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• Storm water stirs debate at council Play Video

  February 26, 2013 8:57 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - Plans to form regional body to upgrade the crumbling storm water system in Colorado Springs and El Paso county have been put on hold. Colorado Springs Council delayed a vote Tuesday on a joint resolution with El Paso County Commissioners on storm water until next month. ... more »

• Ex-Detroit mayor leaves prison after weekend stay

  January 28, 2013 12:19 PM

  DETROIT (AP) - Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been released from a city lockup where he spent the weekend for violating parole in the 2008 criminal conviction that booted him from office. Kilpatrick left the Michigan Corrections Department facility in Detroit Monday morning. He had been locked up there... more »

• City council wants a raise

  December 28, 2012 9:05 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - Members of the Colorado City Council may ask voters next April for a substantial raise. News 5 obtained a copy of a draft ballot issued that would amend the City Charter to increase the pay of council members by the equivalent of 44 percent of the mayor's... more »

• Two cities still without gas service after pipeline breaks

  November 7, 2012 2:23 PM

  A broken gas pipe leads to two whole cities without natural gas service. We found out what it means for those who live and work in Walsenburg. Eight miles south of Walsenburg, crews are hard at work trying to dig down to the broken pipeline. After 47 years,... more »

• Stormwater showdown: Mayor and utility at odds over paying for improvements Play Video

  June 13, 2012 9:04 PM

  It was a storm that exposed the weaknesses of an aging stormwater system. Dozens of cars were stuck and submerged in several feet of water and hail near the Citadel Mall last week, the result of storm drains overwhelmed by the deluge. The city has a $500 million backlog... more »

• SC mayor-elect sneaks into town hall, pulls over trooper

  February 19, 2012 11:49 AM

  NORWAY, S.C. (AP) - Jim Preacher couldn't wait nine more days to become mayor of the tiny town of Norway. So he had a friend climb into Town Hall through an unlocked window and let him in so he could change the locks and take over the town's checkbook. He's... more »

• Councilwoman's Facebook post sparks communication debate

  January 17, 2012 11:39 PM

  Is there a communication breakdown between the mayor's office and city council in Colorado Springs? That's the implication of a Facebook post from a city council member that is causing quite a stir. Monday night Colorado Springs City Councilwoman Lisa Czelatdko posted this message to her Facebook wall. In... more »

• Update: Mayor's office releases statement

  January 17, 2012 7:16 PM

  Since our earlier attempt to speak to Mayor Steve Bach about Councilwoman Czelatdko's comments about communication problems, his office has released the following statement to us. "At no time were any council members removed from any information distribution lists in any of the departments - nor did we receive... more »

• Council overrides several mayoral vetoes Play Video

  December 15, 2011 7:29 PM

  An emergency meeting of City Council was held in Colorado Springs Thursday afternoon to vote on seven of Mayor Steve Bach's vetoes to the 2012 budget. In all, Council voted down 5 of the 7 vetoes. The biggest was a $175,000 price tag to repair and maintain city tennis courts.... more »

• MADD Director: I fear for anyone driving and living in Colorado Springs Play Video

  November 10, 2011 3:43 PM

  The state executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving Colorado says she fears for "anyone driving and living in Colorado Springs," after learning that the city plans to stop conducting sobriety checkpoints. Emily Tompkins says the decision needlessly jeopardizes drivers by eliminating what she calls a "high-visibility deterrence." "It's... more »

• Private plowing experiment may spur job growth Play Video

  October 26, 2011 8:25 PM

  In the winter, there's not much landscaping work for Judd Bryarly and his employees at Timberline Landscaping to do. Instead, the company vice president and operations manager says this time of year they equip their trucks for snow removal. "I think snow removal is about a quarter of our... more »

• Police Chief retires amid rough year for department Play Video

  October 4, 2011 12:27 AM

  After nearly 5 years on the force, Colorado Springs Police Chief Richard Myers will retire next month. The news came as a surprise to most. "We are both saddened and shocked at the announcement today that our Chief, Richard Myers, will be leaving." said Colorado Springs Police Protective Association... more »

