Roger Smith served the City of Cortez with dedication and in a time of great progress.
Beginning as a City Councilmember from January 1986 to December 1989, and continuing as Mayor from January 1990 through 1994, his work helped shape many of the projects and improvements that residents still benefit from today. A portrait of former Mayor Smith now hangs in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 123 Roger Smith Avenue, a street officially named in his honor on June 11, 2002.
Notable milestones during his time in office:
Cortez’s airport was jointly operated with Montezuma County, welcoming Continental Express in 1988, followed by Mesa Airlines in 1990.
The city hosted the Superbowl of Fiddling in 1988, and that same summer, the Visitor Center welcomed 52,000 guests.
Discussions began around televising Council meetings, with Susan Keck serving as City Manager.
Public amenities expanded with a waterslide at the outdoor pool in 1989.
Early efforts to establish a 911 emergency system started in 1989.
Cortez began broadcasting travel information in 1990 via low-wattage radio at the Colorado Welcome Center.
The Sanitation District’s dissolution process was initiated, and the city began accepting the Carpenter Property to become a Natural Area by 1992/93.
Fundraising efforts for a future Recreation Center began in 1991 and private golf carts were approved for use at Conquistador Golf Course.
Mayor Smith’s leadership is remembered and honored through ongoing city initiatives and the drawing now displayed in the Council Chambers.
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