The Cortez City Council is seeking a new member to fill a recent vacancy until the next municipal election in April 2022.
Councilor Sue Betts died Aug. 13 after serving her city for two years on the council and for 29 years in law enforcement. She was elected for a second term and served until her death last month.
The City Council can fill the vacancy through an appointment process, given the urgent need for a full council of seven members. An odd number of people allows the council to avoid a tie vote.
“We have so much to do,” Rachel Medina, mayor pro tem and councilor, told The Journal. “We need another perspective, another voice, another vote.”
Residents of Cortez who are 21 years or older, who have lived in the city limits for at least one year and who are registered voters are eligible to apply for the position by submitting a letter indicating their interest to the Cortez City Clerk’s office at City of Cortez, 123 Roger Smith Ave. Cortez, CO 81321, or by email to lsmith@cityofcortez.com by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17.
“We’re all impacted by the decisions local government makes,” Medina said. She encourages everyone who is interested to apply, because it is “important for citizens to be involved in the decision-making process.”
To appoint a new member, the City Council needs at least four votes for a candidate. The councilors will use their meeting Sept. 22 to interview applicants and ask questions. A decision must be made by Oct. 13 by law, 60 days after the vacancy became open.
The City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, beginning with a work session about 5:30 p.m., and the official council meeting at 7:30 p.m.
The appointed position “gives community members a chance to have a voice in their government,” said Mayor Mike Lavey.
Medina recommends that applicants watch videos of previous meetings and work sessions online to learn about what the City Council does and how it works.
“If you’re willing to learn and put the time in, that’s what we’re looking for, and what the citizens deserve,” Medina said.
ehayes@the-journal.com