Whoever came up with the proverb that politics makes strange bedfellows probably couldn’t have imagined what happened Thursday in Colorado Springs: Mayor Yemi Mobolade named Wayne Williams his chief of staff.
On paper, Williams seems like a qualified and obvious choice for the position. The Republican lawyer is a former Colorado Springs city councilman, El Paso County commissioner and secretary of state. He has leadership, legal and political experience.
But here’s the catch: Williams lost to Mobolade, a Nigerian immigrant who is registered as an unaffiliated voter, in the 2023 mayoral election. The margin was 15 percentage points.
The pair might be the strangest of bedfellows.
Wayne Williams, a Colorado Springs city councilman makes remarks during an event marking the last day of burning coal at the Martin Drake Power Station on Aug. 27, 2021. (Mike Sweeney, Special to The Colorado Sun)“It’s a story of good politics. It’s a story of good governance,” Mobolade said. “When you contrast that with what’s happened in Washington, D.C., with the partisan gridlock and the inability to get anything done, we are telling a different story.”
Mobolade said Williams’ decision to visit his election night watch party in 2023 and congratulate him on being elected mayor began their close relationship. Williams has already been serving on the mayor’s informal advisory council for years.
“I care greatly about serving this city, this community, our state — and I want to do that,” Williams said. “I miss being actively involved in making a difference in the community. And so that’s why I said ‘yes.’”
Mobolade and Williams have a full plate: They’ll work together with the City Council to draft the city’s budget, deliver on infrastructure promises and bolster public safety.
A statue of William Jackson Palmer, Civil War general, railroad tycoon and founder of Colorado Springs, Colo., stands in the intersection of Nevada and Platte avenues in downtown Colorado Springs on Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)“There are issues that Yemi and I may not agree on,” Williams said. “I will present my view. Ultimately, he’s the mayor and he gets to make those calls.”
Williams will hold the chief of staff position on an interim basis — for now. He hopes to earn the spot permanently.
“I hope to do a good enough job that I will be able to compete favorably for a long-term position,” Williams said.
Mobolade says he’s open to that.
Mobolade opted not to hire a permanent chief of staff to replace Jamie Fabos, who held the position until Feb. 16 and made more than $200,000 a year, because he is running for reelection next year.
It can be difficult to hire a chief of staff during campaign season because of the political uncertainty, especially if that person is relocating for the job.
Sen. Michael Bennet, right, cheers as Mayor Yemi Mobolade speaks during a community celebration to welcome home the U.S. Space Command to Colorado Springs on Aug. 7, 2023, at America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs. Gov. Jared Polis listens at left. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette via AP)“I didn’t want that to limit the type of candidates that could apply,” Mobolade said. “I want Wayne’s leadership to carry my team and I through this reelection season.”
Mobolade said Williams was an easy choice: “I have a leader in our community who is available, who is experienced, who understands policy.”
Mobolade hopes his decision to tap Williams as his chief of staff will inspire people across Colorado and beyond to bridge the political divide to solve problems.
“We don’t have red potholes or blue potholes,” he said. “They’re all potholes that need to be fixed.”
Williams will start his new job April 20.
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