Measure for Boulder City attorney to be elected, not appointed, advances

By Dylan Scott

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010 | 3:35 p.m.

A citizen-sponsored effort to elect Boulder City’s attorney won its first victory on Tuesday when residents passed the initiative with 56 percent of the vote.

Per Boulder City ordinance, the amendment must clear a second vote, expected to come at June’s primary.

If the measure is enacted, the city attorney would be selected in the general election and serve a four-year term. Under current ordinances, the city attorney is appointed by the city council.

City Attorney Dave Olsen has faced criticism for suing the citizen-petitioners of a ballot question regarding the city-owned golf courses.

He also drew attention for saying he felt an obligation to the city council instead of the citizenry.

“I would be deluded if I thought this wasn’t some sort of referendum by part of the community on my actions and philosophy,” Olsen said on Tuesday morning, recognizing “an element of dissatisfaction” among residents.

He also withdrew his name for consideration if the question passes in June.

“I personally do not have a dog in this fight,” said Olsen, who said he has been planning to retire within the next three years. “I’m not interested in an elected position.”

Olsen made $175,000 in salary and benefits this year, according to city documents.

Debate on the issue among council members before the election focused on whether electing a city attorney would politicize the position.

For his part, Olsen cautioned that there “could not be a worse idea.” The job would become politicized, he said, which could lead to the most popular -- rather than the most experienced or qualified -- candidate failing to deliver after an election.

Councilman Cam Walker, who opposes electing the city attorney, expressed skepticism that the question would pass a second vote, hinting at a possible campaign to stop it. He said he believes “people don’t understand” its implications.

Most of this election’s campaigning came from Councilman Travis Chandler, who endorsed the ballot question. After the results, Chandler said he “had a feeling that it would pass. People like to vote for their officials.”