Ethics Complaint Dismissed Against Colorado Mayor Ahead of Contested Election

The Pueblo City Council voted to dismiss ethics complaints against Mayor Nick Gradisar and council President Heather Graham during a meeting on Monday. This decision comes just weeks before the hotly contested mayoral election, in which both Gradisar and Graham are candidates.

The complaints, which were filed by members of the Pueblo County Republican Party and Pueblo citizens, alleged unethical behavior by the two city officials. However, the council voted unanimously to dismiss the complaints, citing that they did not meet the standards for a city ethics code violation.

Vicente Martinez Ortega (District 4,) Sarah Martinez (District 3,) Lori Winner (Representative at Large,) Dennis E. Flores (Representative at Large,) Larry Atencio (District 2,) Heather Graham – President (Representative at Large,) and Regina Maestri (District 1.)

One complaint, filed by Pueblo County Republican Party chairwoman Michelle Gray, accused Mayor Gradisar of mixing taxpayer dollars with campaign dollars at a town hall event. However, the city attorney confirmed that there is no ordinance preventing a campaign from sponsoring a city event.

Heather Graham – President (Representative at Large)

Two complaints were also filed against council President Heather Graham.

The first accused her of contacting a citizen's employer over statements made at a council retreat. The second was in relation to an email she sent to Pueblo Community College, addressing comments made by a member of the public at the retreat. However, the city attorney concluded that neither complaint violated the city's ethics code.

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Despite the clear dismissal of these complaints, a council member and a local newspaper still expressed concerns over the actions of Graham and Gradisar. However, these complaints were deemed by the city attorney as baseless attempts to discredit the two mayoral candidates.

Both Gradisar and Graham said they believe these complaints were merely a "political ploy" and a "MAGA effort" to create chaos before the election.