“I think the people, as indicated by their vote, were looking for something new as opposed to the tried and tested path and certainly that’s their right to make that decision,” Williams told KRCC.
“It’s clear that Colorado Springs is less conservative than it used to be. When I was chairman here (of the El Paso County party) we had no Democratic state representatives. Now we have three,” Williams said. “So there are significant changes that have taken place and I congratulate Yemi on an excellent campaign.”
“Being top two out of 12 sounds better than being second.”
Mobolade, who is a naturalized citizen and identifies as a political independent, is the co-founder of two local coffee shops and has also founded a church.
In the public sector, Mobolade has been a champion of small trade with the city. He has worked with the Chamber and Economic Development Corp. Mobolade said he sees this role as an opportunity to “restore public confidence in local government”. He is a naturalized citizen and calls himself a political independent.
Mobolade described his preparation for the second round as his “longest job interview” to prove to the community that he is the leader for the job.
In a poll sent by KRCC, Mobolade said he would prioritize security, growth and the economy.
While Williams secured the endorsement of John Suthers, the outgoing mayor, as well as more than half of the current council, Mobolade was able to secure the endorsement of third-place finisher Sallie Clark.
In last month’s general election, Mobolade polled the most votes among a dozen candidates, edging out Williams by more than 11,000 votes.
Bente Birkeland/CPR NewsColorado Springs Councilman Wayne Williams poses for a photo during a watch party at The Pinery event site for his mayoral run.
Williams’ campaign said she started the runoff with 25 points.
Williams said all the GOP bashing and infighting didn’t help either.
“So you had multiple Republican candidates beating each other up in the opening round,” Williams noted. “I think that was carried out.”
Williams is a familiar name in El Paso County Republican circles and Colorado politics. He was elected Secretary of State in 2014, after serving as a county commissioner and then as county clerk. He is currently an alderman in Colorado Springs.
Republican and former state representative. Lois Landgraf was not thrilled with the outcome.
“I just hope people don’t fall in love with running the city for love,” Landgraf said. “Because it takes a lot more than that to be able to negotiate with two sides, both sides of the issues.”
Don Kidd, a businessman and longtime resident who spent 27 years in the Air Force, is concerned about
“I see good ads, but I don’t see much else,” Kidd said. “I’m worried about progressive policies if he brings them to the city. I’m worried about what they might do in Colorado Springs. We have a big, big military presence. And I think we’re very favored now and we have I’ve been for many, many years in the Department of defense. I’m afraid this could come back like the rest of Colorado.”
Voters who cast their ballots earlier in the day said population growth and higher property taxes were issues they were concerned about.
Gary Turner, who voted for Williams, said he hopes the new mayor will address growth in the city.
“It’s ridiculous,” Turner said. “It’s gone too far out of sight. My property taxes went up 60 percent. Yeah, and I’m a senior living on social security. How the hell do they expect me to… what do I have to do without? Heat or food?”
