Four candidates, including two incumbents, are likely to be elected as new city leaders tonight.
A 2004 city ordinance authorizes the cancellation of an election if fewer candidates qualify than the offices to be filled. One candidate shy, the city council will consider approving a resolution to cancel the April 8 election, thus declaring the four qualifying candidates elected to serve as the next city council.
City council incumbents Shawna McLaughlin and Bob Archibeque, former mayor Orly Lucero and challenger Jim Price, a Marine Corps veteran, all qualified for the election. Council members Karen Sheek, Ty Keel and Tom Butler will remain in office through 2016.
A city council orientation session is scheduled for April 10.
Completing two four-year terms, both Mayor Dan Porter and Councilman Matt Keefauver will be forced to relinquish their posts due to term limits.
Also at tonight’s 7:30 p.m. meeting at City Hall, a public hearing is held about a new arts liquor license for KSJD community radio. City staff has recommended approval of the application.
According to Cortez Police Chief Roy Lane, a neighborhood survey found that 69 residents and business owners backed the proposed license, three were completely opposed, and two were neutral.
