Bonanza avoids abandonment

Special election helps preserve town’s status

Denver, Colorado, November 25, 2014 - Today Deputy Secretary of State Suzanne Staiert announced that Bonanza will remain a town. Under Colorado law, the Secretary of State must abandon towns that fail to hold elections and operate a government for five years.

According to court filings and coverage in the Pueblo Chieftain, Bonanza held a 2006 trustee election and a 2009 special election. In the most recent special election, voters were asked if they wanted to dis-incorporate Bonanza. While the measure received the majority of the votes cast with 11, it failed to secure the two-thirds majority needed.

“I applaud the passion and civic engagement of individuals on both sides of this issue,” Staiert said. “While the evidence supports preserving the town, the future of Bonanza lies with its only resident.”