• Bach announces beautification team

  September 27, 2011 7:52 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - Mayor Steve Bach has announced the creation of a new Streetscapes Solutions Team which will explore neighborhood beautification projects that don't require an increase in tax funding. The group of community leaders and city staff members will consider how to existing revenue to create attractive, low maintenance... more »

• Mayor Bach in attendance for Memorial Health System proposal process

  September 2, 2011 11:30 AM

  Along with The City Council Task Force and the Regional Leadership Forum, Mayor Steve Bach is participating this morning in the request for proposal process for determining the future of Memorial Health. City Council decided at the end of August to work with the Mayor's office and the Regional... more »

• Colorado Springs City Attorney is retiring

  August 26, 2011 8:23 PM

  The City of Colorado Springs announced today that Patricia K. Kelly has decided to retire from her position as City Attorney. She will leave her current position September 30. Ms. Kelly has worked for the City for more than 25 years of service. Mayor Steve Bach expects to appoint... more »

• Mayor Bach selects law firm for investigation

  August 10, 2011 8:50 PM

  Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach has announced who will lead the investigation into allegations made by former Finance Director Terri Velasquez. Mayor Bach says Denver firm of Kelly, Stacy and Rita LLC will begin the independent investigation immediately. Last week, Mayor Steve Bach ordered an immediate, thorough and neutral... more »

• Alec Baldwin for mayor?

  August 10, 2011 11:31 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) - Alec Baldwin says he's thinking of running for mayor of New York, but not until he learns more about the job. The "30 Rock" actor tells The New York Times he'll sit out the 2013 race but will consider running in a later election. In a... more »

• New Mexico mayor was drunk when he signed deal

  August 4, 2011 11:41 AM

  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Sunland Park, N.M., Mayor Martin Resendiz says he was drunk when he signed nine contracts with a California company that is now suing the city for $1 million. The Albuquerque Journal reports Thursday that Resendiz acknowledged during a deposition that he had been drinking for... more »

• Former Detriot mayor released from jail

  August 2, 2011 8:22 AM

  JACKSON, Mich. (AP) - Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been released from prison after serving 14 months for violating probation in a 2008 criminal case. A relative escorted Kilpatrick from a state facility in Jackson to a waiting vehicle shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday. The 41-year-old Kilpatrick... more »

• City Clerk, Kathryn Young announces retirement.

  July 21, 2011 4:38 PM

  In a press release from the office of Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach, an announcement of retirement has been made, bringing to an end, 28 years of service by City Clerk Kathryn Young. "I am very grateful for the opportunity to have served this extraordinary organization and its citizens... more »

• Denver's new mayor sworn in

  July 18, 2011 8:00 PM

  Former Denver City Councilman Michael Hancock was formally sworn in as that city's new mayor on Monday. The Associated Press reports that Hancock plans to make city government more efficient in order to meet a $100 million budget shortfall. He has 60 days to present a budget to council. ... more »

• Mayor Bach talks about city's future

  June 30, 2011 3:32 PM

  New Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach outlined his hopes and plans for the city in a speech this afternoon. He said the honeymoon is already over, but being mayor is still a lot of fun. Bach talked about revenue challenges, rising pension costs and infrastructure. He said people need... more »

• Mayor address live stream

  June 30, 2011 2:42 PM

  Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach will deliver his first State of the City address at 1 p.m. Bach is the first "strong mayor" of Colorado Springs after a change in government was approved by the voters last year. The address can be viewed on 5-2, Cable Channel 9... more »

• Denver mayor releases phone records

  June 15, 2011 1:22 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Denver mayor-elect Michael Hancock is fighting back over allegations that he solicited prostitutes. Hancock released phone records on Tuesday to The Denver Post and Denver's KUSA-TV and the news organizations found no phone numbers for the former Denver Players and Denver Sugar prostitution businesses and its... more »

