The Strong Mayor Stays

Pueblo Voters Send a Clear Message

The Voters Have Decided

In a decisive show of unity and democratic clarity, Pueblo voters have once again made their voices unmistakably heard: the strong mayor system is here to stay.

Despite months of political maneuvering and an inappropriate ballot measure pushed forward by a divided City Council, voters overwhelmingly rejected the attempt to return Pueblo to a city manager form of government. According to official election results, 17,770 voters chose to keep the strong mayor system, compared to just 8,273 who voted to eliminate it.

That is more than a two-to-one margin.

The Will of the Voters Has Been Clear - Repeatedly

What makes this moment especially significant is that this is far from the first time Pueblo has voted on this question. In fact, the public has reaffirmed its support for the strong mayor system multiple times over the past eight years:

Year Public Action Outcome

2017 Voted to adopt the strong mayor system Approved

2021 Recall attempt against Mayor Gradisar Failed

2023 Voters elected Mayor Heather Graham Confirmed voter support

2024 New recall attempt Failed

2025 Ballot question to eliminate the strong mayor Defeated, 17,770 to 8,273 - as of 11/5/25

Each time, Pueblo residents have delivered the same message:

They want the mayor to be chosen directly by the people, not selected quietly by political insiders.

A Council Ignoring What Voters Already Said

City Council justified placing the question on the ballot by claiming they were simply “letting the voters decide.” But voters already had decided - repeatedly.

This ballot push came:

• Months after a failed recall, where the public rejected the attempt to remove the current mayor
• In the middle of a four-year mayoral term, disrupting continuity and stability
• Despite no groundswell of public demand for change
• The move appeared less about governance and more about control. And Pueblo saw right through it.

Pueblo Chooses Accountability, Transparency, and Stability

Under the strong mayor form of government, the public knows exactly who is in charge and who to hold accountable. Decisions are not buried inside unelected administrative layers or influenced by political alliances behind closed doors.

The strong mayor model makes leadership visible, direct, and answerable to the voters themselves - exactly the way a democracy should function.

Time for Council to Respect the Result

The people of Pueblo have now spoken five times. The matter is settled.

Going forward, City Council should stop attempting to overturn the public’s will and start working collaboratively within the system the voters chose - and have chosen again and again.

The message from Pueblo is clear, firm, and democratic:

Respect the vote. Respect the voters. Respect the strong mayor system.