PUEBLO, Colo. (KOAA) — Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham vetoed a city council proposal on August 15 that would have allowed voters to decide whether the city should return to a city manager system.

Graham says the mayoral system has driven economic growth and infrastructure improvements, while council members argue the current setup limits responsiveness and progress.

Councilman Dennis Flores, who has served under both forms of government, contends Pueblo’s population of 110,000 is too small for a strong mayor system.

“I just think we're too small. It's too political,” said Councilman Flores. “I really think that a strong city manager will work better for us. We don't get as much politics involved. We're able to direct a city manager more directly.”

Flores emphasizes that his concerns are a

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