The City of Cortez will hold a municipal election this spring to fill multiple City Council seats, with ballots set to go out ahead of the April 7 election.
As key deadlines approach, Cortez City Planner Drew Sanders stopped by KSJD to talk about a public information session being held Wednesday evening for anyone interested in learning more about serving on City Council.
Sanders said the goal of the session is to help residents better understand what the role entails — and to encourage people who may be undecided to consider running.
“We’re really just trying to outline what people can expect to experience as a City Council member, and also the importance of serving your community in that role,” Sanders said. “It’s very, very important — honestly the foundation of our city government — and we need good people to run.”
While the session is designed with potential candidates in mind, Sanders said it’s open to anyone who wants to better understand how city government works.
“Absolutely, it’s open to anybody,” he said. “Especially those who are on the fence — not quite sure they want to do it. This hopefully will convince you to put your name in the hat.”
What to expect at the session
Sanders said current and former council members will be on hand to share their experiences, discuss challenges of the job, and answer questions directly from attendees.
Topics will include the structure of city government, the responsibilities of council members, meeting schedules, and the overall time commitment required. The event will be held in the City Council chambers to give attendees a firsthand sense of the role.
“We’re holding it in the council chamber so you can see right where the City Council sits and what they’re up against,” Sanders said. “I’d be quite happy if people went up there, sat in those chairs, and got that rather uncomfortable view.”
How to run for City Council
Nomination packets are now available through the City Clerk’s Office. Sanders said prospective candidates should start by contacting City Clerk Danielle Wells, either in person or by phone or email.
To qualify for the ballot, candidates must collect at least 25 signatures from verified, registered voters who live within the City of Cortez. Completed packets are due by the close of business on January 26.
All City Council seats in Cortez are elected at large, meaning candidates are not tied to specific districts. Under the city’s home-rule system, voters elect council members, and the council then selects a mayor and mayor pro tem from among its members.
There are four seats currently expected to be on the ballot, with the possibility of a fifth depending on circumstances.
Sanders noted that while council meetings are held twice a month, the role involves a significant time commitment beyond those meetings.
“Councilors are busy,” he said. “It’s a lot more than just two nights a month. There’s a lot of reading, preparation, and many serve as liaisons to advisory boards.”
Candidates must be U.S. citizens, registered electors, at least 21 years old, and must have lived within the city limits of Cortez for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the election.
If you can’t attend
Sanders encouraged anyone unable to attend the information session to reach out to the City Clerk’s Office for a detailed candidate packet and additional guidance.
“Now is the time to get on it,” he said. “The names on the petitions have to be verified, and that takes time. You don’t want to wait until the last minute.”
The Cortez candidate information session takes place Wednesday, January 7, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Cortez City Hall.
The Town of Dolores will also hold a municipal election this spring and is hosting a similar information session for prospective candidates on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Dolores Town Hall.
