to read the rest of Zimmerman’s answers. 

If you’re a Colorado candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.

Additional reading: 



Colorado Supreme Court issues three opinions from March 6-12

By Mercedes Yanora
In State
March 15, 2023 at 6:48 PM
Photo of Colorado State Supreme Court building

The Colorado Supreme Court issued three opinions from March 6-12. As of March 12, the court issued 12 opinions in 2023—the same amount as this point a year ago. The three opinions are below: 

  • People in Int. of L.S., where the court ruled that the state satisfied its burden of proving that an appropriate treatment plan couldn’t be devised for a parent involved in a dependency and neglect case. The court reversed the district court’s order granting the parent’s motion for directed verdict and remanded the case for further proceedings.
  • Colorado v. Willougby, where the court ruled that a defendant charged with domestic violence was not in custody for Miranda Rights purposes when he made statements during an interrogation. The court, therefore, reversed the portion of a trial court’s order that suppressed the defendant’s statements based on Miranda Rights violations.
  • Colorado State Board of Education v. Brannberg, where the court reversed the court of appeals’ ruling that the State Board of Education’s final decisions on charter school applications made after first appeals were subject to judicial review.  

From March 6-12, state supreme courts issued 186 opinions nationally. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued the most with 41. The court leads in number of opinions issued because it publishes concurring and dissenting opinions separately, and when deciding whether a case can be appealed, the court logs these decisions as standalone, typically single-page, orders. State supreme courts in 16 states issued the fewest with zero. Courts where judges are elected have issued 120 opinions, while courts whose members are appointed have issued 66.

The Colorado Supreme Court is the state’s court of last resort and has seven judgeships. The current chief of the court is Brian Boatright. The court issued 61 opinions in 2022 and 59 in 2021. Nationally, state supreme courts issued 9,243 opinions in 2022 and 10,133 in 2021. The courts have issued 1,548 opinions in 2023. Courts where judges are elected have issued 985 opinions, while courts whose members are appointed have issued 563. Colorado is a Democratic trifecta, meaning Democrats control the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature.

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Governor Jared Polis (D) issues two executive orders from Feb. 27-March 5

By Mercedes Yanora
In State
March 12, 2023 at 2:05 PM

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) issued two executive orders from Feb. 27-March 5. As of March 5, Polis has issued eight executive orders in 2023—four fewer than he did at this point a year ago.

Governors use executive orders to manage executive branch operations. During the week of Feb. 27-March 5, the nation’s governors issued 16 executive orders. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued the most with four. Governors in 40 states issued the fewest orders with zero. Democratic governors issued five of the 16 orders, while Republican governors issued 11.

Polis has served as governor since Jan. 8, 2019. He issued 70 executive orders in 2022 and 162 in 2021. Nationally, governors issued at least 1,559 executive orders in 2022. Governors have issued 290 executive orders in 2023. Republican governors issued 196, while Democratic governors issued 94. Colorado is a Democratic trifecta, meaning Democrats control the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature.

Additional reading:



Colorado Supreme Court issues one opinion from Feb. 27-March 5

By Mercedes Yanora
In State
March 9, 2023 at 5:17 PM
Photo of Colorado State Supreme Court building

The Colorado Supreme Court issued one opinion from Feb. 27-March 5. As of March 5, the court issued nine opinions in 2023—two fewer than this point a year ago. The opinion is below: 

From Feb. 27-March 5, state supreme courts issued 135 opinions nationally. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued the most with 39. Supreme courts in 19 states issued the fewest with zero. Courts where judges are elected have issued 83 opinions, while courts whose members are appointed have issued 52. 

The Colorado Supreme Court is the state’s court of last resort and has seven judgeships. The current chief of the court is Brian Boatright. The court issued 61 opinions in 2022 and 59 in 2021. Nationally, state supreme courts issued 9,243 opinions in 2022 and 10,133 in 2021. The courts have issued 1,361 opinions in 2023. Courts where judges are elected have issued 864 opinions, while courts whose members are appointed have issued 497. Colorado is a Democratic trifecta, meaning Democrats control the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature.

 Additional reading: 



Colorado Supreme Court issues one opinion from Feb. 20-26

By Mercedes Yanora
In State
March 6, 2023 at 8:04 PM
Photo of Colorado State Supreme Court building

The Colorado Supreme Court issued one opinion from Feb. 20-26. As of Feb. 26, the court issued eight opinions in 2023—three fewer than this point a year ago. The one opinion is below:

From Feb. 20-26, state supreme courts issued 154 opinions nationally. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued the most with 45. State supreme courts in 19 states issued the fewest with zero. Courts where judges are elected have issued 97 opinions, while courts whose members are appointed have issued 57.

