On the year anniversary of his first year in office, The Gazette asked City Councilmembers to assess Mayor Steve Bach.

“I think it’s been a learning curve for everyone involved: the Mayor, the Council, the City staff, and citizens. But even though I think we may disagree on some issues, I truly believe we are all committed to doing the right thing for Colorado Springs.”— City Council President Scott Hente“Six new council members, a new mayor and a new form of government (not to mention several new department heads) has resulted in a steep learning curve for everyone this year.  But, we are all getting better, every day, at figuring out how to best work together to move the city forward.”— Council President Pro Tem Jan Martin“Mayor Bach has been the critical new cog in the wheel of a local government that was charging down a track to destruction, bankruptcy and ignominy. He has rightfully called out our city’s dire financial condition, our overarching need for infrastructure capital improvements and reinvigorated the attitude at City Hall with a spirit of customer service and department-style entrepreneurship. While he carries the sharp whip of a taskmaster, he coincidentally carries a fresh vision and wears the steady hand of a mature leader that has been so desperately needed by the city. He is the best elected official the city has seen since Bob Isaac.”— Councilman Tim Leigh“Mayor Bach has completed an excellent first year. He has created needed change that will serve this city well for the coming years. He has put together an outstanding staff team that is committed to more effective and efficient operational objectives. The mayor has appropriately focused our city on critical issues facing us today and in the future. Although he has had to make some difficult decisions, he has done it well and with integrity. He has made the unpopular decisions with the health and vitality of our city in mind. I would give him a grade of a solid A.”— Councilman Merv Bennett“I can’t assess the mayor’s first year in office any more then he could fairly assess mine as a newly elected councilmember. What I can assess is a year of city politics.  Like all Colorado Springs residents, I’ve seen sound business decisions made and in agreement with many of the city priorities identified. I’ve also been concerned about number of new hires, newly created positions, and high salaries. Especially surprised at the lack of a regional strategic plan and vision for Colorado Springs. I assume all my newly elected colleagues weren’t prepared for the many challenges that come from representing others.”— Councilwoman Lisa Czelatdko“Mayor Bach entered office facing a difficult task:  As the first mayor under the new council-mayor form of government, he had to establish his team, set goals, and dive right into the 2012 budget process — all without having any prior elected experience. He immediately tackled tough issues, especially the budget. Given the many challenges he faced, I believe Mayor Bach … has performed very well. Change is not easy to accept and council had to likewise adopt to this new form of government. I believe Mayor Bach has done an excellent job, even though there were some issues that we didn’t always agree on.”— Councilman Bernie Herpin“Mayor Steve Bach is not a politician, and I mean that as a compliment. As the first strong Mayor, he has taken on a monumental job and, in my opinion, done it very well. He has come from a non-government background, but in less than a year, he has gotten a handle on our city budget and realized that we cannot keep spending at the previous rate without disastrous results for our future. He has also built relationships along the Front Range that give the Pikes Peak region a much-needed voice as well as at the state Capitol. I appreciate his foresight and courage to open communications with Council on politically charged issues such as the future of Memorial Hospital, stormwater backlog funding and always asking the tough questions that ensure that the best interest of the citizens is being met.”— Councilwoman Angela Dougan

Colorado Springs City Council Photo by City of Colorado Springs