The Wheat Ridge City Council voted to appoint Susan Wood to the District 3 council seat on Dec. 8 and immediately swore her in before the council.

Councilor Patrick Quinn nominated Wood, citing her planning experience and ability to 'step up day 1' to the role. Quinn said Wood ‘has walked that path. She has paid her dues and understands what it means’ to serve, noting her service on the city’s planning commission.

The appointment followed public comment from District 3 residents urging the council to appoint Justin Slocum, who ran for the seat during the recent municipal election and told the council he was the only candidate who ran specifically for District 3. Tracy Boggus, a District 3 resident, asked the council to 'honor the voice of the voters,' noting Slocum 'received 42% of the votes over 1,300.' Several other residents urged the council to appoint the runner‑up.

During deliberations Councilor Holteyn offered a substitute nomination for Simon McGowan to increase representation of families with school‑aged children; the council voted on that substitute and it failed. The council then returned to the main motion in favor of Susan Wood and approved the appointment (the transcript does not include a detailed roll‑call tally for the final appointment vote; not specified).

After the appointment, Judge Lucero administered the oath of office to Susan Wood, who pledged to support the constitutions and laws of the United States and Colorado and to 'faithfully perform the duties of the office of council member.'

The appointment fills the seat vacated when Corey Stites assumed the mayor’s office on Nov. 10; Wheat Ridge Charter section 4.5 requires the remaining council members to choose a qualified person from District 3 within 30 days of the vacancy.