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Illegal immigration surfaces in Greeley mayoral race
Outside groups launch attacks on incumbent Tom Selders on the issue, which some believe could backfire.
By Monte Whaley
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 10/30/2007 01:05:06 AM MDT


GREELEY — Illegal immigration is casting a broad shadow over the race for mayor, with at least two outside groups attacking incumbent Tom Selders for being soft on the issue.

But the entry of special interests in the mayoral showdown could backfire on challenger Ed Clark, said University of Northern Colorado political science professor Steve Mazurana.

"There's a feeling that this is a campaign by outsiders who just assume people in Greeley are just too stupid to make a sensible decision," said Mazurana.

The Colorado Alliance for a Secure America, a statewide group, and the Alliance for Better Greeley, which hasn't filed corporate papers with the secretary of state's office, have sent mailings assailing Selders.

One of the Better Greeley mailings shows supposed gangsters flashing signs with a caption: "Tom Selders is good for business."

Clark, a former Greeley police officer who worked in the city's gang unit, said he's not connected to the anti-Selders organizations and wants no part of them.

"I haven't asked for help from anybody, and I don't believe I need it," said Clark, 41, who is head of security at University Schools in Greeley.

Clark said his campaign doesn't revolve around simply getting tough with illegal immigrants. He wants at least 20 more police officers on the street, more city-sponsored after- school programs and a revival of a sagging downtown.

Selders, 61, has been the Greeley mayor for four years. He drew national attention when he told officials in Washington that a December raid at the Greeley Swift plant hurt local families.

Selders says he wants to control illegal immigration but that most Greeley residents are more concerned with rebuilding streets and getting more police into neighborhoods.

The fliers, he adds, spread falsehoods about his stances.

"It's frustrating," Selders said. "They are taking things completely out of context and saying things that are questionable. I trust Greeley voters will see through these tactics."

http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7316291