Boulder Council Candidate’s Campaign

Rob, a long-time Boulder resident and former writer for the Daily Camera, is running for Boulder City Council for the fifth time. He has lived in Boulder since 1986 and previously ran for council in 2007. While he acknowledges the slim chance of winning this time, Rob expressed frustration with the repetitive nature of city council meetings and their focus on unnecessary data and political statements.

Boulder Council’s Silence on Gaza

Rob and Jann discussed the Boulder City Council’s stance on the conflict in Gaza, expressing frustration that the council has not condemned the violence or supported measures like divestment from companies aiding the conflict. Rob emphasized that morality and representing the core values of the community should be prioritized over political arguments, while Jann suggested that the council could pass a simple resolution condemning the genocide in Palestine. They criticized the council’s dismissive attitude and lack of action, highlighting the contrast with their past condemnation of international issues like apartheid in South Africa.

Boulder’s Homelessness Management Challenges

Jann and Rob discussed Boulder’s approach to homelessness, highlighting that the city spends approximately $4 million annually on police efforts to manage homeless individuals, with limited success. They noted that recent closures of the Tribe Home and youth housing facility have exacerbated the situation, while the city’s focus on law enforcement over treatment programs for addiction has proven ineffective. Rob suggested that using underutilized open spaces for designated camping areas could help reduce downtown homelessness, but the city’s resistance to such solutions reflects broader challenges in addressing the issue.

City Council Candidate’s Israel Policy Stance

Rob discussed his candidacy for City Council and expressed concerns about the city’s alignment with Trump administration policies, particularly regarding Gaza and Palestine. He questioned the need for Colorado’s Democratic senators and congresspeople to support Israeli weapons funding while ignoring the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.