The four banded together for the election, running largely on the platform of changing city council, which they feel is misrepresenting the city's majority.
"I think there's a message here," said Frank Atwood, who worked to support the four winners throughout the election. "City council for the past four years has disappointed the voters. I think the city has finally voted in people who are consistent with how they feel."
Atwood refers to four issues since 2003 that have led to differing views and votes between city council and citizens: grocery tax, police station bond, TABOR spending limits and Wal-Mart rezoning.
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It seems her message stuck around through this November.
"The Wal-Mart fight is still alive," said Planning Commission member Steve Bockenstedt, while attending a celebration at Trujillo's Main Street restaurant the night of Nov. 6.
The four winners shared smiles and cheers at Jose's, interspersing photos with spontaneous group sing-a-longs to "They are Jolly Good Fellows." There were also some brooms being touted, recalling the sweep reference prominent with Rockies fans in October.
Amy Conklin and Cindy Christensen, running for an at-large seat and the District 2 post, respectively, also met for fellowship, even after early results came out against their favor.
Conklin sparked much debate throughout the campaign, raising thousands of dollars more than her opponents and placing yard signs with her name at almost every corner in the city. The incumbent also was the inspiration for a campaign group dedicated to opposing a candidate, possibly a first for Littleton. In the end, it was this side that won.
"Bitter disappointment, but we have nothing to be ashamed of," Conklin said. "We worked hard. We worked smart. The voters have spoken. I respect their decision."
Conklin pointed out that she did win the majority in the Trailmark area of Littleton, where she had devoted much of her resources. However, she said she thought Wal-Mart was less of an issue in that area. Conklin was one of the council members who voted in favor of Wal-Mart in June.
Conklin lost to incumbent Clark and council newcomer Peggy Cole. Garnering the most at-large votes, Clark will serve a four-year term, and there has been talk of him becoming the city's next mayor. Cole received the second most votes and will serve a two-year term.
In District 2, incumbent Bruce Stahlman lost to Trujillo. Stahlman was appointed to his seat in February, after Pat Cronenberger resigned.
Trujillo has already been on council, in the 1970s, when he was responsible for lowering the railroad running through town, where the current light rail travels. Until this time, he said the city was very much divided by the rail.
Trujillo and the other winners face a divided city again, but for reasons much deeper than a railroad. To build unity he said that he will focus on making meetings open and balancing the city's budget.
Many city leaders see the impact of this election as large.
Rebecca Kast, who is resigning next week from her seat in District 2, said she is afraid that the four winners will vote as a bloc, instead of relying on their individual consciences.
"It's partisan politics, even though it has nothing to do with Democratic or Republican," she said. "The city charter says no partisan, because you want to vote for the individual."
She said she was disappointed that candidates formed two sides in the election.
"You look at the literature, and a lot of it says the same thing as the other person," Kast said of the four winners, before results were announced. "I don't think that serves the citizens well."
The literature focused on keeping government open, preserving neighborhoods and making the city financially accountable. Kast said she thought these feelings were predominant in the older sections of town, but not as relevant in the newer parts of town.
These feelings have not been the majority on council, ending with many votes of 5-2, council members Tom Mulvey and Clark accounting for the two.
With the recent election results, these numbers may adjust.
"I think there will be a lot of changes if we get away from too many 5-2 or 4-3 votes," Mulvey said. "That does nothing for the things I've been working for, or Doug has been working on."
Mulvey said that he and Clark have similar views for the future of Littleton, accounting for their similar voting habits. With more council members sharing that few, things could be changing for Littleton.
"It's still going to be a 5-2 vote, but it's going the other way," said Littleton resident Jim Dubose.
The new council members will be officially sworn in at the Nov. 20 city council meeting, at 7 p.m. in the Littleton Center.
