Setting the Record Straight on False Claims and Misleading Attacks

GREELEY, CO –The Greeley Deserves Better campaign today responded to misleading claims made in a campaign finance complaint filed by supporters of the risky billion-dollar Cascadia financing scheme. The complaint represents a desperate attempt to distract from the overwhelming opposition to a deal that puts Greeley taxpayers at unlimited financial risk while guaranteeing millions in profits to a private developer.

Dan Wheeler, campaign co-chair and local business owner, issued the following statement:

"This week, Greeley voters delivered a loud and clear message in opposition to the risky Cascadia funding scheme by providing a record-smashing 9,000 petition signatures to give Greeley voters the opportunity to repeal the risky scheme this November.  Rather than address why 87% of informed voters oppose their risky financing scheme, project supporters are manufacturing distractions.

"Let me be crystal clear: An army of volunteers engaged in the effort to repeal Ordinance 2025-15.  Greeley Deserves Better, consisting entirely of and wholly funded by Greeley residents, operated alone and did not coordinate efforts with any other advocacy groups. Our signature gathering was conducted by our incredible volunteer team of over 50 Greeley residents, supplemented by professional services from The Field Group, a legitimate professional signature-gathering firm.

"The real issue remains unchanged: this deal puts over $1 billion in risk on taxpayers while guaranteeing the developer millions in profits every year regardless of project success.   Greeley deserves better than a financing scheme that puts all the risk on the public while guaranteeing profits for a private developer."

Suzanne Staiert, campaign attorney and former Deputy Secretary of State, noted:

"These frivolous and laughable complaints were filed by groups hastily formed just this week and are transparently political. Allies of the city council are panicked and have launched a desperate attack designed to mislead voters and distract from the groundswell of opposition to the council’s risky Cascadia funding scheme, evidenced by this week’s record-smashing petition submission. They want to deny the voters of Greeley their legally sacred right of petition and silence their voices.”

The campaign emphasized that the complaints will have no effect on ballot qualification. The City Clerk is currently reviewing signatures, with 4,586 valid signatures needed to place the repeal before voters in November