AVON, Colorado — State Senate candidate Ken Brenner removed his campaign signs this week from property of a developer tied to a metro district being sued by the town of Avon, Colorado for not paying taxes.

Brenner said he thought It was inappropriate for the signs to be there.

“Those of us running for public office must strive to uphold the highest standards,” he said.

Avon filed a lawsuit Tuesday that claims the Traer Creek Metropolitan district which manages the Wal-Mart shopping center owes the town around $650,000. Mangus Lindholm — who owns the property where Brenner’s signs were displayed — developed the shopping center and signed an agreement with Avon requiring the district pay the town.

Brenner, a Steamboat Springs Democrat, said he was unaware of the district’s tax problems, but pulled the signs immediately after he found out.

“Once I became aware of this, I wanted to have an arm’s length distance from this developer,” Brenner said. “And until he clears this up, I think my opponent and other candidates should as well.”

On Friday, signs for six other candidates could be seen from Interstate 70 in Avon: Republican state Senate candidate Al White, state House Republican candidate Ali Hasan, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bob Schaffer, and County Commissioner candidates Republicans Dick Gustafson and Debbie Buckley, and Democrat Peter Runyon.

White, who is running against Brenner, said he wouldn’t consider taking down signs before the lawsuit was finalized.

“Last I recalled there was a determination of innocent until proven guilty,” White said. “I’m not prepared to take sides on this issue, I think it’s the duty of the court to assess who’s right and who’s wrong.”

Brenner said he wasn’t trying to convict anyone.

“I don’t know that he’s guilty of anything but I think while it’s being called into question it’s better to keep an arm’s distance.”



Staff Writer Chris Outcalt can be reached at 970-748-2931 or coutcalt@vaildaily.com.