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Council appoints John Vasquez to fill vacancy through November 2026
Summary
The council interviewed two applicants for a vacant council seat and appointed John Vasquez by a 3–1 vote to serve the remainder of the term through the 2026 election cycle.
The Trinidad City Council on Oct. 14 appointed John Vasquez to fill a city council vacancy created by the resignation of Carrie Varela. Vasquez will serve through the next general election (November 2026) and may run if he seeks the remaining term beyond that date.
Two applicants — John Vasquez and Andrew Davis — addressed the council and answered questions. Vasquez described prior volunteer and public‑service experience (including service with a resource conservation district and a fire protection district board) and said he and his family have lived in Trinidad for about seven years. Andrew Davis described his background in finance and accounting and current engagement with local advisory committees; he emphasized interest in improving budget transparency and participating in planning discussions on housing and other issues.
Council discussion referenced both applicants’ strengths. One councilmember expressed concern about a past committee meeting conflict involving Davis; other members emphasized the value of Davis’s finance background. Following discussion, the council moved and seconded a motion to appoint John Vasquez and approved the appointment by a 3–1 vote.
Vasquez will be sworn in at the next council meeting. Staff reminded the council that any appointee serving through November 2026 must file for the ballot in the summer 2026 nomination window if they wish to remain on the council beyond that election.
