With only four people running for four seats on the City Council, Cortez will probably cancel its municipal election, scheduled for April 8.
It’s the first time in 30 years there hasn’t been at least five candidates, said Linda Smith, Cortez city clerk. The final decision will be made at Tuesday’s council meeting.
“I think there are just so many boards with open seats up for election in May that there just aren’t enough people with enough time,” Smith said.
It’s a common occurrence, especially in smaller towns across the state, said Lisa White, spokeswoman for the Colorado Municipal League.
Since 2002, between 10 percent and 25 percent of municipal elections have been canceled.
Often, as in the case of Cortez, there are just enough candidates to fill open positions.
It makes sense to cancel unnecessary elections even though it’s nice to give people choice, Smith said. The city of 8,400 in southwestern Colorado will be able to spend the $5,000 saved on other needs.
Even without the election, decisions will still need to be made. One of the four seats is for a two-year term; the other three are four-year terms.
“We may just have the candidates draw their term out of a hat,” Smith said.
Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier: 303-954-1661 or jsteltonholtmeier@denverpost.com
