Three candidates for Steamboat Springs’ at-large City Council seat — Walter Magill, Kim Haggarty and Blythe Casner — have announced that they are ending their campaigns and jointly endorsing candidate Dave Barnes, citing concerns about splitting votes and the need for united leadership in November’s election.

All three sought removal from the ballot after the statutory withdrawal deadline of Sept. 2, according to City Clerk Julie Franklin, meaning the three names will still appear on the November ballot. 

Magill’s platform focused on fiscal responsibility, efficient use of city staff and practical community improvements like sidewalks in needed neighborhoods. Both he and Barnes underscored a perceived lack of transparency within Yampa Valley Housing Authority housing management practices. 

“I am supportive of David Barnes for the council seat,” said Magill, former city council president, in a statement, adding that he made his withdrawal request at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5. “I have agreement with David on several positions and am excited about his ability to bring change in the direction of the council and the city of Steamboat Springs.”

Casner, whose platform advocated expanded child care access and pragmatic housing solutions, made her decision to end her campaign following a candidate information forum on Thursday afternoon, where she sat down with Barnes, Magill and Haggarty. 

“From the beginning, I did not know there would be seven (at-large) candidates, and most of us agreed it was not beneficial for everyone to run, especially if we agreed on many main issues,” she said in a statement. “Splitting the vote doesn’t make sense.”

“Dave is clearly informed, has a deep understanding of the current issues facing our town, and knows how tough a job being on city council is,” Casner continued. “He knows that child care is an issue for families with young children and wants to seek out solutions; and he believes in solving attainable housing issues using every tool in the city’s tool belt — focusing on our essential employees.”

“It was an easy decision to make, and I told him he has my support,” she added.

Haggarty echoed Casner’s sentiment, referencing her goal for “real change” in city leadership. Like Barnes, Haggarty is an entrepreneur, and centered her campaign platform on the need for more businesses-minded leaders among council members. 

“My main reason is because we want to make sure Joella does not get reelected and if we all stayed in, the votes would be split and Joella would have a better chance of winning,” said Haggarty, referring to at-large candidate Joella West, who currently serves as the District 2 council representative. 

“We need real change on City Council and that is what is most important. Dave (Barnes) is great, he knows our community and we have a very similar passion for Steamboat,” she continued. “He’s a doer and will put in the time to make a difference.”

“He cares about the reason we all choose Steamboat,” added Haggarty. “Definitely for the locals.”

In a statement, Franklin clarified that, per Colorado Revised Statute Section 31-10-303, the legal deadline for candidates to withdraw from the ballot was Sept. 2 — 63 days before the Nov. 4 municipal election. The three candidates, having missed that cutoff, will remain listed on the ballot but do not intend to campaign or seek votes.

The coordinated endorsement aims to rally voter support behind Barnes and prevent vote dilution among candidates with similar platforms. But with Magill, Haggarty and Casner’s names still printed on the ballot, there is a risk of drawing stray votes away from the at-large candidate Magill, Haggarty and Casner now support.