Boulder
2 L, the measure that will extend funding for the municipalization process is leading by about 1000 votes. Early reports showed votes against the measure leading by a narrow margin, but updated tallies throughout Wednesday showed votes in favor of 2 L gaining ground. Another municipalization question, 2 P whether to allow the council to meet in closed sessions to discuss legal strategy was defeated. The third municipalization measure 2 O, a Charter Requirement for Vote Before Electric Construction Debt, won with a huge margin (almost 83% to 17%.)
In Boulder’s council elections there were five seats up and incumbents Mary Young and Sam Weaver were on top followed by Jill Grano, Mirabai Nagle and Cindy Carlisle.
Votes approved 2M and 2N, the extension of the community, culture and safety tax. Several local non-profits will benefit from this, including KGNU.
Longmont
The latest results show voters supporting Question 2J: Water system improvements bond, pertaining to the Windy Gap Firming project. Voters also approved a new marijuana tax.
In the mayoral race Brian Bagley is leading with former City Council member Sarah Levison in second place and Roger Lange, a former mayor and council member in third place.
Denver
In Denver, it looks like the voters may have approved an ordinance that will require rooftop gardens on most new buildings. The measure was winning with a little more than 52% of the vote. The issue had drawn the opposition of developers and Mayor Hancock while being supported by those supporting faster actions toward sustainability.
Denver Voters also approved nearly one billion dollars in bonds for many projects including improvements in libraries, parks, roads and cultural facilities. Support was very strong for the city’s largest bond issue ever.
In Denver School Board elections, two incumbents look to be going down to defeat, Carrie Olson is slightly ahead of Mike Johnson and Jennifer Bacon was comfortably leading incumbent Rachele Espiritu and recent high school graduate Tay Anderson.
Broomfield
In Broomfield, voters approved Ballot issue 301, granting more local oversight over oil and gas development.
301 adds language to Broomfield’s charter saying that permits will only be issued if the oil and gas development does not adversely impact the health, safety and welfare of Broomfield’s residents in their workplaces, their homes, their schools and public parks. This is in order to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare and to safeguard the environment and wildlife resources.
Opponents to measure 301 regarded the policy as a threat to energy development while supporters of measure 301 considered the policy a health and public safety issue. The Denver Post reports that the energy extraction industry spent nearly $345,000 — in both monetary and in-kind contributions to defeat 301, compared with $55,000 spent to promote it.
Fort Collins
Fort Collins voters approved a proposal permitting the city Council to establish a telecommunications utility to provide broadband services. The measure gives the council flexibility to pursue high speed internet, and the Coloradoan reports they the council will have a work session later this month to discuss implementation.
Douglas County School Board
In Douglas County a slate of anti voucher candidates won the school board election. The race had attracted national attention, and large donations because it revolved around the district’s voucher program. The four winning candidates view vouchers as an attack on public schools that siphons tax dollars for the benefit of a few.
Jefferson County School Board
In Jefferson county school board elections, three incumbents, who in 2015 ousted conservative board members, all won re-election.
