Pueblo West Election: Joe Mahaney, board candidate, in his own words

Seven candidates are vying for three seats on the Pueblo West Metro District Board during a May 6 special election.

In addition to incumbents Brian Gray and Joe Mahaney, this year’s candidates include Christopher Pasternak, Vincent Hall, Carla Davenport, Greg Roberts and Rodney Potter, all of whom completed Chieftain surveys.

Mahaney, 81, is a retired civil engineer. He is seeking a second term in office.

Do you have any previous experience on government boards or committees that has prepared you for this position? 

Yes, I am currently on the Pueblo West Metro Board of Directors. I also serve on the Pueblo County Historical Society Board of Directors as one of two collections curators.

What is the main reason you are running for the metro board? 

To establish funding and move forward projects currently "in the works" — a year-round use swimming facility and permanent consolidated administration facility.

Pueblo West is weighing two funding issues: The permanent extension of the 1% fire safety sales tax, due to sunset in 2030, and the construction of an indoor lap pool or aquatic center. Which of these projects do you believe is most important for the community and why? 

The permanent extension of the fire safety sales tax, if made permanent, is most important. It will free up funds presently allocated from the general fund which will in turn allow the funding needed to build the year-round pool presently being favored.

Pueblo West has been growing rapidly in recent years. Do you favor continued growth and the purchase of additional water resources to facilitate that growth or would you rather see a slower approach to growth? 

Yes, continued growth and purchase of additional water resources. I also believe the developers should provide the funding (through the) water resource fee. Growth should pay for growth.

What do you see as the biggest issue Pueblo West is facing and how would you seek to address that issue if elected?

I see Pueblo West's biggest problem is public involvement. I continue to state that I will support any project the majority of the public is willing to pay for. I favor clearly written voter referendums. When we lost the Pueblo West View it has been even more difficult to communicate with the public. We have a large portion of the public that "is not on social media" and does not subscribe to the Chieftain, however, these people pay taxes and vote.

Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at [email protected] or via X at x.com/tracywumps. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain atsubscribe.chieftain.com.