Leaders Warned to Continue the Fight
Rick Langenberg
Cripple Creek’s most feared political and economic enemy has been silenced, at least for 2026.
But with a state staring at huge $1 billion-plus deficit, the fight is far from over, so don’t let your guard down. Moreover, watch out for sneaky legislation that creeps through the state legislature with no notice for public input.
These are a few of the messages conveyed by the city of Cripple Creek’s head lobbyist, Solomon “Sol” Malick and City Administrator Frank Salvato.
At issue is the growing threat of Internet (I) gaming, with online platforms that could cripple the local gaming industry and even pose major gambling addiction problems for young people, according to I-Gaming opponents.
In his most recent appearance before the Cripple Creek City Council, Malick lauded the work of city leaders in staying involved in this issue and publicizing the economic and social problems Internet gaming could create. As a result of Colorado’s strong anti, I-Gaming campaign, no legislation came forth in 2026 that could set the wheels in motion, even though certain state officials support the possible effort.
Most likely, an I-Gaming proposition would have to be decided by the voters of Colorado, but if lawmakers push the right buttons, it could reach the voting stage much faster.
Opponents say I-Gaming poses a serious threat to Cripple Creek’s brick-and-mortar casinos, with projections showing local gaming proceeds could drop by more than 30 percent if it is approved in Colorado.
Malick assured the council that the citizens of Colorado appear to support their concerns. “The public at large does not want to see this happen,” said Malick, the president of the Peak Government Affairs group. “It is just not good for the local cities.”
“It was a very successful year,” added the lobbyist, who along with other officials, made the fight against I-Gaming a top priority. The strategy worked as no pro-I-Gaming legislation moved forward in 2026, and nothing lingered on upcoming bill radar.
The city, in turn, loaded their political guns in fighting this battle by joining a national group, the National Association Against I-Gaming. And in taking an even stronger stand, the city joined former gaming rival Black Hawk in approving a joint resolution opposing I-Gaming that cited the devastating consequences of this form of potential gambling.
Still, Cripple Creek leaders face some big money groups in fighting I-Gaming, which are trying to entice state officials with the needed dollars this could offer Colorado’s coffers. “It is a big fight because of the money,” said Salvato. “You have got to be in the fight.”
Salvato even expressed concerns about sneak legislative attacks, if a special session occurs this summer or fall, as predicted.
Malick agreed and assured local leaders his office would closely monitor this situation. “We have to keep that gas pedal down,” said the lobbyist.
Malick noted that the dire straits condition of the state’s finances could set a pathway for a possible I-Gaming legislative attack. “The budget is a mess,” said Malick. “We (the state of Colorado) are still very broke.”
Reasons for the state’s financial dilemma are mixed, with Republican leaders accusing state leaders of fiscal carelessness, while others have cited the drying up of COVID relief monies as the main culprit.
Malick appreciated the strong stand taken by the city in fighting I-Gaming, with all elected leaders joining the fight. He believes the joint campaign by Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and the associated counties has had a definite impact.
One wild card in the battle could be lameduck Governor Jared Polis, who has indicated some support for opening the doors for I-Gaming.
And unfortunately, Malick noted that the state legislature is still taking a very partisan turn. He stated that the Democratic Party is one vote short of having a super-majority in the legislature, which could have a negative impact for Cripple Creek and Teller County.
He believes a special session may be in the works, as one of Polis’ last main acts as the state’s top executive.
On the upside, he believes Cripple Creek survived the bombardment of 600-plus legislative bills relatively unscathed.
City Boss Departure?
In other Cripple Creek news, no formal announcements have occurred regarding the possible departure of Frank Salvato, the city administrator for the last several years.
According to recent reports, Salvato and his wife are planning to move back to Texas, and they have a contract on their residence in Teller County. “I am leaving,” said Salvato, following a brief administrative report, at a recent meeting earlier this month. But at the same time, he indicated a final real estate sales closure has not occurred yet. City leaders have refrained from commenting on the situation but have indicated staunch support for Salvato.
If such a development occurs, the city would have to decide on picking an interim administrator and pursuing a lengthy search for a permanent, top city boss. Or the city could follow the actions of other nearby communities in giving an interim boss the permanent job.
If Salvato does depart, this will represent the exit of at least the sixth administrative boss in the last 20 years. The city also has operated with several interim administrators during this period.
The transient nature of this position has prompted some concerns, but experts say this trend isn’t unusual for city administrators and managers in Colorado, especially in more rural areas.
Salvato has made a major effort in beefing up the city’s infrastructure projects and setting the stage for home rule and Main Street efforts.
In fact, if voters approve a new home rule charter, this city boss position would be elevated from that of a city administrator to a city manager. Also, it would take more votes to terminate a top city boss than what current rules call for.
