The Englewood Recall Election: Holding Representatives Accountable
By Marla Fernandez | September 16, 2023
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        In the heart of Englewood, an upcoming recall election slated for October 3 has captured the attention of residents and raised questions about the accountability of elected officials. The focus centers on two of the three city council members facing potential recall, who may return to their positions after just a brief hiatus.
Recall Elections and Their Impact
     District One Council Member Othoniel Sierra, who also currently serves as the mayor, and District Three Council Member Joe Anderson, have secured their spots as certified candidates for re-election on November 7, regardless of the recall’s outcome. Meanwhile, District Two Representative Chelsea Nunnenkamp, the third council member in the recall spotlight, finds herself halfway through her four-year term, originally elected in 2021.
    The origins of the recall effort trace back to discussions within the city council about proposed changes to the zoning code. These changes had the potential to permit multifamily residences in single-family neighborhoods in Englewood. While the council ultimately rejected this plan in April 2023, the recall effort persisted. Some residents remain concerned that the council might revisit the idea in the future, despite no further action being taken since its dismissal in April.
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Voices of Representation and Accountability
     On September 7, Englewood’s representatives in the general assembly, State Sen. Jeff Bridges and State Rep. Meg Froelich, voiced their stance on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing, “We’re proud to advocate for the success of this great community. Unfortunately, over the last few years, we’ve witnessed recalls across our state targeting elected officials merely for performing their elected duties. Except in cases of egregious misconduct, regularly scheduled elections provide the opportunity to change representation when there are disagreements over votes or values. We urge a ‘no’ vote on the October recall.”
   However, it’s essential to consider the perspective of many Englewood voters who believe that recalls play a crucial role in holding elected representatives accountable. They assert that representatives should listen to and reflect the will of the people. When representatives appear disrespectful of the people’s wishes, recalls become a necessary mechanism for change.
The Cost of Accountability
    Englewood City Clerk Stephanie Carlile estimates the cost of the recall election to be $137,000.
    As we approach the regular election on November 7, the political landscape in Englewood becomes even more intriguing. Sierra faces a challenge from Matt Crabtree, while Anderson encounters opposition from Laurett Barrentine. Barrentine, who successfully thwarted a recall attempt in September 2018 during her previous city council tenure, will attempt to regain her seat against Anderson, who narrowly defeated her in the November 2019 election.
A Shifting Political Landscape
     The November 7 ballot in Englewood, where city council members serve staggered four-year terms, features 2-term incumbent Rita Russell and newcomers Tena Prange and Rick Emmelhainz. The two candidates who secure the most votes among the three will be elected to fill two four-year at-large terms on the 2023 ballot.
     Additionally, there is one two-year at-large term on the ballot this year, featuring four certified candidates: Brenda Hubka, Kim Wright, Michael Chisholm, and Peter Eckel. Notably, none of these candidates are incumbents.
Your Voice Matters
    Englewood offers 17 distinct boards and commissions that enable citizens to actively participate and have their voices heard in their local government.
    Now, the question for Englewood residents is this: What are your thoughts on the recall election? How do you view the role of recalls in ensuring accountability among elected officials? Ballots for Englewood Districts one, two, and three, allowing voters to express their views on recalling their current city council representative, were mailed on September 11.
What do you believe should be the deciding factor in this recall election?
Share your insights and let’s engage in a meaningful conversation about the future of Englewood.
In closing, let’s remember that elections are not just fundamental rights; they are a solemn duty of every American. They are our means to ensure our voices are heard and to hold our representatives accountable. Englewood’s recall election exemplifies the ongoing pursuit of a more accountable representation, where the power ultimately resides with the people.
