BY DAVID GRANT LONG

The list was long, but someone who possesses the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Samson and the compassion of Jesus would probably make the cut for a Cortez council candidate when compared to the desired qualities that were expressed Wednesday.

"We’re very interested in supporting someone who meets five or six of these (qualities)," joked Fred Blackburn, president of Citizens for Open Government, a group of residents trying to stimulate interest in the upcoming April council election.

"This person already doesn’t exist," added former councilman Jim Herrick after about five dozen people who had gathered at Empire Electric compiled their preferences for electable officials.

COG was formed last year in response to perceived violations of the open-meetings law by the city council, as well the precipitous firing of former City Manager Bill Ray. Along with Blackburn and Herrick, its founders include former Mayor Gerry Wiltgen and Dave Herrick, also a former mayor.

During a meeting that included the obligatory flip chart/small group routine, dozens of suggestions —some as radical as criminal background checks —were offered to improve the caliber of local office holders.

Along with intelligence, integrity and a good heart, the ideal council candidate would need to have common sense, fiscal responsibility, a fresh perspective, enough backbone to take a stand and the ability to admit mistakes, according to one group, as well as reflecting "what Cortez is now, not what it was 10 years ago."

Being a good listener who understands the intent of current law and can "identify and use the resources at hand," but is still "smart enough to realize they don’t know it all" was added by another group, along with someone "willing to tackle the san district and facilitate a solution." (The Cortez Sanitation District revealed last year that its sewage plants are nearing capacity, and has been slow to act on any expansion plans.)

Enthusiasm, a willingness to learn the ropes and spend the necessary time on the job were qualities mentioned by a third group, as well as someone who "has brains" and "respect for institutional knowledge," which was described as giving consideration to council members who have gone before.

Dave Herrick also said he believes no one meeting all these high standards could be found, but that it is far more important that council members understand the role of city manager in the governing process anyway.

"They can’t be informed themselves in all aspects of government," he said, suggesting that one-on-one meetings with the city manager should be part of all members’ regular duties.

Small groups were also asked to list what they saw as the most pressing and important issues facing the city over the next four years.

Those mentioned included:

• The growing noise pollution that stems from major construction projects and the idling of diesel rigs in residential areas. Authorities currently say they are powerless to act on complaints, regardless of the time of day or night the racket may occur.

• The limitations of the sewer system, which drastically curtail any economic development, especially in the southern part of town.

• The need for more city/county planning in the urban-influence areas on the periphery of Cortez.

• The need to fill vacant business locations downtown.

• The need for an end to the lack of vision, civility and respect for the governing process currently exhibited by some elected officials.

• Improved communication between city officials and residents.

• Reducing the influence of wealthy special interests, including Tri-Corner Communications, Wal-Mart and Safeway, which are alleged to have more clout than small local businesses.

• The need for more senior-citizen discounts.

• More financial disclosure from local entities.

Councilman Bob Diederich, whose term is up this year and will not seek re-election, said COG has no litmus test for candidates and is eager to support any who will be open about their agendas and willing to become involved.

Beginning Feb. 14, candidates may pick up petitions and then have until March 3 to return them with at least 25 signatures of registered voters who live in the city to be listed on the ballot for the April 4 election.

Along with Diederich’s seat, those of Mayor Joe Keck and members Darlene Denison and Cheryl Walkenhorst are up for election. The three candidates receiving the most votes will win four-year terms and the one getting the fourth-highest vote total will win a two-year term.