Changed Landscape, Indeed

The massive LifeBridge church development has indeed changed Longmont’s landscape. Politically speaking, at least. After Longmont annexed the 348 acres for a mega church development, voters, who’d already sent the issue back to a special election, elected a bloc of candidates adamantly opposed to the project and the direction of city council in general. The slate includes councilmember Karen Benker, who lost a bid for the mayor’s seat, and newcomers Brian Hansen, Sean Patrick McCoy and Sarah Levison. A Jan. 29 vote will decide on LifeBridge and a new council member to fill the at-large seat left by new mayor Roger Lange.

What’s Next: The bloc could strengthen if the annexation is overturned and Richard Juday, a staunch supporter of the winning slate, wins the vacated seat.