Heather Graham kicks off Pueblo City Council campaign to give 'voice' to small businesses
Sara Wilson
A small-business owner who has been outspoken against COVID-19 restrictions during the past year has entered the Pueblo City Council race.
Heather Graham, 32, announced her candidacy for an at-large seat during an event at Renewed Wholesale Tuesday night. Graham, who owns Ruby’s and the two Graham’s Grills locations, said she is running to champion the small business community following a year of tough restrictions.
“I witnessed a lack of support for these small businesses and a lack of communication between the city and these small businesses,” she said, speaking to a crowd of more than 100 attendees.
When the first wave of closures to "nonessential" businesses hit last March, Graham said she was left in a near-impossible situation about how to manage her 70 employees. She and her husband, Danny Beaudry, who owns Pueblo Athletic Club, were suddenly without income or a clear timeline of when they could reopen.
"Walmart was packed 100% and all my restaurants were closed," she said. "It was frustrating. That's what got me intrigued in city government."
She began rallying for the interests of the small business community, working with the city on a committee for the 5-Star Certification process, speaking during a city council work session and leading a rally in front of City Hall in October against further restrictions.
“Small business was in need of a voice to stand up for them, and this is where my interest for local government really peaked," Graham said.
She said during her interactions with city council and advocating for business reopening, she saw an opportunity for change.
“If elected, I will bring a real-world experience to council. Many decisions made by these people have affected my life and people that I employ," she said. "I sometimes wonder how many members of the council have had their lives changed by decisions."
While Graham is framing her campaign around that economic viewpoint, she is also running on a platform to promote growth, sustainability and safety. She believes it is possible to encourage new businesses to set up in town while also supporting existing shops and restaurants.
Graham is part of a crop of young city council candidates who have recently announced, including Brandon Martin and Sarah Martinez. She is encouraged by that trend and said youth will a big advantage come November.
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“We need a younger generation to make Pueblo the best it can be, by bringing new business to Pueblo, new attractions and putting Pueblo on the map as a destination place to visit like some of our northern cities,” Graham said.
Her business ownership will also be an advantage on council, she said, because she is used to making decisions on behalf of groups with varied interests.
Graham graduated from South High School in 2007 and earned a psychology degree from Colorado State University Pueblo. So far, she has raised $10,415, including more than $7,000 from her kickoff event alone.
Municipal elections in Pueblo will be on Nov. 2 this year. There are two at-large seats up for grabs during this cycle.
Learn more about Graham and her platform points on her campaign Facebook page, Graham for Pueblo.
Chieftain reporter Sara Wilson can be reached via email at SWilson@gannett.com or on Twitter @WilsonSaraJane.