Voters are noticing something troubling!

As ballots arrive for the Woodland Park City Council election, voters are trying to do what responsible citizens do in any election—learn where the candidates stand on the issues that affect our community. Topics such as responsible growth, infrastructure, water resources, public safety along Highway 24, and the city’s financial priorities deserve thoughtful discussion.

Yet many residents are noticing something troubling.

Instead of providing regular updates on their positions or sharing detailed plans for Woodland Park’s future, other candidates running against Mary Sekowski have spent much of their time making verbal and social media comments directed at her campaign. That approach does little to inform voters about how they would actually govern.

In fact, the only public effort many residents have seen in which these candidates answered questions directly was a single-candidate public forum held March 10, 2026.

 Beyond that one event, voters are left wondering: where are they spending the rest of their campaign time?

Are they meeting with residents?
Are they publishing their views on city issues?
Are they outlining specific plans for the city’s future?

Are they updating voters on how they would vote on upcoming city decisions?

Are they communicating how they would work with fellow council members to move the city forward?

Are they explaining how they will keep residents informed before and after major city votes?

Instead, much of the activity appears focused on criticism.

Why use these disappointing tactics? There may be several reasons.

First, avoiding accountability.
Sharing clear policy positions invites questions. When candidates avoid outlining their views in detail, they avoid being held accountable for them. It is often easier to criticize another candidate than to explain your own plans.

Second, a lack of independent ideas.
Campaigns should be about solutions—how to address potholes, improve infrastructure, manage growth responsibly, and strengthen communication between city leadership and residents. When criticism replaces policy discussion, it can suggest a shortage of new ideas.

Third, distraction from the real issues.
Negative commentary shifts attention away from the decisions that will actually shape Woodland Park’s future. Voters deserve to hear what each candidate proposes to do, not simply who they oppose.

Woodland Park deserves a campaign focused on transparency, ideas, and respectful discussion.

Mary Sekowski has consistently shared her views, made herself available for conversations with residents, and participated in public forums where questions could be asked directly.

Whether voters ultimately agree with her positions or not, they can clearly see where she stands.

That is the kind of openness and transparency voters should expect from every candidate seeking to serve our community.