Citizens demand accountability from Pueblo West board

During a recent government meeting, community leaders gathered to address pressing issues and hear from citizens regarding local governance. The meeting commenced with a prayer led by a community leader, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful decision-making and the strength of leadership.

Following the prayer, the board approved the consent agenda unanimously, paving the way for public comments. A series of citizen emails highlighted concerns about community facilities and governance. Notably, Gary Pula raised an issue regarding the lack of an ADA-compliant shade structure at Wagontail's dog park, which he argued is necessary for accessibility.

Troy Stevens expressed his support for the district manager, Christian, noting improvements in community relations and internal operations. In contrast, Nick Madero and Guy Easton voiced strong objections to perceived restrictions on citizen comments, arguing that such policies infringe on free speech rights. Madero insisted that community members should be allowed to express their concerns without fear of censorship, while Easton threatened to initiate a petition for board member recalls if such policies were enacted.

Sheila Lucas provided a more positive perspective, commending the board for their professionalism during recent transitions and advocating for continued collaboration among elected officials and staff. However, she raised concerns about the potential selection of candidate Navarro for the district manager position, questioning her commitment and experience.

As the meeting progressed, board members remained largely silent during the director's comments section, with some expressing surprise at the intensity of citizen feedback. The meeting concluded with a transition to the public hearing portion, indicating ongoing discussions about community governance and citizen engagement.