• Mayor lays out agenda

  June 13, 2011 12:25 PM

  Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach announced a restructuring in the city administration naming four positions that would report directly to him: the city attorney, communications director, chief of staff and a new economic vitality adviser. Bach said he has four goals for the yet to be named economic vitality... more »

• Bach names chief of staff

  June 13, 2011 12:20 PM

  Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach has selected Steve Cox as his chief of staff. Bach made the announcement during a news conference at the City Administration Building. Mr. Bach also announced that his administration has hired Stephannie Finley from The Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce to an unpaid position... more »

• City communications officer resigns

  May 31, 2011 6:49 PM

  The manager of communications in Colorado Springs City Government submitted her resignation, effective tomorrow. According to a news release sent out today, Sue Skiffington-Blumberg was asked to resign. "I'm accepting Sue's resignation with sincere thanks for a job well done. Her significant contribution is recognized by City leadership,... more »

• Mayor says rebuilding already under way

  May 28, 2011 2:42 PM

  JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) - Joplin, Missouri, Mayor Mike Woolston says his city has begun rebuilding. Woolston tells CBS he saw walls going up for a building on Thursday morning. And he says the school system has announced it has begun rebuilding. Woolston also says crews won't stop searching for the... more »

• Bach prepares for transition to office

  May 18, 2011 8:11 AM

  Colorado Springs Mayor Elect Steve Bach says that he will be spending the next few weeks choosing his chief of staff and preparing to take office. In an interview with News First 5, Bach said he has a list of about five candidates in mind for the chief of staff... more »

• You have just a few hours left to turn in your ballot

  May 17, 2011 6:45 PM

  Colorado Springs city ballots are due at the city clerk's office by 7 p.m. tonight. It is too late to mail in the ballot. You must drop off your ballot in person. Ballot drop off locations: City Clerk's Office - 30 S. Nevada Ave., Suite 101 Colorado Springs Senior... more »

• Emanuel sworn in as Chicago's new mayor

  May 16, 2011 5:18 PM

  CHICAGO (AP) - Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel has been sworn in as Chicago's first new mayor in two decades. Emanuel took the oath of office during an inauguration ceremony at the downtown Millennium Park. He replaces Mayor Richard M. Daley, who retired after 22 years... more »

• City election ballots due Tuesday by 7 p.m.

  May 16, 2011 4:12 PM

  Colorado Springs city ballots are due at the city clerk's office by 7 p.m. Tuesday night. It is too late to mail in the ballot. You must drop off your ballot in person. Ballot drop off locations: City Clerk's Office - 30 S. Nevada Ave., Suite 101 Colorado Springs... more »

• Colorado Springs ballot drop off locations

  May 4, 2011 3:07 PM

  After you vote for the next Colorado Springs mayor you can take your mail in ballot to any of these locations from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Main Location: City Clerk's Office 30 S. Nevada Ave. Suite 101 Colo. Springs Senior Center 1514 N. Hancock Ave. Fire Station #8... more »

• Ex-Oak Creek mayor settles lawsuit for $25,000

  April 24, 2011 11:58 AM

  STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Former Oak Creek Mayor Kathy Rodeman has settled a lawsuit she filed against the town for $25,000. Rodeman had accused former Oak Creek police officer Erik Foster of unlawfully entering her home to arrest her after she drove home from a bar in 2008.... more »

• Mayor Debate - Video

  April 19, 2011 1:00 PM

  Colorado Springs is about to elect its first "Strong Mayor" after a change in government was approved by the voters. Two men will face each other in a run-off election on May 17. The choice is between Steve Bach and Richard Skorman. News First 5 sponsored an hour-long debate... more »

• Candidates line up for tough job - Denver mayor

  April 9, 2011 10:40 AM

  DENVER (AP) - Ten candidates are running to be Denver's next mayor to deal with a $100 million budget deficit, an over-budget mass transportation project, and a police department under scrutiny. The long list of candidates makes it almost certain that there will be a runoff between the top... more »

