Bach Advances To Mayoral Runoff

The candidates to be the next mayor of Colorado Springs dropped from eight to two Tuesday. Joining former vice-mayor Richard Skorman is Steve Bach.

Bach received 34 percent of the vote, second to Skorman’s 36 percent. Both candidates will meet again in the May 17 runoff election. The winner becomes the first strong mayor under the new form of city government approved by voters last fall, and earns a higher salary of $96,000.

Bach said he will try to win over some of the voters who haven’t chosen him yet.

“I talked with over 60 voters Tuesday who were undecided as of (the) morning and who had a lot of questions,” Bach said. “We’re going to continue that process — to tell our story, but also listen to people, find out what their concerns are and get their ideas.”

Bach also wasted no time campaigning against his remaining opponent.

“We just basically differ philosophically in terms of our approach to city government,” Bach said of Skorman. “I believe we can transform our city government so that it works for everyone again, without tax increases. Tax increases are job killers.”

Bach said he will continue his platform of leaner government, job creation and economic revitalization. He’s relying on his career in business and economic development.

The May 17 winner replaces outgoing mayor Lionel Rivera.