June 26, 2023

Ep. 13 - Can Pueblo Survive Corruption, Crime, and Chaos? (Randy Thurston, Nathan Baxter)

1 hour 7 minutes

Best known as the "Home of Heroes" due to its remarkable number of Medal of Honor recipients, Pueblo has faced its fair share of challenges over the years. Today’s episode explores the corruption, back-door dealings, old-school politicians, and union leaders that run everything – into the ground. Heidi interviews Pueblo mayoral candidate Randy Thurston and 2022 Pueblo County Clerk candidate Nathan Baxter.

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Full Episode Breakdown:

Part 1 (0:00-12:18): Heidi shares her love and concern for one of her favorite cities from the campaign trail — Pueblo, Colorado. She discusses:

How this beautiful historic town is not experiencing the same advantages as its big sister cities up the road – Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins.

Examples of possible corruption, including issues with voting and back-door deals with the marijuana industry.

Alarmingly high crime rates, specifically in violent crimes like manslaughter, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault which are more than twice the national median.

Part 2 (12:18-45:41): Randy Thurston joins Heidi to paint a picture of the city where he was born and raised, and why he’s running for Mayor of Pueblo. He talks about:

The rich history of Pueblo, one of Colorado’s oldest cities known for its melting pot of industries like steel and railroad, and the amazing citizens that make up the city.

What he learned about politics as a two-term city councilman, and how we can utilize his seasoned experience to bring Pueblo back from the significant decline it’s in.

The brokenness seen across Pueblo’s economy, political environment, and law enforcement agencies, and Randy’s citizen-first plan to save it.

Randy Thurston: Website | Thurston for Pueblo | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Part 3 (45:41-1:07:17): Nathan Baxter talks about his run for Pueblo County Clerk in 2022, detailing some shocking statistics and stories revealing just how bad the state of Pueblo is currently. He discusses:

How poor leadership has resulted in tolerance for crime and economic decline.

The three areas the city needs to focus on in order to start thriving again.

The role of government currently and what needs to change politically in order to save Pueblo.

Nathan Baxter: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

...more

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By Heidi Ganahl