In her fifth season coaching her daughter’s soccer team in Santa Fe, Elizabeth Barrett knows firsthand about the condition of local parks.

“Like, there’s no working bathroom at any park in Santa Fe, you know,” Barrett said. “I’m always there [coaching] and there are always like 800 people using two porta potties that are gross.”

A crowded field of four candidates — all of them political newcomers and all Democrats, though the race is nonpartisan — are vying to succeed City Councilor Carol Romero-Wirth, who is opting not to seek a third term in the District 2 seat. The district encompasses an eastern portion of the city that includes the Zia Road and St. Michael’s Drive corridors.

Come January, Santa Fe will have a new mayor and at least two fresh faces on the council, with the potential

See Full Page