• Runoff election for Mayor: Skorman against Bach

  April 5, 2011 11:05 PM

  Two distinct front runners emerged in today's mayoral election, and they'll face each other in a runoff on May 17. With 10,000 votes left to be counted, Richard Skorman had received 36 percent of the vote, while Steve Bach had 34 percent. Brian Bahr was a distant third, with... more »

• Grand Junction Pro tem Mayor Resigns

  April 2, 2011 12:24 PM

  GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) - The mayor pro tem of Grand Junction has resigned effective immediately, citing personal reasons. City Councilwoman Bonnie Beckstein says she is stepping down because of "significant changes" in her personal life. She didn't give details and asked that her privacy be respected. The City Council... more »

• Mayoral candidate denies allegations of abuse

  April 1, 2011 10:48 PM

  It's not the kind of press mayoral candidate Steve Bach wants less than a week before the due date for mail-in ballots in Colorado Springs. "Here we are five days before the election and this makes the paper, I'm very disappointed," Bach told News First 5. He denies allegations... more »

• Ballot Issue 1A confusing to some

  March 20, 2011 7:07 PM

  You may have already received your mail-in ballot. Along with choosing a Mayor and City Council, Colorado Springs ballots have two questions. One of them caught a local woman off-guard. "I opened it up and read it," says Mary Taggart, a concerned voter; but she had to read Issue... more »

• Chamber endorses Bach for mayor

  March 7, 2011 5:09 PM

  The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Steve Bach for mayor. William Hodgkins, Chair of the Board, stated, "We were very impressed with Steve's executive presence and his ability to go on the offense to promote the image of our city. He will be an enthusiastic marketer of... more »

• Watch mayor candidates in 90 minute forum

  February 24, 2011 12:57 PM

  Nine candidates for mayor in Colorado Springs gathered to answer reporter questions on February 22. The forum was sponsored by the Gazette and News First 5. Colorado Springs government is about to change, with a so-called Strong Mayor form of government, so this position is more important than ever.... more »

• Nine mayoral candidates participate in debate

  February 23, 2011 12:12 AM

  Nine men vying for Colorado Springs mayor defended their views Tuesday evening at Centennial Hall. They were asked questions about the city budget, the future of Memorial Hospital, the Southern Delivery System and many other issues facing the city. This mayoral election is the first for the new... more »

• Live Stream: Colorado Springs Mayor Debate

  February 22, 2011 6:06 PM

  The nine candidates running for Colorado Springs Mayor will answer questions from reporters tonight at a public forum sponsored by News First 5 and the Gazette. Rob Quirk will moderate and reporters Jeannette Hynes and Daniel Chacon will ask questions, many of them submitted by voters. The election... more »

• Denver mayor decides not to run in election

  February 9, 2011 5:59 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Denver's interim mayor won't run for a term of his own after all. Former deputy mayor Bill Vidal took over after John Hickenlooper was sworn in as governor. The Denver Post reported that Vidal said he wouldn't run for a term of his own on Tuesday,... more »

• Top teens sought

  February 9, 2011 7:30 AM

  Mayor Lionel Rivera is asking for applicants for the Mayor's 100 Teens. Since 1998, Mayor's 100 Teens has recognized teenagers who demonstrate a strong commitment to serving others; who may have overcome adversity or unique obstacles in life; who have achieved a significant accomplishment; and who are positive role... more »

• Private meeting raises questions

  January 24, 2011 7:21 PM

  A private meeting over the weekend is raising some concern in Colorado Springs. A group of business leaders called The City Committee met with candidates for Colorado Springs' mayoral and city council positions. While some community leaders were invited to the Penrose House and Broadmoor, the general public and... more »

• Appeals Court: Rahm Emmanuel can't be on Chicago ballot

  January 24, 2011 1:27 PM

  CHICAGO (AP) - An Illinois Appeals Court has ruled that Rahm Emanuel's name can't appear on the ballot for Chicago mayor because he didn't live in the city in the year before the election. The voted 2-1 on Monday to overturn a lower court ruling to keep Emanuel's name... more »

