7/22/24: Guns and Resignations
3 City Managers resigned in July; Westy City Council debates gun bill
If you missed it, see my previous newsletter:
Three City Managers resign in July…
Yes, this is wild and abnormal.
No, there is not a coordinated conspiracy that I’m aware of. Each situation was unique.
Louisville: On July 9, 2024, Louisville City Council unanimously approved a separation agreement with city manager Jeff Durbin. This came less than a month after their City Council opened an investigation into Durbin for an undisclosed personnel matter. His termination was effective retroactively to July 1, 2024, and gave him 30 days of pay and the cost of 3 months of COBRA benefits.
Arvada: On July 1, 2024, Arvada City Manager Lorie Gillis resigned from her position, effective August 2, 2024, after less than two years since her selection. The news became public July 12. She will receive 6 months’ pay as severance ($~130,000) along with a payout of her earned benefits, such as paid time off. Deputy City Manager Linda Haley will serve as Acting City Manager while Arvada conducts a nationwide search.
Westminster: Finally, On July 16, 2024, Westminster City Manager resigned from his position, effective today July 22, after less than two years since the start of his tenure. Deputy City Manager Jody Andrews will serve as acting city manager while we on City Council begin the recruitment process for a permanent city manager.
First, I’m excited to appoint Deputy City Manager, Jody Andrews, to the position of Acting City Manager tonight at City Council. I love Jody and trust that he and the executive team will take care of the city during the recruitment process.
Finally, I’d like to say a few words about Mark Freitag. I am heartbroken. He has been incredible for the city. Our city employees deserve praise for their dedication and the stability Mark provided at the top during his tenure. If you don’t know much about Mark, he is a retired U.S. Army colonel with three combat deployments, served as Janesville's city manager for 9 years, previously commanded Fort Hood, and holds degrees from West Point, the National War College, and St. Mary College. In under two years, Mark led two major infrastructure projects in Westminster—a new drinking water facility and a municipal courthouse—while also restructuring the organization to improve efficiency.
Gun-carrying Restrictions at Westminster City Hall
SB24-131 (Prohibiting Carrying Firearms in Sensitive Spaces) is a Senate Bill, sponsored by Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis and others, signed by the Governor on May 31, 2024, and becomes effective July 1, 2024. The bill establishes that it is a Class 1 Misdemeanor for any person to bring a firearm into “sensitive spaces” such government buildings and courthouses. Specifically, guns are not allowed at:
The chambers or galleries of a local government’s governing body are located;
A meeting of a local government’s governing body is being conducted;
The official office of any elected member of a local government’s governing body or the chief executive officer of a local government is located.
The only exceptions are our current peace officers, a member of the armed forces who is acting in their official capacity, and hired security personnel.
This is a good bill for many reasons.
So, what’s the issue? Well…
The bill allows local governments to “opt out” and create their own bills allowing carrying of a firearm in their public buildings.
One of my colleagues on City Council is bringing a Resolution tonight at City Council to opt Westminster out and allow guns into the chambers. This is a dangerously bad idea.
SB24-131 appropriately restricts firearm presence to maintain the security and openness of Westminster City Hall.
I have confidence in our trained law enforcement officers, who effectively ensure our safety during City Council meetings.
The presence of firearms in government buildings deters public servants from running for office, intimidates citizens from freely expressing their views, and ultimately undermines our democratic process and public safety.
I think it is sensible that the bill already allows an individual who has a CCW permit to carry a firearm in the parking lot adjacent to City Hall, but may not bring it into the building.
City staff and police officers agree with me and support this bill, recognizing that in today's volatile political climate, the presence of firearms in City Hall poses significant risks and introduces unnecessary variables into any potential active shooter environment.
CALL TO ACTION:
What do you think? If you agree with me, and even if you don’t, please try to attend tonight and make public comment. The meeting starts at 7PM. Click here for more information on how to participate at City Council.
Link to my full voting record.
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