Two recall elections in Pueblo within two years
Two recall elections will be held in Pueblo County in less than two years, costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.
State Sen. Angela Giron, D-Pueblo, was recalled in September 2013 after voting in favor of four controversial gun bills, which included a limit of 15 rounds on high-capacity magazines and a bill that would require universal background checks on all gun sales and transfers.
“I think people are realizing that they can really have a voice in their republic and in their government,” said Victor Head, who led the Giron recall.
Now, Councilwoman Ami Nawrocki is the target of a recall. Trash haulers Frank and Becky Cortese are leading the effort.
“Really, the Angela Giron recall gave us the knowledge to know that that option is available to hold elected officials accountable. I’m not sure that I had heard of that prior to the Angela Giron recall,” Becky Cortese said.
Nawrocki is accused of violating the Colorado Sunshine Law by talking about public policy issues over email instead of inside council chambers.
KRDO NewsChannel 13 spoke with CSU-Pueblo political science professor Dr. Gayle Berardi about the recall momentum.
“I think we have to think long term. What’s the impact of engaging more citizens to run for office? Are they likely to run for office if they know if they take a certain vote that they get recalled then? Who would want to participate in a political system like that?” Berardi said.
She added that she believes there are good reasons to recall politicians but it needs to be thoughtful.
Social media and technology have changed the landscape of recalls, Head said, making it easier for people to participate.
“Back in the day, getting together people who had run petitions meant calling landlines and leaving messages, and trying to get everyone together. Now I just send out a text to every single person I know and say — ‘hey, let’s meet at six o’clock tonight,'” Head said.
Pueblo County clerk Bo Ortiz said the Giron recall cost about $170,000. The recall for Nawrocki is estimated at $32,000. It will be held on January 27, 2015.
