WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
VOLUME 103 | ISSUE 30
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Councilmembers facing recall share perspectives INSIDE THIS ISSUE on election following CodeNext vote
JUDGE’S VIEWS
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Following the first-reading approval of CodeNext earlier this month, Englewood City Councilmembers Othoniel Sierra, Chelsea Nunnenkamp and Joe Anderson dicussed the upcoming recall election and ordinance changes with the Englewood Herald. All three councilmembers voted yes on changes to the city’s Unified Development Code oriented toward greater density on Sept. 11, in the belief that density will improve housing affordability. The second reading of CodeNext and likely final approval by council is expected during the upcoming Sept. 25 meeting. The fourth vote for CodeNext, which prevailed 4-3, was cast by interim At-Large Councilmember PJ Kolnik. Sierra, who represents District 1 and serves as mayor, feels overall the recall is unnecessary given the General Election is on Nov. 7, where residents will decide who fills the District 1 seat anyway. “That’s a better time to state whether I’m doing a good job. Let the voters decide then,” Sierra said. “I don’t understand why we’re
Joe Jefferson talks public trust P2
Englewood City Councilmembers Othoniel Sierra and Joe Anderson listen as a candidate for the previously vacated at-large council seat speaks in their interview on Aug. PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY 9, 2023. Both Sierra and Anderson are facing recall on Oct. 3.
spending $137,000 to do it a month early. The timing is just off.” For months residents have attended city council meetings to share their support or opposition of CodeNext. The recall efforts initially began in April, following the council’s consideration of a proposal to allow multifamily residences in single-family zoning areas, a plan that was shelved indefinitely. Additionally, residents have also expressed their support or opposition of the recall.
VOICES: 14 | LIFE: 16 | CALENDAR: 19
Nunnenkamp, who represents District 2, said she primarily feels sadness regarding the recall and its current and future impact on the community. “I am sad about what this means for our community and how it’s dividing our community,” Nunnenkamp said. “I fundamentally believe there are better ways to talk about policy in Englewood and that we can disagree better than this.” SEE RECALL, P10
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CODENEXT UPDATE Council approves plans P24
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