Pueblo activists came before City Council on Monday to plead their case for the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue in the Mesa Junction neighborhood, sparking a contentious conversation about city leadership’s legacy in either protecting or removing the monument.
It is the latest action from the protesters who rallied at the site on Abriendo Avenue for 20 consecutive Sundays last year and began protesting again in March. Ultimately, they want the monument taken down and re-contextualized to give what they say is an accurate depiction of Columbus’s legacy of brutality and oppression.
“With the Columbus monument taken down and then put into proper context, we then have the opportunity to discuss the nature of exploration, the nature of discovery, the nature of conquest and the nature of exploitation,” said Tomas Martínez Ortega, the chair of El Movimiento Sigue, during Monday s city council work session.
Pueblo City Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Marisa Stoller to the position during its meeting Monday.
Former city clerk Brenda Armijo retired in March after serving in the position since 2017. The city clerk’s office has a wide range of responsibilities, but essentially acts as a clerk to the City Council and is responsible for meeting agendas and records.
Stoller is coming over from a job with Pueblo County as an economic development specialist. She has been heavily involved with the Business Economic Recovery Team that formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and said she is looking forward to continuing that work in her new role. Mayor Nick Gradisar has asked Stoller to continue giving input on economic development as part of his leadership team.
Wentzville GM assembly plant reopening Monday after 2-week closure
Facility that builds the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon is bringing back its 3,500 employees on all shifts Author: Jeff Cavallin Updated: 8:05 PM CDT April 8, 2021
WENTZVILLE, Mo. General Motors workers were notified Thursday that the Wentzville assembly plant will resume operations Monday, April 12, according to Mayor Nick Guccione.
The news was also confirmed by Fred Jamison, the president of United Auto Workers Local 2250.
It will have been exactly two weeks since the plant shut down production because of a shortage of semiconductors, a situation that persists in other GM plants and along the global supply chain.
A map released last week by Amtrak shows a proposed new line of rail service between Cheyenne and Pueblo, which could add a transportation solution that local leaders are on board for.
The new line would connect Front Range communities, stopping in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo, creating a transportation spine along with Interstate 25 that could serve the majority of Colorado’s population.
Amtrak revealed the “Connect Us” map essentially in tandem with President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure plan, which would allocate $80 billion for passenger and freight railway improvements.
“Amtrak has a bold vision to bring energy-efficient, world-class intercity rail service to up to 160 new communities across the nation, as we also invest in our fleet and stations across the U.S.,” Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn said in a statement. “With this federal investment, Amtrak will create jobs and improve equity across citi