• Informational forum for prospective mayoral candidates

  January 4, 2011 4:27 PM

  People interested in running to become the next Mayor of Colorado Springs are invited to attend a Candidate Information Session tonight at 5:00 p.m. at the City Administration Building, 30 South Nevada Avenue. As of Tuesday afternoon, seven people had declared their candidacy for mayor, with an eighth declaring Tuesday... more »

• Mayor resigns after purse-snatching arrest

  October 19, 2010 2:52 PM

  SAN GABRIEL, Calif. (AP) - A suburban Southern California mayor has resigned days after his arrest for a purse-snatching and wild ride through streets with a woman clinging to his sport utility vehicle. San Gabriel Mayor Albert Y.M. Huang says in an e-mail Tuesday to The Associated Press that... more »

• Failed restaurant deal has city reviewing zoning laws

  October 18, 2010 8:48 PM

  The property that once was the Sky Valley Motel in Canon City is a dump. There were plans to level the building and put in a Jack and the Box franchise here. Last week, the developer Bladow Colorado Properties LLC backed out. "It just doesn't make sense for us... more »

• Chief of Staff Emanuel says goodbye to White House

  October 1, 2010 12:37 PM

  President Barack Obama has formally announced the departure of his chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, praising him as "extraordinarily well-qualified" for his new challenge - a run for mayor of Chicago. Emanuel stood next to Obama as the president gave him a high-profile send-off in the East Room. ... more »

• Sources: Emanuel leaving White House on Friday

  September 30, 2010 1:05 PM

  Two people close to Rahm Emanuel say he will resign as White House chief of staff Friday. They say he will begin his campaign for Chicago mayor by meeting with voters in the city on Monday. Emanuel's plans have been the source of widespread speculation both in Chicago... more »

• Nogales mayor arrested

  September 28, 2010 2:33 PM

  PHOENIX (AP) - The Arizona attorney general says Nogales Mayor Octavio Garcia Von Borstel has been arrested on multiple charges including bribery, theft, fraud and money laundering. The 29-year-old mayor was arrested Tuesday morning at his office at the Nogales City Hall. Search warrants were executed at his home,... more »

• WH Chief of Staff eyeing Chicago mayor's office

  September 8, 2010 2:25 PM

  White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says being mayor of Chicago isn't something that rolls around often. And he says he's sure chief of staff Rahm Emanuel will take some time to weigh his options. Emanuel has made no secret of wanting to run for Chicago mayor one day. ... more »

• Democrat Hickenlooper to spend $1.3 million on TV ads

  September 8, 2010 8:26 AM

  Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's campaign for governor says he raised $403,597 in August and is budgeting $1.3 million for television advertising before November's election. The Democratic candidate says in his latest finance report filed Tuesday that his campaign spent nearly $358,000 in August, when Hickenlooper began airing commercials. ... more »

• Detroit mayor's wheels stolen, SUV left on blocks

  September 2, 2010 12:02 PM

  No vehicle is safe in Detroit--not even the mayor's. His SUV was robbed of its wheels and put up on cinder blocks by the thieves. The SUV was parked outside a Detroit condo that has gated parking and a parking attendant. more »

• Hickenlooper announces education policy for Colorado

  August 30, 2010 3:54 PM

  Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper is getting ready to unveil his education policy for Colorado. He'll be joined by his running mate, Colorado State University-Pueblo president Joe Garcia, at Monday's announcement at Arapahoe Community College in Littleton. Two years ago as mayor Hickenlooper started a preschool stipend program... more »

• Backers push for Strong Mayor in Colorado Springs

  August 3, 2010 3:15 PM

  Backers of a Strong Mayor form of government in Colorado Springs submitted signatures Tuesday to get the issue on the November ballot. The group needs 25,091 valid signatures to make the ballot. The petitions submitted have 36,305. If voters approve the Strong Mayor proposal the position of City... more »

