Mayor Steve Bach said he was “surprised” to learn about a last-minute proposal to change the governance of Colorado Springs Utilities.
The proposed charter change by Chairman Scott Hente and board member Jan Martin calls for replacing the council with a seven-member independent board that would be elected as early as June. Board members would serve four-year terms and be limited to three consecutive terms. The proposal also calls for a supermajority vote of Colorado Springs voters to sell Utilities or any of its assets.
The Gazette asked the mayor to weigh in on the proposal, and here’s what he said in a statement:
“Scott Hente and Jan Martin stated at the Utility Board meeting today that they will bring to City Council next Tuesday a ballot measure for the April Municipal Election, asking voters to approve a change in governance for Colorado Springs Utilities, our largest and most important owned asset. Mr. Hente and Ms. Martin surprised the other members of the Utility Board and me in making this proposal today at the last minute before the City Council statutory deadline for placing items on the April ballot. They are suggesting that a new 7-member elected Board control CSU in the future. While this idea may be worth debate, the community should complete a thorough discussion of all alternatives before this most important decision is made. This is yet another last minute, piecemeal, proposed change to the City Charter on the eve of Mr. Hente being term limited and leaving City Council. I’m disappointed that Mr. Hente would attempt this power play as he leaves office, and hope the City Council will turn this back next Tuesday and the other piecemeal Charter changes it is entertaining – which represent bad policy and are not in the best interests of our fellow citizens.”
You are a joke Mayor Bach. it is absolutely funny that you of all people would accuse anyone of a power play. Please tell it to your puppets.
Funny that the mayor would be upset about this. But the citizens have been calling for this for years.
We need a new mayor.
Bach is one to talk about power plays. Since he was elected, it has been all about power plays, bullying behavior, unethical actions and secret meetings. There are always going to be people who thrive on negativity, mud slinging, and closed minded. They whine and complain abou about everything. They seem content when they are miserable, judgemental, and negative. Colorado Springs Utilities strives to provide excellent customer service which has been verified by ranking very high according to JD Powers. The employees are passionate and dedicated to the customers and community. Employees have not had raises for several years yet continue to work hard and are dedicated to their jobs. There are always looking for ways to be more efficient. They are not perfect but I like having a utility company that is invested in the community. The rates are very competive. If CSU is sold, you can guarantee that rates will increase. People need to get educated before spouting off. There will always be those anti government people who thrive on being negative and spout off without knowing what they are talking about. Take some time to research the issues and understand what is going on instead of basing your decisions on biased information. I do not want to change the governace of CSU. Customers that come from other states are thrilled with their rates and customer service. Do the research yourself and understand that Bach has other motives for attacking and trying to destory CSU.
Agree with Mayor Bach, this proposal should be brought up with the new city council is in place. Have to ask yourself why Scott Hente, who is serving his third term in office wants to put this on the ballot at the end of his term. Makes more sense to let the new city council who is elected in to office this year research this issue.
This is what Bach has been crying about only he wants it on his own terms
lilithia push forword Ms Martin. Mr.Hente
We have an elected official in the executive branch of government who forced out quailed and skilled staff and just to puts his unqualified cronies into those positions. One who talks about improving government efficiencies then creates highly paid unneeded feel good positions. Demands monies for new programs while telling the legislative branch to get the budget under control. Steam roll anyone or thing that takes a position that is opposite to his. Is in the pocket of his political and business associates at the determent of the citizens. Is combative with and refuses to work with the legislative branch. Bypasses the legislative branch at will. All the while the crime rates increases. Is working to building his position into that of a King or dictator. No I am not talking President Obama. I am talking Mayor Bach.
Janis…You mean a council that is handpicked and sold by the HBA and are all working for Bach and not the citizens? All Hente did was say let’s let us the citizens have a say on the way it is. Only thing Hente did was to allow us to set the terms not vote on a prearranged issue by Bach’s handpicked council. We need separation of powers not Bach expanding his power base
That Bach is accusing council of a “power play” is pretty ironic, considering his constant attempts to grab whatever power he can grab. Go away Mr. Bach, just go away.
Most here seem to agree that Bach is power hungry and wants his developer buddies in control. Don’t let him sell off CSU. Bach should be recalled. Janis ALWAYS agrees with Bach. Maybe he paid her fine.
Let’s see if I have this straight. Council members Bennett and Leigh plus mayor Bach are crying about Council President Scott Hente’s proposal to remove council from oversight of CSU and have an independent elected utilities board. If these three fine gentlemen would have volunteered for the Charter Review committee in 2004 they would have been up to speed on the subject. But at that time their interest in the city and the city owned utilities was not on their personal agendas. What I am saying is that in 2004 they were not interested then so why the interest now? Why should they care? Or is it Power?
We need an independent utilities board to prevent stripping of additional assets from the city. Everybody needs to get behind this proposal because the future of Colorado Springs depends on it. If CSU is allowed to be piecemealed out to the private sector, the rate increases that will follow will be the cruelest tax of all on the citizens of Colorado Springs.
Well….this is what we get when someone like this gets voted in. I voted for another guy…but the weakminded corporate bullies won. Bach doesn’t have the Springs’ best interest in mind……only for him and his buddies………
[...] Scott Hente said he’s “mystified” that Mayor Steve Bach would accuse him of a power play for proposing a ballot measure to create an elected board to oversee Colorado Springs [...]
everyone stand behind Martin and Hente , when and where!!!
lilithia, its time for a mass protest.
lilithia it is time for a recall
Doesn’t mince words. Doesn’t appear to listen or work well with others. Taking down Utilities. Other than large firings of City employees by outsourcing, what has been a success for the Steve Bach administration?
Janis is an idiot. All idiots follow Bach like clueless dimwits. Look at Lee, Bennet, and Doogan. So worried about being on Hizzoner’s side they don’t have an independent thought between them.
Lets hope there are more surprises in removing the king’s ability to steal our cities resources for his developer buddies. Since he hates it so much, it must be good!
Recall the joker Bach!
We have, arguably, the worst mayor in America. 6,000 new jobs? You’re joking, mr. mayor. Focus on the things you have responsibility for: roads, bridges, public safety. Leave the best municipal utility in the region alone–it’s not perfect, but CSU performs much better than you do, and doesn’t try to bully a whole city at the same time.
We need to elect a Council in April that maintains a healthy distance from Bach and his stooges. Leigh needs to go. Dougan needs to go.
I saw the meeting. 10 to 1 the developers got to Scott Hente. Something bad happened right in front of our eyes. Bad politics.
“It’s absolutely unreasonable to ask those people, and in this case I’m included in that, to go in and run the city as a city councilor and then go in and manage a billion dollar organization,” Leigh said. “That borders on some kind of lunacy in my opinion.”
Why such a change in heart Councilman Leigh ?