As ballots are due for the April 7 municipal election, KSJD asked candidates for Cortez City Council a single question about their priorities if elected.
Candidates were asked: “If elected, what would be your top priority in your first year on City Council, and why?”
The goal is to give voters a clear, side-by-side look at how candidates say they would approach the role.
KSJD invited all candidates in the race to participate. Responses below are published in the candidates’ own words, with minor edits for length and clarity.
Candidate responses are in no defined order. Candidate answers are presented as returned, with no edits.
James McGinley
"Thank God the city council and city manager have gotten us out of a corruption and debt Quagmire with respect to the core budget requirements. To me it is a life and death requirement for this city that we move more broadly now, not in dollars, but in leadership and facilitation toward the community creation of a vision. We need to see if there is a massive untapped resource in our community, the passions, abilities, energies of we citizens, by attempting to facilitate the creation of a Citywide vision for what we want to be when we grow up. That is my top 10 priorities, because the heart and soul if we 9,000 citizens is our entire hope, and I think we owe it to all 9,000 of us to see if it can be mobilized."
Dennis Spruell
"I have been on the council for the last four years. During that time, we balanced the budget and now have no deficit. I want to help council continue in that path and grow in a responsible way."
Clarisa Osborn
"Strong communities start with reliable infrastructure and thriving businesses. If elected, my first year will focus on prioritizing and timelining building upkeep, water system improvements, softball complex repairs as well as fostering local economic growth with small business support programs."
Charles Borchini Jr.
"I’m running for City Council because Cortez deserves new leadership that shows up, listens, and puts the community first. I support creating a land bank and building a bike trail to Mesa Verde. I’ll show up in person to every meeting and serve my entire term. We do not need remote hearings or raises without voter consent, and I’ll work to make Cortez a better place through accountability, practical solutions, and a real commitment to the people who live here."
Randy Vialpando
"My top priority in the first year is to deliver visible progress by completing essential infrastructure and safety projects that residents rely on every day. This work is critical to maintaining public safety and improving daily life for the community. I will also stay focused on responsible budgeting and accountability without placing unnecessary costs on residents."
Not all candidates responded by the deadline. The statements above reflect those received in time for publication.
