Inglewood residents rally against ranked choice voting citing confusion and political agendas

In the dimly lit chambers of Englewood City Hall, a palpable tension filled the air as residents gathered to voice their concerns during the city council meeting on December 16, 2024. The evening's discussions were dominated by a heated debate over the proposed implementation of ranked choice voting (RCV), a topic that has sparked significant controversy among community members.

Kevin, a passionate resident, took to the podium first, articulating his strong opposition to RCV. He argued that the system, which had previously been rejected by Colorado voters, complicates elections and undermines the democratic process. "We should not replace our straightforward 1 person, 1 vote method with a convoluted system that introduces unnecessary hurdles," he stated emphatically. Kevin expressed concerns about the motivations behind the proposal, linking it to Chelsea Noonankamp, a prominent advocate for RCV, and her affiliations with political organizations. He urged the council to focus on pressing community needs rather than adopting a system he believes could disenfranchise voters.

Following Kevin, Gary Kozak echoed similar sentiments, questioning the integrity of the council members involved in the RCV discussions. He suggested that any council member associated with pro-RCV organizations should abstain from voting on the matter, raising alarms about potential conflicts of interest. Kozak also touched on broader community issues, including the need for better safety measures in local schools, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the city and law enforcement.

As the meeting progressed, Rebecca Kramer shifted the focus to the treatment of municipal judge Jefferson, criticizing the council for what she described as disgraceful handling of his position and salary. She highlighted discrepancies in pay compared to other city officials, advocating for a fair salary that reflects his elected status. "Just because he's an elected official doesn't mean that he should be screwed out of a reasonable salary," Kramer asserted, calling for an end to what she perceived as petty politics.

The discussions at the council meeting underscored a community grappling with significant electoral and governance issues. As residents voiced their concerns, it became clear that the future of Englewood's voting system and the treatment of its elected officials are topics that will continue to resonate within the community. With the council's decision on ranked choice voting looming, the outcome could shape not only the electoral landscape but also the trust residents place in their local government.