The Cortez municipal election is Tuesday, and local voters have several good reasons to go to the polls.

First off, they’ll be electing four candidates from a field of seven, and those candidates will be responsible for helping lead the City of Cortez into the 21st century. That’s a sobering responsibility, and voters would be well advised to choose leaders who have a comprehensive grasp of some long-term issues rather than just an immediate ax to grind.

The four candidates who seem to best demonstrate that quality are incumbent mayor Joe Keck, former council member Jimmy Herrick, P&Z member Dennis Robson, and John Willard.

Keck’s tenure as mayor has not been without missteps, but he offers continuity and a keen grasp of the issues facing Cortez. Herrick’s insights are important. Robson has served as a voice of reason in the planning-and-zoning arena. And of all the newcomers, Willard seems to have spent the most time researching municipal issues and actually contemplating solutions.

Most of the candidates have identified the same set of challenges as their primary concerns: the limitations of the sanitation district, economic development and telecommunications. There are no surprises there. Several spoke of making Cortez an inviting community that will impress visitors as they drive through. We’ve got lots of room for improvement. A stable economy that’s not based on booms and that can survive through downturns was also a popular topic.

Those are sensible goals; they’re also easy pronouncements to make. Voters now must decide which of the candidates has the skills and political savvy to actually craft some solutions. Serving on the city council is no easy task. A council member must be willing to devote countless hours to the position, must have a thick skin, and must have a genuine devotion to the best interests of the entire community. That’s a lot to ask.

Regardless of whom Journal readers support, they should make a special point of voting on Tuesday. The fact that this election has generated little controversy and few letters to the editor is worrisome. Doesn’t anyone care?

The charter amendments are common sense housekeeping measures, and voters shouldn’t read any more than that into them. Vote yes or vote no, but don’t imagine any conspiracy behind them.