Big money is flowing to and from political power players outside Westminster’s border ahead of a recall election for city Councilman Jon Voelz.
The “to” and “from” are where the two sides differ.
The Colorado Democratic Party and Democratic leaders in the region have come to the aid of the anti-recall group, dropping thousands of dollars on the race.
Meanwhile the pro-recall group, Water Warriors, has spent a total of $18,156 on its attorney, Scott Gessler, a Republican who is Colorado’s former secretary of state and a recent, unsuccessful candidate for Colorado GOP chairman, according to an analysis of campaign finance reports filed by both groups between September and June.
Virtually all the Water Warriors’ $21,383 in spending went to attorneys fees.
In less than two weeks, on July 20, Westminster voters will decide whether to recall Voelz and, if so, to elect candidate Kathleen Dodaro to take his place.
For months, Defend Westminster has raised money and campaigned to try to help Voelz retain his seat.
The Westminster Water Warriors — who originally sought to recall four members of Westminster City Council — would see a successful recall of Voelz as evidence that their messaging about Voelz’s stance on water rates was compelling for citizens.
The Water Warriors started the recall campaign in September against Voelz, Mayor Anita Seitz, Councilor Kathryn Skulley and former Mayor Herb Atchison over claims that the four supported raising water rates or did not support lowering water rates. Ultimately, the Water Warriors gathered enough signatures on recall petitions for Voelz and Atchison to trigger recall elections against the two. Atchison resigned soon after the announcement.
The city will pay Community Resource Services of Colorado up to $250,000 to run the special election because it is not part of a coordinated county election. Voelz’s council seat is up for election again in November.