Pueblo County
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Welcome to the Colorado Progressive Voters Guide! The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Please share this guide with your friends and family!
City of Pueblo
Depending on where you live, you may have the below city races on your ballot.
Selena Ruiz Gomez is running for Pueblo City Councilor At-Large. Gomez is a mental health professional with years of experience from non-profits to individual therapy. Gomez understands the interconnected nature of some of Pueblo's biggest problems, from the environment to accessible housing. Gomez will support sustainable economic development and public safety solutions. Each of these pillars will also contribute to addressing the homelessness crisis in Pueblo. Gomez is a dedicated public servant with eyes on Pueblo’s future.
Also running are Nathan Harper, Tom Croshal, Brett Boston, Evans Audan Gonzales Garcia, Regina Maestri, and Colleen Grahek-Clark.
With a mind towards the intersectional nature of Pueblo’s challenges, Selena Ruiz Gomez is the progressive choice for City Councilor At Large.
Selena Ruiz Gomez is running for Pueblo City Councilor At-Large. Gomez is a mental health professional with years of experience from non-profits to individual therapy. Gomez understands the interconnected nature of some of Pueblo's biggest problems, from the environment to accessible housing. Gomez will support sustainable economic development and public safety solutions. Each of these pillars will also contribute to addressing the homelessness crisis in Pueblo. Gomez is a dedicated public servant with eyes on Pueblo’s future.
Also running are Nathan Harper, Tom Croshal, Brett Boston, Evans Audan Gonzales Garcia, Regina Maestri, and Colleen Grahek-Clark.
With a mind towards the intersectional nature of Pueblo’s challenges, Selena Ruiz Gomez is the progressive choice for City Councilor At Large.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
Selena Ruiz Gomez is running for Pueblo City Councilor At-Large. Gomez is a mental health professional with years of experience from non-profits to individual therapy. Gomez understands the interconnected nature of some of Pueblo's biggest problems, from the environment to accessible housing. Gomez will support sustainable economic development and public safety solutions. Each of these pillars will also contribute to addressing the homelessness crisis in Pueblo. Gomez is a dedicated public servant with eyes on Pueblo’s future.
Also running are Nathan Harper, Tom Croshal, Brett Boston, Evans Audan Gonzales Garcia, Regina Maestri, and Colleen Grahek-Clark.
With a mind towards the intersectional nature of Pueblo’s challenges, Selena Ruiz Gomez is the progressive choice for City Councilor At Large.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
Pueblo City Council, District 3
Depending on where you live, you may have the following district races on your ballot.
Joseph Perko is running for Pueblo City Council District 3. Perko is a union electrician who hopes to bring attention to labor and urban improvement in Pueblo. A degree in business, Perko is an avid volunteer and has also served on Pueblo's Marajuna Licensing Board. He knows that strengthening the working class through unions and benefits can also do good for the economy and community at large. Perko wants to address recent changes to Pueblo’s municipal budget and hopes to ensure continued funding for non-profits and public services. Perko also supports mental health and employment program expansion to support the homeless members of Pueblo’s community.
Also running is Ted Hernandez. Both candidates are endorsed by Pueblo Democrats.
Based on his staunch support of unions and laborers, Pueblo District 3 can count on Joseph Perko as the progressive choice.
Joseph Perko is running for Pueblo City Council District 3. Perko is a union electrician who hopes to bring attention to labor and urban improvement in Pueblo. A degree in business, Perko is an avid volunteer and has also served on Pueblo's Marajuna Licensing Board. He knows that strengthening the working class through unions and benefits can also do good for the economy and community at large. Perko wants to address recent changes to Pueblo’s municipal budget and hopes to ensure continued funding for non-profits and public services. Perko also supports mental health and employment program expansion to support the homeless members of Pueblo’s community.
Also running is Ted Hernandez. Both candidates are endorsed by Pueblo Democrats.
Based on his staunch support of unions and laborers, Pueblo District 3 can count on Joseph Perko as the progressive choice.
