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Idaho Springs is looking at recalling its mayor to slow growth

Our Colorado: Some feel city not catering to residents
Posted at 6:12 PM, Dec 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-17 20:36:58-05

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IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. -- As the Town of Elizabeth votes in a recall election Tuesday, another just filed their own recall petition. It seems to be happening more and more, with one of the biggest issues being development.

Growth tends to be good for business, which is something you'll find a lot of in Idaho Springs.

“We’re busy. Our sales are up 25% from last year. It’s good for the town,” restaurant worker Autumn Matthews told Denver7.

But while some want to keep full steam ahead on the growth, others want to pump the brakes a bit.

“I think in this town, it caters more to tourists than the actual people that live here,” Josh Patterson said.

And now, people displeased with the growth are hoping a recall vote of elected officials will put a stop to the boom.

Last week, the city verified signatures to recall Mayor Michael Hillman, but some residents wonder if recalling the mayor is going too far.

“You know, I think it’s a little much. Honestly, I think people are kind of abusing the recall system. It’s just too much it doesn’t instill confidence in elected leadership and maybe drives good people away from wanting to run for office,” Rob Solomon, another resident of the town, told Denver7.

“If it’s the will of the people, I think yes. City officials need to be held accountable and if recalls hold them accountable, then why not,” Matthews added.

The debate adds some spice to what’s going on, but business owners like Terri Miller has her own solution to those wanting more recalls.

“He ran unopposed. I mean, the mayor did (it) here in Idaho Springs. So if you really have a problem with everything he’s doing, why don’t you run for mayor?” she said.

The city council will set a recall election date during it's next regular meeting in January.