The Grand Junction mayor as well as the recently retired executive of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce are among the candidates for four seats on the Grand Junction City Council.

Mayor Anna Stout announced her plans to seek re-election to another term in District C. Diane Schwenke announced her candidacy for an at-large position in the April 4 municipal election.

In addition to the District C and at-large positions, the election will determine the council member in District B. The election also will fill a seat from District A left vacant by Rick Taggart, who was elected in November to the Colorado House of Representatives.

Nomination petitions for council candidates are available online from the city website at www.gjcity.org and city clerk’s office. Petitions must be submitted by 4 p.m. Jan. 23.

Stout was elected in 2019 and since has served as mayor pro tem and mayor. She also works as executive director of the Roice-Hurst Humane Society in Grand Junction.

Stout said the last four years have been challenging given the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty and higher inflation. “But Grand Junction showed its true deep character — and we didn’t just survive, we are thriving and momentum is strong. It would be my honor to keep that momentum going and serve this community for another four years.”

Schwenke retired last fall after serving more than 30 years as president and chief executive officer of the chamber. She’s also served on a city comprehensive plan committee, parks and recreation master plan committee and American Rescue Plan Act advisory committee.

“I look forward, if elected, to promoting excellence and efficiency in city government that will make life better for our residents,” she said.

In District A, Sandra Weckerly and Cody  Kennedy have announced campaigns.

Weckerly owns several businesses, including the newly opened Mama Ree’s Pizza & Brewhouse. She served on the Grand Junction Planning Commission and serves as vice chairman of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

“If elected, I will work to elevate our economic development/jobs and public safety operations while also valuing transparency,” she said.

Kennedy retired after 17 years as a Grand Junction police officer. He and his wife also operate a rental homes business.

“As a detective, I consistently approached cases with curiosity and an open mind, and I truly believe that approach will serve our community well if I’m given the honor to have a seat on the Grand Junction City Council,” he said.

Grand Junction voters also will decide on a proposed sales tax increase to fund the construction of a community recreation center.

The measure proposes a 0.14 percent sales tax increase with a sunset clause to fund construction of an 83,000-square-foot recreation center at Matchett Park.

Once the city awards licenses to 10 retail cannabis businesses in 2023, tax revenues from sales at those businesses would supplement funding of a new recreation center.