The Associated Press
NEDERLAND, Colo. (AP) - A political battle is being waged in this eclectic, free-spirited mountain town between the mayor and police chief.
Chief Ken Robinson was placed on administrative leave, then reinstated, while a group of residents have asked that Mayor Chris Perret be removed.
The Nederland Board of Trustees placed Robinson on leave on Aug. 17 because of allegations he “harassed town members.” Last week, the trustees unanimously voted to reinstate him while the harassment allegations were investigated.
Robinson told the Daily Camera of Boulder the conflict was the result of Perret’s lack of leadership and supervision.
“His constant deceptive behaviors and lack of open and truthful communication have jeopardized the future of Nederland,” Robinson said.
Nederland resident Michael Wood submitted a petition last week to have Perret removed, claiming he and the group that backs him - Citizens for Open Government - conspired against Robinson.
Robinson’s supporters say Perret is trying to get rid of the police chief because he is tough on a drug and alcohol culture that they say runs rampant in Nederland.
Perret, a mechanic, said the town was struggling to accept his election over a lawyer in April.
“The blue-collar candidate beat the white-collar candidate,” he said.
His supporters praise him for fixing the budget and keeping government open, but since becoming mayor, three trustees have resigned.
COG members said they don’t have a personal problem with Robinson. They said he was pressured by the former Board of Trustees to turn Nederland into a police state, and tourism dwindled as the town became a speed trap.
“Nederland turned into this place that nobody wanted to visit,” group member Kevin Probst said.