By Michael Perini

In every election, we ask voters to step forward, pay attention, and make their voices heard. In Woodland Park, they did exactly that on April 7. Ballots were cast, decisions made, and a direction—at least for now—was chosen.

But elections don’t just produce winners. They produce insight.

With Councilmember George Jones moving into the role of mayor, the city council now faces an important decision: how to fill the resulting vacancy on the City Council. As I understand it, there are several options: leave the seat open for a period of time, call a special election, appoint someone, or accept applications to serve.

While each option has its merits, the timing of this decision matters just as much as the decision itself.

The election has just concluded. Voter engagement—often a challenge in local races—was recently activated. Residents took the time to learn, evaluate, and choose. That moment should not be set aside too quickly. Instead, it should inform what comes next.

This is why many in the community believe the appointment option deserves serious consideration.

Appointing someone to fill the vacancy offers continuity in governance. It ensures that the Council remains fully staffed during a time when important decisions continue to move forward. It avoids the cost and logistical challenges of organizing a special election. And perhaps most importantly, it allows the Council to respond in a way that reflects the very input voters just provided.

Because within those results is something worth paying attention to.

When candidate Mary Sekowski earns a significant share of the vote—such as 38 percent—that is not a marginal outcome. That represents a substantial portion of the community taking a clear position. In real terms, it reflects hundreds of individuals who engaged in the process and expressed a preference for representation.

Those voices do not disappear simply because the election is over.

They become part of the broader picture of community sentiment. They offer insight into the diversity of thought within Woodland Park. And they remind us that representation is not just about majority outcomes, but about understanding and respecting the range of perspectives that make up a community.

This is not about relitigating the election. The results are clear, and they should be respected.

But it is about recognizing that elections provide more than a final tally—they provide guidance.

As the Council considers its next step, transparency and communication will be critical. Residents should understand the options, the process, and the reasoning behind the decision. And just as importantly, they should feel encouraged to share their views.

Civic engagement should not begin and end with a ballot.

This is a moment for the community to stay involved, to reach out to councilmembers and the incoming mayor, and to express what they believe is the best path forward.

Woodland Park’s voters have already spoken once. The question now is whether ALL the voices of Woodland Park will continue to be part of the conversation.

They should be.