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Despite a crowded field for the open seat on the Boulder City Council, candidates tend to agree that open space, thoughtful city planning, and good transportation are all important to our city. But where is the debate about Boulder's increasing lack of community?

Turnout for this off-year election was the best ever:

The last-minute barrage of ballots — with 16,000 being returned on Tuesday alone — was a surprise, for sure, said Jim Burrus, county spokesman. But not an unwelcome one. "We're elated at the turnout," Burrus said. Indeed, the county estimated a 55 percent or better turnout — the best ever in an off-year election, Burrus said.

Preliminary results from the 2003 Boulder City Council election indicate that Boulder voters have elected:

• *Mark Ruzzin, 11.51% (4 year term)
• *Crystal Gray, 11.45% (4 year term)
• *Robin Bohannan10504, 11.03% (4 year term)
• Jack Stoakes, 10.94% (4 year term)
• *Andy Schultheiss, 9.21% (2 year term)
• *Shaun McGrath, 8.71% (2 year term)

• *Issue 201 (Open Space Tax): 53.06% / 46.94%
• *Issue 202 (General Fund Tax): 66.59% / 33.41%
• Question 2C (redistricting): 34.30% / 65.70%

Visit Boulder County's election page for current results, or visit this page from the Daily Camera for current voting statistics. Statewide results are available at CO Secretary of State or in the Rocky Mountain News.

In the last week, we've noted several contradictory statements by council candidate Scott Gessler regarding his political affiliations. On one hand, he has denied any political affiliations with the GOP; he is representing the GOP-dominated General Assembly in the Colorado congressional redistricting court case. On the other hand, he has mailed out a letter to all registered Republicans stating that he is 'a rising star in the Republican party'.