Pueblo voters have concerns heading into first mayoral election

In just three weeks, voters in Pueblo will vote for the city’s first mayor, but that person will come out of a massive field of 16 candidates.

Voters in Pueblo say they have their own concerns. We went to one local breakfast hot spot in the Steel City to learn more about what voters are thinking heading into the November elections.

For many, the large number of candidates is the chief concern.

“It divides the vote so much that we may not have a good consensus on any of them,” said Bill Wood, a Pueblo voter who has made up his mind when it comes to his vote. “I looked at all the candidates but my final decision was based on the experience that they’ve had.”

When asked if the number of candidates was concerning, Pueblo voter Duane Garrett wasted no time.

“Absolutely! Some of them are so inexperienced and some of them are too experienced,” said Garrett. He said he isn’t sure who he is voting for, but that he knows exactly who he won’t vote for.

“People are coming out of the woodwork all of a sudden and they want to be voted in as mayor,” said Jack Castro, who isn’t sure having a mayor in Pueblo will change anything.

Others believe the change is exactly what Pueblo needs.

“I do know who I am voting for,” said Kantessa Garrett. “This individual is more of an outsider and hasn’t been a part of the Pueblo community for so long. I feel like that’s what Pueblo needs.”

However, voters admit they are a little pessimistic heading into November.

“I’m a little concerned about whether this election will be well thought out,” said Duane. “Or is it just going to be run of the mill politics?”

“This town has such a power trip,” Kantessa Garrett. “I feel like we already know who’s going to win.”

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday evening, Mayoral candidates were required to show their campaign finance reports to the Pueblo City Clerk. Before Tuesday, candidate Nick Gradisar had received the most contributions, more than $22,000.