VIDEO: An election forum Monday allowed voters to hear from both sides of Ballot Issue 1, which residents will vote on as part of the Colorado Springs municipal election April 2.
The measure would allow collective bargaining for all uniformed firefighters, which means firefighters would be guaranteed an opportunity to negotiate pay, benefits and equipment concerns with the city.
About 100 people in the audience got a chance to voice their opinions and ask questions.
John Roy is a firefighter of six years and Colorado Springs native for the ballot issue. Mayor John Suthers, who is up to re-election, is against it.
"Not once in our campaign have we talked about pay, not once have talked about benefits," said John Roy, Deputy Campaign Manager for the Colorado Springs Professional Firefighters. "We've consistently talked about public safety."