• Douglas Bruce: Co. Springs Mayor Needs More Power, Huge Raise

  July 13, 2010 6:40 PM

  Douglas Bruce thinks the Colorado Springs mayor should be paid more. Much more. Around $84,000 more. No joke. It's true: Colorado's best-known advocate for fiscal responsiblity and a long-time thorn in city government's side wants to increase the mayor's salary to $90,000 per year, up from the current salary... more »

• Group wants to change Colorado Springs government

  July 1, 2010 6:44 PM

  A group of citizens is trying to collect enough signatures to get a change of city government on the Colorado Springs ballot in November. The group is called Citizens for Accountable Leadership . They want the mayor of the city to be the full-time chief executive of the city.... more »

• Council Members Boycott Mayor's Final State of the City Address

  June 30, 2010 8:30 PM

  Lionel Rivera delivered his final State of the City address as mayor of Colorado Springs Wednesday, but two of his fellow City Council members boycotted the event. Vice Mayor Larry Small and District 3 councilmember Sean Paige said they couldn't, in good conscience, attend the event at the Doubletree World... more »

• Local group pushing for "strong mayor"

  May 30, 2010 12:47 AM

  A concerned group of citizens says it's time for a change in government in Colorado Springs . “We think that the system that has served Colorado Springs well for so many years is no longer working.” explains former Colorado State Senator and member of Citizens for Accountable Leadership’s Andy... more »

• Chicago's mayor sorry about off-color gun comment

  May 21, 2010 8:45 PM

  Chicago Mayor Richard Daley says he's sorry he suggested he'd put a rifle up the butt of a reporter who'd asked him about the effectiveness of the city's handgun ban. Daley said Friday while he regrets his exact words, he hopes his comments will get people thinking about the dangers... more »

• NYC Mayor confident bomb case will be solved

  May 3, 2010 11:29 AM

  New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg says there's a "high probability" that law enforcement will capture whoever was behind the attempted car bombing in Times Square. Bloomberg says there is no evidence that the attempted attack was tied to international terrorism. But Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is cautioning against... more »

• Mayor Rivera makes CNBC appearance

  April 13, 2010 8:19 PM

  Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera made an appearance on national TV Tuesday morning, CNBC's "Power Lunch" booked him as a guest after an article in Tuesday's Wall Street Journal. Rivera answered questions about the city's budget-cutting measures, including turning off street lights, volunteers picking up trash in parks and taxi... more »

• "Dogocrat" top dog in Divide

  April 7, 2010 5:17 PM

  It was a hairy mayoral race in Divide, but in the end it was a "Dogocrat" that came out as top dog. "Sprite" beat out her closest competitor, a "Republicat" named "Walter", by just over 500 votes. The competition was fierce with 21 "Dogocrats" and 4 "Republicats" all vying... more »

• Woodland Park voters turn down sales tax increase

  April 6, 2010 11:17 PM

  Unofficial results are in from the Woodland Park municipal election. Voters have overwhelmingly rejected a one-cent sales tax hike, with 423 votes for it and 1,695 votes against it. The increase would have funded a new recreation center and pool, near City Hall, at a cost of $14 Million.... more »

• "100 Teens" deadline extended

  March 30, 2010 2:34 PM

  Colorado Springs is looking for a few good teens. The deadline to nominate teenagers for the 2010-2011 Mayor's 100 Teens has been extended until April 9. Since 1998, the Mayor's 100 Teens has recognized teenagers who demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism, leadership, and academic success and who have overcome... more »

• Hickenlooper opening Colorado campaign office

  February 27, 2010 9:33 AM

  Mayor John Hickenlooper is opening his campaign office for his gubernatorial run. Hickenlooper, a Democrat, announced last month he will challenge Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott McInnis after Gov. Bill Ritter said he would not seek re-election. Hickenlooper will host an open house Saturday afternoon to officially launch his campaign office... more »