$1 million raised toward collective bargaining campaigns in municipal election

Whether you’re for or against collective bargaining for Colorado Springs firefighters, time is running out to vote on it.

The latest finance filings show throughout the campaign, nearly $1 million dollars has been contributed between two committees.

In terms of political campaigns, it’s not a lot of money, but it is when you’re talking about a municipal election and a single item on the ballot. And there has been a lot of air time devoted to supporting collective bargaining and even opposing it.

Mayor John Suthers says it’s the most he’s seen a ballot measure get.

“This is big because as I say, all the unions are contributing to make sure that they want to win this and perhaps open up a path of unionization in Colorado Springs,” he said.

It’s something he has been opposed to since the beginning. Also against it is the Citizens Against Public Employee Unions committee.

So far, they’ve raised more than $326,000 and between February and March, they spent $303,900.

Most of their money has come from organizations in Colorado Springs, but the Firefighters for a Safer Colorado Springs committee is choosing a different route.

John Roy, Deputy Campaign Manager for the committee, trusts that people will support firefighters.

“City leaders they come and go, they’re here every four years. But firefighters are here for 30-plus serving this community. So what Issue 1 would do is give us a consistent and guaranteed voice in public safety,” he said.

They’ve raised more than $639,000 with donations coming in from firefighters in different cities and states. Between February and March, they spent nearly $180,000

But all spending aside, it will now be up to voters to decide who made the more compelling argument. Though at no point during this campaign have firefighters said they are seeking any kind of pay raise.