Joseph Perko is running for Pueblo City Council District 3. Perko is a union electrician who hopes to bring attention to labor and urban improvement in Pueblo. A degree in business, Perko is an avid volunteer and has also served on Pueblo's Marajuna Licensing Board. He knows that strengthening the working class through unions and benefits can also do good for the economy and community at large. Perko wants to address recent changes to Pueblo’s municipal budget and hopes to ensure continued funding for non-profits and public services. Perko also supports mental health and employment program expansion to support the homeless members of Pueblo’s community.
Also running is Ted Hernandez. Both candidates are endorsed by Pueblo Democrats.
Based on his staunch support of unions and laborers, Pueblo District 3 can count on Joseph Perko as the progressive choice.
School Board
Depending on where you live, you may have the following school district races on your ballot.
Pueblo County School District 70
Michelle Erickson is running for the District 3 seat of Pueblo County School District 70. Recently retired from three decades of teaching social studies, Erickson is experienced with the changing needs and values of Pueblo's students and schools. She has been able to witness just how impactful safe and positive learning environments can be for both in and outside of the classroom. Erickson hopes to secure better funding per-pupil in order to support staff trainings and inclusive classrooms.
Michelle Erickson is a progressive choice for Pueblo County School District 70.
Michelle Erickson is running for the District 3 seat of Pueblo County School District 70. Recently retired from three decades of teaching social studies, Erickson is experienced with the changing needs and values of Pueblo's students and schools. She has been able to witness just how impactful safe and positive learning environments can be for both in and outside of the classroom. Erickson hopes to secure better funding per-pupil in order to support staff trainings and inclusive classrooms.
Michelle Erickson is a progressive choice for Pueblo County School District 70.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Michelle Erickson is running for the District 3 seat of Pueblo County School District 70. Recently retired from three decades of teaching social studies, Erickson is experienced with the changing needs and values of Pueblo's students and schools. She has been able to witness just how impactful safe and positive learning environments can be for both in and outside of the classroom. Erickson hopes to secure better funding per-pupil in order to support staff trainings and inclusive classrooms.
Michelle Erickson is a progressive choice for Pueblo County School District 70.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Mark Emery is running for reelection to the Pueblo County District 70 School Board. Having served previously for eight years starting in 2013, Emery has wealth of experience in education governance. He is also a music teacher and band director, having worked at several schools in the Pueblo area. In his prior term, Emery was able to help secure significant funding for D70 to improve security, increase councilling services, and raise teacher salaries. Emery is dedicated to supporting his fellow teachers, arts and music programming, and managing a budget that supports student success.
Mark Emery is a candidate that progressives of Pueblo can feel confident in for District 4 of the Pueblo County District 70 School Board.
Mark Emery is running for reelection to the Pueblo County District 70 School Board. Having served previously for eight years starting in 2013, Emery has wealth of experience in education governance. He is also a music teacher and band director, having worked at several schools in the Pueblo area. In his prior term, Emery was able to help secure significant funding for D70 to improve security, increase councilling services, and raise teacher salaries. Emery is dedicated to supporting his fellow teachers, arts and music programming, and managing a budget that supports student success.
Mark Emery is a candidate that progressives of Pueblo can feel confident in for District 4 of the Pueblo County District 70 School Board.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Mark Emery is running for reelection to the Pueblo County District 70 School Board. Having served previously for eight years starting in 2013, Emery has wealth of experience in education governance. He is also a music teacher and band director, having worked at several schools in the Pueblo area. In his prior term, Emery was able to help secure significant funding for D70 to improve security, increase councilling services, and raise teacher salaries. Emery is dedicated to supporting his fellow teachers, arts and music programming, and managing a budget that supports student success.
Mark Emery is a candidate that progressives of Pueblo can feel confident in for District 4 of the Pueblo County District 70 School Board.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Pueblo School District 60
Rae Carnevale is running for the Pueblo District 60 School Board. Carnevale is a mental health professional and children's advocate with experience supporting developing minds. She hopes to bring her knowledge of trauma informed practices and social emotional learning will benefit the D60 board's ability to support students. Carnevale will also work towards transparency, community involvement, and union rights for educators. She will invest in D60 by creating a budget that facillitates student and staff success.
