Monday morning the five candidates for Loveland’s mayor answered questions in front of the Larimer County Republican Breakfast Club.
LovelandPolitics recorded the event (see story to access the audio).
A number of the candidates sought support from the audience by making it clear they are registered Republicans. Dave Clark used the term “fellow Republicans” while Grenn Rousey shared a story about what he called the best bumper sticker he had seen in his life that said, “How is that hope and change working for you?”
However, when State House Rep. BJ Nikkels asked about their support of the lodging tax, RTA (a proposed regional 1% sales tax) and purchasing property along I-25 with city funds the mood became more serious. On local issues the candidates split another way with only Cecil Gutierrez clearly not supporting the lodging tax or the RTA tax.
On the purchasing of 97 acres with tax dollars, Gutierrez, who was not on the council in November of 2007, said he didn’t agree with the decision. Walt Skowron, who was on the council at the time, voted against the purchase and spoke eloquently about his reasons for opposing the acquisition of land that is now vacant and for sale. Both Rousey and Clark defended their votes to acquire the property with city funds.
Alexi Grewal responded to the first question by predicting eminent doom for the Untied States and told his fellow canddiates we are not in a recession (as some had said) but instead a depression.
In summary, it appears to us that this race for Mayor of Loveland is really between Walt Skowron and Cecil Gutierrez. Dave Clark appeared unable to really engage the audience while Rousey was folksy in style but not very deep in content.
I heard not very many people were there. I listened to most of the tape and somewhat agree with your conclusions. However, you give Glenn Rousey a bum rap when you shouldn’t.
It was great to hear David Clark say he voted against the lodging tax before voting for it. What the hell?
Glenn sometimes just vocalizes a stream of consciousness also but never like that. He is thinking out loud which isn’t a bad thing. Only an honest open candidate can do that. Cecil sounded very rehearsed and Walt was a little crazy in what I heard.
Anyway thanks you guys for getting that on the internet. I didn’t even know it was going to happen so i am glad i could catch-up be hearing the tape. Next time video would still be much better.
Later!
I don’t agree at all. You had Rousey, Clark and Skowron (all Republicans) trying to explain why they supported every tax measure that came before council. Remember what Reagan said about Democrats? They never met a tax they didn’t like? Well now it is the Republicans on LLoveland’s council who never met a tax they didn’t like.
Cecil Gutierrez THE ONLY ONE WHO VOTED TWICE AGAINST THE LODGING TAXC was clearly the winner of that discussion because he understood the issues and has taken a stand against letting special interest run city hall. That Alexi guy is simply nuts. I had no idea what he was talking about!!!
Yes, I did listen to the tape and appreciate you providing this to people. Clark’s answers were tough to follow or understand.
I was unable to attend and was pleasantly surprised to find the audio link on this website. A big thank you to LovelandPolitics for posting the audio link!!
I don’t know what that Alexi guy was trying to say in his closing statement; Jimmy is right- Alexi is simply nuts!!
I have to disagree with Jimmy regarding his comment on Skowron defending taxation; I think that LP is right in that the race appears to be between Cecil and Walt. They both had informed commentary and seemed to have a good grasp on the realities behind the issues raised in the questions. Walt did an especially good job discussing the history behind the 402 land purchase and the RTA.
You made your point: You don’t like Mr. Rousey.