Policy governance is the model used, which means the three commissioners direct the use of money, resources, and time, but do not run the day to day activities in the 12 department, and 38 plus services and the 484 full time employees of the county. They are also responsible for meeting the statutory requirements of the county from the state/federal government.

The job entails, reading weekly reports, asking good questions, listening to the residents of the county, attending many meets that aren't directly part of the county, but impact the county(Region9, Regional Housing Alliance, etc,.) looking for solutions to difficult problems such as a budget that is significantly lacking the ability to meet the many needs in the county, planning for the future, seeking grant money and state money, representing the counties needs at the state/national level, and generally being the voice of the people of the county.

The list goes on, but I think you get the idea. This is a 40 plus hour a week responsibility that includes more than a few nights and weekends.

Over the past 27 years I have served on a number of leadership teams at Durango High School and School District 9R. Notably, the negotiations team for the teachers union, the hearing of principles, and superintendents, and the creation of three different strategic plans for the district.

I have for eight years and continue to serve on the non profit board of the Durango Education Foundation. This board seeks to provide money for the classroom teacher and scholarships for the students in 9R. Each year we provide over $130,000. to classrooms when individual teachers request that money for a special or unique project. We also provide approximately $100,000. for student scholarships each year. I am very proud of the work our board does and the many individuals who contribute to education in our area.

My personal experience is mostly around my running for CU Regent last year and the many interactions with both Marsha, Matt and a few times with Clyde, when we were attending fund raising events or some other political event that found the four of us in the same location. When running as a Regent I had 27 counties, 27 Democratic Parties to meet with and over 15,000 miles of travelling for a position that most people didn't know why they were voting for it. Marsh and Matt were often the encouraging voice when I was either wondering what to do next or was it worth my time. I believe I would work well with them and look forward to the opportunity. I would be replacing Clyde sense he is term limited and I would value the opportunity to meet with him one-on-one to get his insights on the position.

My background is in: budgets, personnel, training, curriculum development and highway/roads. My father worked for the State High Department (now CDOT) and many days/nights were discussions around roads and how to maintain them. He also owned an asphalt company and during my college summers I worked many of the aspects of that company.

My focal points will be economic development(a divers economy is the only means to a healthy county), Land Use Code and it's many complications(major issue), the Fairground and what the next 50 years could be and how to get there, work force housing(major issue), and finally quality of life for this generation and the one to come. This would include protection of public lands, and improvement of infrastructures including power, communication, road/bridge and finding the money to support those improvements.

As stated above a diverse economy provides the revenue for funding. There are only two ways to make a profit in a business, either cut the cost or increase the price. In government this principle applies either to increase the tax base or improve the efficiencies within each department. Both are necessary elements of a sound, healthy county. Taxes like price are very consumer sensitive and difficult to increase yet at times are necessary. To justify an increase in taxes the board must provide a detailed, market based explanation and then promote that need in every corner of the county. That being said, we will also need to look at our efficiencies and ask the questions: how can we get better, what doesn't need to be there, what training would improve our skills/efficiency, what capital improvements would reduce costs(cost/benefit analysis). State/federal grants are always on the table for a funding source, but are also very competitive and often restrictive in their application

Public facing communication somewhat depends on how engaged the public is. When an individual/group has a felt need they look for a solution. An example is the current issue in Animas Valley and the Robert's RV resort and the 200 plus people who attend the public meeting a month ago at the Fairgrounds. On the other hand Firewise doesn't seem to get much attention, yet it is a very important part of living in a county like LaPlata. Marketing is a tricky thing, in rural areas, the one-on-one interactions have a greater impact than a flyer in the mail. We will need to have (all) county employees including the commissioners aware of and engaged in promoting what the county does and desires. As well as all the other methods deployed by a good marketing team.

As already stated, I have a working knowledge of roads and the methods used to maintain them. I also have a strong connection to farming and ranching and would enjoy any opportunity to be involved with the Fairgrounds, and agricultural issues within our county. Beyond those two areas, my interest are in economic development and land development. How we grow(or don't grow), is so important to the future of our county.

No links at this time or social media other than what was used for my CU Regent campaign.

Filling out this form is not my formal announcement of my running for County Commissioner. It is my intent to submit in the near future all the necessary paperwork at the state level to meet the state requirements for running. It is at that time that I will formally be a candidate for La Plata County Commissioner for District 1.