Rae Carnevale is a progressive choice for the Pueblo District 60 School Board.
Rae Carnevale is running for the Pueblo District 60 School Board. Carnevale is a mental health professional and children's advocate with experience supporting developing minds. She hopes to bring her knowledge of trauma informed practices and social emotional learning will benefit the D60 board's ability to support students. Carnevale will also work towards transparency, community involvement, and union rights for educators. She will invest in D60 by creating a budget that facillitates student and staff success.
Rae Carnevale is a progressive choice for the Pueblo District 60 School Board.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Rae Carnevale is running for the Pueblo District 60 School Board. Carnevale is a mental health professional and children's advocate with experience supporting developing minds. She hopes to bring her knowledge of trauma informed practices and social emotional learning will benefit the D60 board's ability to support students. Carnevale will also work towards transparency, community involvement, and union rights for educators. She will invest in D60 by creating a budget that facillitates student and staff success.
Rae Carnevale is a progressive choice for the Pueblo District 60 School Board.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Tommy Farrell is running for the Pueblo District 60 School Board. Farrell is an involved community member who has served on the boards for Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County, the Southern Colorado Equality Alliance, and the D60 Education Foundation. He previously served on the Pueblo D60 board from 2019 to 2023. Farrell is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in schools, having organized on behalf of a non-legal name change policy in D60. Farrell will stand up for the importance of public education, fighting back against privatization and voucher programs. He supports access to quality education for all students and a budget that puts classrooms first. Farrell hopes to build community partnerships, accountability, and support systems for educators and staff.
With a renewed commitment to Pueblo schools, Tommy Farrell is a strong progressive choice for the D60 Board.
Tommy Farrell is running for the Pueblo District 60 School Board. Farrell is an involved community member who has served on the boards for Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County, the Southern Colorado Equality Alliance, and the D60 Education Foundation. He previously served on the Pueblo D60 board from 2019 to 2023. Farrell is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in schools, having organized on behalf of a non-legal name change policy in D60. Farrell will stand up for the importance of public education, fighting back against privatization and voucher programs. He supports access to quality education for all students and a budget that puts classrooms first. Farrell hopes to build community partnerships, accountability, and support systems for educators and staff.
With a renewed commitment to Pueblo schools, Tommy Farrell is a strong progressive choice for the D60 Board.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Tommy Farrell is running for the Pueblo District 60 School Board. Farrell is an involved community member who has served on the boards for Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County, the Southern Colorado Equality Alliance, and the D60 Education Foundation. He previously served on the Pueblo D60 board from 2019 to 2023. Farrell is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in schools, having organized on behalf of a non-legal name change policy in D60. Farrell will stand up for the importance of public education, fighting back against privatization and voucher programs. He supports access to quality education for all students and a budget that puts classrooms first. Farrell hopes to build community partnerships, accountability, and support systems for educators and staff.
With a renewed commitment to Pueblo schools, Tommy Farrell is a strong progressive choice for the D60 Board.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Statewide Ballot Measures
Proposition LL asks if the state should be allowed to keep and spend the revenue collected from Proposition FF. Prop FF established the Healthy School Meals for All Program and has accrued $12.4 million in revenue since its original voter approval in 2022. The Healthy School Meals for All Program is funded through state income taxes and supports free school meals for all students, regardless of family income. Due to the Tax Payers Bill of Rights, the state of Colorado must ask for approval in order to keep and spend tax revenue that has already been collected. If voters do not approve LL, households that paid the state income tax will have the tax revenue reimbursed to them. With the additional funds from LL, the Healthy School Meals for All Program would be able to further support the purchasing and use of Colorado grown products, increase wages for cafeteria employees, and offer training and technical assistance to schools.
Food is necessary for growing and learning brains. For any number of reasons, many children do not have access to quality nutrition. Free and nutritious meals can help support students from all economic and social backgrounds in becoming empowered learners and leaders.
