Are Mayor Johnston’s Budget Cuts ‘a Threat to Democracy’?

Clerk and Recorder Paul López has been very vocal lately in his distaste for Mayor Johnston’s proposed city budget cuts. The top elections official feels the integrity of Denver’s ballot system is at stake and has even called the mayor’s decisions on city funding “a threat to democracy.” So, López himself sits down with host Bree Davies to hash out his beef with Johnston’s 2026 budget proposal and explain why he thinks the mayor’s fiscal moves are so dangerous for Denver’s elections. We also share a direct response to López’s claims from the mayor.  Bree quoted Denverite’s reporting on former mayor John Hickenlooper’s layoffs in 2009.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this September 22nd episode: WISE Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Clyfford Still Museum Window Nation Downtown Denver Partnership Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise