Voters will decide whether to give City Council more power over positions usually appointed by the mayor

The measure will appear on your ballot in November.
1 min. read
Super Tuesday at the Hiawatha Davis recreation center in Northeast Park Hill, March 3, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Denver voters will get to decide whether to give City Council members more power over 14 key city positions currently appointed by the mayor.

The ballot measure, introduced by councilwomen Candi CdeBaca and Amanda Sawyer in June, will appear on November's ballot. The measure would still allow the mayor to put forward candidates for certain positions in Denver but would give council the authority to approve or block those appointments with a majority vote.

Sawyer and CdeBaca said last month the ongoing protests against racism and police violence showed people are seeking more transparency and accountability from government agencies.

"I'm honored to have the unanimous support of my colleagues in this Charter amendment proposal to the ballot," Sawyer said in a statement on Monday night. "Our constituents have asked for more accountability from their leaders, and I am proud to have delivered on that promise."

The mayor currently appoints the fire chief, police chief and sheriff and the leaders of certain city departments, including safety, transportation, planning and development, finance, aviation, city attorney, health and environment, business licensing, human services, parks and recreation, and general services.

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