Proposition LL asks if the state should be allowed to keep and spend the revenue collected from Proposition FF. Prop FF established the Healthy School Meals for All Program and has accrued $12.4 million in revenue since its original voter approval in 2022. The Healthy School Meals for All Program is funded through state income taxes and supports free school meals for all students, regardless of family income. Due to the Tax Payers Bill of Rights, the state of Colorado must ask for approval in order to keep and spend tax revenue that has already been collected. If voters do not approve LL, households that paid the state income tax will have the tax revenue reimbursed to them. With the additional funds from LL, the Healthy School Meals for All Program would be able to further support the purchasing and use of Colorado grown products, increase wages for cafeteria employees, and offer training and technical assistance to schools.
Food is necessary for growing and learning brains. For any number of reasons, many children do not have access to quality nutrition. Free and nutritious meals can help support students from all economic and social backgrounds in becoming empowered learners and leaders.
Proposition MM asks if the state income tax should be increased. The tax increase would go towards free school meals to all public school students and food assistance and education to low-income families through the Healthy School Meals for All and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP). In tandem with Proposition LL, MM will increase the state’s funding capacity for food and nutrition programming by building the funding reservoir for such programming. Ultimately, programs like this support countless children and families and do a great deal to curb hunger in Colorado. All children need and deserve access to quality nutrition. Proposition MM helps provide government support for pathways to success among school age children of all backgrounds and identities.
Proposition MM asks if the state income tax should be increased. The tax increase would go towards free school meals to all public school students and food assistance and education to low-income families through the Healthy School Meals for All and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP). In tandem with Proposition LL, MM will increase the state’s funding capacity for food and nutrition programming by building the funding reservoir for such programming. Ultimately, programs like this support countless children and families and do a great deal to curb hunger in Colorado. All children need and deserve access to quality nutrition. Proposition MM helps provide government support for pathways to success among school age children of all backgrounds and identities.
Pueblo City Ballot Measures
Ballot Question 2C asks if Pueblo should switch from a Council-Mayor style government to a Council-Manager style government. This change would eliminate the offices of the City Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Chief of Staff and establish the office of the City Manager. City Manager will be selected by City Council and shall carry all executive and administrative responsibilities for Pueblo. 2C would also grant City Council the power to appoint and remove members of city boards and commissions, city clerk, and court judges. Without a mayor, the president of the City Council would assume all ceremonial duties previously held by the mayor. Upon passing, this change would take place immediately.
Ballot Question 2C asks if Pueblo should switch from a Council-Mayor style government to a Council-Manager style government. This change would eliminate the offices of the City Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Chief of Staff and establish the office of the City Manager. City Manager will be selected by City Council and shall carry all executive and administrative responsibilities for Pueblo. 2C would also grant City Council the power to appoint and remove members of city boards and commissions, city clerk, and court judges. Without a mayor, the president of the City Council would assume all ceremonial duties previously held by the mayor. Upon passing, this change would take place immediately.
Opposed By Colorado Working Families Party
Ballot Question 2D asks if collective bargaining for employees who are not a part of the city employee union should be carried out via binding arbitration. Binding arbitration sees the use of a neutral third party to settle wage and employment disputes rather than elected officials. For unionized employees, union bargaining would carry out this responsibility. This would alleviate time consuming deliberations and votes from the duties of the city council.
Ballot Question 2D asks if collective bargaining for employees who are not a part of the city employee union should be carried out via binding arbitration. Binding arbitration sees the use of a neutral third party to settle wage and employment disputes rather than elected officials. For unionized employees, union bargaining would carry out this responsibility. This would alleviate time consuming deliberations and votes from the duties of the city council.
Endorsed By Colorado Working Families Party
Ballot Question 2F asks if the requirement for city employees to take a leave of absence when running for office should be removed? Current charter rule states that official staff of the city of Pueblo must not be performing their role for the city while also running for public office, municipal or otherwise. 2F will remove this prohibition and allow city employees to retain their positions and duties while campaigning.
Ballot Question 2F asks if the requirement for city employees to take a leave of absence when running for office should be removed? Current charter rule states that official staff of the city of Pueblo must not be performing their role for the city while also running for public office, municipal or otherwise. 2F will remove this prohibition and allow city employees to retain their positions and duties while campaigning.
Endorsed By Colorado Working Families Party