The Colorado Supreme Court is the state’s court of last resort and has seven judgeships. The current chief of the court is Brian Boatright. The court issued 61 opinions in 2022 and 59 in 2021. Nationally, state supreme courts issued 9,243 opinions in 2022 and 10,133 in 2021. The courts have issued 1,224 opinions in 2023. Courts where judges are elected have issued 781 opinions, while courts whose members are appointed have issued 443. Colorado is a Democratic trifecta, meaning Democrats control the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature.

Additional reading:



Governor Jared Polis (D) issues one executive order from Feb. 20-26

By Mercedes Yanora
In State
March 6, 2023 at 5:54 PM

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) issued one executive order from Feb. 20-26. As of Feb. 26, Polis has issued six executive orders in 2023—six fewer than he did at this point a year ago.

Governors use executive orders to manage executive branch operations. During the week of Feb. 20-26, the nation’s governors issued 19 executive orders. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued the most with 12. Governors in 44 states issued the fewest with zero. Democratic governors issued seven of the 19 orders, while Republican governors issued 12.

Polis has served as governor since Jan. 8, 2019. He issued 70 executive orders in 2022 and 162 in 2021. Nationally, governors issued at least 1,559 executive orders in 2022. Governors have issued 272 executive orders in 2023. Republican governors issued 184, while Democratic governors issued 88. Colorado is a Democratic trifecta, meaning Democrats control the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature.

Additional reading: 



Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey: Colorado roundup

By Mercedes Yanora
In State
February 24, 2023 at 11:57 AM

Colorado is holding elections, including for municipal elections, on April 4, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.

Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of Feb. 23, 2023. To read each candidate’s full response, click their name at the bottom of the article.

Arthur May (NP) is running for Denver City Council and the General Election is on April 4, 2023. Here’s how Arthur May responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“I’m passionate about any public policy area where the city spends money without a clear understanding of the ROI.”

Click here to read the rest of Arthur May’s answers. 

David Leinweber (NP) is running for Colorado Springs City Council and the General Election is on April, 4, 2023. Here’s how David Leinweber responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“Amidst the amazing success our city has experienced, somewhere along the way we have forgotten how to love our neighbor…” Addressing our mental health and suicide crisis at the community level is crucial. We need to improve access for professional care, reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges, develop earlier intervention, increase awareness, and develop stronger support systems.”

Click here to read the rest of David Leinweber’s answers. 

Tiffany Caudill (NP) is running for Denver City Council and the General Election is on April 4, 2023. Here’s how Tiffany Caudill responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“All people deserve access to safe shelter/housing, food security, healthcare with mental health resources, thriving wages, green & healthy spaces and safe, accessible transit to navigate the day to day. I believe another world is possible and that is what I will always fight for.”

Click here to read the rest of Tiffany Caudill’s answers. 

Erik Clarke (NP) is running for Denver City Auditor and the General Election is on April 4, 2023. Here’s how Erik Clarke responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“Erik is focused on a range of local challenges, including construction oversight, information technology oversight, public safety, public health, homelessness, opportunity for all, climate change, equity, opportunity for all, and more.”

Click here to read the rest of Erik Clarke’s answers. 

Nick Campion (NP) is running for Denver City Council and the General Election is on April 4, 2023. Here’s how Nick Campion responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“If elected, the areas of public policy I am passion about are: housing, crime, environment, transportation, and homelessness.”

Click here to read the rest of Nick Campion’s answers. 

Tim O’Brien (NP) is running for Denver City Auditor and the General Election is on April 4, 2023. Here’s how Tim O’Brien responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“I am passionate about accountability and transparency in government. Social justice for our working citizens.”

Click here to read the rest of Tim O’Brien’s answers. 

Michael Hughes (NP) is running for Denver City Council and the General Election is on April 4, 2023. Here’s how Michael Hughes responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“Neighborhood vitality, safety and quality. Housing affordability and an economy that supports our ability to live and work in Denver. Transportation—all modes—in a system that makes travel easier and makes life better. Placemaking, planning and imagining a better future for Denver— then taking on the problems that stand in the way of that future. Creating a vibrant arts and culture environment.”

Click here to read the rest of Michael Hughes answers. 

Travis Leiker (NP) is running for Denver City Council and the General Election is on April 4, 2023. Here’s how Travis Leiker responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“Environment and sustainability, affordability, safety, and equity.”

Click here to read the rest of Travis Leiker’s answers. 

Chris Herr (NP) is running for Denver City Council and the General Election is on April 4, 2023. Here’s how Chris Herr responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“Housing, Climate Action, Transit and Mobility, and Public Safety.”

Click here to read the rest of Chris Herr’s answers. 

If you’re a Colorado candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.

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