A Council In Decline

 A Pattern of Unethical Conduct in Pueblo Government

Local government depends on trust, respect, and accountability. When elected officials abuse that trust - harassing staff, ignoring conflicts of interest, or intimidating employees - the harm goes far beyond politics. It destroys public confidence in the very institutions meant to serve the people.

In Pueblo, a disturbing pattern of unethical behavior among city council members has emerged over the past year. From sexually explicit emails to discriminatory remarks, financial conflicts of interest, and intimidation of staff, these incidents show a clear disregard for ethical standards and basic human decency.

1. Sexually Explicit Emails Sent to the Mayor’s Staff

In March 2025, Mayor Heather Graham publicly called out a city councilor for sending sexually explicit and inappropriate emails to her Chief of Staff.

One message infamously read:

“Hey, I got my pee pee whacked once already, and it hurt so good, just saying. Look, Goldilocks doesn’t scare me…”

Mayor Graham condemned the comments as “wildly disrespectful” and “harassment of city staff.” She ordered the City Attorney to draft a new policy defining appropriate communications between council members and employees.

The councilor’s later dismissal of the incident as “fourth-grade banter” demonstrated a complete lack of understanding - or care - for professional standards. This episode set the tone for what has followed: a pattern of unchecked misconduct and arrogance.

2. Councilor Roger Gomez’s Discriminatory Remark at the Library

In July 2025, Councilor Roger Gomez made a discriminatory comment during a public council meeting about the gender of a library employee.

Gomez said:

“I have people … when they’re going to the library there is a person … they have some questions about what’s a he or a she.”

Mayor Graham immediately moved for Gomez to be censured and removed from his leadership role, calling the comment “offensive, discriminatory, and unacceptable.”

City employees deserve respect, not mockery. Gomez’s remarks did not merely “miss the mark” - they openly targeted and demeaned an employee based on gender identity, violating the principles of inclusion and equality that public servants are sworn to uphold.

3. Councilor Regina Maestri’s Financial Conflict of Interest

Ethical concerns deepened when Mayor Graham filed a formal complaint against Councilor Regina Maestri, alleging that she personally and financially benefitted from voting to award roofing contracts to her “domestic partner.”

This is a textbook conflict of interest - using public office to enrich a personal relationship.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, City Council refused to investigate. No independent review was launched, and no transparency was provided to the public. The council’s silence sent a clear message: ethics rules apply only when convenient.

When elected officials refuse to hold each other accountable, it signals a deeper institutional decay - one where political alliances matter more than public integrity.

4. Councilor Joe Latino’s Intimidation and Coercion of Staff

Most recently, reports surfaced that Councilor Joe Latino engaged in intimidation and attempted coercion of city employees.

Witnesses described Latino’s conduct as hostile and threatening, aimed at pressuring staff into actions that served his political goals rather than the public’s interest.

City employees should never feel afraid of retaliation or bullying from elected officials. This kind of behavior not only violates ethics rules — it undermines the ability of staff to perform their duties freely, fairly, and without fear.

If left unchecked, intimidation tactics like these will drive away good public servants and silence those who speak truth to power.

5. A Disturbing Pattern of Ethical Disregard

Each of these incidents - taken alone - would be concerning. Together, they paint a clear picture of systemic misconduct and disregard for public trust:

• Harassment and intimidation of city employees

• Financial conflicts of interest and self-serving decisions

• Discrimination and disrespect toward LGBTQ+ and marginalized staff

• Failure of accountability by the council as a governing body

The cumulative effect is toxic: a work environment where employees feel unsafe and a community that no longer trusts its leadership.

6. What Must Be Done Now

The people of Pueblo deserve leaders who act with dignity and accountability. To restore integrity to city government, immediate steps must be taken:

1. Independent Ethics Investigation
   A neutral outside body must investigate all allegations involving councilors Maestri, Gomez, and Latino.

2. Zero-Tolerance Harassment Policy
   Enforce clear rules on professional conduct and communication with city employees.

3. Consequences for Misconduct
   Implement real sanctions - including censure, loss of committee roles, or recall - for repeated or egregious violations.

4. Transparency and Reporting
   Require public ethics reports documenting complaints, findings, and disciplinary actions.

5. Protection for City Employees
   Strengthen whistleblower protections to prevent retaliation against staff who report misconduct or abuse.

7. A Call to Accountability

This is not a partisan issue. It’s a question of basic ethics and respect.

Sexually explicit emails, discriminatory remarks, self-dealing in contracts, and intimidation of staff are not “political disagreements” - they are violations of public trust.

The citizens of Pueblo and the employees who serve this city deserve a council that leads with honor, not hostility. It’s time to demand better - and to insist that our leaders are held to the same ethical standards as the people they represent.