Leroy Mora

Unaffiliated Party

How does your experience make you qualified to represent the people?

I grew up in Pueblo, I raised my family in Pueblo, and I am now blessed to watch my
grandchildren grow up in Pueblo. Pueblo is my hometown and it has shaped my values,
my character, and my commitment to service. That is why my campaign is not about
politics; it’s about every citizen who calls Pueblo home.

I am a leader who has been preparing for this moment for over 30 years. My campaign is
centered on four principles. LEADERSHIP, EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, and
FAITH. Over the past 30 years these four principles have shaped me into a Balanced
Leader who has compassion, integrity, and the ability to lead by example, (not just
words) acts with integrity and embraces responsibility.

I served the citizens of Pueblo County for 27 years as a member of the Pueblo County
Sheriff’s Office. I understand the responsibility that comes with wearing the badge as a
deputy, a Sergeant, a Lieutenant and a Captain. As a command officer I experience the
challenges and successes of working in all three bureaus (Law Enforcement, Detention,
Emergency Services) within the office.

I served 20 honorable years in the Colorado Army National Guard and retired as a
E-8 (First Sergeant). During my time in the military, I attended various leadership courses
where I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, dedication, and putting the
people you lead first.

I graduated from CSU-Pueblo with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business
administration. I intentionally pursued these degrees, recognizing that leading a modern
law enforcement agency demands more than experience, it requires expertise in
organizational leadership, sound financial management, and strategic planning.

I am a graduate of the 255 th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA,
which is recognized as one of the nation's premier executive leadership development
programs. Earning the opportunity to attend the national academy was both an honor and
a testament to my commitment to professional excellence, and leadership development.

Although my law enforcement career took a short detour, my commitment to policing has
never wavered. For the past three years, I have served as the Director of the Pueblo Law
Enforcement Academy, where I have the privilege of training, mentoring, and
developing the next generation of law enforcement professionals. Investing in future
officers reinforces my belief that law enforcement is more than a job, it’s a calling.

What are your top policy priorities?

Staffing: (Retain, Sustain and Recruit) I recognize that the greatest resource within any
organization is its people. Strong organizations are built by investing in their employees.
When people are properly trained, supported and valued they are better prepared to serve
others. My vision is to build a culture within the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office where
excellence and mutual respect are the standard.

This will include improving recruitment and retention, addressing staffing shortages,
strengthening training and professional development, recognizing employee performance,
and promoting clear communication and accountability at every level of the organization.

I will work to build trust between leadership and employees, establish consistent policies
and expectations, and ensure that our personnel have competitive opportunities for
advancement and a healthy, professional workplace. A stable workforce is essential to
providing consistent, effective, and professional service to the community, and my
administration will make investing in our people a fundamental priority.

Budget: I will address budget shortages with responsible fiscal management,
transparency, and a clear focus on public safety. My administration will conduct a
thorough review of current expenditures, identify areas where resources can be used more
efficiently, and prioritize funding for essential law-enforcement services, personnel,
training, equipment, and community safety programs.

I will work collaboratively with county commissioners, office leadership, employees, and
the community to identify sustainable solutions, pursue available grants and alternative
funding opportunities, and avoid unnecessary expenditures. When difficult financial
decisions are required, they will be based on objective data, operational needs, and the
office’s responsibility to provide effective and accountable public safety services.

Improve Moral: One of my priorities will be to rebuild morale within the Sheriff’s
Office by fostering a culture of respect, accountability, communication, and teamwork. I
will listen to the concerns of deputies and staff, recognize their contributions, support
professional development, and ensure that employees have the resources and leadership
necessary to succeed.

I will be committed to working proactively with the Sheriff's Office union leadership to
strengthen communication and address issues affecting the workplace and together we
can work on solutions that will strengthen our office, not harm it. The relationship between a Sheriff and the employees should never be adversarial, it should be a partnership.

Partnerships: I will strengthen partnerships with the Pueblo Police Dept., District
Attorney’s Office, state and federal agencies, elected city and county officials, business
and community organizations through open communication, collaboration, and mutual
trust. By investing in our people and rebuilding relationships throughout the community,
we can create a Sheriff’s Office that works together, earns public confidence, and
provides professional, effective service to everyone we serve.

What is one issue you think is being overlooked in this race, and how would you address it?

The homelessness crisis in Pueblo has become an increasingly important public safety
concern that requires a comprehensive and collaborative response. While homelessness is
a complex issue with many contributing factors, substance abuse and untreated mental
health challenges are significant drivers that must be addressed if we are going to make
meaningful, long-term progress.

Pueblo County has a tremendous need for a coordinated strategy involving law
enforcement, city and county government, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers,
and other community partners. The impact of unhoused population extends beyond those
experiencing it directly. It places significant demands on law enforcement and other
public resources, affects the quality of life for citizens, creates challenges for local
businesses, and can negatively impact economic development and the community’s
ability to attract new businesses and investment.

Together we must recognize that homelessness is a community problem, and simply
moving people from one location to another is not a solution. A successful strategy must
address the underlying causes while also maintaining safe and orderly communities. Law
enforcement has an important role in that effort, but we cannot and should not be
expected to solve homelessness alone.

The role of law enforcement is to protect the community, prevent crime, enforce the law
fairly and consistently, and hold individuals accountable when criminal behavior occurs.At the same time, effective public safety requires strong partnerships with the community
and with organizations that have the resources and expertise to address the underlying
challenges that contribute to chronic homelessness.

City and county governments, along with nonprofit and community partners, can help
connect individuals experiencing homelessness with appropriate housing, substance
abuse treatment, mental health services, healthcare, employment opportunities, and other
resources. These services are critical to create pathways toward stability and reduce the
cycle of repeated contacts with law enforcement and other public agencies.

As sheriff, I would support a collaborative approach that brings law enforcement, local
government, service providers, businesses, and community organizations together around
a common strategy. That strategy must balance public safety, compassion,
accountability, and meaningful services. Our goal should be to reduce chronic
homelessness, address the root causes that contribute to it, respond appropriately when
criminal behavior occurs, and improve the quality of life for everyone who lives, works,
and invests in Pueblo County.

We can be compassionate without compromising accountability, and we can enforce the
law while recognizing that lasting solutions require more than enforcement alone. By
working together, we can build a safer, healthier, and stronger Pueblo County.

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