In November’s election, Aurora voters flipped what was previously a seven-to-three conservative majority on the City Council to a six-to-four progressive majority.

With the significant shift of the council’s political leaning could come policy changes and reversals. The Denver Gazette asked both new and old councilmembers about their thoughts on specific hot-button issues in Aurora and whether or not they plan to attempt to reverse certain policies.

Newly elected progressive Councilmembers Rob Andrews, Amy Wiles, Alli Jackson and Gianina Horton are still in their first official month on the council. Other progressive councilmembers include Alison Coombs and Ruben Medina. Conservative councilmembers include Angela Lawson, Stephanie Hancock, Curtis Gardner and Francoise Bergan.

Gardner, Lawson and Medina did not respond to multiple attempts by The Denver Gazette to get them to answer a questionnaire.

Over the years, tensions have risen among councilmembers and between councilmembers and the public.

Both members of the public and councilmembers have addressed needs for decorum on the dais.

Councilmembers were asked about restoring decorum to the council chambers. Their responses are written verbatim below in alphabetical order by last name.

The Denver Gazette: Residents and councilmembers have expressed frustration with lack of decorum on the council. What specifically do you plan to do to ensure decorum as the new council moves forward?

Andrews: I’m going to lead by example – respectful, prepared, and focused on solving problems. I’ll follow the rules, support clear and consistent enforcement of meeting procedures, and keep disagreements rooted in policy – not personal attacks. Aurorans deserve a council that can debate hard issues with professionalism and still work together the next day.

Bergan: Respectful discourse, adherence to rules and ethics codes, and professional behavior without personal attacks, threats, or demeaning language is what should be expected of us. We can disagree with policies while being professional. I have always tried to be professional in my interactions on council. I certainly will strive to be respectful, while voicing my concerns or while advocating for policies that I believe are best.

Coombs: I will convene a rules committee in the new year and will support CM Medina in identifying real consequences for rule violations that will replace our current censure process, which incentivizes playing politics instead of real accountability. I am also committed to treating my colleagues with respect, even when we disagree. I hope that rebuilding a culture of respectful communication will improve decorum at our meetings.

Hancock: Ongoing grievances have contributed to rising tension in council chambers, and leadership must maintain a respectful environment. I will model professionalism, enforce rules consistently, and encourage councilmembers to focus on solutions, not personal conflicts.

I will lead with principle-centered, practical leadership — going along just to get along does not serve our city. Decorum ensures the council can work effectively, residents feel heard, and decisions are made thoughtfully.

Horton: This has been a key concern that has come up over and over again, and we saw the expectations reiterated by community at the Dec. 15 public comment. I believe that having Mayor Coffman and Mayor Pro Tem Coombs will provide a balance to reestablish a new norm of decorum amongst council members. I am also looking forward to scheduling time with all of my peers to learn more about who they are, their priorities, and how we can work together to serve all of Aurora with the necessary nuances that our city deserves. 

Jackson: I think it was clear that previously the working environment on city council was toxic and it’s very evident in harm that has been done to Aurora City Hall culture. Myself and my colleagues do not embody the types of behaviors, bullying, intimidation, and harassment so I have a lot of hope that moving forward this city council will look and feel very different.

Wiles: Lead by example. Name calling and other belittling behavior isn’t appropriate in any setting but especially not in a working setting. We should be able to disagree and still be respectful towards one another. I have said multiple times I am approaching my relationship with the other councilmembers and well as community members with an open mind and assuming positive intent.